The next event for the Fitness Council of Jackson’s Smart Commute series is this Friday: the Group Ride on the Falling Waters Trail. The ride starts with a coffee social at the Concord Cafe at 7am, followed by a group bicycle ride on the Falling Waters Trail to downtown Jackson. Executive Director Scott TenBrink and board member Kat Kulchinski encouraged participation and directed those interested to sign up online. Other guests: Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Dan Evans with Middle School at Parkside’s new Principal Kelly Pennington; United Way’s Jim Brian with Kelsey Haynes, Jackson County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition Coordinator; Michigan DNR State Park Managers Gary Jones and Jim O’Brien; John Thompson and Darcy Clark, Western Athletic Boosters; Big Brothers/Big Sisters Match of the Month with Cynthia Schultz and her little, Alexis.