Choze Powell

Beeler Serves as Chair of Taxpayer Protection Caucus

Lansing, MI — Last week, State Representative Andrew Beeler was asked to serve as the Caucus Chair for the newly formed Michigan House Taxpayer Protection Caucus. State Representative Steve Johnson, a Republican from Wayland, MI will be the Co-Chair.

Beeler said, “I am honored to be asked to chair this caucus. The members of our group all share a common belief that the taxpayers of Michigan need a strong voice in the Legislature, perhaps now more than ever.”

The Caucus is made up of State Representatives who signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge which places emphasis on the best interest of taxpayers instead of lobbyists or special interest groups. The pledge comes from a group called the Americans for Tax Reform, an advocacy group in the United States founded by Grover Norquist, and an essential element of the pledge is an opposition to any and all tax increases.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

McLaren February Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Georgia Griner has been named the Employee of the Month for February. Griner has worked at McLaren Port Huron for seven years and is currently a registered nurse in the intensive care unit.

Griner was nominated by her peers because she exemplifies the hospital values. She always acts in the best interest of patients and coworkers and goes above and beyond for them. She is professional, compassionate and has the best interest of patients and her team at heart.

Griner is dependable, calm during chaos, professional under stress and compassionate during hard times. She is open, honest and acts without hesitation. Her coworkers say Griner is a phenomenal nurse.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.

 

Submitted by McLaren Port Huron.

Bridge Builders Looking for Volunteers

Port Huron, MI – Bridge Builders Counseling and Mentoring strengthens and connects single-parent families, and the organization is currently looking for volunteers to support its programs.

A New volunteer orientation is scheduled for March 20th from 12-2 PM, and those interested in helping can attend the session to learn about opportunities to serve Bridge Builder’s families. A few opportunities include helping youth with homework, helping parents find resources, and providing childcare so parents can attend classes.

Registration for the Volunteer/Mentor orientation is available online at www.bluewaterkids.org or by calling Bridge Builders at (810) 987-8772.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

College Students in Career or Tech Programs Could Be Eligible for SNAP Benefits

Michigan — Students in college career and technical education programs that have been struggling financially are now eligible for some relief. The Michigan Departments of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Health and Human Services are leading an initiative to address food insecurity for students.

Low-income college students who are enrolled in career and technical programs may be eligible for food benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. This will be particularly helpful for students who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut due to the pandemic. Students in those situations were not eligible for SNAP benefits in the past, but the expansion of benefits has made it possible.

Under the expansion, students need to meet income requirements for the benefits, and they have to be enrolled at least half-time in a Perkins V career or tech program. Locally, Perkins Postsecondary Career & Tech programs are available at St. Clair County Community College.

To learn more and apply for benefits, visit: Michigan.gov/MIBridges.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Become a Pen Pal for a Purpose with St. Clair County C.M.H.

St. Clair County Community Mental health recognized that many people in the community need a way to connect with others. In response to that need, they have started the Pen Pals for a Purpose Program to help people connect through the mail.

Volunteers in the pen pal program must sign a consent form, submit to a background check, and agree with the rules of the program. All letters written will be reviewed by staff at St. Clair County Community Mental Health to ensure the integrity of the program.

Pen Pals will write on a variety of topics including, love, gratitude, and admiration. Volunteer writers will receive guides that help them write about the topic and give them ideas for their letters. There are also activity sheets that can be printed and shared.

For more information about the program, visit St. Clair County Community Mental Health’s website and click on Pen Pals for a Purpose <HERE>  .

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

24/7 DAD Program Helps Fathers Be Their Best

Port Huron, MI — I.M.P.A.C.T. works hard to enrich the lives of the people they serve through information, referral, advocacy, prevention, and treatment, and the organization is excited to offer a new program that focusing on fatherhood called 24/7 DAD.

The 24/7 DAD program is for fathers in all stages who hope to become the best father possible for their kids. It will also address the unique needs of fathers who are working with the court system and need parenting classes or those who are working through custody issues and want to learn their rights and improve their communication skills.

The program lasts 12 weeks, and it will take place at the I.M.P.A.C.T. center on Military Street in Port Huron. The program is partially funded by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County which cut the participant fee in half bringing it to just $60 per person.

For more information or to register, contact Pamela Motte at 810-985-5437.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand