Choze Powell

21st Annual Empty Bowls Event Brings Community Together Hunger Awareness

Mid City Nutrition is excited to host its 21st Annual Empty Bowls event on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Colonial Woods Church, located at 3240 Pine Grove Ave, Port Huron. 

Empty Bowls is part of an international hunger awareness campaign, where local organizations host events serving a modest meal of soup and bread. Artisans from the community create beautiful bowls, which each attendee selects to keep. It’s an evening filled with generosity and a strong sense of community.

Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased online, at St. Clair County Community Mental Health, or Mid City Nutrition. The evening will also feature raffles and a silent auction, with all proceeds supporting the organization’s mission to fight hunger locally. 

For more information, visit: midcitynutrition.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Reissues Warning On Toll Road Smishing Scam

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued a consumer alert about a smishing scam targeting toll road users. 

The scam involves fraudulent text messages claiming consumers owe money for unpaid SunPass tolls, a Florida-based electronic toll system, with an added $50 late fee if not handled promptly. SunPass does not send such texts.

“These messages are designed to steal personal and financial information,” warned Nessel.

Key signs of a smishing scam include unsolicited texts, long phone numbers, urgent messages, suspicious links, and grammatical errors. Consumers are urged not to click on links or respond to these texts. Instead, use spam-blocking tools and report the texts to the Federal Trade Commission. Nessel’s office encourages vigilance to protect personal data.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair Chamber Of Commerce Hosts Free Concert Series At Riverview Plaza Park

Spice up your Labor Day weekend with St. Clair’s Rockin’ in the Plaza at Riverview Plaza Park located at 201 N. Riverside Ave. in St. Clair. From Sept. 6-8, this event will be hosted by the St. Clair Chamber of Commerce. 

This free summer concert series features performances by local bands including Dusk Til Dawn on Sept. 6 (7-11 p.m.), Northbound on Sept. 7 (7-11 p.m.), and BlueBlaze on Sept. 8 (2-6 p.m.).

Guests are invited to bring chairs or blankets, though seating is available in the courtyard and nearby restaurants. Enjoy food from local restaurants such as War Water Brewery, Hamlin Pub, and The Anchor Pointe Bistro.

For more information, visit: the St. Clair’s Rockin’ in the Plaza event page on Facebook.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

National Be An Angel Day Promotes Acts Of Kindness On August 22

On Aug. 22, National Be an Angel Day encourages people to perform good deeds and spread kindness to others. This day is dedicated to supporting those in need and recognizing the “angels” in our lives who have offered comfort or assistance during difficult times.

Whether it’s a kind word, a hug, or simply listening, small gestures can make a big impact. On this day, be someone’s angel by offering patience, understanding, and compassion. Recognize the struggles beneath the surface, and offer a hand to those who need it.

Founded in 1993 by Jayne Howard Feldman, the day inspires acts of generosity and gratitude. Use #BeAnAngelDay on social media to share your stories and thank those who have been angels to you.

Source: nationaldaycalendar.com

Reporting to WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Awards $20.5 Million In Grants For School Mental Health And Safety

Children in 76 Michigan intermediate school districts, public school districts, and public charter schools will benefit from nearly $20.5 million in grants from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). Funded by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed by President Joe Biden, the grants aim to expand mental health services and enhance school safety initiatives.

“These grants will make our schools safer and more supportive for our students,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice.

Funds from the Stronger Connections Grant Program will be used to foster safe, healthy, and supportive school environments, provide mental health services, implement anti-bullying plans, and train educators. The goal is to improve student well-being, aligning with Michigan’s Strategic Top 10 Education Plan.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Leads Midwest In Employment Services, Ranks #2 Nationally

Michigan has emerged as a leader in job placement, serving more participants than any other Midwestern state and ranking second in the nation for helping adults secure employment, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) 2023 Employment and Training Annual Report. 

LEO’s Office of Employment and Training works closely with Adult Education providers, Community Rehabilitation Programs, and the Michigan Works! network to ensure local access to job training and career opportunities. 

Partnerships with the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and Workforce Development and Operations play a critical role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities also benefit from these employment initiatives. 

LEO’s programs are supported by nearly 800 employees across 40-plus services and initiatives, which account for 26.5% of the department’s budget, totaling $760 million. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell