65th Robinson Tennis Tournament Features Clinics with Pro Murphy Jensen
The summer’s best week of tennis is almost here. The Francis J. Robinson Memorial International Tennis Tournament kicks off on July 31st with special guest Murphy Jensen. Jenson is a former professional tennis player who will run Kick-Off Clinics and an Exhibition Match.
With matches running from August 3rd to 7th, this year’s Robinson is its 65th year of being a hometown tradition that brings players of all ages to the courts for competition, comradery, and fun. The tournament is usually attended by 200 to 400 players, with divisions for ages 10 and under to 60 and over. It is one of the longest-running community tournaments in the nation.
The tournaments are round-robin, with flights made up of players of compatible age and ability. Players at all levels will have the opportunity to play several matches against fellow tennis players with similar skills. Players need to be registered by July 28th.
A link to all the details about the tournament and the special clinics with Murphy Jensen can be found below.
http://www.phtennishouse.com/2022-robinson/
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
New 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is Now Active
By now, we should be used to dialing the area code before a phone call. The change in dialing procedures was introduced in preparation for the launch of the new 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The line is up and running and is now available to everyone across the entire United States.
The line can be used to call, text, or chat. Those who connect in any way will be connected to a trained counselor with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. The counselors are trained to listen, understand, provide support, and connect to resources if necessary.
There are over 200 crisis centers that have been answering calls since 2005 and have proven to be effective. Callers feel less overwhelmed and more hopeful after talking to a counselor.
While 988 is easier to remember and is now live, the old number of 1-800-273-8255 is still active and can be used to connect with the lifeline.
There are two crisis centers in Southeastern Michigan. They always need donations and volunteers.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
It’s Fair Week! So Much to Do at the St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair
Fair Week is here! The St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair is the week many have been waiting for all year long, from exhibitors to vendors to spectators. The fair, held at Goodells County Park, is considered the “Best Family Fair in Michigan”.
The full line-up of events is extensive, but the highlights include different grandstand events each night. Monday night is the Flying Star Rodeo. Tuesday is the Monster Truck Show, and Wednesday is the Night of Mayhem. All three shows start at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday is the Tractor and Truck Pull at 6:00 p.m. and spectators can watch drivers smash up their cars at the Bump and Run at 7:00 p.m. Finally, Saturday, at 4:00 p.m., the Figure 8 and Stock Derby takes place.
If carnival rides are your thing, there are a variety of pricing options throughout the week, with some days only $25 for unlimited rides all day.
Don’t forget about the barns full of livestock and projects that 4-H kids have worked on all year, and the many vendors and exhibits on display all week.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Franke Estate Donates $250,000 to Port Huron Museums
The Port Huron Museums have received a large donation from the estate of Dr. Armin and Mrs. Rosalie Franke. The $250,000 donation is the largest in the history of the museum.
Dr. Franke passed away in late 2021 at the age of 98, after practicing medicine in Port Huron from 1956 to 1995. He was active in many community organizations and instrumental in administering the polio vaccine in St. Clair County.
Port Huron Museums Executive Director Veronica Campbell said that the museum will be able to accomplish some major goals including finishing or supporting current projects like new updated exhibits and others, as well as building an endowment for future financial stability for the Museums.
Port Huon Museums Community Engagement Manager Andrew Kercher said, “Dr. Franke is an example for all of us in how to improve a community, both in terms of his decades in literal lifesaving work as a
physician and now his gift that will ensure his legacy in the Blue Water Area for decades to come.”
Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland
Mental Health Providers Could Get Student Loans Paid with New Program
The state of Michigan is willing to pay off portions of student loans for those who provide medical behavioral health services such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, therapists and certified behavioral analysts in underserved areas of the state
The MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program incentivizes behavioral health care providers to work in areas that are lacking mental health services. Priority is given to those who serve children, but the repayment is open to providers who care for both adults and children.
The goal is to help fill the gaps in mental healthcare for schools and employers by paying up to $200,000 in loan debt if committed to eight years.
Lindsay McLaughlin, acting director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service’s Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health Policy and Supports said, “Increasing access to behavioral health services for Michigan families and children is a top priority for MDHHS.”
The MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program application cycle opens July 18, 2022, and closes on July 29, 2022. Further program information, resources, applications, and application instructions can be found on the MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program website.
Behavioral health providers are encouraged to review the materials in advance and submit applications when the cycle begins.
Providers who have questions or need more information can contact Reanna Kathawa at kathawar@michigan.gov.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland