“Oceans of Possibilities” Await St. Clair County Library Summer Reading Program Participants
The St. Clair County Library System is gearing up for a summer of reading with their “Oceans of Possibilities” Summer Reading Program.
The program is for kids of all ages and is a fun way to keep kids reading throughout the summer and avoid a “summer slide” where reading skills might decline.
The reading program gets started on June 17th at all of the library branches throughout the county. With the program, kids and adults can read what they want, when they want, and earn chances to win prizes.
While each branch is kicking off the program in its own way, the Main Branch in Port Huron is hosting the Masterpiece Circus. The hour-long event will be held on June 23rd from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. and feature an incredible show of entertaining acts. If the weather prevents it from being outside, the circus show will be held in the Don Dodge Auditorium.
Check the stclaircountylibrary.org website for the details on the Summer Reading Program and each branch’s variety of summer activities.
https://stclaircountylibrary.org/
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Port Huron Parks Passport Program Challenges Families to Play at Seven City Parks
Two years after city parks were closed to the public out of concern for Covid-19 transmission, parks are not only open for free play, but they are part of a fun new promotion sponsored by the Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department.
The Port Huron Parks Passport Program is for kids ages three to twelve. Kids can pick up a passport at Palmer Park Recreation Center. Once they are registered, they can enjoy exploring seven city parks. Parents or siblings will need to take a picture of the kids at the park and show it to the Recreation Department Staff to get their passport marked.
Once all seven parks have been visited and the photographic evidence has been verified, kids get a free t-shirt.
The parks are Sanborn Park Bike Trail, Mansfield Park, Lighthouse Park, 11th and Division Park, Optimist Park, Lincoln Park, and Palmer Park. Each park is different, with some having just had major renovations with state-of-the-art play equipment. There’s a whole lot of fun to be had at city parks this summer.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Veterans Invited to Take a Cruise on the Huron Lady June 30th
St. Clair County veterans who would enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Huron Lady should mark their calendars for June 30th. That’s the day that local veterans are invited to take an Appreciation Cruise on the St. Clair River with fellow vets.
The event is made possible by coordination between the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs and the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.
Liz Sawielski with the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs said that this is the first time that the Department has coordinated a cruise, although other community organizations have organized boat trips for veterans in the past.
Sawielski said that they wanted to offer a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon as a small way to say thank you for their service and sacrifice. She said, “Offering these types of activities helps veterans build camaraderie, have a sense of belonging, and feel connected to the Blue Water area veteran community.”
Sawielski said it’s a chance for fellow service members to connect and rebuild some community connections after a rough two years.
Limited spots available. Reserve yours now by calling 810-989-6945 ext. 2.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Trailer Safety Week Reminds Drivers to Be Careful When Pulling Trailers
It’s Trailer Safety Week and the Michigan Department of Transportation wants motorists to be aware of the safety concerns when drivers are pulling a trailer on roadways. As thousands of motorists pull trailers packed with lawn equipment, off-road vehicles, kayaks, and more, it’s important to get it right every time.
MDOT and the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers say that safe towing depends on the driver, the tow vehicle, and the trailer. A lot is riding, literally, on safe and proper driving and drivers should be focused and limit distractions.
Using an adequate tow hitch is vital to keeping the roadways safe. Correctly attached safety chains are crucial after a properly hitched trailer. Making sure trailers are loaded properly is also important. Weight distribution is critical.
Having the right vehicle to tow the trailer, checking the components of the trailer, and securing the cargo are other ways to make sure a trailer accident doesn’t ruin a trip up north or a day on the job.
https://www.trailersafetyweek.com/interest
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Sheriff Mat King Earns “Go To Bat” Award from Community Mental Health Association of Michigan
The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan has awarded St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King the “Go To Bat” Award. King was nominated by St. Clair County Community Mental Health.
The award goes to a person who “exemplifies extraordinary concern, advocacy, and leadership aimed at improving the quality and quantity of community-based mental health services for persons with a mental illness or intellectual/ developmental disability”, according to the Association.
Sheriff King was nominated because of his continued collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and CMH, including the use of the Mobile Crisis Unit for assistance with mental health issues, and for getting Sheriff’s Office staff the mental health resources that they need.
King requires his staff to get Mental Health First Aid Training and has been an advocate for the county’s Mental Health Court and Recovery Court. King was recognized for his advocacy for the public mental health system by meeting with lawmakers in the nation’s capital.
The Award was given at the CMHAM Spring Conference.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland