George James

United Way of Sarnia-Lambton Announces Its 2022 Campaign Target

The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton is kicking off its 66th annual fundraising campaign with a

target of $1,650,000. Vicky Ducharme, Campaign Chair for 2022 said “The rising cost of basic necessities means that local needs continue to increase. Our Board of Directors feel confident we can achieve this target to help Sarnia-Lambton’s most vulnerable”.

The annual campaign officially kicks off September 20, 2022, with the Day of Caring. The

United Way’s annual Sarnia Sting Black and White game is September 2nd, and the Enbridge

Car Show for United Way is slated for September 10th. A United Way online auction is expected to begin in early September. Contributions to the United Way have an impact in three priority areas; From Poverty to Possibility; All That Kids Can Be; and Healthy People, Strong Communities. United Way of Sarnia-Lambton funds 17 local agencies which in turn provide over 31 programs and services.

Individuals are encouraged to donate to the United Way through their company’s workplace campaign or by making a donation online at theunitedway.on.ca, by calling 519-336-5452, or by visiting the United Way office at 1362 Lambton Mall Road, Unit 10 in Sarnia.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Golf Outing Raises Over $55K for Karmanos Cancer Institute

The ninth annual Tee It Up to Beat Cancer golf outing was held July 9th at Lakeview Hills Golf Resort, Lexington. This fundraiser, organized by Dana and Dennis Fabbri, raised a record-high $55,583 to support cancer treatment and services at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Port Huron.

The donation from this year’s outing will be used to upgrade the TrueBeam radiation system table and treatment delivery software to a version which will be compatible with the breathing system software that was purchased last year.

Over the past nine years, Tee It Up to Beat Cancer has raised more than $275,000. The donations have purchased state-of-the-art equipment for radiation patients, sponsored a private infusion bay for chemotherapy, and supplied heated massage chairs for chemotherapy bays.

Sara Tait, Director of McLaren Port Huron Foundation said, “Thanks to the generous donations from the Tee It Up golf outing, we have a state-of-the-art cancer center right here in the Blue Water Area. This takes so much stress away from the patients and their families who don’t have to make an hour or more drive for daily treatments.”

For more information about the Tee It Up to Beat Cancer golf outing, visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/TeeItUpToBeatCancer

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Sarnia’s Fall Program Registration is Open Aug. 31st

Starting Aug. 31, Sarnia residents can register for fall programs as the City returns to a full recreation program lineup. The fall programming session kicks off September 12th and runs until December 22nd, with a fully populated lineup of programming for the first time in two years. The City will offer a variety of programs, classes, and activities suiting a diverse selection of interests.

Participants can expect both new programs and old favorites. New programs include magic lessons, jam sessions, core conditioning, and beginner woodworking craft. Established programs such as photography, language lessons, leather carving, yoga, and guitar will return.

The weekly Facts and Chat series will be back this fall, once again featuring information from community agencies on an array of topics for older adults. Indoor sports leagues operating out of school gymnasiums will also open for registration on August 31st.

Sarnia residents can visit www.sarnia.ca/RecRegistration to view the full programming lineup and register. For assistance call the Strangway Centre at 519-332-0656 or email strangway@sarnia.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

SC4 and WMU Sign Health Transfer Agreement

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) and Western Michigan University (WMU) have signed a major agreement to create a smoother process for SC4 graduates who transfer to WMU to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public health.

Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from WMU now can take a pre-public health pathway at SC4, which includes the first 60 credits of the program and results in earning an Associate of Science on their way to the four-year degree. Students would then transfer to WMU to take the 62 minimum remaining credits of the bachelor’s degree program.

Unlike many other health care careers, public health professionals do not focus on individual patients or clients. Instead, they seek ways to prevent diseases, change people’s behavior, pass laws, increase access to health services, and increase awareness to at-risk populations.

“We’re thrilled to partner with WMU to offer SC4 students a clearer and more concise path to a career in public health,” said Dr. Deborah A. Snyder, president of SC4. “This agreement and partnership will help students seamlessly transfer to WMU by minimizing the loss of credits and duplication of coursework.”

Prospective students can learn more about and apply to St. Clair County Community College online. Contact the SC4 team with questions at starthere@sc4.edu or 810-989-5571, or schedule an advising appointment online.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

New Michigan DNR App for Licenses, Harvest Reporting

The new Michigan Department of Natural Resources hunting and fishing app is now available for download to Apple and Android devices. Introduced in July after months of development and testing, the free Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app offers a convenient way for hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to:

  • Buy hunting and fishing licenses and trail permits.
  • Report deer or fish harvests.
  • Look up regulations and download guides and digests.
  • Find their license history, including point and chance balances.
  • Check out maps with multiple layers, showing features such as shooting ranges and boat launches.
  • Get timely notifications from the DNR.

“I like the app; it’s easy to use and has everything right there,” said Mike Koziara, owner of MQT Adventures and Guide Service, which provides guided fishing and other outdoor excursions in the Upper Peninsula.

The Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app is available:

If you have any questions about the app, call DNR licensing customer service at 517-284-6057 during normal business hours, 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.

Reporting for WGRT – George James