George James

Border Chambers of Commerce ask Government of Canada to “Scrap the App”

A coalition of Chambers of Commerce representing border communities across the country is calling on the Government of Canada to lift the remaining COVID-related border restrictions and to suspend use of the ArriveCAN app.

Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce CEO Carrie McEachran said, “The border measures are not only slowing down border crossings, but they’re also having a major deterrent effect on visitors from the USA.”

US visits through land ports are still down significantly across the country. Statistics Canada reports that border crossings from the United States in June 2022 were little more than half the number made in June 2019. Tourism spending in Canada is still more than a third below pre-pandemic levels. Wait times at land border crossings have lengthened by up to two hours since 2019 despite traffic being cut in half, and bridge authorities attribute this entirely to restrictions and the ArriveCAN app. The average processing time for arriving passengers at airports has increased by 400%.

Chambers of Commerce have repeatedly asked for the Government of Canada to provide supporting data indicating that ArriveCAN has a positive impact on public health. No data has yet been offered.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

MAB Recognizes Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) presented its 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award, welcoming outstanding individuals into the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

The highest award given by the MAB – the Lifetime Achievement Award – honors Michigan broadcast pioneers who have dedicated most of their professional careers to broadcasting in the state of Michigan and have distinguished themselves through a lifetime of service as a top manager or owner through excellence in broadcasting.

MAB President Sam Klemet said, “The MAB is proud to recognize broadcasters who have made a difference for decades and those who are laying the foundation for long careers in the industry. This year’s honorees have and continue to make Michigan a better place to live, work, and explore through their commitment to sharing news and information with and connecting to the communities they serve.”

The 2022 MAB Lifetime Achievement Award went to Karole L. White. Karole is the Immediate Past President of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. Under her 36-year leadership, the MAB grew to one of the largest and most well-respected state broadcast associations in the nation.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

St. Clair County CMH Announces Recipient “Rights Champions”

Every month, St. Clair County Community Mental Health (CMH) recognizes individuals and/or teams for their extraordinary contributions to the Rights Protection System, which protects the human rights of individuals with a mental illness.

Individuals and teams are recognized for demonstrating dignity and respect to individuals with mental illness, for innovation and creativity that resulted in improved service outcomes, for enriching or enhancing a recipient’s recovery journey, and for taking actions to strengthen communication and cooperation throughout the Rights Protection System. Award recipients receive a letter of congratulations, certificate of recognition, and a “Rights Champions” memento. “Rights Champions” are also highlighted on the CMH Facebook page and are eligible for the individual/team of the year awards presented during CMH’s Annual Meeting in May.

For more information visit CMH’s website at scccmh.org or on Facebook @SCCCMH.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

This Year’s Annual Find the Cure 5k Run & Walk Has Been Scheduled

The Dementia & Alzheimer’s Resource Committee of St. Clair County has announced the date for its annual Alzheimer’s Find the Cure 5K run and walk. The run/walk will take place on Sunday, September 18th. Participants will meet at Keifer Park, near the Port Huron City Bldg. The run/walk will begin at noon.

On-site registration begins at 10:30, however participants can register early by visiting runsignup.com and searching Find the Cure. Cost for the event is $30. Those who register prior to September 2nd, will receive a moisture wicking shirt. Funds raised through the Find a Cure event will assist with funding research at the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Ann Arbor. It also supports the Fred Haynes Respite Grant Fund for caregivers and the committee’s educational speakers’ series.

To learn more about The Dementia & Alzheimer’s Resource Committee visit darcscc.org.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Cedar Point’s Heyday Reimagined at The Boardwalk

The excitement and nostalgia of Cedar Point’s classic lakeside experience will be celebrated in a whole new way in 2023 when the park opens The Boardwalk, a new themed area just steps away from the Lake Erie shoreline. It’s a modern interpretation of the Cedar Point of yesteryear. Guests can expect new rides, dining, and entertainment experiences along with improvements coming to the former Lakeside Midway.

One of the new rides is the Wild Mouse Roller Coaster with bright orange tracks, a nod to the park’s original Wild Mouse coaster. The new Grand Pavilion will house restaurants, lots of seating areas for socializing and relaxation, and viewing decks with unparalleled panoramas of Cedar Point, the Cedar Point Beach, and the Lake Erie shoreline.

Carrie Boldman, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point, said “The Boardwalk is our vision of what the classic Cedar Point Boardwalk would have felt like long ago: the sights, the sounds, the electricity of the experience – this new area captures it all.”

Carrie said that “lakeside attractions have always been a part of Cedar Point’s 153-year history” and that she “can’t wait for guests to enjoy this stunning new centerpiece of summertime fun.”

The Boardwalk is set to debut on the park’s opening day in May of 2023. 

Reporting for WGRT – George James