George James

ISO Features “Our Immortal Stars” Photography Exhibit

The International Symphony Orchestra’s ISObar Gallery in Sarnia will be opening the “Our Immortal Stars” exhibition on June 3rd. The highly anticipated local gallery showing features the work of Bright’s Grove’s Richard Beland.

Beland said, “Because I primarily work in the music industry, I find myself drawing parallels between my vocation and that of a career-minded musician. A collection of photographs equates to a band’s latest album and an exhibition is the live performance.”

The International Symphony Orchestra said that this is the first solo gallery show at the ISObar, located at 143 Christina Street in Sarnia, and is meant to feature a hometown success story as they kick off their first solo gallery show.

The ISO Nexus Players will provide musical accompaniment featuring selections from David Bowie, The Tragically Hip, and other artists featured in Beland’s photography, as well as an onstage interview with the artist, and special musical guests at the June 3rd opening.

The art installation is open through September 5th.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Didn’t Get Your Auto Insurance Refund Check Yet? You Should Have

The deadline for Michigan auto insurance companies to issue $400 vehicle insurance refunds has passed. All who had coverage for vehicles on October 31st, 2021 were eligible to receive a refund from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association surplus. The checks had to be issued by May 9th, 2022.

If you did not receive a refund, there is action that can be taken.

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox said, “If you are eligible for a refund but have not yet received it, you should contact the auto insurer that covered your vehicle on October 31, 2021 to ensure that your refund has been issued.” 

Fox said that if a resolution with the insurance company cannot be reached, or if the refund was offered in a form other than a paper check or direct deposit, concerned insurance consumers can call DIFS at 833-ASK-DIFS Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They can also visit Michigan.gov/MCCArefund for more information.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Flint Water Crisis Claim Deadline Extended to June 30th

The claims period for the Flint Water Settlement has been extended to June 30, 2022. There is a little more time to file for compensation for those affected by lead-contaminated municipal water.

Those who file won’t know how much money they could get until the claims process ends. The individual settlement amounts will depend on the number of claims submitted and found to be eligible.

The agreement with the State of Michigan, the City of Flint, McLaren Regional Medical Center, and Rowe Professional Services Company specifies that about 80% of the net settlement fund will go to children who were minors first exposed to Flint River water, with a large majority going to children age six and under. Two percent of the settlement is earmarked for special education services.

The defendants are contributing $626.25 million to the settlement fund.

A telephone line has been established to help filers get their paperwork obtained and submitted.

Registrants are encouraged to submit their claims as soon as possible. The claims administrator has established a telephone help line that registrants can call for assistance in any aspect of the claims process. That telephone number is (800) 493-1754. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Free Exercise Classes At the McMorran Plaza This Summer

The McMorran Plaza in downtown Port Huron is the place to be this summer. Along with evening entertainment, a beer garden, a splash pad, and more, there will be free exercise classes offered by the City of Port Huron through a collaboration with the YMCA of the Blue Water Area. 

The wellness classes include Ultimate Cardio Jam, Kickboxing, Boot Camp, Yoga, and Yo “Latte”, which is a Yoga and Pilates hybrid. 

There are also classes for those aged 60 and up and Qi Gong, which is a Chinese exercise that is designed to improve overall mental & physical health. 

Burn and Brew is held at the end of the workday and could end with a visit to the beer garden on the plaza. There are several other classes, including YMCA standards like Butts and Guts, Dance Aerobics, and Cardio and Core classes. The class times range from early morning to early evening. 

The classes start May 31st and run through September 2nd. Signup is requested. A link to the full schedule and signup can be found below. 

https://www.mcmorran.com/plaza

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Helmets to Hardhats Move Military Servicemembers to Construction Trades

Construction jobs are plentiful right now and veterans are being specifically recruited to fill those jobs with the Helmets to Hardhats initiative.

Helmets to Hardhats has been awarded a Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity grant totaling $250,000. The grant will support the Michigan Construction Apprenticeship post-Military Opportunity Program, MiCAMO.

The MiCAMO program will help active-duty and retired military service members, National Guard, reservists, and veterans get the training they need to transition to Registered Apprenticeships and fill Michigan’s skills gap.

Martin Helms, Helmets to Hardhats Executive Director, said, “Our outreach to military service members allows us to connect them to middle class, family-sustaining career opportunities.”

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Director Zaneta Adams said, “This program is exciting because it helps veterans realize the many opportunities to gain skills and sustainable income and enables them to increase the economic footprint in their communities.” 

More information about Helmets for Hardhats is available at HelmetsToHardhats.org. To learn more about State Apprenticeship Expansion in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland