Americorps Gets Funding to Continue Serving Michigan
The Michigan Community Service Commission will be able to continue with Americorps programs thanks to $13.4 million in federal funding.
The grant supports 1100 Michigan Americorps members who serve youth, care for public lands, provide housing and financial services, and increase disaster preparedness.
Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes said, “AmeriCorps service continues to help solve pressing issues across the state. There is a tremendous return on investment through the federal funding of AmeriCorps and the positive impact this service has on communities across the state.”
The Americorps grant funds the placing of volunteers with 23 organizations, including the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, the Michigan College Access Network, the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, Special Olympics Michigan, and others.
More information about the Americorps program and service member opportunities can be found at the link below.
Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland
Boats, Fireworks, Carnival, Music, and More at This Year’s Blue Water Fest and Boat Week
Who’s ready for the Blue Water Fest and Boat Week? Port Huron is.
The annual festival has it all. The party starts on July 13th with the Rotary International Parade stepping off at 6:30 p.m., with the theme “Children’s Storytime”. The parade starts at Huron and Glenwood and ends at Desmond Landing.
Operation Transformation’s Family Night will be entertaining families on Thursday, July 14th. The Blue Water Street Fair will be set up on Thursday and Friday featuring over 70 arts and crafts vendors.
Fireworks are at dusk on Thursday, July 14th, at Desmond Landing.
The main attraction is always the arrival of the boats as they prepare for the Bayview Mackinac Race, leaving on Saturday, July 16th.
There is a lot of construction going on downtown to improve both roads and the seawall on the Black River, so most of the entertainment, including the concerts, will be centered around the Blue Water Transit Center and McMorran Place parking lots, located west of Huron Avenue between Grand River Avenue and McMorran Boulevard.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Challenger Learning Center Adds Dates for Missions
The Challenger Learning Center at St. Clair County Community College has room for 70 people to take the Mission: Lunar Quest adventure. The Saturday, July 30th, and Saturday, August 27th dates are open for mission participants.
The missions are open to the first 35 registrants. Seats cost $25 per person.
Kristin Copenhaver, vice president of communication and special projects at SC4 said, “We know that many people are looking for fun and unique things to do in the summer months with their families, friends, community groups, scout troops, office and sports teams, and more. These open mission dates will offer greater access to exciting Challenger Learning Center experiences.”
Those who sign up for Mission: Lunar Quest will launch to the moon in search of a long-term human habitat, and command and assist in Mission Control, or they may board the Spacecraft as an astronaut, serving on special teams and making critical decisions to guide the mission.
Register for the July 30 and Aug. 27 missions at stclair.nbsstore.net/community-missions or contact us with questions at experiencecenter@sc4.edu or (810) 989-5789.
To schedule a full group mission at another time, visit challenger.sc4.edu/schedule-a-visit/.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Be Mindful of Safety as You Enjoy the Beach
The Fourth of July weekend is a big beach weekend in the Blue Water Area, and around the state.
Planning and awareness are the difference between a happy memory of a day at the beach and a day you’d rather forget. Parents, don’t plan to take a nap or read a book. Watch the kids every second. Even better, get in the water with them.
There are usually no lifeguards on duty on any beaches in the Port Huron area. Safety is up to the swimmer.
Rip currents can happen in the Great Lakes. The American Red Cross says the best way to get out of a current that is pulling swimmers out into the lake is to stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.
Sand bars are areas of shallow water out in the lake that are perfect for playing and relaxing. Sometimes swimmers have to navigate deep water to get to the sand bars; sometimes they don’t.
The sand bars shift with the winds and the waves, so never assume that a sand bar that was easy to get to last time is in the same spot this time.
Have fun at the beach, and have a great Fourth of July weekend.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Fireworks Season is Here! Have Fun and Be Careful
Watching fireworks together is a long-standing tradition for many communities and families. It’s easier than ever to buy fireworks for a backyard or neighborhood show.
Whether you are lighting off fireworks or just running around with a few sparklers, the American Red Cross has some advice. They recommend that fireworks, including sparklers, never be given to small children, and that fireworks never be pointed at people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable objects.
A garden hose turned on, or a bucket of water should always be on hand to douse any wayward fireworks.
The person lighting the fireworks should be wearing some kind of eye protection, and fireworks should always be stored in a cool, dry place.
Not everyone loves fireworks. Those with PTSD and many family pets could do without a neighborhood fireworks show. Be mindful.
Always clean up the spent fireworks and dispose of them properly.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to relax at a public professional show. The Blue Water Fest fireworks will be launched at dusk from Desmond Landing on Thursday, July 14th.
Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland