Operation Transformation Plans Open House to “Spring Ahead” with Fundraising Goals
Operation Transformation is hoping to “Spring Ahead” by raising $25,000. They will be hosting an Open House where donors and interested community members can see what the Port Huron non-profit does in the area.
The Open House is Thursday, March 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at their headquarters at 1904 Poplar Street in Port Huron. Donations can be made at the Open House, or by phone or mail. They have a $6,000 matching fund that could be doubled at the fundraiser.
Those who attend the Open House will get to see what OT has been up to over the past year and get a look at their ongoing projects.
Operation Transformation works with civic and service organizations to reach out to the community. Projects include the Seek God for the City Lenten program, the Compass Christian Business Alliance, Foster Care Assistance, and other initiatives like food giveaways.
OT is also the organizer of the popular Family Night activities during the annual Blue Water Fest in the summer.
Go to optrans.org for more information.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Toll Rates Remain the Same for Those Who Can Travel to Canada
If you download the app, get the shot, get a test, and have a good reason, you can cross the border into Canada for the same toll rate as last year. The Michigan Department of Transportation reports that Canadian currency rates will not change for traffic heading into Canada via the Blue Water Bridge. The decision was made following the latest currency parity review and remains in effect until the end of September.
Passenger vehicle rates remain at $3.75 per trip with another $3.75 Canadian for each extra axle. Trucks and busses can enter Canada at a rate of $4 Canadian. There is a discount program through the Edge Commuter Pass.
ArriveCAN is a mandatory app that is used to track Covid testing and vaccination compliance. It records proof of vaccination, test results, quarantine plans, and other personal information as part of Canada’s required border crossing procedure.
There are some exceptions to the requirements, but they need to be addressed prior to reaching the border. More information can be found at the Canada Border Services Agency website.
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/menu-eng.html
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Yes, You CAN Recycle Your Boat’s Winter Shrink Wrap
It’s not quite boat season, but it is time to plan on what to do with that shrink-wrap from winterizing the boat. There’s a way to keep that plastic out of landfills, but it takes some planning.
There is a program being sponsored by several state agencies and charities where boat owners can recycle all that shrink-wrap. All they have to do is purchase a special bag and register for the program.
The bags cost $7 from the vendor, Dr. Shrink. The price includes collection, transportation, baling, and recycling the shrink-wrap material. The recycled shrink-wrap can be made into things like composite decking, instead of staying in a landfill for 450 years.
Once boat owners or marinas get the bags, they can remove the wrap and place it in the bags and deliver it to a registered drop-off location.
Purchase your recycling bag(s) for $7 at Dr. Shrink. This is a one-time fee that includes the cost to collect, transport, bale and recycle.
Register for the program. The form for both individuals and businesses.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Kenockee Farms Looking Forward to Expanded 2022 CSA Season
Always wanted to own a farm? Well, now you can, sort of. Kenockee Farms offers Community Supported Agriculture Shares, or CSA shares, in their Kenockee Township organic farm.
Owner Ruth Field said that this is their third year of operating the CSA program. Shareowners buy the level of share that meets their family’s needs and in return, they get a weekly basket of food throughout the growing season.
Field said that her farm has expanded to offer fresh eggs, Amish-made birch and maple syrups, and is looking forward to extending the growing season with a possible hoop house on the farm.
Field said that they are also operating a farm stand on Lapeer Road, not far from Goodells park, and will be branching out with microgreens with possible sales to the restaurant industry.
Last year, there were 23 CSA shares, and there is room for more this year. Baskets include a wide variety of organic vegetables, with some of them being rare heirloom varieties, along with seasonal fruits and herbs.
More information can be found at kenockeefarms.com.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
It’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and a Good Time to Help The Arc of St. Clair County
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The Arc of St. Clair County is making a difference for those living with developmental and intellectual differences one person at a time.
The Arc’s Executive Director, Valorie Hudgens, told us that recently the Arc staff worked with an individual who was experiencing homelessness. He was moving around the community from shelter to living on the streets.
Hudgens said that the Arc staff, along with other community agencies, assisted him in obtaining secure housing, social security income, food assistance, and health care. The man said that he appreciated being treated like a human being again.
The Arc also advocates for families who are navigating the educational system with Individual Education Plans and behavior plans, as well as for people trying to gain independence through employment.
The non-profit is asking the community to help them to continue their work with this year’s silent auction. There are only a few more days to bid on the variety of interesting prizes.