George James

Downtown Port Huron’s First Friday is for Kids on July 1st

All the fun downtown isn’t just for the grownups. Downtown Port Huron is the place to be for kids and their families this Friday, July 1st from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. This month’s First Friday is focusing on kids.

Children of all ages are invited to take a stroll on the sidewalks of downtown Port Huron to check out the activities planned just for them. Downtown businesses will have face painting, games, coloring, and other types of fun.

Kids will also get a chance to meet the people who keep the community safe. A fire truck will be on site for kids to get up close and personal with, along with representatives of the military and first responders.

A Little Something, a gift shop and ice cream shop in downtown Port Huron will have special activities for kids, along with free ice cream for the first 200 kids, sponsored by local businesses.

For the full details on all of the special events in Downtown Port Huron, go to DowntownPH.com.

After the kids’ events, The Gobies, a local band will be rocking the McMorran Main Stage.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Wilton Receives United Way Campaign Champion Award

The United Way of St. Clair County has chosen Sharon Wilton as the 2021 Campaign Champion. She was recognized for her many years of volunteering and positive attitude.

Wilton told us that she has been a contributor to the United Way since 1987. She said, “While working at AT&T, I led our employee giving campaign and served on the Citizen’s Review Committee at United Way.  Being a part of the Citizen’s Review Committee really opened our eyes as to the need in our community, for many human services.”

Wilton said that in 2015 she became a recipient of services when she suffered a serious medical condition and missed several weeks of work, without pay. She said she was so appreciative, as she was a single mom and struggled to get back on her feet. 

Wilton said, “I have gone full circle and I am proud to co-chair the upcoming campaign for a non-profit that is so important to our community and to me!”

The United Way of St. Clair County reached 16,000 St. Clair County residents in 2021.

For more information about the United Way, go to uwstclair.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Neon Orange is the Best Choice for Kids’ Bathing Suits According to Research

Swimming is at the top of the list of things that make summer fun for kids. But as with most fun things, there are inherent dangers when swimming in lakes or pools. Something that parents might not think about is the color of their children’s bathing suits and how that color choice could potentially be life-saving.

If the bathing suit color blends in with the water, it can be hard to see a child who is in distress. And the best color choice is different for pool swimmers versus lake or pond swimmers.

ALIVE Solutions, Inc, found that Neon Yellow, Green, and Orange were the most visible in lake water. White was a distant fourth, and all other colors had a disappearing effect.

For pools, ALIVE found white and light blue to be the worst choices for visibility underwater. The top choices were neon pink and neon orange.

While nothing makes up for proper use of lifejackets and close supervision, having a neon orange or other safe-colored bathing suit is one more thing that can help keep kids visible and safe in the water.

https://alive-solutions.com/blog/f/buying-swimwearthink-safety

https://alive-solutions.com/blog/f/buying-bathing-suits-for-lakes-open-water

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Public Murals an Example of Thriving Art Community

The proliferation of public art in the form of murals in the Blue Water area is an example of how the pandemic-inspired social distancing inspired creative ways to make and display artwork.

Local artist and art community organizer Jody Parmann was asked how things are going in the creative community. Parmann said, “As for the local art scene, it’s on fire right now!”

Parmann helps connect artists to mural opportunities. She said, “It’s like planting seeds, that others water and harvest. It’s beautiful to see my fellow artist’s projects come to fruition.”

Parmann said, “Friends of St. Clair River’s drain murals are being painted by local artists of all ages from Marine City to Port Huron. The new mural by April Cutler on the side of Classic Nails & Spa on 716 Lapeer Ave in Port Huron is absolutely beautiful! Carol Dalrymple over at Foundry is doing amazing out-of-the-box things. I think our community is really starting to embrace the local talent and it’s very exciting to be a part of that.”

There are also murals on the MI Mutual building and in the Military Street tunnel.

If you can’t make it out to view all of the murals, you can go to Parmann’s website, bluewatercreativity.com, to check out the work of local talent.

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Series of New Laws Signed to Expand Childcare Access

Bills to expand childcare access were signed into law last week. The bills allow for a higher child-to-adult ratio and establish the Family Child Care Networks that provide technical assistance and support to small, home-based childcare businesses.

The bills also expand care options for infants and toddlers by requiring Family Child Care Networks to be in place state-wide, and addressing licensing and regulatory technicalities.  

Emily Laidlaw, Director of LARA’s Child Care Licensing Bureau said, “Childcare is the silent driver of Michigan’s economy, and we are focused on breaking down barriers and expanding access to safe, quality childcare for families.”

Laidlaw said that the licensing bureau has researched the issue by talking to over 700 people about expanding or starting their own childcare businesses. Laidlaw said, “These bills help us continue to cut red tape and expand access to care — while keeping safety for kids front and center.” 

Links to all of the childcare bills signed into law can be found below.

HB 5041 was sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5042 was sponsored by Rep. Greg VanWoerkom, R-Norton Shores, and a copy can be found here. 

HB 5043 was sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen, D-Novi, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5044 was sponsored by Rep. Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5046 was sponsored by Rep. Gregory Markkanen, R-Hancock, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5047 was sponsored by Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5048 was sponsored by Rep. John Roth, R-Traverse City, and a copy can be found here.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland