George James

SC4 Challenger Center has All-Star Lineup for April 30 Launch

The St. Clair County Community College Challenger Center is gearing up for the public launch of the facility. The founding chair, June Scobee Rodgers, Ph.D., will be featured at the April 30th kick-off.

Rodgers is the widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Dick Scobee. The Center was founded in 1986 in the aftermath of the Challenger disaster.

Rodgers will be joined by former NASA astronauts Robert Curbeam, senior vice president of space capture at Maxar Technologies, and Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, earth scientist at Geosyntec Consultants, LCC.  

Dr. Deborah Snyder, president of St. Clair County Community College, said, “We are thrilled to welcome June, Robert and Dottie to campus for this event, which honors the legacy of the Challenger crew and opens the door to new and exciting immersive STEM education and engagement opportunities for Michigan and Ontario residents.”

The Challenger Center offers unique learning and team-building opportunities for students, educators, corporations, and community residents. A link can be found at WGRT.com.

To register for the April 30 event, visit challenger.sc4.edu/launch-event/. For more information and to book a Lunar Quest mission, visit challenger.sc4.edu

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Plans Arab American History Month Presentation

St. Clair County Community College is looking ahead to April with the announcement of an Arab American History Month Presentation.

SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will be hosting David Serio of the Arab American National Museum on April 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Fine Arts Theater on the Port Huron campus. Registration has begun.

Serio is an Education and Public Programming Specialist with the Arab American National Museum. He will be leading explorations of the history, culture, and immigration of Arab Americans to the United States.

Those who attend will learn about ethnic and religious diversity in the Arab community and analyze stereotypes.

The Arab American National Museum is located in Dearborn, Michigan. The Museum is devoted to “documenting and sharing Arab American contributions that shaped the economic, political and cultural landscapes of American life.”

To register, please fill in the online form at: https://sc4.edu/offic…/news-and-events/event-registration/ or email dei@sc4.edu. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DNR Reminds that Finding Dead Fish is Normal in the Spring

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has issued its annual reminder that there is no need to panic if you find dead fish in local waterways. Fish kills are common during the spring thaw.

Gary Whelan, DNR Fisheries Division Research manager said, “Winterkill is the most common type of fish kill. As the season changes, it can be particularly common in shallow lakes, ponds, streams and canals. These kills are localized and typically do not affect the overall health of the fish populations or fishing quality.”

If you suspect that there is another reason for a die-off of fish, of course, give the DNR a call, but most of the time, finding a dead fish, turtle, frog, toad, or crayfish is more a part of the circle of life in Michigan than it is an environmental concern.

Shallow water with excess aquatic vegetation and soft bottoms tend to lead to fish kill. Sometimes the dead aquatic life is not noticed until spring when things thaw out and become more visible.

For more information on fish kills in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing. The public is welcome to report fish kills at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField; such reports are valuable to the DNR’s ability to manage the state’s aquatic resources. If you suspect a fish kill is due to non-natural causes, call the nearest DNR office or Michigan’s Pollution Emergency Alert System at 800-292-4706.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Open Account Coalition to Promote Opening a Bank Account for Financial Security

Having a bank account opens the door to more opportunities, but some Michigan communities are underserved when it comes to access to banks and credit unions. The Michigan Open Account Coalition could change that.

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, Michigan Bankers Association, and Michigan Credit Union League are trying to help more residents establish a relationship with a bank or credit union.

DIFS Director Anita Fox said, “There are many benefits to having a relationship with a financial institution, including added security and access to home loans and other important financial services. This coalition will work to clear barriers for Michiganders who currently do not have an account with a bank or credit union and help more Michiganders build greater financial security.”

The Coalition will be promoting access to low- and no-cost accounts by certifying accounts through the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund’s Bank On Program. The Program sets standards for fees and costs. They will also work on educating the public about the advantages of having a bank account.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Elder Abuse Task Force Advocates for Awareness

Michigan’s Elder Abuse Task Force is focusing on the rights of nursing home residents. A new video makes the public aware of the rights of residents of nursing homes and what to do if rights have been violated.

The video explains how to recognize, report, and prevent adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The Task Force advocates for building relationships with the elderly in order to recognize their needs and potential neglect or abuse.

Financial abuse is a common form of elder exploitation. Signs of financial abuse include unpaid bills, unusual changes in spending patterns such as checks made out to cash, missing household items, and large purchases such as a car for someone who doesn’t drive. Changes to wills and deeds are also a red flag as to an elder being taken advantage of.

Suspected cases of elder abuse can be reported to the Michigan Office of Attorney General or by calling the hotline at 855-444-3911.

A link to the Elder Abuse Task Force video can be found at WGRT.com.

https://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-359-82917_107074—,00.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland