George James

Young Professionals Program Prepares Youth for Careers

The Young Professionals program through the Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! office is making an impact on both Blue Water area businesses and young people in the Blue Water area.

We talked about the program with Youth Program Coordinator Cristine Robson, who said, “Young Professionals works with each young adult to identify their career interests and then matches them up with a worksite that provides industry-related experience.  This summer we’re heavily recruiting worksites in healthcare, advanced manufacturing and trades, but we welcome partnerships from all industries since young people have a wide variety of careers they want to explore.”

The interns are paid $14 per hour and gain valuable work experience. Kyle King, an intern with WGRT said that the program is helping him prepare for a career in radio.

The Young Professionals have placed interns with an interest in early childhood studies with Kiddie Campus child care in Marysville and have provided a valuable service during the pandemic and beyond.

How can businesses get involved in having summer interns? Call/text (734) 612-9526 or contact us through our website:  www.macomb-stclairworks.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Bill to Fund School Safety Grants Signed into Law

House Bill 6012, sponsored by State Representative Pamela Hornberger, a Chesterfield Republican, was signed into law last week. The bill funds risk assessment and critical incident mapping in schools to create safety plans. It also funds mental health and security resources for Oxford Community Schools in the wake of the tragic violence that took place in November of 2021.

Hornberger said the bill will help Oxford with many expenses related to the tragedy. The bipartisan bill also helps schools with making buildings safer by determining where further investments are needed.

The bill allocates $14 million for public schools, intermediate school districts, and private schools in the form of $2,000 grants to complete a comprehensive safety and security assessment.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice endorsed the bill but said it’s just a start. Rice called on the legislature to support the governor’s budget request of a $361 million increase in children’s mental health spending and $51 million for school safety grants, along with passing gun safety laws.

https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2021-2022/billenrolled/House/pdf/2022-HNB-6012.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Oceans of Possibilities” Await St. Clair County Library Summer Reading Program Participants

The St. Clair County Library System is gearing up for a summer of reading with their “Oceans of Possibilities” Summer Reading Program.

The program is for kids of all ages and is a fun way to keep kids reading throughout the summer and avoid a “summer slide” where reading skills might decline.

The reading program gets started on June 17th at all of the library branches throughout the county. With the program, kids and adults can read what they want, when they want, and earn chances to win prizes.

While each branch is kicking off the program in its own way, the Main Branch in Port Huron is hosting the Masterpiece Circus. The hour-long event will be held on June 23rd from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. and feature an incredible show of entertaining acts. If the weather prevents it from being outside, the circus show will be held in the Don Dodge Auditorium.

Check the stclaircountylibrary.org website for the details on the Summer Reading Program and each branch’s variety of summer activities.

https://stclaircountylibrary.org/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Parks Passport Program Challenges Families to Play at Seven City Parks

Two years after city parks were closed to the public out of concern for Covid-19 transmission, parks are not only open for free play, but they are part of a fun new promotion sponsored by the Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department.

The Port Huron Parks Passport Program is for kids ages three to twelve. Kids can pick up a passport at Palmer Park Recreation Center. Once they are registered, they can enjoy exploring seven city parks. Parents or siblings will need to take a picture of the kids at the park and show it to the Recreation Department Staff to get their passport marked.

Once all seven parks have been visited and the photographic evidence has been verified, kids get a free t-shirt.

The parks are Sanborn Park Bike Trail, Mansfield Park, Lighthouse Park, 11th and Division Park, Optimist Park, Lincoln Park, and Palmer Park. Each park is different, with some having just had major renovations with state-of-the-art play equipment. There’s a whole lot of fun to be had at city parks this summer.

https://www.porthuronrec.com/active-opportunities/PH-Parks-Passport?fbclid=IwAR0TML8-5lpKDlotSmBjriPTzM9AHYfcSmHAlWBY2ElKKfT1Nbw_QfcFlMk

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Veterans Invited to Take a Cruise on the Huron Lady June 30th

St. Clair County veterans who would enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Huron Lady should mark their calendars for June 30th. That’s the day that local veterans are invited to take an Appreciation Cruise on the St. Clair River with fellow vets.

The event is made possible by coordination between the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs and the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.

Liz Sawielski with the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs said that this is the first time that the Department has coordinated a cruise, although other community organizations have organized boat trips for veterans in the past.

Sawielski said that they wanted to offer a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon as a small way to say thank you for their service and sacrifice. She said, “Offering these types of activities helps veterans build camaraderie, have a sense of belonging, and feel connected to the Blue Water area veteran community.”

Sawielski said it’s a chance for fellow service members to connect and rebuild some community connections after a rough two years.

Limited spots available. Reserve yours now by calling 810-989-6945 ext. 2.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland