George James

Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home “Winter Friendraising Campaign” Underway

The Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home is in the midst of its annual fundraiser and they are hoping you will join in. This year’s event is the “Winter Friendraising Campaign”. Last year’s event raised over $15,000. Donors simply click to donate online. The campaign runs until February 28th.

Kathleen Swantek, Executive Director of Blue Water Developmental Housing, Inc. and Corporate Manager of Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home said that the home has been serving the community for close to 80 years. The home provides assisted living services for low-income seniors.

Swantek said, “Our mission is to provide services to seniors in a safe and affordable environment where individual needs and desires are always considered. We remain affordable because the community is generous with their support.”

Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home has expansion in its plans. Swantek said with the assistance of the Commission on Aging, they plan on adding two additional beds for homeless seniors.

For more information on the Winter Friendraising Campaign: https://www.sanborngratiot.org/donate/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Cedar Point Looking for Seasonal Workers

Spring can’t be too far away if Cedar Point has begun hiring for the season. The amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, about a three-hour drive from Port Huron, is recruiting seasonal workers.

Pay starts at $15 per hour for most positions. The amusement park is looking for custodial staff, food and beverage service, hotel staff, ride operators, and skilled trade maintenance staff.

But for seasonal workers, the main attraction is not the paycheck, but the experience. Employees get perks like discounts, rewards, a free bus pass to get around the park, and free admission.

Carrie Boldman, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point said, “On the surface, the benefits and wages are great; but on a deeper level, the connections with new friends from around the world, interactions with guests, experiences to last a lifetime and the park’s breathtaking setting make this the best place to work.”

Cedar Point is planning to hire around 6,500 seasonal workers. Opening day is May 7th.

cedarpoint.com/jobs

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MI Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program Expands to St. Clair County

The MI Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program has expanded to seven new counties, including St. Clair County. Fifty-two counties in Michigan are now covered by the program. St. Clair County is serviced by the St. Clair County RESA.

Dr. Kevin Miller, Superintendent of St. Clair County RESA explained, “The Tri-Share program is designed to address the current childcare crisis, making childcare more affordable for working families in St. Clair County. “

Miller said, “We’ve been collaborating with our Economic Development Alliance (EDA), Michigan Works, and our business partners. Our RESA will be the Tri-Share ‘hub’ as we have the connection with county childcare providers through our Great Start Collaborative. The power of the Tri-share grant is the cost-sharing between the State of Michigan, the business community, and our hard-working families.”

St. Clair County will have $300,000 available for the program for this year. Participation with area businesses will be coordinated by the EDA. Aludyne is one of the supporting businesses that helped secure the grant.

Details about the Tri-Share program, including current pilot regions and participating employers, can be found at michigan.gov/Tri-Share.   

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Beeler Answers Questions Regarding Curriculum Transparency Bill

State Representative Andrew Beeler has responded to questions about House Bill 5722 that he has co-sponsored.

The bill calls for the entire lesson plan for the entire year for every classroom to be made public prior to the start of the year and levies a 5% reduction in school aid for non-compliance. The bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on.

Beeler said, “I think it is necessary to have transparency in curriculum as parents have a right to know what is and what isn’t being taught to their children. 

It is necessary for parents to know what their children are being taught. The majority of parents in this state and across the country think its necessary as well. Schools should have no reason to want to conceal this information from parents. Additionally, better transparency is good for our teachers and schools. When parents aren’t able to see what their child’s curriculum consists of, they assume the worse or seek another, more transparent school. 

As lesson plans are prepared by teachers in advance of a school year so too are department curriculums. The additional burden placed on schools to provide this information seems pale in comparison to the added benefit that transparency provides. Teacher shortage or not, it is always the right time to do what is best for our students.” 

House Fiscal analysis reported that, if passed, the legislation would impose an indeterminate, but potentially significant, cost to school districts and the Michigan Department of Education, which would be required to monitor the reporting.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Detroit Zoo Penguin Exhibit Now Open to the Public

While it might feel like penguins could easily live among us as temperatures dipped into the single digits earlier this week, the Zoo is still the only place where you will actually see a real penguin. The Polk Penguin Conservation Center at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak is now open to the public.

The penguin exhibit had been closed since September of 2019 and its reopening has been eagerly anticipated by fans of the unusual birds.

There are 75 King, Rockhopper, Macaroni, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins at the exhibit, and yes, the penguins have names. Bonnie Van Dam, Curator of Birds at the Zoo, commented on the new chinstrap penguins, saying, “The chinstraps settled right in and became avid swimmers. Once the lights come on for the day, TJ, Haiku, Kringle and Turtle immediately dive into the pool.”

The penguins have been staying active while the building has been closed to the public. Five chicks have joined the flock and a king penguin chick hatched for the first time in 20 years.

The 326,000-gallon tank features acrylic tunnels where visitors can observe the penguins diving underwater.

The penguin exhibit is part of general admission, but reservations need to be made to secure a penguin viewing time.

https://detroitzoo.org/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Help Available for Utility Bills, Weatherization

Need help with paying utilities and weatherizing your home? There are two programs that can help.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is making $5 million available for home repairs for homes that aren’t quite ready for winterization. The grants are for homes that need work prior to winterizing.

The pre-weatherization grant money helps with things like mold and moisture damage, knob and tube wiring and other electrical issues, grading and roof issues, ventilation, asbestos, and radon. To apply for assistance, homeowners can contact Blue Water Community Action.

Another resource for homeowners needing help is the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund. The Fund can help with late payments on utilities like gas, water, electric, and internet, as well as mortgage payments.

To apply for the assistance, homeowners need to prove financial hardship related to the pandemic, meet eligibility requirements, and live in the home. The assistance could pay up to $25,000 per household.

Interested homeowners can find details and a link to the application portal at Michigan.gov/MIHAF or receive assistance with their application submission by calling 844-756-4423.   

https://www.bwcaa.org/weatherization

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland