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Local News

Adaptive Sports Wheelchair Basketball Coming To SC4

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) will launch a wheelchair basketball team for the 2023 fall semester. The team will be open to both SC4 students and community members with disabilities or those who are able-bodied and enthusiastic about wheelchair basketball, with priority given to SC4 students.

SC4’s new co-ed wheelchair basketball team will expand the college’s collegiate athletic offerings to 16 teams, including baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, dance, Esports, golf, soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling.

SC4 Athletic Director Dale Vos says, ” Our Skippers Athletics Program continues to grow and flourish, and the addition of adaptive sports at SC4 is a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and diverse campus community. We’re thrilled to offer this new opportunity for both athletes and fans.”

Individuals interested in joining the wheelchair basketball team for 2023-24 can visit:  sc4.edu/athletics, or send an email to: mjwhittredge@sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

“Dirty Nirty” Gardening Workshop Excitement With Seed & Soul Society

The Seed & Soul Society invites gardening enthusiasts to its “Dirty Nirty” workshop that promises to unlock the secrets of soil and plant nutrition. 

Ben Krenke, the gardening rockstar and soil guru, will lead the workshop on May 20th, from 10:00am to 11:30am at Soulstice Garden located at 2401 North Blvd, Port Huron. 

Participants will learn how to take their gardening game to the next level using techniques straight from the pros. The workshop will offer participants an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and dive headfirst into the world of soil and plant nutrition.

The first 30 people to register will receive a surprise gift from Ventana Plant Science. These special gifts promise to put a smile on the faces of participants and give their gardening endeavors an extra boost.

RSVP and find out more here: https://s3ph.norby.live/event/6db20c20-099d-400a-93e7-250399e3a383

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Inductee Ceremony For The Stanley Legacy Wall At Port Huron Museums

The Legacy Wall, located in the Port Huron Museums’ Carnegie Center, features heroes of the community who have made contributions in various areas, including education, civil/public service, business, athletics, science/healthcare, entertainment, literature, and media. 

As part of a yearly tradition, a committee of local community members will choose new inductees to have their names added to the wall. 

The ceremony will take place at the museum on Saturday, May 20th, from 11:30am – 1:30pm, and will be open to the public, with admission by donation. However, due to limited space, reservations are required.

The exhibit also features artifacts and memorabilia from the Stanley family’s personal collection, showcasing their contributions to the Port Huron area. The “From Whence We Came” exhibit is open to the public and is a must-visit for those who want to learn about the city’s rich history and the individuals who have helped shape it.

For ticket information, visit: phmuseum.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Scholarship Funds Available From The Community Foundation Of St. Clair County

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County has announced that there are still a limited number of scholarship funds available for the upcoming 2023/24 academic year. The Foundation encourages interested applicants to apply for the scholarships as soon as possible, as available funds will vary throughout the year.

The scholarship selection process will take place several times a year, with the Summer Selection Deadline set for July 31st, and the Fall Selection Deadline for September 30th. There are a variety of scholarships available, including the Alexander & Celestine Lamere Fund, the Blue Water Shipmaster’s Fund, and the Douglas & Elda Webb Scholarship.

Applicants must meet certain criteria, including a minimum GPA, residency, and attendance at specific schools. The first round of scholarship review will occur in the summer, with a second round held in the fall if funds remain. 

For more information, contact Heather Hayek at (810) 984-4761 or email: heather@stclairfoundation.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Mental Health Resources Available Through MDHHS

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) have recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The initiative has been observed nationally since 1949 and aims to promote mental health education and support to increase individual well-being and decrease the stigma often associated with seeking help for mental illness.

MDHHS has invested in initiatives that support mental health and well-being by expanding access and eligibility to programs that provide care. 

The department has developed a new Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health Policy and Supports, which has issued $6 million in grants for community mental health service programs to explore innovative ways to support children and families in crisis. Additionally, the bureau is overseeing efforts to improve behavioral health supports for youth and families with involvement in the child welfare system.

MDHHS has implemented three statewide lines, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Michigan Peer Warmline, and Frontline Strong Together Crisis Line. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Supporting The YMCA Helps Support Our Children

The YMCA is making a difference in the Blue Water Area by offering programs that aim to create a better future for children and teenagers. 

The Y’s programs promote positive behaviors and values, support child development, and encourage children to explore their talents and interests. Their licensed child care and early learning programs prioritize early brain development and provide a safe and healthy environment for children to learn foundational skills, develop trusting relationships, and build self-reliance through values like caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

The Y also offers opportunities for children to stay active and develop healthy habits through swim, sports, and play programs that promote good sportsmanship and teamwork, building the whole child from the inside out.

In addition to these programs, the Y provides a range of camp options that allow children to discover new talents, explore nature, gain independence, and create lasting friendships. 

If you would like to support the many programs the Blue Water Area YMCA offers, visit: bluewaterareaymca.com.