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Local News

Limited-Time Opportunity: $100 Bonus For Opening MiABLE Disability Savings Account Ending Soon

As August draws to a close, a mere 8 days remain for individuals with disabilities and their families to capitalize on a time-limited incentive. 

The first 200 people to initiate an eligible MiABLE (Michigan Achieving a Better Life Experience) disability savings account during August will receive a matching bonus of up to $100. With around 500,000 eligible individuals in Michigan, merely 1% of that potential beneficiary pool is currently enrolled in MiABLE accounts statewide. 

Since its establishment in 2015 by the Michigan Department of Treasury, MiABLE has empowered families and individuals with disabilities to save for both immediate and future financial needs without jeopardizing crucial assistance programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

For more information, visit: savewithable.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

FDA Links ‘On the Go’ Ice Cream Cups To Widespread Listeria Outbreak

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified a concerning connection between “On the Go” ice cream cups and a widespread outbreak of foodborne illnesses. 

Real Kosher Ice Cream, a Brooklyn-based company, is at the center of the controversy as their products have been confirmed to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium. The FDA’s investigation revealed that this strain of Listeria matches those found in samples from two patients, one in New York and another in Pennsylvania, who fell seriously ill and required hospitalization.

Prompted by this alarming discovery, Real Kosher Ice Cream initiated a recall of specific ice cream products after evidence linked them to the sick individuals. The impacted ice cream was distributed across numerous states including Michigan, raising concerns about the extent of the outbreak’s reach.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Community Mental Health Expands Services With Talkspace

Seeking to address the mental health needs of Port Huron residents, Talkspace, a leading online therapy platform, is introducing an exclusive opportunity.

A free three-month trial of Talkspace’s services is now available for City of Port Huron residents ages 14 and up, providing easy access to professional therapy from the comfort of their homes.

With a focus on their unwavering commitment to supporting individuals dealing with serious mental illness, emotional disturbances, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and co-occurring disorders, Talkspace connects users with licensed therapists through secure messaging and live video sessions. The initiative underscores the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and making therapy more accessible.

St. Clair County Community Mental Health reiterates its commitment: Your Mental Health Matters.

Limited spots are available for this offer. Interested individuals can secure their free three-month trial by visiting: scccmh.org/talkspace. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Anonymous Donor Sponsors Vibrant Mural For 7th Street Bridge Tunnel, Call For Artists Now Open

In a community-driven initiative, an anonymous benefactor has pledged support for a captivating mural to adorn the tunnel beneath the 7th Street Bridge in Port Huron. Artists and visionaries are invited to submit their proposals, with a submission deadline of August 31st.

The selected design should creatively utilize all available surfaces, including walls, ceiling, and even the floor. While avoiding common motifs like lighthouses and sailboats, artists are encouraged to embrace uplifting and family-friendly themes. A budget of approximately $4000 is allocated for this project, so keep your ideas feasible.

Artists can seize this unique opportunity to collaborate, if preferred, and benefit from the tunnel’s sheltered workspace, guarding against both rain and sun. 

For proposal submissions, send a mock-up and proposed budget to: jody@ravencafeph.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Unemployment Agency Offers Online Guidance For First-Time Jobless Benefit Applicants

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is introducing a new initiative to support workers applying for jobless benefits for the first time. 

Trained UIA instructors will now offer online coaching sessions to guide users through the necessary steps to qualify for payments. Available on Tuesdays through Fridays, these sessions offer participants ample time for questions and clarification.

The voluntary web-based orientations complement the UIA’s recently launched Claimant Roadmap, an intuitive, user-centric tool that simplifies the process of applying for and understanding benefits. While participating in the orientation is not mandatory for benefit eligibility, it provides valuable insights and eases the application process.

Julia Dale, UIA Director, emphasized the agency’s commitment to modernization and user-friendly processes, aiming to alleviate stress for benefit claimants. The coaching sessions are scheduled as follows:

  • Tuesdays: 9-11 a.m.
  • Wednesdays: 3-5 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Fridays: 1-3 p.m.

For more information, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

CaribeFest Sarnia: Dive Into Caribbean Culture

Experience the rhythm of the Caribbean at CaribeFest Sarnia on Friday, September 15th, from 1:30 to 8:004 p.m. This expo-style extravaganza promises an immersive cultural journey that celebrates the heart and soul of the Caribbean.

With an array of enticing offerings, attendees can indulge in delectable Caribbean cuisine, peruse through artisanal creations, and groove to the beats of vibrant dance and music performances. The event will be hosted at Lambton College’s Cestar Group Athletics & Fitness Complex, at 1457 London Road, Sarnia. 

Embrace the lively atmosphere and participate in hands-on activities that delve into the rich culture and history of the Caribbean. Be captivated by mesmerizing performances from Carnival Spice, Latin Fire Dance Company, In Da House Drumming, Merengue dancers Jonathan and Pierina, and the rhythm-packed Joyful Noise Drummers. Don’t miss out on this free event! 

For more information, visit: rayjon.org/caribefest.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell