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Local News

Senior Adults Have A New Way To Socialize This Holiday Season

A 2020 study has shown that 40 percent of adults 60 and older reported feeling lonely. These feelings of loneliness tend to get worse during the winter and holidays. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), along with the Library of Michigan are offering a new social learning platform for aging adults. GetSetUp classes allow them to connect with others from the comfort of their own homes. 

GetSetUp will also provide users with a variety of programs to help them become more fit, learn to manage their finances, develop new skills, and how to use and interact with new technologies such as social media and other platforms. A special “New Year, New Me” program will be running until 2023 to help users accomplish their resolutions in health and wellness, money and business, along with other categories. GetSetUp is available in a variety of languages such as English, Hindi, Mandarin, and a growing number of Spanish classes are becoming available. 

For more information, visit: getsetup.io.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Salvation Army Angel Tree: 150 Children Need Adopting

The Salvation Army has been supporting those in need since 1865. Each season at Christmas you may see them ringing the bell outside of your favorite local store collecting donations to provide a good Christmas for little boys and girls in the community.

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, located at Birchwood Mall in Port Huron, still has approximately 150 boys and girls that need toys for Christmas. If you would like to adopt an “angel” this Christmas you can go to the Birchwood Mall and select a name or multiple names from the angel tree to shop for. After you purchase your gift, you can then drop off your purchase at The Salvation Army located at 2000 Court Street in Port Huron. 

With only two days left for the angel tree deadline, and five days until Christmas, make sure you don’t delay, and adopt an angel today.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov. Whitmer Wins Deals To Create Or Retain 1,846 Jobs

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce the approval of a wide range of projects by the Michigan Strategic Fund. 

The Michigan Strategic Funds approval will create or retain 1,846 jobs and generate more than $1.2 billion in investment in Michigan. The projects will build on statewide leadership in advanced EV (Electric Vehicle) manufacturing, help increase growth opportunities for businesses from start-ups to established companies, bring good jobs to Michigan, and to compete for business attraction opportunities. 

Gov. Whitmer says, “From Marquette to Monroe, we will elevate our growing outdoor recreation, create good-paying jobs, expand leadership in future mobility, and invest in our communities.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SOS Marysville Food Pantry Community Christmas Dinner

Christmas is a special time of year for many of us. Friends, family, and loved ones come together to share laughs, gifts, and to just be in the presence of those we care about during the holidays.

There are some individuals who, for whatever reason, may not have family or friends to celebrate with, or maybe they just can’t afford dinner this Christmas. SOS Marysville Food Pantry is looking for volunteers for its 8th Annual Community Christmas Day Dinner on Sunday, December 25th. 

They are looking for volunteers to help with preparing and packing meals, setup, cleanup, delivering meals to those who can’t leave their homes, and more. Preparing and packing begins at 8:30AM, Deliveries begin at 11AM, and cleanup will begin at 1PM.

If you are available and would like to participate, visit their Facebook page at: SOS Marysville Food Pantry.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Ranked 6th In Favorite Christmas Traditions

With Christmas just around the corner we all have our own family traditions that we enjoy participating in each year. Some of our traditions involve the way we decorate the tree, a particular food or drink that we prepare, or maybe some totally unique and original tradition that only your family does for the holidays.

According to Mixbook, they polled 1,500 Americans to decide what was the most popular Christmas tradition in the country. Coming in at number one on the list was Ohio, with their peanut butter and chocolate Buckeyes candy. Number two was Texas, and their Riverwalk located in San Antonio, which gets decorated with over 100,000 lights. 

As we go further down the list, Michigan comes in at 6th with our sugar cookies. Frosted, sprinkled with sugar, or just plain fresh out of the oven, it appears that we are known for more than just our mitten shape and automotive industry.  

For a full list visit: Mixbook Infographic.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Register For MIOSHA Training Institute Courses

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) is urging individuals interested in their January MTI courses to register as soon as possible.

MIOSHA is offering a variety of its MTI courses and training seminars that will provide individuals with further knowledge in protecting the health and safety of Michigan workers. There are three learning formats to choose from including: traditional classroom setting, online, or virtual classroom. 

All students attending MTI courses are eligible for scholarships that will pay 50% of the cost. A brief list of courses available include:

  • General Provisions
  • Asbestos and Lead Awareness
  • MIOSHA Record Keeping and Cost of Injuries
  • Health Hazards In Construction

Those interested should select a class that is more than three weeks away, but not more than three months away from today’s date.

For a full list of courses available or more information, visit: michigan.gov/miosha.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell