By now, we should be used to dialing the area code before a phone call. The change in dialing procedures was introduced in preparation for the launch of the new 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The line is up and running and is now available to everyone across the entire United States.
The line can be used to call, text, or chat. Those who connect in any way will be connected to a trained counselor with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. The counselors are trained to listen, understand, provide support, and connect to resources if necessary.
There are over 200 crisis centers that have been answering calls since 2005 and have proven to be effective. Callers feel less overwhelmed and more hopeful after talking to a counselor.
While 988 is easier to remember and is now live, the old number of 1-800-273-8255 is still active and can be used to connect with the lifeline.
There are two crisis centers in Southeastern Michigan. They always need donations and volunteers.
The International Symphony Orchestra has announced a full-season concert hall return with “ISO65”. The orchestra, which has musicians from both sides of the border, has expanded its list of venues.
The ISO will perform seven concerts during the 2022-23 season at the Great Lakes High School Auditorium, which is the orchestra’s new Canadian home, and both the McMorran Theatre and the Port Huron Northern High School Performing Arts Center in the U.S.
The first performance is on Friday, September 30th in Sarnia. This will be the first live concert on the Canadian side of the border since February of 2020. The first stateside performance will be on October 1st at Port Huron Northern.
The concert series includes seven different shows starting with Franck’s Symphony in D minor and the premiere of Swiss-Canadian composer Anne Lauber’s Cello Concerto.
Fair Week is here! The St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair is the week many have been waiting for all year long, from exhibitors to vendors to spectators. The fair, held at Goodells County Park, is considered the “Best Family Fair in Michigan”.
The full line-up of events is extensive, but the highlights include different grandstand events each night. Monday night is the Flying Star Rodeo. Tuesday is the Monster Truck Show, and Wednesday is the Night of Mayhem. All three shows start at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday is the Tractor and Truck Pull at 6:00 p.m. and spectators can watch drivers smash up their cars at the Bump and Run at 7:00 p.m. Finally, Saturday, at 4:00 p.m., the Figure 8 and Stock Derby takes place.
If carnival rides are your thing, there are a variety of pricing options throughout the week, with some days only $25 for unlimited rides all day.
Don’t forget about the barns full of livestock and projects that 4-H kids have worked on all year, and the many vendors and exhibits on display all week.
The Port Huron Museums have received a large donation from the estate of Dr. Armin and Mrs. Rosalie Franke. The $250,000 donation is the largest in the history of the museum.
Dr. Franke passed away in late 2021 at the age of 98, after practicing medicine in Port Huron from 1956 to 1995. He was active in many community organizations and instrumental in administering the polio vaccine in St. Clair County.
Port Huron Museums Executive Director Veronica Campbell said that the museum will be able to accomplish some major goals including finishing or supporting current projects like new updated exhibits and others, as well as building an endowment for future financial stability for the Museums.
Port Huon Museums Community Engagement Manager Andrew Kercher said, “Dr. Franke is an example for all of us in how to improve a community, both in terms of his decades in literal lifesaving work as a
physician and now his gift that will ensure his legacy in the Blue Water Area for decades to come.”
Have you ever wondered how freighters from foreign countries navigate the narrow waterways in our area? It turns out, they don’t.
Located near Desmond Marine, the Lakes Pilots Association has been keeping track of ship traffic and meeting freighters in the water for years.
Bill Wager, a dispatcher for the Lakes Pilots Association, feels his unique job is like a giant puzzle of boats, captains, crew members, and schedules that he’s excited to piece together every day.
Freighters that travel from the Atlantic Ocean into the Great Lakes are often piloted by people who have never navigated these waterways. The passage on the St. Clair River from the Lake to Detroit and even further to the waters of Lake Erie can present unique challenges due to twists and turns, water depth, and currents.
To ensure the safety of the freighter crew and other boaters, along with stewardship of the land and waterways, highly trained U.S. and Canadian Registered Pilots are brought to the freighters by the Lakes Pilots Association crew so they can take over for the freighter’s captains.
What does this look like? Watch our adventure out with the pilot boat here:
When a freighter prepares to approach the mouth of the St. Clair River, communication among several entities makes its way to the Lakes Pilots Association. Their crew organizes the exchange of pilots and prepares the pilot boats and crews to meet the freighters.
The pilot boat meets the freighters in Lake Huron near the permanent buoy. The pilot boat and the freighter make a moving connection, and the U.S. or Canadian Registered Pilot climbs a ladder to board the freighter. Depending on the destination, the pilot may be aboard for half a day to 14 hours navigating the ship through the Great Lakes region and working with the freighter’s crew.
Just after the new pilot boards the freighter, the pilot coming off duty disembarks the freighter by climbing down into the pilot boat and heading back to the Lakes Pilots Association headquarters. Pilots have a mandated rest period between trips and may stay overnight in the area at a local hotel or hang out in the headquarters building until taking their next trip.
Would you like the chance to see the Lakes Pilots Association in action and touch a freighter yourself? Woman’s Life Chapter 800 is currently selling raffle tickets for $10 each to support the nonprofit A Beautiful Me. Winners will get a “Touch a Freighter” package for 4 people to enjoy this exhilarating experience.
Thanks to the pilot boat crew: Danny Gallagher & Erick Gallagher, and pilots: Captain Ben Kinsley, Captain George Haynes, Captain Fred Hoffe, and Captain Brad Szczotka for this amazing experience!
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
Erick and Danny Gallagher approach the freighter in the pilot boat.
Erick Gallagher navigates toward Lake Huron on the St. Clair River
Ron Steward, President of Main Street Memories Car Show, Joined us in the studio to share details about this year’s car show at the Acheson Ventures Waterfront in Port Huron.
This year’s car show is Saturday, July 30th from 10 – 4 PM. Pre-registration has closed, but there are still openings for those who want to register on the day of the show. Cost is $20 at the show, and all years, makes, and models are welcome.
Main Street Memories is doing a special tribute to 1972, and they will have a special “50th Anniversary” display for cars of that model year.
The event will be spread out along the waterfront property and features a food court with local restaurants and food trucks, and displays from Showtime Monster Trucks and Nightmare Racing Mega Trucks.
This is a non-judged car show that focuses on celebrating the car community, and raising money for the Council on Aging serving St. Clair County.
To learn more about Main Street Memories Car Show, visit their website here:
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