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Local News

Port Huron Parks Passport Program Challenges Families to Play at Seven City Parks

Two years after city parks were closed to the public out of concern for Covid-19 transmission, parks are not only open for free play, but they are part of a fun new promotion sponsored by the Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department.

The Port Huron Parks Passport Program is for kids ages three to twelve. Kids can pick up a passport at Palmer Park Recreation Center. Once they are registered, they can enjoy exploring seven city parks. Parents or siblings will need to take a picture of the kids at the park and show it to the Recreation Department Staff to get their passport marked.

Once all seven parks have been visited and the photographic evidence has been verified, kids get a free t-shirt.

The parks are Sanborn Park Bike Trail, Mansfield Park, Lighthouse Park, 11th and Division Park, Optimist Park, Lincoln Park, and Palmer Park. Each park is different, with some having just had major renovations with state-of-the-art play equipment. There’s a whole lot of fun to be had at city parks this summer.

https://www.porthuronrec.com/active-opportunities/PH-Parks-Passport?fbclid=IwAR0TML8-5lpKDlotSmBjriPTzM9AHYfcSmHAlWBY2ElKKfT1Nbw_QfcFlMk

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Why It’s Important for All Americans to Celebrate Juneteenth

Today’s guests, Alphonso Amos, Jessica Brown, and Kevin Watkins share why Juneteenth is important to them and how the whole community can come together for this celebration of a major event in American history.

Learn more about the Juneteenth Celebration at St. Clair County Community College on Saturday, June 1th from noon- 4 PM here:

https://sc4.edu/event/juneteenth-celebration/

Learn more about Black Lives Matter Port Huron here:

https://www.facebook.com/BlackLivesMatterPortHuron

SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion here:

https://sc4.edu/office-of-diversity-equity-inclusion/

Port Huron Chapter of NAACP here:

https://www.facebook.com/Port-Huron-Branch-of-the-NAACP-479353555461261

 

The WGRT Local News Podcast is part of the WGRT 102.3 FM Podcast Network. For the latest episodes of all of our featured podcasts, visit our website here:

https://wgrt-1023-fm-podcast-network.captivate.fm

WGRT Local News Podcast is produced by the following team members:

Executive Producer: Jessie Wiegand

Audio Engineer: George James

Administrator: Jessie Wiegand

Marketing: Jessie Wiegand

Follow Jessie on Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/wgrt_jessie/

Carol Dalrymple Foundry Selfie Factory

New Selfie Factory Coming to Foundry for Summer

The Selfie Factory at Foundry is a new entertainment experience for those who love creating fun, and maybe even a little outrageous, photos for their social media pages.

Foundry owner, Carol Dalrymple, said she got the idea from seeing photos taken at Selfie Museums and Selfie Stations in bigger cities. She’s always on the lookout for new experiences she can bring to Foundry to add to the escape rooms, art classes, pottery studio, and music performances they already offer.

The Selfie Factory will be set up around the upstairs of the building at 1219 Military Street. It will include multiple stations, and participants will pay $20 each for an hour of time to explore, have fun, and take pictures. Visitors can come alone or with a small group, and they can wear costumes and bring their own props, selfie sticks, and ring lights or rent some extras provided by Foundry.

“If you’re looking for something for your teenagers, who are always looking for something to do, this is good, clean fun outside of the house in an air-conditioned environment,” said Dalrymple.

Featured stations include a bathtub filled with (fake) cash and jewels, a monochromatic space, and a throne to make yourself royalty for the day. Dalrymple and her team have several other ideas, including a giant cereal bowl, and the goal is to let their imaginations run wild so people will have an experience they’ll be talking about for awhile.

The Selfie Factory at Foundry will run from July 7- August 13th. You can learn more and book your spot at:

https://fb.me/e/1yz9LZSjj

Or visit Foundry’s website here: https://foundryporthuron.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Veterans Invited to Take a Cruise on the Huron Lady June 30th

St. Clair County veterans who would enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Huron Lady should mark their calendars for June 30th. That’s the day that local veterans are invited to take an Appreciation Cruise on the St. Clair River with fellow vets.

The event is made possible by coordination between the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs and the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.

Liz Sawielski with the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs said that this is the first time that the Department has coordinated a cruise, although other community organizations have organized boat trips for veterans in the past.

Sawielski said that they wanted to offer a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon as a small way to say thank you for their service and sacrifice. She said, “Offering these types of activities helps veterans build camaraderie, have a sense of belonging, and feel connected to the Blue Water area veteran community.”

Sawielski said it’s a chance for fellow service members to connect and rebuild some community connections after a rough two years.

Limited spots available. Reserve yours now by calling 810-989-6945 ext. 2.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Trailer Safety Week Reminds Drivers to Be Careful When Pulling Trailers

It’s Trailer Safety Week and the Michigan Department of Transportation wants motorists to be aware of the safety concerns when drivers are pulling a trailer on roadways. As thousands of motorists pull trailers packed with lawn equipment, off-road vehicles, kayaks, and more, it’s important to get it right every time.

MDOT and the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers say that safe towing depends on the driver, the tow vehicle, and the trailer. A lot is riding, literally, on safe and proper driving and drivers should be focused and limit distractions.

Using an adequate tow hitch is vital to keeping the roadways safe. Correctly attached safety chains are crucial after a properly hitched trailer. Making sure trailers are loaded properly is also important. Weight distribution is critical.

Having the right vehicle to tow the trailer, checking the components of the trailer, and securing the cargo are other ways to make sure a trailer accident doesn’t ruin a trip up north or a day on the job.

https://www.trailersafetyweek.com/interest

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Last Call for Rental Assistance Through CERA

The COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CERA) is accepting the last batch of applications as the program is set to exhaust all of its funds. The final date for Michigan renters and landlords to submit an application for emergency rental assistance is June 30th.

The program has been funded through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority since March 2021. It was put in place to help people facing COVID related economic hardship avoid eviction.

The program has approved over 130,000 people for emergency assistance, and over $750 million has been distributed with the average household receiving about $5,600.

CERA applications are submitted through an online portal, and the portal will close on June 30th. Once the program ends, those who are facing eviction and need help will have to contact their local Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA).

Locally, HARA is operated by Blue Water Community Action Agency, and they work with families and individuals at risk of homelessness, those who need help with rent, and those facing eviction or utility shut-offs.

The HARA Coordinator for Blue Water Community Action Agency is Bernie Newby, and she can be reached at (810) 982-8541 or more information is available on the website here:

https://www.bwcaa.org/housing-support-housing-assessment-resource-agency-hara

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand