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Local News

United Way of Sarnia-Lambton Adjusts to Change – Makes Plans for Future

Sarnia, Ontario — The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton recently held its 64th Annual General Meeting, providing the community with a recap of last year’s work and plans for the future.

Reflecting on the organization’s response to the pandemic, Al McChesney, outgoing Vice President, said, “It will come as no surprise when I say COVID-19 forced us to change how we tackle the challenges facing Lambton County’s most vulnerable. In total, over  $550,000, in addition to the $1,750,000 that was raised during the fall campaign, was  available to flow through United Way to agencies in need. More than 40% of those funding decisions were to Lambton County non-profits that were not previously funded by United Way of Sarnia-Lambton.”

McChesney just completed a ten-year term and had his last meeting with the organization along with several other exiting board members. The new board is moving forward with a refocused funding strategy concentrating on addressing the cycles of poverty, helping youth be successful in school and relationships, creating strong, inclusive communities, and supporting those with addiction and mental health challenges. They will also focus on helping senior citizens live independently.

The new board also approved funding requests for a snack program through River City Vineyard and a Handyman Program through Habitat for Humanity.

For more information on The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton, visit www.TheUnitedWay.on.ca

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

SC4 Students Could be Eligible for SNAP Benefits

Port Huron, MI — St. Clair County Community College is raising awareness of resources available to students who may be needing food assistance. Federally funded SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, benefits are available to qualified students.

The December Covid Relief Package passed by Congress made more people eligible for food benefits. Being enrolled in only six credit hours at SC4 is enough for some people to qualify for SNAP.

Students who are eligible to participate in federal or state work-study programs or students with an Expected Family Contribution of $0 are likely qualified for SNAP for the duration of the public health emergency. Whether or not a student actually holds a work-study job does not matter for eligibility.

Qualifying for eligibility is determined by the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s not too late to fill out the FAFSA for this school year. Applicants need to be sure to check the box that asks if students are enrolled in school at least half time. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services may follow up to prove eligibility.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Earth Fair 2021

Celebrate Earth Fair Virtually

St. Clair County, MI — The St. Clair County Earth Fair at Goodell’s County Park won’t be a live event for 2021, but organizers are teaming up with the 4-H program to create activities for families during the month of April.

A earth-themed scavenger hunt just opened up on April 1st and it runs until the 30th. Children need to be enrolled in St. Clair County’s 4-H program to participate, but enrollment is free this year.  Both new and current 4-H members can sign up for the club named Earth Fair Scavenger Hunt to receive the detailed instructions for the hunt.

Once kids sign up for 4-H to participate in the Scavenger Hunt, they can also participate in any other 4-H programs available in their area.

The Earth Fair team has also created the 30 for 30 Earth Fair Challenge which offers a new earth-friendly challenge on the group’s Facebook page every day in April. Participants can win a $50 Visa gift card for completing the challenges.

Check out the Earth Fair Facebook page <HERE> .

Register for 4-H & the Earth Fair Scavenger Hunt <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Nominate a Port Huron Schools Educator for Annual Awards

Port Huron, MI — National Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up on May 3rd, and Port Huron Schools want to surprise a few of their staff members with special recognition for their efforts. The district needs your help, and nominations are now open for its annual Advocator, Innovator, and Educator of the Year awards for 2020/2021.

This district-wide staff award campaign gives parents, students, and fellow educators the opportunity to nominate teachers, administrators, and support staff at any Port Huron School who exemplify the district’s mission actions. These are individuals who advocate for students and their families, innovate to improve student achievement, and educate in ways that are relevant, relationship driven, and rigorous.

Winners of this year’s awards will be surprised in their classrooms or offices during National Teacher Appreciation week and receive prizes through a partnership with the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Port Huron. All nominees are also placed in a drawing for Meijer gift cards which will be drawn weekly until nominations close on April 23rd.

To nominate an educator, visit www.phasd.us and click on Staff Recognition Form under the Parent/Student Menu <HERE>

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Hospital Visiting Restrictions Tighten Up as COVID Infections Surge

Visiting hospitalized loved ones is restricted as the pandemic goes into its second year with a local surge in infections.

Visitors with a positive COVID test or who are waiting on the results of a test need to stay home. Hospitals generally screen all entrants for COVID symptoms and require masks to be worn at all times.

McLaren Port Huron allows one visitor per patient per day with visiting hours restricted to noon to 6 p.m. Check with the hospital before visiting as policies could change at any time.

Lake Huron Medical Center is no longer allowing visitors or nonessential traffic into the hospital. They are asking loved one to use FaceTime or Zoom. In-person visiting is only allowed if arranged ahead of time for extenuating circumstances.

Beaumont Hospital in Detroit is allowing fully vaccinated individuals, 14 days post final dose, to visit non-COVID patients. Proof of vaccination needs to be provided.

Exceptions to visitation policies are generally allowed for situations like patients needing a support person after anesthesia, mothers giving birth, and end-of-life or hospice situations.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

New Museum Exhibit Features Fashions from Past

This spring and summer, the Port Huron Museum is featuring a new exhibit dedicated to Port Huron’s fashion past. Threads: From the Wardrobe of Port Huron’s Past is the result of the inventory process museum staff began last year, and it will be on display through July.

Lead exhibit designer Kayla Wendt said, “Threads is designed to appeal to a wide audience. The exhibit offers a glimpse of clothing throughout different time periods. I wanted to make sure there were local stories here that piqued the interest of everyone! You’ll see things like a scene of a 1920s summer picnic, and a night at the Desmond Theatre, but you’ll also see a scene of Service uniforms, and one of mourning attire.”

The exhibit includes some interactive areas where visitors can try on items and snap their own pictures with props and gear.

Entrance into the Threads exhibit is included in the price of admission to the Port Huron Museum’s Carnegie Center which is currently open from 10 AM – 4 PM Wednesday through Sunday.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand