Local News

Port Huron, MI — Enter Stage a Right, a local theatrical production group in Port Huron was recently awarded a Michigan Stages Survival Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Regina Spain, Executive Director of Enter Stage Right, said that the grant money is segmented into two parts: facility costs and re-opening expenses. Spain said the theatre is using the money to pay rent, utilities, and insurance from January 1st to July 31st of this year. They will use the re-opening grant to ensure safety for their artists and community with improved air handling, a holding area tent, and other modifications.

Spain said that the theatre likely would have been lost without the latest grant money and the one they received from Culture Source last year, as well as money from local donors.

When asked about future plans for the company, Spain said, “Currently, we’re re-igniting our classes and workshops with the intent of keeping them going once we’re able to be in-person. When we re-open, we have a backlog of 8 productions that were in progress at the time of shut down.”

The full schedule of shows can be found at enterstageright.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan — Students in college career and technical education programs that have been struggling financially are now eligible for some relief. The Michigan Departments of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Health and Human Services are leading an initiative to address food insecurity for students.

Low-income college students who are enrolled in career and technical programs may be eligible for food benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. This will be particularly helpful for students who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut due to the pandemic. Students in those situations were not eligible for SNAP benefits in the past, but the expansion of benefits has made it possible.

Under the expansion, students need to meet income requirements for the benefits, and they have to be enrolled at least half-time in a Perkins V career or tech program. Locally, Perkins Postsecondary Career & Tech programs are available at St. Clair County Community College.

To learn more and apply for benefits, visit: Michigan.gov/MIBridges.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

St. Clair County Community Mental health recognized that many people in the community need a way to connect with others. In response to that need, they have started the Pen Pals for a Purpose Program to help people connect through the mail.

Volunteers in the pen pal program must sign a consent form, submit to a background check, and agree with the rules of the program. All letters written will be reviewed by staff at St. Clair County Community Mental Health to ensure the integrity of the program.

Pen Pals will write on a variety of topics including, love, gratitude, and admiration. Volunteer writers will receive guides that help them write about the topic and give them ideas for their letters. There are also activity sheets that can be printed and shared.

For more information about the program, visit St. Clair County Community Mental Health’s website and click on Pen Pals for a Purpose <HERE>  .

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand