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Local News

Harbor Impact Volunteers Prepare for “Impact Sessions” This Week

The volunteers at Harbor Impact Ministries have been working hard to get ready for Impact Days this week. Like everyone else, they have had to make some modifications to maintain social distancing and keep both their volunteers and their clients safe.

Harbor Impact is a non-profit located at Blue Water Free Methodist Church in the former Sparlingville Elementary School in Kimball Township. The charity collects and distributes donated items to help community members in need. They provide other services as well, such as health care support, tutoring and literacy training, and spiritual counseling.

Impact Days are special days when qualified clients can come in and pick out the things they need to get through the month. There are actually “Impact Sessions” during this time, with organization of clients in alphabetical order. This month’s impact days are December 15th and 16th. Full details, including both how to donate items and how to sign up for services, can be found at harborimpactministries.com. Donating is currently by appointment only. Bussing to Harbor Impact is available through Blue Water Area Transit on Wednesday Impact Days.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Healthcare Marketplace Enrollment Deadline is Tomorrow

With the deadline for open enrollment in the Health insurance Marketplace fast approaching – tomorrow – numbers are up for those who have already enrolled, but there are still eligible residents who have not yet enrolled, according to numbers coming from the State of Michigan.

The number of uninsured Michigan residents went up this year, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “That’s why it’s crucial for all of those who need to get covered to enroll now, ahead of the December 15th deadline.”

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox said, “The December 15 open enrollment deadline is quickly approaching, and it is vital that you get started today. The most often-cited barriers to signing up for insurance are because consumers think it’s too expensive or too complicated to enroll. The good news is, there’s free local enrollment help available and the vast majority of Michiganders who signed up last year received subsidies to lower their costs. Consumers can check out plan options and their estimated discount, all without logging in or creating an account.” 

Nearly 80,000 Michiganders already signed up for health insurance through the Marketplace. Of those, 80% got federal assistance to lower their premiums.

From Press Release: To determine eligibility and to review their options, consumers should visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov. Depending on income and their situation, consumers may qualify for cost sharing reductions, premium tax credits, coverage for their children (CHIP), or Medicaid. For help getting started, consumers should contact DIFS toll free Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.  

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

More Federal Block Grants Going Toward the Greatest Need in Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — The City of Port Huron has received another installment of Community Development Block Grants for COVID-19 relief from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The City reached out to different agencies to see where the greatest need lies and where the most impact can be made. That measure of coordination seems to be working. Rent assistance was thought to be a need, and it is, but it is adequately funded by other agencies.

City Manager James Freed recommended to the City Council that money be given to the Economic Development Alliance to help give relief to businesses that employ moderate to low-income workers. Funding to restaurants and bars, which are currently crippled by the state mandated shutdown, was recommended also.

A recommendation was also made to give $30,000 to Mid-City Nutrition, which is a soup kitchen in downtown Port Huron. The use of disposable containers, needed to follow Covid mitigation protocol, is expensive and their growth in the number of meals served is substantial.

This round of disbursements totals over $170,000. The initial allocation was over $462,000.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Parking Lot Bingo Comes to Downtown Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — The Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department is on a roll during this holiday season. They have turned a year of cancellations into a year of innovation, all in the name of recreation and family fun. The latest installment on the roster of events is “Parking Lot Bingo”.

The event for all ages will be held on Tuesday, December 15th, and Tuesday, December 22nd, at 3:30 p.m., in the parking lot at McMorran Place on Erie Street. Participants will wait in their cars with their Bingo cards, while listening to numbers being called on FM radio. The callers will be local celebrities like the Police Chief, Mayor, City Manager, and others. When players get a “Bingo”, they honk their horns to claim victory. There is no registration needed.

In addition to Bingo, the Rec Department is putting on a nightly light show at Pine Grove Park. It runs from 5-10 p.m. until January 2nd. They also have holiday craft bags available for families to pick up from Palmer Park on Wednesday, December 16th and Wednesday, December 23rd.  More information is at porthuronrec.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lelito’s Legacy Gives Out Grants for “Pay to Play” Fees

The Lelito’s Legacy Foundation has granted $9,000 to student athletes who need a helping hand. The Foundation’s mission is to support low income student athletes who may have trouble paying the “Pay to Play” fees. School teams are not actually playing right now, but the Foundation is looking with hope to youth sports starting back up at some point. 

Foundation founder Tim Lelito, former NFL player and standout football player at St. Clair High School, said, “It has been a tough year for all athletes. I’m happy that as a foundation we were able to grant these funds and take the financial stresses off their plate, so when sports safely return, they’re ready to play!” 

The grants have stayed in St. Clair county, spread out among 15 public middle and high schools. Jackie Hanton, Vice President of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, said, “It’s a blessing to have Lelito’s Legacy Foundation envision a safe and inclusive sports community for all, and no child should be left out of a game due to costs. Their donor advised fund has allowed our local schools to help more than 200 kids cover their pay to play fees.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Josh Chapman Named New CEO of YMCA of the Blue Water Area

Port Huron, MI — The YMCA of the Blue Water Area announces the selection of Josh Chapman as the new CEO. Current CEO, Denise Brooks is retiring after eleven years with the Y.

YMCA Board Chair, Geof Kusch, spoke of Chapman, saying, “He has shown an ability to build relationships and create partnerships and to manage effectively during the difficult times in which we find ourselves. This experience and Josh’s passion for our YMCA will help us move the YMCA of the Blue Water Area forward in service to our community.”

Chapman will be leaving his role as CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Cooke County in Gainesville, Texas. He has extensive experience at the YMCA of the Blue Water Area prior to his move to Texas. Chapman is credited with starting the Corporate Experience program and forming partnerships with local schools and other organizations.

Chapman said, “It’s both a privilege and an honor to have the opportunity to rejoin the organization that has been a cornerstone in my personal and professional life every step of the way. I look forward to continuing the game changing efforts the Y provides to all in the Blue Water Area.” 

Chapman begins his new role on January 12, 2021.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland