Local News

There is good news for seventh graders in the Blue Water Area in the form of free memberships to the YMCA. The Blue Water YMCA is offering free memberships to 7th graders who attend public, private or homeschool. Seventh graders have been chosen for this gift, valued at $200, because “Research shows that 7th grade is a critical time in a young person’s life when exposure to risk factors greatly increases”, according to the Y. 

Another factor is that school sports become more competitive and not every student gets the chance to be on a team. The YMCA can offer athletic and recreational opportunities to anyone regardless of ability. To get the membership, 7th graders need to show their school ID or report card and bring a parent to help them sign up. The membership includes use of the Duffy Wellness Center, two pools, gym, exercise classes, and special activities for 7th graders. 

The 7th grade membership value can be applied to a family membership, if desired as well. The free membership is good through August 31, 2020. This venture has been made possible through sponsorship from Cawood Auto and the employees of the YMCA.

Reporting for WGRT, Kelsie Kaczperski.

Elf The Musical will be playing at McMorran Place this weekend, put on by the Port Huron Civic Theater. There are ninety cast members, half of whom are kids. The work that has gone in to preparing and training these young actors has been substantial. Civic Theater Board Member and “Mommy Elf”, Kammie Fabian-Gaytán, told us that “It has been a blast to work on this Christmas production. With the dancing, singing, costumes and sets all designed by our own community, it’s guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit”.  

The production is directed by Leah Tyrell and Amy Fabick. Ms. Fabian-Gaytán told us that “The highlight of the show is the energy Bruce McFadden II brings to the character, Buddy. The energy inspires the rest of the cast during their tapping and swing dance numbers.” 

The musical is described as the tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. Ticket prices range from $12 to $15 for the Friday through Sunday shows with special pricing of only $5 for seniors on December 13 at 2 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT, Kelsie Kaczperski.

‘Tis the season for giving as there are many charities and organizations that help children and families in need in the Blue Water Area. We report on them often, especially during the holiday season, however, there is one group of young people who sometimes slip through the cracks. Those are foster children who have aged out of the system and could really use some extra Christmas spirit and some gifts right now. 

Each case is different, but their common bond is that they are trying to take charge of their lives after being in foster care. They are not eligible for Department of Health and Human Services programs because their cases have been closed but they are monitored through the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative. According to a memo from Sunshine Ratliff, MYOI Coordinator for the St. Clair County Department of Health and Human Services, these youths are aged 17 to 24 with some that are young parents, in school, live independently, and are in the workforce. 

If you are interested in helping Sunshine out with sharing the holiday love, she needs you to take action quickly. To help support these young people, please email her at ratliffs2@michigan.gov where she will direct you to a website to sign up for gifts.

Reporting for WGRT, Kelsie Kaczperski.

If you are not yet in the Christmas Spirit, East Shore Leadership Academy has an event that will get you there. Mark your calendars for tomorrow, Thursday, December 12 for their Neighborhood Winter Wonderland. The charter school, located at 1403 7th Street in the Olde Towne neighborhood of Port Huron, has been welcoming families and friends to enjoy the holiday season for six years now. 

East Shore is a charter school that is located in the old St. Joseph Catholic School building and is chartered by Northern Michigan University and operated by Bold Education Connections. The Kindergarten through 8th grade school hosts this event which includes carriage rides, kids’ activities, hot chocolate and treats, and even a visit from Santa himself. 

In addition to the seasonal festivities, some of our hometown athletes from the Port Huron Prowlers Hockey team will be there to mingle with the guests. They are also offering free gifts to the first two hundred people. The event is free and is a great way for families to slow down and spend some quality time together.

Reporting for WGRT, Kelsie Kaczperski.

On a list that includes places like Ethiopia and Brisbane, Australia, our very own Great Lakes appear. The list was published by Travel & Leisure magazine as top spots for travel in 2020 and the list of upscale travel destinations mentions cruising the Great Lakes as a must-do for adventurous travelers. 

There is currently a French luxury cruise that offers a Great Lakes cruise that leaves from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and ends in Toronto, Ontario. The eight-day cruise starts at $6360 per person and will be sailing in October of 2021, so there is still some time to save up. The ship has 92 staterooms and is described as “ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service”. 

The cruise’s route goes south down the St. Clair River, as does a 16-day cruise offered by Blount Small Ship Adventures. Prices for this 16-day trip range from $5000 to $9000 per person for the 2020 season and cruisers travel between Chicago and New York. 

For now, there are a handful of smaller cruise ships offering these fresh water cruises. So far, they pass by the Blue Water Area with no scheduled stops.

Reporting for WGRT, Kelsie Kaczperski.

Thinking about what they want to do after high school is a big question for many high schoolers. As technology changes, career options change as well. The Blue Water College Access Network is offering an Information Technology Night on December 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the St. Clair County RESA building in Marysville. 

This is an event for high school students and their parents in the seven public school districts in St. Clair County. It will feature a career panel and will explore career opportunities in fields such as Computer Systems Analysis, Software Engineering, Web Development, and many others. The presentation is recommended for students who are interested in problem solving and have a mind open to the inevitable advances in technology. The best part is that a St. Clair County high school junior or senior in attendance is going to leave with a $500 scholarship. 

Registration is required to attend as seating is limited, but you can register at bwcan.org or call St. Clair County RESA.  The event is free to attend and is part of the Design4theFuture College and Career Initiative.

Reporting for WGRT, Kelsie Kaczperski.