Local News

United Way of St. Clair County’s (UWSCC) 2018 Campaign Celebration last night was a night of inspirational and heart-warming testimonies.  The room was filled with eager guests excited to hear about this year’s accomplishments.  Campaign sponsors made this event possible.  Alexander’s Premier Banquet Facility, 1200 Gratiot Boulevard in Marysville, hosted the event of 150 guests.  Mayor Dan Damman, Campaign Chair, was the Emcee for the evening.  His passion for UWSCC entranced the guests from the moment he began his welcome.  Mayor Damman kicked off the event with an expression of gratitude to all of this year’s volunteers, supporters, and Campaign sponsors.  Loaned Executives, Crystal Mosher and Bryce Smith, were recognized and thanked for their exceptional efforts conducting Campaign meetings with employers and their staff.  Campaign Division Chairs each presented on the successes of their teams of volunteers and shared moving testimonials of their experiences.  Plaques were awarded to many of the businesses and organizations who participated in an Employee Giving Campaign; in recognition of the generous support of their staff.  New contributors received certificates of appreciation.  The room was filled with laughter and applause when the Campaign Cabinet played a light-hearted joke on their Chair; showing, once again, their loyalty to him as their fearless leader.  Then, the moment had come; it was time for the unveiling of the 2018 Campaign Total.  UWSCC is pleased to announce that the community raised $1,234,585.  That is 97.8% of our goal reached!  Campaign Director, Brent Gillette, presented Mayor Damman with a token of appreciation on behalf of all of the volunteers whom he has led with passion, dedication, and determination.  U.S. Congressman Mitchell and a representative from the office of U.S. Senator Peters presented Dan with a certificate of recognition for his compassion and perseverance that are helping to improve the quality of life of the citizens of St. Clair County.

The St. Clair County Earth Fair is now accepting applications for vendors, school classroom field trips, event volunteers, and Green Guardian Award nominations. The 17^th annual Earth Fair is set for Friday, April 26 from 9am – 4pm and Saturday, April 27 from 10am – 4pm at Goodells County Park. All applications are available online at www.EarthDayFair.com.   Anyone may apply to be an Earth Fair vendor that has an environmental product, message or service. The vendor application deadline is February 15.  St. Clair County teachers with a 3rd – 5th grade class are invited to register for a free field trip to Earth Fair. Earth Fair augments science lessons taught in the classroom and enables students to interact with ‘field experts’ in a hands-on learning environment. Field trip spaces are limited so early registration is encouraged.  The Green Guardian Award is Blue Water Area’s only environmental recognition program that acknowledges environmental superheroes from a business, school, group and individual that have demonstrated an initiative to enhance, preserve, and protect the Blue Water Area. Self-nomination is encouraged. There is no nomination deadline.  All registration forms are available online at www.EarthDayFair.com. Earth Fair, Michigan’s largest Earth Day event, is a two-day extravaganza that offers a unique opportunity for 70 exhibitors to connect with 10,000 visitors interested in healthy, sustainable and green living. For more information, contact Sheri Faust at (810) 987-5306 or earthfair@stclaircounty.org, or visit www.EarthDayFair.com.

The St. Clair County Retirees’ Association will hold their Luncheon Meeting on Wednesday, February 6th at the Charles Hammond American Legion Hall, 1026 Sixth Street, Port Huron.  Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with a buffet lunch served at 12 noon. Cost for the luncheon is $10.00/person for Association members and their guest; and $12.00/person for non-members.  A $2.00 fee will be charged for non-members attending the presentation only. The program will feature the showing of a November 2018 interview by Channel 4 with Association member Don Tuthill. The interview, which was conducted in observance of Veteran’s Day, highlights Mr. Tuthill’s life in the Army Calvary during World War II and includes the events and rescue surrounding the torpedoing of his transport ship and his life following discharge from the military.  Membership in the Association is open to retirees from all St. Clair County departments or their surviving spouse. For more information, please contact Sharon at sccra917@gmail.com or 810-987-9185.

BWPCC provides women and men with the emotional help and practical resources they need. BWPCC is a non-profit medical clinic empowering women in the Blue Water Area with factual information about their bodies, pregnancy, and options while providing emotional & practical assistance to those facing unplanned or untimely pregnancies. They offer free & confidential pregnancy tests, ultrasound, prenatal education, parenting classes, baby items, & community referrals. Supported entirely by donations, BWPCC helps nearly 1300 moms, babies, and dads each year.   Blue Water Pregnancy Center has received special recognition over the years including:  just this year – Babies Go To Congress and- in the past the Beacon of Light  – State of Michigan Special Tribute — U.S. Congressional Recognition  – City of Port Huron Certificate of Appreciation    – Faithful for Life Award by St. Clair County Right to  Life    and Certification by Operation Transformation (similar to the ECFA Certification)  The Pregnancy Care Center will celebrate 30 years of ministry, during their annual fundraising event on Thursday, March 6.   There will be a a great buffet dinner, a program and an opportunity to financially support Blue Water Pregnancy Care Center offered, but there is no charge to attend the event.  Teens are welcome –  Be sure to reserve your seat by February 16 as seating is limited.  You can do that by calling 810.985.4673 or email us at bwpcc.admin1@gmail.com.

Extreme cold has resulted in school cancellations and many closing throughout Michigan.  Consumers Energy sent a text alert Wednesday night asking their utility customers to lower thermostats to 65 or below through Friday.  Governor Whitmer echoed that request in a special announcement made Wednesday night.  The request came after a fire at the Ray Township Natural Gas Compressor Station in Macomb County Wednesday morning.  The fire was extinguished within a few hours, and the company is working to supply enough gas from reserve storage areas in Wayne and St. Clair counties.  DTE issued a statement requesting customers to help safeguard the reliability of the regional energy by reducing electricity usage during the cold spell adding several energy saving tips including:

• Dial down the thermostat several degrees in your home and wear additional layers of clothing.
• Minimize use of electrical appliances and equipment such as washers, dryers, ovens, dishwashers, and humidifiers.
• Turn off all unnecessary lights.
• Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
• Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.

Semco says they always encourage customers to conserve energy whenever possible, because it does make a difference to dial back when the demand is high and stress is put on the system, but Semco  is currently managing the load.

The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their all new “Fan Powered” tour to McMorran Place this Saturday, February 2 at 2 p.m.  According to Harlem Globetrotter Orlando El-Gato Melendez,  at a Globetrotter’s event, you won’t just be watching the action, you could be in the middle of it!  This year, he says the game offers even more opportunities for attendees to interact with the stars of the team.    Melendez, said a Magic Pass to the exclusive pre-show is available.  The Magic Pass gives the spectator an unprecedented access to the players, where you can learn tricks, shoot hoops and take photos on the court.  During the main event, the Globetrotters’ take on the Washington Generals, as they display incredible ball handling, dunking, trick shots and comedy.  His advice to young people who might be interested in becoming a Globe Trotter – “Go to college – make good choices as you get your education – and practice your talent”.  He is excited to be coming to Port Huron he says, but, not so excited about the cold weather.Tickets are available online and at the McMorran Box Office.