Lake Huron Foundation (LHF) has announced Chandra Gruber as the new Director, effective December 31, 2018. In her role, Ms. Gruber is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, strategic plan and financial viability of the Foundation.  Ms. Gruber brings more than 20 years of combined corporate and non-profit organizational leadership, program development experience, fundraising and grantmaking experience. She succeeds Laura Cottengim, who held the position for three and a half years, co-leading efforts to re-locate the People’s Clinic for Better Health to expand services offerings to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the most vulnerable members of the local community. During her tenure, both individuals served and assets tripled in size. “I can’t express enough gratitude for the privilege of serving this foundation or for the successes we have all achieved together throughout the past three years,” said Laura Cottengim, Director of Business Development and Marketing for Lake Huron Medical Center. “Chandra’s leadership, sincere appreciation for our culture and proven track record for fostering relationships that deliver positive outcomes will ensure Lake Huron Foundation continues to serve those most in need for many years to come.”  Ms. Cottengim will continue to serve as a member of the Lake Huron Foundation Governing Board and the Director of Business Development and Marketing for Lake Huron Medical Center in a full-time capacity.  “I would like to thank Laura for her dedication, commitment and passion to keeping the mission of the Foundation moving forward. I am excited to help further advance the important and impactful work of the Foundation and the People’s Clinic for Better Health. I look forward to collaborating with local leaders and stakeholders to enhance our sustaining partnerships with community organizations and donors, and identify and cultivate new relationships to ensure our organizational sustainability.” said Ms. Gruber. “Continuing the legacy of the foundation and its assets, including the People’s Clinic for Better Health, are of the utmost importance.”  “We are excited to have Chandra leading the foundation’s initiatives” said Jennifer Smith- Deegan, Chair of the Lake Huron Foundation Board. “Her experience and proven track record will ensure we continue to meet our standards for delivering high-quality patient care.”  Previously, Ms. Gruber was the Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving for Children’s Heartlink in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She also held foundation and giving positions at General Motors Foundation in Detroit, Michigan and St. Jude Medical in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Information Systems from Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Port Huron Schools Early Childhood Center is registering students now for 2019 programs. Tuition-based 3 and 4 year old students have the option of enrolling and attending on an ongoing basis with no designated time frame. Qualifying GSRP (Great Start Readiness Students) 4 year olds must be that age by September 1, 2019 to enroll and attend in Fall 2019. Students may reside either in or out of the Port Huron Schools district. Registration is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. by calling (810) 984-6537 or going to the Early Childhood Center at 2400 Garfield St. in Port Huron for assistance. The Early Childhood Center page on
the phasd.us website also has an enrollment contact form.
To enroll, the following are required:
● Photo ID
● 2 proofs of residency
● birth certificate
● immunization records
● proof of income (GSRP only)

State Representative Gary Eisen was sworn in for his first term as representative of the 81^st District this week. Administering the Oath of Office was Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen Markman on the House Floor. Rep. Eisen was joined at the rostrum by his wife Annie. To contact his office, people may call 517-373-1790 or email GaryEisen@house.mi.gov.

Norovirus illness often peaks in winter. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has identified increases in norovirus activity recently and is urging Michigan residents to take precautions to stay healthy.  Although several viruses can cause vomiting and diarrhea, norovirus is the most common. These viruses are easily spread through food, by person-to-person contact or through contaminated surfaces. Therefore, take caution if someone in your household is ill. Norovirus infection is sometimes described “stomach flu” but it is not related to influenza (flu), a respiratory viral illness that can cause fever, cough, chills, headache, muscle aches, runny nose and sore throat.  Norovirus often causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping, but infected people may also have a low-grade fever, headache, weakness and muscle aches. Symptoms can begin as early as 12 hours after exposure to the virus or as late as 72 hours. The symptoms of norovirus usually last one to three days. In most cases, ill individuals fully recover without medical attention.  However, norovirus infection may result in hospitalization due to dehydration, especially in the very young and elderly. Individuals with severe diarrhea should drink lots of liquids. Symptoms that are not seen with norovirus infection are bloody diarrhea or high fever. If these symptoms develop, contact your medical provider.  The best way to limit the spread of these viruses is frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds using soap and warm running water, being sure to completely clean all areas of hands and under fingernails. This is especially important after using the bathroom or before preparing or eating food.  Preventing contamination of food, drinks, water and ice is also very important. People who have been sick with vomiting and diarrhea should not prepare or serve food to others for at least three days after their symptoms are gone. One-third cup of bleach diluted with one gallon of water is the most effective way to disinfect surfaces. Bleach should be used in well-ventilated areas. Hand sanitizers are ineffective against the virus.    Norovirus can remain on a variety of surfaces for extended periods of time. Doorknobs, faucets, sinks, toilets, bath rails, phones, counters, chairs, tables, hand rails, light switches, keyboards and other high-touch surfaces should be disinfected more frequently, but especially within a 25-foot radius after a vomiting incident. Steam clean carpets and upholstery and launder clothes or linens contaminated with vomit or feces on the hottest setting.  Additional information about norovirus can be found at CDC.gov/norovirus.

State Sen. Dan Lauwers was sworn in as senator of the 25th District on Wednesday during a ceremony at the state Capitol. Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen Markman administered the oath of office.  Lauwers was joined in the Senate chamber for the occasion by his wife Kellie, parents Richard and Mary Lauwers, and sister and brother-in-law Anne and Tom Leen.  “I am honored to serve the people of the 25th District,” said Lauwers, R-Brockway Township. “I am looking forward to getting to work on behalf of all Michiganders to keep our state the best place to live, work and raise a family.”  Lauwers’ office is located in Room S-2 of the state Capitol in Lansing. Residents may contact Lauwers by phone at 517-373-7708 or toll-free at 1-855-347-8025, by email at SenDLauwers@senate.michigan.gov, or via U.S. mail by writing to Sen. Dan Lauwers, P. O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909.  More information about the senator will be available at his forthcoming website at www.SenatorDanLauwers.com.  The 25th Senate District includes Huron, St. Clair, and Sanilac counties as well as Armada Township, Memphis, New Baltimore, Richmond and Richmond Township in Macomb County.

The popular Couch to 5K program has helped couch potatoes get up off their sofas and onto the roads, turning them into runners in just two months. We will get you off on the right foot by working out 3 times a week, beginning with walking and working up to running three miles or more.  Graduation will be the finish line of the Y’s Leprechaun Loop run on March 16. Classes include warm up, core fitness, walking, running, stretching and cooling down. Class registration includes entry into the Leprechaun Loop run – because whatever you are now, you become a runner when you get your first race number. The running portion will be outside so dress appropriately. This class begins Tuesday, January 15. and is held:
Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays: January 15 – March 16
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Tues & Thurs) & 9:00 am – 10:00 am (Sat)
Ages – 18 – 99
Member – $45.00
Non-Member – $75.00
To learn more about the Couch to 5K, contact the YMCA of the Blue Water Area at 810-987-6400 or
visit www.bluewaterymca.com for more information.