Around 175 TEC students, staff, friends and family raised money for charity by taking the annual Polar Bear Plunge on Dec. 1. The plunge, sponsored by the Port Huron Kiwanis, was at Lakeside Beach in Port Huron. Lane Robinson, adviser of TEC’s chapter of the National Technical Honor Society, said TEC had at least 5 students vying to be the last one out of the frigid water. Cosmetology students offered free face painting. TEC also provided free hot cocoa. The money raised by plunge pledges is part of a larger campaign called “TEC Kids Care.” Students are collecting money and clothing, coats and personal care items in all TEC classrooms. All proceeds go to Kids in Distress Services (KIDS) in St. Clair. This campaign has won TEC’s honor society chapter a national award five years in a row. Contact Robinson at TEC, ext. 4229, to contribute.

There are many traditional and contemporary ways to decorate for the holidays both inside and outside the home. Christmas is arguably the most popular decorating holiday, but having decorations that are re-usable for other holidays is a great idea.  Corey Curtis, General Manager at the Menards in Port Huron says, as you begin your Christmas decorating,  you might want to consider a wide variety of lighting options such as:  Rope lights, icicle lights or net lights for bushes or trees  — Try multiple function light sets that do amazing things  —  Consider various sizes of bulbs from big, small, sphere, round or —  warm, cool or multiple colors –Pathway, spotlight or window lighting  and be sure to use those LED lighting options as they are energy efficient and last for years.   Don’t forget to plan ahead and have tools readily available when decorating plus ladders, drills, adhesive strips, tape, nails, gutter hooks and anything else you might need.   And, you might want to consider choosing Christmas decorations that have more of a wintry feel that can be used for a longer time frame

The public is invited to the Carnegie Center in Port Huron on Saturday, December 15 from noon to 2 p.m. to enjoy a music video debut of “Lady of the Lake” written by Price Smith and performed by Paige Elizabeth.  According to Susan Bennett of Port Huron Museum, this haunting melody about the Storm of 1913, is told from the view of the lighthouse calling out to the ships enduring the storm.  There will also be special presentations by Wayne Brusate, REGINA diver, and author Robert McGreevy.  Admission is a suggested donation of $5, a portion of which will go to Paige Elizabeth’s college fund, with the remaining going to benefit the Port Huron Museum.  Tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite or at the Museum on Sixth Street.

The Light Festival of Stock’s Creek Manufactured Housing Community is inviting the public to a Christmas Light Festival this Saturday, December 8 from 5 to 7 p.m.   The public is invited to come walk the community and check out the displays. Individuals in the park have the opportunity to win a $100 gift card if their home wins.   There will be voting for the best house by stopping by the main office.  Five dollars will buy five votes and all proceeds will go to benefit the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots.  There will be complementary cocoa and cookies available at the main office as well.   Attendees will also be able to enter to win gift certificates, gift baskets, and other prizes.  Cash and book donations are welcome, but there is no fee for the event, it is free to the public.  According to Amanda Galloway of Stock’s Creek, there is no on street parking within the community, so they are encouraging people to park at surrounding businesses and walk in.  Stock’s Creek is a mobile home park located at 3730 Lapeer Rd, in Port Huron Township.

Anchor Bay School District has closed all schools today due to an apparent threat.  According to a post on the district’s Facebook page, administrators were “notified of a threat made at the high school this morning through the Ok2Say website.  The site further states, “Police are actively working on the investigation. As a measure of caution, all schools are canceled today.”   The school’s Facebook post says more information will be released as details become available.

As part of National Influenza Vaccination Week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding Michigan residents that it’s not too late to get the flu vaccine.  National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 2-8, promotes awareness about the importance of the flu vaccine and provides a reminder to get the flu shot for those who have not done so yet this season. Annual flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from the flu.  “The flu isn’t on anyone’s holiday wish list,” said Dr. Eden Wells, MDHHS chief medical executive. “It is important to get vaccinated now to protect yourself and your family. The vaccine is your best defense against the flu and will help reduce the severity of symptoms if you catch the flu despite being vaccinated.” Flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of the influenza virus and can result in mild to severe illness. Despite the fact numerous influenza hospitalizations and deaths are reported each year, last year only 39.5 percent of Michiganders reported receiving a flu shot, below the national rate of 41.7 percent. Typically, those most severely affected by the flu are children younger than 5 years old, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and those over 65 years old.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), last year’s flu season was estimated to be the deadliest since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. More than 79,000 deaths were attributed to the flu, 185 of which were children. In Michigan, two children died last year due to flu-related complications.  The 2018-2019 flu season is already underway and positive flu cases have been confirmed throughout the central, southeast and southwest regions of Michigan. In addition, influenza-like illnesses are being reported across the state. While flu activity is still minimal, it is important for Michiganders to get their flu vaccine now as it takes about two weeks after the vaccine is administered before the body builds up enough immunity to prevent the flu.  The CDC recommends routine annual influenza vaccination for all persons 6 months of age and older. This year there are many flu vaccine options available, and residents should speak with a healthcare provider about which flu vaccine is best for them. Flu vaccines are available at many locations throughout Michigan, including doctor’s offices, pharmacies and local health departments. To find a location near you, visit Flushot.healthmap.org. Additionally, there are several programs across the state that will assist with the cost of the vaccine. The Vaccines for Children program provides flu vaccine for free to those who are uninsured. Contact your local health department to learn more about these programs.  Residents with questions about vaccines, including the flu vaccine, can visit IVaccinate.org. For more information about flu activity in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/flu.