The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Long Term Care Policy Section has issued a Request for Proposal for nursing home quality of life enrichment.  The purpose of the Nursing Facility Enrichment Program is to fund projects and activities that benefit and enrich the lives of nursing facility residents. All proposals must include enhancements to nursing facility services and go beyond the services required to be provided by a nursing facility.  Eligible applicants include hospitals and health care organizations, academic institutions, nursing facilities, nonprofit organizations, private businesses, Native American tribal organizations and other organizations able to plan, implement and evaluate projects, programs and process system improvements designed to protect or improve quality of life and care for residents of nursing facilities.  The enrichment program’s priorities are projects that support resident and/or family councils and other consumer involvement in assuring quality care. Priority will be given to projects that include resident and other stakeholder input in the development of the project and improve the quality of life for residents through innovative approaches to implement person-directed values within the nursing facility.  Grants starting at $5,000 are available for organizations to provide these services.  Authorities say grant applications must be submitted electronically through the MI E-Grants program. Applications will be accepted through May 3, 2019, at 3 p.m. The Nursing Home Enrichment Program period is Oct. 1, 2019 – Sept. 30, 2020. For more information or to apply, visit the MI E-Grants website and select the “About EGrAMS” link on the left side of the screen to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete Request for Proposal document can be accessed on the MI E-Grants website in the ‘Current Grants’ section by selecting the “Medical Services Administration” link and accessing the “NFEP-2020” grant program

Spring has arrived, and the baseball and softball seasons are underway at SC4 as the Skippers gear up for home games against conference and non-conference opponents.  Led by head coach Ryan Kottke, the Skippers baseball team looks to make an early impact with home games against Mott Community College on April 5 and Cleary University JV April 7. The SC4 softball team, led by head coach Ron Matthews, will play home contests against Alpena Community College April 6 and 7, Oakland Community College April 9, and Delta College April 12.  All home baseball games are played at Sanborn Park in Port Huron, while softball contests take place at Pine Grove Park.  Fans can have some extra fun at the ballpark during special promotional games this season. During rivalry days on Saturday, April 20 (softball), and Saturday, April 27 (baseball), attendees will receive free SC4 rally towels. And during Pup at the Park days on Saturday, April 13 (baseball), and Saturday, May 4 (softball), fans can take in the game with their four-legged friends.  A number of Skippers baseball and softball players have gone on to play and coach in local and national collegiate and professional sports. For instance, former Skipper Paul Fry is off to a great start with the Baltimore Orioles this season, and Bill Nahorodny’s Major League Baseball career was just recently featured by NBC Sports.  For more information, including rosters and full season schedules, visit sc4.edu/athletics

Lake Huron Foundation’s Volunteer Organization is offering a scholarship to those students enrolled in a community college or university who are studying for a career in the health care field. The deadline is April 30, 2019, and the maximum scholarship award is $1,200 per academic year.  “We are pleased to offer these scholarships to future health care providers in our community,” commented Rosemary Hunger, Lake Huron Foundation’s Volunteer Coordinator. “The Volunteer Organization’s scholarship program has created a lasting legacy while benefiting generations of students.”  According to Hunger, The eligibility requirements and considerations include: students enrolled in a community college or university who are studying for a career in the field of health care, are currently enrolled, carrying a minimum of six (6) credits per semester and demonstrating satisfactory progress. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate a financial need and Lake Huron Medical Center employees and their dependents.

To be eligible for consideration of scholarship funds, applicants must:

• Complete the formal scholarship application found on Lake Huron Foundation’s Volunteer Organization website (https://www.mylakehuron.com/Lake-Huron-Foundation/Volunteer-Organization/Health-Care-Scholarship.aspx)
• Submit a transcript of the most recent classes completed or enrolled
• Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or employer
• Enclose a copy of an acceptance letter into the specified program (for example: a letter of acceptance into a nursing or health care administration program). If a program specific letter is not applicable, a letter of acceptance from the college or university the applicant will be attending will suffice.
• Applications must be received by April 30, 2019

Completed applications should be submitted to the Lake Huron Foundation Volunteer Coordinator via U.S. mail at Lake Huron Foundation Volunteer Organization, Attn: Volunteer Coordinator, 2601 Electric Avenue, Port Huron, MI 48060.

McLaren Port Huron’s diabetes education team will present a free diabetes care program. Wake Up Your Diabetes Care takes place Tuesday, April 30, 1:30 – 3 p.m., in the McLaren Port Huron Drew Classroom.  What is the connection between diabetes and sleep? Mark Buckley, lead technologist at McLaren Port Huron’s Center for Sleep Medicine, will discuss sleep disorders and their effects on health and diabetes. Enjoy “dreamy” samplings of fresh spring recipes and participate in a fun diabetes challenge game that will keep you wide awake! Members of our diabetes education team will be available to answer questions.  This program is free, and registration is required.  To register or for more information call HealthAccess at 1-800-228-1484 or visit www.mclaren.org/phevents.

The Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron is the location for the BlueWater International Comic-Con this Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31.  According to St. Clair County Administrator Controller Kary Hepting, show times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday with advance ticket purchase of $7.50 – or $12 the day of the show – Sunday, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with admission $5 in advance and $8 the day of the show.  A two-day pass may be purchased in advance only for $10 – kids 5 and under are free.  The Show is produced by Fantasticon – creating a mid-size show created for true comic book and pop culture collectors and fans.  Organizers say if you collect it, you will find it at a Fantasticon Show.  A number of well-known comic-con guests and artists will be in attendance, along with the Great Lakes Ghostbuster Coalition, the Dadpool Street Cruiser and Kitt, the Knight Rider Car.

The First Congregational Church has withdrawn its request to rezone a residential block in the city’s Old Town Neighborhood to a central business district, according to City Manager James Freed.  The Center currently rents space inside the church building and offers healthcare and addiction recovery services to low income and at risk residents. Authorities say that some of the healthcare services offered by The Center are not allowed in a residential zoned neighborhood, therefore the church was seeking to rezone that property.  When area residents voiced opposing concerns, the church withdrew their request and are expected to ask for a conditional zoning request which would be more restrictive on what kinds of programs can be offered at the 723 Court Street location.  Rezoning is determined by a recommendation from the Planning Commission, followed by a vote from City Council.  The next Planning Commission meeting will be Tuesday, April 2nd at 6 p.m. at the Port Huron Municipal Office Center, however, no discussion concerning the rezoning is expected at that meeting.