Back To School 2023 Ensures A Strong Start For Low-Income Students In St. Clair County

St. Clair County is rallying to make a meaningful impact on young lives as Back to School 2023 takes center stage. 

This community-driven initiative aims to provide a solid foundation for success by offering essential support to children from low-income families.

Eligibility is geared towards St. Clair County residents with required proof of residency. The program encompasses backpacks brimming with school supplies for elementary and middle school students, and tailored pre-school backpacks equipped with a reading book, coloring book, and crayons. Quantities are limited, making early participation advantageous.

Children must be present to receive a backpack, there will be no exceptions. This event schedule spans various locations, ensuring accessibility for all. Locations include Capac, Yale, Port Huron, and East China areas.  

To find a location near you, as well as dates and times, visit: bwcaa.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Hosts Free Breastfeeding, Health & Nutrition Event To Celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Month

The St. Clair County Health Department’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program staff are gearing up for an engaging and educational afternoon as they host a remarkable event on August 14th. Celebrating Breastfeeding Awareness Month, the event aims to highlight the profound connection between breastfeeding and lifelong nutrition.

Becki Hartman, WIC Program Nursing Supervisor, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This year’s event promises an enriching experience for all ages, brimming with breastfeeding support, health screenings, educational sessions, kids’ activities, refreshments, and a variety of vendor offerings.”

Attendees can expect consultations with breastfeeding experts, car seat safety guidance, food safety and nutrition insights, mental health resources, and a chance to win valuable prizes. The event will be held from 2 – 5 p.m. at the YMCA of the Blue Water Area.

For event details and breastfeeding support, contact (810) 987-8222.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Hosts Wheelchair Basketball Demo Days For Students And Community Members

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) and its Athletics Department are breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity by introducing wheelchair basketball to their sports lineup. To showcase this exciting addition, the college is hosting demonstration days at the SC4 Fieldhouse, welcoming both disabled and able-bodied individuals.

The schedule for demonstration days is as follows:

  • Thursday, Aug. 10 at 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Aug. 17 at 9 a.m.
  • Monday, Aug. 21 at 9 a.m.
  • Friday, Aug. 25 at 5 p.m.

SC4 Athletic Director Dale Vos extended a warm invitation, saying, “We welcome everyone to come to demo days with us and check out this exciting new offering at SC4. It’s an exciting co-ed sport for athletes and fans alike.”

The college’s Wheelchair Basketball Team plans to showcase their skills through exhibition contests and games in its inaugural season, including participation in the upcoming Wolverine Invitational at the SC4 Fieldhouse from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.

For more information on the days of demonstration, visit: sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County RESA Chosen As Groundbreaking Site For New Strong Beginnings Preschool Program For 3-Year-Olds

St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) is taking a pioneering step in early childhood education as it proudly announces its selection as a pilot site for the innovative Strong Beginnings preschool program.

RESA will launch 28 classrooms catering to 3-year-old children across 10 intermediate school districts statewide. Two of these classrooms will be hosted within the county, with Memphis Elementary School and Port Huron Schools Early Childhood Center as the chosen venues. These spaces, each capable of accommodating up to 14 children, will initiate classes in the upcoming fall of 2023.

The Strong Beginnings curriculum fosters social, language, literacy, math, and science skills in a nurturing environment, focusing on foundational attributes crucial for lifelong success. The program is available free of charge to eligible families, ensuring equitable access to quality early education.

For more information, call Betty Gorinac at: (810) 455-4037. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Step Into A World Of Knights And Dragons At The 2023 Michigan Renaissance Festival

Prepare to be transported through time as Hollygrove beckons all to its captivating 2023 Michigan Renaissance Festival. A delightful fusion of history, culture, and entertainment awaits visitors at this year’s festival located at 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly.

There will be 17 stages that will come alive with a mesmerizing variety of performances, featuring the talents of musicians, magicians, jugglers, and the grand spectacle of full-contact armored jousting. An impressive assembly of over 100 artisans will transform the Festival marketplace into a treasure trove of handcrafted wonders, offering patrons a shopping experience fit for royalty.

With seven themed weekends, this event promises an unforgettable experience for all. From August 19th – October 1st, Hollygrove invites you to indulge in the experience, every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

For ticket prices and more information, visit: michrenfest.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Celebrating National Black Business Month This August

As August unfolds, the nation embarks on a journey of appreciation and recognition for the invaluable contributions of Black-owned businesses.

National Black Business Month, initiated in August 2004 by historians John William Templeton and Frederick E. Jordan Sr., aims to amplify the policy discourse surrounding the 2.6 million African-American businesses in the United States.

Accounting for 10 percent of U.S. businesses and 30 percent of all minority-owned enterprises, Black business owners fuel many sectors. From healthcare and social assistance to repair services, consulting, and culinary ventures, these entrepreneurs foster economic diversity. Over 40 percent of black-owned enterprises thrive in health and service sectors.

In celebration, communities are urged to champion and patronize African American-owned businesses, fostering an inclusive economic landscape. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell