Americorps Gets Funding to Continue Serving Michigan
The Michigan Community Service Commission will be able to continue with Americorps programs thanks to $13.4 million in federal funding.
The grant supports 1100 Michigan Americorps members who serve youth, care for public lands, provide housing and financial services, and increase disaster preparedness.
Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes said, “AmeriCorps service continues to help solve pressing issues across the state. There is a tremendous return on investment through the federal funding of AmeriCorps and the positive impact this service has on communities across the state.”
The Americorps grant funds the placing of volunteers with 23 organizations, including the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, the Michigan College Access Network, the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, Special Olympics Michigan, and others.
More information about the Americorps program and service member opportunities can be found at the link below.
Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland
Boats, Fireworks, Carnival, Music, and More at This Year’s Blue Water Fest and Boat Week
Who’s ready for the Blue Water Fest and Boat Week? Port Huron is.
The annual festival has it all. The party starts on July 13th with the Rotary International Parade stepping off at 6:30 p.m., with the theme “Children’s Storytime”. The parade starts at Huron and Glenwood and ends at Desmond Landing.
Operation Transformation’s Family Night will be entertaining families on Thursday, July 14th. The Blue Water Street Fair will be set up on Thursday and Friday featuring over 70 arts and crafts vendors.
Fireworks are at dusk on Thursday, July 14th, at Desmond Landing.
The main attraction is always the arrival of the boats as they prepare for the Bayview Mackinac Race, leaving on Saturday, July 16th.
There is a lot of construction going on downtown to improve both roads and the seawall on the Black River, so most of the entertainment, including the concerts, will be centered around the Blue Water Transit Center and McMorran Place parking lots, located west of Huron Avenue between Grand River Avenue and McMorran Boulevard.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Challenger Learning Center Adds Dates for Missions
The Challenger Learning Center at St. Clair County Community College has room for 70 people to take the Mission: Lunar Quest adventure. The Saturday, July 30th, and Saturday, August 27th dates are open for mission participants.
The missions are open to the first 35 registrants. Seats cost $25 per person.
Kristin Copenhaver, vice president of communication and special projects at SC4 said, “We know that many people are looking for fun and unique things to do in the summer months with their families, friends, community groups, scout troops, office and sports teams, and more. These open mission dates will offer greater access to exciting Challenger Learning Center experiences.”
Those who sign up for Mission: Lunar Quest will launch to the moon in search of a long-term human habitat, and command and assist in Mission Control, or they may board the Spacecraft as an astronaut, serving on special teams and making critical decisions to guide the mission.
Register for the July 30 and Aug. 27 missions at stclair.nbsstore.net/community-missions or contact us with questions at experiencecenter@sc4.edu or (810) 989-5789.
To schedule a full group mission at another time, visit challenger.sc4.edu/schedule-a-visit/.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Firework Safety Message from Port Huron Police Department
A message from the Port Huron Police Department:
Please use caution when celebrating with fireworks this weekend. Fireworks are not to be used at city parks which close at dusk.
Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Use great caution with sparklers as they burn and get hot enough to burn some metals. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or mishap.
Other tips from the US Product Safety Commission include:
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from the fireworks device quickly.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water, and throw them away.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone. After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.
- Only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
Unfortunately, in 2021 across the United States, nine (9) deaths were reported from firework usage. The death toll rises when taking into account structure fires caused by fireworks. If injury or death occurs from irresponsible use of fireworks you will be held responsible.
State law permits consumer fireworks to be used this weekend from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. June 29th through July 4th. Fireworks are not permitted on Tuesday, July 5th this year.
For an even safer alternative, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back and let the experts handle the fireworks show.
The city offers a professional firework show on Family Night, Thursday, July 14, 2022 at the foot of Griswold Street at dusk. Please join us then and have a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend. Happy Independence Day!
Fireworks Season is Here! Have Fun and Be Careful
Watching fireworks together is a long-standing tradition for many communities and families. It’s easier than ever to buy fireworks for a backyard or neighborhood show.
Whether you are lighting off fireworks or just running around with a few sparklers, the American Red Cross has some advice. They recommend that fireworks, including sparklers, never be given to small children, and that fireworks never be pointed at people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable objects.
A garden hose turned on, or a bucket of water should always be on hand to douse any wayward fireworks.
The person lighting the fireworks should be wearing some kind of eye protection, and fireworks should always be stored in a cool, dry place.
Not everyone loves fireworks. Those with PTSD and many family pets could do without a neighborhood fireworks show. Be mindful.
Always clean up the spent fireworks and dispose of them properly.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to relax at a public professional show. The Blue Water Fest fireworks will be launched at dusk from Desmond Landing on Thursday, July 14th.
Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland