Gardening Makes You Stronger, Smarter, and Gives You Healthy Food

Home-grown food is healthy, but the act of actually growing the food, or even growing flowers, is healthy, too. Research shows that getting in the dirt and gardening are great ways to stay in shape physically and mentally.

The American Heart Association classifies gardening as moderate-intensity aerobic activity. If you’ve been sore after a day of gardening, you know that digging, planting, and pulling weeds all use muscles and can be a real workout.

Regular contact with dirt is an immunity booster, according to studies by immunology researchers. Gardening can also be a brain-booster, as the growing season often requires adaptability, problem-solving, and learning new things to make that garden grow.

It’s hard to garden while checking email, so it’s a great way to decompress and unplug from technology for a while.

The MSU Extension Lawn & Garden Hotline is open from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gardeners can call for help with gardening, insects, and other outdoors questions.

MSU Extension Lawn & Garden Hotline : (888) 678-3464 or online at msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/info/lawn_garden

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Fire Risk Present: Use Care When Burning

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking Michigan residents to be careful when burning things. Hot, dry weather in parts of the state has increased the risk for wildfires. Windy conditions add to the risk.

Over 3,000 acres have already been burned in Michigan wildfires this year, with 160 out-of-control fires to blame.

Paul Rogers, DNR fire prevention specialist says, “First and foremost, check to make sure that weather conditions are favorable before attempting to burn yard debris. Debris burning that escapes is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan.”

Campfires and bonfires should be in a pit or ring to prevent unintended ignition of surrounding areas and should be thoroughly extinguished before leaving the area. Keeping a hose or water nearby is an easy way to end a potential disaster.

The DNR reminds residents that it’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam, and other household trash.

If you intend to burn yard debris, go to Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to see if weather conditions allow for burning.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Absentee Ballots Are Now Available

The August 2nd primary is a big one this year with many ballot proposals and primary elections on the ballot. Absentee voter ballots are now available.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said, “Voters have numerous secure options for how to cast their ballots this August. Whether they choose to vote from home, by mail, via secure drop box, in person by absentee ballot at their local clerk office, or at their polling location on Election Day, Michigan voters can be confident their vote will be counted and their voice will be heard.”

Those who have signed up for the permanent absentee list have been mailed applications by their local clerk. Some clerks may mail applications to all registered voters in their jurisdiction.

Absentee applications are frequently mailed by political organizations, but clerks can only provide one absentee ballot to each voter. The signature on the application must match the voter’s signature that the clerk has on file.

Voters can apply to vote absentee by going to Michigan.gov/Vote, where they can also track the mailing of their ballot.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Downtown Port Huron’s First Friday is for Kids on July 1st

All the fun downtown isn’t just for the grownups. Downtown Port Huron is the place to be for kids and their families this Friday, July 1st from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. This month’s First Friday is focusing on kids.

Children of all ages are invited to take a stroll on the sidewalks of downtown Port Huron to check out the activities planned just for them. Downtown businesses will have face painting, games, coloring, and other types of fun.

Kids will also get a chance to meet the people who keep the community safe. A fire truck will be on site for kids to get up close and personal with, along with representatives of the military and first responders.

A Little Something, a gift shop and ice cream shop in downtown Port Huron will have special activities for kids, along with free ice cream for the first 200 kids, sponsored by local businesses.

For the full details on all of the special events in Downtown Port Huron, go to DowntownPH.com.

After the kids’ events, The Gobies, a local band will be rocking the McMorran Main Stage.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Wilton Receives United Way Campaign Champion Award

The United Way of St. Clair County has chosen Sharon Wilton as the 2021 Campaign Champion. She was recognized for her many years of volunteering and positive attitude.

Wilton told us that she has been a contributor to the United Way since 1987. She said, “While working at AT&T, I led our employee giving campaign and served on the Citizen’s Review Committee at United Way.  Being a part of the Citizen’s Review Committee really opened our eyes as to the need in our community, for many human services.”

Wilton said that in 2015 she became a recipient of services when she suffered a serious medical condition and missed several weeks of work, without pay. She said she was so appreciative, as she was a single mom and struggled to get back on her feet. 

Wilton said, “I have gone full circle and I am proud to co-chair the upcoming campaign for a non-profit that is so important to our community and to me!”

The United Way of St. Clair County reached 16,000 St. Clair County residents in 2021.

For more information about the United Way, go to uwstclair.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Neon Orange is the Best Choice for Kids’ Bathing Suits According to Research

Swimming is at the top of the list of things that make summer fun for kids. But as with most fun things, there are inherent dangers when swimming in lakes or pools. Something that parents might not think about is the color of their children’s bathing suits and how that color choice could potentially be life-saving.

If the bathing suit color blends in with the water, it can be hard to see a child who is in distress. And the best color choice is different for pool swimmers versus lake or pond swimmers.

ALIVE Solutions, Inc, found that Neon Yellow, Green, and Orange were the most visible in lake water. White was a distant fourth, and all other colors had a disappearing effect.

For pools, ALIVE found white and light blue to be the worst choices for visibility underwater. The top choices were neon pink and neon orange.

While nothing makes up for proper use of lifejackets and close supervision, having a neon orange or other safe-colored bathing suit is one more thing that can help keep kids visible and safe in the water.

https://alive-solutions.com/blog/f/buying-swimwearthink-safety

https://alive-solutions.com/blog/f/buying-bathing-suits-for-lakes-open-water

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland