Why It’s Important for All Americans to Celebrate Juneteenth

Today’s guests, Alphonso Amos, Jessica Brown, and Kevin Watkins share why Juneteenth is important to them and how the whole community can come together for this celebration of a major event in American history.

Learn more about the Juneteenth Celebration at St. Clair County Community College on Saturday, June 1th from noon- 4 PM here:

https://sc4.edu/event/juneteenth-celebration/

Learn more about Black Lives Matter Port Huron here:

https://www.facebook.com/BlackLivesMatterPortHuron

SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion here:

https://sc4.edu/office-of-diversity-equity-inclusion/

Port Huron Chapter of NAACP here:

https://www.facebook.com/Port-Huron-Branch-of-the-NAACP-479353555461261

 

The WGRT Local News Podcast is part of the WGRT 102.3 FM Podcast Network. For the latest episodes of all of our featured podcasts, visit our website here:

https://wgrt-1023-fm-podcast-network.captivate.fm

WGRT Local News Podcast is produced by the following team members:

Executive Producer: Jessie Wiegand

Audio Engineer: George James

Administrator: Jessie Wiegand

Marketing: Jessie Wiegand

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Carol Dalrymple Foundry Selfie Factory

New Selfie Factory Coming to Foundry for Summer

The Selfie Factory at Foundry is a new entertainment experience for those who love creating fun, and maybe even a little outrageous, photos for their social media pages.

Foundry owner, Carol Dalrymple, said she got the idea from seeing photos taken at Selfie Museums and Selfie Stations in bigger cities. She’s always on the lookout for new experiences she can bring to Foundry to add to the escape rooms, art classes, pottery studio, and music performances they already offer.

The Selfie Factory will be set up around the upstairs of the building at 1219 Military Street. It will include multiple stations, and participants will pay $20 each for an hour of time to explore, have fun, and take pictures. Visitors can come alone or with a small group, and they can wear costumes and bring their own props, selfie sticks, and ring lights or rent some extras provided by Foundry.

“If you’re looking for something for your teenagers, who are always looking for something to do, this is good, clean fun outside of the house in an air-conditioned environment,” said Dalrymple.

Featured stations include a bathtub filled with (fake) cash and jewels, a monochromatic space, and a throne to make yourself royalty for the day. Dalrymple and her team have several other ideas, including a giant cereal bowl, and the goal is to let their imaginations run wild so people will have an experience they’ll be talking about for awhile.

The Selfie Factory at Foundry will run from July 7- August 13th. You can learn more and book your spot at:

https://fb.me/e/1yz9LZSjj

Or visit Foundry’s website here: https://foundryporthuron.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Veterans Invited to Take a Cruise on the Huron Lady June 30th

St. Clair County veterans who would enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Huron Lady should mark their calendars for June 30th. That’s the day that local veterans are invited to take an Appreciation Cruise on the St. Clair River with fellow vets.

The event is made possible by coordination between the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs and the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.

Liz Sawielski with the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs said that this is the first time that the Department has coordinated a cruise, although other community organizations have organized boat trips for veterans in the past.

Sawielski said that they wanted to offer a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon as a small way to say thank you for their service and sacrifice. She said, “Offering these types of activities helps veterans build camaraderie, have a sense of belonging, and feel connected to the Blue Water area veteran community.”

Sawielski said it’s a chance for fellow service members to connect and rebuild some community connections after a rough two years.

Limited spots available. Reserve yours now by calling 810-989-6945 ext. 2.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Trailer Safety Week Reminds Drivers to Be Careful When Pulling Trailers

It’s Trailer Safety Week and the Michigan Department of Transportation wants motorists to be aware of the safety concerns when drivers are pulling a trailer on roadways. As thousands of motorists pull trailers packed with lawn equipment, off-road vehicles, kayaks, and more, it’s important to get it right every time.

MDOT and the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers say that safe towing depends on the driver, the tow vehicle, and the trailer. A lot is riding, literally, on safe and proper driving and drivers should be focused and limit distractions.

Using an adequate tow hitch is vital to keeping the roadways safe. Correctly attached safety chains are crucial after a properly hitched trailer. Making sure trailers are loaded properly is also important. Weight distribution is critical.

Having the right vehicle to tow the trailer, checking the components of the trailer, and securing the cargo are other ways to make sure a trailer accident doesn’t ruin a trip up north or a day on the job.

https://www.trailersafetyweek.com/interest

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Last Call for Rental Assistance Through CERA

The COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CERA) is accepting the last batch of applications as the program is set to exhaust all of its funds. The final date for Michigan renters and landlords to submit an application for emergency rental assistance is June 30th.

The program has been funded through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority since March 2021. It was put in place to help people facing COVID related economic hardship avoid eviction.

The program has approved over 130,000 people for emergency assistance, and over $750 million has been distributed with the average household receiving about $5,600.

CERA applications are submitted through an online portal, and the portal will close on June 30th. Once the program ends, those who are facing eviction and need help will have to contact their local Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA).

Locally, HARA is operated by Blue Water Community Action Agency, and they work with families and individuals at risk of homelessness, those who need help with rent, and those facing eviction or utility shut-offs.

The HARA Coordinator for Blue Water Community Action Agency is Bernie Newby, and she can be reached at (810) 982-8541 or more information is available on the website here:

https://www.bwcaa.org/housing-support-housing-assessment-resource-agency-hara

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Find a Farmers Market in Port Huron and Along the Thumbcoast

If you’re ready to taste fresh Michigan produce, it’s time to start exploring local farmers markets. There are several markets along the Thumbcoast, and each one offers a unique experience for shoppers and food-lovers.

Most farmers markets operate only one or two days per week, so its reasonable to make your way to several over the course of the Michigan growing season. You can find unique growers at each location along with craft food creators, greenhouses, and crafters & artists.

Start the week off on Wednesdays with the St. Clair Farmers Market in the north parking lot of St. Clair Plaza. The Marine City Farmers Market is open on Thursdays, and Marysville’s Summer Thyme Market is open on Fridays and Saturdays.

There are three exclusively weekend farmers markets: Vantage Point in Port Huron on Saturdays, The Market Lexington on Saturdays and Sundays, and the New Baltimore Farmers Market which is open on Sundays.

The growing season is a little delayed due to cold weather this spring, but things should pick up in a week or two as the temperatures rise.

St. Clair Farmers Market

Marine City Farmers Market

Marysville Summer Thyme Market

Vantage Point Farmers Market

The Market Lexington

  • Saturdays 9 AM – 4 PM
  • Sundays 10 AM – 3 PM
  • 6934 Peck Road

New Baltimore Farmers Market

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand