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

Thrive Radio Launches as Power 88.3 Retires

There’s big news on the Port Huron radio scene. Power 88.3 has run its course and the new Thrive Radio format has launched.

Station Director Brian Smith said, “It’s not every day you get to launch a new station so this is special for our entire team. After a year of prayer, hard work, and creativity…we’re excited to see how God uses Thrive! Our prayer is that listeners would have the opportunity to grow in their faith through listening.”

The new station was launched last Wednesday on the 88.3 frequency. Along with its sister station, 90.7 HopeFM, Thrive Radio has the mission of sharing the message of hope to as many people as possible and helping them grow in their faith.

Since 1986, the Christian music, talk, and resource-sharing radio format has reached the Blue Water Area, Michigan’s Thumb, and Southwestern Ontario.

When you’re not getting your local news and great music from WGRT, you can tune in to the new Thrive Radio at 88.3, by saying “Play My Thrive Radio” on Alexa, or by going to mythriveradio.net.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Take Steps to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Illness

After a blissfully slow start to mosquito season, it’s time to get back into reality and resume the constant battle against mosquitoes and the diseases their annoying bites can spread.

Mosquitoes in Bay County have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus, prompting the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to put out a notice urging Michiganders to protect against mosquito bites.

Other mosquito-borne illnesses like Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile were threats last year and are expected to return this season. West Nile caused seven deaths last year.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive said, “It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness. “

Bagdasarian said MDHHS urges Michiganders to take precautions such as using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors, avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present if possible, and wearing clothing to cover arms and legs to prevent bites.

Residents can stay healthy by using simple, effective strategies to protect themselves and their families. The following steps are recommended to avoid mosquito-borne diseases:

Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.

Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.

Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.

Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Public Murals an Example of Thriving Art Community

The proliferation of public art in the form of murals in the Blue Water area is an example of how the pandemic-inspired social distancing inspired creative ways to make and display artwork.

Local artist and art community organizer Jody Parmann was asked how things are going in the creative community. Parmann said, “As for the local art scene, it’s on fire right now!”

Parmann helps connect artists to mural opportunities. She said, “It’s like planting seeds, that others water and harvest. It’s beautiful to see my fellow artist’s projects come to fruition.”

Parmann said, “Friends of St. Clair River’s drain murals are being painted by local artists of all ages from Marine City to Port Huron. The new mural by April Cutler on the side of Classic Nails & Spa on 716 Lapeer Ave in Port Huron is absolutely beautiful! Carol Dalrymple over at Foundry is doing amazing out-of-the-box things. I think our community is really starting to embrace the local talent and it’s very exciting to be a part of that.”

There are also murals on the MI Mutual building and in the Military Street tunnel.

If you can’t make it out to view all of the murals, you can go to Parmann’s website, bluewatercreativity.com, to check out the work of local talent.

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland