Individualized Tutoring Proposed to Get Kids Back on Track in School; Help Needed

The MI Kids Back on Track plan has been introduced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to expand tutoring and learning supports statewide. Whitmer is proposing tapping into the state’s $3 billion surplus to invest $280 million in trying to make up for the educational losses that occurred during the COVID shutdowns.

The plan would pay for personalized instruction focused on each child’s specific learning challenges. Who will do the tutoring amidst an educator shortage? It could be you.

Whitmer said, “If we get this done, we can offer every student in Michigan—all 1.4 million of them—extra help with a qualified tutor. But tutoring programs only work if we have tutors. I am calling on my fellow Michiganders who want to see our kids succeed to join the effort to get our kids back on track.” 

There is a website where interested potential tutors can sign up to get connected to tutoring needs that match their interests. The website states that there are both possible future volunteer positions and jobs. A link can be found below.

https://www.volunteermichigan.org/need/detail/?need_id=694901

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren Plans Cancer Survivors Drive-Thru and Ladies Night Out

McLaren Port Huron is planning two events for the community: the Cancer Survivors Drive-Thru Event and the Ladies Night Out.

Local cancer survivors are invited to participate in a celebration called “Hope Grows Here”, sponsored by McLaren Port Huron and the Karmanos Cancer Institute. The garden-themed event will take place on Monday, June 6th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Port Huron near the Rourke Entrance.

Cancer survivors will receive a special gift and will need to register for the event.

Ladies Night Out, sponsored by the McLaren Foundation, will be held at the Marysville Community Center, at 867 E. Huron Boulevard in Marysville, on Tuesday, June 14th, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Health information specifically for women will be provided, along with activities and a delicious, healthy snack. Those ladies who attend are asked to wear their walking shoes.

The free programs just require registration.

Registration information for both the Cancer Survivors Drive-thru and the Ladies Night Out can be found below.

To register or for more information, call HealthAccess at 1-800-228-1484. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lynnea McFadden Takes Director Job at Friends of the St. Clair River

The Friends of the St. Clair River organization has added a Director of Programs and Services to their roster, with the hiring of Lynnea McFadden.

McFadden has a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Lake Superior State University and a Master of Science degree in Conservation Biology from Central Michigan University.

McFadden told us that she is very excited to join Friends of the St. Clair River, saying, “I join Friends of the St. Clair River combining my backgrounds in Conservation Biology and education.  Much of my past experience lies in private landowner conservation efforts across the state as well as teaching environmental science at Saint Clair County Community College.”

McFadden said she is excited for the opportunity to further enhance local natural resources and work with partners and community members to boost conservation efforts within the Blue Water area to maintain safe and healthy drinking water, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities.

Visit scriver.org to get involved with Friends of the St. Clair River.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

$3 Billion Surplus Prompts Tax Rebate, Rate-Lowering Plans

Lawmakers are debating ways to return tax dollars to Michigan taxpayers. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed a plan called MI Tax Rebate Right Now that would return $500 to working families. The state has a $3 billion surplus.

Speaking about her plan, Whitmer said, “Michiganders are counting on us to work together to provide real relief right now, so they can pay the bills and put food on the table. Let’s draw on the grit and determination our working families show every day and let’s get it done.” 

Republican lawmakers are proposing lowering the individual income tax rate from 4.25% to 4% and increasing the personal income tax exemption by $1,800, as well as making families eligible for a $500 non-refundable child tax credit.

State Representative Andrew Beeler, who backs the Republican plan, said, “Irresponsible spending by the federal government has caused runaway inflation, kneecapping families in Sanilac and St. Clair counties. It’s past time we demonstrate that money is better spent by those who earn it than by the government.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lake Huron Medical Center May 2022 Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its May 2022 Employee of the Month, Chris Schumacher. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.

Chris works as a Nursing Assistant in the LHMC Med/Surg and has been an employee at LHMC for 15 years. She was nominated by a peer who commented, “While on lunch break, Chris immediately responded to a patient and family member yelling out for help down the hall. She stayed with the patient and instructed the family member to get help around the corner. Together we were able to get the patient up safely. She was able to keep calm and calm the patient and family while the incision was being assessed and bandaged.”   

Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers; and extends a special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Chris, as we celebrate their accomplishments.

To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com.  

Submitted by Lake Huron Medical Center

PH Victory Day Planned for August 12th; Sign Up By June 10th

Victory Day is a tradition in the Port Huron area, and this year’s event is already in the works. The annual football game that includes participants of all abilities is scheduled for August 12, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

Victory Day is described as an evening of education, inspiration, and fun. Children and young adults with special needs, aged six to 26 are invited to register by Friday, June 10th.

Victory Day will feature all the things that make a football game fun: marching band, cheerleaders, and jerseys. Participants will have a chance to run or catch a pass to score a touchdown with play-by-play announcing. Each child will get a medal after the event to remember the special day.

Sports teams, service groups, and staff from Port Huron High School will volunteer to make the day memorable for participants and families.

For more information about getting signed up for Victory Day, go to the PH Victory Day Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/phvictoryday

Reporting from WGRT – Jennie McClelland