St. Clair County Businesses Recognized by Governor

Last week, Governor Whitmer sent letters of gratitude to more than 200 small businesses that excelled during the pandemic, and several St. Clair County companies were among them.

The businesses stood out for the way they adapted their services, provided essential items like personal protective equipment, or supported frontline workers or those in need.

Harsens Island Distillery, Polka Dot Pandas, Quality Computer Solutions, and Thumb Coast CBD were the St. Clair County companies recognized by the Governor. Thumb Coast CBD was recognized for making and donating hand sanitizer to those working on the frontlines, and Polka Dot Pandas donated over 13,000 masks to local medical workers in the beginning of the pandemic when masks were’t readily available.

Tricia Comtois, owner of Polka Dot Pandas, said it was all made possible by help from the community. People donated supplies and helped sew, cut, and distribute the masks. “There were many hands that helped us with the process!” said Comtois.

In a press release, Governor Whitmer said, “I am completely in awe of the resilience and determination of Michigan’s small businesses to stand strong and push forward during such unprecedented time. Small businesses are crucial to the success of our economy, and we are more than ready to get back on track and uplift our local entrepreneurs to continue to make this state a great place to work and live.”

A new website had been launched as a portal for small businesses to find grant programs and funding opportunities available through the State of Michigan. The website is www.michigan.gov/smallbusiness

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

SPARK 2.0 Keeps Students Learning and Growing Through the Summer

Port Huron, MI — Summer school has been a tremendous success, according to Port Huron Schools. The SPARK 2.0 program was financed with federal Covid relief money and is involving the whole community with the innovative learning experience.

The program helps students recover academically after a challenging year of online and hybrid learning where some kids fell behind. The elementary through high school program is even getting some kids back on track to graduate on time. 

Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas said, “To say we are incredibly proud of our high school summer students, teachers and staff is an understatement. Their hard work and efforts are leading us all in recovery from the pandemic.”

Referring to the many off-site learning experiences, such as field trips and collaboration with community organizations, Catherine Woolman, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services for Port Huron Schools said, “They aren’t just working on their math and reading skills to ensure they are prepared for returning to school this fall, but they are having fun and learning life lessons in the process.”

Students have been taking trips to places like the YMCA, SC4, and Port Huron Museums. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sarnia Offers Smart Card for Transit

Sarnia, Ontario — The City of Sarnia has launched a new system for contactless transactions with Sarnia Transit. The new smart card system allows passengers to purchase reloadable smart cards to pay for transit fares.

Smart Card passes can be mailed directly to passengers if they fill out an online form, and cards can be loaded and reloaded online or in-person at designated point-of-sale locations.

Once a Smart Card pass is registered, it can be protected against loss or theft, set up to auto-renew and auto-reload, and card balances can be checked at any time. Users can also manage multiple cards through a single account and view transaction histories.

To learn more visit:

https://www.sarnia.ca/living-here/getting-around/sarnia-transit/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Water Warriors Hit the Lake This Week for Special Olympics

Port Huron, MI — The Water Warriors are gearing up for their 30th annual personal watercraft endurance ride along Michigan’s Thumb Coast to benefit Special Olympics of Michigan.

This year’s ride is scaled down from their usual Port Huron to Mackinaw ride, which is typically a 5-day, 450-mile endurance ride on personal watercraft. They have adapted the ride this year due to challenges presented by the pandemic, and they are taking a 2-day ride from Port Huron to Port Austin and back.

The Water Warriors ride will take place on July 28 – 29th, and 75 people plan to participate with over 30 personal watercraft riders, support boats, and a fleet of land support vehicles.

Donna, a past participant, said, “Riding the waves is a physical challenge, certainly, but nothing in comparison to the every day survival of a Special Olympic athlete. To come into port and see that appreciation for our efforts, to give a ride to an athlete on my machine, and to watch the smiling faces and listening to the cheers of the athletes on the support boats makes every muscle ache I experience, every drop of water that I swallow, and all the time I spend raising funds worth it.”

The 2021 Summer Games for Special Olympics concluded on July 17, 2021, but Special Olympics Michigan provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

GSRP Free Preschool Available for Qualifying 4-year-olds

Even though it’s the middle of summer, it’s time to look ahead to back-to-school time. Free preschool is available to qualifying families in St. Clair County and the time to sign up is now. The Great Start Readiness Program, or GSRP, is a state-funded preschool offered at no cost to families.

GSRP is for four-year-olds and is designed to ensure every child is prepared to thrive when they enter kindergarten. There are locations throughout St. Clair County.

Students must be four years old on or before September 1st of this school year to apply now. Eligibility is based on 2021 income guidelines. A family of four qualifies for GSRP if their yearly income is below $66,250, according to the St. Clair County RESA website.

Families can apply to GSRP by completing an online application. Parents will need to provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate; proof of residency, and proof of income. Prospective GSRP students will need to have a health appraisal with vision and hearing tests, as well as vaccination records.

A link to more information:

http://sccresa.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=496562&pageId=13039156

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland