Don’t Get “Smished”

Phishing, brushing, now “smishing”. These are all different types of scams that try to get personal and financial information for identity theft or other fraudulent activity. “Smishing” refers to using text messages to commit fraud.

The latest scam involves text messaging and fake COVID-19 vaccine surveys. The texts ask people to complete limited-time surveys and then offers rewards. To get the rewards, shipping has to be paid with a credit card. For the people who fall for the scam, there is no reward and the scammers then have their credit card numbers.

Responding to a Federal Trade Commission report, Michigan’s Attorney General’s Office issued a consumer alert.

Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “Scammers are continuing to prey on our fears and concerns surrounding the ongoing pandemic. As a result, they are attempting to use the vaccine rollout to bamboozle people out of their personal information. Do not fall for these tactics.”

Smishing texts should be reported by texting 7726 for investigation. Unwanted messages can be filtered through wireless providers or with a call-blocking app.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Learn How to Protect Butterflies in Your Backyard

St. Clair County, MI — Friends of the St. Clair River (Friends) is hosting a virtual chat to help residents learn how to protect butterfly species in the Blue Water Area.

Friends has been monitoring butterfly species for the last five years, and more than 50 species have been identified. Although butterflies appear to be thriving in most areas of St. Clair County, they are sensitive to environmental changes and require specific plants and conditions to remain healthy.

Melissa Kivel, Restoration Coordinator for Friends of the St. Clair River, said, “We can easily picture a butterfly drinking nectar from a flower, but as caterpillars these creatures require specific plants for food.  Monarchs, for example, can only survive on Milkweed. We are helping people become aware of the butterflies in their area and more confident in creating a welcoming habitat in which they can lay eggs and propagate”

To participate in the free butterfly chat on April 13th from 10 – 11 AM, pre-register at www.scriver.org/events.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

United Way of Sarnia-Lambton Adjusts to Change – Makes Plans for Future

Sarnia, Ontario — The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton recently held its 64th Annual General Meeting, providing the community with a recap of last year’s work and plans for the future.

Reflecting on the organization’s response to the pandemic, Al McChesney, outgoing Vice President, said, “It will come as no surprise when I say COVID-19 forced us to change how we tackle the challenges facing Lambton County’s most vulnerable. In total, over  $550,000, in addition to the $1,750,000 that was raised during the fall campaign, was  available to flow through United Way to agencies in need. More than 40% of those funding decisions were to Lambton County non-profits that were not previously funded by United Way of Sarnia-Lambton.”

McChesney just completed a ten-year term and had his last meeting with the organization along with several other exiting board members. The new board is moving forward with a refocused funding strategy concentrating on addressing the cycles of poverty, helping youth be successful in school and relationships, creating strong, inclusive communities, and supporting those with addiction and mental health challenges. They will also focus on helping senior citizens live independently.

The new board also approved funding requests for a snack program through River City Vineyard and a Handyman Program through Habitat for Humanity.

For more information on The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton, visit www.TheUnitedWay.on.ca

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

SC4 Students Could be Eligible for SNAP Benefits

Port Huron, MI — St. Clair County Community College is raising awareness of resources available to students who may be needing food assistance. Federally funded SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, benefits are available to qualified students.

The December Covid Relief Package passed by Congress made more people eligible for food benefits. Being enrolled in only six credit hours at SC4 is enough for some people to qualify for SNAP.

Students who are eligible to participate in federal or state work-study programs or students with an Expected Family Contribution of $0 are likely qualified for SNAP for the duration of the public health emergency. Whether or not a student actually holds a work-study job does not matter for eligibility.

Qualifying for eligibility is determined by the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s not too late to fill out the FAFSA for this school year. Applicants need to be sure to check the box that asks if students are enrolled in school at least half time. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services may follow up to prove eligibility.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Earth Fair 2021

Celebrate Earth Fair Virtually

St. Clair County, MI — The St. Clair County Earth Fair at Goodell’s County Park won’t be a live event for 2021, but organizers are teaming up with the 4-H program to create activities for families during the month of April.

A earth-themed scavenger hunt just opened up on April 1st and it runs until the 30th. Children need to be enrolled in St. Clair County’s 4-H program to participate, but enrollment is free this year.  Both new and current 4-H members can sign up for the club named Earth Fair Scavenger Hunt to receive the detailed instructions for the hunt.

Once kids sign up for 4-H to participate in the Scavenger Hunt, they can also participate in any other 4-H programs available in their area.

The Earth Fair team has also created the 30 for 30 Earth Fair Challenge which offers a new earth-friendly challenge on the group’s Facebook page every day in April. Participants can win a $50 Visa gift card for completing the challenges.

Check out the Earth Fair Facebook page <HERE> .

Register for 4-H & the Earth Fair Scavenger Hunt <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Nominate a Port Huron Schools Educator for Annual Awards

Port Huron, MI — National Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up on May 3rd, and Port Huron Schools want to surprise a few of their staff members with special recognition for their efforts. The district needs your help, and nominations are now open for its annual Advocator, Innovator, and Educator of the Year awards for 2020/2021.

This district-wide staff award campaign gives parents, students, and fellow educators the opportunity to nominate teachers, administrators, and support staff at any Port Huron School who exemplify the district’s mission actions. These are individuals who advocate for students and their families, innovate to improve student achievement, and educate in ways that are relevant, relationship driven, and rigorous.

Winners of this year’s awards will be surprised in their classrooms or offices during National Teacher Appreciation week and receive prizes through a partnership with the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Port Huron. All nominees are also placed in a drawing for Meijer gift cards which will be drawn weekly until nominations close on April 23rd.

To nominate an educator, visit www.phasd.us and click on Staff Recognition Form under the Parent/Student Menu <HERE>

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand