Parents Concerned About Youth Vaping Can Learn More at Summit

Parents and caregivers who are concerned about vaping can learn more at the Virtual Vaping Summit on September 23rd from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. The St. Clair County Substance Prevention through Early Action and Knowledge (SPEAK) Coalition is hosting the event through live stream on their Facebook page.

A survey completed by the Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY) in 2017-18 reported that 10% of St. Clair County 7th graders used vaping products, and 38% of 11th graders acknowledged regular use.

The SPEAK Coalition focuses on many areas of substance abuse and addiction, and addressing the youth vaping crisis is one of their primary goals.

Vaping is unhealthy for kids, teens, and young adults because it contains high amounts of addictive nicotine and many other harmful substances. Use can adversely affect brain development and contribute to future cigarette use.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Social Justice Educator Presenting Virtually Through SC4

St. Clair County Community College’s office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is holding a presentation on social justice on October 9th. Social justice educator Jen Fry will speak to the community via a virtual presentation on Zoom.

Fry is a native of Arizona, Division II athlete, and a veteran volleyball coach with over 15 years of experience coaching at the collegiate level. She began teaching on the topic of social justice to student-athletes and educational professionals, and was a presenter at TEDxDuke in 2019.

Social justice education includes becoming culturally competent,  self-reflecting on one’s position, power and privilege, and creating an inclusive culture.

SC4 students and community members can reserve their spot for the presentation by emailing SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at dei@sc4.edu by Thursday, October 8th.

 

Aerial Mosquito Spraying Planned as Eastern Equine Encephalitis Risk Grows

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development have enacted an emergency rule that allows for application of pesticide without notification and will start aerial pesticide treatment for mosquitos, starting the night of September 16. The spraying will take place in high risk areas of Michigan.

The spraying will not take place in St. Clair County at this point. It is planned for Barry, Clare, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oakland counties. Those counties are being targeted because Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found in 22 horses in the areas.

The disease is easily transmitted to humans from infected mosquitos and is twice as prevalent in horses this year compared to last year. Eastern Equine Encephalitis has a 33% mortality rate in humans and is particularly serious for children and older adults.

Planes will be dropping an “ultra-low volume” pesticide, Merus 3.0, a 5% pyrethrin that is botanically extracted, that kills mosquitoes on contact. It will be sprayed from dusk to dawn.

More information can be found at michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Museums Fall Schedule Announced

Port Huron, MI — A fall line-up has been announced by Port Huron Museums. The fall schedule has several new events for the community, keeping social distancing in mind.

While the Huron Lightship is currently closed for repairs, the Thomas Edison Depot, Carnegie Center, and Fort Gratiot Light Station are open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m.

The Museum is offering guided trolley tours with a variety of topics. Private tours can be arranged with history experts Dave Dazer or Andrew Kercher to get an inside look at Port Huron’s rich history while enjoying a ride in the trolley.

Pioneer Day is not cancelled this year, but will be held in keeping with social distancing mandates. The ticketed event will feature candle making and a lesson in the history of the 1850s era Kammer log cabin. The family friendly event runs from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on September 26th on the grounds of the Museum in Downtown Port Huron.

Information and reservations for events can be found at phmuseum.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Smile Cookie Campaign Supports Pathways Health Centre for Children

Sarnia area Tim Horton’s restaurants are bringing back Smile Cookie week to support Pathways Health Centre for Children, one of 550 Canadian charities, hospitals, and community organizations supported through the program.

Now through September 20th, Tim Horton’s restaurant owners in Sarnia will donate the full $1 from every freshly baked chocolate chunk Smile cookie purchased to support Pathways Health Centre for Children.

Pathways Health Centre for Children provides services to over 2,600 children and youth throughout Lambton county with physical, developmental,  and communication needs. They provide a wide range of essential developmental services to equip children and their families with the strength they need to face challenges.

Last year, the Smile Cookie campaign raised a record $9.8 million across Canada. You can visit TimHortons.com/smilecookie for a list of charities that benefit from the Smile Cookie Campaign.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Virtual Workshop for Caregivers

Life Skills Centers Memory Care Services and the Area Agency on Aging 1B will hold a free virtual workshop to support those caring for someone living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease on Tuesday, September 29th from noon to 1:30.

Dementia caregiver expert Jill Gafner Livingston will offer tips and tools on managing the stress of care giving. Her inspirational seminar is designed with the family caregiver in mind and will encourage positive thoughts and behaviors.

The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is a nonprofit that supports older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers in southeast Michigan. They help people access the services they need to remain living with dignity in their own home or with family caregivers.

To learn more about the event, visit the Events page at WGRT.com.