Pure Michigan Debuts “Dark Sky” Commercial

As the sun goes down and the day ends, a luminous view is presented to the traveler who ventures out after dark. Michigan skies are home to one of the greatest star shows in the United States, and the new Pure Michigan commercial “Dark Sky” offers viewers a glimpse into these stunning celestial displays. The spot debuted April 5 and will continue to appear in cinemas and on national cable channels across the Midwest through mid-May.  Dark Sky is reinforcing the state of Michigan as a premier travel destination, even after dark. Aimed at elevating awareness of Michigan as a destination for stargazing and viewing of celestial events such as the Northern Lights, the new commercial reaches both young adventurer travelers and families, inspiring them to seek yet another dimension of Michigan’s natural beauty – the night sky.    “Our state offers Michiganders and travelers from across the country a stargazing experience that is unmatched,” said Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the state’s official agency for promotion of tourism. “Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula in particular, offers optimal night sky viewing conditions and the best opportunity for sky tourists to view the Milky Way, the aurora borealis and more in their purest form.”  Authorities say Dark Sky will air before the start of PG and PG-13 movies playing in 261 cinemas across 2,021 screens in Michigan as well as Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin. It is also showing on 12 cable channels nationally.  As part of the Dark Sky campaign, Pure Michigan is partnering with The Weather Channel to promote coverage of live meteorological events including the Aquarids Meteor Shower and the Full Strawberry Moon. In addition, Pure Michigan is continuing its successful partnership withOutside Online to highlight Michigan’s night skies. Custom content promoting the campaign will also be delivered to users via Spotify overlay advertisements. Residents and visitors travelling Michigan highways can soon expect to see digital billboards showcasing the Dark Sky messaging, offering brilliant views of Michigan’s skyscapes.  As home to state-designated Dark Sky Preserves located within six state parks, Michigan offers ample opportunity for stargazing. Dark Sky Preserves are protected against outdoor lighting fixtures and limit the use of lights by park-goers, ensuring little to no interference for the viewing of celestial happenings for years to come. In addition, Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City is the only internationally designated preserve in the state and provides an exceptional environment for viewing night sky wonders.  For more information on the Dark Sky campaign, to find dark sky locations and to learn inside secrets for optimal stargazing, visit the Dark Sky landing page.

Blue Water Safe Horizons – 4th Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Walk

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed April as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in Michigan to draw attention to the widespread impact of sexual violence. Statistics indicate that in the U.S., 1 in 6 women and one 1 in 33 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. Rape and other crimes of sexual violence have a devastating impact on the lives of victims and their communities. To create public awareness, Blue Water Safe Horizons is holding its’ 4th Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Walk. The walk will take place Saturday, April 27, beginning at a new location this year; the First Congregational Church of Port Huron. More than 100 people are expected to attend, raising awareness of sexual violence and supporting survivors  The walk is a family event.  Coffee and registration for the walk begins at 9:00 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., the nearly 2-mile walk will begin. The event is free of charge and will be hosted by Blue Water Safe Horizons staff and volunteers. A free breakfast at the church will follow the walk. Participants are encouraged to wear the color teal, which is the official color of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Official walk t-shirts may be purchased at Papaya Branch Boutique in downtown Port Huron. Donations also will be accepted at the walk.

St. Clair Women’s League Offers Returning Women’s Scholarship

The St. Clair Women’s League (SCWL), a community service group, is raising funds to benefit people and projects throughout the community.  The SCWL is once again offering scholarships to women in the greater St. Clair Community who are returning to college to further their education or to become retrained for a new career.  Organizers say there are two scholarships  available.  Upon review and selection of qualified applications, two women will be awarded $1250 each to pursue her educational goals.  They are looking for applicants at least 21 years of age and live within the boundaries of the East China School District.  Each applicant must also demonstrate financial need, local community involvement, good standing in the community, and must be working toward a defined career goal.  Carrie Cypert, PR person for the Women’s League, says to obtain an application or for further information, you may contact the Returning Women’s Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Pat O’Connor at 810-334-1265 or email pcoconnor1@gmail.com.  Completed applications must be received by the Scholarship Committee no later than  May 30th, 2019

 

 

April 15 – Tax Filing Day

Today is April 15, the day most Americans must file their federal tax returns for 2018. Note that we say “most Americans.” Taxpayers in two states have until April 17 to file their 2018 tax returns.  Residents in Maine and Massachusetts get two extra days to submit their 1040s to the IRS.  Patriots’ Day, is an official holiday in those two states, which commemorates Revolutionary War battles, and it so happens it falls on April 15 this year. Normally, residents of those two states would get an extra day to file taxes. However, April 16 is Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia. The holiday honors the end of slavery in Washington, D.C.   April 16 is a legal holiday in D.C., and the IRS can’t require that tax returns be filed on a legal holiday.  Here in Michigan, however, today is the day, however if  for some reason you can’t file your federal tax return on time, it’s easy to get an automatic six-month extension. But you have to act by April 15  and keep in mind,  that an extension to file doesn’t extend the time to pay your tax. If your tax is not paid by the original due date, you’ll owe interest on the unpaid tax. You could also be hit with additional penalties for filing and paying late.

Planning For Class Reunions

As summer approaches, many locals are starting to kick in to high gear as they plan for high school class reunions.  It might even be hard to believe that the  Port Huron High School class of 1994 is looking to celebrate their 25th reunion this year.  According to organizer, Jennifer Prevot-Peyerk, the class of ’94 have planned their celebration to take place at the Elks Club at 3292 Beach Rd in Port Huron Twp on Saturday, June 22nd, from  6pm to 10pm.  She says cost is $40 per person and that includes dinner buffet, salads, dessert, and DJ entertainment. Cash bar will be available.  The deadline to purchase your reservation is May 31, and you can contact Jennifer Prevost-Peyerk at 810-434-3862 for payment information

Tornado Siren Testing Today

The City of Port Huron will be conducting tornado siren testing on Monday, April 15th, 2019 at
approximately 1:00 p.m. Please be advised that periodic tornado siren activation and deactivation may occur during this time.