Anchor Bay School District has closed all schools today due to an apparent threat.  According to a post on the district’s Facebook page, administrators were “notified of a threat made at the high school this morning through the Ok2Say website.  The site further states, “Police are actively working on the investigation. As a measure of caution, all schools are canceled today.”   The school’s Facebook post says more information will be released as details become available.

As part of National Influenza Vaccination Week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding Michigan residents that it’s not too late to get the flu vaccine.  National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 2-8, promotes awareness about the importance of the flu vaccine and provides a reminder to get the flu shot for those who have not done so yet this season. Annual flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from the flu.  “The flu isn’t on anyone’s holiday wish list,” said Dr. Eden Wells, MDHHS chief medical executive. “It is important to get vaccinated now to protect yourself and your family. The vaccine is your best defense against the flu and will help reduce the severity of symptoms if you catch the flu despite being vaccinated.” Flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of the influenza virus and can result in mild to severe illness. Despite the fact numerous influenza hospitalizations and deaths are reported each year, last year only 39.5 percent of Michiganders reported receiving a flu shot, below the national rate of 41.7 percent. Typically, those most severely affected by the flu are children younger than 5 years old, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and those over 65 years old.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), last year’s flu season was estimated to be the deadliest since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. More than 79,000 deaths were attributed to the flu, 185 of which were children. In Michigan, two children died last year due to flu-related complications.  The 2018-2019 flu season is already underway and positive flu cases have been confirmed throughout the central, southeast and southwest regions of Michigan. In addition, influenza-like illnesses are being reported across the state. While flu activity is still minimal, it is important for Michiganders to get their flu vaccine now as it takes about two weeks after the vaccine is administered before the body builds up enough immunity to prevent the flu.  The CDC recommends routine annual influenza vaccination for all persons 6 months of age and older. This year there are many flu vaccine options available, and residents should speak with a healthcare provider about which flu vaccine is best for them. Flu vaccines are available at many locations throughout Michigan, including doctor’s offices, pharmacies and local health departments. To find a location near you, visit Flushot.healthmap.org. Additionally, there are several programs across the state that will assist with the cost of the vaccine. The Vaccines for Children program provides flu vaccine for free to those who are uninsured. Contact your local health department to learn more about these programs.  Residents with questions about vaccines, including the flu vaccine, can visit IVaccinate.org. For more information about flu activity in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/flu.

If the kids are getting a bit antsy being indoors more, Menards of Port Huron Township offers a fun and relatively inexpensive craft idea to keep you and your children entertained.  According to Corey Curtis, General Manager of the Menards in Port Huron Township, now is a great time to think about feeding the birds.  Winter can be a challenging time for winter birds.  While they require more food to survive the colder weather, their natural food sources are limited.  You and your children can decorate your outdoor trees with Do-It-Yourself birdseed ornaments.  Made with corn syrup, birdseed and flour, these edible decorations with encourage all kinds of birds to flock to your yard.

What You Need:
• A cookie sheet • Wax paper • A mixing bowl
• 3/4 cup flour • 1/2 cup water • 3 tablespoons corn syrup
• 4 cups birdseed • Cookie cutters • Cooking spray
• Straws • Twine • Scissors
What to Do:
1. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.
2. Add flour, water, and corn syrup together in a mixing bowl. Make sure it’s well
combined.
3. Once the liquid mixture is smooth and creamy, slowly add the birdseed. Mix to combine.
4. Pour the mixture onto the cookie sheet. Using your hands, press the mixture until it’s flat
and even. The birdseed dough should be roughly 1/2” to 3/4” thick.
5. Coat the edges of your cookie cutters with cooking spray. Then, press the cookie cutters
into the birdseed mixture.
6. Next, poke a hole (for hanging) through each ornament with a straw. Allow the birdseed
to rest in the cookie cutters for 8 hours.
7. Once set, remove your birdseed ornaments from the cookie cutters.
8. Loop a piece of twine through each ornament. Then, head outside and hang them up on
the nearest tree. In no time at all, wild birds will stop by to nibble on these pretty pieces.

Citizens for a Vibrant Community has announced the 2019 Blue Water Area Calendar is on sale now, just in time for the holidays! This unique calendar features photos of the Blue Water Area by local photographers, as well as many events for the upcoming year.  “Citizens for a Vibrant Community is excited to release the 2019 Blue Water Area Calendar! This Is our  fourth year producing this calendar. The group takes submissions by local photographers starting in August and holds a contest by the end of that month. This year we were excited to have 20 people submit photos. The hard part was picking only 13! After three hours of work, the photos we have are a
great representation of our area. Criteria include season specific photos as well as quality of the photo and something that shows off all our area has to offer,” states Trina Avedisian, CVC President.  Make sure you grab your calendar now! A great gift idea for friends, family and business associates.  Calendars can be purchased at Wolverine Market (713 Huron Ave, Downtown Port Huron) or Mosher’s Jewelers (336 Huron Ave, Downtown Port Huron). You can also see the photos and purchase your calendar online at www.cvcph.org. The proceeds from this calendar go to help produce Art on the River, an art and music festival Citizens for a Vibrant Community hosts every year on the second weekend in June.

St. Clair County Community College will host its 17th annual Free College Day Saturday, March 16, 2019, and is seeking instructors and speakers for the event.  This college-wide community outreach program offers a day of free, hour-long classes between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for learners of all ages. Last year, community members filled close to 2,000 seats in 107 classes.  Faculty and staff members, as well as community members interested in teaching classes that highlight their area of expertise, are welcome to sign up to teach. Please contact Debbie at (810) 989-5760 or dstacruz@sc4.edu with questions or to sign up today.

‘Tis the Season. The holidays can be a magical time full of sparkling lights, tasty treats, and traditions – but for parents, they can also be a time of overbooked schedules, overtired kids and overblown expectations. This year don’t just survive the holidays. Follow these helpful tips from the folks at the YMCA of the Blue Water Area to make holiday stress a thing of the past. Focus on what is important Ask yourself what is most important. If the kids are old enough, have them help you identify a few top priorities for the holidays. There are a ton of great events in the Blue Water Area in addition to spending time with family and enjoying traditions. Clarifying your priorities will help you, and the kids, get a handle on the overload. Set Limits Between overly enthusiastic relatives, expensive wish lists, and The Elf on the Shelf it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Before you commit to another holiday party or sign up for the work, ask yourself why. Why are you doing it? Do your kids need an elaborate Elf on the Shelf display? Does your holiday light display need to be worthy of the Great American Light Fight? Step away from Pinterest, remember your priorities and don’t be afraid to say no. You cannot please everyone and overbooking yourself, and your family will only lead to a holiday meltdown. Take the focus off the presents Here are some great strategies to help tame “toy lust” and take the focus off gifts. Some parents take the “want, need, wear, read” approach while others stick with a limited number of presents or a limited budget. Regardless of your gift-giving strategy, remember that the holidays aren’t just about gifts. Have a conversation with your kids about holiday expectations and find ways to involve them in the spirit of giving. Make presents for relatives or teachers, sponsor a child in our area or volunteer. Take Care of Yourself Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Make sure that you’re eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep and making time to exercise or relax. Accept Help Say “yes” to help or seek out help. Let a relative, friend, or neighbor watch the kids while you finish your holiday shopping or drop your child off at the Y for our upcoming Broadway Beginnings Sparks Camp. Page 2 of 2 We know that not everyone has a lot of time off around the holidays, so the Y also offers holiday break camps to help you manage childcare during school district breaks.