Today is Black Friday – when stores give some of the best deals for your Christmas shopping.  Many stores opened early with sales last night and still others waited until the early hours today to bring out their specially marked merchandise.  According to reports, you can get some great deals, today, but there is also cyber Monday coming up on the 26^th for those of you who enjoy shopping online.  Many people say they are well into completing their shopping chores, while others might even skip today’s and Monday’s sales and wait until closer to Christmas to get their bargains.  Whichever way you choose, be safe out there on the roadways and also be aware of your surroundings as you move from the stores to your cars.  Store your packages out of sight when loading up your car, and be sure to park in well-lighted areas.

WGRT sends best wishes for a happy and safe Thanksgiving Day.  Drive safe and enjoy your family and friends and be sure to stay tuned to your great music station, WGRT 102.3FM!

Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 22 in observance of Thanksgiving.  Tractor Supply, which operates more than 1,725 stores nationwide with more than 28,000 team members, will reopen Friday at 6 a.m.   “Tractor Supply stores will continue its tradition of being closed on Thanksgiving so our team members can spend the holiday with loved ones or however they choose,” said John Ordus, senior vice president of store operations at Tractor Supply Company. “Our stores will be open on Friday, Nov. 23 for the holiday season, and our team members will be ready to provide an excellent shopping experience throughout the holiday season.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations, advises travelers planning trips across Michigan border crossings with Canada about several steps that can be taken to expedite their arrival into the United States during the Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday shopping weekend.  “During the holiday season, we will continually monitor traffic and wait times and adjust staffing accordingly to help with traffic flow while upholding our border security mission” said Christopher Perry, Director of Field Operations. “It is important to be prepared before you arrive, it really saves time.”  With the holiday weekend approaching, travelers should expect increased traffic at border crossings across Michigan and are reminded of a few simple steps they can employ when crossing the border.

Tip #1 – Acquire the appropriate travel document. Passports, U.S. Passport Cards, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses are just a few of the approved documents. A list of all approved travel documents can be found at cbp.gov/travel. The site has lots of valuable information to help facilitate your border inspection experience.
Tip # 2 – Prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth by having your travel documents in hand. Roll down vehicle windows, end all phone conversations and remove hats and sunglasses before entering the inspection area.
Tip #3 – Become a Trusted Traveler. These programs provide modified screening for preapproved members, improve security by being more efficient during screenings, and facilitate legitimate trade and travel. Learn more about DHS Trusted Traveler Programs online at dhs.gov/trusted-traveler-programs.
Tip #4 – Check border wait times and give yourself extra time. Travelers can check traffic conditions at the border by downloading CBP’s Border Wait Time APP to their mobile devices for real time border crossing traffic conditions. The app is available in both Google Play and Apple App store.
Tip #5 – Declare your goods. Travelers should declare all items being brought from abroad that will remain in the U.S. This includes gifts and Duty Free purchases.                                                                                                                  Tip #6 – Food and Plants. There are numerous agricultural restrictions on fruits, meats, and plants. Before bringing these items back, check the CBP website on bringing agricultural products into the U.S. If you decide to take your chances and bring it with you, be certain to declare it, and be willing to surrender it if it turns out to be prohibited

The official start of the holiday season begins with The Sperry’s Santa Claus Parade on Friday, November 23, as we welcome Santa & Mrs. Claus to historic Downtown Port Huron! The YMCA would like to invite you to walk with them in the parade! Line up begins at 5:00 pm. The parade starts at 6:00 pm. Please call the Y to let them know you will be joining  or sign up at the Welcome Center!  Following the parade, Santa will pull the switch lighting the McMorran Christmas Tree! The community is invited to take part in this magical night of lights, music and all things Christmas!  Santa will be greeting children inside the McMorran Memorial Room following the conclusion of the parade and tree lighting. The Santa Clause movie, sponsored by Sperry’s Moviehouse, will be shown in the McMorran Theatre as well – for free!

At the Y, organizers say they are for social responsibility so it only makes sense that we’ve partnered with non-profits across the county to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season. #GivingTuesday on November 27th, inspires people to take a collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back and help create a better world.  This #GivingTuesday, November 27th:
The public is invited to join the Y MATCH CHALLENGE. Make a donation and the first $5,000 donated will be matched dollar for dollar.  They encourage you to find volunteer opportunities for you and your family. ..And share your Y Story! Let others know how their support can change the lives of those around them.  Make a gift today by mail, at the Y or online at bluewaterymca.com/donate.  The Y will be giving back in honor of #GivingTuesday.  · Over 60 YMCA staff came together in October and raised nearly $10,000 in honor of the mission-based work that the YMCA does to strengthen the community in which we live…. A group of Y staff will be volunteering at Marwood Nursing and Rehab on #GivingTuesday by assisting residents in their lighted wheelchair parade. Y staff with help decorate for the parade as well as visit with residents and enjoy friends & the holiday festivities.  They say even the preschool kids will be giving back with a food drive.  The youth at the Y have a goal to grow their hearts three sizes bigger, just like the Grinch! #GrinchforGood