business news

Make A Splash With The Blue Water YMCA Swimming Programs

Swimming is known for helping to improve cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility. The Blue Water Area YMCA offers a variety of swimming programs for all ages to ensure you and your family have a safe summer as you participate in water related activities.

The Blue Water YMCA’s swimming program instills vital life skills such as water safety and rescue techniques. 

YMCA Lifeguard, A.J Coody can vouch for the skills the program has taught her. Coody had a bad experience as a child that made her feel swimming was not the activity for her. She now helps other young kids obtain the confidence and skills necessary for proper water safety. 

“I’ll take kids with the most experience and pair them with ones who have less, which helps them build up their confidence,” says Coody. 

If you would like to help support the swimming programs, or other programs  at the Blue Water YMCA through their Open Arms Campaign, visit: bluewaterymca.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SCCHD Discontinuing COVID-19 Tests

As the public’s concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic begin to fade away, the St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) will discontinue COVID-19 testing services starting June 2nd.

The announcement comes as the demand for testing has declined and free home test kits are now widely available.

The health department has conducted an estimated 18,000 COVID-19 tests since the pandemic’s outbreak. However, as the federal public health emergency declaration is ending, health department officials have announced that it’s an appropriate time for a change.

Individuals interested in free COVID-19 home test kits can pick them up at the health department’s front reception area during regular business hours. 

If you would like additional testing resources, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends visiting: testinglocator.cdc.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

“Dirty Nirty” Gardening Workshop Excitement With Seed & Soul Society

The Seed & Soul Society invites gardening enthusiasts to its “Dirty Nirty” workshop that promises to unlock the secrets of soil and plant nutrition. 

Ben Krenke, the gardening rockstar and soil guru, will lead the workshop on May 20th, from 10:00am to 11:30am at Soulstice Garden located at 2401 North Blvd, Port Huron. 

Participants will learn how to take their gardening game to the next level using techniques straight from the pros. The workshop will offer participants an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and dive headfirst into the world of soil and plant nutrition.

The first 30 people to register will receive a surprise gift from Ventana Plant Science. These special gifts promise to put a smile on the faces of participants and give their gardening endeavors an extra boost.

RSVP and find out more here: https://s3ph.norby.live/event/6db20c20-099d-400a-93e7-250399e3a383

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Inductee Ceremony For The Stanley Legacy Wall At Port Huron Museums

The Legacy Wall, located in the Port Huron Museums’ Carnegie Center, features heroes of the community who have made contributions in various areas, including education, civil/public service, business, athletics, science/healthcare, entertainment, literature, and media. 

As part of a yearly tradition, a committee of local community members will choose new inductees to have their names added to the wall. 

The ceremony will take place at the museum on Saturday, May 20th, from 11:30am – 1:30pm, and will be open to the public, with admission by donation. However, due to limited space, reservations are required.

The exhibit also features artifacts and memorabilia from the Stanley family’s personal collection, showcasing their contributions to the Port Huron area. The “From Whence We Came” exhibit is open to the public and is a must-visit for those who want to learn about the city’s rich history and the individuals who have helped shape it.

For ticket information, visit: phmuseum.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Supporting The YMCA Helps Support Our Children

The YMCA is making a difference in the Blue Water Area by offering programs that aim to create a better future for children and teenagers. 

The Y’s programs promote positive behaviors and values, support child development, and encourage children to explore their talents and interests. Their licensed child care and early learning programs prioritize early brain development and provide a safe and healthy environment for children to learn foundational skills, develop trusting relationships, and build self-reliance through values like caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

The Y also offers opportunities for children to stay active and develop healthy habits through swim, sports, and play programs that promote good sportsmanship and teamwork, building the whole child from the inside out.

In addition to these programs, the Y provides a range of camp options that allow children to discover new talents, explore nature, gain independence, and create lasting friendships. 

If you would like to support the many programs the Blue Water Area YMCA offers, visit: bluewaterareaymca.com.

Michigan $10,000 Down Payment Assistance Program Expanded

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has announced an expansion of its MI 10K DPA program to help low and middle-income homebuyers purchase homes. The program, which provides down payment assistance to eligible homebuyers, was previously offered exclusively to 236 zip codes, but will now be available statewide.

Housing affordability is a major issue in Michigan, with 48% of renters and 18% of homeowners paying more than 30% of their income on housing. By expanding the MI 10K DPA program, the MSHDA hopes to make homeownership more accessible for Michigan residents.

To qualify for the MI 10K DPA program, borrowers must complete a Homebuyer Education class and have no more than $20,000 in liquid cash assets. Restrictions and income limits also apply. Reservations made prior to the expansion for the $7,500 DPA program will remain in effect. 

For more information, visit: Michigan.gov/homeownership.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell