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National Preparedness Month: A Call For Nationwide Disaster Readiness

September is National Preparedness Month. Launched in 2004 by FEMA, National Preparedness Month (NPM) is an annual effort to educate and encourage Americans to be ready for emergencies. 

Managed by FEMA’s Ready Campaign, in collaboration with the Ad Council, NPM focuses on empowering individuals to take action and be prepared for all types of disasters, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.

Throughout September, the National Weather Service and other agencies highlight the importance of being informed, creating family emergency plans, building disaster supply kits, and getting involved in community preparedness. Step-by-step guidance helps people learn their risks, establish shelter and evacuation routes, and ensure essential supplies are ready. The month culminates in National Preparedness Day on Sept. 30, a day dedicated to taking action. With these proactive measures, communities across the country can save lives and reduce disaster impacts.

Source: National Weather Service

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Eastern Michigan Small Business Hub Unveils 2024 Small Business Grant Program

The Eastern Michigan Small Business Hub has launched its 2024 Small Business Grant Program, aimed at fostering growth for small businesses in the region. 

The program will provide grants of up to $20,000 to businesses across six Michigan counties, with a total fund of $213,158 available. Most awards will fall between $5,000 and $10,000, with grants distributed competitively based on the highest scoring applications in each county.

To be eligible, businesses or their owners must be located in Shiawassee, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, or St. Clair counties. Grant funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including equipment purchases, consulting services, and employee certification fees. 

The application window closes on Sept. 24, 2024, giving businesses just under a month to submit their proposals.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

United Way Of St. Clair County Celebrates 100th Anniversary And Launches 2024 Campaign

The United Way of St. Clair County is marking its 100th anniversary with a special celebration and 2024 campaign kick-off. 

The event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Solitude Links Banquet Center located at 5810 Flinchbaugh Rd. Kimball, MI. Guests can enjoy a plated dinner, cash bar, and a historical exhibit showcasing the organization’s century of impact. The program will also feature the introduction of the 2024 Campaign Chair and plans for the upcoming fundraising efforts.

Cocktails begin at 5 p.m., with dinner and the program starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $35, and attendees are encouraged to wear casual to cocktail attire. Online registration is available at uwstclair.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Friends Of The St. Clair River Hosts Annual Native Plant And Rain Barrel Sale

Friends of the St. Clair River is hosting its annual Native Plant and Rain Barrel Sale Sunday, Sept. 8, noon – 3 p.m., offering an ideal opportunity to enhance your garden. 

Native plants, adapted to Michigan’s climate, are easy to maintain, resist pests, and provide vital food for wildlife. Available for purchase are wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and pre-assembled garden kits for butterflies, pollinators, and rain gardens.

The event also features 55-gallon rain barrels from Upcycle Products to help conserve water and reduce stormwater pollution. Rain barrels must be pre-ordered for pick-up on Sept. 8. Proceeds support pollinator-friendly gardens in the community.

Whether you’re planting a pollinator garden or starting with a rain barrel, this sale promotes sustainable gardening practices while benefiting local ecosystems.

For more information, visit: scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

TSA Prepares For Record Labor Day Travel, Expected To Screen 17 Million Passengers

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is gearing up for the busiest Labor Day travel period on record, spanning from Aug. 29 to Sept. 4. 

TSA expects to screen over 17 million passengers, with the peak travel day projected for Aug. 30, when 2.86 million passengers will be processed.

Air travel volumes this summer have reached historic highs, with passenger numbers up 8.5% from last year. TSA has already screened 239.8 million passengers since Memorial Day.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske praised the agency’s workforce for their commitment to security during this busy time. He encouraged travelers to enroll in TSA PreCheck® to reduce wait times. PreCheck members experience shorter lines and a streamlined security process by not removing shoes, belts, or laptops.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair Chamber Of Commerce Hosts Free Concert Series At Riverview Plaza Park

Spice up your Labor Day weekend with St. Clair’s Rockin’ in the Plaza at Riverview Plaza Park located at 201 N. Riverside Ave. in St. Clair. From Sept. 6-8, this event will be hosted by the St. Clair Chamber of Commerce. 

This free summer concert series features performances by local bands including Dusk Til Dawn on Sept. 6 (7-11 p.m.), Northbound on Sept. 7 (7-11 p.m.), and BlueBlaze on Sept. 8 (2-6 p.m.).

Guests are invited to bring chairs or blankets, though seating is available in the courtyard and nearby restaurants. Enjoy food from local restaurants such as War Water Brewery, Hamlin Pub, and The Anchor Pointe Bistro.

For more information, visit: the St. Clair’s Rockin’ in the Plaza event page on Facebook.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell