event

Yale Students Showcase Technology At States Capitol

On December 7th, the 21st annual AT&T/MACUL Student Technology Showcase was held in Lansing at the Heritage Hall Visitors Center with students from 25 different schools.

The purpose of the showcase is for students to demonstrate cutting edge technology ideas and platforms, such as app development, robotics, web design, and many other branches of technology. Some of the state’s most talented students attended the event to show off their projects that blend science, math, social studies, and language arts, with the latest technology. 

Three students from Yale Junior High School were a part of the showcase, so a big congratulations goes out to our local students Blake Landrum, Travis Wahoske, and Ben Kendrick.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Pistons Owner Providing Christmas Gifts For The Community

The holiday season is the time of year when people tend to become more thoughtful, more giving, and spreading good cheer amongst their fellow man. Detroit Pistons Owner Tom Gores is celebrating the holiday spirit with a special donation for children in the local community. 

More than 10,000 toys, tablets, and bikes were distributed to families in Detroit, Flint, and the surrounding communities on Tuesday, December 13th. Volunteers from the U.S. Marines, as well as those from the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, provided a helping hand with the special event. Gores will also be supporting The Salvation Army Downriver Corps with an additional $25k donation.

When asked the reason for such a generous donation to the community, Gores says, “All children should experience the joy of receiving gifts during the holiday season. There’s nothing better than children smiling and experiencing real joy.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sarnia Christmas Karaoke With Brian MacDonald

What could be more fun than a night of Christmas karaoke? The answer is, a night of Christmas Karaoke with Brian MacDonald and our friends across the Canadian border. 

Join the Imperial City Brew House (ICBH) in Sarnia on Thursday, December 22nd, at 8PM for a unique karaoke experience. There will also be a prize awarded to the individual who wears the ugliest Christmas sweater that night. 

The Imperial City Brew House will be collecting donations that will go toward The Sarnia & District Humane Society up until the day of the event. Gift cards that can be used by the humane society are preferred. Donations of $10 or more will receive 10% off purchases at ICBH.Cafe Mexico will be serving food for the evening.

To reserve a table or find out more information, call: (519) 491-5191.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

December 17th Recognized As Wreaths Across America Day

As American citizens, we like to honor and commemorate those who have fought for our freedoms and given their lives to do so. “Wreaths Across America Day” is another way to pay our respects to our fallen heroes. 

U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King had their resolution unanimously passed by the Senate, which designates December 17th, as Wreaths Across America Day. Wreaths Across America has sent more than 14.4 million wreaths to various national cemeteries and veteran memorials throughout the 50 states, as well as overseas over the past 31 years. 

On December 17th, a convoy of volunteers will travel from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery located in Arlington, VA to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the headstones of those who have given their lives serving our country. 

If you would like to register or participate visit: wreathsacrossamerica.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Tips To Keep Your Christmas Tree Looking Great This Holiday

Some of us like to use artificial trees at Christmas time, but others prefer real ones. If you are part of the latter group, then here are a few tips to help make your tree last longer and keep its healthy appearance this season.

If you are purchasing a tree from a lot or farm then you want to make sure that you get a freshly cut tree. If you cannot get one freshly cut, then make sure to have them cut a few inches off the base to open up the vascular tissue of the tree before taking it home. This allows water and nutrients to more easily be absorbed. 

As for water, you want to keep your stand filled with an adequate amount of warm water based on the size of the tree. Never let your base run dry, it allows air to become trapped in the tree, causing it to not absorb the water effectively, which leads to a shorter lifespan for your tree.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Holiday Shopping Event For The Children Returns

Typically it’s the parents, or should I say Santa, that is out and about getting gifts ready for all of the good little boys and girls. This year the kids have a chance to do a little holiday shopping of their own at the 3rd Annual Panda Santa Kids Shopping Event.

The event is being held by Polka Dot Pandas located at 201 Huron Ave. in downtown Port Huron. Polka Dot Pandas is a children’s clothing boutique that features original designs on hats, dresses, hair accessories and more. 

On Friday, December 12th until Saturday, December 10th, parents can bring their children down to do some holiday shopping of their own. Featured items are $5 or less, and feature quality, locally made gifts for the whole family. There will also be goodie bags for the first 50 kids each event day, so get there early.  

For more information, visit their Facebook page at: Port Huron Pandas.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell