event

OT Announces “Seek God for the City 2022”

Operation Transformation is kicking off their seasonal “Seek God for the City 2022” community Lenten prayer initiative.

The season of Lent starts on Wednesday, March 2nd, with Ash Wednesday. Those who practice the traditional preparation for the Easter celebration have a variety of customs and routines, but prayer is the foundation of the season.

Members of Blue Water Area Churches, a collaboration of multiple denominations in the area, are hosting the 40-day event. Over fifteen churches have chosen evenings to host the one-hour meetings. The content of the community-wide prayer initiative is provided by WayMakers.

The first meeting is Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at St. Clair First United Methodist Church, 415 N 3rd Street in St. Clair. Each night’s meeting will focus on a different member of the community, like teachers, families, health care workers, and others. There will be scripture readings along with the prayer.

To get the full schedule of nightly meetings and to access the prayer materials, go to bwchurches.org or Operation Transformation’s Facebook page.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Blue Water Hospice Invites Medical Providers, General Public to Hospice Education Event

Hospice has proven to be an invaluable service for families caring for loved ones who are nearing the end of their lives. A hospice education event is being offered to both medical providers and the general public on March 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at the Blue Water Convention Center.

The hospice education event is sponsored by the Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice and features Medical Director Dr. Doru Bali and Associate Medical Director Dr. Candace Kimpson.

Hospice empowers patients and their families to take control of their end-of-life journey. The panel discussion will explain how hospice is managed and remind the community that agreeing to hospice is more about quality of life than “giving up”. Hospice care includes pain management and comfort measures.

The discussion will explore the collaboration between patients, physicians, and the hospice team.

Attending the event costs $35 which includes dinner. Reservations are required. More information can be found at the link below.

www.vnabwh.org/events

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Symphonic and Jazz Band Presents “Beginnings” Feb. 26th

The St. Clair County Community College Symphonic and Jazz Band is back in business after a two-year hiatus. The “Beginnings” concert will be held on Saturday, February 26th at 7:00 p.m. in the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre.

Conductor Erick J. Senkmajer said he has enjoyed working with community members again and that “it is fun to see musicians ranging in age from high school through retirement age enjoying their time together, once again breathing life into these dots on a page.”

In getting the band back together after the extended break, Senkmajer said, “We all missed making music together. Because it has been two years, it was hard to say who would be back, what our instrumentation would be like, and how much “dust” there would be in our instruments.”

The concert is a welcome sign that things are slowly getting back to normal for both musicians and patrons of the arts. The program is described as “light and fast” and a lovely way to welcome audience members back, along with the musicians.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online.

https://sc4.edu/event/sc4-symphonic-band-concert/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home “Winter Friendraising Campaign” Underway

The Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home is in the midst of its annual fundraiser and they are hoping you will join in. This year’s event is the “Winter Friendraising Campaign”. Last year’s event raised over $15,000. Donors simply click to donate online. The campaign runs until February 28th.

Kathleen Swantek, Executive Director of Blue Water Developmental Housing, Inc. and Corporate Manager of Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home said that the home has been serving the community for close to 80 years. The home provides assisted living services for low-income seniors.

Swantek said, “Our mission is to provide services to seniors in a safe and affordable environment where individual needs and desires are always considered. We remain affordable because the community is generous with their support.”

Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home has expansion in its plans. Swantek said with the assistance of the Commission on Aging, they plan on adding two additional beds for homeless seniors.

For more information on the Winter Friendraising Campaign: https://www.sanborngratiot.org/donate/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Winter Bird Blast Feb. 19th at County Building

The Winter Bird Blast is planned for Saturday, February 19th from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the St. Clair County Administration Building. The annual event is in its 7th year.

The event is totally free and is a highlight of the season for those who need a nature fix in the heart of winter.

The day starts with a trail overview and bird talk from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. with Bird Walks from 10:30 to noon. Participants can drive to viewing spots in Port Huron and Marysville.

The Winter Bird Blast is made possible by the Blue Water Audubon Society, St. Clair County Metropolitan Planning staff, St. Clair-Macomb Birding Trail, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Attending the Winter Bird Blast is free and registration is not required. Just show up and be prepared for the outdoor portion of the event with appropriate warm clothing. Binoculars for bird viewing are recommended.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Earth Fair Comes to Goodells Park April 29-30

Covid will not be stopping the St. Clair County Earth Fair this year. The 20th annual Earth Fair is being planned for Friday, April 29th and Saturday, April 30th at Goodells County Park. The 2020 and 2021 events were canceled due to COVID concerns.

The Earth Fair is the largest event of its kind in Michigan. Many vendors will be on hand to interact with students and visitors about healthy, sustainable, and green living.

Past events have featured over 70 vendors and thousands of visitors. It’s time for vendors and volunteers to start applying and for school classrooms to plan their field trips. Teachers of 3rd through 5th grade can register for the free field trip that features interactive science lessons in a hands-on environment.

The Earth Fair is also the backdrop of the Green Guardian Award that recognizes environmental champions from the business world, schools and groups that have shown an initiative to enhance, preserve, and protect the Blue Water Area.

www.EarthDayFair.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland