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SC4 Job Fair Goes Virtual This Month

Port Huron, MI — St. Clair County Community College has not given up on this year’s job fair. While indoor gatherings have been restricted, a Virtual Job Fair will be held on August 18th and 20th, with another one planned for September 22nd and 24th.

In partnership with the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, the City of Port Huron, Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works, and the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce, the job fair has the same goal as the “in-person” job fairs: to allow employers to connect with job seekers who are actively seeking work in the area.

This week, employers can enter their company information, contact information, and available job openings through the SC4 Career Coach portal. Next week, job seekers can review the list of job openings and choose a fifteen-minute time slot to meet with employers to find out more about the jobs. Finally, on August 18th and 20th, the employers and potential employees will meet virtually. Job seekers can find more at sc4.edu/virtual-job-fair. Many local companies are in urgent need of new employees, according to SC4. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Nutcracker and Festival of Trees Cancelled

Port Huron, MI — It’s only July, but community Christmas events are already feeling the effects of COVID-19. Both the Festival of Trees and the Nutcracker Ballet have been cancelled for this year. The events are staples in the Port Huron area during the Christmas season and the planning for both begins much earlier in the year.

The Festival of Trees is a major fundraiser for the McLaren Port Huron Hospital Foundation and has featured a black-tie preview party and a weekend of community activities.

Sara J. Tait, Director of the McLaren Port Huron Foundation said, “We have had to make some very difficult decisions about proceeding with large-scale events for the remainder of the year.” Tait also said, “We are discussing various ways we might be able to extend family-oriented activities that are still designed to kick-off the holiday season.  More information will be shared when details are finalized.”

The Nutcracker Ballet, often held the same weekend as the Festival of Trees, has also been shelved for the year for the same reasons: to protect the cast, crew, and audience from the COVID-19 virus.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

No “Rockin’ the Rivers” This Year

Another staple of summer in Port Huron has been erased from the 2020 calendar. Rockin’ the Rivers Summer Concert Series has been shut down.

The free concerts typically bring in around 2,000 people downtown and have been going strong since 2009. The event far exceeds the 250-person cap on outdoor events under the latest Executive Order form Governor Whitmer.

In a statement announcing the cancellation, City Manager James Freed said, “The Recreation Department loves providing events such as Rockin’ the Rivers for members of our community. Our focus is largely on fun, active and safe recreational opportunities for everyone. This year, we need to work a little differently to continue to maintain and protect the health of our community members. We want everyone to be safe and healthy so that we can all continue to enjoy events like these for years to come. We look forward to putting on an incredible series of shows in 2021 and safely rockin’ again next summer.”

The Port Huron Recreation Department has been forced to drastically scale back its offerings this summer. The calendar is usually filled with activities for all ages, but due to COVID-19 related orders and the financial repercussions, much has been cancelled.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Hunter Hospitality House Recognizes Volunteers, Cancels Fundraiser

Port Huron, MI — Due to COVID-19 concerns, Hunter Hospitality House cancelled their Hope Blooms Fundraiser that was planned for August 26 at the Blue Water Convention Center. The event is a major fundraiser for the non-profit that provides free lodging to those with loved ones in local hospitals.

Several awards are usually given out at Hope Blooms, and the cancellation of the event didn’t stop Hunter Hospitality House from recognizing their volunteers.

The M. Martha Koerber Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Barbara Teller in recognition of her six years of dependable house cleaning work. Executive Director of Hunter Hospitality House, Tracy Willard, said, “When we need something done thoroughly and with exceptional excellence, like training new volunteers, ‘Barb’ is our go-to gal!”

The other award is the Paula Flynn Godwin Spirit of Hunter Hospitality House Award. The award was given to Hannah Yurgens. According to Willard, “Anyone who knows Hannah knows that when she finds a cause she’s passionate about, nothing will stop her from helping them. She literally bubbles over with enthusiasm, as does her son, Adam Watson, who also volunteers for HHH.”

The 2021 Hope Blooms event is being planned. Tickets for the 2020 event will be honored at the 2021 fundraiser.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Virtual Cocktail Party to Support McLaren Port Huron Foundation

This year, the McLaren Port Huron Foundation has announced  that the popular “Cocktails for a Cause” fundraiser is coming back.  However, this year it will be going virtual!

McLaren Port Huron Foundation is partnering with McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation and Karmanos Cancer Institute to bring Cocktails for a Cause to everyone’s home! People are invited to check out full details at www.mclaren.org/phcocktail.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the McLaren Port Huron COVID-19 Relief Fund. This fund will allow the McLaren Port Huron Foundation to provide support to our hospital and caregivers for needs related to COVID-19. They are committed to giving the best possible care to our patients.

Foundation officials guarantee that 100 percent of contributions will go toward helping McLaren Port Huron caregivers and patients involved in the fight against the virus.

Lynn Griffor, Foundation Executive Director, told WGRT, “During these unprecedented times, we have seen St. Clair County come together in extraordinary ways. So, cheers to brighter days ahead and let’s share a cocktail or mocktail together for healthcare workers in our community!”

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

Art on the River Rescheduled for June 2021

Citizens for a Vibrant Community, the organizers of Art on the River, have made the difficult decision to cancel the art festival for this year. They were hopeful that the event could continue as planned, but the growing uncertainty about holding large public events this summer has forced them to reschedule.

The groups is optimistic that they are in a good position to make the 10th year of the festival a good one. “With great support from our vendors, sponsors, artists &crafters, bands and more, the event is well underway” for June 11, 12, and 13th 2021.