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The History Of Cinco De Mayo: The Reason For The Celebration

Cinco de Mayo, which translates to the fifth of May, is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and the United States. 

It commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The battle was fought during the Franco-Mexican War, which began in 1861 when Mexico declared a temporary ban on the repayment of foreign debts.

Under the leadership of Napoleon III, the French saw this as an opportunity to establish a French presence in Mexico and install a French-friendly government. However, the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French in a stunning upset, despite being outnumbered and outgunned.

The victory at the Battle of Puebla was a significant morale boost for the Mexican army and helped to rally support for the resistance against the French. 

Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated as a symbol of Mexican heritage and pride. Festivities typically include parades, traditional food and music, along with dancing and drinking.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Help For Taxpayers Who Missed The Tax Filing Deadline

Michigan taxpayers who missed the April 18 state individual income tax filing deadline still have options for filing a late return, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. 

Glenn White, who oversees Treasury’s Revenue Services programs, said taxpayers who have an outstanding refund shouldn’t hesitate to file a return, and that the department will work with taxpayers who have an outstanding tax debt and cannot make full payment to find payment options. 

The Treasury recommends filing a return to claim an outstanding refund or avoid interest and penalties, and paying as much as possible. 

Taxpayers who receive a final tax bill and are unable to pay the entire amount owed can request a penalty waiver, make monthly payments through an installment agreement, or file an Offer in Compromise application. The last three options should be filed separately from the state income tax return. 

For more information, visit: michigan.gov/treasury or michigan.gov/incometax.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Attain Your Fitness Goals At The YMCA Of The Blue Water Area

It’s been awhile since we all made our New Year’s resolutions to be healthier, and to start exercising more. Have you stayed consistent, or have you fallen off the wagon? 

If you have lost track of your health and fitness goals the YMCA of the Blue Water Area provides numerous options to help you get back on track or to get started for the first time on your health and fitness journey. 

A brief list of some of their health and fitness programs include:

  • Personal Training 
  • Dance Aerobics
  • Spin Bike Classes
  • Hip-Hop Cardio 
  • Swimming Pool Facilities
  • And Much More

YMCA member Danielle Grinnell says, “As I began to test the water with different classes, I began making it a priority to fit the ones I connected to into my schedule. I’m now more energetic without the need to live off caffeine.” 

If you would like to give to the YMCA of the Blue Water Area to help support these programs, or to register, visit: bluewaterymca.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron High School Offering Summer Wrestling Camp

If you’re looking for programs to enroll your student in during summer vacation to keep them busy and teach them new skills, look no further than Port Huron High’s Summer Wrestling Camp. 

The camp will be from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 29th – Saturday, July 1st. It will be held in the Port Huron High School gym, located at 2215 Court Street, Port Huron. Ages for participants are 6 – 18.

The cost for the event is $80 and can be paid via Cash App, Venmo, or cash. The cost includes the training fee, lunch, and a camp shirt. Payment must be made by June 2nd to guarantee a t-shirt. There will also be three special guest clinicians at the camp sharing their unique wrestling experiences with the students. 

For more information contact Coach Wardlow at: bwardlow@phasd.us or call (951) 259-0817.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

High School Students Recognized And Awarded By The Ottawa Chapter DAR

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a lineage society organized in 1906 whose members share a love of country and a rich heritage. The members are lineal descendants of a patriot who gave aid or was a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. 

Daughters of the American Revolution are dedicated to preserving American history, securing America’s future through better education, and promoting patriotism. 

They have recently recognized four local high school students who qualified for the DAR Good Citizen and Youth Citizenship Awards. The students were nominated by their school counselors and teachers. 

Winner of the Good Citizen Award is Matthew Zammit of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School who was awarded $300. The other three students are Tyler Jamison (Port Huron Northern), Tyler Chisolm (Cross-Lex), and Jeremy Matthieu (Port Huron Northern) who each received a medal for the Youth Citizenship Awards. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sarnia Kinsmen Spring Into Summer Art & Craft Show Coming Soon

If you’re into arts and crafts, then you don’t want to miss the upcoming Spring Into Summer Art & Craft Show hosted by the Sarnia Kinsmen. 

Vendors from the local and Southwestern areas of Ontario will gather at Baxter Park, located at 1582 Colborne Rd, Sarnia. The event will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 6th and 7th, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

The Sarnia Kinsmen have been serving to meet the community’s greatest need for 86 years. To date they have donated close to $40 million to Cystic Fibrosis research and over $1 billion to Canadian communities. 

The 2023 Spring Into Summer Arts & Crafts Show will take place rain or shine so prepare for any inclement weather.

For more information, visit: sarniakinsmen.ca. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell