local news

United Way of Sarnia-Lambton Adjusts to Change – Makes Plans for Future

Sarnia, Ontario — The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton recently held its 64th Annual General Meeting, providing the community with a recap of last year’s work and plans for the future.

Reflecting on the organization’s response to the pandemic, Al McChesney, outgoing Vice President, said, “It will come as no surprise when I say COVID-19 forced us to change how we tackle the challenges facing Lambton County’s most vulnerable. In total, over  $550,000, in addition to the $1,750,000 that was raised during the fall campaign, was  available to flow through United Way to agencies in need. More than 40% of those funding decisions were to Lambton County non-profits that were not previously funded by United Way of Sarnia-Lambton.”

McChesney just completed a ten-year term and had his last meeting with the organization along with several other exiting board members. The new board is moving forward with a refocused funding strategy concentrating on addressing the cycles of poverty, helping youth be successful in school and relationships, creating strong, inclusive communities, and supporting those with addiction and mental health challenges. They will also focus on helping senior citizens live independently.

The new board also approved funding requests for a snack program through River City Vineyard and a Handyman Program through Habitat for Humanity.

For more information on The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton, visit www.TheUnitedWay.on.ca

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

SC4 Students Could be Eligible for SNAP Benefits

Port Huron, MI — St. Clair County Community College is raising awareness of resources available to students who may be needing food assistance. Federally funded SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, benefits are available to qualified students.

The December Covid Relief Package passed by Congress made more people eligible for food benefits. Being enrolled in only six credit hours at SC4 is enough for some people to qualify for SNAP.

Students who are eligible to participate in federal or state work-study programs or students with an Expected Family Contribution of $0 are likely qualified for SNAP for the duration of the public health emergency. Whether or not a student actually holds a work-study job does not matter for eligibility.

Qualifying for eligibility is determined by the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s not too late to fill out the FAFSA for this school year. Applicants need to be sure to check the box that asks if students are enrolled in school at least half time. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services may follow up to prove eligibility.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Nominate a Port Huron Schools Educator for Annual Awards

Port Huron, MI — National Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up on May 3rd, and Port Huron Schools want to surprise a few of their staff members with special recognition for their efforts. The district needs your help, and nominations are now open for its annual Advocator, Innovator, and Educator of the Year awards for 2020/2021.

This district-wide staff award campaign gives parents, students, and fellow educators the opportunity to nominate teachers, administrators, and support staff at any Port Huron School who exemplify the district’s mission actions. These are individuals who advocate for students and their families, innovate to improve student achievement, and educate in ways that are relevant, relationship driven, and rigorous.

Winners of this year’s awards will be surprised in their classrooms or offices during National Teacher Appreciation week and receive prizes through a partnership with the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Port Huron. All nominees are also placed in a drawing for Meijer gift cards which will be drawn weekly until nominations close on April 23rd.

To nominate an educator, visit www.phasd.us and click on Staff Recognition Form under the Parent/Student Menu <HERE>

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

New Museum Exhibit Features Fashions from Past

This spring and summer, the Port Huron Museum is featuring a new exhibit dedicated to Port Huron’s fashion past. Threads: From the Wardrobe of Port Huron’s Past is the result of the inventory process museum staff began last year, and it will be on display through July.

Lead exhibit designer Kayla Wendt said, “Threads is designed to appeal to a wide audience. The exhibit offers a glimpse of clothing throughout different time periods. I wanted to make sure there were local stories here that piqued the interest of everyone! You’ll see things like a scene of a 1920s summer picnic, and a night at the Desmond Theatre, but you’ll also see a scene of Service uniforms, and one of mourning attire.”

The exhibit includes some interactive areas where visitors can try on items and snap their own pictures with props and gear.

Entrance into the Threads exhibit is included in the price of admission to the Port Huron Museum’s Carnegie Center which is currently open from 10 AM – 4 PM Wednesday through Sunday.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Spero Pregnancy Center Updates Boutique

Port Huron, MI — The Spero Pregnancy Center in Port Huron has done some Spring Cleaning and is revamping its Baby Boutique. The Boutique provides free items to clients who use the services at Spero.

If you are doing some spring cleaning yourself, you may come across some items to donate to Spero.

Most of the items in the Boutique are donated by community members who either buy new items or donate gently used items. Donations are accepted from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays.

Spero gladly accepts diapers, wipes, and baby toiletries. New cribs, along with new small toys and small stuffed animals with tags are accepted, as are infant car seats if they are new and in the original box.

Used items that are accepted include maternity and nursing clothes, parenting books, and children’s books for kids up to age five. Used strollers, high chairs, and other equipment are accepted if the serial number is visible and all parts are included with the donation.

Spero can not accept items for a child over 24 months, knitted or crocheted items, used baby clothes, used bottles, used breast pumps, or adult clothing. They also no longer accept used toys, baby walkers or saucers, or furniture.

For the full updated list of accepted and unaccepted donations:

https://bluewaterbabies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/S-Material-Donation-Items-Accepted-2.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Home Depot Donates To Blue Water Habitat for Humanity Project

Port Huron, MI — Home Depot is partnering with Blue Water Habitat for Humanity to “Bring on Spring” by donating products to a Port Huron neighborhood revitalization project. Port Huron is one of 11 recipients nationwide.

Sean Walker, the Programs and Partnership Manager for the Home Depot Foundation said, “Home Depot is pleased to support the communities involved, including the Blue Water Habitat for Humanity, which has played a pivotal role in the Port Huron community for 31 years.”

Walker said, “Due to longstanding partnership of The Home Depot Foundation with Habitat for Humanity – and Habitat’s innate “doing” spirit – the partnership was a no brainer!”

While the exact project is still being worked out, CEO of the Blue Water Habitat for Humanity Ernest C. Werth-Toward said, “Spring projects will be coordinated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations. Blue Water Habitat for Humanity will select and coordinate the Bring on Spring project in Port Huron based on community needs.”

Home Depot had a good year. Walker said, “Spring is an important time for homeowners everywhere and it’s no secret that many folks took on DIY projects over the last year. The Home Depot wants to continue to empower that spirit of ‘doing’ by supporting the community.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland