port huron

St. Clair County Library Hosts Egg Hunt Extravaganza With Easter Bunny And T-Rex

The St. Clair County Library System’s Main Branch is gearing up for an egg-citing event as they prepare to host the 2024 Library Egg Hunt at Lincoln Park. Families are invited to join in the festivities where children can hunt for eggs, enjoy candy treats, and mingle with special guests, the Easter Bunny and the Easter T-Rex!

Scheduled for Saturday, March 23rd, rain or shine, the event promises a range of outdoor activities suitable for all weather conditions. From photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny and T-Rex to the thrill of the egg hunt, there’s something for everyone.

To ensure an ample supply of candy bags, registration is encouraged. Additionally, parents can rest assured that children who may be timid around the T-Rex need not worry, as interactions are optional.

For more information, visit: stclaircountylibrary.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Celebrate Black Culinary Heritage At Port Huron Museum’s Taste Of Soul Event

Join Port Huron Museums Saturday, February 24th for free a celebration of African American culinary heritage at the 2nd Annual Taste of Soul event. From the roots of Africa, Jamaica, and the enduring legacy of slavery, to the vibrant flavors of today’s Soul Food, this event traces the delicious journey of Black foodways through history.

Immerse yourself in a cultural extravaganza featuring live music, storytelling, and networking opportunities with local restaurateurs. Explore the From Whence We Came African American Exhibit at the Port Huron Museum and indulge in signature dishes from Africa, Jamaica, and generations-old Soul Food recipes.

Savor the flavors of African/Black cuisine and signature drinks from esteemed restaurants like Chef Chris Catering, Elle Symone Catering & Events, and Yum Village, among others.

Let’s come together to learn, taste, and celebrate Black History at this unforgettable event, hosted at the Port Huron Museums Carnegie Museum located at 1115 6th St Port Huron, festivities begin at 12 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Urgency Mounts As Deadline Approaches For Community Foundation Of St. Clair County Scholarship Funds

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County is currently overseeing a diverse range of scholarship funds aimed at supporting students in pursuing higher education. Among these funds is the prestigious Come Home Award, alongside other traditional scholarships, all designed to assist students in fulfilling their academic aspirations.

With various criteria set by the donors, these scholarships offer students a valuable opportunity to fund their college or vocational education. The application process for traditional scholarships, which begin in early January, is quickly coming to a close, with a priority deadline of mid-March.

Eligible candidates include high school graduates, incoming freshmen, upperclassmen, and non-traditional students, with opportunities available for various academic levels and institutions, both in Michigan and out-of-state. Time is of the essence to submit applications before the deadline.

For more information, visit: stclairfoundation.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Hosts Annual National African American Read-In Event

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is set to host an enriching African American Literature Read-In event as part of the nationwide celebration of the National African American Read-In. 

Established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English, the event at SC4 will take place on February 24th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre. This event is free for all attendees.

Local K-12 students will share excerpts from children’s literature by African American authors, aiming to intertwine literacy with the essence of Black History Month. Notable features include a compelling conversation between SC4’s English professor, Chris Hilton, and Chief Diversity Officer Jessica Brown, exploring the event’s significance in promoting literacy and cultural understanding.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Strange Love, The Mysterious Origins Of Valentine’s Day

Scholars and historians speculate on the origins of St. Valentine’s Day, suggesting it may have roots in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. Celebrated between the 13th and 15th of February, Lupercalia honored the Roman god of agriculture, Faunus, and the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, according to history.com.

During Lupercalia, Roman priests would conduct rituals involving the sacrifice of animals, particularly goats and dogs, to promote fertility and purification. They would then use the hides of these animals to gently slap women and crop fields, believing the practice enhanced fertility.

Additionally, a tradition emerged where young women would place their names in an urn, and city bachelors would choose a name to become paired with for the year, often resulting in marriages. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Working Families Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed This Week To Michigan Households

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the rollout of Working Families Tax Credit supplemental checks, commencing this week, to aid eligible families across the state. This initiative, part of a broader $1 billion tax cut plan, will inject an average of $550 into the pockets of over 700,000 Michigan households.

Governor Whitmer emphasized the significance of this measure in alleviating working poverty, supporting families, and bolstering Michigan’s economy. The Working Families Tax Credit, a state adaptation of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, requires individuals to meet specific criteria and file a federal income tax return.

Starting February 13th, eligible taxpayers will begin receiving these supplemental checks via the U.S. Postal Service over a 5-to-6-week period. This move marks a significant stride in providing immediate financial relief to Michigan’s hardworking families, reflecting the state’s commitment to fostering prosperity and economic resilience.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell