port huron

Thumb Food Policy Council Welcomes Heather Bearden And Dena Ellis As New Board Members

The Thumb Food Policy Council has expanded its leadership team with the addition of two new members, Heather Bearden and Dena Ellis.

Heather Bearden, who currently serves as the Regional Outreach Manager at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, brings a wealth of experience in food security and outreach. Her expertise will be invaluable in the council’s mission to address food insecurity in Thumb counties.

Dena Ellis, a Purchasing Representative at SEMCO Energy, joins the council with a strong background in procurement, contributing her skills to ensure the efficient distribution of resources to those in need.

The Thumb Food Policy Council, a collaborative effort encompassing Tuscola and Huron counties, is actively working to engage more voices from Thumb counties to combat food insecurity. The council’s efforts extend to residents of Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Lapeer counties.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Salvation Army Opens 2023 Christmas Assistance Registration For Local Families

The Salvation Army is extending a helping hand to local families in need this holiday season with the commencement of their 2023 Christmas Assistance Registration. 

From October 16th to November 3rd, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 2000 Court St, Port Huron, individuals and families can register to receive Christmas assistance.

During the registration process, applicants are required to provide vital information, including their name, address, phone number, birthdate, and the last four digits of their social security number. 

Additionally, email addresses should be shared, along with the names, and number of children in the household. Details about children in the household, including sizes and gift interests, are also necessary. Lastly, applicants must disclose their household’s income.

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance Program aims to spread the joy of the holiday season by providing support to those facing financial challenges.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Dean Transportation Promotes School Bus Safety During National School Bus Safety Week

Dean Transportation, a company with over five decades of experience in transporting students across Michigan, is actively advocating for the importance of school bus safety during National School Bus Safety Week, running from Oct. 16th to Oct. 20th.

This year’s National School Bus Safety Week features a student poster contest, with the selected poster, “Safely Rolling to my Destination,” created by Avrie Siedschlag from Coon Rapids, Minnesota. The poster provides essential safety tips for students boarding, riding, or disembarking from school buses.

Michigan’s Operation Safe Stop program will run in conjunction with National School Bus Safety Week, aiming to educate drivers on sharing the road with buses to enhance student safety during loading and unloading at bus stops. Dean Transportation also plans to show appreciation for school bus professionals through various promotional materials and social media posts.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SONS Outreach Introduces Exciting New Culinary Program For Students

Get ready to please your taste buds as SONS Outreach launches its brand-new culinary course as part of their Trades Exposure program! Offering a delectable opportunity for students to explore the world of culinary arts, this 5-week course promises an exciting experience for all.

Led by local business owners, Heather Fagan and Carol Bublitz of Dona Marinas, David Rix of Club 21, and Alice Rieves from Mid-City Nutrition, this culinary journey kicks off on Tuesday, October 17th, running from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., at the new SONS Resource Complex – Entrance A.

For just $25 per student, participants can savor this culinary adventure. Don’t miss out on this flavorful experience!

To learn more or register, contact the SONS Outreach office at: (810) 989-SONS (7667) or visit: sonsoutreach.org/events.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

PH Country Style Market - Photo by Jessie Wiegand

Country Style Market Announces New Business Hours Amid Slow Season

In an unexpected turn of events, downtown businesses have been grappling with a significant decline in foot traffic since Labor Day weekend, leading to staff reductions and altered operating hours. While a slight dip in sales during September is customary, the current situation is unprecedented.

Country Style Market, a staple in the area, has seen eight employees resign due to the dwindling hours and a bleak outlook for foot traffic recovery. Consequently, the market is forced to adjust its hours of operation.

Effective immediately, Country Style Market will be closed on Sundays and Mondays, opening Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Recovery Center Celebrates To Host 3rd Annual “ROC With Us” Banquet

Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center (BWROC) is delighted to announce a significant milestone, having assisted more than 5,000 individuals in their journey toward recovery from addiction. 

As a token of their appreciation, BWROC invites the community to their 3rd annual “ROC with Us” Banquet Fundraiser, scheduled for Tuesday, November 28th, at Alexander’s Banquet Hall located at 1200 Gratiot Blvd, Marysville.

The event, set to kick off at 5:30 p.m., will highlight the remarkable work being done at BWROC while expressing gratitude to all involved. Additionally, the inaugural ROC AWARDS will honor outstanding contributors in four different categories. 

Guests can anticipate a delightful evening with dinner, live music by local musician Julianne Ankley, a video presentation, silent auction, and updates on BWROC’s “Partners in Recovery” Program. 

For sponsorship inquiries or RSVPs, contact BWROC at (810) 689-4858 or email Angela Valdivia at avaldivia@bwroc.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell