“Eugene has a tremendous passion for Saginaw County and the Great Lakes Bay Region, coupled with a strong vision for the Chamber’s role in the future growth and success of our business community,” Perigo said. “Our Board of Directors had the privilege of interviewing several highly qualified candidates, and we are thrilled to have Eugene continue the tradition of robust business support that our members have come to expect.”

Seals has been with the Chamber since May 2021, serving as the Director of Membership and Sponsorship Sales as well as leading the Chamber’s Momentum Minority and Women-owned Business and Mentorship Program. He is also in his second year of the four-year Chamber Institute for Organization Management program, which is managed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to his work with the Chamber, Seals is currently the Director of Operations and Sales for Pride Basketball 21/Pride Academy 21, an organization that provides sports training, camps, and AAU programs to youth in a safe and enjoyable environment.

A Saginaw native, Seals has a long-standing commitment to the community, particularly in his work with local youth. He has volunteered with numerous organizations including the Center of Attraction & Christ Community Church Summer Programs, Boy Scouts of America, Power of Dad, Children’s Grief Center of the Great Lakes Bay Region, and Saginaw Public Schools, among others.

Veronica Horn will remain in her role until the end of the year to facilitate a smooth leadership transition. Seals is set to officially assume the responsibilities of President and CEO on July 1, 2024.

For more information, contact Nancy Stevenson at 989-757-2111.

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For Michigan undergraduate students taking 30 credits in the upcoming academic year, this translates to a total annual tuition of $12,930, up by $690 from the prior year’s cost. SVSU President George Grant Jr. emphasized that this budget will support continued investments in student safety, well-being, and career preparedness, underscoring the institution’s commitment to enhancing the overall student experience.

In addition to the budget approval, the Board ratified a new three-year labor contract with the SVSU Support Staff Association (MEA/NEA). This agreement includes a variety of wage increases for current employees, averaging around 4.3% in the first year, with those having the longest tenure receiving the largest boosts due to the addition of an extra pay step. Newly hired employees will benefit from pay increases ranging between 6% and 11% in their first year, depending on their classification. Over the next two years, members of the collective bargaining unit will see wage hikes of 2.5% in the second year and 2% in the third year. Additionally, the university will increase its contributions toward health insurance premiums.

The SVSU Support Staff Association represents 156 employees working in various secretarial, clerical, and facilities/maintenance roles. The Association members ratified the agreement on Wednesday, June 12.

The Board also approved several significant capital expenditures. They authorized up to $4.025 million to renovate the residence halls Great Lakes A-C, part of the First Year Suites complex. This move continues SVSU’s streak of being recognized for having the “best dorms” among all public universities in the U.S. for five consecutive years, according to Niche.

In a further effort to enhance campus infrastructure, the Board approved $600,000 for a transit gateway project to improve public transportation connectivity within the Great Lakes Bay Region. This project includes $500,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Additionally, $400,000 has been earmarked for upgrading the university’s storage area network for Information Technology Services.

The meeting also saw the approval of promotions for 14 faculty members, effective July 1. Those promoted to professor are:

• Prashanth Anekal, management
• Cal Borden, biology
• Kylie Jaber, economics
• Julie Lynch, psychology
• James McEvoy, biology
• David Nichols, philosophy
• Travis Pashak, psychology
• Jennifer Stinson, history

The faculty members elevated to associate professor are:

• Zachary Cohle, economics
• Babak Lotfaliei, finance
• Peggy Jones, mechanical engineering
• Brian Maricle, biology
• Aos Mulahuwaish, computer science and information systems
• Kavindya Senanayake, physics

Kathleen Schachman has been reappointed as the H.R. Wickes Endowed Professor of Nursing, and Peter Rose-Barry will continue as the Finkbeiner Endowed Professor of Ethics.

Finally, the Board confirmed appointments to previously authorized public school academies, continuing its support for education in the wider community.

These decisions reflect SVSU’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and improving the quality of campus life for its students and staff.

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The City County School Liaison Committee, comprising representatives from the city, county, and school districts, collaborates to address mutual concerns and improve the quality of life for Saginaw’s students and broader community. The release of the 2024 guide underscores the committee’s commitment to offering diverse, affordable, and accessible activities that foster personal growth and community engagement.

The 2024 Hot Times Summer Youth Activities Guide aims to offer a diverse range of recreational, enrichment, and academic activities that are both enjoyable and affordable, making them accessible to school-age students. It seeks to foster a healthy appreciation among students for their leisure time, encouraging them to engage in activities that are not only fun but also enriching. Additionally, the guide is designed to provide programs that equip students with skills and knowledge essential for their future success. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation with other agencies to create and promote positive activity options, effectively communicating these alternatives to students and their families. Ensuring a safe and healthy environment for students during the summer is a key priority, as is the goal of challenging today’s youth to help prepare them for leadership roles in the future.

Mayor Pro Tem Annie Boensch, who co-chairs the City County School Liaison Committee, highlighted the importance of the guide, stating, “This guide is an excellent resource showcasing the abundant learning and growth opportunities available this summer for area students. Our goal is to dispel the myth that Saginaw lacks productive activities for school-age children during the summer. We hope this guide encourages students and parents to make the most of the summer for incredible learning experiences.”

In addition to being available on the city’s official website, the 2024 Hot Times Summer Youth Activities Guide can also be found on the Saginaw Public School District’s website at spsd.net and the Saginaw County website at saginawcounty.com. For more information or inquiries, individuals can contact the Saginaw Public Schools at (989) 399-6500.

With this guide, the City County School Liaison Committee hopes to ensure a summer filled with growth, learning, and fun for all of Saginaw’s youth.

For Further Information:

• Visit: Hot Times Summer Youth Activities Guide
• Contact: Saginaw Public Schools at (989) 399-6500
• Explore additional resources at spsd.net and saginawcounty.com

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The Adams Boulevard Area Neighborhood Associations annual yard sale will take place under a tent at the median with Lockwood Street, which for newcomers is in the vicinity of Michigan Lutheran Seminary and Fuzzy’s restaurant, between Court and Mackinaw. Hours are Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In their only fund-raiser of the year, members have been encouraged to donate “white elephants” from their closets, attics and garages, anything from gadgets and toys to clothing and household decorations.

Items for sale may be dropped off at Adams and Lockwood.

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The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) to Master of Social Work (MSW) Program aims to bolster the behavioral health workforce in the state by increasing the number of master’s level social workers. Eligible bachelor’s level social workers who enter a full-time advanced standing MSW program and agree to at least two years of full-time employment in public sector behavioral health in Michigan will receive the one-time stipend.

“This program is another investment by the state to increase access to behavioral health care for Michigan families,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We are committed to helping families access behavioral health care services when and where they need them. We anticipate up to 150 students will be able to obtain their master’s degree in social work through this program.”

In addition to SVSU, several other universities across Michigan will receive funding to support this initiative:

• Andrews University: $208,236
• Eastern Michigan University: $371,976
• Ferris State University: $167,169
• Grand Valley State University: $384,339
• Madonna University: $314,824
• Michigan State University: $498,358
• Northern Michigan University: $90,578
• Oakland University: $409,741
• Spring Arbor University: $511,468
• University of Michigan: $853,394
• Wayne State University: $1,001,848

Participating universities will now begin the process of contracting eligible students into the program. These students must enroll in a full-time advanced standing MSW program, which typically spans three semesters or one year, depending on the university.

For additional information, interested individuals can contact Jilliann Betzer at BetzerJ@michigan.gov.

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Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, emphasized the importance of prevention: “It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause severe illness. We urge Michiganders to use EPA-registered insect repellent, avoid areas with high mosquito activity, and wear clothing that covers arms and legs to prevent bites.”

With summer approaching, the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as JCV, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and West Nile virus (WNV) increases. This year’s warm, wet spring has led to an abundance of mosquitos, particularly in woodland areas. JCV cases have been reported in Michigan in recent years, with six cases in 2021, one in 2022, and four in 2023. Additionally, 21 cases of WNV were reported last year.

JCV is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitos, with symptoms ranging from fever, headache, and fatigue to severe neurological diseases like encephalitis and meningitis. Most cases occur from late spring through mid-fall.

To protect against mosquito-borne diseases, residents should:

• Use insect repellents containing DEET or other EPA-approved products.
• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors.
• Ensure window and door screens are intact to keep mosquitos out.
• Eliminate standing water around the home to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/EmergingDiseases.

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Saginaw’s triumph marks them as the eighth first-time participant to win the Memorial Cup since 1972, the first since 2011. This victory also makes Saginaw just the fifth American team in the 104-year history of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) to win the Memorial Cup, joining the ranks of the Portland Winterhawks (1983, 1988) and the Spokane Chiefs (1991, 2008). They are the third host team in the last six tournaments to claim the title.

The Spirit’s offense was powered by Owen Beck, who scored twice, and Joey Willis. Goaltender Andrew Oke contributed by stopping 10 shots. For the Knights, Kasper Halttunen, Easton Cowan, and Sam Dickinson found the back of the net, while Michael Simpson made 27 saves.

Sunday’s final was the 12th meeting between these two teams this season. They split their four regular-season encounters before clashing in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Western Conference finals, where London triumphed in six games and went on to win the OHL title. The round-robin finale on Wednesday saw the Knights earn a 4-2 victory, securing their place in the final, while the Spirit overwhelmed Moose Jaw 7-1 in Friday’s semifinal to set up the rematch.

The game began with Beck opening the scoring at 9:07 of the first period. Winning a faceoff in the left circle, he managed to find the puck in the ensuing scramble and fired it past Simpson, sending the home crowd into a roar. Later in the period, London’s Landon Sim received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for an elbow to the face of Saginaw’s star defenseman Zayne Parekh, who fortunately got up after a few tense moments.

Beck extended Saginaw’s lead on the power play with just 44.3 seconds left in the first period, netting a one-timer from the right faceoff circle off a feed from Bloom. The Spirit dominated the first period, outshooting the Knights 13-1.

Willis made it 3-0 at 7:47 of the second period, driving through London’s defense and beating Simpson with a backhand shot. London’s Halttunen responded at 9:45, picking up a loose puck at the blue line and beating Oke with a wrist shot.

Despite trailing, London rallied in the third period. Cowan made it 3-2 at 7:48, firing a shot past Oke from the right faceoff circle. Dickinson then tied the game at 10:16, capitalizing on a 2-on-1 feed from Max McCue.

The game seemed destined for overtime until Bloom’s heroics in the final seconds. His game-winning goal, a rebound from Donovan’s point shot, secured Saginaw’s place in history and set off jubilant celebrations throughout the Dow Event Center.

“This victory is the result of our hard work and determination all season,” said Bloom. “It’s an incredible feeling to bring the Memorial Cup to Saginaw for the first time.”

With this historic win, the Saginaw Spirit have solidified their place among junior hockey’s elite, and their first Memorial Cup victory will be remembered as a defining moment in the franchise’s history.

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An agreement has been reached with the Ontario city of Barrie, which is north of Toronto in the same way that Saginaw is north of Detroit.

Our prior partner was with Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., for the Friendship Games from 1977 to 1999. The communities took annual turns hosting everything from basketball for the kids to bocce (lawn bowling) for old-timers.

Junior hockey fans of the Saginaw Spirit will recognize Barrie, a town of 150,000, as a rival. Indeed, the pursuit of the current Memorial Cup championship, through City Manager Tim Morales among local leaders, created the link with Barrie.

A difference exists between the old Soo and the new Barrie connections. This arrangement is formed through People to People International, similar to Saginaw’s 60-year-old sister city pact with Tokushima, Japan. In fact, our resulting Japanese Tea House was among sites visited this week when Mayor Brenda Moore welcomed her Barrie counterpart, Alex Nuttall, with a tour of local attractions in the central parks.

Saginaw never has had a Friendship Games-type tradition with Tokushima — or for that matter, with Awka, Nigeria, or with Juarez, Mexico, or now, with Amanokrom, Ghana, where Councilman George Copeland joined a delegation last summer with his employer, Saginaw Valley State University.

As Morales has outlined to the City Council, Barrie offers potential for a higher level of interaction simply because of the closer proximity.

SVSU also will play a part if the new arrangement remains on course, along with Delta College and local institutions, including the schools. Barrie’s commitment is reflected in their formation of an International Relations Committee, long before they knew Saginaw (and Flint) as U.S.A. participants in the Canadian Hockey League.

Mayor Moore said: “This relationship will be mutually beneficial for both cities and provide us with new opportunities for exchange programs, cultural enrichment, curriculum enhancement, and economic development as a result of the relationship.  My hope is that together, we can support one another and continue to improve in every area while also providing our community the opportunity to develop new friendships with the citizens of Barrie that will last for years to come.”

Saginaw Township was a partner with Cambridge, Ont., for the Can-Amera Games from 1972 through 2006. Both Can-Amera and the Friendship Games were canceled by the Canadian communities, with officials citing a decline in public interest.

One factor in common was that “billet” families hosted visiting children for the weekend, similar to season-long housing for the teen-age players in Barrie, Saginaw and other junior hockey towns. The Soo also has a junior team, but during the Friendship Games era the adult-league Gears preceded the Spirit.

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Decisions have come at the very end of meetings, without discussion to compare the merits of the various contending competitors for several million dollars that remain available.

This is virtually the same group of elected leaders who promised three years ago to follow an open process with public hearings, a citizens advisory committee, an online portal for proposals, and professional organizing from the aptly-named Guidehouse national consultants, which suddenly became heavily hired in cities across the nation in 2021, after President Biden and Democrats passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act.

If the pattern continues at the next meeting — 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 3 — a last-minute proposal will come forward, not on the agenda, and it will be anyone’s guess which program or agency will be the next to find the council’s favor.

More than a year has passed since anyone on the nine-member council made any reference to following recommendations of the 15-member citizens advisory panel, which had been formed to include people of more influence than the regular residents who voluntarily serve on the Human Planning Commission.

For three years, city leaders have asserted that their process has been “careful” moreso than “slow” in taking time to make the best-qualified choices with the one-time windfall. But during 2024, actions have become scattered.

Council members Michael Flores and Monique Lamar Silvia, outsiders until now, have won “motions and miscellaneous” votes  prior to meeting adjournments, as viewers struggle to find out precisely what is happening. On May 6, members approved a Flores motion to add $75,000 for Women of Colors and $60,000 for the Mexican American Council. Next, on May 20, Silvia won a proposal to add $50,000 for the Saginaw African Cultural Festival’s new Freedom Schools, which will teach the basics during a June/July summer school format.

By best estimates, Saginaw has about $1 million remaining from the original $52 million. At least another $3 million in bank account interest has been accrued, and for this sum ARPA rules need not be followed. Council members have yet to discuss whether to use this money in the intended anti-poverty spirit, or to take the cash for boosting the general fund budget. Council meetings air on YouTube, on Saginaw Government Television (SETV, Spectrum 191), and at saginaw-mi.com.

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STARS will offer the following free services from Friday, May 24 through Sunday, June 2:

• Regular Bus Routes will run on Monday-Friday 5AM-11PM, Saturdays 8AM-11PM and Sundays 9AM-11PM.
• The Spirit Loop, connecting Old Town and Downtown along the Riverfront to the Dow Event Center, will run from 11AM-2:30AM every day and every 15 minutes.
• The Saginaw Hotel Loop, connecting the Township Hotels with the STARS Plaza and the Dow, will run from 11AM-2PM, 5PM-7PM, and 10PM-2:30AM every day and every 30 minutes.

“STARS is here to ensure that Saginaw residents can participate in this exciting time for our City. The Memorial Cup is bringing opportunity and STARS is here to bring access to the Cup and everything that comes with it. These expanded services help our Saginaw residents and businesses prosper,” said Glenn Steffens, Executive Director of STARS.

For more information on STARS Memorial Cup services, visit https://saginaw-stars.com/memorialcup/.

These services are being made possible by the financial support of the Saginaw DDA, Saginaw Township, and the Kochville DDA.

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