Marshall helps YPs recognize Black River Walk donors

Jeff Marshall of Marshall Funeral Home doesn't live in Port Huron, or even the Blue Water Area, but that didn't stop him from helping the Blue Water Young Professionals give Black River Walk donors much-needed recognition.

The Greenville, MI native supplied 12 bronze donor plaques at cost. The plaques honor all donors and designers of the 12 maritime themed benches and bike racks  installed along the BRW in the fall of 2014.    

He will place the plaques in the spring.

The YPs extend a heartfelt thank you to Jeff Marshall and all our BRW donors! None of it could be accomplished without the community's support.

A full list of phase I BRW donors and designers can be found on the Black River Walk project  page. Phase II is currently in progress.

IT'S BAAAACK!

JOIN US IN THE FUN WITH KEGS N K'S!

Previously hosted by Elite Feet, the YPs are bringing back the much loved Kegs N K's. This event has something for everyone in the 21 and up crowd.

The 4K fun run is the highlight. At the start of the race and at several points along the course, participants will have the option to consume a 4 oz beer. Participants will also receive a full beer at the end of the race.

Every participant will receive a beer glass and a can opener medal with a Kegs N K's logo.

Running not your thing? Don't worry, test your strength at the Kegs N K's Keg Toss, battle friends in a game of beer pong or feel the need for speed during the pint sprint.

Whatever your poison, make sure you join us for the after-party for a rockin' good time! It will have live music, food and beer for purchase and the awards ceremony.

Interested in sponsoring the event? Contact the race director at bluewateryps@gmail.com for more information.  

YPs help with nonprofit 5K

Calling all runners!

Special Dreams Farm is presenting its 8th annual 5K run and walk and the BWYP St. Clair sub-committee is helping the organization put on the race.

The YPs are in charge of race logistics like selecting prizes, course setup, marketing and recruiting volunteers. 

Special Dreams Farm is a 31 acre working farm established to provide the special needs community with opportunities to work, learn and live. Exclusively for developmentally disabled adults, the farm provides a place where they can gain self-worth and confidence by performing meaningful work in a social environment.

For more information, please contact Mary Collette at clcollette@att.net or (810) 326-0127

Race Details

When: Sunday, May 1, 2016

Time: 7:30 a.m. packet pickup. Race starts at 9 a.m. and walk immediately after

Where: Stony  Creek Metro Park

Cost: $25 race fee for all ages when you register between Jan. 4 – Feb. 29, 2016. $30 race fee for all ages when you register between March 1 – April 30, 2016. $35 race fee the day of 

View more race details and/or register here

Bed Races 2016 sprints to the finish

Excited shouts and gasps of disbelief echoed as crowds lined Grand River Ave. eagerly watching teams race down the street during the Chilly Fest Bed Races on Jan. 23.  

Treacherous turns and friendly rivalry were the order of the day as six teams competed to be named 2016 Bed Races champion. Ultimately, Orthopedic Associates blue team took home the trophy and OA's second consecutive win. 

But they weren't the only winners: first, second and third place all left with prizes as well as the best costumed team and audience members who participated in the dance contest.  

We'd like to thank PoHo Paddle Co., SC4 theater, Elite Feet, Casey's Pizza, Kate's Downtown, Lynch's Irish Tavern and Fuel for donating prizes!  

  Read more about Bed Races 2016 in the Times Herald

BWYP Ugly Sweater Party 2015

Tis the season to say golly (over all the ugly sweaters)!!!

Celebrate the season in ugly sweater style at the Blue Water Young Professionals holiday party Thursday, Dec. 10 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Vintage Tavern (2nd Floor) in downtown Port Huron.

You don't have to be a BWYP to join in the festivities. Friends, spouses or anyone interested in the group is welcome!

Please bring a pack or pair of new socks to donate to local people in need. All socks collected will benefit the women and children at Blue Water Safe Horizons, the area's domestic abuse shelter. 

Prize for the ugliest sweater!

Cost of $16 includes a variety of appetizers. Cash bar. RSVPs by Nov. 30 are strongly encouraged. 
 

Get your ticket here!

Melt the ice with Bed Races 2016

Build a “bed”, wear a costume, and race down the street in the middle of winter. 

Prepare to tear up the streets of downtown Port Huron. Chilly Fest is fast approaching and with it the coolest event in town: Bed Races.

This crowd favorite returns Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016 at the intersection of McMorran Blvd. and Superior Mall. Racing starts at 3 p.m.

Compete for awesome prizes against creatively costumed teams in timed relays amid optional distracts like whistles and silly string.

Remember: inventive costumes and dirty tricks are half the fun! Last year we even had a presidential detail with police escort.

Teams consist of five people, including four racers and a sleeper. Entry fee is $25 per team.

Want to find more information, register your team, or learn how to build a bed? Visit this page or email Audrey Sochor at asochor06@gmail.com

BWYP Halloween pub crawl is back!

There's nothing more scary than a bunch of YPs out on the town in Halloween costumes! Plan your costume or dig out that festive Halloween t-shirt and mark your calendar - the Halloween pub crawl returns Oct. 30 in downtown Port Huron.  This will be a very “informal” gathering, below is a list of bars with approximate times.

Schedule:

5:30 p.m. - CASEY’S PIZZA & SUBS - Planning to have dinner and start the fun.

7:00 p.m. - FUEL WOODFIRE GRILL

7:45 p.m. - THUMBCOAST BREWERY

8:30 p.m. - THE HAC

9:15 p.m. - ROCHE or ALLEY ROOM

10:00 p.m. - LYNCH’S IRISH TAVERN

This get-together is always a fun time. We hope to see you and your friends there!

Please not we will NOT be providing a “Pub Crawl” T-shirt this year.

Pine River Poker Paddle returns

Combining two popular pastime activities equals great summer fun. The 2nd annual Pine River Poker Paddle returns Saturday, Aug. 29.

Registration starts at 9:30 a.m., and is free and open to the public. Paddle starts at 10 a.m.

During this event, participants paddle along the Pine River starting at the St. Clair Boat Harbor to the train bridge and back. Along the way they will stop at five checkpoints to pick up a poker card.  

At the end of the event, the player with the best hand wins a brand new kayak, generously sponsored by DeLude Construction.

Attendees will also have chances to win other great prizes such as a guided kayaking tour for up to 10 people from Missy's Kayak Connection or SUP/kayak accessories from PoHo Paddle Co.

Don't own your own kayak, canoe or paddle board? Don't worry, a limited number of kayaks are available to rent from the St. Clair Boat Harbor or Great Lakes Paddle Sports. A limited number of paddle boards will also be available for rent from PoHo Paddle Co.

Volleygrass a big hit

The last weekend in July is well-known by all area volleyball lovers. Volleygrass  brings in players from all over the Thumb region, and this year was no exception. 

This year about 200 teams played.

Teaming up with the Port Huron Northern Athletic Boosters for a second year, the BWYP helped put on Volleygrass 2015.

As the biggest volleyball competition in the area, this tournament is run by the booster club, and their varsity volleyball coach, as a fundraiser for the sports programs at Port Huron Northern High School.

The BWYP raised around $2,500 for our future projects. We are in charge of sponsorships, registration and bracketing the tournament.  

BWYP VP Jackie Hanton accepts position with Community Foundation

The Blue Water Young Professionals' Vice President Jackie Hanton has been named Vice President of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. Read more about her new position in today's Times Herald article.

Congratulations to Jackie on this new chapter in her career.