Churches help Veterans share their memories
Typically at this time of year in the life of the Maple Rapids and Lowe United Methodist Churches congregants are busy working together to plan for a Veteran Appreciation meal. For the past seven years area veterans were honored with a free meal served by both of these churches.
This year, because of the pandemic our plans had to change. The suggestion was made to invite area veterans to be video taped. Artis White from the Maple Rapids congregation has been interviewing veterans who accepted the invitation since August.
Each veteran was given the opportunity to tell their story of service to our country; where they served, and their specific duty. Nineteen veterans from across Clinton and Gratiot county have been interviewed. Each veteran was photographed in addition to being videotaped. A couple of veterans were honored posthumously by their family members who held a picture of their veteran as they shared their story.
Artis wove all the stories together into a DVD video with an introduction by Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck. Each veteran received a copy of the DVD, their photograph, and also a metal token thanking them for their service.
We are very blessed as a community and country for all the veterans who have served both present and past. We look forward to next year when hopefully our churches will be able to return to an in-person dinner to show our appreciation.
Thank you veterans! We are very grateful for your service to our country! God Bless each and every one who has unselfishly set aside their lives to serve.
The video can be watched again at the Maple River Charges Youtube page link https://youtu.be/DsU7eF_HjIw.
Volunteers paint rail cars
by Maralyn Fink
On Saturday it was volunteer day at the Depot to repaint the train cars. The weather was good and the volunteers painted away.
When all was finished, the cars look great.
Thanks to Dan Matson for organizing and to all of the volunteers who came out to donate their time. Hot dogs and snacks were furnished.
Be sure to drive by and see the improvement.
Community celebrates Veterans Day
by Maralyn Fink
In the 11th month, the 11th hour on the 11th day, I attended the Veterans Memorial Service at the Veteran’s Memorial here in St Johns.
It was a cloudy, windy day; but the turnout was good. Music was provided by members of the St Johns High School Band.
The flags were put up at the cemetery until 5 p.m.
Thanks to the Veterans for having this service and to all who came out for it.
Remember When? – SJPD No Shave November, 2019 supports local State Trooper
St. Johns Police recently learned of a GoFundMe fund for Trooper Van Ells and will be donating their No Shave November funds to this worthy cause.
Trooper Dane Van Ells graduated from the 135th Trooper Recruit School and is assigned to the Lakeview Post. Trooper Van Ells was recently hospitalized at U of M in Ann Arbor and has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. He will need to undergo radiation and chemotherapy. He is currently waiting for a formal diagnosis from his oncologist.