Adalee Thelen Awarded 2021 GreenStone Scholarship
Over the past ten years GreenStone has awarded up to $40,000 in scholarships each year to incoming freshmen pursuing careers in agriculture and takes pride in investing in youth, as it is extremely significant to the future of the agriculture industry and its success. Out of over 50 applicants, 20 exceptional students were selected to receive a 2021 GreenStone scholarship, including Adalee Thelen, who stands out among her community due to her impressive academic achievements, community involvement, and volunteer work.
Adalee resides in St. Johns, Michigan and attends Fowler High School where she excels both in and out of the classroom. She has achieved an impressive 3.8 GPA, earning her a spot on the honor roll all four years of high school. Adalee is also in the top ten of her class and is a member of the National Honor Society.
In her free time, Adalee is an active member of the Ionia FFA chapter and serves as the current president. She has received numerous awards, including state winner of the Michigan FFA Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education Contest in 2020 and being on the first-place team in the corn division of the 2020 Michigan FFA Crop Management Contest. Adalee also serves as a youth member of the Clinton County 4-H Dairy Council, a youth leader in her 4-H Club Five Star Dairy, a director on the Michigan Junior Holstein Association Board, and a 2020 Michigan Dairy Ambassador.
Upon graduation, Adalee plans to attend Michigan State University in pursuit of a degree in animal science.
“I am not sure of an exact career I would like to pursue after college,” she states, “but I know that I want to work with animals and to continue to be involved in the dairy industry that has given so much to me.”
GreenStone is honored to support talented students like Adalee Thelen in their journey to achieve their goals and better the agricultural industry. For more information on GreenStone’s scholarship program, visit www.GreenStoneFCS.com/Community/Scholarships.
GreenStone Farm Credit Services, based in East Lansing, Michigan, is Michigan and northeast Wisconsin’s largest agricultural lender and the country’s seventh largest association in the Farm Credit System. A member-owned cooperative, GreenStone owns and manages over $11 billion in assets and serves 27,000 members with 36 branch locations in Michigan and northeast Wisconsin. More information on GreenStone can be found at www.greenstonefcs.com.
Levett named a winner in LAFCU art competition
Looking for some good news? Are you in need of a comforting message of unity and hope? You might be able to just look up or hop online to see those messages. LAFCU, a Michigan credit union, is showcasing the 10 winning entries of its “Act with Love & Equality” art initiative on billboards across Michigan and via LAFCU’s digital channels, including its social media platforms and website.
LAFCU had asked Michigan residents to graphically depict words of love and equality for use as public reminders about what is important in daily life.
There is also growing community support of the project, too. Eaton Theatre, Charlotte, and Lansing Lugnuts are among the businesses sharing the images on their platforms.
“We are honored these artists are allowing us to share their creative work to help inspire a community in which love and equality flourish,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer. “As a credit union with nearly 70,000 members, we have an obligation to use our platforms for good. Art is a powerful communicator. It can show us what words alone cannot.”
In addition to Unity by Theressa Levett of St. Johns artists who graphically depicted them include:
– Change — Nevin Speerbrecker, Lansing
– Empathy — Brian Whitfield, Lansing
– Heal — Laura Dixon, Clarklake; Mike Holcomb, Okemos; Lisa O’Connor, Mason
– Hope — Alayna, Brija and Kayla Fradette, Grand Ledge
– Humanity — Isabella Spagnuolo, Williamston
– Kind — Larissa Moyer, East Lansing; Kellie Swiger, Grand Ledge
– Love — Madison Miller, Charlotte
– One — Erika Noud, East Lansing
– Peace — Riley Griffin, Holt
The winning artwork along with the respective artist statements are posted on the LAFCU website at www.lafcu.com/loveandequality.
An example of an artist statement is Brian Whitfield’s, in which he notes that each letter in his colored pencil drawing of the word “Empathy” illustrates a story where empathy is desired. These include depictions of the sick and the caregiver, violence by guns, violence toward the Asian community, the loneliness of loss, and faith and hope through beliefs.
The winning artists celebrated at a virtual event May 19.
FOMR to hold cleanup on June 5
The Friends of the Maple River (FOMR) will be hosting a river cleanup on Saturday, June 5. They plan to meet at the Elsie dam at 9:00 a.m. to split it up into work groups. The group expects to work until mid-day, but they will not run any later than 1:00 p.m.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring any applicable gear or equipment that can assist with removing downed timber from the river. Please direct any specific questions about the clean up or gear to Jack Nutter at 989-862-5541.
Immediately after the cleanup, those who are interested are invited to hang out at a casual social gathering back at the Elsie dam site. Bring a change of clothes, something to sit on and whatever refreshments you would like. They may also decide to order food from a local restaurant if there is enough interest.
The FOMR is looking forward to a productive effort to open more of the river for recreation and a chance to catch up current members and hopefully some new ones. All are welcome, and they encourage everyone to get involved. See you on the water.
First annual Eat Your ART Out event is June 5
The first Festival Event of the year will take place in Downtown St. Johns on Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Clinton County Arts Council will be presenting its first annual Eat Your ART Out event. This festival will include a craft show and a food art contest. There will be Food Trucks and activities for children.
Please join in this fun one-day event as food and art come together. Explore the art and craft booths of local artisans, and taste the creative masterpieces of various bakers and food enthusiasts. Local businesses, boutiques and restaurants will extend store hours to also participate in the day’s festivities.
For more information, check out the CCAC website at www.clintoncountyarts.org or call 989-224-2429.
Prime Rib fundraiser dinner is May 22
On Saturday, May 22, 2021 American Legion Post 153 will host a Prime Rib fundraiser dinner from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (or until gone).
The menu includes: Prime Rib, potatoes, vegetable, salad, roll, and dessert (beverage not included).
The price is $15.00 for a one slice dinner or $22.50 for two slice dinner (dine in or take out)
The even is open to the public. You do not need to be a Legion Family member to attend the dinner.
The 50/50 raffle drawing will take place at 7:00 p.m. Proceeds from beverages benefit the Lounge. Proceeds from the meal benefit the ALA 8th District Leadership Development Fund.
Mask required for entry and social distancing practices will be in place. The hall is located at 110 E. Walker St. in St. Johns.
Union Home Cemetery Association meeting is May 25
The annual meeting for the Union Home Cemetery Association will be held on Tuesday May 25, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Greenbush Township Hall located at 1883 E French Road, St. Johns.
Everyone interested is welcome to attend as space allows with priority given to persons who own a burial space. Only those individuals are eligible to vote to elect the trustees of the association.
COVID Restrictions will apply, and all who attend must wear a mask.
Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner is June 17
The Clinton County Republican Party will be hosting its annual Lincoln Day Dinner Fundraiser on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Andy T’s Barn, 3647 S Williams Rd in St Johns.
The keynote speaker will be Michigan House Majority Floor Leader Ben Frederick with special guests State Senator Tom Barrett and State Representative Graham Filler.
A Club Reception will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner promptly at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.ccrpmi.com. Questions can be directed to the local party chair, Jenell Leonard (765.210.7971).
.Free meals every Tuesday
His Cup Runneth Over, a free meal ministry, will be doing free meals every Tuesday starting Tuesday.
Free meals will be given out from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 100 Maple Ave., St. Johns. They will be located in the back southwest corner of the parking lot.
Everyone is welcome to come, and it is free for all who come. For those unable to pick up lunch, please call to arrange for delivery by Monday.
If you would like to get involved in volunteering or need a delivery call or text 517-388-2005 or 989-544-5764.