St. Johns fire chief retires
State Rep. Graham Filler of DeWitt recently honored retiring St. Johns Fire Chief Dean Mazzolini with a state tribute.
Chief Dean Mazzolini has served for 39 years. During that time he has responded to fire and rescue calls, attended training events, meetings, and fundraisers and volunteered thousands of hours of his time in service to the St. Johns community.
CDC recommends masking in high-risk counties
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided updated recommendations for fully vaccinated people based on new evidence related to the Delta variant, which remains the predominant variant circulating in the U.S.
According to the CDC, while breakthrough infections happen in a small number of those who are fully vaccinated, evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people who do become infected with the Delta variant can spread the virus to others.
To help reduce the risk of becoming infected or spreading COVID-19, including the Delta variant, the CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people in areas of substantial or high transmission wear a mask in public indoor settings.
At this time, Clinton County is included in the “substantial” category, but Gratiot and Montcalm counties are not. Please keep in mind that these categories can change quickly. Community members should also keep in mind that many other counties in the State are in these high-risk categories, so take precautions as needed.
The CDC recommends fully vaccinated people in areas of substantial or high transmission:
– Should wear a mask in public indoor settings.
– May choose to mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is unvaccinated. People who are at increased risk for severe disease include older adults and those who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, overweight or obesity, and heart conditions.
– Should get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea).
– Should get tested 3-5 days after a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure or until a negative test result.
– Should isolate if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 10 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
– Should continue to wear a mask where required by laws, rules, regulations, or local guidance.
Those who are not fully vaccinated should also continue wearing a mask until they are fully vaccinated.
The CDC and MMDHD strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated. Doing so helps prevent illness, hospitalization, and even death, even with the Delta variant. Those who are not fully vaccinated should also continue wearing a mask until they are fully vaccinated.
MMDHD continues to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, call 989-224-2195, option 5 in Clinton County, 989-875-3681, option 5 in Gratiot County, or 989-831-5237, option 5 in Montcalm County.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://www.mmdhd.org/covid-vaccine-information/ To stay up to date on the latest information, sign up to receive important updates at https://www.mmdhd.org/
Lansing based folk/pop artist performs at the Concert in the Park August 11
Rachel Curtis gained national attention in 2018 when her mature vocal stylings grabbed the attention of American Idol judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, landing her a ticket to Hollywood. Rachel will be featured on the Wednesday, August 11 ‘Concert in the Park’ performance. This special concert will start at 7:00 p.m. in the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the beautiful St. Johns City Park.
“Curtis comes to the Concert in the Park series as one of our youngest performers,” says Bill Tennant, concert coordinator. “As we appeal to the younger members of our audience, her unique, seasoned vocals, will also appeal to our older attendees as she weaves a common thread of heartfelt melodies throughout the varying alternative folk and pop genres. She has several original recordings under her belt, which earned her a spot as a Top 3 Finalist for WYCE Radio’s “Best Contemporary Folk Album of the Year” in 2020.”
Curtis has opened for nationally-touring bands and Grammy-winning artists including Gladys Knight, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Cole Swindell, Chris Janson, and Tracy Lawrence. Her original music received a national spotlight at the 2019 CMA Fest, on the Spotlight Stage at the Music City Center in Nashville. Getting to play Common Ground Music Festival, Curtis was able to cross off one of many bucket list items by playing the same festival as her inspirations — Brandi Carlile and City and Colour in 2019.
Curtis will be performing with her band, which includes Jason Marr on electric guitar, Tyler Tesla on bass, Danny Lindstrom on drums. She will be playing the guitar, mandolin, and singing on the concert. Her aim is to use music as a medium to inspire others, reaching them emotionally through contemplative relatable poetic lyrics, and catchy melodies. Some pop bands like Vance Joy, The Lumineers and Florence and The Machine have been recent interests of hers.
The concert is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns. It is open to the public free of charge. Donations are gratefully accepted.
All concerts are presented rain or shine. The Lion’s Club food trailer will be available this year. Social distancing and safety precautions are strongly encouraged.
The CCAC receives funding from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Clique Vocals is featured on the Brown Bag Concert Series August 13
Dan Templin and Kelly Sandaula-Gruner, aka Clique Vocals, are no strangers to St. Johns having performed here several times over the years. They will bring their wonderful sound to the new ‘Brown Bag Concert Series’ on Friday, August 13 in downtown St Johns. The hour-long concert will start at 12 noon and will be held in the Rotary Park Pavilion next to the Railway Depot.
“Dan and Kelly have been singing together as a duo for many years,” explains Bill Tennant, series coordinator. “They will present an entertaining program of jazz standards, along with a nice mix of pop and contemporary tunes. Their shared love of singing jazz standards has led to this long collaboration.”
Kelly’s music career began at age 4 with piano lessons, and at age 11, fell in love with the French Horn. She currently plays French Horn with the Lansing Concert Band, sings with both the LCB Jazz Big Band and Singers on the Grand, and performs in local theater. Kelly holds degrees in both music and commercial art, and is currently working as a graphic designer. She is also the lead singer with the local rock band “Party of Seven.”
Dan sings, acts and plays piano with several mid-Michigan performing arts organizations including Singers on the Grand, the LCB Jazz Big Band, and local theatre groups. He is also the tenor in Take Note barbershop quartet of Grand Ledge. Dan is a lawyer specializing in family law.
This concert is being presented by the Clinton County Arts Council and is made possible by a grant from the St Johns Area Community Fund using gifts received from The Forest and Doris Swatman Trust.
The concert is open to the public free of charge and will be held rain or shine. Some picnic tables are available for the lunchtime concert, but it’s advisable to bring your favorite lawn chair. Social distancing and safety precautions are strongly encouraged.
Don’t forget to check out and support the Brown Bag Specials from the following downtown businesses below.
Bruno’s Bar, Main Street Café, Swany’s Pub & Grub, St Johns Brewing Co, Dershey’s Café, Domino’s Pizza, Global Coffee Co, Waypoint Coffee Company, Mazz’s Endzone Party Store, Oh Mi Organics, Cupcakes and Kisses
Braddock named Health Officer
Mid-Michigan District Health Department’s (MMDHD) Board of Health has named Liz Braddock as its new Health Offer following the retirement of Marcus Cheatham. Her first day on the job was July 5.
Braddock is no stranger to MMDHD, having served as the department’s Environmental Health Division Director for the past four years.
Braddock’s public health career spans 20 years. Prior to coming to MMDHD she spent 15 years at the Oakland County Health Department in three different roles: as a sanitarian, the supervisor of Environmental Health Services, and the Chief of Field Activities in Environmental Health Services. She also spent one year at the Berrien County Health Department as an Environmental Health Sanitarian.
Braddock is ready for the challenges that come with the job and is very excited to be serving Clinton, Gratiot, and Montcalm counties in this capacity.
“I am very passionate about the public health field and love that I’m able to work with the community on a daily basis,” she said. “My background in public health and my enthusiasm for public health is why I’m ready to take on this new role. I look forward to strengthening our current relationships with community partners and building new relationships throughout the district.”
Braddock replaces former Health Officer Marcus Cheatham who had postponed his retirement to help see the district through the worst of the pandemic.
Senior Center reopening, help needed
The Clinton County Senior Center is excited to announce that they will be opening for full services on Monday, August 23. Their hours will be 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. They will open on Wednesdays at a later date. The Senior Center is located at 201 E Walker Street in St. Johns.
Mondays they will have a Public Lunch from 11:30-12:30 p.m. You do not need to be a senior citizen to attend. These meals will be cooked by community volunteers. After lunch there will be a Euchre Tournament from 1-3 p.m. Lunch will be $6 per person. The Euchre Tournament will be $2 per person.
On Tuesdays and Fridays a meal prepared by Tri County Office on Aging will be served at Noon, and Bingo will follow at 12:30 p.m. The lunch will be $3.50 per person and Bingo will be $1.50.
Between 9-3 on Monday, Tuesday and Fridays individuals are welcome to come in and put together a puzzle, play board games or just socialize with others.
If you have any questions about the Senior Center you can call 989-224-4257. Until they are fully open it may take a couple of days to return your call.
To provide full services at the center a part time Kitchen/Building employee is needed. The hours of employment will be Monday, Tuesday and Friday between 10 am – 2 p.m. Pay will be $12 per hour. The individual will be serving meals, doing dishes, cleaning in the building and a variety of other tasks such as helping to set up for events and upkeep of two small flower beds outside. The individual must be able to climb steps and lift 35-40 pounds. Those interested should send a resume / letter of interest to the Senior Center at PO Box 282, St. Johns 48879.
Annual Bike to Build is Saturday, August 7
Okay, so maybe you were thinking about doing Bike to Build this year. You are worried, though, that taking the plunge of 20 miles might be a little much. Or you have a younger rider who would like to do a ride, but you’re concerned that 20 miles will be too much. Or maybe even you were thinking about those “other” plans, and the ride seemed just a bit too long.
Well, have they have a route for you!
Another route has just been created utilizing trails, pedestrian/bike paths, bike lanes, neighborhood streets and lesser traveled roads around the DeWitt Area. This route is approximately 12 miles long, and it fits the bill for all of you who are debating whether or not to try Bike to Build.
The cost is the same: $35 per rider, and the funds go toward all Habitat projects this coming year.
If you want to pre-register, you may do so at www.cghabitat.org and just put the 20 mile route. You can pick up the map when you arrive.
And what is better than being able to experience the beautiful summer we have been having on a bicycle while knowing you are helping build houses, provide critical home repairs, and build wheelchair ramps all the while you are pushing through every pedal?