Non-denomination church purchases Congregational building
Community Church, a multisite non-denominational church with campuses in Mount Pleasant and Alma has announced the purchase of the historic former Congregational Church in Saint Johns. The congregation paid $150,000 and closed on the 15,000-square-foot building in mid-January.
In the later part of 2021 Community Church was approached by representatives of the First Congregational Church at 100 Maple Street, Saint Johns about the prospect of purchasing their historic building, first built in 1899. Community Church will be able to continue its use as a place of worship for the Saint Johns community and
beyond.
Community Church will announce its opening of a new campus at 100 S Maple Street after spending the next few months engaging with the local community of Saint Johns.
“We can’t wait to become a part of the Saint Johns community and spend time understanding the unique and specific needs of Clinton County. We also look forward to engaging and partnering with other businesses and non-profits in the area,” says Lead Pastor Alan Cullen.
While no official launch date has been set for Sunday worship gatherings, Community Church is in the process of establishing a leadership team for the new campus and will be hosting several events in the community prior to communicating an official launch date. Updates on the events at the campus, as well as information regarding a launch date, will be regularly posted at the Community Church website at mpcc.org/saintjohns.
City Commission to hold special public meeting Saturday, February 12
St. Johns City Commission will hold a special meeting on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 3:15 p.m. in the Clinton County Courthouse, Board Room #2200, 2nd Floor in St. Johns. The purpose of the meeting is to interview candidates for the city manager position.
To listen to Meeting Via Telephonic Conference dial 1 929 205 6099 or https://zoom.us/j/2050014286, Meeting ID: 205 001 4286.
*Please note, you will not be able to participate in the meeting through Zoom.
Only in-person attendants will be able to participate in the discussion. For more information, click here.
People with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in this meeting should contact the City Clerk 989-224-8944 at least two working days in advance of the meeting. An attempt will be made to make reasonable accommodations.
Clinton Transit extends weekday evening service hours
Clinton County residents can now receive weekday rides on the Blue Bus later in the evening, thanks to Clinton Transit’s extended hours. These additional service hours are part of the public transit agency’s continued commitment to keeping residents connected to the important people and places in their lives.
Weekday service previously stopped at 7 p.m. and is now extended to 9 p.m. The Blue Bus provides curb-to-curb rides, which can be scheduled by calling the dispatch department at 989.224.8127.
“Establishing weekend and after-hours services were among the recommendations sited in a 2018 Tri-County Regional Transit Study conducted by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission,” says MaLissa Schutt, Clinton Transit’s Executive Director. “By extending weekday service through 9 p.m., residents whose work schedules go beyond the nine-to-five can still rely on us for their transportation needs.”
New Service Hours:
Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dispatch Office Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Clinton Transit added Saturday service in April, 2021 and recently introduced weekday walk-on rides between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. from select locations. The Blue Bus celebrated its 20th anniversary last year and, under the leadership of Schutt and the dedicated Board of Directors, is committed to increasing mobility throughout the agency’s service area.
“The key to keeping people connected is to efficiently coordinate the services provided by Clinton Transit with local and regional partners,” says Schutt. “All our efforts, from simplified fares and extended service hours to tri-county collaboration efforts, are designed to meet our community’s mobility needs.”
Established in 2001, Clinton Transit has been providing curb-to-curb service to meet the needs of all Clinton County residents. Fondly known as the Blue Bus, the on-demand transit system responds to ride requests and provides safe, reliable transportation to all county residents. This creates a more connected, accessible and vibrant Clinton County. For more information on the Blue Bus, visit mybluebus.com.
Grace Haven receives award
Grace Haven has received the A Place for Mom’s Best of Senior Living Award for 2022.
A Place for Mom is the premier ratings and reviews site for senior care providers in North America, featuring over 14,000 senior living communities and trusted by over 300,000 families every year. Their annual award recognizes the best of the best out of those 14,000 communities. It’s only given to senior living providers that have received an average rating of 4.5/5 and above from the people whose opinions matter most – seniors and their families.
According to A Place for Mom, the areas that separate winning communities from the rest are: personal connections between staff and residents, mouthwatering and nutritious food, and activities and care that improve mental and physical well-being. All of which touch on the pillars Grace Haven strives to give our residents every day: Safety, Belonging, Something to Look Forward to and Peace of Mind.
And even though this year’s criteria were more stringent than ever, Grace Haven is proud to be a part of a senior living family that had 71 of its communities receive awards – far and away the most of any operator in North America.
Grace Haven offers assisted living and moments memory care services. The community is located at 1507 Glastonbury Drive in St. Johns. To learn more about the award and Grace Haven call 989-224-1650.
St. Johns Barber Lounge receives business award
Congratulations to Marco Jones, Master Barber and Owner of St. Johns Barber Lounge, for receiving the Family Friendly Business Award from the Clinton Great Start Parent Coalition. The Parent Coalition selects a Clinton County business each quarter based on nominations received from individuals throughout the County.
St. Johns Barber Lounge was nominated for supporting the community and accommodating requests from families. Reviews for St. Johns Barber Lounge include:
– “Marco did a fantastic job cutting my one-year old’s hair. He was patient and made sure my son was comfortable with the process.”
– “Marco was awesome! It was our first visit and it certainly won’t be our last. 5/5” “Marco did a great job! The atmosphere is relaxing and it was an enjoyable experience all around. Highly recommend checking this place out.”
– “Awesome Barber shop. Took his time and did a fantastic job. For sure my place to go for a good cut now”. “The only barbershop in the area I will take my son to (6). His haircut always turns out amazing and he has such a great time going to the barbershop.”
Stop in at 201 N. Clinton Street in St. Johns to congratulate and thank St. Johns Barber Lounge owner Marco Jones for supporting families and children in Clinton County.
Use this link to nominate a Family Friendly Business in Clinton County: https://forms.gle/fwtCVWyApvE34wGk9.
Are you interested in being part of a strong, active parent group? The Great Start Parent Coalition is made up of parents, grandparents and caregivers of children who work together to be a voice for our children, strengthen families and build lifelong learners? For more information, contact Larissa at (989) 224-6831, ext. 2145 or email lcontreras@ccresa.org.
Briggs collecting items to Baby Pantry
Throughout February the Briggs District Library is collecting items to donate to the St. John’s Baby Pantry. Help us fill their lobby display case with food, diapers, and other useful items for this great community organization.
These items are always in high demand at the Baby Pantry:
– Baby Books (New or Gently used)
– Puffs Cereal Snacks
– Pouches of Baby Food
– Baby Shampoo
– Bath Wash
– Baby Lotion
– Bottles
– Unscented Diapers and Wipes (Especially Sizes 4 and 5 for diapers)
Items can be dropped off at the library circulation desk anytime the library is open. We will be collecting items until Monday, February 28
Save the date – April 22, 23 and 24
Willy Wonka Jr is coming to the St. Johns Public Schools Theatre’s stage April 22, 23 and 24.
Auditions will be held next Tuesday, February 15 and Wednesday, February 16, with crew interviews on Thursday, February 17.