The Easter Bunny is coming April 16
It might be cold, but spring is just around the corner and so is the annual St. Johns Easter Egg Hunt. The St. Johns Lions Club has taken over hosting this annual event for the community. It will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2022.
The annual City of St. Johns Easter Egg Hunt, now sponsored by the St. Johns Lions Club with support from many local contributors, will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022 – rain or shine – at the St. Johns City Park.
Due to Covid, there will be no face painting this year; however kids will be able to request their favorite balloon animal and the Easter Bunny will be at the event for photo opportunities. These activities will take place in the pavilion beginning at 12:30 p.m.
The City Police siren will sound at 1:00 p.m. to start the “organized mayhem.” The area around the pavilion will be sectioned off in the following age groups: 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10. Kids under the age of 3 may pick up an egg in the pavilion. Only kids are allowed in the Egg Patch. No Adults Please.
There is one egg in each age group that has a special ticket in it to win an Easter Basket filled with goodies, so open your eggs while you are there to claim your prize. The baskets will be available for pick-up in the pavilion.
Please recycle your eggs at the event. There will be recycling containers around the Egg Patch and near the pavilion. A recycling container also will be available at the Lions Recycling Center located at 605 N. Swegles Street in St. Johns.
For more information please contact Lion Nancy at (989) 307-9872.
Good News Kitchen takes over free lunch ministry
Good News Kitchen, a ministry of St. John’s Lutheran Church, will be serving free lunches starting May 3, on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The St. John’s Lutheran Church is located at 511 E. Sturgis St. in St. Johns, the corner of Business 27 and Sturgis St. You may stop by and grab a free lunch to go for yourself, your family, a friend or a neighbor. Meals are free for everyone, and all are welcome to come although donations are always accepted and appreciated.
If you have questions or want to order ahead for pick up call 989-224-6796. Look for the signs and come to the west side entrance to get your free meals.
His Cup Runneth Over started serving free meals in St. Johns and the surrounding communities back in May of 2015. Over the years they traveled to several different communities to serve free meals, and the last couple of years they ended up stationary in St. Johns serving free meals at just one location. This year for the 2022 season they are excited to share about this new ministry in the community that will serve free meals!
His Cup Runneth Over is thankful for the support over the years from the community and all who came and got meals. You will see many familiar faces serving at the Good News Kitchen. Spread the word and they look forward to seeing you May 3.
Mint City Singers to perform at the Wilson Center April 22, 29
The Mint City Singers will present “Renewal and Rejoicing, Spring through Song” at the Wilson Center on Friday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m.
This choral concert is an eclectic collection of songs celebrating love, friendship, and community. This includes such favorites as You’ve got a Friend, You raise me up, May the road rise to meet you, Loch Lomond, Blue Skies and What a Wonderful World.
The Mint City Singers is a choir made of people from Saint Johns and the surrounding communities who love to sing and share choral music with others. The Mint City Singers and the Laingsburg Community Singers will present a joint concert that features The Gospel Mass by Robert Ray and other selections at the Wilson Center on Friday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m.
FOMR plan river clean up for April 23
The Friends of the Maple River are planning their annual Maple River River Cleanup and Logjam Removal Day on Saturday, April 23.
Volunteers are needed to pick trash, old tires and debris found along the edge of the Maple River along roads near the river and at bridges and river access points on the river.
The FOMR are also hoping to put three or four crews on the river to remove obstacles that block river enthusiasts from floating the river in canoes, kayaks and small boats. Anyone interested in helping on this environmental conservation project is asked to meet at 9 a.m at the Elsie Dam located on Island Road, one mile west of the Village of Elsie.
The trash pickup and log jam work will run from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Work crews will be organized, assignments made, and supplies provided including trash bags and water. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, heavy duty footwear or boots, and gloves.
Volunteers wishing to help with logjam, tree, and brush removal will need a jon boat, canoe or kayak, waders, and a saw or chainsaw. This work will only take place if the river is at normal levels or lower. State law requires a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device for each person in a watercraft for river travel.
The FOMR are hoping to clear a navigation path as far up the Maple River as possible, somewhere between Owosso and Ovid, to where it empties into the Grand River at Muir only removing enough obstacles to allows the paddler to stay in the watercraft. They do not want to clear the river, only enough – about 5ft.- to allow for safe passage. Logs, brush, and other natural materials in the river make excellent habitat for wildlife and fish; and it provides a challenge for paddlers, adding to the enjoyment of the trip.
Keeping the river open is a major objective of FOMR and they can use your help. They have been able to open certain sections, but not the entire river. The club is slowed in this endeavor by lack of enough physically able members to complete the entire task.
If anyone would like to volunteer to keep sections of the river open between bridges during paddling season, April-October, on their own or anyone with questions, please contact FOMR member, Jack Nutterat 989-862-5541. As always check the website http://friendsofthemapleriver.org/ or email them at FOMR_Info@friendsofthemapleriver.org.
Phone in diabetes workshop begins May 18
Tri-County Office on Aging is offering a free 6-week phone workshop for diabetes – No internet or computer required – for individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes called Diabetes PATH. You will learn tools and techniques to better manage your condition, increase energy and improve quality of life. Topics include healthy eating, balancing blood sugar, preventing complications and more!
When: Wednesdays, May 18 – June 22 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. via small group calls
Workshops are free of charge, but donations are accepted.
To register: Call Tri-County Office on Aging at 517-887-1465. Register by Wednesday, May 4 to ensure all materials are mailed to you on time.
Upcoming classes at the Art and Soul Gallery
Friday, April 22 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Ruthie Reynolds will be teaching participants how to make a bracelet and pair of earrings.The beads come in a wide variety of colors and styles, including acrylics, metal and natural healing stones. This would be a class to spoil yourself or create a special gift for a friend or family member. Seating is limited to 10 people, so go in and reserve your spot.
Saturday, April 30 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Come join them for a Beach Glass Wire Wrapping class. This will be taught to by Mary Ablao. Come in and create a unique piece of jewelry for yourself or a friend and enjoy some great company while you’re there. There are 10 spots available, and they will fill up quickly, so go in and reserve yours.
The Gallery is located at 215 N. Clinton Avenue in downtown St. Johns.
Hazel Findlay Country Manor to celebrate 40th Anniversary
40th Anniversary and Skilled Nursing Care Week May 9 – 13
Monday: Western Day
– Petting Zoo, Pony Rides
– Chuckie D’s food truck
Tuesday: Carnival Day
– Carnival Games
– Clown
– Spun Confections will be selling candy/goodies
Wednesday: Car Cruise/50s sock hop
– Car Cruise
– Employee Appreciation Day
– Live Music with Bill Brown!
Thursday: Grand Gala
– Gala Prep (hair, makeup, etc.) during the day
– Gala begins at 6pm
– Food, Drinks, DJ
Friday: Rock n’ Roll Day
– Live Music with Jim Pontack