City looks at Wilson Center for new office location
The Wilson Center is being considered as the new home for City of St. Johns Offices. In this plan the Wilson Center Gymnasium and Auditorium would also be owned by City for community use.
City Treasurer and Finance Director Kristina (Parr) Kinde presented a report at the July 11, 2022 City Commission Meeting for discussion purposes only. No action was taken by Commission.
Below you will find information from the first two pages of a 7-page report in which are discussed the three options that St. Johns City Commissioners are considering.
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4-H Youth Fair starts July 30
This year the Clinton County 4-H & Youth Fair will take place Saturday July 30 through – Thursday August 4.
Animals and still exhibit projects will be on the fairgrounds all week for community members to view and see the hard work our 4-H Youth have put into their projects.
Fair organizers are celebrating the 85th year of the Clinton County 4-H & Youth Fair with many fun activities and events.
– Monday Night is the Truck and Tractor Pull,
– Tuesday is the Antique Tractor Pull and Horse Pull,
– Wednesday is our Livestock Auction and
– Thursday is KIDS DAY, Still Exhibit Auction and the 4-H Awards Program.
Stop out to see the animals being shown throughout the week, enjoy a malt and lunch from the food stand, play some games in the games tent and stroll through Peck Hall and Smith Hall to see the wonderful still exhibits entered by the 4-H members.
Watch for the Fair schedule in the St. Johns Independent next week
Beatles tribute band to perform during their Michigan Tour July 20
John, Paul, George and Ringo are coming to St. Johns for what promises to be an enjoyable evening featuring the incredible music of the Beatles. Toppermost, a Beatle Tribute Band, will be performing the wonderful music of one of the best, most beloved bands ever.
This concert will take place on Wednesday evening, July 20 starting at 7:00 in the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the St Johns City Park.
“Toppermost was performing regularly on our Concert in the Park series starting in 2012,” says Bill Tennant, chair of the CITP committee. “Then in 2019, the leader of the group moved to Florida, shutting the band down for a while. Having them back on our schedule this year will be a nice addition to our diverse series highlighting excellent Michigan performers this summer.”
Formed in 2007, Toppermost will be performing many of the Beatles’ hits from 1962-1970 on this concert. They perform with authentic costumes, instruments and voices. With over 800 shows under their belt, their combined acting and musicianship will put big smiles on the faces of audience members all evening long!
The concert is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) and the City of St. Johns. It is open to the public free of charge but 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 Arts & Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
More outdoor concerts coming up
Friday Brown Bag Concert series continues July 15 and features Steven Easterling – Songs From Broadway. Spirituals. And More with Jeff Richards
The concerts will be held in the Rotary Park Pavilion by the CIS Trail and Depot rain or shine. There are
some picnic tables available, but it is advisable to bring your favorite lawn chair.
Coming up on July 22 – Swift Brothers – Acoustic Folk Pop/Rock
Bring your lawn chairs. Pick up some food. Enjoy the wonderful music.
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It’s a Thursday Thing in Downtown St. Johns continues July 21 with Jim Pontack from 5 – 7 p.m.
St. Johns Mint Festival Pageant
Join the community on Thursday, July 21 to see who is crowned the next Mint Queen and court. Tickets on sale now at mintfest.org/pageant or available for purchase at the door.
Garden Club to hold Art in the Garden walk through July 28
Mint Country Garden Club will skip the monthly meeting and hold an Art in the Garden walk through on July 28.
The public is welcome to join us at 3410 E. M-21 at the gardens of Elmer and Jan Upton. The work of Patti Congleton will be featured. Some items will be for sale. Rain date is July 29
Upcoming Arts opportunities
Summer Art Classes for 14 and Up
The Arts Council will be hosting summer art classes at the Art and Soul Gallery on Thursdays from 1 – 3 p.m. fo the next 4 weeks. These classes are designed for those 14 years old and up.
– July 21 – Mandala Making, Cost: $20 – all materials provided
– July 28 – Neurographics, Cost: $20 – All materials provided
– Aug 4 – Creating an art piece from small found objects, Cost: $25 if objects provided by the gallery, $20 if you bring your own objects. They will still provide the other materials (paint, glue, etc). For this class, specify if you will be bringing your own objects when signing up. (This class may take more than the two hour time slot).
– Aug 11 – Optical Illusion Room, Cost: $20 – All materials provided
Contact the gallery at ClintonCountyArts@gmail.com or 989-224-2429 to sign up for classes.
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New Artist – Marshelia Williams
The Art and Soul Gallery is excited to introduce their newest artist, Marshelia Williams of The Son’s Creations Art Studio. Marshelia is an intuitive painter that infuses meaning into each unique painting she creates. She uses several different medium including, alcohol ink, fluid acrylics and resin.
Marshelia has 15 plus years of experience as a teacher and uses these skills in combination with her artistic talents by teaching youth and adults to explore their creative sides and step outside their comfort zones . Marshelia earned her Art Education bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University and her Master of Education from Wayne State University.
When Marshelia isn’t teaching, she spends much of her time working in her studio in Southeast Michigan. To see more of Marshelia’s work check out her website at TheSonsCreations.com.
Stop by the Art and Soul Gallery to see her work in person to experience their depth in person. They are there Wednesday – Friday noon – 6. They are also open this Saturday noon to 4.
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Enjoy a Photo Walk Thursday, July 21
We love our little town. Have you really looked at it? Have you seen all the little details and hidden spaces in our town that make it amazing? Join Ida on a walk around town and see it through the eyes of a photographer Thursday, July 21 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Bring your camera (even if it’s a cell phone) and look at downtown St. Johns in a different perspective. They will talk about finding beautiful light and how changing your perspective can change your photos.
Have questions about taking your photography to the next level? Bring your questions. Great for artists looking for new inspiration for their art or the locals looking for a nice walk around town.
Cost: Donation to the Gallery, you choose the amount. Meet Ida at the gallery. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water.
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Tattoo Design Class is August 23
Don’t miss the Tattoo Design Class taught by Charli Langlois, owner and tattoo artist from Inkcraft Tattoo, in Saint Johns, MI.
Tuesday, August 23 6 – 8 p.m. Cost: $20
This is a rare opportunity. Charli will introduce you to the art of tattooing, giving you all the tips and instruction she gives to her apprentices. Many design elements will be covered like contrast (light vs dark), how to design a piece so it fits properly for body shape, placement, color choice, etc.
Bring in your own designs and drawing supplies. You will have a chance to have chat with Charli about your designs and ideas. You can not find a class like this anywhere else.
Check out Charli’s work on Instagram @Charli.inkcraft
Contact the Art and Soul Gallery at ClintonCountyArts@gmail.com, message them or call 989-224-2429.
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Stained Glass Workshop is Saturday, July 30 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lauri Stephens of The She Shed will be teaching the entire process of stained glass making, from pattern decisions, glass cutting and grinding the glass to the finishing steps of foiling and soldering.
The cost for this class is $75. To reserve your place in this class contact the gallery at ClintonCountyArts@gmail.com or call 989-224-2429.