Gallery offers Figure Drawing Nights
The Art and Soul Gallery is hosting the first monthly Figure Drawing Night with live models. Drawing sessions will be held every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7 – 9 p.m. beginning Wednesday, August 17.
The cost for each session will be $4 per person.
To make it more affordable for participants,they are asking for people to volunteer as a model one session per year. Those who volunteer to model will be able to come to the rest of the drawing sessions free for the rest of the year.
You will need to bring your own sketching supplies because we all have our own preference for drawing materials.
All of the models will be clothed. This will allow for artists of all ages. Great for highschool students.
These will be walk-in sessions/classes with no need to sign-up ahead of time.
AgroExpo Readies for Summer Agricultural Trade Show
This August 16 and 17 the AgroExpo will return to provide agricultural demonstrations, speakers and exhibits at Michigan’s largest agricultural trade show. Held at the North Central Research Station in St. Johns, the show has a history of showcasing agricultural innovation.
Each year features a demonstration of equipment. Exhibitors in the past have demoed sprayers, remote soil testing operations, drones, and harvesting equipment. This year’s demonstrations will focus on an assortment of tillage and planting machinery.
AgroExpo will also host speakers who are addressing issues related to succession planning, irrigation technology and other focused agronomic solutions. Attendees can also receive CCA and RUP credits by attending these seminars.
Over 130 vendors have also committed to being a part of AgroExpo, and they provide a wide range of services to all types of farmers including equipment retailers, seed companies, insurance agencies, and much more.
This year, the AgroExpo will display over 100 different hybrids and varieties of corn and soybean. Food trucks, vehicle test driving opportunities, and attendee networking also round out the experience.
For more information visit theagroexpo.com.
Include immunizations on back-to-school checklist
Summer sure does fly by – so much fun to be had and so little time.
The lazy days of summer really do go by in the blink of an eye. But on the bright side, there are several weeks of summer left for most families to enjoy, so take that camping trip, spend the day at the beach or go for a long bike ride. Just don’t forget to make sure your kids are up-to-date on their immunizations before the bell rings on the first day of school.
All children need protection from vaccine-preventable diseases, like tetanus, pertussis, diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, meningitis, chickenpox, and COVID-19. Protection is especially important for those entering a childcare facility, kindergarten or 7th grade, and for those changing school districts, as certain vaccinations are mandatory.
If your child is college-bound, make sure they are up-to-date on their immunizations as well, including meningococcal vaccines. Some diseases can spread quickly in settings like dorm rooms and classrooms, so be aware that many colleges and universities have vaccination requirements for school entry.
It is the health department’s responsibility to ensure that the public is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases and that parents make informed decisions about whether to vaccinate their child.
If your child is not immunized:
– They are at greater risk of catching vaccine-preventable diseases.
They can infect others, including infants and the elderly, who are at-risk of suffering a more severe reaction.
– They may be excluded from school or childcare for several days or weeks to prevent catching or spreading a vaccine-preventable disease.
Diseases like pertussis, measles, and chicken pox are making a comeback, due in part to an increase in the number of children who are not being immunized. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) strongly encourages parents to immunize their children, but ultimately, it’s the parent’s decision. Parents who do not want their child to be immunized will need to present the school with a signed waiver. If immunization is being waived because of a medical reason, your child’s doctor can sign the waiver. If immunization is being waived for religious or personal reasons, the health department will need to sign the waiver. The purpose of the waiver is to make sure that parents have an opportunity to speak with a health care professional about vaccinations and discuss any concerns.
The Mid-Michigan District Health Department provides immunizations by appointment to those with Medicaid and without insurance. A small fee may apply, but no child is turned away because of an inability to pay. Children 18 years and younger may be eligible for the Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines at no cost to kids who might not be vaccinated because of an inability to pay. To qualify, a child must have Medicaid, have no health insurance, be under-insured, or be an American Indian or Alaskan Native. Those with certain private insurance plans may also be able to get vaccinated at the health department; just be sure to call first to see if your insurance is accepted.
For more information or to make an immunization or waiver appointment, please call MMDHD at 989-224-2195 in Clinton County, 989-875-3681 in Gratiot County, or 989-831-5237 in Montcalm County.
Don’t forget free lunches on Tuesdays
Good News Kitchen, a ministry of St. John’s Lutheran Church, began serving free lunches 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.
Superhero 5K coming up September 17
The Voice for Clinton County’s Children invites you to the 9th Annual Superhero 5K Run, Walk, or Fly! on September 17.
All proceeds support Clinton County children and youth who have experienced abuse at no cost to families.
Registration is open and sponsorships are welcome. To ensure signage and t-shirts, commitments would be appreciated by midnight on Labor Day September 5.
All information is available on the website VoiceForClintonCountyChildren.org. September 17 will your cape be ready?!
Coming up in the Arts
Join them for a Hand Build Pottery Class
On Thursday August 18 and September 1 from 6-9 p.m. both days you will have the opportunity to make up to three projects. A tray, a pomegranate scented oil diffuser, and air plant holders. 2 – 3 hour sessions and a pickup for final fired and glazed pieces day are included.
In this class you will learn to hand build up to three different projects.
All tools and supplies included. Includes all the tools, 10lbs of clay, firings, glazes,etc.
No experience required. $130 per person.
Contact the Art and Soul Gallery at ClintinCountyArts1@gmail.com or 989-224-2429 to sign up. This class is limited to 8 people.
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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.
Outdoor concert schedules
Concert in the Park Series 19th Season schedule
August 17 – Frendz – Big Band Swing/50s Rock/Motown Greats
August 24 – Miranda A The M80s – The Best Of the ’80s
August 31- Matt King – Ids Award-Winning Tribute to Elvis
William E. Tennant Performance Shell St. Johns City Park
Performances are Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. – rain or shine.
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It’s a Thursday Thing schedule
Upcoming concerts include:
August 18 – Louis Longoria
August 25 – Jim Pontack
September 8 – Louis Longoria
September 15 – Jim Pontack
The series kicked off June 23, and all concerts will be held from 5 – 7 p.m.
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Friday Brown Bag Concert schedule
Aug 19 – Steve Berkemeier – Singer/Songwriter Covering Songs You’ll Love
Aug 26 – Siusan O’Rourke and Zig Zeitler – Irish. Celtic. Folk