First Congregational Church liquidates assets and donates to Marching Band
As you may or may not know, First Congregational Church of St. Johns has ceased operations and is liquidating their assets.
Barb Sherman and the First Congregational Church in St Johns donated $30,650 to the St Johns Redwing Marching Band in memory of Nate Sherman, a dedicated former band member. See Nathan’s obituary.
“It was determined by the congregation and Board of Ministry that the best method moving forward would be to provide monetary support to worthy organizations within the community that we have traditionally supported,” Moderator Tom Webb and Treasurer Barb Sherman told the Band. “Please accept the enclosed gift as a means of support for the good work that your organization does. We are hopeful that you will be able to continue to serve the people of the community for the foreseeable future. Thank you for all you do.”
“Nathan loved band so much,” Sherman said. “He looked forward to band camp each year and that is all he talked about for weeks after.”
Sherman presented director Roy Davis with the money on October 10, 2022 after the band performed at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association festival.
“It is an honor to receive the donation in the name of our missed friend Nate Sherman,” said St Johns Redwing Band director Roy Davis. “Nate may have left this earth but he will forever be in our hearts.”
Barb and Nathan Sherman began attending the First Congregational Church when Nate was three years old.
“The church was eager to support us in any way they could, and it was instrumental in helping me raise Nathan over the years,” she said.
The First Congregational Church used the funds from the sale of the church and donations received over the years to support many community organizations, including the Baby Pantry, Meals on Wheels, The Safe Center, The Good News Kitchen, and The Community Thanksgiving Dinner.
Sherman was pleased that the band was one of the organizations where the church members decided to donate.
“Nathan gave so much to everything he did. He loved people with his whole heart and always had a huge smile. He was taken away too soon, but he did make an impact on so many during his short time on earth,” Sherman said.
Redwing Marching Band receives highest rating for 37th year in a row
On October 10, 2022 the St Johns Redwing Marching Band hosted the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA), District V Marching Band Festival on the St Johns High School football field. Thirteen bands competed for a rating in front of judges, including Fulton, Fowler, Ovid-Elsie, Ithaca, Beal City, Pewamo-Westphalia, Carson City, Perry, Bullock Creek, Alma, Laingsburg, St Johns, and Owosso.
The St. Johns Redwing Marching Band received the highest rating from all three judges, with an overall rating of a I. This is the 37th year in a row that St Johns has received a I rating.
Band director Roy Davis has led the band for 19 of those years. “The band’s success rests in the awesome band students and a supportive community,” Davis said.
This year’s show featured the songs Kings and Queens, Are You Going to Be My Girl, Some Nights, and Renegade.
The St. Johns Redwing Marching Band, which is made up of St Johns High School students in 10-12th grade, performs at parades, ceremonies, halftime shows, and festivals. Their next appearances are at the remaining home high school football games, playing for the state Christmas tree cutting on October 28, the Veteran’s Day parade on November 11 and Silver Bells in the City parade on November 18.
Other area bands earning a I rating include: Pewamo-Westphalia, Carson City, Laignsburg, Alma and Owosso. Bands earning II ratings included: Fowler, Fulton, Ovid-Elsie and Ithaca.
FCCLA Drive-In Movie Night Fundraiser is October 15
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) at St. Johns High School are hosting a movie night fundraiser on October 15 at 7 p.m. in the High School parking lot.
Help support students with their community service projects and enjoy the movie “Monsters, Inc.” Admission is $3/person, kids 2 and under are free and concessions are donation-based.
This will be in the parking lot near the music entrance.
Children on the Witness Stand
courtesy of Advocate Sophie
Advocate Sophie is Clinton County’s first Canine Advocate; she is a Golden Retriever who provides support to children when they testify in court. This is her view from the witness stand, which she has nicknamed The Hard Seat.
My human handler is never sure why I am so excited when we pull into the courthouse parking lot. Most humans probably would not choose to go to the courthouse. I love people, and I know I have an important job. I have been welcomed into all Clinton County courtrooms since 2020. I have made lots of friends. I am always happy to get all the petting, and I know who has special treats just for me.
I often go to the courthouse. I am there for court hearings and for my own training or meetings.
There are days when I go to the courthouse, the purpose feels different. I know that is when I am needed most. I have been asked five times, with ten different small humans, to provide support for court hearings. These are the court hearings when a child will testify in the witness stand. I call it The Hard Seat.
I know the first step is a lot of waiting; four of the times I heard mention of preliminary criminal court hearings. My human handler and I come ready to help. One little human called my court bag a Mary Poppins bag. When there are tears, tissues are handy; nervous feelings, mints and fidget toys; and when there have been lots of snuggles, a lint brush. The little humans like to tell me about their pets at home, or a pet they wish they had. They are surprised how much I like baby carrots.
The next step is walking with the little human into the courtroom. The little human is always so nervous. I get to sit next to them while they are testifying.
The little human sits in what I think is The Hard Seat, the seat where they get asked a lot of questions. I can feel how scared they are to have to answer such hard questions. The questions are about what happened to them and the adult human(s) who may have hurt them. They can have a screen up to block their view of the adult human, but they know the adult who hurt them is in the room.
I feel the little human’s stress. I get as close to them as they choose. I see their hands fidgeting; sometimes they have a hard time getting the words out. I sometimes have a hard time sitting still as I feel things get harder for the little human, but I know they need me.
An Event So Good It’s Scary and Trunk or Treat coming up
The Event So Good It’s Scary, sponsored by the St. Johns Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held downtown from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. The evening door to door trick-or-treat hours are from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Both events are scheduled for Monday, October 31, 2022.
Area Trunk or Treat opportunities
– Lowe UMC Trunk or Treat (5484 W Lowe Rd.)
October 23 2-4 p.m.
– St Peter Lutheran Church Trunk or Treat (8990 Church Rd.) October 28 6-8 p.m.
– St Johns Off Road Park Trunk or Treat (2710 W. Townsend Rd) October 30 12-6 p.m.
– Trunk or Treat St John’s Lutheran Church October 30 2-4 p.m.
– Haunted Trick or Treating (Grace Haven 1507 Glastonbury Dr.) October 31 4:30-6 p.m.
– Candyland World of Sweets (GracePointe: South Pount Mall) October 31
6-8 p.m.
– Duplain Church Trunk or Treat (5565 E. Colony Rd.) October 31 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Acrylic Painting, Doodling and Wire Wrapping at the Art & Souls Gallery
Join folks at the Art and Soul Gallery at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21 for a night of spooky, painting fun
They will be painting an 11″ x 14″ adorable, glow in the dark bat. While this class is for beginners, they recommend some experience with painting prior. This class will be $30.
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Learn to Doodle With Mason
In this class on Saturday, October 22 from 1-2:30 p.m., Mason will be teaching the catharsis of creativity. You will explore by doing a myriad of abstract doodles and sketches and learn about composition as you let go. All class supplies will be provided. This class will be $20.
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Another Wire Wrapping Bracelet Class
Since so many of you were interested in taking the Wire Wrapping Bracelet Class, they are happy to announce that they are holding another Wire Wrapping Bracelet Class on Wednesday, October 26 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Make sure you sign up now before it sells out.
This Wire Wrapping Bracelet class is meant for beginners and those that have some experience with wire wrapping. You will learn how to wrap beads into a bracelet, as well as create your own clasps and loops for closures with wire. There will be multiple colors of beads to choose from, as well as a choice in metal color: silver or gold. At the time of sign up, please let Theressa, at the gallery (989-224-2429), know your preference; otherwise you will need to choose from what is provided the night of the class.
The cost for this class is $30. This class will be taught at the gallery.
St. Johns Lions Club Lion Mints Fundraiser continues
For many years Lions Clubs in the United States and around the world have depended on the profits generated by the sale of Lion Mints to purchase eyeglasses and hearing aids for the needy, assist the disabled, help schools and local organizations, and provide other support to the community.
You can help continue the work in the St. Johns community by supporting the Lion Mints fundraiser. A roll of mints costs just 50 cents and is available at the following locations around St. Johns.
– Dershey’s Café
– Main Street Café
– Big Boy Restaurant
– Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders
– Clinton County Treasurer’s Office
Flavors include Peppermint, Wintergreen and Fizzy Fruit Candy