Briggs Library open during improvements
On Tuesday the Briggs District Library began having work done on the front porch. During the project patrons are asked to use the staff entrance on the south side of the building.
Those needing accessible parking can use the staff parking lot. Parking is also available on Spring Street and the City parking lot behind the library. Free parking in the City lot is limited to 2 hours at a time.
The library is kicking off the summer with an afternoon of fun events on Thursday, June 6
3:00 – Sing and smile with Mrs. Kate Carpenter, a concert featuring “catchy tunes, puppetry, unusual instruments, and riveting storytelling.”
4:00 – Inflatables and lawn games
From 4:00-8:00 there will be inflatables from Backyard Carnival, treats from Kona Ice available for purchase, lawn games–including giant Jenga, corn hole, ladder ball, and more–and snacks.
6:00-8:00 – Facepainting by Ms. Sharon
Mrs. Kate will perform at the library. At the conclusion of her show, the inflatables and games will be available across the street from the library at the Rotary Pavilion
St. Johns Lions Club – Celebrating 75 Years
The St. Johns Lions Club is proud to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, an important milestone in the history of St. Johns. Chartered on November 20, 1948, the club has been steadfast in promoting the Lions International mission: “To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace, and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.”
Over its 75 years the St. Johns Lions Club has raised thousands of dollars to support programs like Leaders Dogs for the Blind, Eversight Michigan, Lions Bear Lake Camp, Michigan Braille Transcribing, KidSight vision screening, and more. However, most of the money raised stays in the area to support community service organizations like Basic Needs Center, Clinton County Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, and the Knights of Columbus fundraiser for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
The funds also support community events like the St. Johns Police National Night Out, the Rotary Club’s July 4th Fireworks, Project Connect, downtown Halloween “Trick or Treat” event, and the annual Easter Egg Hunt, among others.
In addition the club annually awards two $500 community service scholarships to St. Johns High School students and assists individuals in need of eyeglasses and hearing aids to improve their quality of life. Club members also participate in the Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program, cleaning up trash and other debris along a two-mile stretch of Business 27 three times a year.
The Lions Club has been a driving force behind the success of a community recycling program with a 24-hour drop off self-serve center, open Monday through Friday, that is available to city residents and surrounding communities. This center operates as a non-profit and is always in need of donations to keep it going. All money raised to support the recycling center stays with the recycling center. It is not co-mingled with the club’s project funds.
Fundraising activities include Lions food trailer at Concerts in the Park, White Cane Sale, Lions Mint Sales at various locations around town, and more recently a Chili Fundraiser held during the annual Christmas parade.
While they have enjoyed camaraderie, gained valuable knowledge, and made many friends through the organization, members also have enriched countless lives by their work. However, all of this good work could be in jeopardy unless the club can attract new members to carry on its tradition. What was once a thriving club of over 100 members is now down to less than 20 members, with many of those unable to participate in activities due to declining health. In the last 12 months alone, the club has lost three active members to cancer and other illnesses.
The members of the St. Johns Lions Club are like a family. While they work hard to raise funds to support their mission, they know how to have fun and celebrate their successes together. They encourage others to join them. Anyone interested in exploring membership with the club can contact Club President Dean Hartenburg at 989-640-9762 or Membership Chair Kenny Kinsey, at 989-307-9749.
Church group readies Fantasy Forest for another summer
by Maralyn Fink
The congregation of the St Johns Church of Nazarene skipped services last Sunday to participate their I Love My City event. Several members helped the city playground safer for our town’s children by spreading mulch in the Fantasy Forest playground at the city park
Adults and kids participated and had a wonderful day.
A few other members visited the local laundromat to pass out quarters to help them with their laundry
The day was spent loving on the city we love.
Hazel Findlay residents celebrate Nursing Home Week
The residents of Hazel Findlay Country Manor had a blast celebrating Nursing Home Week in style this year. Thank you to all who participated. The staff says that they can’t wait for next year
St. Johns Recreation schedules swimming lessons
Due to shortage of staff and the need to adjust our lesson schedule, all lessons will be Monday-Thursday. The City of St. Johns Recreation will not offer 2 day a week lessons in the evening. They will offer three, two-week session of group lessons this summer.
Session 1 will take place from 6/12 – 6/22 Monday – Thursday
Session 2 will take place from 6/26 – 6/29 & 7/10 – 7/13 Monday – Thursday
Session 3 will take place from 7/17 – 7/20 & 7/31 – 8/3 Monday – Thursday
All pool activities will take place at the St. Johns High School pool. Enter using the Activities Entrance. Pool access is through the locker rooms.
Registration and program payment is online only.
Sharing Garden looks forward to 2nd year
The Sharing Garden is embarking on its 2nd year of operating after successfully providing over 1200 POUNDS of fresh produce to Beacon of Hope, a local food pantry . This is a community garden where we grow for a local food pantry as well as others in need of produce.
This year they will be sending their Monday harvest to Beacon again, but the Thursday harvest will go to those who work the garden with the leftovers going to other folks in need.
They need volunteers and welcome service clubs, church groups, 4-H clubs and individuals to spend time with them growing good stuff for a good purpose. For more information see their Facebook page.
Art opportunities coming up
Ida VanBeelen – Scrapbooking Class
$25.00
Looking to preserve your memories in style? Join Ida VanBeelen at the Art & Soul Gallery for her wonderful scrapbooking class.
“What are you doing with your photos? I’d love to help you learn how fun and satisfying it can be to put them into albums where they can be enjoyed for years! You can be as simple or as fancy as you would like, and you can work on your scrapbooks on your own or with our very fun group! But it all starts with a beginner class!” – Ida
You’ll want to bring 8-12 printed photos and we’ll each create two scrapbook layouts and a decorative border.
Class fee is $25. Supplies will be provided. Sign up
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Lauri Stephens – Stained Glass Class June 17
$110.00
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.
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Lauri Stephens – Beginner Wood Burning Class June 13
$35.00
In this beginners’ class at the Art & Soul Gallery, Lauri Stephens will teach you the basics of wood burning, such as how to safely use a burning iron, temperature management, image transferring, as well as which woods are best to use.