Wilson Center Auditorium renovation enters final phase
The final phase of the Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Project, the installation of modern house and stage lighting, has begun. A major matching grant application approved by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) gives the renovation committee the opportunity to fully fund the remaining costs to purchase and install updated wiring and lights.
Removal of the old wiring, transformer-based power switches and faders has begun with funds already raised to date, but the committee needs to appeal to the community one last time to make the lighting at the Wilson Center Auditorium state-of-the-art.
So far the funds raised to reopen the Wilson Center Auditorium have been used to:
– Install 400 upholstered seats with more leg room
– Paint the auditorium using authentic color schemes from the 1920s
– Upgrade the sound system with digital controls, speakers, a video projection system, and stationary, headset and lapel microphones
– Secure space in the building for prop and costume storage and set building
– Access a suite with dressing rooms and performer waiting areas
– And reopen the ticket office in the lobby.
So, What Will It Take to Bring Up the Lights?
Professional lighting consultants have estimated that comprehensive lighting updates will cost over $100,000. We have secured a wonderful partner in our fundraising efforts. The Capital Region Community Foundation has challenged us to match their grant with $52,000. Contributions from community members and profits from theatrical and musical performances have already begun the lighting fund.
This project is not just about adding some new lights. We will install a modern, computerized lighting station in the balcony. LED lighting throughout the stage and seating areas will provide major savings in energy, maintenance and replacement costs.
Flexible, enhanced lighting will increase usefulness to the contiguous downtown business district and the five community organizations that are already eager to share the space.
Donate online now. If you prefer to give by sending a check please make it out to:
SJSFFE at PO Box 331, St. Johns, MI 48879. The St. Johns Schools Foundation For Excellence will transfer all donations to the auditorium lighting project. Please note AUDITORIUM in your correspondence or memo line. If you have questions or concerns please contact Susan DeRosa (susanderosa@msn.com), Bill Tennant (wetennant@gmail.com), or Tom Webb (tomwebb73@gmail.com).
Modern country arrives August 21 at Concert in the Park
Get ready for some good “modern country” music when Ross Mead and North Country play August 21 at St. Johns Concert in the Park. Headquartered in central Michigan, the band consists of seasoned musicians with over a century of combined experience – Rock, soul and twang in equal measure.
The band features vocalist and acoustic guitarist Ross Mead as a compelling and entertaining front man. The dual guitar attack of Michael Ford and Adam Forsyth bring intricate interplay and dynamics with twanging riffs and blistering solos. The rhythm section features Josh Jones Jr. on bass driving the band forward with a pulsing low end and Mike Roberts on drums bringing a polished and rock solid beat.
The music begins at 7 p.m. in the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the St. Johns City Park; no admission.
Concert in the Park is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns with support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Concerts are held each Wednesday evening; rain or shine. The St. Johns Lions and Lioness Club staff a concession stand offering light refreshments.
For detailed information on the Concert in the Park series visit the CCAC web site, http://www.clintoncountyarts.org/ and check out the William E. Tennant Performance Shell page on Facebook.
Accessories featured at the Museum
Visit the Clinton County Historical Society Museum to see the latest display of Accessories. If you like old purses from early 1900s don’t forget to stop by the museum. Jewelry, gloves, scarves and other accessories are on display besides hats and purses.
The 2019 Exhibit “Police and Fire Departments” artifacts are displayed in the Paine-Gillam-Scott House and the Carriage House. Take time to explore the Swegles General Store also.
The Museum is open Wednesdays, 2-6 p.m. and Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Closed on holiday weekends.
It is located west of the courthouse at 106 Maple, St. Johns, Michigan. Group tours and individual tours are welcome. For more information call 989-224-2894, email PGSmuseum@gmail.com. Visit our webpage, PGSmuseum.com.
First Baptist Church to hold service and picnic September 1
On Sunday, September 1 the First Baptist Church of St. Johns invites you to their annual church service in the Performance Shell at the St. Johns City Park at 10:30 a.m. with a picnic following the service in the Main Pavilion. Parents please note: There will only be childcare for Nursery, 0-2yrs. old and Toddlers, 2-3yrs. old.
Hamburgers and hot dogs, table service and drinks will be served along with other delicious dishes.
If it rains, you are invited to attend the Service at the church, 512 S Whittemore Street, and the picnic will be in the gym.
Clinton Transit announces new hours
Beginning on September 3, 2019 Clinton Transit will provide new bus service hours 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. New call center hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Open later to serve you better! Book your rides today. 989-224-8127
Health Department’s phone numbers spoofed again
The Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) has been the victim of “caller ID spoofing” for many months. Scammers have been making calls to random people all over the United States, using the Health Department’s phone numbers. The scammers claim to be with the Health Department or a Medicare representative. In both instances, the scammer asks for confidential, personal information. The newest technique used by the scammers is to try and get the person on the other line to purchase a knee or back brace using their Medicare coverage. These calls are coming from scammers, not MMDHD.
The scammers are using a technique called caller ID spoofing. They falsify information transmitted to your caller ID to hide their identity. They tend to use a local number from a trusted business or agency, to increase the likelihood that you’ll answer the phone. In this case, they are using MMDHDs phone numbers (Clinton County: 989-224-2195, Gratiot County: 989-875-3681, Montcalm County: 989-831-5237). The Health Department’s number shows up on your caller ID, but it’s really a scammer on the line.
If you receive one of these calls, simply hang up and block the number. If you get a message on your answering machine, do not return the call. Never give out personal information over the phone, like account numbers, Social Security numbers, your mother’s maiden name or passwords to an unsolicited caller or if you are at all suspicious. Legitimate governmental agencies will never contact you by phone asking for personal information.
Other tips to avoid becoming a victim of spoofing:
– Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers.
– If you answer the phone and you are asked to hit a button to stop getting calls, hang up.
– Do not respond to questions, especially those that can be answered with “yes” or “no.”
– If you get a call and you are suspicious, hang up and call the number listed in the phone book, or on the company’s or agency’s website.
– Use caution if you are pressured for information.
For more information about spoofing or if you have been a victim, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 or visit https://www.fcc.gov/ spoofing.
Work continues on milk processing plants
Progress continues on the Glanbia and Proliant construction sites. Another year to go before they begin processing 8 million pounds of milk per day.