John Sirrine, left, talks with Sue and Ranny Briggs following the 7th annual Briggs Public Library Foundation Honors and Authors Night.
A St. Johns couple was honored for support of the Briggs Public Library Foundation during the organization’s seventh annual fund raising Honors and Authors Night held at Emerald Golf Course Tuesday April 24.
Ranny and Sue Briggs continue what his father began a decade or more ago with a gift of $100,000.00 to a capital campaign that assisted moving the library to its present location. Roy Briggs, a long time St. Johns realtor and business man considered the gift after encouragement by family members, including Ranny and Sue and brother and wife Sandy and Carol Briggs. In return, the newly located library was named in honor of Mr. Briggs.
Ranny and Sue have continued their support annually during each of the Honors and Authors Nights over the past seven years.
In addition to the singular recognition, the near seventy in attendance enjoyed generous hors d’oeuvres and a historical tour and review of light houses around the Great Lakes and eastern part of the United States presented by Frederick Stonehouse. Mr. Stonehouse is an author of over 30 books on the Great Lakes and is recognized as a preeminent historian on the subject.
The program was emceed by John Sirrine, president of the Briggs Library Foundation. Sara Morrison, librarian director, discussed the general operation of the library including regular and special events conducted throughout the year. Also addressing the group was Police Chief Mike Madden who encouraged support for an upcoming Bingham Township millage vote set for August. The renewal of a current millage is of importance to the library operations.
The annual event is a fund raiser for the foundation. It features each year a presentation by a Michigan Author and pays tribute to a person or group which reflects ongoing support to the Foundation’s goal of establishing a long term endowment to ensure future viability of the library.
Persons interested in learning more about the Foundation may contact Sirrine at 989 224-2853 or by email jsirrine@sirrineandassociates.com.