This is the year that was
January
Hospital Auxiliary to host Chili Cook-Off
Already a number of area chili cooks are rattling their ladles in preparation for the 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off challenge that has come to be the foremost attraction during Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary’s winter event, Snow Day at the Emerald.
At the Senior Center in January
“Celebrity Chefs” are once again cooking up a storm on Mondays at the Clinton County Senior Center. January meals and “chefs” include:
Jan 9: Pork Chops, Dressing, Vegetable and Applesauce (Stu Fitzpatrick and Terry Thelen from Weichert Realty)
Jan 16: Chicken Casserole, Vegetable, Roll and Fruit (Tyler Barlage from Community Christian Church)
Jan 23: Meatloaf, Mac and Cheese, Vegetable and Jello Salad (Brenda and Darlene Terpening from the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce
Jan 30: Beef Stew, Coleslaw, Bisquit and Jello (Brenda and Darlene from the Chamber)
St. Johns school board members take oath
Scott Marier and Rick Drabek were sworn in as members of St. Johns Public Schools Board of Education at the Jan. 9 organizational meeting. It’s the second, four-year term for each trustee, both of whom won reelection bids in the November 2011 general election.
New SJPS football field takes shape
Dry weather conditions and unseasonably warm temperatures are good news for construction crews working on the new football field for St. Johns Public Schools.
Heavy equipment operators have been busy in the past two weeks, building up berms and preparing the field that is situated slightly east and south of the original site. The berms give the field a “bowl-like” look, making it appear lower than the old site. When completed, the new field will be at about the same level as before.
Museum to receive Hicks painting
The Clinton County Historical Society will be receiving a donation of a painting by Ida Eliza Hicks, the daughter of John Hicks of St. Johns. The title is “Michigan Trout, 1884” and the subject is three hanging fish. This painting will be part of an exhibit of 36 paintings by Michigan artists, from 1880 to 1940, to be held at Olivet College.
February
Frank P. Buck – the man behind the name
Who was Frank P. Buck, and why was the football field named after him? Read more here
Civil War Re-enactors want you!
The years of 2011 to 2015 will celebrate the Sesquicentennial or 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. The Tenth Michigan Infantry, Civil War Re-enactors and Living Historians want you to be a part of these coming special events.
Rehearsals underway
Home Grown Productions
Rehearsals are underway for the upcoming production of “Steel Magnolias,” a comedy-drama about a group of seemingly frail Southern belles who survive despite an abundance of difficulties.
Habitat’s 7th House to be built in St. Johns
On Wednesday, February 22, the City of St. Johns sold their first vacant lot to Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County for the purpose of constructing a new home this summer for a low income family in need of adequate shelter.
March
Ireland in song and story
Usher in St. Patrick’s Day in fine style! Join the fun at Ireland in Song and Story, a program of traditional Irish songs and story-telling on Thursday March 15, 7:00 pm, at the VFW hall in St Johns. The featured presenter is Father Eoin Murphy, priest at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, who will be returning to Ireland in June. He is a trained tenor with a lovely Irish lilt who is also adept at sharing a bit of the blarney. Additionally, The Mint City Singers will entertain with a few traditional songs.
All proceeds will go toward the restoration of the several historic railcars owned by the Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC).
Congratulations to St. Johns Wrestling Team
Winning a state championship is an amazing accomplishment for any high school sports team-winning three in a row is a much rarer feat. The St. Johns Redwings wrestling team did just that, taking home the 2011 Division II Michigan State Wrestling Championship, making them the champs for three years running.
Kiwanis News
The 22nd annual Walk For Warmth drew 15 participants from the Kiwanis sponsored Builder Club along with four Kiwanians and the combined group added warmth against winter for needy families in the Clinton County area. According to Pauline Baert, coordinator of the Clinton County Center of Capital Area Community Services, Builders Club walkers, their parents and general participants raised over $650.00.
Dimpled Sphere Fever hits golfers
It’s early for such activity, but they’re out there!
Golfers, that is. Driven by an annual spring fever that arrived ahead of schedule this year and, seemingly, more relentless than in the past.
Members of Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary have succumbed to the bug by laying plans for their fourth annual golf fund raiser June 29 at the Emerald Golf Club.
Tomi Ann Schultheiss to retire
It is with a mountain of mixed feelings that I announce my retirement at the end of this school year. St. Joseph School has been a huge part of my life for many years.
April
7th Annual Honor and Authors Night
A virtual tour of the Great Lakes, with stops at operating and inactive lighthouses along the way, will hone the mystique the lore of the region embraces. The excursion, coupled with the fascination of eerie hulks of vessels after resting many years on lake bottoms, the tales of their ends echoed over time, along with legends of maritime ghosts lurking above moonlit waves unite to ensure a captivating voyage. The tour guide will be Frederick Stonehouse.
Easter Egg Hunt winner
It was a beautiful spring day and the St. Johns City Park was the sight of the Annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the St. Johns Lioness Club. Good Wins volunteers from the St. Johns High School carefully placed over 4000 brightly colored eggs filled with candy, toys and money in anticipation of the hundreds of eager area children.
Music Man comes to SJMS
St. Johns Middle School is proud to present The Music Man! Over 80 middle school students have been involved in this year’s cast and crew.
Sparrow Clinton Hospital honors volunteers
When Sparrow Clinton Hospital was founded in 1927, volunteers played an integral role in the development and delivery of quality health care. Today, volunteers remain a most valued asset at the hospital.
In celebration of current contributions, Sparrow Clinton Hospital honored volunteers’ achievements at its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.
All aboard for fun
Depot opening again
From small model trains moving through the amazing Four-Season layout built by Jerry Banks years ago, to the full-size historic rail cars sitting outside the depot, Clinton Northern Railway Center at the St. Johns Depot will be open again on Sundays.
Park gets cleanup by Kiwanis and Clubs
Each year, Kiwanis Clubs around the world join in a day of service. St. Johns Kiwanis is no exception, however this year members called upon three Kiwanis sponsored clubs – Aktion, Builders and Good Wins Key – to join in the effort. Together, the group swept across the grounds of St. Johns City Park wielding rakes, trash bags and other yard tools, leaving the location neat, clean and ready for the summer crowds.
May
Lots of construction activity happening at SJHS site
After a three-day trip from Texas, the new Press Box for the stadium has arrived.
Preparing For The Big Event: Decorating for Prom
This years theme is “Jungle,” and I noticed the jungle-like animals ready to help with this project. Tigers, Lions, and Snow Leopards were cute as could be. Next I noticed greenery, animal print balloons, butterflies, everything you would find in the “Jungle” minus snakes, thank you.
St. Johns Lions Recycle For Sight
As spring cleaning gets under way, the SI. Johns Lions are asking people to look through dresser drawers and closets for used eyeglasses and donate them to the Lions Recycle For Sight program .
Rademacher Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award
Catholic Order of Foresters presented a Joseph Schuster Lifetime Achievement Award to John Rademacher, honoring him for 31 years of dedicated service to COF and its members.
Briggs Couple Maintains Family Library Support
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.
Paint the Town Purple: Relay For Life is coming to St. Johns
Organizers and volunteers of the Relay for Life of St. Johns / Clinton County painted the Town Purple last weekend in preparation for the upcoming Relay
National Nursing Home Week 2012
Celebrating the Journey Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor is preparing to participate in National Nursing Home Week. NNHW is celebrated beginning on Mother’s Day
St. Johns Bike Rodeo a success
On Friday May 18 the St. Johns Police Department held a bicycle rodeo at Oakview South Elementary School. 50 kids from Kindergarten through 3rd grade from the St. Johns School District participated and had a great time.
June
Future Takes Shape for Mint City Singers
Good things are happening to the relatively new group known as the “Mint City Singers.” After a year of getting organized, sorting out who and what to be and looking ahead to invitations for more performance gigs, the fledgling chorale has received encouragement from three auspicious occurrences; a grant from St. Johns Community Foundation, the appointment of an interim director and a spot under the umbrella of the Clinton County Arts Council. The latter will allow for tax free donations benefiting the singing group.
What is red and black and shiny all over?
Answer: The newest addition to the historic train cars by the St. Johns Depot: a mostly-restored wooden caboose.
Clarksons open Concert in the Park season
Variety is truly the spice of life for members of the Jack Clarkson Band.
SJPD’s Carey retires
Congratulations to Lt. Mike Carey who officially retired from the St. Johns Police Department yesterday. Enjoy your retirement.
Moss named Coach of the Year
Dave Moss was named Middle School Track Coach of the Year. The award was given to him at the Honor Roll meet last week.
St. Johns Police reintroduce K-9 Patrols
Chief Michael Madden placed into service a canine program for the St. Johns Police Department last Friday, and introduced Dutch Shepherd “Duke” with his K-9 handler Officer Ben Helms.
F.C. Mason hiring
Over the next five years
F.C. Mason Co. will hire 40 new employees and open a new manufacturing facility at the former Federal-Mogul plant site in St. Johns.
Meth bust in St. Johns
The St. Johns Police Department received information that a meth lab was operating out of a garage in the 900 Block of Hampshire.
Farmers Market opens
The St. Johns Farmers Market was created over 50 years ago to promote the sale of fresh local farm products, and to give growers of Michigan agricultural commodities and other farm-related products the opportunity to share directly with consumers. The public is invited to attend each Saturday to purchase home-grown, home-baked and home-made goods from local gardens, farms, home kitchens and vendors.
Star Lab Planetarium
Stargazers! Briggs Library staffers are bringing the night sky inside the library with a portable mylar planetarium dome. Join us on a journey through the sky in a fun and memorable manner.
July
July 4th Fireworks Site Moved
The St. Johns Rotary Club sponsors a terrific 4th of July fireworks display every year up at the St. Johns City Park. Due to school and athletic field construction, the site of this year’s display has been moved to the St. Johns Middle School athletic fields off Townsend Road.
Then it rained
Oh, and the wind blew too
Girls State
Four St. Johns High School students recently attended the 2012 Michigan Girls State Citizen Training Program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. Paige Hufnagel, Emma Nelson, Riley Petersen and Jenna Peterson were all chosen as delegates to participate in the week long program held at Michigan State University.
St. Peter hosts Farewell Open House July 15 for Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth
Ministry spans 25 years
As Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth prepares to leave the congregation he was called to serve 25 years, one constant remains sure and true in a sea of change – God’s steady guidance for His people at St. Peter Lutheran Church-Riley.
August
St. Johns to participate in National Night Out
St. Johns city residents are invited to take part in our 19th annual “National Night Out” event Tuesday, August 7, 2011, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The community can come together, once again, to get to know their neighbors and join forces against crime. Bring the whole family and enjoy the best National Night Out yet! We will have the Animals Around the World show, K-9 shows, inflatables, games for the kids, food and drinks, ice cream and giveaways – all free!
The St. Johns Police Department is coordinating the event.
Meet the Grand Marshals
The 2012 Mint Festival Grand Marshals Leo, Dean and Paul Henning will be featured during the Grand Mint Parade on Saturday morning.
Mint Festival Wet, Yet Successful
The City of St. Johns hosted yet another successful and enjoyable Mint Festival this month. Fighting erratic weather, the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce and St. Johns Principal Shopping District (DMB/DDA) are to be commended for their considerable efforts in making this one of the best local summer festivals in the Mid-Michigan area.
Election Results
The Library would like to express its gratitude to the residents of Bingham Township for voting to continue supporting the Library with .497 mills for the next four years.
Elvis closes out Concert in the Park season
Silent Auction part of Aug. 29 show
Don’t miss the Clinton Northern Railway’s Silent Auction August 29 in the pavilion at St. Johns City Park.
September
School starts Sept. 4 amid big changes for SJ students
It’s back to school for students at St. Johns Public Schools next Tuesday, Sept. 4, as classes begin for the 2012-13 school year.
Along with all the new faces of incoming freshman, lots of other changes will greet students at St. Johns High School – like spacious science and math classrooms in the new academic addition, renovations to hallways and in the industrial arts areas, and revamped offices by the new front entrance.
Redwings win home opener in their new stadium
St. Johns 19, Corunna 15
Arts Council plans Art Prize Excursion
Destination Grand Rapids, all aboard!
That’s the cry some 50 passengers may hear Friday morning September 21 when they gather for a trip to that city to visit over 1,500 exhibits featured in the 2012 Grand Rapids Art Prize.
Andy T’s hosts Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off
A whole lot of huge pumpkins will be on display at Andy T’s Farm Market during the 2012 Great Lakes Commonwealth Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off. Giant pumpkin growers from around the Great Lakes region will vie for prizes – and big bragging rights – at the fun, free event that runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
City Spray Park Fund-Raising
The proposed spray park for the St. Johns City Park is a recreational amenity that, once constructed, will provide generations of youngsters summertime fun; and maybe a few adults as well. Funding efforts continue throughout the community.
October
Homecoming 2012
The week of Homecoming will be a Spirit Day every day with a different theme each day. Pajama day, favorite team day and others. On Friday there will be a Pep Rally featuring the Dance Team, Cheerleaders, Science Olympia demonstration that includes doing games. The Drum Line will also be performing and this year the Dance Team is choreographing a dance that I understand will be for some of the teachers to perform. Now, this is really where my camera will be that day.
John Thelen Recipient of Terry Cornwell Memorial Award
The initial of six Kiwanis club objectives cites the “primacy of the human and spiritual rather than the material values of life.” In keeping with that principle club members annually recognize someone outside its membership as beneficiary of the Terry Cornwell Human and Spiritual Values Award. This year’s honoree is John Thelen.
Upcoming Indoor Farmer’s Market
Will take place at: 102 N. Clinton Ave. (formerly “Always Charming”)
Day and times: Saturdays 8 a.m. till noon
Vendors: The majority of the people that were outside for the summer months but not as much garden fresh because of the season
An Event So Good It’s Scary
Once again this year the Library will be participating in “An Event So Good It’s Scary.” On Halloween, Wednesday, Oct. 31st, from 3:30-5:30 the Library will be handing out treats to children to help promote safe trick-or-treating.
November
Veteran’s Day Observance On November 11th
The annual Veteran’s Day observance, to include a parade through the downtown area, is scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 11th.
Kiwanis leads students on a Good Will leaf raking spree
Good things happen when members of a service club, two youth groups and a cluster of basketball players descend on the yards of residents with leaf-covered lawns. Those good things add up to 11 homes with clean turfs and nearly 300 bags of leaves ear-marked for the mulch pile.
Homegrown Productions brings “A Christmas Carol” — and Christmas Carols
Wilson Center Auditorium will be alive with the sounds of the holidays as Homegrown Productions brings Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” to St. Johns.
Celebrate at the Gallery and Depot
Looking for special gifts for those special people in your lives? Looking for gifts that are made in Michigan? Looking for gifts that are unique and won’t be found at every mall? Want to save gas? Look no further than the Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) Gallery and Gift Shop in downtown St. Johns.
Big Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Volunteers from all corners of town and community members young and old came together to make the third annual dinner a big success. More than 150 people were served this year.
Thanksgiving Day parade
The Marching Redwings made their biennial trip to Detroit to participate in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. They have participated in this event every other year since 1991.
December
Chamber hosts Christmas Festival
On Saturday, December 1 the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce held their 10th Annual Christmas Festival. Children of all ages enjoyed breakfast with Santa, and some took the opportunity for a face-to-face visit.
Santa Parade of Lights
Join us in Historic Downtown St. Johns on Friday December 7, 2012 at 5:45 p.m. to watch the Annual “Santa Parade of Lights”. Each entry is beautifully decorated with colorful holiday lights and the parade also features the arrival of Santa Claus.
After the Parade, enjoy the official lighting of the annual St. Johns Christmas Tree and the presentation of the Key to the City to Santa Claus by St. Johns Mayor Dana Beaman. This magical key opens every door in St. Johns, and enables Santa Claus to visit every boy and girl on Christmas Eve.
In the spirit of Christmas
Mike Fleischer joined other Old Newsboys in selling copies of the Lansing Spoof Journal. Proceeds from the annuals sales are used to provide for children in need at Christmas time.
Get Connected at Briggs
The library is once again offering free adult computer classes. The class is designed for new computer users with little to no experience, and will cover basic computer parts and terms, correct usage of the mouse and keyboard, and tips for working with Windows 7.
SJHS academic wing greets students after holiday break
St. Johns High School students will have a very special gift to open when they return to classrooms Jan. 7 following the holiday break – units A and D of the new academic wing will be ready and waiting.
The completion of the remaining two units marks the beginning of the end for new classroom construction and renovations in the ongoing bond project. The science and math classrooms in the new academic wing addition have been in use since the start of the 2012-13 school year.