Friday Evening Homecoming decorating
by Maralyn Fink
After half time of the football game, I headed to the High School to meet with the Student Council and students to snap some pictures from the start. I spoke with Jamison Cleaver who gave me the info I needed to do this article.
The Student Council holds the Homecoming and started planning for it last summer, planning the date and theme. They also choose the Honorary Redwings at that time.
I was very happy to learn that the theme was “50s Date Night.” They couldn’t have made a better choice in my mind as this also brought back a lot of good times and memories for us folk who lived that era.
Jamison and Jen Eaton who is the President of Student Council, stated that they had a new Adviser this year who is Sheri Becker. The Advisers change around every two years. In having Sheri, participants are here when they are supposed to be and on time. They also said that Sheri has exceeded any expectations that were set.
Thank you, Jamison and Jen along with Miss Becker for letting me take pictures and write about Homecoming Eve. Also thanks to the students who were helping. It was a pleasure. Time to find my cookies for the road.
50s Date Night
Back to the High School on Saturday night, I attended the Homecoming Dance to take me back to the 50s. I was greeted by Mr. Stukey at the door and made my way back to the festivities.
Things were in full swing and everyone was milling around. I then proceeded to the gym where the dancing and DJ were and everyone seemed to be having a great time.
There were plenty of shoes on the tables in the cafeteria, and I wondered if any would fit. But after checking them over I decided I couldn’t stand in them even if they did fit. Oh well.
I wandered around to make sure I saw everything and visited with some of the kids. Pictures were being taken by a photographer, and there was also a photo booth with accessories to wear and that was busy also.
A lot of different snacks were provided but one thing caught my eye – cookies. Well, that just completed my evening, I think I can make it home now!
Thanks to Student Council and all who helped with this event and especially Sheri Becker. To all the students who attended, take time to treasure your school days because before you know it, they will be over.
I appreciate your help and I will see you again soon.
https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/151004a?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Arts Council hosting “Art-ful Treasures” sale
A collection of vintage art items will go on sale Tuesday and Wednesday October 19 and 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the storefront at 315 N. Clinton Ave., St. Johns.
All of the art on sale was created by past artists of Clinton County Arts Council. The “Art-ful Treasures” sale will feature a broad selection of wall art as well as some pottery, jewelry and other items.
Many of the works will bear names familiar to local residents, such as Maxine Strahle, Florence Horne, Muriel Gilson and Kathy Martindale.
Jenny McCampbell explained that Clinton County Arts Council has many works of art sitting in storage from its 35 years of serving the community and would like to make them available at prices that will allow everyone to enjoy owning original artwork from this area. Because there are so many items, the sale will take place at 315 N. Clinton Ave., rather than in the Gallery, to better display everything.
Come and browse – no reasonable offer will be refused.
Class of ’85 – Alumni Giving Update
What an incredible weekend. The Class of 1985’s 30th Class Reunion was a resounding success thanks to the planning committee and of course the classmates who joined in the parade, the school tour, the football game and finally a Saturday evening at Bruno’s.
Thank you to Mark Palmer and Chris Ervin for such a warm welcome back for Homecoming. And congratulations on a great WIN against Owosso. Everyone enjoyed the school tour, and we all left with an incredible sense of pride seeing the facility you have developed to remain a first-class learning institution that is shaping the minds and character of our young people. It is truly impressive. Congratulations and know that you and the faculty have our continued support.
Alumni Giving Challenge Update
The class did some additional fundraising on Saturday night at Bruno’s. Dean and Shana Mazzolini were pleased with the business generated over the weekend from Homecoming and the class reunion that they have decided to host the pizzas served on Saturday evening and not charge the class. This means that, after covering nominal expenses, the remainder of the funds collected will go to the Foundation for Excellence.
The new estimated total is approximately $4,000.
St. Johns-Ovid Lodge Open House / Yard Sale October 17
Saturday Oct. 17, 2015
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
915 W. State St., St. Johns, MI 48879
$10.00 per 10′ x 20′ space Open to all.
For more information call phone 517-388-0882
SCH Auxiliary’s BINGO & Bags fundraiser – Saturday, November 14
Ladies, if you like purses you will love the Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary’s new fundraiser.
Gay Baker, Carey Harris, Shelley Gunther and Nancy Mino. Baker and Harris serve as co-chairs for the project.
Auxilians host BINGO & Bags on Saturday, November 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers in St. Johns.
This unique BINGO features 19 games – each with a Purse Prize valued at a minimum of $60. Purses may also be stuffed with coupons and a few surprises. The afternoon ends with a Grand Finale Game, featuring a designer purse valued at $400.
Your $15 general admission ticket provides one BINGO sheet for each of the 19 games. Buy-in for the Grand Finale Game is 3 sheets for $1. This event includes a 50/50 drawing, door prizes, snacks and a coffee bar.
Ticket sales are limited. Purchase your tickets by contacting Shelley at 517.331.0665 shelleyredman54@gmail.com or Robin at 517.281.8004 robin.motz@53.com.
BINGO & Bags, the biggest fundraiser hosted by SCH Auxilians in 2015, helps the group meet their pledge of $100,000 toward construction of Sparrow Clinton Hospital’s new Emergency Services Department, which has been in full operations since July 2014.
Two additional events round out the Auxiliary’s fundraising calendar this year. Saturday, Dec. 5, marks the Auxiliary’s annual holiday poinsettia sale. On Sunday December 6, lucky shoppers embark on a two-day bus trip to Chicago. Reservations for the Chicago trip must be made by 6 pm Tuesday, October 20.
Officer installation opens Kiwanis year
A recent reception and dinner at the Emerald Golf Course preceded a formal installation of officers for St. Johns Kiwanis for the club’s 2015-16 year. Leading the ceremonies confirming each officer and board member was Kiwanis District Governor Alana Harvey who during her formal comments commended the club for its achievements, future plans and contributions to the community.
District Kiwanis Governor Alana Harvey (center) leads a unity hand shake with immediate past president of St. Johns Kiwanis Paul Opsommer and newly elected president Shannon Schlegel.
Holding positions for the upcoming year are President Shannon Schlegel, President Elect, Chris Bouck, Secretary Karen Crosby and Treasurer Jan Havlik. Directors include Eileen Bostwick, Sue Lounds and Theresa Fedewa Wells. Outgoing officers and directors include Pau Opsommer, Curt Keck, Joyce Crosby and Marilyn Thelen.
Kiwanis meets 7:07 a.m. each Thursday at Clinton Commons and an open invitation is extended to all persons interested in community service activities.
Dr. Dedrick Martin earns MASA endorsement
Dr. Dedrick Martin, superintendent of St. Johns Public Schools, recently earned an advanced endorsement on his school administrator certification following completion of the “Courageous Journey” program offered by the Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA). The voluntary, three-year professional leadership program includes classes, forums and online interactions to advance and apply leadership skills aimed at improving staff and student outcomes in their districts.
“Because the program spans three years it allows superintendents to tackle real transformative changes in their districts that in turn can raise student achievement,” says MASA Executive Director Chris Wright. “Dr. Martin has distinguished himself above his peers by going beyond school administrator certification to learn high-impact strategies that will improve St. Johns Public Schools.”
“Courageous Journey” addresses seven research-based points of learning critical to becoming a highly effective superintendent: leadership, management, relationships and communication, data-informed planning and decision-making, organizational development, politics and teaching and learning.
MASA is the only statewide association that represents the superintendents and first-line administrators of Michigan’s local and intermediate school districts. Its mission is to develop leadership and unity within its membership to achieve the continuous improvement of public education in Michigan.
Hidden Treasure at Sparrow Clinton Hospital Gift Therapy Shop
U of M fishing lures, tunic tops, purses, Pet items and great tailgating items are all available plus more at Sparrow Clinton Hospital Gift Therapy Shop.
Please stop in at this little treasure of a shop.
Open Monday – Friday 10am-7pm. All proceeds goes towards the $100,000 pledge for the new Emergency Dept of SCH.
People’s Choice Award goes to P-W Middle School Art Students
The Clinton County Arts Council’s (CCAC) Middle School Art Challenge for 2015 has wrapped up with very close vote totals. Pewamo-Westphalia Middle School edged out DeWitt Junior High by 14 votes out of 1,053 cast for the People’s Choice Award. This award is a check for $300.00 to the winning district’s middle school art program for supplies.
The contest was based on the artistry and creativity of the middle school art students in the four participating districts: Bath, DeWitt, Fowler and Pewamo-Westphalia. The challenge to each district was to develop four posters reflecting Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall.
Many of the votes were accrued when Clinton County Arts Council’s volunteers took the posters to area summer festivals: Bath Days, Most Holy Trinity’s Parish Festival in Fowler, DeWitt Ox Roast, St. Johns Mint Festival and the Pewamo Block Party. There they encouraged passers-by of all ages to vote for the set of posters they liked best. Many people found it hard to choose because all of the students had done such a great job.
Interestingly, more than half the votes came from on-line voting on the CCAC web site. The posters can be viewed by going to www.clintoncountyarts.org and clicking on the link at the left side of the Home page that says “Vote Here for 2015 Art Challenge Posters”. The voting is closed now but the posters for each district can be seen by clicking on the links for Bath, DeWitt, Fowler and Pewamo-Westphalia.
The posters were also judged by two professional artists in the late spring, who awarded a first, second, third and fourth place prize to the districts, again in the form of a check going to each school’s middle school art program for supplies.
“One of the best things about this program is showing off the artistic talents of the young people in this area to so many people,” said Jenny McCampbell, coordinator of the program in 2015.
CAFR meeting rescheduled – October 28
Clinton Area Fire and Rescue has rescheduled a public meeting on October 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm to discuss the ISO Public Protection Classification in Greenbush, Victor and Washington Townships. The meeting will be held at Clinton County RESA, 1013 Old U.S. 27, St. Johns. Skip Starling, ISO Independent Consultant, will be in attendance to answer questions.
ISO (Insurance Services Office) analyzes relevant data in a community and assigns a Public Protection Classification – a grading from 1 to 10. Class 1 generally represents superior property fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that the area’s fire suppression program does not meet ISO’s minimum criteria. Clinton Area Fire and Rescue currently has a rating of 4/8Y.
Insurance companies use PPC information to help establish fair premiums for fire insurance – generally offering lower premiums in communities with better protection. By offering economic benefits for communities that invest in their firefighting services, the program provides an additional incentive for improving and maintaining public fire protection.
For more information about ISO and the PPC program visit www.isomitigation.com.
Senior Center Annual Rock-a-Thon is October 21
On Wednesday, October 21 the Senior Center will hold it’s annual Rock-a-Thon from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Throughout the day participants rock in rocking chairs while playing games, making a craft, telling stories, having lunch, etc. The theme for this year’s event is “Popcorn”. Prior to the event participants collect donations from friends, family members, businesses and neighbors.
The Premier Sponsor for this year’s event is McLaren Health Plan.
Anyone wishing to participate or donate should call the center ASAP.
Senior Center to Hold Craft Show and Bake Sale – November 14
Mark your calendar to attend a Craft Show and Bake Sale at the Clinton County Senior Center on Saturday, November 14 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The Senior Center is located at 201 E Walker Street in St. Johns. The Senior Center has many volunteers that make things for the center throughout the year that will be available for purchase at the sale.
The craft show will benefit the Senior Center while proceeds from the Bake Sale will benefit the Clinton County Meals on Wheels program.
If you have any new crafts you would like to donate to the sale, please drop them off at the Senior Center Monday through Friday (except Thursday) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Or if you need something picked up, please call 989-224-4257.
If you would like to make something for the bake sale, please call Meals on Wheels at 989-224-3600.
City to host annual Zombie Run – Friday October 23
Join us Friday October 23rd in the St. Johns City Park at 6:15 for the 3rd Annual Zombie Run. Navigate the 1.5 mile course as Zombies try to take your 2 “life” flags from your belt. This 1.5 mile road/trail race will take runners through post-apocalyptic St. Johns City Park and Clinton County Fairgrounds.
Cost is $10 prior to race day, race day registration $15. Children 10 and under can run for free with a paid adult registration. Children 10 and under must run with an adult. Registrations for the run can be picked up and dropped off at the City Office and are also available online at www.cityofstjohnsmi.com/Departments/ParksandRecreation. In addition you can register online at www.runsignup.com/Race/MI/StJohns/RUNFORYOURLIFE. Last day to register on line is October 22, 2015. The City Offices are located in the County Courthouse.
Being a Zombie more your style? You can be a member of the zombie horde by going to www.runsignup.com/Race/MI/StJohns/ZOMBIEHORDE. Cost to be a zombie is $8. Deadline to sign up to be a zombie is October 22, 2015. Zombies must arrive early to get painted.
Race check-in will be in the Main Pavilion in the City Park starting at 5:15 PM on race day. All pre-registered runners are guaranteed a belt with “life” flags. Minors under the age of 18 must have a parent’s signature. Children under the age of 12 must run with a parent or guardian. Children 10 and under are free and will need to sign a waiver for children when you arrive on race day. All proceeds will be used for the St. Johns Community Spray Park.
Soup kitchen makes two stops in area – October 13, 15
His Cup Runneth Over, a mobile soup kitchen, will be making a stop at the First Congregational Church, 100 Maple Ave, St. Johns 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesday, October 13.
They will be at Pompeii United Methodist Church, 135 Burton St. in Pompeii 3 pm to 6 pm., Thursday October 15.
Soup, bread, fruit and dessert will be served to all who come free of charge. For more information call 989-533-9535 or 989-544-5764.
An Event So Good It’s Scary – October 30
On Friday, October 30 the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce along with many businesses in St. Johns will be holding their Annual daytime trick-or-treating event for young children. From 3:30-5:30 p.m. young children that are in costume can trick-or-treat at over 30 businesses.
A complete list of businesses that will be participating in the Event So Good It’s Scary will be available after October 26.
If you have any questions about the event; or if you have a business that would like to participate, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248.
Christmas Festival coming December 4
The Clinton County Chamber of Commerce will hold their 13th Annual Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the CC RESA Building, located at 1013 S US 27 in St. Johns.
The event will include a Breakfast with Santa (8-10:30 a.m.), Craft Show and Festival of Trees (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and Children’s Make it and Take it Crafts (12:00 – 3:00 p.m.).
Tickets for the Breakfast with Santa are available at the Chamber office, which is located in the CC RESA Building. Adults tickets are $6 and children’s tickets (age 12 and under) are $4. Children 2 and under are free. Breakfast will include scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage links, cereal, muffins and beverages.
At the Craft Show more than 75 vendors will be selling everything from baked goods to quilts, jewelry, wood products and much, much more. A lunch will be available for purchase from the Clinton County Senior Center. If you would be interested in a booth at the festival spaces are available for $30 (for a 7′ space with a 5′ table provided) or $35 (for a 10′ space where you provide the table and chairs).
The Festival of Trees will feature theme decorated Christmas Trees. Everyone will be encouraged to vote for their favorite tree with a monetary donation. The tree that collects the most donations will get to decide which charity gets all the donations collected. If you group, business or family would like to submit a tree, please contact the Chamber of Commerce.
Finally, the Make It and Take It Crafts will be a time where children (of all ages) can come and make some fun crafts for themselves, or items they can make to give as gifts. Most crafts will be .25 or .50 each to make.
If you would like more information about any part of the Christmas Festival, call the Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248.