United Methodists move to temporary home
Beginning Sunday, October 25th, the First United Methodist Church of St. Johns will temporarily be holding their Sunday service and Sunday school classes at the Agro-Liquid Conference Centers on Sundays while they await the installation of a new boiler.
They will also be starting a new Sunday schedule on that same date:
– Worship at 10 am
– Fellowship Time at 11 am
– Sunday School at 11:15 am
The Agro-Liquid building is located at the corner of DeWitt Road and M-21 just west of St. Johns.
For more information go to the First UMC website: www.firstumc-stjohnsmi.com
MSU Extension seeks public input
Michigan residents can help determine where Extension faculty and staff members should place their emphasis.
Michigan State University Extension has long been a source of information and education for Michigan residents. Along with MSU AgBioResearch scientists, Extension professionals throughout the state are asking Michigan residents to help them determine where they should place their emphasis in the future.
“This organization belongs to the people we serve,” said Ray Hammerschmidt, MSU Extension interim director. “We want to make sure that we are meeting their needs throughout the state by sharing research and education that will make a difference to them, their communities, their families, their business and their farms.”
To that end, MSU Extension has launched an online survey asking all Michigan residents about their needs and priorities. The MSU Extension and AgBioResearch Survey to Sharpen Our Focus online survey that will supplement 14 upcoming face-to-face meetings throughout the state that will engage nearly 500 residents.
“We have designed a series of meetings that will bring together people from all over,” said Maggie Bethel, the former MSU Extension director who is charged with overseeing the process. “But it is important that we don’t limit ourselves to the people we see in person. The online survey gives everyone a chance to participate in the process.”
As an added bonus, respondents who complete the survey will have the option of entering a drawing that includes two MSU men’s basketball game tickets (date and time to be determined), a basket of Michigan-made agricultural products and a $75 gift certificate to shop.msu.edu.
To participate, access the survey from the front page of msue.msu.edu by visiting msue.msu.edu/focus. All information collected is anonymous. Once completed, a separate link will be provided to those who wish to enter the drawing.
“We don’t want people to feel any hesitation about providing information,” Bethel said. “Therefore, we will not retain names or contact information except for the purposes of the drawing. That database will be not be kept once the winners have claimed their prizes.”
To learn more about MSU Extension, visit msue.msu.edu.
This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://bit.ly/MSUENews. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).
Soup kitchen makes stop in St. Johns
His Cup Runneth Over, a mobile soup kitchen, will be making a stop at
– First Congregational Church, 100 Maple Ave, St. Johns 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesday, October 27.
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.
Trunk R Treat – October 31
Community Christian Church, 400 E. State Street (M-21), St. Johns, invites the public to join them for their free Trunk-R-Treat event on October 31 in the church parking lot during the St. Johns trick-r-treating hours.
Candy will be given away, and trick-r-treaters can warm up with hot chocolate and coffee. Restrooms also will be available.
House OKs enhanced access to mental health care – Measure bolsters public safety, protects patient rights
The Michigan House today approved a bill introduced by state Rep. Tom Leonard and backed by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley that bolsters public safety by enabling family and friends to acquire mental health care for those in dire need.
Rep. Leonard, R-DeWitt, said House Bill 4674 makes it easier for family members and friends to access the mental health system through the assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) process for people who are in extreme need of care while maintaining their due process rights.
The measure reforms Kevin’s Law, a legislative package from 2005 that gives access to care for adults who have challenging mental illnesses but fail to comply with voluntary treatment. The law is not adequately utilized in Michigan because of its complexity.
Rep. Leonard’s bill allows family members and friends more ease to get much-needed mental health care for those in severe need.
“This reform is sorely needed because current law makes it very difficult for people who might not recognize the severity of their situation to obtain the treatment they need,” Rep. Leonard said. “In the same vein, we must guarantee individuals’ due process rights are protected by providing legal counsel to guide them through the court process if they believe AOT is not necessary. This protects both the public safety and the privileges of the individual.”
HB 4674 clarifies current law by:
· Offering early intervention, since current law requires a serious incident that might endanger public safety to occur before AOT may be requested;
· Simplifying the process of seeking court-appointed treatment; and
· Allowing a judge to order AOT before an incident has occurred that could cause injury to the prospective patient or a member of the public.
“We must make public safety – including the well-being of the individual in need of care – a priority in this type of situation, but also ensure that their rights remain protected. This legislation strikes that delicate balance.” Rep. Leonard said. “I want to thank Lt. Gov. Calley for bringing this issue to my attention, and for the strong leadership he has shown working to protect our state’s most vulnerable citizens.”
The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Leonard to host two office hours in November
State Rep. Tom Leonard today invited residents to office hours scheduled to take place in two communities during November.
Rep. Leonard, R-DeWitt, said the informal gatherings will occur:
· In St. Johns on Friday, Nov. 13, at the Big Boy, 1408 S. U.S. 27, from 9 to 11 a.m.; and
· In Ithaca on Friday, Nov. 20, at the Hearthstone Oven Bakery and Café, 126 S. Pine River St., from 9 to 11 a.m.
Because of a scheduling conflict, Rep. Leonard will not be present for the Nov. 13 office hours session in St. Johns. A member of his staff will be on hand to listen to what residents have to say and share the information with Rep. Leonard.
No appointment is necessary. Those unable to attend may contact Rep. Leonard by calling 517-373-1778 or toll free at 877-859-8086, via email at TomLeonard@house.mi.gov or through his website at www.RepLeonard.com.