The SJ Indy’s Purely Michigan – Rockport in November
by Jean Martin
Rockport Recreation Area is located along Lake Huron about 10 miles north of Alpena. It was a beautiful day in Nobember. Your results in November may differ.
The road to Rockport is a standard country road, but we don’t recommend using much speed anyway. The deer along there a pretty defiant. They seem to decide on a case by case basis whether they will yield the right of way to passing vehicles.
The Great Lakes Stone and Lime Company of Rockport began operation in 1913 and provided rock for building and paving materials. A limestone quarry operated on the site from 1927 to 1958. The mine was very successful, and it brought a relatively large population to the area. Its last use was as a staging area and supplier of the footings for the Mackinac bridge.
If we must say goodbye to summer and fall 2015, this was a good place to do it.
https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/151103?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Wilson Center Auditorium Open House – November 10
You are invited to come and experience the Wilson Center Auditorium renovation project first hand on Tuesday, November 10 from 5 – 7 p.m.
See what has been done and what there is left to do.
There will be refreshments and entertainment.
Lowe UMC remodeled
Lowe United Methodist Church, on the corner of Lowe and Findlay Rd. north of St. Johns, has recently undergone a remodel to become barrier free to the public and to add a social hall to accommodate events in the community and within the congregation. Lowe celebrated in August with 125 years in ministry as well as an open-house for the public to see the additions to the church.
As beautiful and exciting as the remodel and anniversary was, it left much to the imagination on the exterior. Identical twins Louise Ferguson and Lorraine Upton, both members of the Lowe congregation, designed a stunning display of plants and stones.
The labor of love came from many places. Agro-Liquid Fertilizer donated and placed large boulders from a farm once owned by the Findlay family who are past and present members of the congregation. Other members of the congregation and community helped plant and mulch the grounds, and a majority of plants were donated by the twins.
Lousie and Lorraine have been passionate about landscaping since they were young, and it is evident in their personal life as well, a drive past either of their homes and you’ll leave in awe at the display of flowers, trees, shrubs and other props, depending on the season and holiday.
Asked what benefit they receive out of the labor intensive work of landscaping? “God has given me the opportunity to have fun with nature, and to enhance the beauty of His creation in hopes that it will draw attention to our church and the surrounding community. Hard work by our forefathers has proven to be successful and it is rewarding to carry on with our God given talents,” explains Louise Ferguson. Asked if Lorraine Upton has anything to add? She responds with, “Ditto.”
Lowe UMC is Pastored by Kathy Leydorf-Keck and worship service is on Sunday at 11:00 am.
Leonard introduces bill to protect vulnerable adults
State Rep. Tom Leonard today introduced legislation to better protect vulnerable adults from physical and mental abuse by stiffening penalties against those who abuse them.
Rep. Leonard, R-DeWitt, said House Bills 5046 through 5049 increase penalties for first- and second-degree vulnerable adult abuse. First-degree abuse is an act intentionally causing harm, pain and suffering, such as striking a vulnerable adult. Second-degree abuse is reckless behavior causing a helpless adult anguish and pain.
“As a former prosecutor, I witnessed first-hand the suffering that vulnerable adults experience from mental and physical abuse,” Rep. Leonard said. “Government’s most basic responsibility is to protect our citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable. These bills will ensure that those who abuse the elderly will face the justice they deserve.”
Bills in the legislative package are:
· HB 5046, introduced by state Rep. Holly Hughes, R-Montague, increases the penalty for first-degree vulnerable adult abuse from not more than 15 years in prison to not more than 20 years in prison;
· HB 5047, from Rep. Leonard, updates the Michigan Sentencing Guidelines to correspond with Rep. Hughes’ bill;
· HB 5048, introduced by state Rep. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, increases the penalty for second-degree vulnerable adult abuse from not more than four years in prison to not more than 10 years in prison; and
· HB 5049, authored by state Rep. Kathy Crawford, R-Novi, updates the Michigan Sentencing Guidelines to correspond with Rep. Bizon’s bill.
The bills were referred to the House Committee on Criminal Justice.
Win Cash For Christmas
The Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and the St Johns Downtown Principal Shopping District are going to be awarding one lucky winner a cash prize at the St. Johns Santa Parade. Until December 2 they will be selling raffle tickets in the amount of $5 for your chance to win ½ of the money collected.
Tickets are on sale at the Chamber of Commerce (1013 S US 27), the downtown PSD office (in the courthouse) and at several other businesses in St. Johns. The drawing will take place on Friday, Dec 4 after the St. Johns Santa Parade (approximately 6:15 p.m.) by the community Christmas Tree, located in the Depot lawn at the corner of Clinton Avenue and Railroad Street.
If you have any questions about the raffle, contact the Chamber at 989-224-7248 or the downtown offices at 989-227-1717.
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.