Now and Then – St. Johns High School Symphonic Band
When we heard that the St. Johns High School Symphonic Band would be featured on WKAR on Saturday November 21, we were impressed. When we learned that they would be tackeling Amparito Roca on air and at District Festival, we were blow away and back in time.
Back in 1960 the Rodney B. Wilson High School Band prepared for District Festival by choosing Amparito Roca.Needless to say, the performance propelled the band on to the State Festival and straight first division ratings there. Some people of a certain age think, however, that it might still be too soon. Amparito Roca is a rousing march, but it is it might be an understatement to say that it is challenging.
Current musicians, we salute you!
Here are the details of the Symphonic Band’s upcoming appearance:
5:30 p.m. Saturday November 21 on WKAR – HD
Under the direction of band director and St. Johns alumus Roy Davis, students strive to maintain a long tradition of straight ‘1’s” at District Festival. Includes full preview performances of “Amparito Roca,” by Jamie Texidor and “Emperata Overture,” by Claude T. Smith, recorded in WKAR Studio A at Michigan State University. Hosted by WKAR’s Peter Whorf.
Now take a look and listen back to a 1960 performance of Amparito Roca; and see some of the fresh-faced, frequently sleep-deprived young musicians who performed it. Please bear in mind that most of those years were lived in black and white. The original recording was done on reel-to-reel tape by the Rev. Griffith C. Rice.
https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/1011band?authuser=0&feat=directlink
This week’s Mystery Photo
Where is this?
Can you tell us where this is located? Drop us a line at mail@sjindy.com.
306 S. Morton
The current owners are Michael Ruehle and Vicky Hufnagel. Previous owners include Keith Mishler, Milo Rowell and Jenna Lafferty-Owens.
A Look Back – New St. Johns Police Officer in 1973
by Barry Bauer
Jack Plowman, 37, 501 Giles, St. Johns, has recently joined the St Johns Police Dept. He began his patrol duties recently after completing a 7-week training course with the Michigan Law Enforcement Training Council School in Muskegon. Plowman was previously employed as a materials inspector for the Michigan State Highway Commission for 14-1/2 years.
A 1954 graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School, he served with the US Army for 3 years from 1954 to 1957. While in the Army, he served with the Military Police and is a graduate of the Military police School at Ft. Gordon, Ga.
He and his wife, Sheryle, are the parents of 3 sons, Jeff, 11; Mark, 8 and Brian, 5. Plowman is the son of Mr. and Mrs. R.G. Plowman of 505 Giles, St. Johns. He has 3 brothers and 2 sisters, all residents of Clinton County.
Random Notes – Guests enjoy tours, music at Wilson Center Auditorium Open House
Area residents had an opportunity to check out renovations – and see what remains on the “to-do” list – at the Wilson Center Auditorium Open House on November 10. Committee members involved with the project provided tours of the venue and information on funding opportunities designed to raise approximately $30,000 which will complete renovations at the site that dates to 1924.
Major components of the project that remain include the installation of an additional 140 seats on the main floor; projection system for use with film, video and digital presentations; and a completely new lighting system.
Guests who attended the open house enjoyed musical selections by talented local performers pianist, Eliana Nurenberg, and acoustic guitarist, Aidan Pope.
Upcoming events at the Wilson Center Auditorium include an Open Mic Night, 7 p.m., Nov. 16; Rock Concert, 7 p.m., Nov. 20, featuring sets by Aidan Pope, Hailey Wojcik, and the Januzzi Watchmen; Christmas Variety Show, 7 p.m., Dec. 4-5, produced by Hometown Productions; and the annual Community Christmas Concert, 7 p.m., Dec. 11, featuring the St. Johns Community Band, Mint City Singers and the youth chorus, Vivo Contando.
For detailed information on Wilson Center events, donation opportunities and the renovation project become a Wilson Center Auditorium Facebook Friend.
Maralyn’s Did You Know? – Cat treats recalled
Blue Buffalo Recalls Cat Treats
Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. is voluntarily recalling a limited production of Blue Kitty Yums Chicken Recipe Cat Treats that may contain low levels of propylene glycol, which is not permitted by the FDA for use in cat food.
Cats reacting to high doses of propylene glycol may exhibit signs of depression and may have a loss of coordination, muscle twitching, and excessive urination and thirst. If your cat has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The affected product was distributed nationwide in the US and Canada through pet specialty stores and e-commerce.
The product is packaged in a 2 oz., plastic stand up pouch. Only these specific code dates of this product are involved:
Blue Kitty Yums Tasty Chicken Recipe, UPC: 859610007820 – Best If Used By: April 24, 2016.
Blue Kitty Yums Tasty Chicken Recipe, UPC: 859610007820 – Best If Used By: July 24, 2016.
No other BLUE pet foods or treats are involved in this recall.
The FDA tested product in response to a single consumer complaint and found propylene glycol in one bag of our cat treats in the impacted lot. To date we have had no other reports of incidents related to our cat treats. Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily recalling all product manufactured in the same lot as the subject bag.
Consumers who have purchased the product being recalled may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Blue Buffalo at: 888-667-1508 from 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday and the weekend of November 7, 2015 or by email at BlueBuffalo5883@stericycle.com for more information.
Letters – Kudos to SJPD and thanks from CASA
Just another reason I’m glad we chose to live in St. Johns. When your daughter locks your car keys in the trunk and your other set has vanished and you are trying to go to the zoo… The police will come unlock your car for you. Because they are awesome.
Kateri Konik
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During this special season of thanks, we reflect on our CASA village–all of you who support Court Appointed Special Advocates in Clinton County.
Understandably, for various reasons, not everyone can serve as a CASA Advocate. However the support of all CASA Superheroes makes the work of CASA Advocates possible.
CASA Advocates walk a special journey with children involved in court proceedings due to no fault of their own. The children have been removed from their parents’ care due to abuse or neglect and are placed in our foster care system.
So what does ysupport, financial or in kind, do?
– Provide mileage reimbursement to CASA Advocates, some who travel an hour one way, to visit their appointed child.
– Support the case management of the children entrusted to our program and appreciation of our CASA Volunteer Advocates for their service.
– Help in stuffing overnight bags with comfort and care items for children who have been removed from their parents’ care.
– Provide games, Play Dough, and other goodies for our CASA Advocates to use when they visit their appointed child.
– Spread the word about CASA Advocacy throughout Clinton County.
– Provide a voice to children who may not otherwise have one during court proceedings.
– Support Advocacy in the best interests of children and decisions involving a safe, permenant home for all children.
We are humbled and uplifted everyday by the generous support of our community. You are a CASA Superhero, appreciated not just in this season of thank you but all year round. YOU are providing a voice to children involved in court proceedings due to abuse or neglect. Thank you!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family,
Kelly L. Schafer, M.S.
CASA Executive Director
Maralyn’s Pet Corner -Pet bad breath
What is causing my pet’s bad breath, and what can I do about it?
Few things rival the sensation of being awoken from a deep sleep by the noxious odor of a pet breathing heavy doggie-breath into your face. Halitosis is one of the most common complaints owners have about their pets. So what causes it?
Most of the time, bad breath is a result of periodontal disease- which is found in about 85% of all dogs and cats! As bacteria build up on the teeth and form plaque, the resulting smell can get very noticeable indeed. As untreated periodontal disease progresses, the smell only worsens.
In these cases, treating the periodontal disease helps the symptoms resolve. The most beneficial treatment is a full cleaning at the veterinarian, though home care such as toothbrushing and dental chews can help preserve dental health in between cleanings.
Aside from the periodontal disease, halitosis can also result from other medical conditions. Conditions of the mouth and throat such as bacterial infections, fungal overgrowth, or cancer can create bad breath. Systemic diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease are also known for affecting the breath. An experienced veterinarian can often differentiate the uremic breath of kidney disease from the ketone breath of diabetes, but for most of us that diagnosis requires blood work.
Lastly, bad breath can be diet related, especially if the pet is on a strong-smelling fish based diet or has a habit of eating poop (a condition called coprophagia.)
If the breath is bad enough to bother you, it’s probably something that will need a vet exam to solve. The good news is that most cases of halitosis are highly treatable.
Remember When? – State Bank
by Maralyn Fink
The State Bank of St. Johns was located at 200 N. Clinton next door to Parr’s Pharmacy.
The business relocated there in 1894 moving from Walker St.
In 1921 exterior and interior remodeling took place which gave the building a granite façade, marble and granite wainscoting, a tiled floor, and mahogany furnishings inside.
In 1961 the bank merged with Clinton National Bank and in 1963 is when Parr’s Pharmacy extended their business into the space.
The biggest thing for me at that time was the fact that it was where people went in and got money or left money.
