Laughter and Fun Rolled Into One: The Lighter Side of St. Vincent’s
by Maralyn Fink
“Laughter and Fun Rolled Into One: The Lighter Side of St. Vincent’s” is the motto for St Vincent’s first ever skit show happening at Wilson Auditorium this Sunday, February 7th.
The doors will open at 1:00pm and the show begins at 1:30 pm.
This event is headed by Jane Sira and Jan Mudget, two equally funny gals. They started planning last September for this event and thought at first they would put on a fashion show with clothing from the store. Other ideas came into play, and it is now a Skit show. The clothing will still be from the store. Many rehearsals have taken place since September.
Three committees were formed which include Advertising and Tickets led by Leona Thayer, Food led by Norma Bauer and Nancy Ziegler , and Silent Auction by Sharon Weber and Pat Kolbe.
This is a performance that will bring much laughter with 9 skits, a Silent Auction and Drawings for prizes. There will also be an intermission to enjoy the snacks and refreshments.
Proceeds to benefit St Vincent’s, St Monica Auxiliary and the Wilson Center Auditorium.
St. Vincent’s store began in 1996 when DSS had a clothing center where Hungry Howie’s is now located. DSS approached St. Vincent’s to take over the store. At that time they moved the store to the second block of Clinton Ave. which Basic Needs is now. After they outgrew that site, they re-located to their present store in Soutpointe Mall. There are around 90 volunteers for St. Vincent’s, and 50 of them are involved in this Sunday’s performance.
Tickets can be purchased at the door on Sunday or by calling Leona Thayer at 989-224 4375. Tickets for adults are $10.00 and $5.00 for17 and under.
In my opinion this will be a very funny and relaxing show for everyone, and hopefully they will keep it going for our community. Thanks, Jane and Jan, for the interview and allowing me to take some pictures. I’m sure this will be a hit!
https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/160202?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Hospital Best Pet Contest to benefit Animal Shelter – February 8-12
If you visit the Gift Therapy Shop at Sparrow Clinton Hospital in the next few days, you’ll be in for some pleasant surprises. Not only will there be a shop-wide Sweetheart Sale from February 8-12, but you’ll also be eligible to cast a vote for one of four “Sweetheart Pet Contest” finalists and that vote could become part of an ultimate contribution to Clinton County Animal Shelter.
The pet contest was an event conducted among staff members, caregivers and volunteers of Sparrow Clinton Hospital during the month of January. Photos of favorite pets were solicited and submitted to a panel of judges who culled 34 submissions to four finalists. Patrons who visit the Therapy Gift Shop through Feb. 11 may cast a vote – a penny each -for one of the four finalists and all proceeds from the poll will be donated to the animal shelter. A total of $115 in gift certificates, donated by Soldan’s Feeds & Pet Supplies, will be shared by the top four selections, in amounts of $50, $30, $20 and $15, respectively.
Meanwhile, as a lead-up to Valentine’s Day, the special Sweetheart Sale will be occurring until close of business Friday Feb. 12 offering exceptional prices and discounts.
Wilson Center Auditorium update
The Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Committee continues its efforts to complete the restoration project. With the additional funds raised last fall, the main floor seating area is now complete with 140 newly renovated seats being recently installed. “It completely changed the personality of the auditorium once those seats were in,” says committee member Darryl Schmitz. “It looks absolutely stunning!”
Several community members along with several St. Johns High School students from the Good Win Key Club volunteered over several days to install the renovated seats. Patrons were then able to enjoy the new seats during a recent concert when 150 people enjoyed hearing David Dondero and the two opening bands.
A new projector has also been installed with the additional funds. Films can now be shown at the historic venue, along with travelogues, power points, etc. It is the intent of the WC Auditorium Committee to set up a film series and/or festival in the future. Large meetings can now be held in the auditorium with the capacity to use power point and other media systems.
The band “Synergy” hands over a check to the Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Project. The group recently performed in the beautiful/historic venue and donated their performance check to the project. From left to right: Aidan Pope – concert promoter, Tommy Brewbaker, Josh Weinberg, Jonny Collins, Alex Pung, Chaston Brya, and renovation committee chair Bill Tennant.
“The community really came through during our matching grant fund-raising campaign with $13,015 that was matched for a total of $26,030, ” says Bill Tennant, committee chair. “We would like to truly thank the businesses, service clubs, foundations and individuals that made the recent improvements possible.” The committee reports that funding continues to come in for the project, while the school system works through its facility committee report.
The project has one more step towards completion – the lighting. The committee will now focus solely on replacing the antiquated lighting system. Additional funds will continue to be raised by events being held in the WC Auditorium, by additional community contributions and through the writing of grants to various organizations. The committee and others believes that the Wilson Center will be around for many, many years to come.
New hours, events as Gallery reopens
A new month is greeted with a fresh opening for the Clinton County Arts Council Gallery featuring a revised schedule of hours along with a special children’s exhibit during the month of February.
According to Director Ashley Jackson, the Gallery has received an update resulting in an atmosphere more in keeping with artistic exhibit, emphasizing the efforts of artists whose works are on display. Additionally, Ms Garijo explained that Gallery winter hours have also been adjusted. The Gallery will be open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Gallery is closed Sunday through Tuesday.
One of the initial events of the year is an “Art to Melt Your Heart” exhibit featuring the paintings of children who participated in a recent art class conducted by Tracie Davis held at Mary Ablao’s studio in St. Johns. The exhibit runs through February.
CCAC receives periodic grants from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. For additional information on this event or other Arts Council activities, calls may be made to the Gallery at 989.224.2429.