Ducks Unlimited Tour a success
The Clinton County Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Migration Tour at the Maple River State Game Area, Saturday morning, April 2nd., from 9am til noon was a big success.
Visitors from around the state of all ages were on hand for hiking around the wildlife refuge and viewing the marsh, the wildlife and waterfowl and other birds using the wetlands area. Ducks Unlimited and state and federal officials where on hand for the event.
Wildlife officials had several high powered spotting scopes available for visitors to see the many species of birds visible at the area.
The weather was forecast to be in the 30s, with possible rain and or snow, but the day ended up with some wind and only snow showers off and on. The ground was covered with a dusting of snow to start the day.
The birds cooperated too. Participants saw all kinds of birds. They saw a bald eagle, a couple of ospreys, some sand hill cranes, lots of Canada geese, redwing black birds, swallows, and almost every species of diving and puddle ducks.
Dale Borske, Michigan Ducks Unlimited state treasurer was on hand for the event.
Smith Family Funeral Homes acquires Osgood Funeral Homes
According to a posting on the Osgood and Smith Funeral Homes websites, a change has taken place.
Smith Family Funeral Homes has announced the joining of two long time family owned funeral homes. On March 17, 2016 Sam and Carol Smith, owners of Smith Family Funeral Homes, along with their daughter Hannah (Smith) Schmidt acquired Osgood Funeral Homes. This addition to Smith Family Funeral Homes will continue to serve families in Elsie, St. Johns, Ithaca, St. Louis and now Ovid, Fowler and Maple Rapids.
It takes many years to build a reputation and to gain the trust of a community. In 1899 W.R. Osgood bought S.H. Inghram & Son Funeral Home. He was later joined by his son, Glenn Osgood, to form Osgood and Son. Since that time other family members have continued their family business.
See Recalling Osgood Funeral Homes below. Sam Smith and the staff of Smith Family Funeral Homes will carry on in that tradition, bringing with them over 30 years of experience. They have served St. Johns and the surrounding communities.
All pre-arranged funeral agreements with Osgood Funeral Homes will be honored without interruption as will all pre-arranged agreements with Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns Chapel. They will also notify Social Security, insurance companies and set up all aspects of a Veteran’s service.
To better serve you there will be minimal staffing changes and their phone numbers and website addresses will not change. Any questions or concerns that you may have can be directed to any of their chapels and they will gladly sit down and discuss them with you.
Art, Herbal Tea on Gallery’s April Docket
The season seems to be playing tricks on us, but Director Ashley Jackson is springing into April with a real schedule of exciting activities that will make Clinton County Arts Council Gallery the place to be.
One event, already completed, was a water color work shop at the beginning of the month. If you missed it, there’s time to sign up for a second session, set for Thursday April 21, from 6-7 p.m., conducted by Artist Sarah Tule. Registration fee is $15.00, including all supplies.
A class of quilling – an art form of shaping paper strips and adhesive into decorative designs – will be held Thursday April 28 under direction of Carey Harris. Registration for this two hour class, 6-8 p.m., is $30.00. Participants may borrow a quilling tool, or purchase one for $5.00.
An early “Mother’s Day Tea” will cap the activities Saturday April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gallery. Ms. Jackson describes this event as a ladies get together for an opportunity to savor the amazing selection of herbal teas offered by Debi Daoust. Debi is the creator of Fruits of the Spirit Herbal Teas and her month ending gathering is open to the public. There is no admission charge.
Ducks Unlimited Banquet – Friday April 15
For those who have suffered through a long, cold and snowy Michigan winter, Ducks Unlimited has the perfect tonic. Break out of your “Cabin Fever” with a fun night out on Friday April 15th at the Clinton County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited (DU) 35th Annual Wetlands Conservation banquet.
Chairman Chris Mikula says the Clinton County DU banquet is for the entire family. Bring your wife and youngsters, or that special friend.
For banquet information on how you can become a DU volunteer or for purchasing banquet tickets, contact Kurt Hufnagel at 989-224-2072. or Chris Mikula at 989-224-3654. Also check out our Face Book page on the internet at: Clinton County Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
Available Now! Online ticket sales, buy now, online at, www.ducks.org/michigan/events/41607/clintoncounty-dinner Online ticket sales end on 4/13/2016.
Joint Spring Concert will be April 29
A spring concert will be presented by the Mint City Singers and Vivo Cantando Children’s Choir.
The free concert begins at 7:30 pm on Friday, April 29th at the First United Methodist Church, 200 E. State Street, St. Johns. Ellen Hoard, the director for both groups, will present delightful musical numbers for your enjoyment.
For more information call Carol at 989-834-2281 or Ellen at 989-233-5775. You can also email Carol at
cdmalewska@yahoo.com or Ellen at ellen.hoard@rpccpas.com.
The Mint City Singers is a branch of the Clinton County Arts Council, which receives financial operating support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment of the Arts.
Sculptors sought for Rail Trail event
Attention Sculptors: Please ponder this thought; what does it mean to me, being part of my community?
As the notion matures, imagine describing that reflection in the form a sculpture, one that when completed can withstand the elements to share with walkers and riders along the St. Johns portion of the Rail Trail.
The Clinton County Arts Council is seeking sculptors of all levels to participate in an outdoor exhibition planned for the period June 1 through July 5.
3rd Annual Superhero 5k Run, Walk, Or Fly – Saturday, April 30th
Location: St. Johns City Park
Registration Opens at 8:00 a.m.
Kids’ Super Dash: 8:30 a.m.
ALL Superheroes Take Off: 9:00 a.m.
Online registration is now open–click here.
Please note: Registration fees will increase Wednesday, April 6th at Midnight
Lots of Fun for all ages and abilities
– Registration Activities
– Chip Timing
– Free, Professional Race Photography
– Costume Contest
– Bubble Check Points along the route
– Age Bracket Medals
Costume Contest Categories:
1. Most Authentic Superhero
2. Most Creative Superhero
3. Best Group
4. Cutest Superhero
We look forward to seeing all the Superheroes for children!!
Don’t forget Your cape!
His Cup Runneth Over kicks off 2016 Soup Kitchen Season
This year His Cup Runneth Over held a kick off event on Sunday, April 3rd at the St. Johns Train depot and had 44 people attend for a free meal of chicken noodle soup, fruit, bread and dessert. They also collect a box of canned goods to get the soup season started. This year His Cup Runneth Over has currently scheduled 86 stops from April thru October.
Stops include: First Congregational Church St. Johns every Tuesday from 11 am to 1 pm., Middleton Community Church, Middleton 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Pompeii United Methodist Church, Pompeii 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 4 pm to 6 pm, Beacon of Hope/First Baptist Church, St. Johns 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Suntree Apartments, St. Johns 2nd Tuesday from 11 am to 1 pm, and Carson City United Methodist Church, Carson City 3rd Thursday from 11 am to 1 pm.
Everyone is welcome to come and partake in a free meal. Each soup is fresh made each day and served with a fruit, bread and dessert.
His Cup Runneth Over is a mobile soup kitchen that started in May of 2015. The desire of this organization is to provide a warm meal to anyone who comes and show everyone that they are loved as a child of God. They offer FREE meals to people in Clinton and Gratiot county. Last year they served 1385 meals at 34 stops from May thru October.
His Cup Runneth Over relies on donations of food items to prepare meals. They would like to thank all the individuals who have donated canned goods and money towards the mission so far along with donations from the Basic Needs Center in St. Johns, Postal Carrier food drive, and Meijer in Dewitt that make the meal preparation possible.
This year they would like to purchase a generator to use for the trailer giving us more freedom in where to park but being able to still use electrical run appliances in the trailer for meal prep.
If you would like to make a donation or learn more about His Cup Runneth Over you can contact them at 989-544-5764 or 989-533-9535.