SJHS Science Olympiad
by Maralyn Fink
The St. Johns High School team attended the Science Olympiad State Finals on Saturday, April 30 at Michigan State University.
I met with Mr. Lund and some of the team members this week to find out how well everyone did.
Out of the top 6 medals, 2 were from St Johns; From the top 10, 6 students were from St Johns.
For the Green Generation, Josh Lounds and Catherine Voisin, came in with a medal also.
The final rank for St. Johns was 17th which put them in the top 20 for the first time. Their prior best was 23rd in 2010. There were 48 schools participating this year.
Categories and place were: Air Trajectory 26, Anatomy and Physiology 9, Astronomy 18, Bridge Building 13, Cell Biology 8, Chemistry Lab 15, Disease Detectives 34, Dynamic Planet 32, Electric Vehicle 21, Experimental Design 7, Forensics 31, Fossils 8, Game On 35, Geologic Mapping 27, Green Generation 6, Hydrogeology 25, Invasive Species 20, It’s About Time 16, Protein Modeling 26, Robot Arm 17, Source Code (trial event) 41, Wind Power 5, Wright Stuff 13 and Write It-Do It 13, giving the team a final score of 452 and a Final Rank of 17th in the State.
The three teams of Region 11 were St Johns 17, Holt High School 16, and Haslett High School 19.
Members assured me that it was a long day for them but well worth it.
Congratulations to Mr. Lund and members of this Science Olympiad on your success and working so hard with this project. You did us proud!
Thanks to Mr. Lund and the members for giving me the time to share this with you, our readers, and for the pictures. It was nice talking with you.
Until next time . . . .
Japanese Gardens at the Briggs in full bloom
The sakura (cherry) blossoms are in full color this week. Stop by to view the garden just west of Briggs District Library for some quiet time, or for a good photo opportunity.
Volunteers just combed the rocks free of litter for your enjoyment.
In 2003 The St. Johns – Konan Friendship Society asked Pete Motz of Plum Line Landscape and Design to design the Japanese-style garden. The community chipped in for the cost of the plants and trees, and the Garden was established in 2004 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of our Friendship City relationship with Konan, Japan. You will see that the plants and trees have matured nicely over the 12 years.
Community Forum to look at Wilson Center – May 10
The St. Johns Area Community Fund will hold its annual meeting May 10, starting at 7 p.m. in the Wilson Center Auditorium. The SJACF is an important community organization that raises money to support new initiatives, programs and projects to improve and promote the quality of life in the St. Johns area.
Following a brief business meeting, a program entitled, “The Wilson Center – Going Forward” will be presented. It will be a great opportunity to learn about the history of this St. Johns landmark, what’s happening now, along with ideas about the Wilson Center’s future use.
“An even more important segment of the evening will be a chance for everyone to reflect on their connection with the Wilson Center; ask questions they might have about the Wilson Center; and to offer any suggestions they might have for the future use of the Wilson Center,” says Tom Irrer, program coordinator. “We are looking forward to hearing from members of our community as we move the Wilson Center discussion forward.”
Participating in the meeting with short presentations are Dr. Dedrick Martin, Superintendent of St. Johns Schools; Bill Tennant, Chairperson of the Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Committee; Dennis LaForest, St. Johns City Manager; John Sirrine, local businessperson; and Rhonda Dedyne. A tour of the building will be available following the program.
The Wilson Center Auditorium is located at 101 W. Cass St., in downtown St. Johns, just south of the Clinton County Courthouse. The public is invited to attend.
Spring Clean-up is upon us
Spring clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, May 7th. All items must be placed out by 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 7th. Items placed after the contractor has passed through will not be picked up. This service is available to city residents ONLY who live in a one to five unit dwelling. If you are located in a construction zone, your items will be picked up for spring clean-up. Granger is aware of the construction areas and will pick up your items as long as they are out by 6 AM.
The following items can be placed out by the curb for clean-up:
appliances, mattresses, electronics (t.v.’s, computers, monitors, VCR’s), lawn mowers, hub caps, copper or brass tubing & wire, large toys, bicycles, furniture, scrap metal (bed frames, aluminum lawn chairs, file cabinets, etc.)
Do not place trash/recycling, batteries, dirt piles, concrete, bricks, stone, blocks, construction or demolition materials from major household repairs, yard waste or latex paint (latex paint can be dried out by using saw dust or kitty litter and then placed into your weekly household green city bag).
As an alternative to placing gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories and building materials for curb side pick-up, residents may contact the Clinton County Habitat for Humanity Re-Store at 989-227-1771 or www.habitat.org/restores for more information on donating items. Also St. Vincent De Paul at the South Point Mall, St. Johns, ph: 989-224-8852 accepts donations.
For more information, call City Offices at (989) 224-8944.
Eleventh Annual Authors Night – Tuesday, May 17
Briggs District Library is hosting the Eleventh Annual Authors Night at the Emerald Golf Course Tuesday on May 17 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Kathleen Flinn is the New York Times best-selling author of several books, including the 2015 Michigan Notable Book, “Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good,” a multi-generational memoir-with-recipes about her culinary heritage growing up in Michigan. Ms. Flinn will be speaking at this event supporting the work of the Briggs Library.
Funds raised will be used to purchase the After School Edge – a computer featuring over 65 educational software programs.
The event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, and beverages will be served. The $50 per guest donation can be paid in person at Briggs Library or online at www.briggspubliclibrary.org. Special thanks to our event sponsors: Allaby & Brewbaker, Butler Financial Group, and Abraham & Gaffney, P.C.
Trunk and Treats – Saturday, May 7
It is coming to Sundaes Ice Cream Parlor at 1501 Glastonbury Dr, off Townsend Rd. The group is know as “Vendors on the Run”.
The event will be held on Saturday, May 7 in the parking area of Sundaes, running from 9am-4 pm.Vendors on the Run bring vendors and crafters together to offer you the shopping experience that you have been waiting for. A unique blend of merchandise and deals, all in one place.
So join the fun at Sundaes on Saturday, and you just might find that special something.
See ya there.