Briggs Public Library becomes district library
According to Briggs Library Director Sara Morrison, the new Briggs District Library began to benefit a significantly larger population as of Sunday, May 1, 2016. Formerly Briggs Public Library, the new district status means the library now operates independently and will provide all residents within St. Johns Public Schools boundaries access to the books, technology, and programs provided by the library.
“The Briggs District Library is one of the treasures of our greater community, and we intend to strengthen and preserve it for future generations to enjoy,” said Jean Ruestman, chair of the newly formed district library board. “We’re very excited about being able to provide valuable resources to a greater population.”
According to Ms. Ruestman, a public strategic planning session was held last summer that was attended by library staff, board members, as well as citizens from various townships and the city of St. Johns. A sub-team from that group was charged with investigating options to stabilize funding and, as a result of its research and analysis, recommended the formation of a district library.
A millage request is set to appear on the August 2, 2016, ballot to fund the new district library. The proposed .75 mils, which will generate an estimated $464,000 in its first year, will help offset the large reduction in funding that has occurred as a result of the economic downturn and other factors, while also replacing existing funding received from a few municipalities. It will allow for a wider selection of books, updated technology and expanded community programs serving all ages.
All individuals residing within the St. Johns Public School District, and everyone who attends or works at one of the district’s schools, are eligible to sign-up for a Briggs District Library card.
The Briggs District Library, located at 108 E. Railroad Street in St. Johns, Michigan, has a Class IV Library status with a service population in excess of 21,000 individuals.
For more information on the Briggs District Library, visit www.briggspubliclibrary.org, or contact Library Director Sara Morrison at (989) 224-4702 or via e-mail at: director@briggsdistrictlibrary.org
Special pull out section
– Briggs District Library Summary of Decision
– Briggs District Library Fact Sheet
Armed Forces celebration at Depot – May 21, 22, 30
Clinton Northern Railway Museum at the St. Johns Depot will host a celebration of our men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces on Sunday, May 22, during its regular open hours: 1 – 3 PM. This is in recognition of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 21 and Memorial Day on Monday, May 30.
Exhibits will include written memories of men who left from that depot to go fight in World War II; a display about the Morse code, which was essential for communications throughout many wars fought over the years; copies of actual telegrams received at the depot during a 3-month period of WWII regarding men from Clinton County; and an historic military stretcher.
Starting at 1:30 p.m. all who have connections in one way or another to service men or women are invited to share their stories, while others listen and learn.
“We encourage the community to join us in showing our appreciation of those who help maintain our cherished freedoms,” said Jenny and Gary McCampbell, co-managers of the museum.
Clinton Northern Railway Museum is a branch of the Clinton County Arts Council, which gratefully receives some grant funding for operations from the Michigan Council for Art and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Relay For Life
by Maralyn Fink
On Saturday I attended the Relay For Life at the park. Mother nature was not kind this year, and it had sleeted a couple of times as I arrived there.
This was the 21st year of the Relay and is projected to raise as much as $140,000 over all. Over these many years one of the longest-standing groups, Team Fitzpatrick, alone has raise $650,000.
A lot of work goes into this event every year; and we must thank all the volunteers, participants and survivors who turn out each year.
I was unable to make it on Friday, the day it started, so I was not able to capture many pictures I would have liked to have. Many people I did see have been there and never disappoint.
Team Fitzpatrick was in their 19th year as well most other participants with their tents spending the entire time there. The survivors lap and dinner at Smith Hall were held on Friday.
It is a warm feeling to see all of the support from our community to recognize all Cancer victims and Survivors.
God Bless.
2016 Relay for Life – an album
by Barry Bauer
Special Olympics Area 28 Golf Outing – June 11th
Mark your calendars June 11, 2016 for the 20th annual Special Olympics Area 28 (Clinton County) Golf Scramble at the Emerald Golf Course – Continental breakfast, 18 holes with cart, luncheon, raffles, prizes… all for only a $65 entry fee.
We are looking for golfers and sponsors to make this outing a success. The money raised helps pay for equipment, uniforms, transportation and much more.
Area 28 wants to reach out and include as many children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Special Olympics as possible. In order to do so, we need community support.
For further information, to reserve your team or to become a sponsor, please contact Area 28 Representative Robyn Monville at 989.224.7021, or Area 28 Director Debbie Cornell at 517.669.7704 or via email at somia28@frontier.com.
Support Home Run for Habitat
Are you ready for the “Home” Run for Habitat season? It’s here!
The online campaign started April 8th at 8:00 am and runs through October 2nd. Last year this campaign raised almost $240,000 for Habitat affiliates across the state. We are delighted that Consumer’s Energy will once again offer a 1:2 match up to $100,000 for the campaign, meaning for every two dollars you donate Consumer’s Energy will contribute an additional dollar.
Awesome right? Who doesn’t love when their money goes even further? And with this amazing match-up your donations go even further.
– With this Home Run match-up a $50 donation buys a light fixture AND a $25 smoke detector.
– A $1000 contribution with the match-up buys flooring, PLUS $500 siding for an entire house.
– And any donation in between will benefit projects in Clinton County.
Now that’s a grand slam! Remember when you donate to Habitat Clinton- the funds go to support Clinton County. We are the only Habitat operating in and serving the Clinton County.
To donate, please visit our Crowdrise page by clicking Here.
Let’s play ball!