Behind the scenes at Band Camp, 2016
Union Home Cemetery Association to meet – August 13
The Public is hereby notified of the Annual Meeting of the Union Home Cemetery Association to be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at the Salem United Methodist Church at 2307 W Maple Rapids Road, Saint Johns, MI.
The annual reports and election of officers for the Association will be held at this meeting in addition to any other business that may be required.
Seeking Hospice Volunteers in the St. Johns area
Hospice Compassus is seeking volunteers in St. Johns and surrounding areas. As a volunteer, there are numerous ways you can provide end of life support to terminally ill patients and their families.
You may engage in a variety of activities including: sitting with the patient while their caregiver gets a much needed break, spending time reading to and/or playing a game, recording their life story, or simply spending time being a friendly visitor.
We have a number of opportunities in your area. All volunteer positions are flexible, with the ability to see patients on your own time.
If you are interested please contact Lisa White at (517) 886-8470 or e-mail lisa.White2@compassus.com for more information. Visit the website http://compassus.com/
Include immunizations on back-to-school checklist
It seems not so long ago that kids were celebrating the last day of school, and already find themselves preparing for the start of another school year. And while families are surely trying to pack the last bit of fun into what’s left of summer, don’t forget to make sure your kids are up-to-date on their immunizations before the bell rings on the first day of school.
All children need protection from vaccine-preventable diseases, like tetanus, pertussis, diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, meningitis and chickenpox. Protection is especially important for those entering a childcare facility, kindergarten or 7th grade; and for those changing school districts, as certain vaccinations are mandatory.
If your child is college-bound, make sure they are up-to-date on their immunizations as well, including the meningococcal vaccine. Some diseases can spread quickly in settings like dorm rooms and classrooms, so be aware that many colleges and universities have vaccination requirements for school entry.
It is the health department’s responsibility to ensure that the public is protected from vaccine-preventable disease and that parents make informed decisions about whether or not to vaccinate their child. If your child is not immunized:
· They are at greater risk of catching vaccine-preventable diseases.
· They can infect others, including infants and the elderly, who are at-risk of suffering a more severe reaction.
· They may be excluded from school or child care for several days or weeks to prevent catching or spreading a vaccine preventable disease.
Diseases like pertussis, measles, and chicken pox are making a comeback, due in part to an increase in the number of children whose parents have waived their immunizations. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) strongly encourages parents to immunize their children, but ultimately, it’s the parent’s decision. Parents who do not want their child to be immunized will need to present the school with a signed waiver. If immunization is being waived because of a medical reason, your child’s doctor can sign the waiver. If immunization is being waived for religious or personal reasons, the health department will need to sign the waiver. The purpose for the waiver is to make sure that parents have an opportunity to speak with a health care professional about vaccinations and discuss any concerns.
The MMDHD provides immunizations by appointment to those with Medicaid and without insurance. A small fee may apply, but no child is turned away because of an inability to pay. Children 18 years and younger may be eligible for the Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines at no cost to kids who might not be vaccinated because of an inability to pay. To qualify, a child must have Medicaid, have no health insurance, be under-insured, or be an American Indian or Alaskan Native. Those with certain private insurance plans may also be able to get vaccinated at the health department; just be sure to call first to see if your insurance is accepted.
For more information, or to make an immunization or waiver appointment, please call MMDHD at 989-224-2195 in Clinton County, 989-875-3681 in Gratiot County, or 989-831-5237 in Montcalm County.
Voices for Children Information Session – August 15
Have you wondered how you can make a difference in the lives of Clinton County Children who have experienced abuse or neglect?
Join CASA-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children at the Briggs District Library at 108 E. Railroad Street in St. Johns on the 3rd Monday of the month from 11:00 a.m. until Noon. to learn more about CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).
The next information session will be on Monday, August 15th from 11:00 a.m. until Noon. No RSVP needed. Join them to learn more about the program.
For more information, please contact CASA-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children at 517-599-7145,
clintoncountycasa@gmail.com, or visit our website ClintonCountyCASA.org
Leonard hosts August office hours – August 12
State Rep. Tom Leonard has invited residents to join him for office hours scheduled during August.
Rep. Leonard, R-DeWitt, said office hours will take place on Friday, August 12 at the following locations:
· In St. Johns at the Big Boy, 1408 S. U.S. 27, from 8 to 9:30 a.m.; and
· In Ithaca at the Hearthstone Oven Bakery and Café, 126 S. Pine River St., from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
No appointment is necessary. Those unable to attend may contact Rep. Leonard by calling 517-373-1778 or toll free at 877-859-8086, via email at TomLeonard@house.mi.gov or through his website at www.RepLeonard.com.
GVSU graduates
Recent Grand Valley State University graduates include:
Saint Johns: Daniel L. Gowell, MED; Jordan N. Hufnagel, BBA
Dewitt: Jordan A. Adrian, BBA; Molly R. Feldpausch, BS; Rachel M. Fraley, BSW; Kelley Rose French, BS; Joelle A. Kozak, BS; Delaney A. Norton, BSW; Danielle N. Ott, BS; Melissa L. Peffley, BS
Elsie: Joshua A. Akena, BS
Pewamo: Jenna D. Stump, BS
Westphalia: Ellen E. Roderick, BSN
Soup kitchen to make stops in area
His Cup Runneth Over, a mobile soup kitchen, will be making a stop at
– First Congregational Church, 100 Maple Ave, St. Johns 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesday, August 9 and at
– Beacon of Hope/First Baptist Church, 512 S. US 27, St. Johns, from 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 9 and at
– Suntree Apartments, 1100 Sunview Dr., St. Johns, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, August 11.
Soup, bread, fruit and dessert will be served to all who come free of charge. For more information call 989-533-9535 or 989-544-5764.
Mark Your Calendar
Chamber Golf Outing is August 24
To register your team call or email the Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248 or ccchamber@4wbi.net or download the application at www.clintoncountychamber.org
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Club Out Cancer Golf Scramble
Saturday, September 17 at 1 p.m. – sponsored by Relay for Life of Clinton County at The Emerald Golf Course.