News – Archive2

Latest News

Posted on February 22, 2018 by indylite

Calling All Artists – Plein Air Event

The Clinton County Arts Council will be sponsoring a Plein Air Event on May 12, 2018. As you may know, this is the same day as the downtown district’s Spring Fling and the Eat Healthy/Eat Local Festival. There will be many artists stationed throughout the downtown area painting the festival, historical homes and businesses; capturing St. Johns and all its beauty.

Artists are cordially invited to participate and can obtain an Entry Form at the Art Gallery, 215 N Clinton Avenue. Registration is open to all artists, 17 years and older. Media choices include: oils, acrylics, watercolors, gouache, pastels, charcoal or pencil, and mixed media. This is a 2-dimensional art event.

Early Registration by April 6, 2018
_____ $25 – Clinton County Arts Council Member
_____ $30 – Non-Clinton County Arts Council Member

Registration deadline by April 20, 2018
_____ $30 – Clinton County Arts Council Member
_____ $35 – Non-Clinton County Arts Council Member

Artist reception will follow at the Clinton County Art Gallery from 2:00-4:00pm to display finished pieces with fellow artist and pianist, Richard Lahmann entertaining us.

The exhibition will be on view and available for sale through June 1st in the Clinton County Art Gallery.

Oh Mi Organics schedules Grand Opening

Oh Mi Organics invites you to join them for the Grand Opening of their new Chocolate Factory on March 24, 2018. The business will be located at 109 W. Higham St. in downtown St. Johns.

Come see the renovation of a 118 year old newspaper building turned into a gourmet chocolate factory with an observation window into the kitchen. There will be double the chocolates on display, a coffee bar, and a handmade paper bag floor featuring signatures and artwork from your friends, families, and community.

Free chocolate samples, prizes, and big fun are in store. In your wildest dreams you can not imagine the marvelous surprises that await you at Oh Mi Organics!

Museum wants your WW I photos

This year marks the centennial of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I. The Clinton County Historical Museum Paine-Gillam-Scott House, located just west of the courthouse, will feature an exhibit honoring Clinton County’s World War I veterans.

If you have a Clinton County ancestor who served in WW I you can help us honor his name by sharing with them photos, letters, documents or other artifacts relating to his service to our country. Museum staff can scan the item so you can keep the original, or they will gladly accept them as donations to the museum where they will be preserved for future generations, if that is your wish.

Contact the museum at 989-224-2894 and leave a message, or e-mail pgsmuseum@hotmail.com.

Kindergarten Registration 2018 – 2019

St. Johns Public Schools offers all day, everyday kindergarten. Children who will be 5 years old on or by September 1, 2018 are eligible to attend school in the fall. New this year will be a Young 5’s Program. Students turning 5 after September 2, 2018 up until December 1, 2018 will have an opportunity to attend this program this fall. For more information go to: Young 5 Kindergarten

This year they will be holding an open house style registration process at the Wilson Center in the gymnasium on March 14, 2018 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM. All kindergarten families are asked to attend. Principals and kindergarten teachers will be on hand to meet and greet the kindergarten families. Open houses within each building will be held before the first day of school.

For the 2018-2019 school year there will be kindergarten classrooms at Eureka (Pre K-5), Gateway (K-2), and Riley (K-5). Oakview will house our town preschool classrooms along with grades 3-5.

Now is the time to start gathering information to ensure you have all your documents. All immunizations Must be up to date before your child may enter kindergarten in the fall.

New Restaurant Delivery Service coming to St. Johns Friday

For years local food delivery has been extremely limited. Most people just think of pizza delivery when they don’t want to leave the house to pick up food. Now here come the Options.

Owner-operator Jon Hockman is introducing St. Johns Eats, the area’s premiere restaurant delivery service. Now you can go to one website, www.stjohnseats.com, and view local menus. Even better, now you can easily order delivery online from nearly every restaurant in the area. Delivery for most orders is only $3.99.

” Area selections include everything from fast food to bar food to home-style dinners. Never again will you have to settle,” says Hockman. “We’ll even deliver from multiple restaurants if your family is indecisive like mine.”

“We have an extra large delivery area of up to 10 miles from each restaurant, much further than traditional pizza delivery,” he adds.

According to Hockman, the new service uses state-of-the-art industry-leading technology to communicate with drivers and customers. Drivers are dispatched on deliveries via a smartphone app. They use insulated hotbags and coolers to keep orders fresh and GPS navigation to find addresses quickly and safely. Customers can even track their delivery progress right on their computer, tablet or phone after placing their order.

“We are currently looking for more driver-partners that live in the area,” Hockman says. “This is a perfect second job for people that are underemployed or anyone who could use extra money. Drivers choose their own shifts based on their availability.” Anyone interested should email their contact information to
jhockm01@aol.com.

Restaurant delivery has existed in larger cities for years. As of this Friday, you’ll be able to get that big city restaurant delivery service with hometown customer service.

More News

Posted on February 22, 2018 by indylite

Mint Country Garden Club Meeting

The monthly meeting of Mint Country Garden Club will be held Thursday, March 1, at 7:15 pm.

Ed Carpenter will be giving a presentation on Peacock Road Family Farms.

Meetings are held at Clinton Commons Community Center, 1105 S. Scott Rd, St. Johns. Visitors are welcome to attend. For further information about this meeting or how to become a member, email mintcountrygardenclub@gmail.com or call 517-599-6307.

Free Poetry Workshops

Lansing Poet Laurete, Dennis Hinrichsen, is offering a free poetry workshop.

This is a two session workshop; each session is 2 hours long. This workshop will meet on Saturdays, March 10 and 24 from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. at Deb’s Sereni-TEA Lounge, 1045 S US 27.

The workshop is for beginning writers, high school age and above. They will go through the drafting, writing, revising, and presenting process.

Dennis Hinrichsen has written seven poetry books. He received his Masters of Fine Arts in Poetry from University of Iowa. He has also taught for 25 yrs at LCC. Please call 989/493-5824 to reserve your seat.

St. Johns Big Boy Supporting Kids

On Wednesday, March 28th St. Johns Big Boy will donate 15% of all sales from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to The Voice for Clinton County’s Children. This fun evening will kick-off The Voice for Clinton County’s Children’s 5th Annual Superhero 5K Run, Walk, or Fly! which will be on Saturday, April 28th.

Katie Eccleton presented Kelly Schafer, Executive Director of Clinton County CASA, a check from the Exchange Club 707’s youth Services committee for $100 to help kick off the event.

Proceeds from these events support services provided to Clinton County’s abused and neglected children. More information is available at VoiceForClintonCountyChildren.org or by calling 989-640-5681. Don’t forget your Superhero cape!

Michigan Technological University Fall Dean’s List

Michigan Technological University, in Houghton, Michigan, has released the Dean’s List for the 2017 fall semester. More than 1,800 students were named to the Dean’s List this past fall. To be included, students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Saint Johns, MI: Jacob Suidgeest*, Saint Johns High School, Computer Science, Lisa Suidgeest and Ted Suidgeest. [Asterisks indicate those earning straight-A averages of 4.0.]

DeWitt, MI: Jared Dietzel, Dewitt High School, Mechanical Engineering, Laurie Dietzel

Elsie, MI: Cameron Alvarez, Ashley High School, Software Engineering, John Alvarez

Westphalia, MI: Matthew Fox, Pewamo Westphalia High School, Civil Engineering, Dennis Fox
Derrick Smith, Pewamo Westphalia High School, Computer Science, Lori Smith and Brian Smith
Jared Smith*, Pewamo Westphalia High School, Computer Engineering, Lori Smith

Grand Valley State University Dean’s List

Grand Valley State University announces the names of students who were placed on the dean’s list for the Fall 2017 semester concluding in December. The list includes those students who have maintained a 3.5 grade point average and been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. The honor is noted on the students’ official records.

Saint Johns: Mary Ballor; Madison Berridge; Mary Dieterly; Makaila Fike; Michael Gudbrandson; Dylan Kernohan; Olivia Kosnik; Riley McCann; Rebecca Sabin; Matthew Soros; Megan Soros; Lauren Suidgeest; Stephanie Whitford; Abigail Williams

Bath: Samantha Behl; Gabrielle Labioda; Shannon Wendling

DeWitt: Mallory Armbrustmacher; Avery Armstrong; Matthew Boynton; Lear Brougher; Jonathon Butler; Julia Carlson; Megan Chant; Hailey Ciesluk; Madison Cook; Meghan Cook; Mason Cordes; Joshua Getter; Hailey Grim; Dayton Hammon; Dawson Heath; Brendan Kahl; Audra Kimble; Brooke Kramer; Ryan Madar; Kaleigh McCrackin; Nicholas Neros; Marisa Pratt; Megan Scott; Kristen Strojny; Michael Szeman; Madison Tiemann

Elsie: Brandon Meisel

Fowler: Katherine Cole; Olivia Groves; Claire Schafer

Ovid: Gabrielle Dorn

Pewamo: Cassandra Esch; Evan Fedewa; Savannah Klein; Tiffany Martin

Westphalia: Hannah Bengel; Olivia Nurenberg; Alyssa Platte; Chase Platte; Kayla Spitzley; Lauren Spitzley

Briggs District Library News

March is Reading Month – Pets!Pets! Pets!– We are offering four Free programs for the month of March. Potter Park Zoo “Read with the Animals” is a family program, all age children must be accompanied by an adult. Zoo Staff will be bringing animals and sharing a “tale” to match the animal. This program is on Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Next is “Cat vs. Dog” for ages 3 and 4 years old (independent listeners) on Tuesday, March 13, 6:30-7:30pm. “What Pet Should I Get” is on Tuesday, March 20, 6:30-7:30 pm and will be for 5 and 6 year olds. “Paw, Claws, Feathers & Fins” for ages 7 thru 9 is on Tuesday, March 27, 6:30-7:30 pm. Related stories, music, craft and snacks will be provided for programs March 13 thru March 27. Registration for all 4 programs is required and open at this time.

“Spring” into Toddler Storytime – Children ages 2-3 (with a participating adult) are invited to choose between Thursday mornings, 10:30-11 am or Thursday evenings, 6:30-7 pm, March 22 thru April 26. We will celebrate “spring” weather, animals, bugs, flowers and more with stories, music, movement, crafts and a game or two. Registration is required.

Easter Egg Fun – Get your “bunny on” and register for this “hoppin” good program. We invite children ages 2- 5 (with an adult) to register for this “most egg-celent” program on Saturday, March 24, 10:30-11:30. There will be “bunny tales”, a spring craft, a tasty snack and an Easter Egg Hunt in the library for children registered for the program. Registration is required and opens on Saturday, February 24.

Mystery Dinner Library Event – The library is inviting the community to join us for a special evening of dinner, drinks, and entertainment on Saturday, March 24, when we will be hosting a 1920s-themed mystery dinner event! Doors will open for the evening at 6:00p.m, dinner will be served at 6:30 and entertainment starts at 7:00pm. Tickets cost $50 per person, and may be purchased at the Library.

Chef’s Surprise – During this session of chef’s surprise, children ages 7-10 will have the opportunity to learn how to use a blender and prepare pie crust while making fruit smoothies and homemade hand pies. We are inviting children to our spring break fruity fun on Wednesday, April 4 from 10:30- 12:30. Registration is required and will begin on Wednesday, March 7.

Spring Program – “Egg-stra, Egg-stra read all about it” Ages 4-6 (independent listeners) are invited to join us on Monday, April 9 from 6:30-7:30 for a night of “egg-citing” stories, “egg-tastic” games/music/movement, and an “egg-cellent” snack. Registration is required and will begin on Monday, March 12.

LEGO Block Party – There will be plenty of LEGO building fun and games on Monday, April 16 from 6:30-7:30 at this family friendly event. This program is open to all whom wish to attend and it will be held at Lowe United Methodist Church, 5484 W Lowe Rd, St. Johns. Registration for this event is appreciated and will begin on Monday, March 19.

Spring Break Activities – Make It & Take It Crafts / LEGO TIME – The Library is offering a Make-It & Take-It Crafts time on Tuesday, April 3. Craft materials will be on tables in the youth area for all to create their own masterpieces. LEGO Block building is offered on Wednesday, April 4. LEGO blocks will be put out in the youth area and meeting room for all to enjoy. Both passive programs will be available from 10:00 – 11:30am & 2:30 – 4:00pm. Registration is not required. Young children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tales to Tails – 15 minute sessions for children ages 6-12 to practice reading aloud to Ruger, a certified therapy dog. Sessions occur on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 6:30-7:15. Registration is required and is currently open.

Seed Library – The seed library is back again for another year of garden planning. Are you starting to plan your garden for the summer and want to try something new? Our seed library gives patrons the opportunity to sample seeds for free. Patrons can check-out the seeds with their library card, plant the seeds at home, let them go to seed, and then return some of the next generation seeds for others to borrow the following year. Please visit the library for more information about seed varieties that we will be offered. We are also accepting donations of seeds that patrons have previously saved and would like to share with others in the community.

Library Services Survey – The library is seeking community input regarding the services we currently offer, and any new or additional services that could be offered in the future. Please take a few moments to complete this survey. Print copies are available at the Library desk or complete the survey online at www.briggsdistrictlibrary.org . Whether you currently use the library or not, we welcome your thoughts and opinions.

******

Contact Information:

Library Director: Sara Morrison
Phone: 989-224-4702 * Fax: 989-224-1205
E-mail: director@briggsdistrictlibrary.org
Street address: 108 E Railroad * Saint Johns, MI 48879

Leonard schedules office hours

Tom Leonard, R-DeWitt, will host office hours to meet with local residents and discuss their concerns about state government. Speaker Leonard represents Michigan’s 93rd District.

A coffee hour will take place on Friday, March 9, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at Big Boy, 1408 Old U.S. 27, St. Johns, MI 48879.

Local residents are encouraged to bring comments, questions and concerns about local government and anything else happening in the local community. Residents with questions about the coffee hours, or those who cannot make it, can contact Speaker Leonard’s office at 517-373-1778 or by emailing TomLeonard@house.mi.gov.

Latest News

Posted on February 15, 2018 by indylite

Relay for Life Organizes

Team captains met on Tuesday, February 13.

Their first event of the year involves hiding Love Rocks. Participants can take a Love Rock and hide it somewhere in the community, or give it to a loved one to hide.

On the back are instructions for those who find them to post a picture of the Love Rock to the Relay Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sjrelay4life/ in honor or memory of someone who has been touched by cancer. Then re-hide the rock again.

This is a great way for us to honor our family and friends who have been touched by cancer. It is also a great way to get the word out about the 2018 Relay For Life of Clinton County MI. What a great way to share the love and bring smiles to faces in our community.

The 2018 Relay will be on May 18th and 19th from 2 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. For event details go to RelayForLife.org/ClintonCountyMI

Beaded jewelry classes at Clinton County Arts Gallery

Bead a bracelet that is easy to make and introduces you to two basic beading stitches. The beginner, as well as the advanced beader, will enjoy doing this piece. The Workshop will be taught at 215 N. Clinton Avenue in St. Johns on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 9:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. with a break for lunch.

The fee is $40 which includes hands-on and written instructions plus all needed supplies. Payment is due in advance. The minimum age is 14.

The class will be taught by Deborah Laverty who has been Beading for more than 20 years. Her techniques, including bead embroidery, weaving, macrame, and metal working. In addition to making jewelry, she teaches beading classes that focus on the many techniques and designs that beading offers. She is a member of the Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild and has exhibited at various art fairs and galleries throughout mid-Michigan.

To reserve a spot, contact the Gallery at (989) 224-2429.

Applications open for summer high school exchange program in Japan

Michigan high school students can experience two weeks of life and study through an exchange program coordinated by the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU). In the Michigan-Shiga High School Exchange Program, high school students from Michigan spend two weeks in Japan attending high school classes and participating in community cultural events with their student partner and host family. In exchange, the Michigan family hosts the partner Japanese exchange student and introduces them to high school student life in the U.S.

In the summer of 2018, 15 American students will travel to Japan and live with a host family. During the program, hosted in Shiga prefecture since 1990, students will also experience a bunkasai, a Japanese high school cultural festival where Japanese students organize activities like dances, games, sports, and music. In September, the Japanese student partners visit their American counterparts’ homes, attending high school and living with families in Michigan for two weeks.

The cultural experiences in this program are often life-changing for students. The immersive nature provides participants an enriching experience and exposure to Japanese culture which fosters competencies that are useful during the college application process and in future career paths. Several fundraising and scholarship opportunities are available to prospective students.

Students travel together with chaperones that help them during their time in Japan. No Japanese language skills are required. Students interested in this program can receive more information and download the application packet on the JCMU website, jcmu.isp.msu.edu. The application deadline for the program is March 9, 2018. For inquiries or more information, contact the JCMU office in East Lansing at 517-355-4654 or by email at hs@jcmu.org.

Board Elections for the Friends of the FMCIS Trail

The Friends of the Fred Meijer Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail will be holding elections at their annual membership meeting on Wednesday April 11, 2018 at the Clinton County Courthouse to fill vacancies for three directors, whose terms will expire in the Spring of 2018. Each of the vacancies is for three year term positions in Clinton, Ionia and Shiawassee counties.

Individuals interested in running for these positions must reside in one of these three counties and if elected, would represent their respective county at monthly meetings.

If you are interested in running for one of these positions, please e-mail us at cistrail@gmail.com no later than Friday, March 2, 2018. Please include background information on any past experience that would relate to trail board activities.

The Friends Group is a non-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to promote the use and enjoyment of a safe, multi-use trail for non-motorized recreation along the Fred Meijer CIS Trail between Ionia and Owosso, Michigan.

Ducks Unlimited banquet coming up April 20

The Clinton County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will host it’s 37th Annual Spring Wetlands Conservation banquet on Friday April 20, 2018. The event will once again be held at Smith Hall on the 4-H Fairgrounds in St. Johns.

The mission of Ducks Unlimited is to preserve ecologically important wetlands, on both private and public lands across North America. The Clinton County Wetlands Conservation banquet is the way for our local community
to help this important conservation program.

Local DU chairman Chris Mikula extends an invitation to all conservation minded citizens to join him and his fellow committee volunteers for an evening of food and fun to help an important resource conservation program. The evening will include complimentary beverages, beer, wine, soda, coffee, hors d’oeuvres and a catered dinner. There will be door prizes, special raffles, a silent and live auction and raffle tables that will include limited edition art prints, wildlife sculptures, over 25 guns, including pistols, rifles and shotguns along with limited edition DU Commemorative guns, crafts, collectible items, decoy carvings and many other special DU and local craft items.

The local DU committee wants everyone to know that the Clinton County DU banquet is for the entire family. We encourage dads to bring their wives and youngsters. Ticket prices are the same as they have been for the past thirteen years. For tickets, banquet information, or if you want to volunteer to help on the local DU banquet planning committee, become a sponsor, or donate money or items, you can contact any of the following local DU committee members: Kurt Hufnagel at 989-224-2072, Chris Mikula at 989-640-7104, Hayden Arthur at 517-643-5018, Ben Roske at 989-600-4307, Craig Knight at 989-224-8687, or Dennis Koenigsknecht at 989-224-4120,

Local DU Chairman Chris Mikula notes that “Ecological data collected during the past 50 years clearly identifies wetlands as the most productive source of life on earth. No other resource, not even the tropical rain forests, provide as many benefits as do wetlands.” Join with your friends and neighbors on April 20th as we celebrate the many conservation achievements of Ducks Unlimited, and to also help them continue this great conservation program.

For additional information about the local Clinton County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, or about this year’s April 20th banquet, to become a sponsor, donate or to become a volunteer to “Help the Ducks” and join the committee, contact them at the numbers above, or check out the organizations Facebook page at: Clinton County Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, or check out the DU main website at; www.ducks.org/michigan

Committee Volunteers Needed for St. Johns Mint Festival

The 34th Annual St. Johns Mint Festival is scheduled for Friday, Aug 10 through Sunday, Aug 12.

A group of volunteers called the Steering Committee meets once a month for several months leading up to the festival to plan the activities and determine festival needs. Each event of the festival has a chair and co-chair in charge that works on that committee’s individual needs, get weekend volunteers for their area and more.

The Steering Committee has several openings and is looking for volunteers to become chairs or co-chairs of specific events including Environmental, Ice Cream, Parade and Parking/Shuttles. Each event is different in that some take a few hours a year, some take more, some need a couple volunteers for the festival weekend and some need several dozen.

If you would be interested in joining the Mint Festival Steering Committee and chairing or co-chairing a weekend event, or if you would first like more information about any of the open positions, please contact Brenda Terpening, Administrator of the Festival at 989-224-7248. You can also stop in the Chamber of Commerce office at 1013 S US 27 in St. Johns in the CC RESA Building across from McDonalds.

More News

Posted on February 15, 2018 by indylite

Hepatitis A cases confirmed in Clinton and Gratiot counties

Michigan is in the midst of a large hepatitis A outbreak. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department, which serves Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm counties, is reporting three confirmed cases of hepatitis A in its district—two in Clinton County and one in Gratiot County.

Hepatitis A is a serious and highly contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is often transmitted through the consumption of food or water contaminated with infected feces or by oral contact with contaminated objects. This outbreak, however, is passing person-to-person through close contact, primarily through drug use, sexual activity and among household members.

Those most at-risk for getting hepatitis A include users of illicit drugs, men who have sex with men, those who are homeless or in transient living situations, those who have been recently incarcerated and those with chronic liver disease.

The disease spreads easily from person-to-person and can range from a mild illness, lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. Illness generally occurs two to six weeks after exposure to the hepatitis A virus. Symptoms of hepatitis A include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, pale stool and diarrhea. Not everyone with hepatitis A will have symptoms, but most do.

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable illness, and while the vaccine is recommended as a part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule, most adults have not been vaccinated. That is why it’s so important for those at-risk of contracting the disease to get vaccinated right away.

In addition to getting vaccinated, people can help protect themselves by washing their hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before eating and preparing food.

This outbreak has had a high hospitalization rate. According to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, of the 736 cases reported since August 2016, a total of 596 have been hospitalized. A total of 24 deaths have been reported.

People who believe they may have been exposed to hepatitis A or who have symptoms should contact their doctor immediately. Those who would like to be vaccinated should contact their doctor or the Mid-Michigan District Health Department at 989-224-2195 in Clinton County, 989-875-3681 in Gratiot County or 989-831-5237 in Montcalm County.

All local health departments involved in the outbreak are receiving financial assistance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to help combat the disease. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department will use the funds to conduct extra immunization clinics to try to reach those at high risk for the disease.

If your organization is interested in hosting a vaccination clinic, contact the health department at 989-227-3109. Please visit www.mi.gov/hepatitisAoutbreak for additional information. To see an up-to-date vaccination clinic schedule, visit Mid-Michigan District Health Department’s website at www.mmdhd.org.

It’s K of C Fish Fry time again

Beginning on Friday, February 16, the Knights of Columbus will be hosting their traditional Fish Fries at their hall located at 1108 N. US-27.

The menu will include Fried and Baked Fish, baked, augratin and steak fried potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, applesauce, rolls,dessert, water, coffee and punch.

Dinner will be served from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Adult tickets will cost $10, children under 12 $5. Early Bird discout $.50 4:00 – 4:30. Takeouts $10. Phone 989-224-1225.

Future dates: February 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

Community Resource Volunteers will be taking girls in grades 5 through 8 to Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day at Michigan State University on February 24th, 2018. They will be leaving CRV’s Offices located at 304 Brush St, St. Johns, 48879 at 11:45 am sharp and returning to the office at 4:45 pm.

Attendees will get the opportunity to rotate through 5 different hands-on Engineering activities led by students, graduate students and faculty. The format will be like an Open House, and attendees get to pick what they want to see.

Please register by Monday, February 12th at crvonline.org. This event is limited to 15 girls. The price for this trip is $15.00 per student. Parents who volunteer to drive, or be a chaperone, will get their first child go for free and $5 off registration for each child. Families with two or more children attending get $5.00 off each registration.

Parents must pick up children at the CRV office unless we are notified beforehand. Parents will have to sign a permission form for their children to walk home or go with another parent.

Senior Center seeks donations

If you have some gently used puzzles or stuffed animals or Beanie Babies that are looking for a good home, consider donating them to the Clinton County Senior Center. There is always a puzzle going at the center and many are used as bingo prizes on Tuesdays and Fridays. They also use the stuffed animals for bingo prizes. Donations can be dropped off at the Senior Center at 201 E Walker Street in St. Johns, or you can give them a call and they can pick them up.

The center is also looking for pillow stuffing and quilt batting. Volunteers make pillows, quilts, pet blankets and other items that are then sold in the Senior Center gift shops. Money raised in the Gift Shops is used to provide services to the members at the Senior Center.

The Clinton County Senior Center is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Their telephone number is 989-224-4257.

Mint Recipes Needed

The St. Johns Mint Festival hopes to print a new Mint Cookbook in time for the 2018 festival. If you have a favorite recipe or two that you make with mint that you would like included, please send the information to the Chamber of Commerce at PO Box 61, St. Johns 48879. Or you can drop the recipe off at the Chamber at 1013 S US 27 in St. Johns in the CCRESA Building across from McDonalds.

Please make sure your recipe is legible and includes all ingredients and amounts and instructions for preparing and baking. Please also include what name you would like included on the recipe.

If you have any questions before you submit a recipe, please call Brenda at the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248

CRV collecting empty ink cartridges

Community Resource Volunteers, a nonprofit agency who works with youth to teenagers, will be collecting empty ink cartridges to help fund science and robotic programs.

Please drop them off at the following locations:
– St. Vicent DePaul, 1009 S Highway 27,
– Huntington Bank, 200 W. Higham,
– Clinton Transit 215 N. Scott Rd. and
– CRV, 304 Brush St.,
– MAHLE Engine Components, 916 W. State St., all in St. Johns.
– Motz Builders, 116 West Main St. in DeWitt.

For more information about our organization and events please go to www.crvonline.org or call CRV 517-672-4226. Thank you for your support.

Latest News

Posted on February 8, 2018 by indylite

Dribble for Kibble

by Maralyn Fink

Late Friday afternoon I headed to St. Johns High School for the Dribble for Kibble event put on by the St Johns Student Council during the basketball games. They have a fundraiser every year, and this was planned last fall.

This year the Capital Area Humane Society was chosen for the charity. A kick off week was held which included selling t shirts all week. They also did a competition during seminar all week for each class.

Gallon baggies were given, and whatever class raised the most money will receive doughnuts for the entire seminar class. At the present all monies had not been counted yet.

This also included a fantastic bake sale with lots of cookies. I couldn’t resist that!

Members of student council number around 25-30 students. Three major events are done by this group with Homecoming, fundraiser basketball and a spring blood drive, but they also do projects all year round. The Adviser of the group is Sheri Becker. President is Emily Tahvonen, V.P. is Aruna Jain and Secretary is Katie Ernst. Present from Capital Area Humane Society were Kayleigh and Emily with dogs Trigger and Piper.

This was a very nice event and worthy cause. Thanks, Student Council, for a job well done.

Getting ready for summer

Workers were busy putting a new roof on the former pool house at the City’s Spray Park

Halfmann releases another new book

Former resident Janet Kloeckner Halfmann’s new children’s book Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School has received the highest review from Kirkus Reviews—a KIRKUS STAR. The book also has garnered great reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, The School Library Journal and Booklist.

Midnight Teacher is the little-known true story of an enslaved woman who for many years ran a secret school in Mississippi in the mid 1800s. She conducted her school in a hidden cabin from midnight until two in the morning. Both she and her students risked being whipped since it was illegal to teach the enslaved to read and write.

Kirkus Reviews called the book “An excellent homage to an African-American woman who taught ahead of her time.”

The picture book, illustrated by London Ladd, will be released February 13 from Lee & Low Books. Halfmann has written more than forty books for children. She writes about nature, animals, and little-known people of achievement.

Halfmann’s signed books are available locally at Becker’s Furniture on Main Street in Fowler and the Clinton County Art Gallery in downtown St. Johns. Her new book will be available in these locations near the end of February. Her books also are available at online booksellers and can be ordered through local bookstores.

Halfmann grew up on a farm in the Fowler/St. Johns area and graduated from Michigan State University. She now lives in South Milwaukee, WI, with her husband Tom.

You can find out more about Midnight Teacher here: https://www.leeandlow.com/books/midnight-teacher. It will soon be available from Amazon.com.

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

Parents must pick up children at the CRV office unless we are notified beforehand. Parents will have to sign a permission form for their children to walk home or go with another parent.

Career EXPO Coming to Clinton County

The Clinton Career Network (CCN), in partnership with the Clinton County Economic Alliance, Clinton Task Force on Employment/CAMW! and a host of business and education representatives are presenting the Clinton County Career EXPO on February 27 and 28 at Eagle Eye Banquet Center in Bath Township. Half-day sessions will provide employers the opportunity to showcase careers in their industry along with the education and training required to be successful in the occupation. 8th grade students will attend on Tuesday and 10th and 11th graders on Wednesday. This event is an expansion of the highly successful Ag Expo8, an agriculture industry-specific career fair held in 2016 and 2017.

Industry and education exhibitors are separated into six pathways: Arts and Communication; Business, Management Marketing and Technology; Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technology; Health Sciences; Human Services; and, Natural Resources and Agriscience. They are encouraged to create activities and exhibits to engage emerging workers with opportunities in their industry. The experiential events will illustrate the connection between student’s abilities and interests with the job prospects. In addition, instructors from CC RESA Career Connections are available to discuss the curriculum of their specific pathways which available to all 11th and 12th grade students.

“Over 37 million baby boomers are expected to retire in the next decade,” says Kelly Williams, CTE Projects Coordinator with Clinton County RESA, “with only 21 million entering the workforce to replace them. This employer outreach to over 1,800 students can help develop the pipeline of future employees for our Clinton County business community.”

If you or your company would like to participate, please contact Kelly Williams at Clinton County RESA as soon as possible as there are a limited amount of spaces available. Interested in directing attendees through the six pathways? Please contact Kelly and share your availability for at least one, two-hour shift.

Get your Tea tickets now

The St. Johns Dance Team’s Prince and Princess Tea Party will be held at St. Johns High School on Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4. Because the Saturday tea party tickets sold out so fast, they have added a show on Sunday at 1:00.

Tickets are $15 each. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. To get tickets, go to the following link:
http://SJHSdanceteamteaparty.ludus.com.

Hurry, they have already sold over 175 tickets to the Sunday show, but there are still about 200 left. Be sure to navigate to the right side of the screen to see all of the open tables.

More News

Posted on February 8, 2018 by indylite

It’s K of C Fish Fry time again

Beginning on Friday, February 16, the Knights of Columbus will be hosting their traditional Fish Fries at their hall located at 1108 N. US-27.

The menu will include Fried and Baked Fish, baked, augratin and steak fried potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, applesauce, rolls,dessert, water, coffee and punch.

Dinner will be served from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Adult tickets will cost $10, children under 12 $5. Early Bird discout $.50 4:00 – 4:30. Takeouts $10. Phone 989-224-1225.

Future dates: February 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23

St. Johns Big Boy Supporting Kids

On Wednesday, March 28th St. Johns Big Boy will donate 15% of all sales from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to The Voice for Clinton County’s Children.

This fun evening will kick-off The Voice for Clinton County’s Children’s 5th Annual Superhero 5K Run, Walk, or Fly! which will be on Saturday, April 28th.

Proceeds from both events support services provided to Clinton County’s abused and neglected children. More information is available at VoiceForClintonCountyChildren.org or by calling 989-640-5681. Don’t forget your Superhero cape!

Local student earns distinction at Wichita State University

Wichita State University has announced the names of more than 2,900 students who were on the WSU dean’s honor roll for fall 2017. To be included on the dean’s honor roll, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credit hours) and earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Saint Johns, MI: David C Elzinga

Local man graduates from Michigan Tech

Brandon Hill of DeWitt, MI was among the more than 360 graduates honored at Michigan Technological University’s midyear commencement held on the Houghton, Michigan campus on Dec. 16, 2017.

Hill graduated with a Bachelor of Science In Surveying Engineering degree. He is the son of Christine Hill and Justin Hill.

Moolenaar announces February Office Hours

Congressman John Moolenaar announced office hours to be held by constituent relations representatives at locations throughout the Fourth District. The purpose of the office hours is to help residents in need of assistance with a federal agency, including the IRS and the VA.

Office hours have been held monthly and are held when Congressman Moolenaar is in Washington voting on legislation.

February 15
1:30-2:30 PM
Clinton County Courthouse, Garden Level Conference Room “A”, 100 East State Street, Saint Johns, MI 48879

Briggs District Library News

March is Reading Month – PETS! PETS! PETS! – We are offering four FREE programs for the month of March. Potter Park Zoo “Read with the Animals” is a family program, all age children must be accompanied by an adult. Zoo Staff will be bringing animals and sharing a “tale” to match the animal. This program is on Tuesday, March 6th, 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Next is “Cat vs. Dog” for ages 3 & 4 years old (independent listeners) on Tuesday, March 13th, 6:30-7:30pm. “What Pet Should I Get” is on Tuesday, March 20th, 6:30-7:30 pm and will be for 5 & 6 year olds. “Paw, Claws, Feathers & Fins” for ages 7 thru 9 is on Tuesday, March 27th, 6:30-7:30 pm. Related stories, music, craft & snacks will be provided for programs March 13th thru March 27th. Registration for all 4 programs is required and open at this time.

“Spring” into Toddler Storytime – Children ages 2-3 (with a participating adult) are invited to choose between Thursday mornings, 10:30-11 am or Thursday evenings, 6:30-7 pm, March 22nd thru April 26th. We will celebrate “spring” weather, animals, bugs, flowers and more with stories, music, movement, crafts and a game or two. Registration is required and opens Thursday, February 22nd.

Easter Egg Fun – Get your “bunny on” and register for this “hoppin” good program. We invite children ages 2- 5 (with an adult) to register for this “most eggcelent” program on Saturday, March 24th, 10:30-11:30. There will be “bunny tales”, a spring craft, a tasty snack and an Easter Egg Hunt in the library for children registered for the program. Registration is required and opens on Saturday, February 24th.

Dog Scouts of America – Members from the local Dog Scouts of America chapter will be at the library to discuss how the group improves the lives of dogs and their owners through humane education, positive training, and community involvement. This interesting program will be held on Tuesday, February 20 at 6:30. No library card is needed to attend, but advance registration is appreciated.

Lapsit Storytime – Babies Bounce into Books! – Join us for a “bouncing” fun time. This program is for children ages 12-24 months with a participating adult. Sessions include age appropriate stories, music, movement, finger-plays, simple signs and lots of fun. Choose between Friday mornings, 10:30-11am, February 16 to March 23 or Monday evenings, 6:30-7pm, February 19 to March 26. Registration is required.

Chapter Chatter – We Will “Move It, Move It” – (Ages 6-8, independent listeners) Staff will choose a simple chapter book and share a chapter or two each week. In addition to the story we will have so much fun with music and movement. We will start with stretching & warm-ups and “move” into Bali Yoga, Cardio Drumming, and Go Noodle then end with a few minutes of quiet meditation. So mark your calendars for Thursday evenings, 7-7:45pm, February 22 – March 15. Registration is required and is open now. You don’t want to miss this!

Bookaholics Book Club – There is still time to read the February selection of the library’s book club: the classic short story collection, A GOOD MAN IS HARD TO FIND by Flannery O’Connor. The subjects of these darkly comic stories range from a young boy searching for salvation, to a family vacation gone wrong, to human greed and exploitation. Copies of the book are now available. The club will meet next on Thursday, February 15 at 6:30p.m. at the library. New members are always welcome.

******

Contact Information:

Library Director: Sara Morrison
Phone: 989-224-4702 * Fax: 989-224-1205
E-mail: director@briggsdistrictlibrary.org
Street address: 108 E Railroad * Saint Johns, MI 48879

CASA Volunteer Advocates Needed

CASA-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children is currently accepting applications for our next CASA Volunteer Advocate Training.

Those interested in serving as a CASA Advocate must submit a volunteer application, completely pass a criminal and personal background check, and participate in our 30-hour pre-service training.

Applicants should have ample time to visit their appointed child every 7 to 10 days (activities during visits may include playing games, playing outside, helping with homework, coloring, etc.). Our program continues to work toward our goal of having enough CASA Advocates for every Clinton County child who is in foster care.

For more information, please visit our website ClintonCountyCASA.org or contact our office at clintoncountycasa@gmail.com or 517-599-7145.

Latest News

Posted on February 1, 2018 by indylite

Dinner Theater is February 3

with an album by Maralyn Fink

St Johns High School Competition Theatre is proud to present a 45 minute cutting of The Crucible.

Dinner is served from 5:30-6:30PM in the St Johns High School Cafeteria. The Menu includes Salad, Rolls, Turkey, Pork, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Vegetables, Dessert, Coffee, Water and Lemonade.

The show will be presented in the auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

SJHS Theatre takes first place in district festival

Saint Johns Competition Theatre competed at their district festival at Chesaning on Saturday, where their production of The Crucible took first place.

Excellence awards were earned for the following:
– Acting (for the role of Francis Nurse)- Lexi Hicks
– Acting (for the role of Mary Warren)- Emily Tahvonen
– Entire acting ensemble- Evan Kiel, Alyssa Elms, Charles St. George, Gracie Palmer, Emily Tahvonen, Aubrey North, Zack Shoup, Lauren Quaderer, Noah Conlin, Alex Cox, Ellie Garwood, Sylvia Fisher, Ella Heystek, Lexi Hicks, Kolton Caltrider, Jessica Weinberg
– Set Design- Dani Brewbaker, Emily Dvorak, MaryAnne Swanson
– Light Design- Bailey Phinney, Danny Swanson, Madison Weber, Matthew Zampaloni
– Program- Kara Warnke

Superior awards were earned for the following:
– Acting (for the role of Deputy Governor Danforth)- Gracie Palmer
– Acting (for the role of Reverend Hale)- Charles St. George
– Student Directors- Dani Brewbaker and Emily Clark
– Lobby Display- Dani Brewbaker, Gracie Gifford, Evan Kiel

Student artists feature in MSUFCU exhibit

St. Johns High School Art Students were featured artists in the MSUFCU Student Art Exhibit 2018. Artists included:
Kaylin Shaffer, Mariah Munro, Gracie Gifford, Madea McCluer, Kat Fike, Jarod Most, Matthew Grzywacz, and Noah Lockhart.

Art teachers, Mrs. Astle and Mrs. Heystek, inspired these fine artists.

Self-publishing at the Briggs

Bob Holzhei,a St. Johns resident, retired teacher and published author will be at the Briggs District Library Tuesday, February 6 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss his experiences with the self-publishing industry over the last 30 years.

Holzhei is the author of over 400 outdoor/travel stories published throughout the U.S., as well as two self-published books. During his presentation at the library, Holzhei will lay out the steps to self-publishing a work, and talk about the many changes the self-publishing industry has gone through. He will also briefly discuss his latest book, The Mountains Shall Depart.

No library card is needed to attend this free program, but advance registration is appreciated and is available by calling the library at 989-224-4702, or visiting its website, www.briggsdistrictlibrary.org.

City announces open gym volleyball

Join the City of St. Johns Recreation Department this winter by participating in the Open Gym volleyball for adults 18 and older. Open gym will be on Thursday nights from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Gateway Elementary Gymnasiums starting February 8, 2018.

The cost is $4.00 per person per night, or you can purchase an open gym card at the City Offices or on site for $20 and are good for 6 visits.

If you have any further questions you can contact the recreation department at (989)224-8944 ext. 228 or email bblackmon@ci.saint-johns.mi.us.

SJHS alum winning big in Iowa

Iowa State redshirt freshman Ian Parker showed great individual effort as he defeated two-time defending national champion, Dean Heil against Oklahoma State. The newly implemented 141-pounder knocked off No. 5 Heil by 3-1 decision.

The Saint Johns native earned an escape to begin the second period, which was answered by a Heil escape to begin the third. Parker scored a takedown with just over a minute to go in the third and rode the Cowboy out to seal the victory.

It was Parker’s second win of the weekend. He defeated Oklahoma’s Mike Longo on Friday night. After a scoreless first, Parker scored a takedown and an escape in the second and held a 3-0 advantage heading to the third. Longo reversed Parker to begin the third, but Parker got to his feet and held on to win the match, 4-2.

More News

Posted on February 1, 2018 by indylite

K of C to host blood drive – February 5

Knights of Columbus are hosting a blood drive on February 5th, 2018 from 11:45a.m. – 5:45 p.m..

The St. Johns K of C Columbian Hall is located at 1108 North US-27.

Dispose of unwanted medications February 10

Clinton County Department of Waste Management is sponsoring an unwanted/unused medication collection Saturday, February 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Community Center of the St Jude Catholic Parish at 801 N. Bridge Street in DeWitt. Be sure to black out personal information but leave the drug name visible.

Please do NOT bring needles, Epi pens, inhalers, aerosols or patches – These items can only be handled at the annual spring Clean Community Event on April 21st and the Free For Fall Event on September 15th.

More information can be found on the website https://www.clinton-county.org/314/Current-Events or by calling the office (989) 224-5186.

Special thanks to our local law enforcement and host site for helping with this collection. Additional drop off locations can be found at http://www.takebackmeds.org/drop-off-locations.

Win an Oh Mi sneak preview

Oh Mi Organics is giving away five Golden Tickets. Win a sneak preview tour of their new facility in the former Reminder building. The lucky winners and guest will each get to make and take home a dozen of gourmet chocolates too.

Tickets are issued 1 per every $20 spent in store. Stop by Oh Mi Organics downtown St. Johns for your chance to win. They are open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The promotion began on January 20 and ends on February 17.

Register for Adult softball

Slide into summer with the City of St. Johns Summer Adult Softball League. Registration packets for the 2018 City of St. Johns Men’s, Co-ed, and Church softball leagues are available and can be picked up between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday at the City Offices. Registration is now open through March 28, 2018 and requires a $250 team fee to hold your spot. This summer, the City of St. Johns Recreation Department will offer every team that participates in the league player fee discounts.

The season will begin the week of May 7, 2018 with men playing on Wednesday nights and Coed on Thursday nights. The Sunday night church league will begin June 3. Players can play in multiple leagues.

The St. Johns Summer Softball League was formed as an adult recreation league. No one under the age of 16 may be on the roster or participate in the adult softball league. A parent must sign the liability form for a minor under 18.

Registration packets for the 2018 City of St. Johns Adult Softball League are now available and can be picked up between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday at the City Offices or downloaded from our website: http://cityofstjohnsmi.com/Departments/Parks-Recreation. If you have any questions about this years Adult Softball League or any other recreation programs please call the Recreation Department at 224-8944 ext. 228 or e-mail bblackmon@ci.saint-johns.mi.us.

St. Johns Big Boy Supporting Kids

On Wednesday, March 28th St. Johns Big Boy will donate 15% of all sales from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to The Voice for Clinton County’s Children.

This fun evening will kick-off The Voice for Clinton County’s Children’s 5th Annual Superhero 5K Run, Walk, or Fly! which will be on Saturday, April 28th.

Moolenaar announces February Office Hours

Office hours have been held monthly and are held when Congressman Moolenaar is in Washington voting on legislation.

February 15
1:30-2:30 PM
Clinton County Courthouse, Garden Level Conference Room “A”, 100 East State Street, Saint Johns, MI 48879

MMDHD calendar – February, 2018

Family Planning Clinic Schedule

The Mid-Michigan District Health Department’s Family Planning Clinics provide confidential care to men and women in need of contraception and reproductive health services. Charges for services and supplies are based on income. The Family Planning Clinics are scheduled as follows:

Mid-Michigan District Health Department
1307 E. Townsend Road
St. Johns, MI 48879

February 6: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
February 13: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
February 20: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
February 27: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

****New Clinic in Shiawassee County***

February 8: 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

In the basement of the District Court Building
110 E Mack St
Corunna

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 224-2195, Option 5, Monday through Friday.

Hearing & Vision Screening Clinic

Vision screening is required for all children entering kindergarten. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department offers free vision testing, as well as hearing screening tests for all children ages 3 to 21. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 227-3125, Monday through Friday.

WIC Benefit Pick-Up Schedule

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to 5 years old may be eligible for free food through the WIC (Women, Infants & Children) program. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department WIC Benefit Pick-up Clinics are scheduled as follows:

February 7
February 12: Mid-Michigan District Health Department, 1307 E. Townsend Road in St. Johns, from 9 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

February 28: at Valley Farms Baptist Church, 1141 E State Rd, Lansing,
from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 224-2195, Option 5, Monday through Friday.

“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

Immunization Clinic

The Mid-Michigan District Health Department Immunization Clinics are to be held as follows:

Mid-Michigan District Health Department
1307 E. Townsend Road
St. Johns, MI 48879

February 5: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

February 12: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

February 14: 8 a.m. to noon 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

February 15: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

February 26: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Immunizations will be available for adults and children eight weeks of age through adulthood, appointments are preferred. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 224-2195, Option 5, Monday through Friday.

Latest News

Posted on January 25, 2018 by indylite

SCH nurse earns award

A Sparrow Clinton Hospital Nurse’s special care of her Patients helped earn her the hospital’s DAISY Award for exceptional Nursing skills.

Marge Simon, LPN, developed a passion for Nursing after reading a popular series of books written to inspire young women.

“I read all the Cherry Ames Nursing books. So, by the time I hit junior high school, I was sure I wanted to be a Nurse,” said Simon. “After 41 years, I am still certain it was the right choice.”

Simon gained praise from her Patients for her empathetic, reassuring, and caring disposition.

“She truly cares. She helped me through a very scary time, and educated and supported my family as well,” wrote a Patient who nominated her for the DAISY Award.

Since starting her career at Sparrow Clinton in 1976, Simon worked in every department from Emergency to Nursery and Obstetrics. She has these words of advice for new Nurses: “Have a good heart, show great compassion, and let your Patients know you are here to help them through a difficult time in their lives.”

Simon, who continued to wear her Nursing cap at work, has been instrumental in celebrating Daisy awardees by creating beautiful, hand-painted cards for each recipient. Simon recently retired from Nursing to pursue her art “hobby” as a second career. So, fellow Nurses created a special card based on her designs and had it framed for her.

Nurse nominees Karen McCloskey, RN; Adriann Sanders, RN; Chibwe Powell, RN; Mary Rathbun, RN; Kara George, RN; Teresa Miller, RN; Sarah Veith, RN; Regina Buhr, RN; and Amber Piper, RN, also were recognized. Each received a DAISY pin and flowers.

CRV visits MSU Cyclotron

Community Resource Volunteers traveled to MSU to visit the MSU Cyclotron on January 14.

The students participated in hands-on activities with a model “nucleus” that they were able to accelerate and smash to make isotopes that do not exist on Earth, but might be made in stars. The students also were able to try several demonstrations that simulated the research done in MSU’s National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory and explore MSU Cyclotron’s world-class rare isotope laboratory where nuclei are smashed into a target at half the speed of light. The also tour included demonstrations, an introduction to the goals and methods of nuclear science, and a walk behind the scenes where nuclei are accelerated, filtered and/or studied.

The Cyclotron trip experience continues on Saturday, January 27th. Zack Contan will visit to explore what we know about the nucleus factories called “stars” through a series of hands-on activities and games. The event will be at the CRV office, located at 304 Brush St. St. Johns from 1-4 pm. The cost is $5 per student and is limited to 30 students. For more information, go to crvonline.org.

Win an Oh Mi sneak preview

Tickets are issued 1 per every $20 spent in store. Stop by Oh Mi Organics downtown St. Johns for your chance to win. They are open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The promotion began on January 20 and ends on February 17.

Scene and Unseen goes into paperback

Welcome to hometown boy Alex Delavan’s view of the Underground.

“Scene and Unseen: Flyer Art of The Lansing Underground isn’t just a yearbook for the community built in this subterranean oasis,” says Delavan. “Those from the mitten, will recognized it as a piece of Michigan state pride.”

Begin your journey exactly as he did one day in July. Simply flip open the folder on the next page. You’ll start with the exact flyer that took him to his first visit to the Christ Lutheran Church on May 15, 1998 and end with the exact flyer that bought us all back to The Underground November 25, 2017. It finalizes with the words said on the stage that night to welcome us all home.

Through a few words and the DIY art of the original flyers, this is the story of 388 performances, by 197 bands, at 122 shows, with 113 flyers,from 1996 to 2003, all on one small stage at The Underground.

Featuring punk, metal, hardcore, and indie rock bands, including P.O.D., Underoath, Squad Five-O, Living Sacrifice, Copeland, One:21, Blindside,Project 86, Johnny Respect, Anathallo, Still Remains, The Deluxtone Rockets, Beloved, The Blamed, Calibretto 13, Cool Hand Luke, Headnoise, Dennison Marrs, Kid Brother Collective, Anah Aevia, Besitary, Bloodlined Calligraphy, Summer Dying and so many more.

Find the paperback version here.

MSU Extension hosts Field Crops Webinar Series

MSU Extension will offer a series of six online programs highlighting field crop production and pest management on Monday evenings from February 19th through March 26th, 2018.

Participants will learn how to enhance their corn, soybean, small grain and forage production systems in the coming season, and have an opportunity to ask questions of MSU agriculture experts.

The live webinar presentations will run 7:00-8:00 PM ET each Monday evening. One MDARD Pesticide Recertification Credit will be available through each webinar for application to one of the following categories: Private Core, Commercial Core or Field Crops.

Participants can view the programs independently online. However, pre-registration is required for all participants at a cost of $20.00 for the full series of six webinars or $5.00 per individual webinar session. Visit https://events.anr.msu.edu/FieldCropsWebinarSeries2018/ to register and access connection information. Contact James DeDecker at (989) 734-2168 or dedecke5@msu.edu for more information, or by February 5th, 2018 to request accommodations for persons with disabilities. Requests received after this date will be fulfilled when possible.

More News

Posted on January 25, 2018 by indylite

Still time left to get your tickets

Save the date. Saturday February 3, 2018 is the St. Johns Rotary Club’s next Helping Hands Dinner/Raffle.

They will be giving away a total of $15,000 in cash and prizes. The top prize is $3,000; 2nd prize is $1,200 and 3rd prize is $1,000. You need not be present to win.

Get your tickets now from any Rotarian for your chance to win. Tickets are $150, and each ticket entitles the holder to dinner for two. The Dinner is sponsored by Sparrow Clinton Hospital. Come on out for a great night of fun, and help the group support the community.

This year’s theme is Country Western. Doors open at Smith Hall at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and the program begin at 6:00 p.m. Shuttle parking is available at the High School.

Make sure you get your tickets early because this event is a sellout every year.

It’s not too late to get the flu vaccine

It’s all over the news and social media. People are talking about it and doctor’s offices are filling up with patients complaining about it. The “it” is the flu and it’s spreading rapidly across the country, including here at home.

We all know that the flu can cause high fever, chills, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. And we know it can make you quite miserable and put you out of commission for up to a week. But this year’s flu virus seems especially aggressive, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) are urging everyone over six months of age to get vaccinated.

Vaccination is especially important for those at high-risk for developing serious flu complications. Those most at-risk include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.

While the flu vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it remains our best defense. And when you get vaccinated, you are not just protecting yourself, but these high-risk groups as well.

Some people think it’s too late to get vaccinated, but that’s not the case. The vaccine is effective throughout the entire flu season, which can last as late as May. But it does take up to two weeks for the body to build up defenses against the virus after being vaccinated, so it’s best not to wait.

Some people think they’ll get the flu if they get vaccinated. This is also not true. While some people do experience nasal congestion and a runny nose after getting vaccinated, the symptoms are mild and go away quickly.

Getting the flu vaccine has never been more convenient. The vaccine is available at a variety of places, including your doctor’s office, many pharmacies, or the health department.

Mid-Michigan District Health Department offers the standard flu shot, the high-dose flu shot for those 65 and older, and preservative-free options. The health department participates with the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. It can also can bill many types of insurance, including Medicare Part B, which will cover the entire cost for seniors.

To schedule an appointment at the health department, or to find out if we participate with your insurance, call 989-224-2195 in Clinton County, 989-875-3681 in Gratiot County and 989-831-5237 in Montcalm County.

In addition to getting vaccinated, there are many other ways you can protect yourself and your family from getting sick. First, wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Make sure to clean common surfaces and objects often that may be contaminated with germs. You should also try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If you know someone who is sick, avoid close contact with them. If you are sick, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and be sure to stay home so you don’t infect others.

If you do get the flu, call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you have shortness of breath or worsening cough or congestion.

Chocolate Fantasy is February 1

Are you in search of an interesting Valentine’s gift? Tickets are now on sale for the sweetest night in town.

The Clinton County Senior Center is hosting a Chocolate fantasy on February 1st from 6 – 8 p.m. Plan to experience more than 25 chocolate items from your community.

Tickets are $10.00 each and benefit the Senior Center. Contact Carrie Hartenburg at Clinton County Meals on Wheels, 989-224-3600 for tickets or more information.

Community Resource Volunteers, a new and unique way to volunteer

The Community Resource Volunteers (CRV) has always been a volunteer organization and prides itself of being able to provide many opportunities for the Clinton County area. However, at CRV, they do not look at volunteers as just what they can do for them, but what the organization can do for the volunteers.

Just like the participants they serve, CRV looks at volunteers as participants also. This means that volunteers are not just put in a position and they server. CRV is striving to provide volunteers opportunities to share and grow. It does not matter whether the volunteer wants to use their career knowledge to share, explore a hobby area, or learn a new one, CRV works with everyone to help find a place for them and help them grow.

It does not stop there. As volunteers, they are encouraged to look at opportunities and positions to see if they might have an interest, and then try it out. Volunteers are actually encouraged to try different areas. If a volunteer thinks they might be interested in say a science area, they can work on a project or program. If they like it, they can continue, or stop and try something else. No questions asked.

This flexibility and focus on volunteer needs continues even to the hours and times they work. At CRV, they want the volunteers to choose everything. CRV uses an online portal system for volunteers use to see what opportunities are available. They decide if they are interested in helping. By filling out their personal profile, they can choose areas of interest, number of hour per day, week and month they are willing to volunteer. From this information, their system and project leaders can help match volunteers to opportunities. However, the volunteer decides if they want to participate.

If you are interested in learning more about what CRV does and how you might help them out, please contact them by calling (517) 672-4226, stopping by the office at 304 N. Brush Street, or email the coordinator at volcoordinator@crvonline.org.

Touch a Truck coming up in May

Mark your calendar. The 16th Annual Springtime Community Festival and Touch a Truck will be on Saturday, May 12.

It will be held at the CCRESA Bldg at 1013 S US 27 in St. Johns from 9 am to 3 pm. Applications for crafters, non-profits and businesses are at www.clintoncountychamber.org/events. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248 with any questions.

Briggs District Library News

Self-Publishing with Bob Holzhei – Bob Holzhei is a St. Johns resident, retired teacher, and published author, and he will be at the library Tuesday, February 6 at 6:30 to discuss his experiences with the self-publishing industry over the last 30 years. Holzhei will lay out the steps to self-publishing a work, as well as a brief discussion of his latest book, THE MOUNTAINS SHALL DEPART. No library card is needed to attend this free program, but advance registration is appreciated and is now available.

Toddler Storytime – Children ages 2-3 with a participating adult are invited to come listen to some of Miss Erin’s favorite books. Some will be old beloveds and some will be new loves. In addition to the stories there will be music, creative movement, crafts, and games. This session will be taking place on Wednesday mornings, at 10:30-11:00am, February 7 through February 28. Registration is required and is open now.

“Celebrating Summertime in the Winter” – Ages 4-6 (independent listeners) can warm up on Monday, February 12, 6:30-7:30pm. Enjoy summer stories, summer activities/games/music and a summertime snack in the middle of the snowy blowy wintertime! Registration is required and is open now.

Mystery Dinner Library Event – The library is inviting the community to join us for a special evening of dinner, drinks, and entertainment on Saturday, March 24, when we will be hosting a 1920s-themed mystery dinner event. Doors will open for the evening at 6:00 p.m.; dinner will be served at 6:30 and entertainment starts at 7:00pm. Tickets cost $50 per person, and may be purchased at the Library.

Bookaholics Book Club – The February selection of the library’s book club is the classic short story collection A Good Man Is Hard To Find by Flannery O’Connor. The subjects of these darkly comic stories range from a young boy searching for salvation, to a family vacation gone wrong, to human greed and exploitation. Copies of the book are now available. The club will meet next on Thursday, February 15 at 6:30p.m. at the library. New members are always welcome.

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Contact Information:

Library Director: Sara Morrison
Phone: 989-224-4702 * Fax: 989-224-1205
E-mail: director@briggsdistrictlibrary.org
Street address: 108 E Railroad * Saint Johns, MI 48879

Michigan celebrates 181st birthday at Michigan History Museum

On Saturday, January 27 the Michigan History Museum in Lansing celebrates 181 years of rich and diverse Michigan history at its annual Statehood Day celebration.

Like every good birthday party, the celebration includes music, games, cake and other fun. Special guests, staff and volunteers will pay tribute to the people who created our state, from first peoples and statesmen to eager citizens. The program runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free for the day.

Visitors will have an opportunity to observe and participate in historic craft and trade demonstrations including butter making.

Statehood Day commemorates the events of January 26, 1837, when, more than a year after Michigan adopted its first constitution and elected its first governor, President Andrew Jackson signed the bill making Michigan the nation’s 26th state. The delay was caused by a disagreement and subsequent “war” with Ohio over the port town Toledo. The resulting compromise gave Toledo to Ohio, and Michigan the western two-thirds of the Upper Peninsula. By the mid-19th century, the discovery of copper and iron in the Upper Peninsula more than made up for the loss of Toledo.

Learn more at www.michigan.gov/mhc.