Birthday celebration for Duane Davis
On Saturday, August 27th there is a 90th birthday open-house celebration for Duane Davis, at St. Johns Lutheran Church from 2 – 5 p.m. 511 E. Sturgis St.
If you know my Duane, please stop by and celebrate with him. And please, help spread the word to others.
Farmer to Farmer Field Days
Scaling Up with Mechanization and Season Extension
Date: August 15
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Farm: Slagle’s Family Farm, Felch Township, Upper Peninsula
About: Having the ability to add mechanization and extend the growing season can provide security and revenue for any farm. Join us at Slagle’s Family Farm to expand your knowledge about scaling up, including mechanization and season extension. This workshop will provide hands-on learning experiences that will help your farm thrive and give you the ability to provide food for a longer season
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Vegetable Pruning and Trellising; Introduction to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and Outdoor Hydroponics
Date: August 22
Time: 1-4:30 p.m.
Farm: Birch Point Farm, Traverse City and Cedar Sol Hydro Farm, Cedar
About: Join us for this two-part field day, including a visit to Birch Point Farm and Cedar Sol Hydro Farm. Birch Point Farm will give a hands-on demonstration of pruning and trellising techniques in both field and greenhouse and provide a first-hand look into CSA farming. Cedar Sol Hydro Farm will give a tour of their outdoor hydroponic farm and u-pick operation, and share techniques for growing tomatoes and other
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Weed and Pest Identification and Management
Date: August 23
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Farm: MSU Student Organic Farm, East Lansing
About: Visit the MSU Student Organic Farm to focus on best practices for weed and pest identification and management for a variety of specialty crops. Learn ways to foil those pesky bugs or persistent weeds, and gain knowledge that will help you provide bountiful crops for your customers.
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Using Social Media for Special Events
Date: September 12
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Farm: Stokes Homestead, Grand Junction
About: Events on the farm are becoming extremely popular and they are a great way to bring more customers to you! This workshop will focus on how to create the best type of event for your farm, how to get the word out through social media, and how to efficiently run an event.
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Display and Marketing Best Practices
Date: September 20
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Farm: Flint Ingredient Company, The Local Grocer and Flint Farmers Market
About: Whether you attend a farmers market or sell your goods at a retail store, display and marketing are crucial to your success! Join us for a three-part workshop at the Flint Ingredient Company, The Local Grocer and the Flint Farmers Market to expand your knowledge on attracting customers to your store or booth. Learn the tips and tricks to implement a consistent and inviting look for your business.
These events are free to attend and registration is required. To register and learn more about each field day, visit www.mifma.org/farmbaseded or call 616-952-1151.
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/
Briggs Library News
Lapsit Programs “Busy with Family, Friends and More” – Children ages 12 to 24 months with adult participation are invited to join in the fun of stories, music, creative movement, learning simple signs (sign language) and more. Choose between 2 sessions: Friday mornings, 10:30-11 am, Sept.9th to Oct. 14th OR Monday evenings, 6:30-7pm, Sept. 12th to Oct. 17th. Registration is required and opens on Friday, August 12th. Children can enjoy social interaction in a relaxed and informal environment.
Toddler Programs “Toddlers Just Want to Have Fun!” – Children ages 2-3 years old with participating adults can join in the fun. There will be funny tales, move to the groove music, some shake rattle and roll movement and fun extras. Choose between 2 sessions: Thursday mornings, 10:30-11am, OR Thursday evenings, 6:30-7pm Sept. 8th – Oct. 13th. Registration is required and open now.
Roald Dahl Birthday Celebration – We will be celebrating Roald Dahl’s 100th Birthday! Children ages 7-10 are invited to share cake, ice cream, stories, movie clips, and more on Tuesday, September 13th, 7-7:45 pm. Registration is required and begins on Tuesday, August 16th.
Guessing Contest Winners – Congratulations to the following winners: Gage Rahl, Grace Epkey, Aubrey Epkey, Grace Dexter, Evan Chapko, Nicole Benson, Eva Baldwin, Julia Andretz, Mark Dexter, Damian Addai and Anna Thornburgh who guessed how many Hot Wheels cars, balls, sea shells, markers, stuffed animals, pompoms, inches of shoestrings and marbles there were.
S.A.M. in the Summer – Summer programs offering fun, hands-on participation in Science, Art & Math for children going into grades 1st thru 6th. The August sessions will be about Math: Thursday, August 18, 3-4p.m. (3rd & 4th grades); Thursday, August 25, 3-4p.m. (5th & 6th grades). Registration is currently taking place for the Math sessions.
Adult Documentary Series – The final documentary in our summer series will be on Wednesday, August 17. We will show “Trekkies,” a light-hearted documentary that looks at the devoted fans of the Star Trek series and films. The feature begins at 7:30 p.m. Registration is now available by calling the library or visiting our website.
Coloring Programs -The last session for our family program available to all ages will be on Thursday August 25 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m . The next session for our adult and teen program will be Saturday, August 20 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Registration for both programs is required and is now open.
Breakfast Club – There is still time to register for the next session of The Breakfast Club — a new summer program for children in 4th-8th grades. Our book for this meeting is “Pax” by Sara Pennypacker, a beautiful new book about the friendship between a boy and his fox. Participants do not have to read the book before attending the program, but will have the opportunity to do so afterwards if they choose. We will talk about the book, mix in some craft or activity, and start off with a light breakfast. Join us on Wednesday, August 17 at 10:30a.m. Registration is now available.
Kids, Cartoons, & Crafts – It is lunch and a movie this summer at the Library. Children ages 5-9 can join us for a showing of an episode of “Disney’s DuckTales” on Wednesday, August 24 from 11:30-12:30. We will also work on a small craft and play a game. Participants are welcome to bring a light lunch with them, but a snack will be provided if they choose not to. Registration is required and is now open.
Library Closure – The Library will be closed Saturday September 3 and Monday September 5for the Labor Day Holiday. The drop box on the Library porch will be available for returns throughout this closure.
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
Have you had “the talk” with your child?
Most parents dread having “the talk” with their child. Parents typically aren’t sure where to begin, don’t know what to say or how to say it, and are just downright uncomfortable discussing the birds and the bees with their child. But just because the conversation is uncomfortable doesn’t mean it shouldn’t take place. It needs to take place.
Believe it or not, research shows that children and teens actually want their parents to talk openly with them about sex more than they do. So, parents, take a deep breath, and get the conversation started!
Here are some tips parents may find useful:
· Before you begin, help relieve tension by letting your child know that the conversation may be awkward for both of you, but it’s too important to skip.
· Really listen to your child, even if you disagree, and be open to all questions.
· Use truthful, useful and age-appropriate information. If you are unsure how to answer a particular question, do some research and get back with your child when the information is found.
· Kids develop questions over time, so begin the discussion sooner, rather than later. Gradual conversations are less overwhelming for all involved than one big talk and allows the parent to become a trusted source of information.
· Avoid ignoring the subject, and be sure to take advantage of teachable opportunities whenever they present themselves.
· Know when your child’s school will be covering reproductive health, and what will be taught. Be sure to ask your child what they learned and if they have any questions.
· Visit the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy’s website at www.thenationalcampaign.org for helpful tools and tips.
Parents can’t control the decisions their teens make, but they can positively influence behavior when it comes to sexuality. Through open communication and by providing guidance about the risks and responsibilities of intimate relationships, parents can help their kids make good choices. Whether the decision is to wait or be responsible, the ultimate goal is to help our kids avoid unintended pregnancy, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
For those considering family planning services, keep the Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) in mind. MMDHDs Family Planning program is committed to providing quality, affordable pregnancy prevention services, promotes making good choices, and strives for pregnancy to happen by choice, not by accident.
Family Planning clients receive abstinence education, birth control, pregnancy testing, and yearly physicals, as well as confidential and anonymous sexually transmitted infection testing. A variety of insurance plans are accepted. For those without insurance, the total charge is based on income and ability to pay.
For more information about MMDHDs family planning program, visit www.mmdhd.org or call your local branch office:
Clinton County: 989-224-2195
Gratiot County: 989-875-3681
Montcalm County: 989-831-5237
Mid-Michigan District Health Department serves the residents of Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm Counties.
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 16, and at
– Middleton Community Church, 223 S. Newton, Middleton, from 4:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 16, and at
– Carson City United Methodist Church, 119 E. Elm St., Carson City, Thursday, August 18 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m, and at
– Pompeii United Methodist Church, 135 W. Burton, Pompeii, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, August 18.
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.
Clinton County Prosecuting Attorney Charles Sherman announced today that he was filing a motion to impose a sentence of mandatory life without parole on Christopher Hynes. Hynes was convicted of first degree premeditated murder for the murder of Kassi Sanborn which occurred December 17, 1998. Although Hynes was 16 at the time of the offense he was prosecuted under Michigan law as an adult and convicted on July 23,1999 and sentenced to mandatory life without parole. 
Summer breezes will carry the sound of light classical and popular music when the Mid-Michigan Festival Orchestra performs July 20 at the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the St. Johns City Park as part of the weekly Concert in the Park series. There is no admission for the concert that begins at 7 p.m.
The Friends of The Maple River will host a field/float trip on Wednesday July 20 on Muskrat Lake in Clinton County. Time: 7:00 PM. This field/float trip is to highlight the water stabilization project and it’s impact on wetlands. Bring your canoe, kayak or outboard boat. 
Lee Thelen is a life-long resident of Greenbush Township. Lee, along with Marilyn, his wife of 28 years, raised their children in this area. Lee began farming in 1981 on the family farm and has grown the business over the years. In 1996, he opened Thelen Ag Products, an agriculture parts and equipment business which he still owns and operates today. Lee’s over 35 years of experience farming and operating a business have provided valuable and practical knowledge of state and local laws as well and a good understanding of financial management.
As a lifelong resident of Greenbush Township, Ramona Smith would like to see and achieve positive change for her Township. With many years of working on Township elections and her employment of working with the public, she feels this is a great opportunity to serve her Township! She has the support of her husband Scott and their family whom feel that this clerk position is a positive for Ramona. 
Denise Roof has lived a total of 27 years in Greenbush Township. She and her husband of 41 years, Tom, have raised their 3 children in this area. 
Larry and his wife Cynthia have lived in Greenbush Township since 1979, where they have raised their 2 sons and are farming. Larry retired from the Clinton County Road Commission in 2010 after 20 years of employment. He was President of the Road Commission Road Employees Union for 15 years. Larry served as a 4-H Board member for 9 years, six as president. He has been serving as board member for the Eureka Christian Church since 2003. He is also a Vietnam Veteran.
Kyle Graham has been a lifelong resident of Greenbush Township. He has been married for 15 years to Angela (Beck) Graham and has two children, a daughter Brooklyn and a son Bryer.