Category: News

Chief Kyle Knight moving on

Last Friday morning the City of St. Johns learned that Chief Kyle Knight will be resigning from the St. Johns Police Department and taking a new position as the police chief in Harbor Springs, MI.

As many of you know, Chief Knight has been deeply involved in our community in many different ways; and we’re saddened that he is leaving our community. The community is also excited for Chief Knight because he is moving closer to his family in northwest lower Michigan.

Please congratulate Chief Knight on his new opportunity and thank him for all of his years of dedicated service to St. Johns and Clinton County.

******

[This comes to us from the Petoskey News]

Kyle Knight, who most recently was the police chief in St. Johns, has been announced as the new police chief in Harbor Springs.

Knight was introduced to city council members during their meeting on Monday night. City manager Tom Richards said Knight was selected from five finalists for the position.

Knight, 53, said he has spent his entire 28 year career with either the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office or the St. Johns Police Department.

Knight said he previously visited the area with his family, his grandchildren live in Petoskey, and called the Harbor Springs position his “dream job.”

“It’s an area I feel that I would like to work in and continue my career until I retire,” he said.

Knight is expected to begin work in Harbor Springs in mid-June. He will work with Dan Branson, the current police chief, before Branson’s retirement.

“It’s a great department,” Knight said. “Everything is in place but it would allow me the opportunity to work with (Branson) and move forward and continue that good work he’s got done.”

Knight added that he is looking forward to starting work in Harbor Springs.

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to come up here and work,” he said. “I’m from a community of almost 8,000 people but we share a lot of the same beliefs and I share the same beliefs that Chief Branson does.”

---

5th Grade Students Earn President’s Award

Fifty-six St. Johns Public Schools’ 5th grade students earned the President’s Award for Educational Excellence this year. These students earned a GPA of A- or better and have earned an “advanced” or “proficient” rating on the reading, math, and writing on the most recent graded standardized state assessment.

See larger photo

Students receiving this award are:

East Olive Elementary : Nathan Klein, Thomas Voisinet, Joshua Wood, Lillian Sackrider, Thomas Reddish, Keirstyn Pifer, Alexis VanNote, Natalie Reddish, Christopher Stewart, Ella Scranton, Savannah Prince

Eureka Elementary : Lily Abbott, Olivia Arnston, Alyson Billings, Abigail Hendy

Gateway North Elementary : Isabella Boyer, Alexis Ferrall, Anna Hagerman, Adriannah Ingleright, Payton Marrison, Matthew Pearson, Alivia Simi, Mia Skorna, Nolyn Steiner, Hunter Walker

Oakview South Elementary : Cullen Black, Isabelle Branch, Johnny Deuel, Karissa Greider, Pierce Hansen, Lily Howell, Maya Hunt, Payton Hutchinson, Allyse Johnson, Kate Patterson, Parker Beebee, Allison Clarke, Josie Heystek, Ella Koenigsknecht, Eli Mallory, Charlie Miller, Mara Nobis, Ella Schafer, Georgia Willis

Riley Elementary : Ryan Dimmick, Margaret Falor, Elise LeBaron, Olivia Peterson, Charlotte Rippke, Camden Armbrustmacher, Kenzee Dunham, Quinn Fedewa, Clara Fletcher, Alexandra Hiner, Paige Thelen, Abigail Young

---

Special Olympics Area 28 Golf Scramble – June 10th

Mark your calendars for June 10, 2017, the 21st annual Special Olympics Area 28 Clinton County Golf Scramble at the Emerald Golf Course. Continental breakfast, 18 holes with cart, luncheon, raffles, prizes are there, all for only a $70 entry fee.

They are looking for golfers and sponsors to make this outing a success. The money raised helps pay for equipment, uniforms, transportation and much more. Area 28 wants to reach out and include as many children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Special Olympics as possible. In order to do so, we need community support.

Sponsorships are available. All sponsors names will be posted at the golf scramble.

Platinum Sponsor: $100 or more.
Gold (Hole) Sponsor: $75-$99.
Silver (Tee) Sponsor: $50-$74.
Bronze (Cart) Sponsor: $25-$49.
Donation/Item Sponsor: $_____ (Item value or $ under $25).

They will also raffle off a handmade 8” Chef knife made by a local craftsman, who is also a parent of an Area 28 athlete. Tickets are $5 each.

All Special Olympics programs and activities are provided at no cost to the athletes and their families. There is no state or federal funding. Area 28 is run strictly by volunteers and relies upon the generosity of contributions.

For further information, to reserve your team or to become a sponsor, please contact Area 28 Representative Robyn Monville at 989.224.7021, or Area 28 Director Debbie Cornell at 517.669.7704 or via email at area28@somi.org.

---

Concert in Park summer music series begins June 14

The 14th annual Concert in the Park summer music series is set and ready to go with another great lineup in 2017. Concerts are held every Wednesday evening, June 14 through Aug. 30, at the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the St. Johns City Park. The music begins at 7 p.m., rain or shine.

“St. Johns is definitely the place to be on Wednesday evenings in the summer,” says Bill Tennant, concert coordinator. “We have outstanding performers lined up again this year for our mid-Michigan audiences. The quality of performers along with the great variety of music makes this one of the best series we’ve ever put together.”

A quintet of the series’ most popular groups return from last year, beginning with The Sea Cruisers who open the 2017 season June 14 with their outstanding renditions of “good old rock and roll” hits. Other repeat performers include Matt King and his tribute to Elvis (August 30); Toppermost and their tribute to the Beatles (August 9); local favorite Louis Longoria and his band (August 9); and the Mountain Town Singers, an award-winning barbershop chorus from Mt. Pleasant (August 16).

The Lansing Concert Band (June 28) is another favorite that has been part of the series line-up in previous seasons. “This is one of our favorite concert bands,” Tennant says. “The band performed at the Gala Concert that opened our first season, playing a commissioned piece by local composer, Chad Rehmann, and they have performed here several other times. A special performance of Gershwin’s beautiful “Rhapsody in Blue” performed by St. Johns’ own Jeff Richards is part of the band’s program this summer.”

Six new groups on the 2017 schedule bring their unique performance styles to audiences: a Lansing favorite Root Doctor(July 26) plays its brand of classic soul, blues and rhythm & blues; the Lansing Concert Jazz Band (June 21) plays many classics from the big band jazz era; local community theatre group, Homegrown Productions presents an encore performance of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “A Grand Night for Singing;” a new group, Miranda & the M80’s with local favorite Jeff Dietrich (August 2) play great hits of the 1980s; popular Lansing group, the Roaring Twenties Band will take audiences on a trip through the great music of the “Flapper Age;” and three-time Detroit Blues champions from Detroit, the Flying Lantini Brothers with John Lantini (August 23), bring their award-winning sound of blues, soul and great rock and roll to the stage with songs from their newest album “The Blues Makes Me Feel So Good.”

“Bring a chair, a blanket and head to the beautiful St. Johns City Park to partake of a wonderful feast that will fill your musical palette with many delights throughout the summer,” Tennant says.

The St. Johns Lions and Lioness Club staff a concession stand each week offering light refreshments; all concerts are held rain or shine. Concert in the Park is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) and the City of St. Johns with support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For information on Concert in the Park visit the CCAC web site, http://www.clintoncountyarts.org/ and check out the William E. Tennant Performance Shell page on Facebook.

---

Eat Healthy-Eat Local Organic Products

an album by Maralyn Fink

In my travels around town last Saturday, I stopped downtown to visit this event. There was a great turn out for this first one.

Many vendors were on hand to show their healthy products for everyone to try. Tables were set up for a place to eat for the youngest to the oldest. This event was sponsored by OH MI Organics which does a fantastic job with healthy candy.

It was a great place to visit and even meet your neighbors. If you missed this one, maybe there will be a repeat in the near future.

---

CRV Sponsors Booth at Spring Festival

Community Resource Volunteers sponsored a booth at the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce Springtime Community Festival/ Touch a Truck on May 13th. Volunteers from the group conducted robot demonstrations and gave out 250 oak seedlings.

Community Resource Volunteers is a nonprofit working with middle school students in Science. They welcome all students and adults to our programs. They work with astronomy, Aerospace, robots, chemistry and many more science related programs.

Check out and register for our summer programs at www.crvonline.org or call 517-672-4226 to register or answer any questions.

The next trip is a “Girls Only” to the Computer Science Engineering and 4-H gardens at MSU on June 13th. They will then have a trip for both Guys and Gals on June 27th to the Board of Water and Light for an Energy Awareness Program and a Solar Array. You must register ahead of time and the room is limited.

Spring Flower Sale is Saturday, May 20

Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary is having a Spring Flower Sale on Saturday, May 20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clinton County RESA in the Southpoint Mall in St. Johns.

SCH Auxiliary offers a wide variety of beautiful blooms – just in time for Memorial Day! The flower sale features hanging baskets, cocoa baskets, and square and round planters as well an assortment of bedding plants.

All proceeds help fulfill the Auxiliary’s $100,000 pledge for construction of the Emergency Services Department at Sparrow Clinton.

---

Celebrate Our Armed Forces – Sunday, May 21

Visit both museums in St. Johns on Sunday afternoon, May 21, 2017, the last day of Armed Forces Week, to celebrate and honor the men and women from this area who have risked their lives to keep us free. Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum (PGS) will be open 1 – 4 pm, and Clinton Northern Railway Museum (CNR) will be open 1 – 3 pm.

There will be displays and activities for all ages that afternoon. Weather permitting, there will be games on the Depot lawn for children and quieter activities for them inside the depot.

---

Young at Art, an Early Childhood Workshop – May 23

Art experiences are more than just fun and creative outlets for young children, they are learning opportunities. Visual art, music, drama and pretend play, dance and creative movement all play an important role in the development of skills that will set children up for future academic success. This workshop will help you learn how early art experiences support healthy development and academic success for young children.

This workshop is offered by MSU Extension for interested parents, child care providers, and preschool teachers on May 23, 2017, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, at the Clinton County MSU Extension Office, 100 E. State St. in St. Johns.

Please call 989-224-5241 to register. This workshop is free for parents or $10 for child care providers who need hours for licensing. Two hours approved for star rating system.

---

Memorial Day services scheduled for Eureka Cemetery – May 29

Memorial Day services will be held at Eureka Cemetery in Greenbush Township on Monday May 29th at 10am.

Pastor Keith Whipple will be the speaker. Services will be held under the flag, an important symbol for that day.

---

Be on the lookout for ticks as you head outside

The Mid-Michigan District Health Department encourages residents to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather, and to be on the lookout for ticks.

Ticks can sometimes go unnoticed if you don’t know what you’re looking for. That’s because the average adult tick is only about the size of a sesame seed and a juvenile as small as a poppy seed. Yes, ticks may be small, but don’t let their size fool you; they can transmit numerous diseases to people and pets, with Lyme disease being the most common.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a bull’s-eye rash at the site of the bite. If not properly diagnosed and left untreated, infection can spread to the joints, the heart and the nervous system.

The best defense against Lyme disease is prevention. If possible, it’s best to avoid shady, moist areas in woody and grassy locations, as these are the preferred hiding spots for ticks. If you do need to venture into these areas, walk on well groomed trails and avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush and leaf litter.

Other prevention tips:
· Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot.
· Wear enclosed shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
· Tuck pants into socks or boots.
· While outside, check clothes and exposed skin frequently for ticks.
· Apply insect/tick repellent containing DEET, following manufacturer’s instructions.
· Use tick prevention products on your pets

Upon returning from potentially tick-infested areas, check yourself and your pets for ticks and bathe or shower immediately to wash off and find ticks that may be on you. Ticks can attach to any part of the body, but are commonly found in the hairline, ears, waistline, groin, armpits and sock line.

Prompt removal of a tick is the best method to decrease the chance of infection. If you find one attached to your skin, follow these instructions: Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

Slowly and gently pull upward with steady, even pressure. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the area and your hands with soap and water and apply an antiseptic to the bite wound.

If the tick is alive after removal, place it in an airtight container with a blade of grass or moistened piece of paper towel and contact the Mid-Michigan District Health Department for further instructions (989-224-3111 in Clinton County, 989-875-1019 in Gratiot County and 989-831-3615 in Montcalm County). Testing of the tick may or may not be necessary; the health department will be able to tell you for sure. It is important to note that dead ticks cannot be tested.

If you experience a fever, rash, or muscle or joint aches within several weeks of removing a tick, be sure to see your doctor. Patients treated with appropriate antibiotics in the early stages of Lyme disease usually recover rapidly and completely.

For more information about Lyme disease, visit www.cdc.gov/lyme.

---

Treating A Lack Of Insight in Mental Illness– June 5

NAMI Lansing, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Mental Health Association of Michigan, and Community Mental Health Authority- Clinton, Eaton, Ingham are sponsoring a free educational event, Treating the Lack of Insight in Mental Illness on the Revised Michigan Assisted Outpatient Treatment law also known as Kevin’s Law on Monday, June 5, 6:30 p.m. at the Ingham County Human Resource Building 5303 S Cedar St Lansing. Enter Door 3 Conference Room A on the upper level.

A lack of insight or the inability to recognize one’s illness is a common symptom in depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders. Accordingly, the Legislature revised Michigan Assisted Outpatient Treatment Law ( also known as Kevin’s Law) in November 2016 which became effective February 2017 and now a part of the Mental Health Code. Passed in 2005, Kevin’s Law was meant to improve access to outpatient treatment, however the law was confusing and seldom implemented. The revisions, signed into law by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, provide for easier access to treatment.

Mark Reinstein, PhD, President and CEO, Mental Health Association of Michigan, will discuss the new parameters of the law, and how it can be used to access treatment. Topics will include: What is the rationale for the law, What changes have been made, How does it work, and How can one access it.

Dr. Reinstein was significantly involved with Michigan’s first law on accessing treatment in 2005 and in the revisions of 2016. He has been an active advocate for mental health treatment for 30 years.

We invite the public to come and learn how they can help obtain access to treatment for someone with mental illness of any diagnosis. Any person can assist a person with a lack of insight due to mental illness; does not need to be a parent, guardian, or relative. Recently a student continued on with his life because his college friends took action. Please come and learn how to help. For more information please call 517 484 3404 or email info@namilansing.org or visit our website, www.namilansing.org.

---

CRV collecting empty ink cartridges

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

Please drop off the cartridges at the following locations: St. Vincent DePaul, S. US 27, Huntington Bank, 200 W. Higham and Clinton Transit, 304 N. Brush St., all in St. Johns.

For more information about CRV, go to our web site: www.crvonline.org.

---

Area student receives degrees from Michigan Tech

Wyatt Hurst of Elsie, earned a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from at Michigan Technological University’s spring commencement held on the Houghton, Michigan campus. He is the son of Shannon Hurst and Thomas Hurst.

Update: Chief Kyle Knight moving on

Friday morning the City of St. Johns learned that Chief Kyle Knight will be resigning from the St. Johns Police Department and taking a new position as the police chief in Harbor Springs, MI.

As many of you know, Chief Knight has been deeply involved in our community in many different ways; and we’re saddened that he is leaving our community. The community is also excited for Chief Knight because he is moving closer to his family in northwest lower Michigan.

Please congratulate Chief Knight on his new opportunity and thank him for all of his years of dedicated service to St. Johns and Clinton County.

---

Enjoy a fun-filled day on May 13

If you can’t find something interesting to do on Saturday, you just aren’t trying.

If action is your thing, consider entering the Heart of the Trail 5K race. Run/Walk through the streets of beautiful downtown St. Johns. Then continue through different neighborhoods and along the new scenic Rails to Trails. Certified course maps provided by Spicers Group will be available to participants.

Custom designed T-shirts are guaranteed to pre-registrants and post registrants while supplies last.

Register Here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/SaintJohns/HeartoftheTrail5k

For more information contact Dan Redman at 989-224-8944 Ext. 233

******

If you’re hungry, check out the Eat Healthy Eat Local Festival at Oh Mi Organics at 115 E. Walker St. where 30 local farms, healthy food producers and wellness professionals will be on hand to offer their wares and educate people wanting to live a healthier lifestyle.

Custom Embroidery of St. Johns has donated festival t-shirts which will be given away for donations. The money collected will be put into a grant to be used to open a health food store or farm-to-table restaurant in downtown St. Johns.

******

Meanwhile lunch will be served at the Clinton County Senior Center just down the street. They will be serving BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Nachos and Hotdogs. They will also be hosting a Bake Sale throughout the day.

******

Of course don’t forget that the 15th Annual Chamber Springtime Community Festival and Touch a Truck will be held at the CC RESA Building, across from McDonalds and Burger King on S. Business US-27, and will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Craft vendors will be on hand, and kids of all ages will enjoy the Touch-a-Truck where there will be fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and a race car. Kids can make free crafts throughout the day inside the RESA Building.

******

And on your way, you could drive around town and admire the Spring Clean-up collection set out at the curb of most residences. But be sure to come early because those big old Granger trucks will be out early clearing away the debris.

---

Celebrate Our Armed Forces – Sunday, May 21

Visit both museums in St. Johns on Sunday afternoon, May 21, 2017, (the last day of Armed Forces Week) to celebrate and honor the men and women from this area who have risked their lives to keep us free. Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum (PGS) will be open 1 – 4 pm and Clinton Northern Railway Museum (CNR) will be open 1 – 3 pm. There will be displays and activities for all ages that afternoon.

The Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum, just west of the Courthouse, plans to have their front porch decorated for the event, along with special displays inside. Those include uniforms from different branches of the armed forces and from different wars and conflicts; military guns and medals including the Purple Heart, Victory Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross; and early photos of local military units plus more recent photographs of those who have served our country.

The Railway Museum at the St. Johns Depot will feature Dick Root with one of his World War II vehicles in the parking lot. Inside the Depot will be Dennis Scott signing and selling his book: A Journey in the Vietnam War through Letters Home, and Keith Mino talking about his recent trip to Iwo Jima with fellow Marines. There will be additional opportunities to interact with past and hopefully current members of the armed forces.

A special highlight of the day will be a kazoo parade down the Rail-Trail from the Depot to the Veteran’s Memorial at 2:00 pm. This will be lead by Charles Shore, top high school trumpeter; kazoos will be given to up to 50 children ages 4 and above to play along with Charles, thanks to a donation from the Kiwanis Club of St. Johns. At the Veteran’s Memorial Al Nelson will talk about the significance of that beautiful area.

Weather permitting, there will be games on the Depot lawn for children, and quieter activities for them inside the depot.

Clinton Northern Railway Museum is a branch of Clinton County Arts Council, which receives a portion of its operating money from a grant from the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

---

Hubbapalooza returns for its 6th year in July

Hubbapalooza returns for its 6th year, taking over downtown Hubbardston.

The event kicks off Friday night July 14th with The Hope Floats LED balloon launch and culminates with a live outdoor concert on Saturday night, July 15th with many local acts performing. Last year 2016 Hope Floats set off over 750 balloons in memory of lost ones.

Returning this year is The Color Run, Redneck Olympics, and a Co-ed Softball tournament as well.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned to Hands on Hubbardston for more details. Fun for all ages and supports two great causes including RAVE and The Hope Lodge of Grand Rapids.

Organizers hold events all throughout the year. Just recently they had Dueling Pianos at the American Legion.

Hands on Hubbardston is a 501c3 nonprofit organization made up of compassionate people who raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer. They also make financial contributions to other Michigan-based organizations. https://www.facebook.com/HandsonHubbardston/

---

Museum opens with transportation exhibit

The Clinton County Historical Society Museum opens May 17.

This year’s featured exhibit “Horses, Bonnets and Devil Wagons” will focus on anything relating to travel and transportation in Clinton County from settlement days up to about 1940. There will be very early Michigan highway and railroad maps on display. See a fascinating photo collection of early Clinton County gas stations, hotels and many other transportation related artifacts. A revamped Lansing-St. Johns Interurban Railway exhibit will also be shown.

The museum complex consists of the Paine-Gillam House, Swegles General Store and the Carriage House, all located directly west of the Courthouse at 106 Maple Street, St. Johns.

For questions or information on group tours, please call 989-224-2894 or 989-292-9096. E-mail
pgsmuseum@hotmail.com.

---

Friends of the Maple River to meet – May 17

The Friends of the Maple River (FOMR) will have their Bi-Monthly meeting at the pavilion at Motz Park on Wednesday May 17th. The meeting will start at 6:00 PM. Motz Park is located approximately 3.5 miles north of highway M-21on Dewitt Road northwest of St. Johns.

The FOMR was not able to host a farm tour as part of the May meeting because this May is a busy time for the farms that offer tours.The Farm tour will be re-scheduled to a date in June.

Kelcie Sweeney from the Clinton Conservation District will present a summary of the District’s findings from an E. coli monitoring project on the Maple River. In general, E. coli, including that associated with humans, seems to be present throughout the watershed and river system.

A representative from the Clinton Lakes Pheasant and Wildlife Cooperative will provide a brief update of their efforts including the tentative results of the Pheasant crowing survey that estimates how many pheasants there are in in/near the cooperative area. As a follow up to this presentation, there will be a short hike to view the prairie grasslands recently planted in the park. Please wear appropriate attire for the hike.

A business meeting will follow the presentations to take care of routine FOMR business matters. There will also be a discussion about the extent of the annual spring river cleanup project that was hampered due to high water conditions.There will be a discussion of the scheduled quiet waters float in June on the Maple River and to finalize the arrangements for the June Farm Tour.

As always, check our website at friendsofthemapleriver.org and on Facebook at Friends of The Maple River.

---

LAFCU, Lugnuts expand Community Champions program

Nominations are open for the LAFCU Community Champions program, which has been expanded this year to honor police, fire and medical first responders as well as current and veteran members of the military at Lansing Lugnuts games this summer.

“The LAFCU Community Champions program is back for its fourth season with the opportunity to recognize those who help us every day locally – our first responders,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU senior vice president of marketing. “Our partnership with the Lansing Lugnuts offers the ideal location for community recognition of those who selflessly serve or have served our country far away and at home.”

Community Champions receive four free tickets to a Lansing Lugnuts LAFCU Fireworks Spectacular, the opportunity to throw the first pitch and in-game recognition on the ballfield’s videoboard.

Selection of LAFCU Community Champions honorees will be made throughout the summer prior to individual LAFCU Fireworks Spectaculars. Nominations will continue to be accepted through August 18.

“Including our own local first responders as Community Champions makes perfect sense,” said Nick Grueser, Lugnuts general manager. “Our military members protect us on the battlefield, and our first responders protect and care for us right here at home. They are all deserving of our gratitude and recognition.”

Nominations of deserving Community Champions should include their employing organization or branch of service; rank, rank at time of discharge or position held; awards and other recognition received; and community work.

Submit the information via email at
LAFCUcommunitychampion@gmail.com or mail it to LAFCU Community Champions. P.O. Box 26188, Lansing, MI 48909. For more information, contact Ashley Loudan, Lugnuts community partnerships manager, at 517.827.2480 or
aloudan@lansinglugnuts.com.

SJHS Class of 1964 to hold reunion – August 27

The 3rd Annual Picnic for the St. Johns High School Class of 1964 will be held on the last Sunday of August, August 27, 2017.

The event will be potluck. Please plan to arrive at 12:00 noon at the Main Pavilion at the St. Johns City Park. Bring a dish to pass. Table Service, bottled water, Ice Tea, and Coffee will be provided. There will be lots of electrical outlets in the Pavilion making it ideal for Crock-Pots.

Please note: This is open to all Class Members and Spouses and /or Guests.

For more information please contact Jan at 989-630-9021.

---

Impression 5 Event – deadline May 15

Community Resource Volunteers will be going to Impression 5 to make slime and to do hands on exhibits on Saturday, May 20th. This event is for Middle School students.

Please go to crvonline.org or call 517-672-4226 for more details and to register. Deadline is May 15th.

---

Soup Kitchen makes stops in area – All are welcome

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, May 16, and at

– Middleton Community Church, 223 S. Newton, Middleton, from 5 p.m to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 16, and at

– Carson City Linden Apartments, 320 E Linden St., Carson City, Thursday, May 18 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m, and at

– Pompeii United Methodist Church, 135 W. Burton, Pompeii, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, May 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.

---

Briggs District Library News

Briggs District Library is pleased to announce the availability of the digital magazine service Zinio for Libraries. Zinio features full-color, digital editions for instant desktop reading, mobile streaming, and mobile-app download. Patrons are able to select both new and back issues, adding them to personal reading libraries with no holds, no checkout periods, and no limits to the number of magazines checked out and downloaded. And with personal notifications for their favorite magazines, patrons never miss an issue! Please see a library staff member for more information on how to access this service, or go to www.briggsdistrictlibrary.org.

Summer Story-time/Program Dates:
– Lapsit (ages 12-24 months with participating adult) Fridays, June 9 – July 14, 10:30-11am, includes age appropriate stories, music, simple movement, early sign language, fingerplays, and take-home activities.
– Toddler: (ages 2-3 with participating adult) Wednesdays, June 7 -July12, 10:30-11am, includes stories, music, movement, and take-home crafts.
– Pre-Reader: (ages 4-6, independent listeners) Thursdays, June 22-July 27, 10:30-11am, features stories, games, music, activities, and crafts.
– Primetime: (ages3-5, independent listeners) Tuesdays, June 6-July18 (no session on 7/4), 7-7:30 pm, includes stories, music, and crafts.

Registration is required for all Story-time Programs listed above and opens Tuesday, May 9.
– Chapter Chatter: (ages 6-8, independent listeners) Mondays, August7-28, 7-7:45pm, Library staff selects and reads chapter books over the course of 4 weeks. Sometimes the kids vote on which title will be read. Includes snacks, crafts and games.

Registration is required and opens on Monday, July 10.
– ‘Tweens: (ages 9-12) Hands on activities and fun on Tuesday, August8, 6:30-7:30pm. Registration is required and opens on Tuesday, July 11.
– Toddler: (ages 2-3 with participating adult) Wednesdays, August 2-23, 10:30-11am, includes stories, music, movement and take-home crafts. Registrations is required and opens Wednesday, July 5. This information is also available on our website wwwbriggsdistrictlibrary.org. and brochures at the circulation desk.

Summer Reading Program “Building a Better World” – Children complete bingo sheets for prizes. Teens and adults complete tasks to earn scratch tickets that reveal prizes. Program runs June 1st thru August 31st.

Summer Reading Kick-Off Event! – Mark this free family event on your calendar now…you won’t want to miss it! Join us on Monday, June 5th from 4-7:30pm. at the Rotary Park across from the library. Featured will be a bounce house for younger children, an inflatable baseball game and bungee run for older kids and teens, a dunk tank, “Face Painting by Sharon” and you can visit with books characters “Piggie and Gerald”. No registration is required for this program.

Maker Electronics Program – We will offer the opportunity to “Deconstruct” old electronic equipment. There will be tools and safety glasses provided. Let’s find out what made it work by taking it apart. Ages 8-12, Monday, June 12th from 6:30-7:30pm. Registration is required and opens on Monday, May 15th.

S.A.M. in the Summer – Hands-on-fun in Science, Art and Math! We will be starting off with Art (Monday, June 19, grades going into 1st thru 3rd and Monday, June 26, grades 4-6). Next we will offer Science (Monday, July 10, grades going into 1st thru 3rd and Monday, July 17, grades 4-6). And last but not least we end with Math (Monday, July 24th, grades going into 1st thru 3rd and Monday, July 31st, grades 4-6). All sessions are from 3 to 4 pm. Registration is required and opens Monday, May 22nd. All programs are free.

Author Visit – The library will be hosting Phil Stagg, author of the popular “Waterfalls of Michigan” series on Monday, June 26. Phil will share stories about the waterfalls and their surrounding areas, as well as his beautiful photography. Registration for this event is appreciated and begins Tuesday, May 30.

Garden Buddies – Spring is in the air and we at the library are thinking about gardening. Youth ages 7-12 are invited to join the Briggs District Library Garden Buddies to learn what it takes to grow the food they love to eat. We will be meeting Thursday evenings starting May 18 and going through June 29. There will be no session June 15. This program will be occurring from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Registration is required and is now open.

Library Closures – The Library will be closed Saturday May 27 and Monday May 29 in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday. The drop box on the Library porch will be available for returns throughout this closure.

******

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

---

CRV collecting empty ink cartridges

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

Please drop off the cartridges at the following locations:
– St. Vincent DePaul, S. US 27,
– Huntington Bank, 200 W. Higham and
– Clinton Transit, 304 N. Brush St.

For more information about CRV, go to our web site: www.crvonline.org.

---

Senior Center Available for Weekend Rentals

Are you looking for a location to hold a high school graduation, birthday party, family reunion or shower? Then come and take a look at the Clinton County Senior Center, located at 201 E Walker Street in St. Johns. It is available for rent most weekends of the year.

The center has two large rooms (one with dining tables and chairs) available for use. The center rents for $100 – $150. The price depends on whether you use the kitchen or just the large rooms.

If you would like a tour of the facility, stop in any Mon, Tue, Wed or Fri between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. If you have any questions you can also call them at 989-224-4257.

---

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.

First annual Eat Healthy Eat Local Festival is May 13

The first annual Eat Healthy Eat Local Festival being held on Walker St., downtown St. Johns. There will be 30 local farms, healthy food producers and wellness professionals attending this event. The goal is to help local businesses grow and introduce themselves to the community, as well as educating people wanting to live a healthier lifestyle.

This is a free event for all exhibitors as well as anyone attending.

Custom Embroidery of St. Johns has donated festival t-shirts which will be given away for donations. The money collected will be put into a grant to be used to open a health food store or farm-to-table restaurant in downtown St. Johns.

If you would like to write something about the festival, or possibly run an ad for it, please stop by Oh Mi Organics at 115 E. Walker St. for more information.

Enjoy samples and shop local products from:
Phillips Orchard, Livingston Farms, Spoon Me Nut Butter Blends, Monroe Family Organics, Gearig Apiary, Andy T’s Farm Market, Wilson’s Farm Fresh Meats, Healthy By Juice, Wilcox Heritage Farm, Countrywinds Farm, Deb’s Serini-TEA Lounge, Perfectly Posh, Three Ponds Farm, Foods For Living, Sacred Springs Kombucha, The Talking Berry Farm, For The Love Of Grain, Herbal Solution, St. Johns Florist & Greenhouse, Healthy Farm-to-Plate Menu and Smoothies from Chuckie D’s, Body Composition Analysis from EVOKE Wellness, Nutrition & Physical Well-being with St. Johns Chiropractic, $1/minute Massages with After The Storm Healing Massage

Proudly sponsored by:
Mercantile Bank, Butler Financial Group, Postal Connections, Sports Stop, Michigan Graphics & Signs, Custom Embroidery Plus, Bruno’s Bar, Helvie Builders, Doug’s Lock & Glass Service, Kurt’s Appliance, Mike’s Power Equipment, Siren’s Bar, St. Johns Big Boy, Ethan Painter Photography & Films, Avery Eye Care, AgroLiquid, Sparrow Clinton Hospital, LAFCU.

---

May 13 Springtime Community Festival is for everyone

On Saturday, May 13 there’s an event in St. Johns that has something for everyone in the family. The 15th Annual Chamber Springtime Community Festival and Touch a Truck will be held at the CC RESA Building (across from McDonalds and Burger King) and will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For mom and dad there are craft vendors to visit selling everything from wood crafts to jewelry, quilts, dog blankets, hair accessories, aprons, etc., and vendors selling products like Tupperware, It Works, Younique, etc. And, you will have the opportunity to visit with store front businesses and non-profits like Keck Coleman Funeral Home, Ferralls Tree Trimming and Removal and City of St. Johns just to name a few.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the Touch-a-Truck where there will be fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and a race car. Kids can make free crafts throughout the day inside the RESA Building.

Come around lunch time and you can purchase lunch from the Clinton County Senior Center. They will have BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Nachos and Hotdogs. They will also have a Bake Sale throughout the day.

The first 50 adults arriving at 9:00 a.m. will receive a treat bag, and an additional 50 treat bags will be given out at 1:00 p.m. Dozens of prizes will be given out in a free raffle throughout the day and there will also be a special drawing for kids prizes. An additional drawing with a prize of $100 in gift certificates will take place at 3:00 pm. Every time you make a purchase from a vendor between 1:00 – 2:30 pm you will be entered into this special drawing. These special drawings are courtesy of the events Media Sponsor Sparrow Clinton Hospital.

If you have any questions about the event, call the Chamber at 989-224-7248 or email them at ccchamber@4wbi.net.

---

Impression 5 Event – deadline May 15

Community Resource Volunteers will be going to Impression 5 to make slime and to do hands on exhibits on Saturday, May 20th. This event is for Middle School students.

Please go to crvonline.org or call 517-672-4226 for more details and to register. Deadline is May 15th.

---

First Congregational to host Lansing Chorale – May 7

The Lansing Chorale will appear at First Congregational Church of St. Johns May 7, 11 A.M.

Formed in 2012 with talented vocalists and instrumentalists from the greater Lansing area, the Chorale’s 30 members enjoy singing music with deep harmonies and beautiful arrangements in a cappella style. Its ministry is to spread the gospel through music.

The Chorale will lead the Sunday worship service under the direction of Vic Hilbert. Please join them for this free special event.

---

Comedy and Pizza Night in Elsie

Comedy and Pizza Night in Elsie returns next Friday, May 12 with Nick Leydorf, Samantha Rager and headliner Zach Martina.

Martina brings his big personality to crowds across America as they wonder: “I don’t know what he’s freaking out about, but it’s pretty funny.” Performing at clubs across the country and at events such as the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival, The World Series of Comedy and the Laugh Your Asheville Off Festival, Zach has had the good fortune to share the stage with the likes of Dave Chappelle, Flight of the Conchords, Hannibal Buress & Rory Scovel. Zach brings an energy all his own and points the finger of blame at every single person; except himself.

Tickets are $10 at the door the night of the show. Foo-G’s Pizza will be selling slices and pop before and during the show. Doors – at 110 E. Main St. – open at 7:30 p.m. with the show starting at 8 p.m. The show is for all ages; however, adult content will be covered. The show benefits the Elsie Food Bank.

---

Spring Clean-up scheduled – May 13

Spring clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, May 13th. All items must be placed out by the curb by 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 13th but no earlier than Saturday, May 6th.

Items placed after the contractor has passed through will not be picked up. This service is available to city residents only who live in a one to five unit dwelling. If you are located in a construction zone, your items will be picked up for spring clean-up. Granger is aware of the construction areas and will pick up your items as long as they are out by 6 AM.

The following items Can be placed out by the curb for clean-up:

Appliances, mattresses, furniture, electronics (t.v.’s, computers, monitors, VCR’s), lawn mowers, hub caps, copper or brass tubing & wire, large toys, bicycles, furniture, scrap metal (bed frames, aluminum lawn chairs, file cabinets, etc.)

Do Not place trash/recycling, batteries, dirt piles, concrete, bricks, stone, blocks, construction or demolition materials from major household repairs, yard waste or latex paint (latex paint can be dried out by using saw dust or kitty litter and then placed into your weekly household green city bag).

As an alternative to placing gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories and building materials for curb side pick-up, residents may contact the Clinton County Habitat for Humanity Re-Store at 989-227-1771 or www.habitat.org/restores for more information on donating items. Also St. Vincent De Paul at the South Point Mall, St. Johns, ph: 989-224-8852 accepts donations.

For more information, call City Offices at (989) 224-8944.

---

Mint Festival Pageant informational meeting is May 11

Anyone interested in participating in the 2017 St. Johns Mint Festival Pageant should attend a very brief meeting on Thursday, May 11. The meeting will be held in the CCRESA Building (across from McDonalds) from 6-7 p.m. At the meeting you will find out what is nvolved In competing in the pageant, including time commitment, costs, etc.

Applications for the pageant will be available at the meeting. If you have questions about the pageant but are unable to attend the meeting, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248.

---

CCAC to host reception on Saturday, May 20

The Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) is pleased to present the St. Johns Camera Club’s Photo Exhibition, throughout the month of May. This is the Art Council’s second year hosting the club’s exhibition, after a very successful event last May. The exhibit features images from across the country by mid-Michigan photographers.

In celebration of this collection, the CCAC will host a reception on Saturday, May 20, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., at which light refreshments will be served. At 3:00 PM Bob Sheap and W. Spencer Parshall will present a travel log, “Gems of Southern Italy.”

We invite the public to journey with us to the cliffs of Sorrento, explore the famed ruins of Pompeii, and tour Italy’s spectacular Amalfi Coast with its jaw-dropping vistas. A boat trip will take you to the Isle of Capri, and then to the hillside resort village of Positano, formerly a sleepy fishing village.

This presentation is a must for all who would love to go to southern Italy and all who would like to relive their own beautiful memories. No registration is necessary.

For those with an interest in photography, the Clinton County Arts Council and the St. Johns Camera Club encourage you to reach out and get involved! All cameras are welcome, from iPhone to DSLR! The club focuses on sharing and promoting ideas and information, learning and growing together, and building a supportive photography community. With monthly meetings, competitions and mentoring, field trips, seminars and much more! Take the first step and join us this May for the Photo Exhibition.

For more information, visit www.clintoncountyarts.org/st.-johns-camera-club-photo-exhibit.html

Soup Kitchen makes stops in area – all are welcome

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, May 9 and at

– Beacon of Hope/First Baptist Church, 512 S. US 27, St. Johns, from 5:30 p.m to 7:00 pm., Tuesday, May 9 and at

– Suntree Apartments, 1100 Sunview Dr., St. Johns, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, May 11 and at

– Ithaca Church of God, 624 Barber St, Ithaca, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 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

---

Lowe UMC hosts Mother’s Day event – Friday, May 12

Lowe United Methodist Church will host a Mother’s Day Event on Friday, May 12th beginning at 6:30 pm. Light refreshments and entertainment will be provided.

The church is located at 5485 W. Lowe Rd. St. Johns.

---

Heart of the Trail 5K – May 13

St. Johns will host the Heart of the Trail 5K Run/Walk at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 13th 2017.

Run/Walk through the streets of beautiful downtown St. Johns. Then continue through different neighborhoods and along the new scenic Rails to Trails. Certified course maps provided by Spicers Group will be available to participants.

A $20.00 Race Fee, increasing to $25.00 after April 30, 2017, includes a T-Shirt. The fee is $15/$20 without a shirt.
Registration: Price increases to

The Kids 1 Mile (Ages 2 – 14) will begin at 11:00 am. The race fee is $10.00 increasing to $15.00 after April 30, 2017.

Register Here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/SaintJohns/HeartoftheTrail5k

For more information contact Dan Redman at 989-224-8944 Ext. 233

---

Celebrate Our Armed Forces – Sunday, May 21

Sunday, May 21, 2017 is the Last Day Of Armed Forces Week, and the Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum in conjunction with the Clinton Northern Railway Museum have planned a special celebration for the whole community.

Events for the day include special displays at the Museum from 1 – 4 p.m.

The Military Room and museum porch (west of the Courthouse) will feature:
· Uniforms from the different branches of the armed forces and from different wars and conflicts
· Military guns and Medals, including the Purple Heart, Victory Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross
· Early photos of local military units and more recent photographs of those who have served our country

The Museum is located at 106 Maple Ave.

Clinton Northern Railway Museum will be open from 1 – 3 p.m. Activities Clinton Northern Railway Museum at the Depot will include one-time-only features:
· Dick Root with one of his World War II vehicles in the parking lot
· Dennis Scott book-signing: A Journey in the Vietnam War through letters home
· Keith Mino talking about his recent trip to Iwo Jima with fellow Marines
· Military uniforms and artifacts on loan from PGS Museum
· Activities for children, including a parade down the Rail-Trail from the Depot to the Veteran’s Memorial at 2:00 PM and simple patriotic-oriented crafts

Clinton Northern Railway Museum is part of the Clinton County Arts Council, which receives a portion of its operating expenses from the Michigan Arts Council for Arts and Culture Affairs and National Endowment for the Arts.

---

Be a delegate in the Goodwill Mission to Shiga, Japan

The Michigan Shiga Sister State Organization is currently seeking interested individuals to travel as Michigan delegates in the 2017 Goodwill Mission to Shiga, Japan.

President Linda J. Beeman (Owosso) says this Goodwill Mission in September will begin a year of celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the Sister State relationship, culminating in September 2018. All Michigan residents over 18, are welcome to participate. From September 5 – 15, a delegation of 40 Michigan community members will enjoy a ten-day Goodwill Mission in Shiga that will include a home-stay experience with a Japanese family. No Japanese language experience is needed.

Individuals interested in participating should visit the website at www.mishiga.org/goodwill for more information. Or call Jenny McCampbell at 989-224-6134 or email Beeman at lindajbeman1@gmail.com before May 12 if possible.

---

May activities at Clinton County Senior Center

Are you 55 years of age or older? Then you should check out the Clinton County Senior Center at 201 E Walker St. in St. Johns. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Here are some of the activities going on in May:

Senior meals – Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday a nutritional meal is served at Noon for senior citizens. The meals are available for a suggested $3 donation. Some of the meals in May include Goulash, Chicken Picatta and Pork Medallions. For a complete schedule, call the center, 989-224-4257 or stop in and pick one up.

Bingo – Bingo will be held every Tuesday and Friday, 12:30 p.m. The cost is $1 and every player will win 4-5 items. Prizes include things like canned goods, personal care items, cereal, peanut butter, snacks, cookies and chocolate.

Euchre tournaments – On May 8 and 22 Euchre tournaments will be held 1-3 p.m. If you eat lunch at the center before cards the tournament is only $1. If you come just for the tournament it is $2. On May 1 and 15 the Euchre tournament will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. and everyone pays $2. The tournament is pretty fast paced so you need to know the basics of the game, but you don’t have to be a great player to come and have fun.

Trivia Contest – On May 1 and 15 there will be a no cost Trivia Contest from 1-3p.m. There are a lot of clues given, so don’t worry about being the smartest person in the room. Small prizes are awarded throughout the contest.

Birthday Party – Each month the center celebrates the birthdays of any member that is celebrating a birthday in that month. Members get free lunch, cake and ice cream and a special sweet treat. The party for May Member birthdays is planned for Wednesday, May 10.

General Public Lunches – Every Monday lunch is open to the general public – no matter what age. A fundraiser meal is made by volunteer cooks each week in their licensed kitchen. The cost is only $5 for the full meal or $3 for a sandwich and chips. Meals in May include May 1-Ham, May 8-Lasagna, May15-Chicken Cordon Bleu and May 22-Salads. Homemade pie is also available for only $1.50 a slice. Monday meals are served 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Take outs are available.

May Party – On Thursday, May 25 there will be a special party for members, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Start coming to the Senior Center and you can enjoy these fun monthly activities.

Seniors are always welcome to stop in to use the exercise room, work on a puzzle, play other card or board games or just to socialize.

If you don’t think you are old enough for the center, but want to support them in some way, consider donating items they can use for the center such as Styrofoam plates, bowls, cups, napkins, toilet paper, and paper towels, things for bingo such as candy bars, cereal, canned fruit, bagged snack foods and they could use children’s cotton fabric for projects for their gift shop.

If you have any questions about the Senior Center stop in or give them a call at 989-224-4257.

---

CRV collecting empty ink cartridges

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

Please drop off the cartridges at the following locations:
– St. Vincent DePaul, S. US 27,
– Huntington Bank, 200 W. Higham and
– Clinton Transit, 304 N. Brush St.

For more information about CRV, go to our web site: www.crvonline.org.

---

Senior Center Available for Weekend Rentals

Are you looking for a location to hold a high school graduation, birthday party, family reunion or shower? Then come and take a look at the Clinton County Senior Center, located at 201 E Walker Street in St. Johns. It is available for rent most weekends of the year.

The center has two large rooms (one with dining tables and chairs) available for use. The center rents for $100 – $150. The price depends on whether you use the kitchen or just the large rooms.

If you would like a tour of the facility, stop in any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. If you have any questions you can also call them at 989-224-4257.

Celebrate Our Armed Forces – Sunday, May 21

Sunday, May 21, 2017 is the Last Day Of Armed Forces Week, and the Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum in conjunction with the Clinton Northern Railway Museum have planned a special celebration for the whole community.

Events for the day include special displays at the Museum from 1 – 4 p.m.

The Military Room and museum porch (west of the Courthouse) will feature:
· Uniforms from the different branches of the armed forces and from different wars and conflicts
· Military guns and Medals, including the Purple Heart, Victory Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross
· Early photos of local military units and more recent photographs of those who have served our country

The Museum is located at 106 Maple Ave.

Clinton Northern Railway Museum will be open from 1 – 3 p.m. Activities Clinton Northern Railway Museum at the Depot will include one-time-only features:
· Dick Root with one of his World War II vehicles in the parking lot
· Dennis Scott book-signing: A Journey in the Vietnam War through letters home
· Keith Mino talking about his recent trip to Iwo Jima with fellow Marines
· Military uniforms and artifacts on loan from PGS Museum
· Activities for children, including a parade down the Rail-Trail from the Depot to the Veteran’s Memorial at 2:00 PM and simple patriotic-oriented crafts

Clinton Northern Railway Museum is part of the Clinton County Arts Council, which receives a portion of its operating expenses from the Michigan Arts Council for Arts and Culture Affairs and National Endowment for the Arts.

---

Be a delegate in the Goodwill Mission to Shiga, Japan

The Michigan Shiga Sister State Organization is currently seeking interested individuals to travel as Michigan delegates in the 2017 Goodwill Mission to Shiga, Japan.

President Linda J. Beeman (Owosso) says this Goodwill Mission in September will begin a year of celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the Sister State relationship, culminating in September 2018. All Michigan residents over 18, are welcome to participate. From September 5 – 15, a delegation of 40 Michigan community members will enjoy a ten-day Goodwill Mission in Shiga that will include a home-stay experience with a Japanese family. No Japanese language experience is needed.

Established in 1968, the Michigan-Shiga partnership is the oldest and most comprehensive sister state relationship between the United States and Japan. The mission of the Michigan-Shiga Sister State Board is to promote increased respect and understanding of the different cultures that exist in Japan and the United States, and to build strong and lasting personal relationships through reciprocal citizen exchanges between Michigan and Shiga as a means of fostering greater peace in our world.

Individuals interested in participating should visit the website at www.mishiga.org/goodwill for more information. Or call Jenny McCampbell at 989-224-6134 or email Beeman at lindajbeman1@gmail.com before May 12 if possible.

---

O-E Youth Baseball/Softball invites community to Lugnuts game

The community is invited to attend Ovid-Elsie Youth Baseball and Softball Day at Cooley Law School Stadium in Lansing. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6th where the Lugnuts face off with the Burlington Bees at 7:05pm. Tickets are just $14 each.

Olivia Coon posed last year with a Lugnuts favorite.

Ovid-Elsie Youth Baseball and Softball has partnered with the Lugnuts to give attendees a night at Cooley Law School Stadium jam packed with fun: The Dream Team – 18 Ovid-Elsie players will be drawn in a raffle to sit in the dugout before the game and take the field with the Lugnuts players before the singing of the National Anthem. Each raffle ticket is $1 each and fans can purchase as many tickets as you like. The more you purchase, the better chance your child has to participate.

All proceeds will support the Ovid-Elsie Youth Baseball and Softball program.

Free Group Photo

Complimentary group photo to capture the Lugnuts experience.

LAFCU Fireworks

Stick around after the game and watch as the Lugnuts light up the sky with LAFCU Fireworks.

Everyone is invited to attend the game and a portion of ticket sales supports our local youth baseball/softball league. Tickets should be purchased in advance through the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ovidelsie. Questions may be directed to organizer James Coon at 517-202-7766.

The OEYBS League is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the growth of baseball/softball at all age levels in the Ovid-Elsie area.

---

Mint Country Garden Club Meeting

The monthly meeting of Mint Country Garden Club will be held Thursday, May 4, at 7:15 pm. Renata Reibitz will be discussing garden tool maintenance.

Please note the location has changed for this month only to the First United Methodist Church, 200 E. State Street in 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.

---

Spring Clean-up scheduled – May 13

Spring clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, May 13th. All items must be placed out by the curb by 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 13th but no earlier than Saturday, May 6th.

Items placed after the contractor has passed through will not be picked up. This service is available to city residents only who live in a one to five unit dwelling. If you are located in a construction zone, your items will be picked up for spring clean-up. Granger is aware of the construction areas and will pick up your items as long as they are out by 6 AM.

The following items Can be placed out by the curb for clean-up:

Appliances, mattresses, furniture, electronics (t.v.’s, computers, monitors, VCR’s), lawn mowers, hub caps, copper or brass tubing & wire, large toys, bicycles, furniture, scrap metal (bed frames, aluminum lawn chairs, file cabinets, etc.)

Do Not place trash/recycling, batteries, dirt piles, concrete, bricks, stone, blocks, construction or demolition materials from major household repairs, yard waste or latex paint (latex paint can be dried out by using saw dust or kitty litter and then placed into your weekly household green city bag).

As an alternative to placing gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories and building materials for curb side pick-up, residents may contact the Clinton County Habitat for Humanity Re-Store at 989-227-1771 or www.habitat.org/restores for more information on donating items. Also St. Vincent De Paul at the South Point Mall, St. Johns, ph: 989-224-8852 accepts donations.

For more information, call City Offices at (989) 224-8944.

---

Girls on the Run to Host 5k event on May 21

Girls on the Run of Mid Michigan will host its 5k event on May 21 at MSU in East Lansing.

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in 3rd to 8th grade. During the ten-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections and encourage community service while they prepare for an end-of-season celebratory 5k event.

Participation in the 5k event on May 21 is open to the public and all proceeds from the event will benefit Girls on the Run of Mid Michigan. The event, presented by Jackson National Life, begins at noon at the Munn Ice Arena and runs through the beautiful campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing. Last season’s 5k event brought together 1,500 participants including program participants, their family and friends and community members. Registration cost is $25 for adults and includes an event shirt. Pricing varies for youth and running buddies and increases after May 5.

Packet pick up will be on May 19 at Crim Fitness Foundation, 452 Saginaw St., Flint 4:30-6:30 pm; May 20 at Playmakers in Okemos 10am-6pm and at MSU beginning at 10:00 a.m. The event will begin at NOON on May 21 at Munn Ice Arena, Michign State University and early arrival is suggested. For more information about the event, how to register and volunteer opportunities, visit gotrmidmichigan.org/5K.

Swiss Steak Supper is May 4

The Eureka Church will be holding a Swiss Steak Supper Thursday, May 4, 2016. Serving from 4:30 pm until 6:30 pm. Take-outs are available.

The church is located at 2619 East Maple Rapids Road, Eureka, MI. Tell your friends, and we’ll see you there.

---

Heart of the Trail 5K – Saturday, May 13th 2017

St. Johns will host the Heart of the Trail 5K Run/Walk at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 13th 2017.

Run/Walk through the streets of beautiful downtown St. Johns. Then continue through different neighborhoods and along the new scenic Rails to Trails. Certified course maps provided by Spicers Group will be available to participants.

A $20.00 Race Fee, increasing to $25.00 after April 30, 2017, includes a T-Shirt. The fee is $15/$20 without a shirt.
Registration: Price increases to

The Kids 1 Mile (Ages 2 – 14) will begin at 11:00 am. The race fee is $10.00 increasing to $15.00 after April 30, 2017.

Register Here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/SaintJohns/HeartoftheTrail5k

Custom designed T-shirts are guaranteed to pre-registrants and post registrants while supplies last.

Chip Timing Technology will be provided by Michigan Running Foundation. There will be multiple water stops and food provided at the end of race to all racers.

For more information contact Dan Redman at 989-224-8944 Ext. 233

---

Salmonella risk from chicks

It can be hard to resist little fluffy chicks and ducklings, but it may be best to admire them from afar, or at least be cautious when handling them. That’s because under all that cuteness something harmful could be lurking- Salmonella germs.

Salmonella infections don’t just come from contaminated food- they can come from contact with animals, too. Chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys can carry the germ in their droppings and on their bodies, even when they appear healthy and clean. Salmonella germs can also be found in cages, coops and the environment where the birds live and roam. All poultry can carry Salmonella, but chicks are especially likely carriers.

While it usually doesn’t make the birds sick, Salmonella can cause serious illness when passed to people. Salmonella germs can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps lasting 4-7 days or more. Infants, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness, so they should be extra cautious.

In 2016, there were nine nationwide outbreaks of Salmonella illness linked to contact with live poultry, causing illness in 911 people in 48 states. Michigan reported 55 cases, of which almost half (45 percent) were in children.

Follow these recommendations to help protect yourself and others:

· Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching poultry.
· If you raise poultry, clean all equipment, like cages and feed and water containers, outside the house.
· Never bring live poultry inside the house, or in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored.
· Children younger than five years of age, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems should never handle or touch live poultry.
· Supervise children when they handle poultry and make sure they properly wash their hands afterwards.
· Don’t snuggle or kiss the chicks.
· Don’t touch your mouth, smoke, or eat or drink after handling live poultry.

If you raise poultry, see a display of the feathered cuties in a store this spring, or come in contact with them elsewhere, remember to use caution to ensure you stay germ-free.

---

15th Annual Springtime Community Festival – May 13

On Saturday, May 13th the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 15th Annual Springtime Community Festival. Included in the festival is a Craft Show with over 60 vendors, a Touch a Truck, lunch, free kids crafts and business and non-profit vendor booths.

The day starts out with treat bags given out to the first 50 adults that attend at 9:00 a.m. Then an additional 50 bags will be given out to adults that arrive at 1:00 p.m. Everyone attending also will have the opportunity to register for free door prizes that will be given away throughout the day. You need not be present to win when your name is drawn. Finally, every time you make a purchase from a vendor between 1:00-2:30 p.m. you will get your name entered into a drawing to win $100 in gift cards.

The prizes given out throughout the day will not be just for adults. There will be prizes like scooters and bikes given out to children. And children can make free crafts throughout the day and experience all the great vehicles in the parking lot.

Kids of all ages can experience Body Bubbles at the festival. This is preparation for their attendance at the 2017 St. Johns Mint Festival. Lunch from the Clinton County Senior Center will include BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Nachos and Hotdogs.

The 15th Annual Springtime Community Festival will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 in the CC RESA Building across from McDonalds at 1013 S US 27 in St. Johns. The event is sponsored by the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, along with Sparrow Clinton Hospital of St. Johns.

If you have any questions about the event, call the Chamber at 989-224-7248 or email them at ccchamber@4wbi.net.

---

Water wells require routine maintenance

Groundwater is one of our most important resources and is essential to the health and well-being of residents and the environment. We all must do our part to protect this valuable resource, and for well owners, that means making sure wells are in good working order.

As with most things, preventative maintenance is usually less costly than emergency maintenance, and a water well is certainly no exception.

A routine check of your well by a qualified contractor can prolong the life of your well and is the best way to ensure problem-free service and high quality water. This check may include an equipment inspection to assure it is sanitary and meets local code, as well as a test of your water for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and anything else of concern.

Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) recommends that well owners:
· Keep hazardous chemicals away from your well
· Properly store and dispose of hazardous substances
· Do not put medications or hazardous substances down the drain or toilet
· Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing to ensure it is in good shape and securely attached
· Test the water whenever there is a change in taste, odor, or appearance, or when the system is serviced
· If you have a well, get a yearly maintenance check

Contact MMDHD with any well-related questions, or to inquire about available services at 989-224-2195 in Clinton County, 989-875-3681 in Gratiot County, or 989-831-5237 in Montcalm County.

---

Soup Kitchen makes stops in area – All are welcome

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, May 2 and at

– Middleton Community Church, 223 S. Newton, Middleton, from 5 p.m to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 2 and

– First Baptist Church/Beacon of Hope (northwest parking lot), 512 S. US 27, from 12-1:30 pm, Thursday, May 4 and at

– Pompeii United Methodist Church, 135 W. Burton, Pompeii, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, May 4.

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.

---

Briggs District Library News

Mother’s Day Program – We are pleased to announce our entertainment for the beginning of the program will be provided by Chris Orr sharing his ukulele talent! Mothers, grandmothers, and children ages 3 and up are welcome to join us on Monday, May 8 from 7-8 pm for stories, light refreshments and a craft. Registration is required and open now.

Toddler Story-time – “Music to my Ears!” – Children ages 2-3 years old with an adult are invited to join in some musical fun! There will be stories, music, games, crafts, and creative movement. This is a 4 session story-time starting May 10 and going through May 31. This program is being offered Wednesday mornings at 10:30- 11am. Registration is required and is now open.

Garden Buddies – Spring is in the air and we at the library are thinking about gardening. Youth ages 7-12 are invited to join the Briggs District Library Garden Buddies to learn what it takes to grow the food they love to eat. We will be meeting Thursday evenings starting May 18 and going through June 29. There will be no session June 15. This program will be occurring from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Registration is required and is now open.

*New* Teen Program – Teens are invited to join us on Friday, May 12 at 4:00 pm for a scavenger hunt! Teams of 2-5 members will compete in an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt, answering clues and completing challenges to reach a reward. Registration for individuals and teams is required and is currently available.

Bookaholics Book Club – Thank you to all the Bookaholics who joined us in reading the graphic novel MAUS. We had an interesting and sometimes challenging discussion, but it was an excellent introduction to the format. The book club will return to more familiar terrain in May, when we read THE FIRST PHONE CALL FROM HEAVEN by Mitch Albom. Set in Coldwater, Michigan, this is the story of a series of mysterious phone calls. The voices say they are calling from heaven. Each call is greeted differently – some with love, some with religious zeal, some with fear. The question of whether these calls are a miracle or a hoax drives Sully Harding, a grieving single father with an inquisitive and hopeful son, to uncover the truth. Copies of the book are now available ahead of our next meeting on Thursday, May 18 at 6:30pm.

Bookaholics Survey – You will notice a survey included with the next book club selection. The library is asking for your assistance as we plan for the future of the Bookaholics book club. We want to hear from current members, former members, and sometimes members. We want to hear from you if you like the books, if you don’t like the books, and if you read the books but never attend the meetings. We really want your input, and if you would prefer to complete the survey online, you can do so at our website, www.briggsdistrictlibrary.org.

Seed Library: Are you still looking for seeds to fill your garden this summer? Are you thinking about trying a new type of vegetable or flower? Briggs Library still has a case full of seeds for patrons to check out and plant in their garden. 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 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.

Staff Picks – If you are looking for a good book to read here is a list of titles that Library staff enjoyed or found informative in the last month. Fiction: ” Drowning Tides” by K. Harper, “A Harvest of Thorns” by C. Addison,
“The Hope Chest” by V. Shipman. Non-Fiction: “Wildlife Spectacles: Mass Migrations, Mating rituals, and Other Fascinating Animal Behaviors” by V. Dinets, “Magnolia Story” by Chip & Joanna Gaines, “In the Great Green Room: the Brilliant and Bold Life of Margaret Wise Brown” by A. Gary, “The Case Against Sugar” by G. Taubes, “The Death and Life Of The Great Lakes” by D. Egan. Juvenile: “Sam the Man & the Chicken Plan” by F. Dowell, “Revenge of the Green Banana” by J. Murphy, “Dragonsitter’s Party” by J. Lacey.

Library Closures – The Library will be closed Saturday May 27 and Monday May 29 in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday. The drop box on the Library porch will be available for returns throughout this closure.

******

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

---

MMDHD Calendar – May, 2017

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

May 2: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
May 9: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
May 16: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m
May 23: . 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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

Hearing and 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:

May 3,
May 8
May 31: at 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.

May 24: 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

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

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

May 10: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m

May 15: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

May 18: 8 a.m. to noon

May 22: 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.

---

Moolenaar’s Staff to hold Office Hours in May

The purpose of the office hours is to help residents in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the IRS and the VA.

May 4

11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Clinton County Building
Garden Level Conference Room “A”
100 East State Street
St. Johns, MI 48879

Community Spring Concert is Tuesday, April 25

St. Johns High School Band Director, Roy Davis, has put together a special community Spring Concert for the benefit of mid-Michigan residents. The concert will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. in the Wilson Center Auditorium.

The Concert will feature:
– St. Johns Community Band
– St. Johns High School Jazz Band
– St. Johns High School Jazz Sextet
– St. Johns High School String Quartet

Mr. Davis has also arranged this concert as a benefit to the Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation project. Installation of a new lighting system is all that is left to complete the project. A donation basket will be set up in the auditorium lobby.

The beautiful/historic Wilson Center Auditorium is located at 101 W. Cass St. in downtown St. Johns, just south of the Clinton County Court House.

---

City begins search for new City Manager

The St. Johns City commission has begun the process of searching for a new City Manager.

Deputy City Manager Dave Kudwa will serve as the acting City Manager during this interim period.

Please contact Mayor Dana Beaman at (989) 224-8944 if you have any questions about the upcoming recruitment process.

---

Health department announces ACE Award winner

The Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) is pleased to announce that Becky Stoddard, Public Health Nurse III, was chosen by her peers to receive the ACE (Achievement, Character, Excellence) Award for the period January – March 2017.

ACE Award recipients are chosen by their colleagues and have proven to demonstrate achievement, character and excellence in all they do at MMDHD.

Stoddard received multiple nominations from co-workers who feel she is a dedicated public health professional who is a great team player and respectful to clients and co-workers. She is also described as someone who can be relied on to quickly handle issues that come up with care and precision.

---

New CASA volunteers welcomed

CASA welcomed new Volunteer Advocates to Clinton County’s Superhero Advocate Team. Valarie and Wayne will soon be appointed to children who are in foster care. This was the perfect celebration for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

---

Heart of the Trail 5K – Saturday, May 13th 2017

St. Johns will host the Heart of the Trail 5K Run/Walk at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 13th 2017.

Run/Walk through the streets of beautiful downtown St. Johns. Then continue through different neighborhoods and along the new scenic Rails to Trails. Certified course maps provided by Spicers Group will be available to participants.

A $20.00 Race Fee, increasing to $25.00 after April 30, 2017, includes a T-Shirt. The fee is $15/$20 without a shirt.
Registration: Price increases to

The Kids 1 Mile (Ages 2 – 14) will begin at 11:00 am. The race fee is $10.00 increasing to $15.00 after April 30, 2017.

Register Here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/SaintJohns/HeartoftheTrail5k

Custom designed T-shirts are guaranteed to pre-registrants and post registrants while supplies last.

Chip Timing Technology will be provided by Michigan Running Foundation. There will be multiple water stops and food provided at the end of race to all racers.

For more information contact Dan Redman at 989-224-8944 Ext. 233

---

Swiss Steak Supper is May 4

The Eureka Church will be holding a Swiss Steak Supper Thursday, May 4, 2016. Serving from 4:30 pm until 6:30 pm. Take-outs are available.

The church is located at 2619 East Maple Rapids Road, Eureka, MI. Tell your friends, and we’ll see you there.

SJMS to present The Lion King, Jr. – April 21-23

Performance times are as follows:

Friday, April 21, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at sjdrama.ludustickets.com.

---

S’Moves Alive! 2017 offers unique music program – April 21, 22

S’Moves Alive! 2017 is a mix of dance, music and song that will stimulate all the senses in a series of fun, short, creative presentations April 21-22 at Central United Methodist Church across from the Michigan Capital Building.

Dancers Roberta Otten and John MacDonald perform solos and duets to music in the pop, classical, folk, and abstract music genres. In addition to Otten and MacDonald, a pair of musicians are part of this year’s S’Moves Alive 2017 program. Clarinetist Bill Tennant will accompany several dances and perform an original composition. MacDonald joined the group in 2005.

This year’s program is the 11th concert. Previous shows have been presented in senior assisted living centers in Holland, East Lansing and Lansing.

S’Moves Alive! 2017 begins at 7:30 p.m., both nights. There is no admission charge. Donations will be accepted.

---

Just a reminder about the upcoming Spring Cleanup – May 13

This event is for households within the City. Please do not place items out at the curb before Saturday, May 6, 2017. Contractors will begin pickup on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 6:00 a.m. Items placed after the contractor has passed through will NOT be picked up. For more information, call City Offices at (989) 224-8944.

Attention Pickers: Do not leave a mess after sorting through the piles. Be courteous and keep areas tidy.

---

15th Annual Springtime Community Festival – May 13

On Saturday, May 13th the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 15th Annual Springtime Community Festival. Included in the festival is a Craft Show with over 60 vendors, a Touch a Truck, lunch, free kids crafts and business and non-profit vendor booths.

The 15th Annual Springtime Community Festival will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 in the CC RESA Building across from McDonalds at 1013 S US 27 in St. Johns. The event is sponsored by the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, along with Sparrow Clinton Hospital of St. Johns.

If you have any questions about the event, call the Chamber at 989-224-7248 or email them at ccchamber@4wbi.net.

---

Senior Center Available for Weekend Rentals

Are you looking for a location to hold a high school graduation, birthday party, family reunion or shower? Then come and take a look at the Clinton County Senior Center, located at 201 E Walker Street in St. Johns. It is available for rent most weekends of the year.

The center has two large rooms (one with dining tables and chairs) available for use. The center rents for $100 – $150. The price depends on whether you use the kitchen or just the large rooms.

If you would like a tour of the facility, stop in any Mon, Tue, Wed or Fri between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. If you have any questions you can also call them at 989-224-4257.

---

Soup Kitchen makes stops in area – All are welcome.

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, April 25 and at
– Beacon of Hope/First Baptist Church, 512 S. US 27, St. Johns, from 5:30 p.m to 7:00 pm., Tuesday, April 25 and at
– Four Seasons Apartments, 1268 W. Clark Rd., DeWitt, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, April 27 and at
– Ithaca Church of God, 624 Barber St., Ithaca, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 27.

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

******

Toastmasters meetings every other Wednesday, 6 pm at AgroLiquid through June 2017

April 26

May 10, 24

June 7, 21

******

Spring clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, May 13th.

******

DreamBuilder’s Gala – May 5, 2017. This year’s theme is An Evening in Oz.