Features

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Most Holy Trinity Church Festival

with an album by Maralyn Fink

On Sunday afternoon I decided to visit the Most Holy Trinity Festival in Fowler and seek out some of my relatives. The festival was in full swing, and it is one I look forward to every year.

It was a nice day and and I went about looking at everything. I stopped at the “Fancy Booth” and played my quarters one after another to win a prize.

Well, I did win three times and walked away with some nice prizes. A lot of the things are handmade by the women of the parish who put a lot of time into it. A nice young man, Ryan Schueller, was in charge of making change for the quarters and kept me well supplied.

There were plenty of things for the kids to do and bingo as well for the grown-ups. In the Activities Center there was a full menu of food and tables set up for seating. My favorite was the home made dessert room where you can purchase any thing you could want. What did I buy, you ask – Peanut Butter Cookies because I was going to need something for the road.

A big thank you to all of the people at the Parish for putting on a great festival every year. It is much appreciated by everyone who attends.

See you next year,
Maralyn@sjindy.com

This week’s Mystery Photo

Where is this?

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Can you tell us where this is located? Drop us a line at mail@sjindy.com.

605 E. McConnell

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The current owners are Kathy and Ronald Patterson.

A Look Back – Sealed Power Open House in 1968

by Barry Clark Bauer

Over 800 persons toured the St. Johns plant of Sealed Power Corp. last Thursday evening as the local division observed its 20th anniversary here. Guided and semi-guided tours of the plant were featured, capped with refreshments.

The 20th anniversary celebration is actually a misnomer. The 20th anniversary actually came two years ago, but the plant was in the midst of a huge expansion program and the official observance was delayed.

Lawrence G. Sexton, plant manager, expressed the company’s gratitude for the fine turnout and interest in the local plant.

Bates bore operator, Kenneth Cramer, explains the functions of the huge Sealed Power Corp. equipment to visitors touring the St. Johns plant last Thursday evening during an open house in observance of the firm’s 20th anniversary in St. Johns. The Bates bore turns the inside diameter of the piston-rings the firm makes, and this is about the half-way stage of the ring through the processing at St. Johns.

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Lawrence Sexton left, plant manager of the St. Johns Division of Sealed Power Corp., chats with officials of the company during last Thursday evening’s open house observing the 20th anniversary of the plant in St. Johns. With Sexton are Warren Carter, vice-president for manufacturing;
Paul C. Johnson; chairman of the board of directors; and William Oliver, vice-president for industrial relations.

Sealed Power manufactures piston rings, pistons, cylinder sleeves and other related parts for the original equipment and replacement trades in the automotive field. Its annual sales are approximately $50 million.

The St. Johns Division of Sealed Power is devoted exclusively to the manufacture of piston rings, primarily for the larger engine builders of the country. The major share of the production here is shipped to General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler.

Since its establishment here, Sealed Power employment has increased from 35 to 232, and payrolls have increased 20-fold. The plant has had three major expansions, the last of which increased capacity by 75 per cent when completed in 1967.

Management personnel of the St. Johns division include Sexton as plant manager, Emil Flermoen as superintendent, Robert “Bob” Gill as personnel supervisor, Hugh Wallace as production and office supervisor, Charles Coletta as manufacturing engineer, Herman Bosma as plant engineer, Elston Hicks as maintenance foreman, Richard Wilson as process engineer, William Aldrich as tooling engineer, Stanley Smith as Inspection supervisor, Donald Messer as industrial engineer and Charles Rasdale as steel press engineer. Machine shop foremen include Dale Baker, Walter Baxter, Arden (Jack) Birdsley, John Fedewa, Charles Olson, Edgar Prowant, Stan Plaza and Roman Rademacher.

Sealed Power went through a couple of name changes; first they became Dana and currently is known as Mahle.

Random Notes – Hitching Post Restaurant to close August 10

By Rhonda Dedyne

When the Hitching Post Restaurant closes its doors on August 10, owner Shirley Henning says it will be “a day like every other day here – no special farewell celebration.” That may be true, but odds are good there will be a few tears shed along with lots of happy laughter as memories are exchanged from the past 53 years that Shirley and her family have operated the business on BR-127, a few miles north of St. Johns.

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There’s no way of knowing how many satisfied customers have enjoyed the restaurant’s good food and conversation over the years, although Hitching Post “regulars” like Wanda Lockwood and Dixie Lee Kosloski believe it must be “many, many thousand.”

“Everybody knows the Hitching Post as a welcoming place where the food is great, the wait-staff is the best and the coffee is always on,” Lockwood says with a laugh while Kosloski smiles in agreement as they enjoy a cup of afternoon java with regulars and groups of travelers headed to or from Michigan’s “Up North” on family vacations.

Those vacationers will miss the Hitching Post as much as area residents. A multi-generational family from Detroit is a prime example. The group was saddened to learn this would be the final time the restaurant would be part of their vacation itinerary, Henning says. “They’ve been stopping to eat for years and the grandfather wanted to have the family’s picture taken when they were here recently so we did that for them.”

Travelers on the major north-south highway have been part of the Hitching Post’s history for more than a century. The original building was located slightly north and closer to the highway. That was torn down and the existing building was constructed in 1994 after Henning purchased the business from her father in 1981. “My dad, Richard Clandening, bought the business in 1963,” Henning says about her father who relocated to the St. Johns area from Fowlerville. “I was 12 years old when he and I moved here, so I’ve basically grown up in the business.”

The Hitching Post’s reputation revolves around a family-friendly menu where omelets and skillet meals are served all day, not just for breakfast. “Those are certainly among the favorites of our customers. I have no idea how many thousands of omelets and skillets we’ve served total,” Henning says.

Ditto for the number of people that have been employed there over the years. “We’ve been fortunate to have so many great people working here – some for more than 20 years – and I will truly miss them,” the owner says, citing one person as being particularly important. “My daughter, Melissa, grew up in the business like I did, and I’m so thankful for her help. It’s been special working with her.”

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Shirley Henning and two members of the Hitching Post “family,” Robin Sample and Kristal Davis, are getting ready to say farewell to a St. Johns area restaurant landmark.

Henning’s employment of area residents and positive impact on the overall area has not gone unnoticed by Hitching Post patrons like Kosloski. “Shirley has done a lot for many people – she’s the best.”

Henning returns the compliment, thanking customers for their support and patronage. Still, after being on call seven days a week for all those years she’s ready for the next stage in life. “My husband Mike and I will probably travel a bit, but we don’t know for sure exactly what we will do. It will be a change for sure. We will miss our customers and our employees. We are like a family here.”

Letters – World War ll Memorial at City Park and thanks from District Library and SJPD

Has anyone else noticed that the World War ll Veteran’s Memorial that is just east of the spray park appears to be in need of some care. The area surrounding the memorial is vacant of any flowers (and the memorial is in need of a proper cleaning). There are flowers placed throughout the park areas (around the pavilion, the band shell etc.) but not around the memorial.

Although we have the downtown memorial, this original one holds special meaning in remembrance of our World War ll Veterans. Let’s not let it go!

Can we get a group together to take care of this in remembrance of what they did for our country and the world?

Judy Williams

******

Thank you to our patrons and the St. Johns community for your support!

The passage of this millage allows us to continue to serve you, while we plan for exciting changes in the future.

A special “thank you!” to the Briggs District Library staff, Library Board, and the YES Briggs Library committee for their hard work and dedication over the course of this campaign.

Briggs District Library Board

******

The St. Johns Police Department would like to thank the following local businesses and service groups for their generosity in donating toward National Night Out. We could not do it without their help!

– The St. Johns Kiwanis Club who cooked over the hot grills and also served the hotdogs and corn.
– The St. Johns Rotary Club who ran the kids games and inflatables.
– The St. Johns Lions Club who served the ice cream sandwiches.
– Big Boy Restaurant
– McDonalds of St. Johns
– Kroger of St. Johns
– Andy T’s Farm Market
– Planet X Inflatables
– Kombat Tag
– Harry Verellen /Bubble Soccer
– Sound Cruise DJ – Ed Hafner
– Sharon Shutes and Sara Koenigsknecht for the face painting
– Louis Longoria
– Martin Brower
– Olympian Tool
– RSI Home Improvement
– Mercantile Bank
– The Wheel Inn
– Journey Federal Credit Union
– The Sunshine Center
– Keck Coleman Funeral Home
– Bee’s Chevrolet for the use of a truck
– Kurt’s Appliance for the use of a freezer
– Burt Rentals for the use of tables
– Ralph Bailey/American Rentals for the porta-johns
– Jesse Ballard for the drone photos
– Maple Rapids Cub Scout Pack 519
– Clinton Area Ambulance Service
– St. Johns Fire Department
– St. Johns Department of Public Works


Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Breed of the Week

The Doberman Pinscher is a dog breed first developed in Germany as a guard dog. Once known to be aggressive, the Doberman’s temperament has improved through tactful breeding over the years and is now considered a reliable family pet.
Physical Characteristics

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The Doberman’s powerful, muscular, compact, and square-proportioned build gives it speed, elegance, strength, and endurance. Its posture is alert and proud, while its gait is fast and loose. The accepted colors for the breed include black, red, blue, and fawn — a light yellowish brown. And its rust-colored markings are found above each eye, on the muzzle, throat and forechest, below the tail, and on all four legs and feet. The Doberman also sports a smooth, short coat with neat lines and a white patch on its chest.
Personality and Temperament

This adventurous and loyal companion is a talented and obedient pupil, always ready for a mental challenge. Though it’s usually sensitive and responsive to its owner’s commands, the Doberman can be dominating and overbearing. The breed is also shy with strangers, while aggressive towards strange dogs. A Doberman’s alertness and protection ability, however, are often the qualities sought after by dog fanciers.
Care

The Doberman requires mental and physical exertion daily or it may become destructive or frustrated. This need can be easily met with a walk on a leash, a run in an enclosed area, or a long jog. And while it can live outdoors in cool climate, the Doberman is most effective indoors as a guardian and a family companion. Its coat requires minimal care.
Health

The Doberman Pinscher has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Wobbler’s syndrome, cervical vertebral instability (CVI), and cardiomyopathy are some serious health problems affecting Dobermans; some minor diseases seen in this breed of dog include canine hip dysplasia (CHD), osteosarcoma, von Willebrand’s disease (vWD), demodicosis, and gastric torsion. Albinism, narcolepsy, hypothyroidism, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are occasionally seen in Dobermans, while the Blue Doberman is more prone to hair loss. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run cardiac, eye, hip, and DNA tests.

History and Background

Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector, is credited for the creation of the Doberman Pinscher. In search of a watchful guard dog to accompany him during his rounds, Dobermann developed the Doberman Pinscher in the late 19th century by crossing the old German shorthaired shepherd and the German Pinscher. Later the Black and Tan Manchester Terrier, Weimaraner, and Greyhound were also crossbred.

The original Dobermans had round heads and heavy boned bodies, but breeders soon developed a more robust-looking dog. Over time, the breed evolved remarkably and by 1899, the National Dobermann Pinscher Club, the first club for the new breed, was created in Germany.

After attracting much fame, the first Doberman was introduced to the United States in 1908. The Doberman was used as a guard dog, police dog and even as a war dog, all qualities that eventually made it a favorite as a family protector. Its chiseled outline also made the Doberman a popular show dog.

A new challenge for the breed would arise in the 1970s — the emergence of the albinistic white Doberman. With this albino gene came a wide range of serious health conditions. In an effort to remedy this problem, the Doberman Pinscher Club of America convinced the American Kennel Club to tag the registration numbers of dogs susceptible to the albino gene with the letter “Z.”

In 1977, the Doberman became the second most popular breed in the United States. Since then, the breed has kept its well-regarded status as both a guard dog and a family pet.

Transitions

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Obituaries

David W. Wright

wright_davidDavid W. Wright of St. Johns, MI, died Thursday, August 4, 2016 at the age of 68. He was born October 8, 1947 in Carson City, MI the son of Wendell and Dessie (Cooper) Wright. David was a graduate of Fulton High School, Class of 1965 and retired from General Motors as a die setter after 33 years of service. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed deer hunting, fishing in Florida and was a life member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. On July 23, 1966 he married Carol Boots and they just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Surviving is his wife Carol; one daughter, Charlotte (Dale) Prochazka; one son Thomas D. (Erica) Wright; five grandchildren; his mother and step-father, Dessie and Robert Spear all of St. Johns; one sister, Brenda Mears of TX; three brothers, Dennis (Carol) Wright of St. Johns, Douglas Wright of FL and Barry Wright of Breckenridge, MI. He was preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Wendell and Ivalene Wright.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns with Pastor Andy Croel officiating. Interment will follow at Union Home Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, August 5, 2016 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Compassus Hospice 801 S. Waverly Rd. Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48917.

Evelyn C. Henning

henning_evelynEvelyn C. Henning, of St. Johns, MI, died Monday, August 1, 2016 at the age of 82. She was born January 2, 1934 in Flint, MI the daughter of Edward and Marie (Staley) Hahn. Evelyn was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns and an Air Force veteran. She volunteered for many years at Clinton Memorial Hospital and the Bement Library in St. Johns. She enjoyed doing all types of art projects, knitting and crocheting, and loved fishing, especially the fishing trips to Canada with her husband and friends. On December 26, 1953 she married Dean Henning and he survives her.

Also surviving are three daughters, Diane Willis of Charlotte, NC, Lou Ann Smith of DeWitt and Kelly (Bill) Anderson of Chardon, OH; five grandchildren, Erik Willis, Ryan and Travis Smith, Matthew and Josh Anderson and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Larry Krause.

A memorial mass will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 6, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church 109 Linden St. Johns with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M August 5, 2016 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Friday August 5, 2016 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Compassus Hospice 801 S. Waverly Rd. Lansing, MI 48917.

Gary L. Spellman

spellman_garyGary L. Spellman of St. Johns, MI, died Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the age of 69. He was born August 19, 1946 in Muskegon, MI the son of Fredrick and Dorothy Elizabeth (Johnson) Spellman. Gary had a great interest in history, was an avid reader, loved to discuss politics and taking walks with his dogs. He worked for the Kroger Co. for over 42 years, retiring in 2013.

Surviving is his wife, Isobel; two daughters, Rene Spellman and Jonelle (Niki) Hoffman; one son, Thomas Blunt Jr., five grandchildren; two sisters, Joann Mulligan and Kay Devereaux; one brother, Michael (Suzanne) Kobylarz and one sister-in-law, Storm Spellman. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Joseph Kobylarz, a brother, Bill Spellman and two brothers-in-law, Lonnie Devereaux and Alvin Mulligan.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Monday, August 1, 2016 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Interment will follow at Duplain Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends from 11:00 A.M until service time on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hillsdale College or the NRA.

Marriage licenses filed the week of July 25, 2016

Alexander Mason Burgess, 20 of St. Johns and Makayla Noreen Brown, 19 of St. Johns

Nathan Robert Taylor, 33 of Elsie and Jennifer Lynn Kidd, 27 of Elsie

Jay Matthew Birchmeier, 47 of Bath and April Lewis Callis, 54 of Bath

Nathaniel Love II, 24 of DeWitt and Shayla Shiree Garrard, 19 of DeWitt

Matthew James Price, 42 of St. Johns and Jennifer Marie Catlin, 39 of St. Johns

Kara Ann Price, 20 of St. Johns and Marshal Lawerance Manke, 21 of St. Johns

Todd Richard Sowton, 43 of Lansing and Nicole Kristian Garza, 41 of Lansing

Travis Lee Granger, 27 of Laingsburg and Abigail Marie VanDongen, 27 of St. Clair
Shores
Calvin Duane Brush Jr., 34 of Ovid and Chelsae Marie Machovsky, 29 of Ovid

Josue Santiago Diaz, 20 of Lansing 48910 and Bailey Nicole Blair, 20 of DeWitt

Adam Albert Holland, 31 of DeWitt and Mirya Christina Brion, 32 of DeWitt

Jeremy Michael Kobylarz, 38 of St. Johns and Marie Jean Moore, 37 of St. Johns

Daniel Gladden Seperic, 23 of St. Johns and Alexandria Jade Arrell, 22 of St. Johns

St. Johns Independent

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Pat and Dennis Koenigsknecht have been named Grand Marshalls for the Grand Mint Parade coming up on August 13. Look for a special section featuring all of the Mint Festival activities in next week’s SJ Indy.

Latest News

St. Johns to participate in National Night Out – August 2
City Manager’s Newsletter
Eagles tribute band Motown Eagles soar at SJ Concert in the Park – August 3
St. Johns Concert in the Park 2016 Schedule
Indie-Music Festival Coming – August 6
superheroesthMost Holy Trinity Parish Festival in Fowler is July 28 – 31
Summer Fun Pageant Kicks off Mint Festival – Tuesday, August 9
Mint Festival notes
Prosecutor asks that Hynes be re-sentenced
Chamber Golf Outing is August 24

More News

Classes of ’47 and ’48 hold reunion
Mint Country Garden Club to meet
Briggs Library News
August Activities at Clinton County Senior Center
redcrossthCritical blood shortage – Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to give now
Some students to receive free backpacks -Saturday, July 30
Soup kitchen to make stops in area
CASA Volunteer Advocates Needed
MMDHD Calendar – August, 2016
Mark Your Calendar

Features

goosethA visit to Whimsical Party Gallery
Oberstufenchor Johanneum zu Luebeck Day in the City of St. Johns
This week’s Mystery Photo
A Look Back – 1912 North Ward Kindergarten
Random Notes – Summer means Tall Ships
Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – How Air Fresheners Can Affect Your Pet’s Health
Letters – Victor resident running in August 2 Primary
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Good Dog, Bad Food: Foods for People That Are Bad for Your Dog

Transitions

Obituaries – Nathan R. Sherman, Sandra K. Rewerts, Melody Gay Saltman, Trellis Mary Schneider, Kenneth Walter McNalley
Marriage licenses filed the week of July 11, 2016
Divorce decrees filed the weeks of July 5 and July 11, 2016

Latest News

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St. Johns to participate in National Night Out – August 2

St. Johns area residents are invited to take part in our 23rd annual “National Night Out” event Tuesday, August 2, 2016, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the St Johns City Park. Bring the whole family out to get to know your neighbors and join forces against crime. We will have food and drinks, ice cream, inflatables, laser tag, a DJ, a water spray area, and giveaways – all free!

The St. Johns Police Department is coordinating this event. Police-community partnerships, neighborhood safety, awareness and cooperation are important themes of the 2016 National Night Out program.

This event has changed locations and will now be held at the St. Johns City Park near the corner of Park and Morton Streets. Youth T-ball games from the City of St. Johns summer rec programs will be played. Free hot dogs and drinks are provided by Big Boy Restaurant, McDonald’s and Kroger. Andy T’s will be serving up fresh corn on the cob. The St. Johns Lions Club will be handing out ice cream sandwiches to keep everyone cool! The popular inflatables and Laser Tag are back, these are sponsored by Martin Brower, Journey Federal Credit Union, Olympian Tool, Mercantile Bank, RSI Home Improvement, Sunshine Center, and Keck Coleman Funeral Home. In addition there will be games for the kids.

Returning this year we will have face painting and Sound Cruise DJ. The St. Johns Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs will assist with the kid’s activities and grilling. Clinton Area Ambulance Service and the St. Johns Fire Department will be displaying their vehicles and equipment, as well as a demonstration from the St. Johns Fire Department.

New This Year – Organizers have added a cardio drumming demonstration and Louis Longoria providing country music entertainment.

National Night Out provides a unique opportunity for St. Johns to join forces with thousands of other communities across the country in promoting cooperative, police-community crime prevention efforts. It is essential that all citizens of St. Johns be aware of the importance of crime prevention programs and the impact that their participation can have on reducing crime, drugs and violence in the city of St. Johns.

Please join us on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at the St. Johns City Park and help “take a bite out of crime.”

City Manager’s Newsletter

Your Road Dollars At Work: Phase II of the 2016 street projects will be completed in the next seven to ten days. Portions of Townsend Road, Clinton Avenue, Oak Street, Church Street and Sturgis are being upgraded during this phase. Once the Mint Festival has concluded, Phase III of this year’s street reconstruction will begin. Mead Street from M-21 to Sturgis Street will be repaved as will Circle Drive and a portion of Park Street (near the City Park). Please be aware of detours, road cuts and workers in the right-of-way during construction.

August 2nd Election: Two millage proposals will comprise the entire city ballot for the August election. The first proposal is a millage request to provide operating revenue for the Briggs District Library. The Briggs Library recently transitioned from a city library to a district library. The Briggs District Library Board has indicated that the passage of this millage will create a more stable revenue source for this important public facility.

Second on the ballot is a proposal that would permit a monthly telephone surcharge to support upgrades to the critical 911 system in Clinton County. Added revenue would be used to fund equipment upgrades, facilities and operations. Please exercise your privilege and duty as a citizen by voting August 2nd.

Consumers Energy Meter Upgrades: Beginning this winter Consumers Energy will be replacing its current electric meters with “Smart Energy” meters. Consumers has a well-developed information program that will explain both the benefits of the new meters and the procedure for changing out old for new. This information will be sent in the mail well before the program is implemented. Residents/property owners are not required to be at the residence when the meter change occurs, but can be if they wish by making arrangements with Consumers. The new meters will be read remotely, which eliminates meter readers walking on private property, fending off dogs and trudging through rain and snow. Consumer’s customers will be able to access up-to-the minute information concerning their energy consumption on-line once the new meters are in place.

Consumers Energy crews will be completing their natural gas distribution line improvements prior to the Mint Festival.

National Night Out August 2nd At The Park: National Night Out, sponsored by the St. Johns Police Department, has become one of the premier community events of the summer. This celebration recognizes the law enforcement community for its significant contributions to our city’s sterling public safety record, and helps make connections between residents and public safety officers and fire department personnel. But as important, there is free food and games! Added this year is Bubble Soccer, a cardio drumming demonstration and music by Louis Longoria, our own country music legend. Come join us for fun, food and entertainment at the St. Johns City Park, adjacent to the Spray Park. Time of the event is from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. At a time when Law Enforcement is being targeted, this is one opportunity to show our strong support for all those who put their lives on the line and keep us safe every day.

Granger Update: Granger representative Sean McHugh presented its first annual report to the City Commission at its July 25th public meeting. Granger has been collecting the city trash and recycling materials since July of 2015 after being awarded a multi-year contract based on its successful low bid. Granger reports city-wide collection of more than 2,600 yards of compacted trash during the last year and a total volume of 537 tons of recycled materials. Residents appear to have adjusted quickly to the new and larger recycling containers. In addition to the weekly pick-ups, Granger reports collecting 276 tons of materials on “Big Trash Day”, also known as our Spring Clean Up. It took 56 loads to get the job done at a cost of $45,000.00.

We are pleased with Granger’s efforts as our refuse hauler and expect continued superior service from them during the contract term.

Eagles tribute band Motown Eagles soar at SJ Concert in the Park – August 3

Music made famous by one of the top-selling rock bands of all time is guaranteed to have people singing along when the Detroit-based Motown Eagles pay tribute to the musical legacy of The Eagles at the St. Johns Concert in the Park summer music series. There is no admission to the Aug. 3 show that begins at 7 p.m. at the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the St. Johns City Park.

Motown Eagles

The band will play all the Eagles mega-hits including “Tequila Sunrise,” “Take it Easy,” “Hotel California” and “Take it to the Limit.” The concert will be a delight to long-time Eagles fans and a memorial of sorts for Don Frey, the Eagles’ leader and founder who passed away earlier this year.

“The music is timeless and family-friendly, featuring harmony singing and sterling guitar work.,” says Detroit musician, Carl Cafagna, leader of the Motown Eagles.

Cafagna holds a degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston and has performed with the likes of Johnny Mathis, Regis Philbin, The Temptations, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and the late Natalie Cole. He has ties to the St. Johns area via his wife, Kati, who was a school teacher here for several years in the 1990s.

In addition to Cafagna who plays drums and sings lead and backing vocals, other band members include Corey Allen, lead and rhythm guitar and backing vocals; Pat Shanley, lead guitar and lead and backing vocals; Shannon Wade, bass and backing vocals; and Jef Reynolds, rhythm guitar, keyboard and lead and backing vocals.

For detailed information on the Motown Eagles visit http://www.motowneagles.com/

Concert in the Park is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns with support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Concerts are held each Wednesday evening; rain or shine. The St. Johns Lions and Lioness Club staff a concession stand that offers light refreshments.

For detailed information on the Concert in the Park series visit the CCAC web site, http://www.clintoncountyarts.org/ and check out the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell page on Facebook.

St. Johns Concert in the Park 2016 Schedule

St. Johns City Park Performance Shell
Wednesday evenings, 7 p.m.

Aug. 3: Eagles Tribute Band, Motown Eagles
Aug. 10: The Music of Ireland, Monday’s Supper
Aug. 17: Beatles Tribute Band, Toppermost
Aug. 24: All Brass, Capital City Brass Band
Aug. 31: Elvis Impersonator, Matt King

Indie-Music Festival Coming – August 6

St. Johns will be the scene of a new and exciting event. “Mint by Midwest” (MXMW) will mark the very first Indie-Music Festival ever held in St. Johns. The Festival will take place on Saturday, August 6 from 3:00 – 10:00 p.m. in the William E Tennant Performance Shell located in the beautiful St. Johns City Park.

“MXMW is a genre-spanning, independent music festival featuring exclusively, artists from the mid-Michigan area,” sayes Aidan Pope, festival coordinator. “It will feature everything from folk to hip-hop to electronica and everything in between. It promises to be a great day, loaded with awesome music and fun happenings.”

mxindy

The eclectic lineup features performances by multiple artists from around the state. Lansing based acts include Rent Strike, Lucy, Donut Worry, and Elliott Eremita, all of whom incorporate folk and punk elements into their music. St. Johns artists include the angsty alt­country band The American Automobile, and the electronic dance duo Overnoble.

Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Liance will be performing a set of haunting folk music. Former Motown singer Carolyn Crawford will be gracing the audience with the performance of two classic songs, backed by the guitar playing of Lansing­ based artist Randie Strouse. Jackson band LVRS will be closing off the night with their deeply catchy indie rock/power pop tunes.

Throughout the day there will be silly contests, food, merchandise for sale and the stage happens to be a Pokémon Go gym. Festival sponsors include Edgewraps, Pope Construction and Uncle Johns Cider Mill. MXMW is a free event open to the public.

Most Holy Trinity Parish Festival in Fowler is July 28 – 31

superheroes

The theme for this year’s MHT Festival is SuperHeroes.

The schedule of events includes:

Thursday
5:30 – 8:30 pm Classic Car Show, downtown Fowler

Friday
6:00 pm to 11:30 pm
Adult Social Tent, happy hour from 6 – 7 pm, ½ off drinks);
7:00 – 11:30 Adult Social Tent (drinks, pulled pork, pizza)
7:00 – 11:00 pm Las Vegas Tent (Blackjack, Let it Ride, Money Wheel)

Saturday
8:00 am Volleyball Tournament;
4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, Mass;
7:00 – 8:30 pm Touch-A-Truck (on Kent St. in front of church);
Dusk: Family Movie Night at Fink Field — “The Incredibles” (if rain, movie will be canceled)

Sunday
8:00 am Boys & Girls 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament.
Mass at 10:00 am;
Purchase home-baked delicacies at the Country Store beginning at 10:00 am;
Children can start their energetic day beginning at 11:00 am at the Inflatables; Burgers, Pizza and more at 11:00 am.
At 11:30 am, the Food Court opens (Burgers, Pizza, Pulled Pork); BBQ chicken until until sold out

The SuperHeroes Parade begins at 11:30 am. Children and adults are encouraged to dress as their favorite Super Hero character. After the parade, enjoy Children’s Games, Arts and Crafts Wheel, Bean Bag Toss, Saw Dust Pit, Bingo and more.

At 5:30 pm, entertainment begins in the Activity Center. Raffle drawings for cash prizes totaling $6,000 and quilts and afghans will begin at 6:30 pm.

A complete schedule of events can be found at the parish website: http://www.mhtparish.com/ (click on the MHT Parish Festival event image).

Everyone is welcome to join us for Festival 2016.

Summer Fun Pageant Kicks off 32nd Annual St. Johns Mint Festival – Tuesday, August 9

On Tuesday, August 9 festivities for the 32nd Annual St. Johns Mint Festival will begin with the Mint Pageant at the St. Johns High School. The pageant will start at 7:30 p.m. with general seating tickets $8.50 each. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce office and if any seats are remaining they will be for sale at the door Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Contestants participating this year include:

missmint

For Little Miss Mint:
Sarah Bovee, 10; Alexandria Gunnell, 8; Rian Kirby, 9; Alivia McClung, 10; Alexia Munger, 9 and Lindsey Palmer, 9.

For Junior Miss Mint:
Gabriella Gunnell, 12; Isabella Gunnell, 14; Audrey Rademacher, 13; Abbie Sage, 12; Mallory Smith, 14 and Maddy Welch, 14.

For Mint Queen:
Brooke Bauer, 17; Delaney Fedewa, 18; Gabriella Sible, 17, Alyssa Thompson, 17 and Catherine Voisin, 18.

Look for more about the upcoming Mint Festival in the SJ Indy’s special section next week.

Mint Festival notes

Tickets are now on sale for the August 9 St. Johns Mint Festival Pageant at the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce office, located at 1013 US 27 in St. Johns (in the CCRESA Building across from McDonalds). The pageant will start at 7:30 pm and will be held in the auditorium of the St. Johns High School. Tickets are $8.50 and are for general seating. If there are still tickets available the day of the pageant they will go on sale at 6:30 in the auditorium lobby at the High School.

Volunteers are still needed for the festival weekend, especially in the areas of Kids World and Ice Cream. If you would be interested in earning a bright red volunteer T-shirt, call the Chamber office today at 989-242-7248.

Applications are still being accepted for the Quilt Show, Bocce Ball, Mint Cooking & Eating Contest, Photo Contest and the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest. All applications are available on the Chamber website at www.clintoncountychamber.org/mint.

Also on the website is a schedule of events and the list of free entertainment throughout the weekend. If you have any questions about the festival, please call 989-224-7248 or email ccchamber@4wbi.net.

Prosecutor asks that Hynes be re-sentenced

hynesClinton 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.

Since that conviction, the United States Supreme Court in the case of MILLER v ALABAMA held that it was unconstitutional to sentence a minor automatically to mandatory life without parole without giving the sentencing Judge discretion to weigh all appropriate factors and make a decision whether life without parole is appropriate under the facts of the case or whether a less serious sentence is warranted. The Supreme Court has held that the rule announced in MILLER is to be given retroactive effect for all Juveniles in the State of Michigan previously sentenced to mandatory life without parole.

Sherman says Prosecutors in the State of Michigan had until July 21 to decide whether to seek a resentence asking the Judge to weigh all the factors that MILLER v ALABAMA ruled should be considered and re-impose the life without parole sentence. If no request by the Prosecutor had been filed, Hynes would have been entitled to a resentencing to a term of years to be set by the Judge.

“This particular case is one of the most horrific cases Clinton County has seen. Additionally the evidence indicates that Hynes was the primary instigator and planner of the offense. He had contacted two of his friends, John Soblesky and Travis Burnham and asked them to help him kill Kassi, for the sole purpose of taking her car and trading it for crack cocaine. During the previous two months Hynes had pretended to be Kassi’s boyfriend and convinced her to give him all the money she had saved working, approximately $5000, which he used to buy crack cocaine,” Sherman explained.

Both Soblesky and Burnham were convicted of first decree murder and sentenced to Life without parole. Their sentences cannot be challenged because they were both over 18 at the time. “It seems ironic that the primary perpetrator would get a lower sentence than the two people who merely helped him execute his plan,” Sherman added.

Sherman says that Hynes had significant prior criminal behavior as a juvenile prior to this murder. “There were numerous efforts by the Probate Court to rehabilitate him that all ended in failure and ultimately the murder of Kassl Sanborn.”

Chamber Golf Outing is August 24

The Clinton County Chamber of Commerce is planning their annual Golf Outing that is open to Chamber members and the general public. The outing is scheduled for Wednesday, August 24 at the Emerald Golf Course north of St. Johns.

The cost for a 4-person team is $290 and that includes continental breakfast, your golf, 2 golf carts, lunch at the turn, opportunity to participate in contests throughout the course and a steak dinner. Golfers will also have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for some special prizes, get mulligans and to do some tee-shot wagering.

Continental breakfast will start at 7:30 am with the shot-gun start at 8:30 am. 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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Classes of ’47 and ’48 hold reunion

The 68th and 69th class reunion of the combined classes of 1947 and 1948 of Rodney B. Wilson High School was held at the Emerald golf course on Saturday July 23, 2016.

Class of 1947

1947

Front row: Margaret (Carol) Yurek, Arlene (Gillison) Sharp, Mary Lou (Hammond) Zuker, Dorothy (Steffens) Sousley.
Back row: Jeanette (Powell) Drombowski, Marietta (Emmons) Mohnke, James Mohnke, Rosalee (Hansen) Sauders.

Class of 1948

1948

Front row: Alden Knight, Delores (Snater) Cartwright, Howard Sousley.
Back row: Elon Hufnagel, Dean Henning, William Burnham, and Darwin Beaufore.

Mint Country Garden Club to meet

The monthly meeting of Mint Country Garden Club will be held Thursday, August 4, 7:15 pm. Carol Hrymecki, Garden Club Member, will talk about growing and using herbs.

Meetings are held at Clinton Commons Community Center, 1105 S. Scott Rd, St. Johns. Visitors are welcome to attend.

For further information about this meeting or how to become a member, email mintcountrygardenclub@gmail.com or call 517-599-6307.

Briggs Library News

Chapter Chatter – On Your Mark… Get Set…Race to join us on Monday evenings, August 1st-22nd, 7-& 7:45pm. Boys and girls ages 6-8 years old and independent listeners will participate in listening to a chapter book selected by staff over the course of the 4 sessions. This program includes games, snacks and surprises!! To register call (989)-224-4702, stop by the circulation desk or online at www.briggsdistrictlibrary.org.

Toddler – “Good Morning & Good Night” Children ages 2-3 years old with a participating adult are invited to join the fun on Wednesday mornings, August 3 – 24, 10:30 – 11 am. There will stories, music, yoga, signing and more. Registration is required. They will not fall asleep at this storytime!

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 11, 3-4p.m. (1st and 2nd grades); Thursday, August 18, 3-4p.m. (3rd and 4th grades); Thursday, August 25, 3-4p.m. (5th and 6th grades). Registration is currently taking place for the Math sessions.

Adult Documentary Series – The final two documentaries in our summer series will be shown in August. On Wednesday, August 3 we will show the award-winning 2009 documentary, “The Cove,” which exposes the brutal, systematic slaughter of over 20,000 dolphins and porpoises each year. And 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. Both features begin at 7:30 p.m. Registration is now available by calling the library or visiting our website.

Coloring Programs – Our summer coloring programs are in full swing! The next sessions for our family program available to all ages will be on Thursday, August 11 and 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.

Mint Festival -The Library Friends Group will be having their annual Mint Festival Book Sale on Friday August 12 from 2:00-8:00p.m., Saturday August 13 from 10:00a.m.-8:00p.m. and Sunday August 14 from 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. The sale is being held in the warehouse on the backside of the Library. Parking is available on Spring Street and in the Higham Street lot. Come check out all the wonderful books.

Library Closure– The Library will be closed Saturday August 13 during the Mint Festival. Railroad Street in front of the Library will be closed to traffic starting Friday evening and all day Saturday. The drop box on the Library porch will be available for returns throughout this closure.

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Contact Information:

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

August Activities at Clinton County Senior Center

Are you 55 years of age or older and like to have fun? Then check out the Clinton County Senior Center, 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 August:

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 August include Creole Cod, BBQ Chicken and Roast Pork Loin. 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 August 8, 22 and 29 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 August 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 Monday, August 1 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 August Member birthdays is planned for Wednesday, August 10.

Fundraising 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 August include Aug 1-Vegi Lasagna, Aug 8-Sloppy Joes, Aug 15-Ham, Aug 22-Meatloaf and Aug 29-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.

August Party – On Wednesday, August 31 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 or things for bingo such as candy bars, cereal, canned fruit, bagged snack foods, etc.

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

Critical blood shortage – Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to give now

While thousands of people from across the country responded to the emergency request for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July, a critical blood shortage remains. The Red Cross urges eligible donors to give now to help ensure blood is available throughout the rest of the summer to meet patient needs.

At times blood and platelets are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which impacts the ability to rebuild the blood supply. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to have a five-day supply at all times to meet the needs of patients every day and be prepared for emergencies that may require significant volumes of donated blood products.

“The Red Cross continues to have an emergency need for blood and platelet donors to give now and help save patient lives,” said Todd Kulman, External Communications Manager of the Great Lakes Blood Services Region. “We are grateful for those who have already stepped up this summer to give and want to remind those who are eligible that hospital patients are still counting on them to roll up a sleeve.”

Every two seconds
In the U.S., every two seconds someone like Ray Poulin needs blood or platelets. Poulin’s liver and kidneys failed following a serious blood infection. The situation became urgent when his liver hemorrhaged. He was given a 10 percent chance of survival. After receiving 77 units of blood, Poulin defied the odds.

“There was a lot that went into saving my life, but if the blood wasn’t available when I needed it, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Poulin.

Blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.

All blood types urgently needed
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help restock the shelves. The Red Cross is thanking those who come in to donate blood or platelets between July 25 and Aug. 31 by emailing them a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App http://www.redcrossblood.org/bloodapp, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass http://www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce wait times.

Some students to receive free backpacks – Saturday, July 30

Students in Saint John are about to benefit from a national backpack giveaway. On July 30, TCC, the largest Verizon Authorized Retailer in the U.S., and A Wireless are teaming up to donate 235,000 backpacks full of school supplies to children through TCC’s annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway.

Since 2013 TCC has donated more than 360,000 backpacks filled with supplies to ensure children are well prepared for the start of the school year.

Between noon and 3 p.m. on July 30, more than 1,300 participating TCC and A Wireless stores are inviting local families to bring their children to the store to pick up a backpack filled with pencils, paper, a pencil box, folders, glue and more.

The participating TCC store in Saint John is located at 800 South US 27. Each participating TCC store will donate 250 backpacks and each A Wireless store will donate 125 backpacks.

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 2 and at

– Middleton Community Church, 223 S. Newton, Middleton, from 4:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 2 and at

– Pompeii United Methodist Church, 135 W. Burton, Pompeii, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, August 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.

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.

MMDHD Calendar – August, 2016

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

August 2: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pill Pick-up only
August 9: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
August 16: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m
August 23: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m
August 30: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
..

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

Hearing & Vision Screening Clinic

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

WIC Benefit Pick-Up Schedule

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

August 3,
August 8,
August 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.

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 Clinics

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

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

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

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

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

August 18: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

August 22: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

August 29: 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.

Mark Your Calendar

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Paint a Spray Park tile

August 1-4 during the Clinton County 4-H Fair

August 2
National Night Out

August 13-14

Mint Festival! Stay tuned for times.

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Vacation Bible School

One Day Vacation Bible School at Lowe UMC on Friday August 5th from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm. Ages 4-12 welcome, lunch provided.

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Bike to Build 2016 is August 6, 2016

Registration forms are available on the website, www.habitatclinton.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.

Features

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A visit to Whimsical Party Gallery

by Maralyn Fink

Opening on July 7th, with 2 paint parties, owner Tracie Davis offers step by step painting to people of all ages.
Spray Park tiles can be painted here, and Tracie is right there to help in any way.

She also does public and private parties.

I met up with some eager painters while I was there, and their names are Jordon Grove, Gabriel Gibat, Jack Daman, Charlie Daman and Nathaniel Gibat. All were seated at a table to paint a tile with excitement in their eyes.

On September 17th Tracie will change the name to The Art Gallery. There are many paintings in the store that were all done by Tracie that are for sale.

Tracie has been painting all of her life and 7 years as a professional. She says it is her passion and just plain fun.

Stop in and see her paintings; there just might be one you have to have.

Thanks, Tracie for the interview and seeing your beautiful paintings.

Maralyn@sjindy.com

Oberstufenchor Johanneum zu Luebeck Day in the City of St. Johns

courtesy of Guven Witteveen

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the international youth exchange with Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, on Tuesday the 26th of July -proclaimed the Oberstufenchor Johanneum zu Luebeck Day in the City of St. Johns, Michigan – the group performed sets of songs in English, as well as in German.

This opening to a gorgeous spiritual was one of the numbers, We Shall Walk in Peace.

youth choir 2016 – We Shall Walk in Peace from gp witteveen on Vimeo.

About one third of the young people braved the high temperatures Tuesday morning inside the 90 foot steel silo at Livingston Farms to enjoy the rare acoustic space.

german1

Here is a sample of the singing from memory in the morning before their concert in the park, Remember Me SATB – silo singing,

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Wednesday evening in the Park

My Sweet Patootie, “What makes you think?”

and one other from the first set,

My Sweet Patootie, “Lead me now.” So much music from three players! This song was inspired by the annual float down a nearby river: people come out in Lake Huron at the town of Southampton and then the parties begin.

This week’s Mystery Photo

Where is this?

mystery275

Can you tell us where this is located? Drop us a line at mail@sjindy.com.

402 E. Buchanan St.

mystery274

The current owner is Stephan Geller. Previous owners include William Graef, Donald Gilson, David LaQuire, and John and Marlene Hopko.

Editor’s note: This house is half of the Nick Pappas home that was moved from 102 Spring Street in the 1950s to make way for the office building at the northeast corner of State Street at Spring.

A Look Back – 1912 North Ward Kindergarten

Barry Clark Bauer

northward1

This photo was taken at North Ward Elementary School in 1912. The students are identified but the pencil writings are very faint. I know my Uncle Ellsworth Gillson is one of the students.

– Tom Beechler

The chalkboard sign being held by one of the students looks like it says: St. Johns North Ward Kdgn.

The names on the back, as Tom describes, are illegible. A few do stand out, Dutch Eckert, Berthea Kasper, Harry Fields, Edith Fields, Helen Kasper, Glendon Fitzpatrick, Gaylord Corkins, Beatrice Heafty, and Ellsworth Gillson. Dutch Eckert was listed twice and I wonder if he was related to long time friend, Steve Eckert.

See whether you can read more of the names by clicking here.

northward2

The North Ward school building was replaced by Perrin Palmer which is also gone.

Random Notes – Summer means Tall Ships

by Rhonda Dedyne

Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – How Air Fresheners Can Affect Your Pet’s Health

As parents and caregivers, one of the earliest lessons we learn is the concept of “baby-proofing”—keeping toxic substances and dangerous situations well out of the way of our children. As pet parents, we need to do the same. But unlike children, instead of this being a temporary obligation, it’s something we’ll need to do throughout the lives of our pets.

Unfortunately, some of the things we do to improve our environment, such as cleaning or using chemical air fresheners, can pose serious dangers to our animal friends, whether furry, feathered, or scaled.

So, do pet owners need to throw away their room sprays, plug-ins, candles, oils, and solids? That’s a question that’s not so easily answered. However, there are some ways to play it safe when using these products in the home.

“If we are putting some kind of chemical into the air merely to mask scents, then we have to be concerned about the negative implications on our pets,” says holistic veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney of California.

Sadly, most forms of air fresheners, whether room and furniture sprays, solids, and even the seemingly safer alternative of scented candles can be very toxic to humans, and even more so to animals that might ingest the substances accidentally or not have the wherewithal to avoid them in the first place when they’re being used.

According to Dr. Mahaney, one of the main offenders in the ingredient list for most air fresheners are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). VOCs are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature due to a low boiling point. This causes these compounds to easily evaporate from a solid or liquid form into the air. This transformation is called volatility. In other words, volatility is just what air fresheners are meant to do: break down from one form and dissipate into the air, thereby changing its scent.

Unfortunately, this is the same volatility that occurs in paints and varnishes, fossil fuels, benzene, formaldehyde, refrigerants, aerosol propulsion, cigarette smoke, and the dry cleaning process. You wouldn’t open a can of paint in your living room to improve the quality of the air, but this isn’t too far removed from what happens when you break out an air freshener.

These substances can cause a laundry list of maladies, like asthma and cancer, and can affect the blood, brain, heart, liver, kidneys, skin, and the respiratory and nervous systems of both people and their pets.

According to a study cited by LiveScience.com, a test of the top selling air fresheners and laundry detergents showed that these products released a litany of chemicals when used, and in all cases at least one of the chemicals was considered to be toxic.

For those who seek a more natural, non-toxic approach, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in the homeopathic movement—an alternative medicinal approach that uses substances from nature. On its face it seems reasonable enough; eschew the manufactured chemical and embrace what the earth has to offer.

For the air freshener industry, the latest “natural” catch phrase is “essential oils.” Despite this touchy-feely name, these products are by no means entirely safe. Essential oils are also defined as volatile, and while these substances are created from flowers, bark, berries, roots, seeds, and woods, and do have some potential medicinal and positive effects, they can still be very toxic to people and animals, even when they are used properly.

“Essential oils, which are included in many air freshener products, can be very toxic, especially to cats. If you simply have to have essential oils in the home, make sure they are kept in a location where your cats cannot come into direct contact with them,” says veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates of Ft. Collins, Colorado.

“Also, birds are more sensitive to potential airborne toxins than are other animals, so I generally recommend a ‘better safe than sorry’ approach with the use of air fresheners around them.”

When it comes to using these products around our pets, a little information is your best weapon of defense. “Read the instructions on the side of the bottle and be sure you are spraying the recommended amount,” says Dr. Mahaney. “When you walk into a room that’s been heavily sprayed with air freshener, what does it do to your eyes and lungs? If it’s doing that to you, it’s also going to do that to your pets.”

So, how do you know if the products you use around your home are relatively safe? Dr. Mahaney recommends doing some research on the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center Website. This resource covers all sorts of toxins that your pet might encounter, from air fresheners, cleaning products, human and pet medications, foods, plants, and other substances. In case of a poisoning emergency, there is a 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435, although a $65 consultation fee might be required.

Obviously, in the case of a true emergency, it is far more important to get your pet to a vet than just consult with one by telephone.

According to Dr. Mahaney, the signs and symptoms of the negative effects of air fresheners range from the immediate to a few hours or days after use. When you first use them, a pet might immediately withdraw from the area or cower. A pet might cough, sneeze, produce a nasal discharge, or suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or lack of appetite.

However, these dangers don’t come from the air alone; they can also be caused by contamination from where they fall, where a pet might step, roll, or lick, or from products such as carpet shampoos and cleaners that are specifically made for surfaces.

“If you’re going to spray something that’s going to leave an aroma, I suggest that you don’t give your pets access to it,” says Dr. Mahaney. “If you’re cleaning, you don’t want to leave a significant residue—they could walk across it on a carpet and potentially lick it off their paws.”

Ingesting an air freshener can be even more dangerous than simply breathing it in. Any long-term usage products, such as solid or plug-in air fresheners, need to be closely monitored, and extra care needs to be taken when you dispose of them. If your pet is inclined to go through the trash, you might want to dispose of spent air fresheners directly in an outside trash receptacle.

“If an animal ingests an air freshener, I worry primarily about its effect on the gastrointestinal system,” says Dr. Coates. “The active ingredients and/or the packaging could cause vomiting, diarrhea, etc.” And that is not confined to chemically scented products. “Essential oils can not only affect the GI tract, but they also are associated with neurological problems like agitation, weakness, unsteadiness, and tremors in dogs—and especially in cats.”

“Anything with a fibrous nature to it can cause digestive distress and may be absorbed through the small intestine and get into the blood,” says Dr. Mahaney. “Cats have had increased feline asthma as a result of living in households where there are air fresheners, incense and cigarette smoke—or even just the aroma of cleaning products.”

For expectant mothers, all possible care needs to be taken. Research has suggested that VOCs such as Toluene and Xylene can potentially cause childhood cancers, leukemia, and brain damage, so there’s no reason not to believe that this is also a risk to our pregnant pets. The proper usage of air fresheners and any potentially toxic stuff in them will ensure that future generations of our furry friends will be happy and healthy.

When it comes to 100% safe ways to clear the air, there are still a few alternatives in our modern world. Some types of potpourri (although these still need to be kept out of a pet’s reach so it is not ingested) can be a pretty safe bet, and you can create do it yourself home scents by boiling flowers, fruit rinds, and other natural organics. Or you could try the comfort trick real estate veterans have long used: Replace the funk with the smell of cookies, bread, or apple pie. Creating a sweet smelling home is as good an excuse as any to bake.

Are there any products that are safe for making the house smell nice while being safe for pets? Dr. Mahaney recommends the Glean+Green family of products. Clean+Green manufactures a wide array of products for pets, including air fresheners and fresheners for carpets, flooring, furniture, cars, and litter boxes—and even a de-skunking spray.

They also have products for homes with birds and other small animals, which tend to be more sensitive to chemicals than larger pets. The active ingredients in these products include sugar derivatives, botanical extracts, and hydrated cellulose, and may provide a safer alternative to conventional air fresheners. However, these products are pet-specific and may not be appropriate for use all around the home.

Still Dr. Mahaney wonders why pet owners need to resort to scented products at all. “Why are we freshening our air?” he asks. For a truly effective method of clearing the air, he says, proper ventilation is still king.

So can somebody just open a window in here?

Letters – Victor resident running in August 2 Primary

smithA Victor Township resident for 24 years, Kimberly Smith is employed by the Michigan Department of Transportation Bureau of Finance and Administration. She is an Accredited Election Official through the Michigan Department of State Bureau of Elections. Serving for 3+ years as Deputy Clerk for Victor Township Kim managed the office, cemeteries and facility as well serving as the township Election Chairperson and as Inspector for Victor and Ovid Townships. During this time Kim also assisted with operations of the treasurer, supervisor and assessors offices.

Kim is a certified PC Coordinator Specialist through Professional Technical Development in East Lansing and is an IRS Certified Tax Preparation Specialist through H & R Block. Kim also received a General Banking Diploma through the American Bankers Association.

Kim served as the coordinator of the Looking Glass Neighborhood Watch, Clinton County’s largest) group for 14 years providing urgent communications from Clinton County Sheriff and Bath Township Police Departments. Kim is the recipient of Clinton Co. Sheriff Award for quick action in a local farming accident resulting measures which saved a life.

Kim formerly served as Director of Operations for Happendance, a non-profit 501c3 performing arts school in Okemos, ensuring compliance with State Gaming Control Board in fund development activities. Kim served in many management roles and as Recording Secretary and Depositor for the Children’s Ballet Theatre of Michigan as an Executive Member of the Board of Directors.

An avid volunteer in the Laingsburg area, Kim for nearly a decade served as a Rolling Reader and Literary Tutor for At Risk Students as well as the parent led Picture Person Art Program for Laingsburg Schools, was an international certified Girl Scout Chaperone and a supporter of the Laingsburg Sports Boosters, Laingsburg Springtime Festival and Clinton Area Fire and Rescue Pancake Breakfast.

Kim is married to her husband Joel of 26 years and has two daughters, Carlie and Jessica Smith.

– Submitted by The Committee To Elect Kimberly Smith Victor Township Clerk

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Good Dog, Bad Food: Foods for People That Are Bad for Your Dog

If you consider the family dog, well, family—and are apt to toss him a piece of your food now and then—proceed with caution. Some foods meant for human consumption can be dangerous, and even deadly, to your dog.

How are people and animals different when it comes to food?

According to Carmela Stamper, D.V.M., a veterinarian at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an animal’s body processes food much differently. “Our bodies may break down foods or other chemicals that a dog’s can’t tolerate,” she says.

And while sometimes people can have severe allergic reactions to foods, it’s different for dogs. “Allergies in animals tend to manifest themselves more in skin or ear issues,” she explains.

Moreover, a food might harm one dog and not another. It depends on a number of factors, including the animal’s genetic makeup and size, as well as the amount that animal eats. “A big lab that eats a bar of dark chocolate may not have any problems,” she says, whereas a Chihuahua could get dangerously ill.

What Foods Top the List?

“In summer, be particularly careful of foods eaten at picnics and barbecues,” Stamper says. Among the foods you want to withhold from your dog are:

Raw meat, which can contain E. coli, Salmonella, or other harmful bacteria. If you’re making hamburger patties or setting out steaks and chicken breasts for the barbecue, for instance, make sure they’re well out of reach of your counter-surfing canines; you’re not doing them any favors by tossing a chunk or two. “Food safety is important to you and your pet,” Stamper cautions. Don’t handle raw meat and then give your dog a treat unless you’ve washed your hands first. And remember it works the other way around, too. “People can get sick after handling contaminated dog food, not washing their hands, and then using their hands to eat a sandwich or a slice of pizza,” Stamper says.

Grapes, raisins, and currants can cause kidney failure in some dogs. Stamper says not all dogs are affected, but if you think you’re handing your dog a healthy snack, you could be disastrously wrong. But what about other fruits? For instance, can dogs eat apples and bananas? Stamper says yes—just make sure that with apples, you don’t feed your dog the core or seeds.

Fried and fatty foods can not only give your dog a stomach ache, but can also cause a potentially life-threatening disease called pancreatitis. Even if your dog is eyeing the fried chicken with longing, resist the temptation to give him his own piece to chew on.

Moldy foods are not something you would feed your family, and your dog shouldn’t eat them either. If you put moldy cheese rinds or hamburger buns in the trash can, make sure your dog doesn’t then get into the garbage. By the same token, if you have a compost heap and it’s the first place your dog makes a beeline for, be sure the moldy scraps are well out of reach.

Onions, garlic, and chives (as well as onion and garlic powder) can be harmful to your dog, especially in large amounts. If you’ve put a lot of onions and garlic powder in your salsa, marinade, or beans, don’t let your dog get into the leftovers.

Salty snacks, in large quantities, could also cause problems in your dog. “Feeding the odd potato chip or pretzel probably won’t do any harm,” Stamper says. But if your dog gets into a whole bag of them, he could get really sick. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of water at all times, especially if he gets into salty snacks.

Two More Ingredients Your Dog Should Avoid

Macadamia nuts can be very harmful to dogs. If you’re packing white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies, make sure they stay in the picnic basket and out of reach of your dog.

Finally, many dog owners know chocolate is bad for their dogs, but they may not realize that xylitol, a sugar substitute used in many sugarless products, can be deadly for him. Xylitol is found in sugarless gum, candies, oral products, and some peanut butters and other nut butters. “If you feed your dog pills coated in peanut butter, or put peanut butter in their hollow chew toys, make sure to check the list of ingredients first to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol,” Stamper says.

A Word about Cats

Why the focus on dogs? Stamper says that cats are far pickier eaters than dogs and do not often get into trouble by eating foods that will harm them. She adds however that cats are super-sensitive to onions, garlic, and onion and garlic powders, so make sure your cat has no opportunity to eat foods made with these ingredients.

This article appears on FDA’s Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

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Obituaries

Nathan R. Sherman

sherman_nathanNathan R. Sherman, 18 of St. Johns, MI died unexpectedly Wednesday, July 27, 2016 following complications from surgery on Saturday, July 23, 2016. Nathan was born on March 14, 1998 in Lansing, MI the son of Timothy and Barbara M. (Gunn) Sherman. Nathan graduated from St. Johns High School with the Class of 2016 and was enrolled in the Auto Diesel Institute at Baker College to start this fall. Nathan was a car enthusiast, loved cooking, eating, Hawaii after his band trip there; and he loved life and his friends. He played saxophone in the St. Johns High School Band.

Nathan is survived by his mother, Barbara Sherman of St. Johns, father Timothy Sherman of Lansing, brothers Scott (Brandie) Hartman of Jackson, Matthew Hartman and Eric Hartman both of St. Johns; sisters, Holly (Paul) Malek of Vestaburg and Sara (Matt) Leiby of Lansing; grandfather Kyren Gunn of St. Johns along with 6 nephews and 2 nieces, loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 3:00 P.M. with Rev. Matt Olson officiating. The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home on Friday, July 29, 2016, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Johns High School Band or First Congregational Church.

Sandra K. Rewerts

rewerts_sandraSandra K. Rewerts, 72 of Ovid, MI died on Friday, July 22, 2016 at Hospice House of Mid Michigan. Sandra was born on February 1, 1944 in Ovid the daughter of Kenneth and Beulah (Miller) Young. She was married to Richard Rewerts and he preceded her in death in 2010.

Sandra is survived by children Denise Baker of Ovid, MI, Tracy Smith of Gillette, Wyoming, Brian Paksi of St. Johns, MI and James Paksi of New York.

There will be no services held. The family is being served by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home.

Melody Gay Saltman

saltman_melodyMelody Gay Saltman age 55, of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Sparrow Clinton Hospital, St. Johns, Michigan.

A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, July 29, 2016, with Pastor Mona Kindel officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home.

Melody was born in Dayton, Ohio on October 4, 1960, the daughter of George V. and Dora L. (Weimer) Sakalas. She resided most of her life in Dayton Ohio and St. Johns, Michigan.

Melody loved music, to read and was artistic. She received her associate degree in nursing and was ready to continue her nursing degree when illness forced her to stop. Melody previously worked at McDonalds in St. Johns while she was attending school.

She is survived by her son Lucas Saltman, of St. Johns, MI; Parents George and Dora Sakalas, of St. Johns, MI; Aunt Marcella Wells, of South Dakota. Melody is also survived by cousins Alan and Sally Sakalas, John and Robin Holt, Greg and Laura Smith, Paul and Kelly Sakalas also many more cousins.

The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

Trellis Mary Schneider

schneider_trellisTrellis Mary Schneider age 87, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI on Monday, July 25, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Chaplain Rich Mitterling officiating. Burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery, Lansing, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 24, 2016 from 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home, with a Rosary prayed at 5:00 P.M.

Trellis was born in Grand Ledge, Michigan on August 7, 1928, the daughter of Charles and Zola (Miller) Sattler. She attended Grand Ledge School. Trellis married Leo Schneider on December 1, 1945 and he preceded her in death on October 7, 1995. Trellis was a homemaker; she loved her family, her garden and her dog Chilli. Trellis was well known to all her friends for her handmade fruit and vegetable baskets, and woodworking skills, she was very handy with a hammer.

She is survived by her son Gene and Gloria Schneider of Leslie, MI, daughters; Jeannette and Larry Thelen of Hastings, MI, Suzanne and Charles Blackmer of Carson City, MI, Jacqueline and Carl Brown of Stanton, MI, Vickie and Terry Black of St. Johns, MI, and Theresa and Ronald Anderson of Sugar Grove, VA, sister Etoile Howard of Lehigh Acres, FL, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by parents, husband, three children; Debbie, Nancy and Paul, and one sister Wanda Martin.

Memorials may be made to Compassus Hospice-Hospice Angels Foundation 801 S. Waverly Rd, Suite 200 Lansing, MI 48917. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

Kenneth Walter McNalley

mcnalley_kennethKenneth Walter McNalley, age 64, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Hospice House of Mid Michigan, Lansing, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at 2:00 P.M., with Pastor Mona Kindel officiating. Burial will follow at Laingsburg Cemetery, Laingsburg, MI. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2016 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. and on Sunday, July 24, 2016 from 12:00 P.M. till time of service at 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Kenneth was born in Saginaw, Michigan on September 24, 1951, the son of Kenneth and Margorie Mae (Wilson) McNalley. He graduated from Bridgeport High School with class of 1969. Kenneth married Annette Steffen on September 27, 1986. He resided most of his life St. Johns, Michigan and he worked for Kroger’s in St. Johns, Michigan.

He is survived by his wife Annette McNalley of St. Johns, MI, and sister Judy and John Johnson of Ocsoda, Michigan, niece, Kristie, nephew, Michael and Nicole Johnson and their son Collin, many other nieces and nephews. He also is survived by his fur babies, Zoeie, Zevia and Mia. He was predeceased by his parents.

Memorials may be made to Mid Michigan Hospice House. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.

Marriage licenses filed the week of July 11, 2016

Jay Brian Krefman, 31 of East Lansing and Paula Veronica Yevilaf Neira, 29 of East Lansing

Skyler James Medis, 23 of DeWitt and Amy Renee Estrada, 37 of DeWitt

Benjamin John Glynn, 31 of Westphalia and Jose Francisco Basurto Quintero, 31 of Westphalia

Corbin Ross Feldpausch, 24 of New Hope, Minnesota and Kassondra Marie Fox, 24 of New Hope, Minnesota

Nicholas Larry Alan Grassel, 23 of St. Johns and Kelsie Christina Sell, 23 of St. Johns

Jonathan Thomas Bloemers, 24 of DeWitt and Michelle Renee Vervaeke, 23 of South Lyon

Steven Lonnie Stone, 29 of St. Johns and Catherine Elizabeth Millar, 28 of St. Johns

James Austin Winnie, 49 of Lansing and Kelli Jo Noecker, 46 of Lansing

Joshua Louis Klein, 24 of Kentwood and Elizabeth Rose Thelen, 22 of Fowler

Thomas Leroy Miller, 39 of DeWitt and Molly C Redemsky, 33 of Holt

Brandon Kyle Hempel, 42 of Lansing and Jessica Lacy Hobson, 38 of Highland

Kyle Sherman Toman, 28 of Washington, DC and Samantha Irene Spedoske, 30 of Washington, DC

Andrew Lee Lerg, 24 of St. Johns and Kelli Lynn VanderSteen, 24 of DeWitt

David Andrew Williamson, 31 of La Vergne, Tennessee and Amanda JoAnne Beaufore, 24 of St. Johns

Divorce decrees filed the weeks of July 5 and July 11, 2016

Simon, April Dawn and Scott Anthony

Medina, Jessie R and Jodi Elizabeth

Bisson, Michelle Marie and Craig Andrew

Martin, Emily and McEachin, Jacob

Perialas, Carol and Robert

Presley, Terry and Tina

Schultz, Krystal and Gary

St. Johns Independent

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1600722date
orchestra1
The Mid-Michigan Festival Orchestra took the stage Wednesday night with Rodney Page conducting.

Latest News

Mid-Michigan Festival Orchestra performs – a video
patootiethMy Sweet Patootie brings ragtime to SJ Concert in the Park on July 27
St. Johns Concert in the Park 2016 Schedule
German Choir to Present Concert – Tuesday, July 26
City plans street work – week of July 24
National Night Out is Tuesday, August 2
4hthFirst Congregational Church holds prayer vigil
2016 Clinton County 4-H & Youth Fair

More News

sjpsthSJPS Enrollments, Immunizations and More
RBW Class of ’64 plans reunion
Mint Festival Tournaments
Vacation Bible School
Keep cool when temperatures soar
Fall Softball is Around the Corner
Baker College Launches Tuition Savings Program
Local man named to Concordia University Dean’s List
Soup kitchen to make stops in area
CASA Volunteer Advocates Needed
Mark Your Calendar

Features

reunionthClass of 1976 40th Reunion
This week’s Mystery Photo
A Look Back – An Art Display at Central National Bank
Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – Chlorine in Pools: Is it Safe for Pets?
Letters – District Library Vote
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – 5 Ways to Keep Your Indoor Cat Purring

Transitions

Obituaries – Betty A. Halitsky, Elizabeth Ann Kirby, Marjorie Lea Erickson, Shirley Ann Benedict, Bernard Clarence Neller
Marriage licenses filed the week of July 11, 2016

Latest News

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Mid-Michigan Festival Orchestra performs

Mid-Michigan Festival Orchestra, July 20, 2016 from Guven Witteveen on Vimeo.

My Sweet Patootie brings ragtime to SJ Concert in the Park on July 27

Ragtime and contemporary roots music will fill the air at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell July 27 when the internationally known trio My Sweet Patootie takes the stage in the weekly Concert in the Park series. The show begins at 7 p.m.; no admission charge.

My Sweet Patootie

Founded in 2007 by Canadian Folk Music Award winners Sandra Swannell and Terry Young, My Sweet Patootie delivers tight harmonies, monstrous guitar, sizzling fiddle and percussion together in one perfect package. Paul Clifford completes the trio during the group’s North American tour.

The band takes its name from a slang term of endearment meaning a “hot dame” or a “sassy sweetheart” that was popular in the 1920s. Several ragtime titles from the jazz-age reference the expression including “Sweet Patootie Blues” by Arthur “Blind” Blake in 1928, who was well known for his complex and intricate finger picking.

The name was chosen by Swannell and Young to capture the vintage flavor of the band’s music as well as the satirical edge in much of their song writing. From original swing to funky fiddle-tune arrangements to exquisite ballads, My Sweet Patootie has been cited by music critics as having “two parts exemplary musicianship and one part vaudeville comedy” in a “must-see” show.

The trio has performed thousands of shows including theatres, festivals and clubs in Canada (Ontario, Manitoba and British Colombia), the United States from the Eastern Seaboard to the Midwest, and the United Kingdom. My Sweet Patootie is played regularly on CBC, NPR, and BBC Radio. They have performed live-to-air concerts on the nationally-syndicated WFMT “Folkstage” in Chicago, IL; WVBR’s “Bound for Glory” in Ithaca, NY; and BBC’s “The Drift” in Blackburn, Lancashire.

For more information visit http://www.mysweetpatootie.com/

Concert in the Park is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns with support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Concerts are held each Wednesday evening; rain or shine. The St. Johns Lions and Lioness Club staff a concession stand that offers light refreshments.

For detailed information on the Concert in the Park series visit the CCAC web site, http://www.clintoncountyarts.org/ and check out the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell page on Facebook.

St. Johns Concert in the Park 2016 Schedule

St. Johns City Park Performance Shell
Wednesday evenings, 7 p.m.

July 27: Canadian Roots/Ragtime, My Sweet Patootie
Aug. 3: Eagles Tribute Band, Motown Eagles
Aug. 10: The Music of Ireland, Monday’s Supper
Aug. 17: Beatles Tribute Band, Toppermost
Aug. 24: All Brass, Capital City Brass Band
Aug. 31: Elvis Impersonator, Matt King

German Choir to Present Concert – Tuesday, July 26

The “Oberstufenchor des Johanneums zu Luebeck”, a 50-voice high school choir from Luebeck, Germany will be visiting St. Johns from July 24 to July 27 as part of the Blue Lake International Exchange Program. The students, ages 15 – 19, will be staying in private homes while visiting St. Johns.

They will be presenting a free concert in the Performance Shell on Tuesday, July 26 starting at 7:00 p.m. The Performance Shell is located in the St. Johns City Park.

“This award wining choir is held in high esteem in Germany,” says William Tennant, host chairperson for the choir. “They have performed throughout Europe – we’re excited to have them here in St. Johns.”

Lubeck

The Johanneum zu Luebeck is a school in the heart of the beautiful medieval town of Luebeck in northern Germany, rich in tradition and with a focus on music. The “Oberstufenchor” is one of the advanced musical ensembles at the school, for the most gifted singers. Their concert tours have taken them to places such as Venice, Kopenhagen and Gothenburg. The choir took first place in 2013 for youth and school choirs at the German Musikrat competition. They have performed major choral works with various symphony orchestras.

The musical and organizing direction has been in the hands of Eva-Maria Salomon since 2003. She studied Music and English in Luebeck, Hamburg, Munich and Heidelberg. She is the founder of the University Choir of Luebeck and teaches conducting at the conservatory in Luebeck.

The choir’s Tuesday concert is an extension of the “Concert in the Park” series, sponsored by the City of St. Johns and the Clinton County Arts Council. The St. Johns City Council will be proclaiming Tuesday, July 26 as “Oberstufenchor des Johanneums zu Luebeck Day” in the City of St. Johns.

City plans street work – week of July 24

The City of St. Johns is planning to mill off the old asphalt on portions of Townsend Road, S. Clinton Avenue, Church Street, Sturgis Street, and Oak Street and are planning to place new asphalt the week of July 24th, weather permitting.

Since this is a construction zone, please slow down and be mindful of workers in these areas. Please contact city offices at 989-224-8944 if you have any questions or concerns. We really appreciate your patience as we complete these street improvements.

National Night Out is Tuesday, August 2

This year’s National Night Out will again be held at the St. Johns City Park near the corner of Park and Morton Streets next to the spray park.

nno

Free hot dogs and drinks are provided by Big Boy Restaurant, McDonald’s and Kroger. Andy T’s will be serving up fresh corn on the cob. The St. Johns Lions Club will be handing out ice cream sandwiches to keep everyone cool!

The popular inflatables and Laser Tag are back, as well as face painting. You can explore a police car, fire truck and ambulance.

Youth T-ball games from the City of St. Johns summer rec programs will be played to finish out their season.

First Congregational Church holds prayer vigil

The tidal wave of murder, disorder and discord triggered our vigil this time.

All through the day and night of last Saturday and into Sunday’s worship service, people took a turn at praying by words, music, walking meditation, visual expression and other nonverbal forms.

Alone this one church’s effort may not move the needle of hatred, but together with others doing likewise across the face of the planet, our hearts joined in the effort for good.

congregational

2016 Clinton County 4-H & Youth Fair

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SJPS Enrollments, Immunizations and More

Enrollment – School starts on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Now is the time to enroll your child for this fall if you have not done so already. Your child must be enrolled by Tuesday, August 30th to start on the first of day of school. This will enable our staff at each of the schools to properly prepare for their arrival.

Parent Portal – Now is the time to update your information on the parent portal. New address, phone number and other contact information. Remember, we use this information to send messages for school closings, reminders and other information to keep you up to date.

Orientation – Times and dates are or will be available soon on each building website. Suggestions for school supplies for each grade will also be available by mid to late August.

Immunizations – If your child is not up to date on their immunizations before school starts they will not be able to attend until they are up to date. The Mid Michigan Health Department holds clinics during the summer months to make sure your child is up to date on their immunizations and to enable them to get hearing and vision screenings. Please call 989.224.2195 or check out their website: http://www.mmdhd.org/ and click on the Community Health tab.

Community Connections – During the summer months we continue to update our Community Connections web page. Recent additions include – Auto Show, Project Connect, Hosting a Foreign Exchange Student, Swim Programs, Summer Reading Opportunities and Much More http://www.sjredwings.org/community-connections/

Schools of Choice – Applications will be available on our website or in the District Office during open enrollment which will be held in late July and/or early August.

Transportation – Pick up and drop off times for your child will be available on the parent portal on August 31. FOR SAFETY REASONS – Now is a good time to review the Transportation Handbook with your children to remind them of proper behavior on the bus and at the bus stops. More info is available at: http://www.sjredwings.org/transportation/

RBW Class of ’64 plans reunion

Rodney B. Wilson Class of ’64 will be holding their annual picnic at St. Johns City Park at the K. Becker/Rotary Pavilion on August 28th at noon.

Please call Jeanne at 989-224-7730 for more details.

Mint Festival Tournaments

It is that time of year again! 2016 St. Johns Mint Festival will be here before you know it! The CO-ED Kickball Tournament will be held on Saturday, August 13th and Sunday August 14th at the Main Field in St. Johns City Park. The format will be a double elimination tournament, with trophies being awarded to the top two teams. Cost per team is $125. Register your team by Wednesday, August 3th because space is limited.

Can you hoop with the best of them? Come out to the 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament at the St. Johns Mint City Festival and show off your smooth jump shot on Saturday, August 13th and Sunday, August 14th. Teams will be guaranteed at least two games and will play in a double elimination format. This fun event is open to men and women ages 10 and older. Early registration is now open until Wednesday, August 3th with a $60 non-refundable entry fee per team. We will also hold a Three Point Shootout competition on Saturday, August, 13th for anyone ages 15 and older, which is $5 per participant.

Registrations forms are available at the City Offices and website at http://cityofstjohnsmi.com/Departments/ParksandRecreation/MintFestivalTournaments.aspx. Call the City of St. Johns Recreation Department at 224-8944 ext. 227 or email bschafer@ci.saint-johns.mi.us for additional information. Check us out on Facebook at St Johns Recreation.

Vacation Bible School

Eureka Christian Church will be hosting Vacation Bible School July 25 thru 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Registrations each night will begin at 6:00 pm.

2619 E. Maple Rapids Road, Eureka MI.

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You are Incredible: One in a Minion!

One Day Vacation Bible School at Lowe UMC on Friday August 5th from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm. Ages 4-12 welcome, lunch provided.

Please register on-line at http://loweandmaplerapidsunitedmethodistchurches.org/ or call the office at 989-224-4460.

Keep cool when temperatures soar

Did you spend all winter longing for the warmth of summertime? Well you know what they say; sometimes you get what you wish for! Like it or not, summer’s hot, steamy weather is here.

Some of us love summer’s sizzle more than others, but we all need to know how to beat the heat, and that’s with caution, moderation and lots and lots of hydration.

The high temperatures being forecast can be very dangerous, especially when combined with high levels of humidity. When the mercury rises, the body can easily become overheated, and can suffer from dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death.

Dehydration is the first stage of heat-related illness and occurs when fluids are lost by sweating, and not replaced. Symptoms include dry mouth, thirst, headache, dizziness, cramps and excessive fatigue.

The next stage of heat-related illness is heat exhaustion and usually occurs when people exercise or work in warm, humid conditions. Symptoms include heavy sweating, flushed complexion, clammy skin, muscle cramps, elevated body temperature, headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, weakness, and fatigue.

If dehydration or heat exhaustion is suspected, move the person to a shaded or air-conditioned area, have them drink lots of water, apply a cold washcloth to their forehead, and consult a physician if symptoms persist or worsen.

Heat stroke, the most severe stage of heat-related illness, occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Symptoms include vomiting; headache; chills; confusion; dizziness; red, hot, dry or moist skin; a rapid pulse; or loss of consciousness. If heat stroke is suspected, call 9-1-1 immediately and move the person to an air-conditioned area.

People at highest risk for heat-related illness are the homeless, the elderly, the very young, pregnant women, and people with mental illness, high blood pressure, and chronic diseases. But even young, healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities or work outside during hot weather.

The most important thing you can do on a hot summer day is to drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors in direct sunlight. If you must go outside, wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and take frequent breaks. Avoid alcohol and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar as they can cause you to dehydrate faster.

If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, stay cool by heading to the beach, going shopping, or spending the afternoon at the library with a good book.

Be sure to check on elderly friends, family and neighbors during a heat wave. And never leave children, the elderly, or pets in a vehicle in extreme heat, even with the windows rolled down.

Fall Softball is Around the Corner

The City of St. Johns Recreation Department is accepting team registrations for its fall co-ed and men’s softball leagues. Registration packets are available at the City offices between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. located in the Clinton County Courthouse. The deadline to register is 5:00 p.m. Friday August 26th.

The men’s league will play on Wednesday nights starting on September 7th and running through October 12th. The co-ed league will play on Monday nights starting on September 12 and running through October 17th. Leagues are limited to eight teams, if more teams sign up than can be accommodated preference will be given to teams with City of St. Johns residents or sponsors. Team fees are $160.00 per team plus$130 lump sum player fee. Fees cover: umpires, balls, awards, field prep, maintenance and other related expenses. All games will be played on the newly renovated Main Softball Field at the St. Johns City Park. Renovation included dugouts, new infield and warning track surfaces, sidewalks to the field and new bleacher areas.

If you have any questions, please refer to the City of St. Johns website at http://cityofstjohnsmi.com/Departments/ParksandRecreation/AdultLeagues.aspx or email bschafer@ci.saint-johns.mi.us. City Offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The telephone number is (989) 224-8944 Ext. 227.

Baker College Launches Tuition Savings Program

Starting 2016 fall quarter, Baker College will provide financial awards per term to students enrolled in 14 or more credit hours for any undergraduate degree or certificate program – on ground or online.

“Students seek a college education to gain the knowledge and skills that will allow them to pursue the career of their dreams,” said Aaron J. Maike, Baker College of Owosso president. “Baker College’s new tuition savings program can help students reduce their education costs as well as the time they are in school, thus making it possible to more quickly pursue their career goals.”

For the 2016-17 academic year, Baker College will award the following amounts based on registered hours:

· 14 credits = $250 per quarter ($750 savings for three quarters)
· 15 credits = $375 per quarter ($1,125 savings for three quarters)
· 16-plus credits = $500 per quarter ($1,500 savings for three quarters)

The academic credit hours must apply to the pursued degree or certificate.

A typical bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete, however students may not realize this schedule requires taking 16 credits most quarters during those four years. As a result, even students who are considered full time at 12 credits per quarter may take longer than four years to graduate, which postpones their careers.
Maike said this opportunity is ideal for students who are driven and can manage the academic workload.
Courses for 2016 fall quarter begin Monday, Sept. 26, at on-ground campuses and Thursday, Sept. 22, online.

For more information about Baker College’s tuition savings program, contact Mike Konopacke in the admissions office at mike.konopacke@baker.edu, 989.729.3350 or 1.800.879.3797, or visit www.baker.edu.

Local man named to Concordia University Dean’s List

Concordia University Ann Arbor officials released the Spring Dean’s List for the second semester of the 2015-2016 academic year.

Among the area students named to the list was James McKane of St. Johns. He is a Sophomore majoring in Psychology.

Founded in 1963, Concordia University Ann Arbor, 4090 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, is affiliated with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

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, July 26 and at

– Beacon of Hope/First Baptist Church, 512 S. US 27, St. Johns, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 26.

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.

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.

Mark Your Calendar

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Paint a Spray Park tile

August 1-4 during the Clinton County 4-H Fair

August 2
National Night Out

August 13-14

Mint Festival! Stay tuned for times!

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Vacation Bible School

Eureka Christian Church will be hosting Vacation Bible School July 25 thru 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

One Day Vacation Bible School at Lowe UMC on Friday August 5th from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm. Ages 4-12 welcome, lunch provided.

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Bike to Build 2016 is August 6, 2016

Registration forms are available on the website, www.habitatclinton.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.