Bomb threat at HIFCM found to be misunderstanding

On Saturday, July 9th, 2016 at 2:02 PM the St. Johns Police Department responded to a bomb threat at Hazel Findlay Country Manor, a long-term care nursing home. A call was received by an employee at Hazel Findlay indicating the possibility of a bomb.

Due to the vague threat and following the Hazel Findlay Bomb Threat Plan, the facility was searched by employees and three Police K-9 Bomb Dogs. No suspicious items were found on the property.

At 4:00PM the all clear was given and normal operations resumed at Hazel Findlay.

According to SJPD Chief Kyle Knight, this bomb threat was taken very seriously because of the ongoing events throughout the United States. The St. Johns Police Department continued to monitor Hazel Findlay closely throughout the weekend while conducting their investigation.

After conducting an extensive investigation, it was determined that the bomb threat was actually a misunderstood phone call received by an employee. A doctor accidently called the wrong department and due to his accent, the employee did not understand him and felt a statement about a bomb was made. This was confirmed through phone records and speaking with both the caller and the employee who received the call.

The St. Johns Police Department has closed their investigation with no prosecution being sought.

The St. Johns Police Department was assisted by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, East Lansing Police Department, St. Johns Fire Department, and Clinton County Central Dispatch.

Motown Legend Martha Reeves and the Vandellas in Concert – July 13

An amazing event will take place in St. Johns! On Wednesday, July 13, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, the legendary Motown group will be performing along with the Jack Clarkson Band in what promises to be an evening of incredible music. The performance will take place at the Performance Shell in the beautiful St. johns City Park starting at 7:00 p.m.

In a rare appearance, Martha Reeves and her sisters will perform several of their famous songs, in a show not to be missed! “Being from Detroit, I grew up listening and following all the Motown groups,” states Bill Tennant, the St. Johns Concert in the Park coordinator. “It’s truly amazing that she is actually coming to St. Johns!” In 1995, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the likes of Janis Joplin, Neil Young, Frank Zappa, Al Green, Led Zeppelin and The Allman Brothers Band – one of the greatest classes of all time!

Tim Black and Jack Clarkson were instrumental in getting Martha to add this concert to her limited schedule. Tim, President of the St. Johns Lions Club, met Miss Reeves at a function in Detroit last October and invited her to perform in St. Johns. With the help of local musician Jack Clarkson, they put together a program offer and Martha accepted. Reeves will sing several of her signature songs, which include “Dancing in the Streets”, “Heat Wave”, “Jimmy Mack”, and “Nowhere to Run”, which are all included on the Rolling Stone Magazines’ “All Time Greatest Hits” list.

Opening for Miss Reeves, will be an exemplary local band, The Jack Clarkson Band. For this performance, Jack has put together an exceptional group of musicians who include Rodney Page – an international performer and Fulbright Scholar, Paul O’Jibway – who has performed with Joe Cocker, Grand Funk Railroad and Paul Schafer on the David Letterman Show, Mike “RAZ” Rosetose – mid-Michigan’s premier drummer who was contracted by Motown Records in his early days, Bill Fuller – a guitar player highly regarded by Grand Ole Opry performer Glenn Paul, along with Jack and Tess Clarkson – who, by the end of this year will have performed in 10 states, over 150 shows. The Clarkson Band will also be accompanying Martha on a grand gospel medley to end the concert.

This concert is made possible with support from the Clinton County Arts Council, the City of St. Johns, the St. Johns Lions Club, St. Johns Business & Tax Service, along with those in attendance. Also donating their services will be Bill Bartilson, owner of Mandy Sounds, and Steve Edwards, a sound engineer who has engineered sound for the likes of Beyonce, Bonnie Raitt, Allison Krause and Diana Ross, among others.

The concert is free – donations will be accepted to help cover expenses. The Lions Club will be serving food, snacks and drinks before and throughout the concert. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and join the party. In case of rain, the concert will be held in the St. Johns High School Gymnasium.

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 13: Real Motown, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
July 20: Orchestra Pops, Mid-Michigan Festival Orchestra
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

Synergy to perform at Briggs District Library

Synergy will be playing at the Briggs District Library on Tuesday July 19th from 5-7 pm

Paint your portion of the Spray Park Mural – July 9

11am-2pm at Clinton County Arts Gallery
215 N Clinton – Downtown St Johns

There is an exciting mural designed for the green part of the pool house building at the Spray Park, but the design is a secret. To solve the mystery, they need you to paint a portion of the Spray Park Mural.

Help make the Spray Park beautiful by painting your 5”x5” piece at one of the listed painting events. For just $5 per tile, you can be a part of St Johns history.

Bring the whole family and have each member paint a tile. Imagine ten years from now, revisiting the Spray Park with your family and searching for your tile while reminiscing about the experience. Imagine 20 years from now, when your kids bring their kids to play and show them what they painted.

All supplies, instruction and memories are included. No painting experience is necessary.

Everyone is encouraged to paint in their own unique style. When put together, our tiles will create a very cool mosaic style mural.

Check out the recently renovated gallery featuring all local artists while painting your tile!

Then on Saturday, July 16 join everyone at the all new Tiny by Design Art & Whimsical Party Gallery to paint your part of history. They will be painting tiles for the Spray Park Community Mural from 12 pm – 4 pm. Bring your whole family down to paint.

They are located at 315 N Clinton Ave. While you are there, you can get a sneak peek at what is coming with Whimsical pARTy Gallery!

Want more art while you are downtown? Studio Retreat and Art Gallery is just across the Street (316) and Clinton County Arts Gallery is one block down the road (215)

Other painting opportunities include:

August 1-4 during the Clinton County 4-h fair
times to be determined

They will be painting at the Spray Park during fair week.

August 2
National Night Out

They will have a table set up at the Spray Park for this fun and popular event.

August 13-14

Mint Festival! Stay tuned for times.

Habitat seeking volunteers to provide lunches

With God’s grace, we have been able to recruit a small (5-6) number of volunteers willing to help in building the modest, two-bedroom home in DeWitt township. Our homeowner partner is Tom, a 71-year-old Army veteran who gets about in an Amigo. He is joyous with anticipation and visits the site frequently to photograph the proceedings; he has twice brought lunch for the crew despite his modest income.

They are sending this message out to request anyone who is affiliated with a faith-based, community service, or other organization to see if your group might provide, or sponsor through a monetary donation, lunch for the crew. We do our best to stretch every dollar, shopping the sales for bargains. Lunch and iced teas, punches, or sodas can typically be had for $20-$25. The need is immediate and expected to continue for the month of July, Monday through Friday, when volunteers are on the site.

Habitat for Humanity for Clinton County is the only Habitat in Clinton County, serving Clinton County exclusively. It takes a community to build a Habitat for Humanity home.

LAFCU sets July 11 application deadline for scholarships to military veterans

LAFCU has extended the application deadline for six $1,000 Community Champions scholarships to Monday, July 11, 2016. The scholarships are for military veterans to attend Lansing Community College (LCC) fall 2016.

Winners will be chosen based on a one-page essay identifying three reasons applicants were compelled to serve their country.

The Mid-Michigan credit union donated $2,000 to the scholarship fund, and $4,000 is the estimated total to be donated by Lansing Lugnuts fans in the first two years (2015-2016) of LAFCU Launch, an in-park promotion. About $2,000 was raised last year. Following the game at each LAFCU Fireworks Spectacular, fans donate $1 for each tennis ball they wish to “launch” onto the field to try to win a $25 VISA card.

“American veterans are uniquely positioned to bring talents they acquired in the military to our workforce,” said Kelli A. Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU senior vice president of marketing. “We want to help provide them with an affordable path to career success.

“These scholarships are particularly meaningful because they include community support. We thank Lansing Lugnuts fans who are participating in the LAFCU Launch and helping to build the fund that is providing additional scholarships.”

Details are available online at www.LAFCU.com/CommunityChampions. Applications can be uploaded at www.LAFCU.com or mailed to LAFCU, ATTN: Marketing, 106 N. Marketplace Blvd., Lansing, MI 48917.

Winners will be recognized at the Lansing Lugnuts Salute to Service Night, Friday, July 22, 2016, which is also a LAFCU Fireworks Spectacular.

The LAFCU Community Champions program has recognized active and veteran members of the military at Lansing Lugnuts LAFCU Fireworks Spectaculars since 2014. Visit www.LAFCU.com or www.LansingLugnuts.com for more information.

Voices for Children Information Session – July 18

Have you wondered how you can make a difference in the lives of Clinton County Children who have experienced abuse or neglect? Join CASA-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children at the Briggs District Library (108 E. Railroad Street in St. Johns) on the 3rd Monday of the month from 11:00 a.m. until Noon. to learn more about CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

Their next information session will be on Monday, July 18th from 11:00 a.m. until Noon No r.s.v.p. needed, join them to learn more about our program.

For more information, please contact CASA-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children at 517-599-7145,
clintoncountycasa@gmail.com, or visit our website ClintonCountyCASA.org.

Car show Cruise In is July 13

Next Wednesday July 13, the SJHS Auto Program is hosting the 46th Anniversary “Cruise In” from 5 – 9 PM in the high school parking lot.

Please come support the auto program and see some classic cars.

Local man graduates from Lawrence Technological University

Brian Peterson of St. Johns graduated Saturday, May 7th at Lawrence Technological University’s 84th Commencement Exercises. Ceremonies were held at Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology.

Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, from Michigan’s 14th Congressional District, delivered the commencement address. About 5,000 students, their families and guests attended the event. The University awarded 964 degrees and certificates this academic year.

Meth waste found in unlikely places

Michiganders are outside a lot this time of year. We take long strolls through the woods, enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails and play with our kids at the park. Some of us even help our communities stay clean by picking up trash alongside the road.

As we enjoy these activities in the great outdoors, we need to be mindful of our surroundings and know that something dangerous could be right under our feet.

Sadly, the something dangerous we’re referring to is waste from the production of methamphetamines, or meth. Many may think that drugs are only found in larger cities, but the fact is that they are found right here in our own communities, with meth being one of the most common.

Meth is a highly addictive stimulant that can be made using common household and industrial chemicals. Meth labs can be located anywhere- in homes, hotels, sheds, cars, or vacant land. When meth is produced, it creates highly toxic and flammable waste, which often gets dumped on the side of the road, in ditches, or even in parks. And it happens more often than you think.

For your own safety, and your family’s safety, it’s important to know how to spot a meth lab and its toxic waste. And it’s extremely important to instruct your children and teens to stay away from these items if they find them.

Signs of a meth lab, or its waste, include:
· A strong odor that smells like ammonia, cat urine, or acetone
· Plastic pop, juice or water bottles with granular material inside, possibly with tubing coming out the top
· Antifreeze containers
· Chemical-stained coffee filters
· Empty boxes of allergy tablets
· Drain cleaner containers
· Battery casings
· Lantern fuel cans
· Standard grill propane tanks, often with blue coloring around the valve and handles.

If you stumble upon what looks like a meth lab, or its waste, don’t touch anything as it could catch fire, explode, or emit hazardous gas. Instead, note the location, and leave the area immediately. Then, call 9-1-1 or Michigan State Police at 1-866-METH-TIP (1-866-638-4847).

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 12 and at

– Beacon of Hope/First Baptist Church, 512 S. US 27, St. Johns, from 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 12 and

– Suntree Apartments, 1100 Sunview Dr., St. Johns, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, July 14.

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

Cub Scouts meet in St Johns – July 9

Cub Scouts is thriving in St Johns! Pack 516 meets together with Pack 396 on Thursday evenings and occasionally on Saturdays. Their next meeting is July 9th at Fantasy Forest.

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Acclaimed Artist to be featured in St. Johns

The Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) will host “Welcome Home” an exhibit celebrating the work of local artist Tom Tomasek, at the CCAC Gallery located at 215 N. Clinton Ave. on Thursday, July 14th from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.

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Voices for Children Information Session – July 18

The next information session will be on Monday, July 18th from 11:00 a.m. until Noon at Briggs District Library

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Bike to Build 2016 is August 6, 2016

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

Fireworks are a go for the 4th!

The annual St. Johns Rotary Club sponsored fireworks show will go on as planned on Monday, July 4 at dusk at the St. Johns City Park.

According to Fire Chief Mazzolini, the commercial fireworks go high enough into the air so that they aren’t as much of a concern as personal fireworks, and the fire department will be standing by at the park to put out any hot spots.

Personal fireworks are a concern because they do not go as high into the air and could cause a fire that will spread quickly in the current extremely dry conditions. Chief Mazzolini advises against using any personal fireworks at this time.

Oh Mi Organics opens downtown store

Oh Mi Organics Grand Opening last Saturday featured chocolate samples and prizes.

Since its beginnings in Brent and Megen Hurst’s in 2014, the business has grown steadily. Now they have their own storefront at 115 E. Walker in St. Johns.

The store features two rooms, the second of which is a glassed-in studio where visitors can watch the candy being made.

The chocolates also are available at eight Michigan merchants, including four in St. Johns – Phillips Orchard Gatehouse Market, Andy T’s Farm Market, Specialized Processing and The Country Store. Oh Mi chocolates are also available at Bellingar Packing in Owosso, The Local Grocer in Flint, Foods for Living in East Lansing and Old Town General Store in Lansing’s Old Town.

For more information go to ohmiorganics.com.

Blue Water Ramblers sing America’s songs at Concert in the Park

As their name implies, the Blue Water Ramblers love sharing the folk music of America and the Great Lakes State with audiences everywhere. Area residents can enjoy singing along with the quintet July 6 at the weekly Concert in the Park music series at the William E. Tennant Performance Shell, located at the St. Johns City Park. There is no admission for the concert that begins at 7 p.m.

The Blue Water Ramblers’ repertoire comes from the group’s Michigan life experiences and the history of the Great Lakes region. It includes lake shanties, lumberman ballads, union rallying cries, farmers’ paeans, Michigan humor, ’60s civil rights and protest music, love songs, gospel music and children’s ditties.

It’s the variety of up-lifting, familiar tunes that delights their audiences, says Ramblers’ member, Banjo-Jim Foerch, who has been playing banjo and singing since the 1960s. “I think my hero, Woody Guthrie, would approve. We’re singing the people’s songs about the people’s lives and they can join right in and sing along.”

Along with Foerch, other Blue Water Ramblers include R.H. “Bear” Berends, vocalist and rhythm guitar; Tom DeVries, vocalist and mandolin; Dan Lynn, bass fiddle and vocalist; and Marten “the Deacon” VanEyk, fiddle and vocalist. Each one of the Ramblers bring their own unique musical skills and talents to the group, gleaned from years of playing and singing America’s songs at venues across the country.

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 6: Great Evening of Folk, Blue Water Ramblers
July 13: Real Motown, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
July 20: Orchestra Pops, Mid-Michigan Festival Orchestra
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

Family Fun at the Farm

Calf pens, a Book Barn, face painting, a petting zoo, informational displays and the opportunity to visit a working dairy farm drew about 2,500 people to the 5th annual Family Fun at the Farm last Saturday at K & K Dairy near Westphalia.

“Farming is all we have ever wanted to do. We are determined to be careful stewards of the land while producing wholesome milk, as well as passing a wonderful opportunity to our children,” said Gregg Keilen and Matt Trierweiler.

Matt and Kristi Keilen are fourth generation farmers and have partnered with Gregg and Kristin Trierweiler. Together they farm 1900 acres of corn for silage and grain, soybeans, alfalfa, wheat and sorghum, mostly to feed the 450 cows they milk every day.

Gregg, Kristin, Matt and Kristi feel it is important to educate the public about dairy farming. They are family oriented and both have young children. It is important to show what they do and that they are striving for wholesome dairy products for the public.

Guests had an opportunity to see quite a few amazing things: cows being milked in the parlor, calves to pet; ride a pedal tractor; play in the corn; see pigs and chickens; and, of course, have some free ice cream and hot dogs.

The event is a partnership between the Ionia and Clinton County Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committees, along with community support.

Charlie’s Gang 4-H Club supports CC 4-H endowment fund

A fund-raising bake sale by the Charlie’s Gang 4-H Club resulted in a mathematics lesson that will benefit all Clinton County 4-H’ers far into the future via the “Make the Match for Clinton County 4-H” endowment fund campaign.

It all began when Charlie’s Gang netted $510 from a bake sale that was held at TSC on Grand River in Watertown Township. That sum was matched by the Clinton County 4-H Council resulting in $1,020 – which will in turn be matched by the Michigan 4-H Foundation for a total gift of $2,040 to the campaign. “This is an amazing gift, and we are so thankful that Charlie’s Gang decided to donate all the proceeds from the bake sale,” Clinton County 4-H Council President Marilyn Cotton says about the gift.

Charlie’s Gang 4-H leaders Carrie Hengesbach and Charlie Silm along with Charlie’s Gang member Kyle Gall present a “big check” to Clinton County 4-H Council President Marilyn Cotton.

The idea for making the donation originated at a recent meeting when Charlie’s Gang co-leaders, Charlie Silm and Carrie Hengesbach, talked to members about the endowment fund and the “Make the Match for Clinton County 4-H” program.

“We discussed it and they voted to give the entire $510,” Hengesbach says, citing positive comments made by club members like Kyle Gall, an eighth-grade student at St. Johns Middle School. “Kyle said, ‘Let’s do it so that 4-H goes on forever.’ We’re proud of all our club members, and of 4-H’ers everywhere.”

The support by Charlie’s Gang and the matching donations brings the Council closer to its goal, Cotton says. “The Council’s first goal was to have $25,000 raised by this year’s Clinton County 4-H Fair at the end of July, and this gift and the matches by our Council and the Michigan 4-H Foundation brings our total to over $22,000.”

The ultimate goal of the Council’s county-wide “Make the Match for Clinton County 4-H” is $50,000 – the maximum amount that the Michigan 4-H Foundation will match 1:1 to build the endowment. When doubled by the match, the endowment will provide annual support for current 4-H program delivery, and future 4-H program enhancements across Clinton County.

The campaign is made possible by grants from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation and gifts made by individual leadership donors to the Michigan 4-H Foundation.

For detailed information visit the Michigan 4-H Foundation website http://www.mi4hfdtn.org/

Burning ban in effect for St. Johns area

The St. Johns Fire Department has issued a burning ban because of extremely dry conditions. This ban is for the department’s entire coverage area including the City of St. Johns, Bingham Township and the east half of Bengal Township.

The local ban applies to recreational fires and brush burning but not to cooking in typical consumer grills. No new burn permits will be issued until the ban is lifted.

Any Annual or 3-day permits already issued are rescinded until further notice.

If you have any questions please call the department at 989-224-2151.

Habitat house taking shape in DeWitt Township

Habitat is more than a week into their build in DeWitt Township on Mayfield Drive. The house is really taking shape thanks to some fabulous volunteers and donors.

Voices for Children Information Session – Monday, July 18th

Have you wondered how you can make a difference in the lives of Clinton County Children who have experienced abuse or neglect?

Join CASA-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children at the Briggs District Library at 108 E. Railroad Street in St. Johns on the 3rd Monday of the month from 11:00 a.m. until Noon. to learn more about CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

The next information session will be on Monday, July 18th from 11:00 a.m. until Noon No r.s.v.p. needed, join us to learn more about our program.

For more information, please contact CASA-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children at 517-599-7145,
clintoncountycasa@gmail.com, or visit our website ClintonCountyCASA.org.

Mint Country Garden Club – July 7

The monthly meeting of Mint Country Garden Club will be held Thursday, July 7 at 7:15 pm. Meetings are held at Clinton Commons Community Center, 1105 S. Scott Rd, St. Johns.

Diane Brown, Ingham County Consumer Horticulture Educator will be the guest speaker and will provide information on Beneficial and Harmful Insects.

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

Cub Scouts meet in St Johns – July 9

Cub Scouts is thriving in St Johns! Pack 516 meets together with Pack 396 on Thursday evenings and occasionally on Saturdays. Their next meeting is July 9th at Fantasy Forest.

The Packs have students from East Olive, Eureka as well as other area schools. Cub Scouts lets kids have fun while teaching them skills that will help them later on.

From the thrill of shooting an arrow to learning how to transform a block of wood into a race car, Cub Scouts is one thrill after another. With a program expertly tailored to match each age in a young boy’s life, Cub Scouts learn that even when fun isn’t easy, it’s always an adventure.

In Scouting, everything has a purpose and it shows kids that doing their best is the most fun of all. Cub Scouts is for boys from 1st grade through 5th grade. 2016/17 1st graders can join now.

The Packs have 6 trained adult leaders presenting the recently updated scouting program. They have their calendar for the 2016/17 school year laid out and are looking forward to another great year!

For more information contact Steve Oberg, Cubmaster sjcubscoutpack516@gmail.com.

Siena Heights University dean’s, academic achievement lists

The following students from your area are listed by name and hometown, major and honor received:

Dean’s List

Elizabeth R. Kebler of Saint Johns in Business Administration

Rebbeca Jean Weber of St. Johns in Comm Services: Family

Achievement List

Courtney Lynne Bates of St. Johns in Professional Communication

Ryan Cressman of St. Johns Law Enforcement

To make the lists, students must achieve a minimum 3.5 grade-point average out of a possible 4.0. The dean’s list is for full-time students with at least 12 credit hours, and the academic achievement list is for part-time student with at least six and no more than 11 credit hours.

Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Siena Heights is a coeducational North Central accredited institution founded in the liberal arts tradition, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and specialist’s degrees. The university is headquartered in Adrian, Mich., with degree completion centers in Southfield, Dearborn, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Battle Creek, Lansing, Jackson and Online.

Briggs District Library News

Finale – Decorate your bike and explore the new bike trail at our Summer Reading Finale! This FREE event will take place on Tuesday, July 19 from 4:00 – 7:30 p.m., and will also feature face painting, refreshments, an obstacle course, and music from the local band Synergy! The fun will take place at the Depot and pavilion across the street from the Library.

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!! Go… and register beginning on Tuesday, July 5th!

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 3rd – 24th, 10:30 – 11 am. There will stories, music, yoga, signing and more. Registration is required and opens on Wednesday, July 6th. 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. July sessions will be about Science: Thursday, July 14th, 3-4p.m. (1st & 2nd grades); Thursday, July 21st, 3-4p.m. (3rd & 4th grades); Thursday, July 28th, 3-4p.m. (5th & 6th grades). Registration is required and open at this time for all three Science sessions.

Adult Documentary Series – The next feature in our adult documentary series is “The U.S. vs John Lennon,” which takes a look at the period of Lennon’s post-Beatles life when he uses his music and celebrity to protest the Vietnam War, and the federal government’s response to his actions. It will show on Wednesday, July 6 at 7:30p.m. 99 minutes; Rated PG-13.

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, July 14 and Thursday, July 28 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The next session for our adult and teen program will be Saturday, July 9 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Registration for both programs is required and is now open.

Play-Doh Play Time – Children ages 4 to 6 (independent). Choose between 2 sessions on Thursday, July 7th : 11:00 am – Noon OR 2:30 – 3:30pm. Children will be able to make & take home what they creatively produce with Play-Doh. There will be different “instruments and additional items” available for them to help their creative spirit. Registration is required and open..

Kids, Cartoons, & Crafts – It is lunch and a movie this summer at the Library. Children ages 5-9 can join us for a showing of a selection of Pixar animated shorts on Wednesday, July 27 from 11:30-12:30. We will also work on a small craft and play a game. Participants are welcome to bring a light lunch with them, but a snack will be provided if they choose not to. Registration is required, and opens Wednesday, July 6.

Breakfast Club – The next installment of our Breakfast Club program will take place on Wednesday, July 15 from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. That is when ‘tweens and teens in grades 4-8 are invited to the Library for a special book club that mixes stories, crafts, activites, and a light breakfast! For this session we will introduce the children’s classic “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster.

Garden Buddies – The Rae Johnson Children’s Garden will be where you can learn what it takes to grow the food you love to eat. Children that will be entering grades 2-6 can join us for a program that will meet on Wednesdays in July from 9:00-10:00a.m. There is still time to registration for the Garden Buddies program at www.briggsdistrictlibrary.org or by calling (989)224-4702.

Library Closure – The Library will be closed Saturday July 2nd and Monday July 4th in observance of the Independence Day Holiday. 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

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 5 and at

– Middleton Community Church, 223 S. Newton, Middleton, from 4:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 5 and at

– Pompeii United Methodist Church, 135 W. Burton, Pompeii, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, July 7.

So far this season they have now competed 38 stops, 4 more then the whole 2015 season, and served 1,616 people meals, 231 more then the whole 2015 season.

Soup, bread, fruit and dessert will be served to all who come free of charge. For more information call 989-533-9535 or 989-544-5764.

Mark Your Calendar

Acclaimed Artist to be featured in St. Johns

The Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) will host “Welcome Home” an exhibit celebrating the work of local artist Tom Tomasek, at the CCAC Gallery located at 215 N. Clinton Ave. on Thursday, July 14th from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.

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Bike to Build 2016 is August 6, 2016

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

MMDHD Calendar – July, 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

July 5: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
July 12: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
July 19: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m
July 26: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m

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

Hearing & 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:

July 6,
July 11: 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

July 11: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

July 13: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m

July 21: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

July 25: 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.