Spring Break, 2016

Aloha to on their return from Hawaii. Over Spring Break the St. Johns High School Redwing Marching Band performed at a festival, as well as a home for the elderly in Hawaii. They also were able to tour the USS Arizona Memorial, the Polynesian Cultural Center and other sights on Oahu. Congratulations and aloha, welcome home to these fine musicians.

Welcome home too to the 54 SJHS students who traveled to Spain over Spring Break as part of an educational trip organized by our Spanish teachers. Students traveled to Madrid, Segovia, and Toledo. They also had a few day stay with local families as part of the experience of being immersed in the culture. What a great experience for these amazing students.

From Trash to Treasures

by Maralyn Fink

We have all heard that term, Trash to Treasures, at some point. I decided to go to the Congregational Church to see what I could find. I waited until an hour after the starting time because I knew there would be a crowd and it would have been hard to get around.

I was amazed at all of the things that were there. You name it, they had it. Dishes, toys, linens, furniture, jewelry and things in between.

This is the 19th year that the Linda Scott Division of the church has put this on. It is a church-wide event and done by the members of the church. I spoke with Joann Martis, Director, and was told that this group also puts on other things at the church like funeral dinners.

I kept in mind that I was downsizing, so I told myself not to fall in love with anything. I did find that I had to fight that feeling.

The sale continued on Wednesday as well.

Joann said that by 9:30 a.m. of opening day the stairwells were filled and a few souls waited the start just outdoors or in the cars. From 19 years of experience the crew held firm on the barricades until full staff of volunteers were assembled and ready for the first wave.

Thanks, Joann and the volunteers, for letting me take the pictures and talking with everyone. Hopefully, see ya next year.

Maralyn@sjindy.com

A night of Experimental/Punk coming to St. Johns – April 22

The Wilson Collective is presenting a night of local experimental and punk music, featuring Randie Strouse, with opening acts “Overnoble” and “The Jades.” This special show will take place on Friday evening, April 22 starting at 7pm at the historic Wilson Center Auditorium.

Opening the concert will be the mysterious experimental punk band out of St Johns called “The Jades.” They will be followed by the not so mysterious electronic duo “Overnoble”, which consists of St. Johns HS alumni Brendan Seyka and Brant Boettger who are now based out of Southfield where they attend Lawrence Tech. Their sound is described as electronic indie-pop.

The featured musician of the evening is Randie Strouse, an Ovid native now based out of Lansing. Randie has touched on a variety of genres in his three years as a solo artist. His music includes industrial, indie-pop-acoustic and lo-fi. He describes his live performances as “mood swings and tantrums, thriving on spontaneity.” Randie will be performing songs from his latest album “Comorbidity”, a special cover, along with debuting some new material from an upcoming project.

There will be a $5 admission charge at the door. The Wilson Center Auditorium is located at 101 W. Cass St. in downtown St. Johns, just south of the Court House. For more information about The Wilson Collective and/or upcoming concerts and events, please visit the Wilson Center Auditorium web site at www.wilsoncenterauditorium.org and/or the Wilson Center Auditorium Facebook page.

SJHS Alums in the News – Mike VanRooyen

In this Practitioner Profile, ATHA is joined by Dr. Michael VanRooyen, an emergency physician with a wealth of experience in humanitarian response. Michael has worked for a number of NGOs in over thirty countries affected by war and disaster. He is a Professor at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health as well as the Director of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative.

In an upcoming memoir entitled The World’s Emergency Room, Michael reflects on the evolution of the aid community over the last several decades and discusses what he considers to be today’s most pressing challenges in humanitarian assistance and aid delivery.

Below is an excerpt of our conversation:

Q: Let’s start at the very beginning of your career. How did you first get involved with humanitarian assistance, and what drew you to this field?

A: I first became really interested in the field as a physician. I was an emergency medical physician who really had a particular interest in emergencies and trauma and vulnerable populations. I also had an interest in global health that led me to look into the humanitarian field. Ultimately, after my residency training in emergency medicine, I went abroad and worked in Somalia and it was in Somalia in particular that I became really interested in conflict, the effect of conflict on populations, and the very difficult nature of serving populations in that setting.

Q: The success of humanitarian assistance depends directly on humanitarian actors’ ability to reach populations in need. Yet in some of the most complex environments, such as Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, delivery of aid is often obstructed. In your view, how has aid delivery in these unstable areas changed over the years and how are we navigating access in light of these new challenges?

A: I think the primary theme in changes in the humanitarian environment is the issue of “perceived neutrality.” That is, the degree to which humanitarian actors are seen as being beneficial to the population and neutral, so that they are not seen as warring parties, combatants, or party to the conflict. It’s been a palpable erosion that I’ve seen over the course of my career. Twenty years ago, an NGO t-shirt and a white Toyota land cruiser gave you some degree of access and safety because you were embedded in your community. Now, you become a target and a prevailing threat for aid actors is direct attacks.

Q: As a physician, you’ve written that emergency rooms in American cities like Detroit, Chicago, and Baltimore serve as a sort of “safety net” for overarching societal problems, such as drug use or violence. You’ve also observed that humanitarian medical relief in crisis zones provides a similar sort of safety net for the communities that are affected. Could you tell us more about the similarities and differences that you see in these contexts?

A: I would preface that to say that in no way am I equating emergency rooms in Detroit, Chicago and major American cities in the United States with being war zones or anything akin to or like war zones. The parallel I’m making is that emergency departments in America and around the world serve as the safety net for the community. They’re the 24/7 resource for things that go bad with people. Whether it’s trauma or injury or illness, emergency departments stand ready to take the population. Humanitarian aid is kind of like that in its philosophical approach. When things go wrong or unravel, populations face extreme stress and extreme vulnerability and the aid world is there for them.

I recently wrote a book called The World’s Emergency Room, which is really trying to draw that philosophical parallel between the emergency medical room being a safety net for the community and the humanitarian aid world being the safety net for populations in crisis. Again, very different settings, very different needs and vulnerabilities, but a similar philosophy in the way that we engage with communities.

Courtesy of ATHA

3rd Annual Superhero 5k Run, Walk, Or Fly – Saturday, April 30th

Location: St. Johns City Park

Registration Opens at 8:00 a.m.
Kids’ Super Dash: 8:30 a.m.
ALL Superheroes Take Off: 9:00 a.m.

Online registration is now open–click here.

Please note: Registration fees will increase Wednesday, April 6th at Midnight

Lots of Fun for all ages and abilities
– Registration Activities
– Chip Timing
– Free, Professional Race Photography
– Costume Contest
– Bubble Check Points along the route
– Age Bracket Medals

Costume Contest Categories:
1. Most Authentic Superhero
2. Most Creative Superhero
3. Best Group
4. Cutest Superhero

We look forward to seeing all the Superheroes for children. Don’t forget Your cape!

Joint Spring Concert will be April 29

A spring concert will be presented by the Mint City Singers and Vivo Cantando Children’s Choir.

The free concert begins at 7:30 pm on Friday, April 29th at the First United Methodist Church, 200 E. State Street, St. Johns. Ellen Hoard, the director for both groups, will present delightful musical numbers for your enjoyment.

For more information call Carol at 989-834-2281 or Ellen at 989-233-5775. You can also email Carol at
cdmalewska@yahoo.com or Ellen at ellen.hoard@rpccpas.com.

The Mint City Singers is a branch of the Clinton County Arts Council, which receives financial operating support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment of the Arts.

Community Fund to discuss Wilson Center – May 10

The Annual Meeting of The St Johns Area Community Fund will be held at The Wilson Center on May 10 with the business meeting beginning at 6:30 pm and the program beginning about 7:00.

The topic of the program is to get a discussion started on the future of the Wilson Center. Dave Ivan has offered to show how other communities have repurposed their old schools, and they expect to hear from Bill Tennant with an Auditorium update and other school personnel with their ideas.

Annual Spring Clean Community Event – Saturday, April 30

Clinton County residents are encouraged to take part in our spring collection event – please make an appointment up to one week prior to the event https://www.clinton-county.org/FormCenter/Waste-Management-7/Clean-Community-Event-Collection-Event-R-47 or by calling the office (989) 224-5186.

An appointment is required to attend.

Acceptable items include household hazardous waste, unwanted medications, farm & landscaping chemicals, motor oil & antifreeze, electronics, bulky waste, scrap metal, appliances, clothing, tires, yard waste, reusable household items, books and building materials. Most items are accepted free of charge but nominal fees do apply (cash or check only).

Fees are waived for volunteers! Volunteers can register online https://www.clinton-county.org/FormCenter/Waste-Management-7/Clean-Community-Event-Volunteer-Signup-46 or by calling the office (989) 224-5186.

Heading outside? Be on the lookout for ticks

It may not exactly feel like it, but according to the calendar, spring is here, which means ticks are here too.

While ticks may be small in size, they are nothing to mess with. They are known to transmit numerous diseases to people and pets, with Lyme disease being the most common.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a bull’s-eye rash at the site of the bite.

Lyme disease can be serious and even fatal if not properly diagnosed and treated, so prevention is important. If possible, it’s best to avoid shady, moist areas in woody and grassy locations, as these are the preferred hiding spots for ticks. If you do need to venture into these areas, walk on well groomed trails and avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush and leaf litter.

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

Upon returning from potentially tick-infested areas, be sure to search your clothes and then bathe or shower as soon as possible to more easily find ticks. They can attach to any part of the body, but are commonly found in the hairline, ears, waistline, groin, armpits and sock line.

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

Slowly and gently pull upward with steady, even pressure. Be sure to pull the tick straight out and don’t twist or jerk the tick as this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the area and your hands with soap and water and apply an antiseptic to the bite wound.

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

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

Swiss Steak Supper – May 5

The Eureka Church will be holding a Swiss Steak Supper Thursday, May 5, 2016. Serving from 4:30 pm until 6:30 pm. Take-outs are available.

2619 East Maple Rapids Road, Eureka, MI. Tell your friends, and we’ll see you there.

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, April 19 and at
– Middleton Community Church, 223 S. Newton, Middleton, from 4:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 19 and at
– Carson City United Methodist Church, 119 E. Elm St., Carson City, Thursday, April 21 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m, and at – Pompeii United Methodist Church, 135 W. Burton, Pompeii, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, April 21.

Soup, bread, fruit and dessert will be served to all who come free of charge. All are welcome.

For more information call 989-533-9535 or 989-544-5764

Salmonella risk from chicks

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

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

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

Follow these recommendations to help protect yourself and others:

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

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

Mark Your Calendar

There’s time to sign up for a second sessionArts Council watercolor work shop set for Thursday April 21, from 6-7 p.m., conducted by Artist Sarah Tule. Registration fee is $15.00, including all supplies.

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A class of quilling – an art form of shaping paper strips and adhesive into decorative designs – will be held Thursday April 28 at Clinton County Arts Council Gallery.

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An early Mother’s Day Tea will be held on Saturday April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Clinton County Arts Council Gallery.

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Superheroes for Children Return to Clinton County!

April 30, 2016 Superheroes return to the St. Johns City Park for CASA-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children 3rd Annual Superhero 5K Run, Walk, or Fly

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Spring Clean-Up scheduled – May 7

Please do not place items out at the curb earlier then Saturday, April 30, 2016.

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Community Fund to discuss Wilson Center – May 10

The Annual Meeting of The St Johns Area Community Fund will be held at The Wilson Center on May 10 with the business meeting beginning at 6:30 pm and the program beginning about 7:00.

Ducks Unlimited Tour a success

The Clinton County Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Migration Tour at the Maple River State Game Area, Saturday morning, April 2nd., from 9am til noon was a big success.

Visitors from around the state of all ages were on hand for hiking around the wildlife refuge and viewing the marsh, the wildlife and waterfowl and other birds using the wetlands area. Ducks Unlimited and state and federal officials where on hand for the event.

Wildlife officials had several high powered spotting scopes available for visitors to see the many species of birds visible at the area.

The weather was forecast to be in the 30s, with possible rain and or snow, but the day ended up with some wind and only snow showers off and on. The ground was covered with a dusting of snow to start the day.

The birds cooperated too. Participants saw all kinds of birds. They saw a bald eagle, a couple of ospreys, some sand hill cranes, lots of Canada geese, redwing black birds, swallows, and almost every species of diving and puddle ducks.

Dale Borske, Michigan Ducks Unlimited state treasurer was on hand for the event.

Smith Family Funeral Homes acquires Osgood Funeral Homes

According to a posting on the Osgood and Smith Funeral Homes websites, a change has taken place.

Smith Family Funeral Homes has announced the joining of two long time family owned funeral homes. On March 17, 2016 Sam and Carol Smith, owners of Smith Family Funeral Homes, along with their daughter Hannah (Smith) Schmidt acquired Osgood Funeral Homes. This addition to Smith Family Funeral Homes will continue to serve families in Elsie, St. Johns, Ithaca, St. Louis and now Ovid, Fowler and Maple Rapids.

It takes many years to build a reputation and to gain the trust of a community. In 1899 W.R. Osgood bought S.H. Inghram & Son Funeral Home. He was later joined by his son, Glenn Osgood, to form Osgood and Son. Since that time other family members have continued their family business.

See Recalling Osgood Funeral Homes below. Sam Smith and the staff of Smith Family Funeral Homes will carry on in that tradition, bringing with them over 30 years of experience. They have served St. Johns and the surrounding communities.

All pre-arranged funeral agreements with Osgood Funeral Homes will be honored without interruption as will all pre-arranged agreements with Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns Chapel. They will also notify Social Security, insurance companies and set up all aspects of a Veteran’s service.

To better serve you there will be minimal staffing changes and their phone numbers and website addresses will not change. Any questions or concerns that you may have can be directed to any of their chapels and they will gladly sit down and discuss them with you.

Art, Herbal Tea on Gallery’s April Docket

The season seems to be playing tricks on us, but Director Ashley Jackson is springing into April with a real schedule of exciting activities that will make Clinton County Arts Council Gallery the place to be.

One event, already completed, was a water color work shop at the beginning of the month. If you missed it, there’s time to sign up for a second session, set for Thursday April 21, from 6-7 p.m., conducted by Artist Sarah Tule. Registration fee is $15.00, including all supplies.

A class of quilling – an art form of shaping paper strips and adhesive into decorative designs – will be held Thursday April 28 under direction of Carey Harris. Registration for this two hour class, 6-8 p.m., is $30.00. Participants may borrow a quilling tool, or purchase one for $5.00.

An early “Mother’s Day Tea” will cap the activities Saturday April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gallery. Ms. Jackson describes this event as a ladies get together for an opportunity to savor the amazing selection of herbal teas offered by Debi Daoust. Debi is the creator of Fruits of the Spirit Herbal Teas and her month ending gathering is open to the public. There is no admission charge.

Ducks Unlimited Banquet – Friday April 15

For those who have suffered through a long, cold and snowy Michigan winter, Ducks Unlimited has the perfect tonic. Break out of your “Cabin Fever” with a fun night out on Friday April 15th at the Clinton County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited (DU) 35th Annual Wetlands Conservation banquet.

Chairman Chris Mikula says the Clinton County DU banquet is for the entire family. Bring your wife and youngsters, or that special friend.

For banquet information on how you can become a DU volunteer or for purchasing banquet tickets, contact Kurt Hufnagel at 989-224-2072. or Chris Mikula at 989-224-3654. Also check out our Face Book page on the internet at: Clinton County Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

Available Now! Online ticket sales, buy now, online at, www.ducks.org/michigan/events/41607/clintoncounty-dinner Online ticket sales end on 4/13/2016.

Joint Spring Concert will be April 29

A spring concert will be presented by the Mint City Singers and Vivo Cantando Children’s Choir.

The free concert begins at 7:30 pm on Friday, April 29th at the First United Methodist Church, 200 E. State Street, St. Johns. Ellen Hoard, the director for both groups, will present delightful musical numbers for your enjoyment.

For more information call Carol at 989-834-2281 or Ellen at 989-233-5775. You can also email Carol at
cdmalewska@yahoo.com or Ellen at ellen.hoard@rpccpas.com.

The Mint City Singers is a branch of the Clinton County Arts Council, which receives financial operating support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment of the Arts.

Sculptors sought for Rail Trail event

Attention Sculptors: Please ponder this thought; what does it mean to me, being part of my community?

As the notion matures, imagine describing that reflection in the form a sculpture, one that when completed can withstand the elements to share with walkers and riders along the St. Johns portion of the Rail Trail.

The Clinton County Arts Council is seeking sculptors of all levels to participate in an outdoor exhibition planned for the period June 1 through July 5.

3rd Annual Superhero 5k Run, Walk, Or Fly – Saturday, April 30th

Location: St. Johns City Park

Registration Opens at 8:00 a.m.
Kids’ Super Dash: 8:30 a.m.
ALL Superheroes Take Off: 9:00 a.m.

Online registration is now open–click here.

Please note: Registration fees will increase Wednesday, April 6th at Midnight

Lots of Fun for all ages and abilities
– Registration Activities
– Chip Timing
– Free, Professional Race Photography
– Costume Contest
– Bubble Check Points along the route
– Age Bracket Medals

Costume Contest Categories:
1. Most Authentic Superhero
2. Most Creative Superhero
3. Best Group
4. Cutest Superhero

We look forward to seeing all the Superheroes for children!!

Don’t forget Your cape!

His Cup Runneth Over kicks off 2016 Soup Kitchen Season

This year His Cup Runneth Over held a kick off event on Sunday, April 3rd at the St. Johns Train depot and had 44 people attend for a free meal of chicken noodle soup, fruit, bread and dessert. They also collect a box of canned goods to get the soup season started. This year His Cup Runneth Over has currently scheduled 86 stops from April thru October.

Stops include: First Congregational Church St. Johns every Tuesday from 11 am to 1 pm., Middleton Community Church, Middleton 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Pompeii United Methodist Church, Pompeii 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 4 pm to 6 pm, Beacon of Hope/First Baptist Church, St. Johns 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Suntree Apartments, St. Johns 2nd Tuesday from 11 am to 1 pm, and Carson City United Methodist Church, Carson City 3rd Thursday from 11 am to 1 pm.

Everyone is welcome to come and partake in a free meal. Each soup is fresh made each day and served with a fruit, bread and dessert.

His Cup Runneth Over is a mobile soup kitchen that started in May of 2015. The desire of this organization is to provide a warm meal to anyone who comes and show everyone that they are loved as a child of God. They offer FREE meals to people in Clinton and Gratiot county. Last year they served 1385 meals at 34 stops from May thru October.

His Cup Runneth Over relies on donations of food items to prepare meals. They would like to thank all the individuals who have donated canned goods and money towards the mission so far along with donations from the Basic Needs Center in St. Johns, Postal Carrier food drive, and Meijer in Dewitt that make the meal preparation possible.

This year they would like to purchase a generator to use for the trailer giving us more freedom in where to park but being able to still use electrical run appliances in the trailer for meal prep.

If you would like to make a donation or learn more about His Cup Runneth Over you can contact them at 989-544-5764 or 989-533-9535.

Community Fund to discuss Wilson Center – May 10

The Annual Meeting of The St Johns Area Community Fund will be held at The Wilson Center on May 10 with the business meeting beginning at 6:30 pm and the program beginning about 7:00.

The topic of the program is to get a discussion started on the future of the Wilson Center. Dave Ivan has offered to show how other communities have repurposed their old schools, and they expect to hear from Bill Tennant with an Auditorium update and other school personnel with their ideas.

Annual Spring Clean Community Event – Saturday, April 30

Clinton County residents are encouraged to take part in our spring collection event – please make an appointment up to one week prior to the event https://www.clinton-county.org/FormCenter/Waste-Management-7/Clean-Community-Event-Collection-Event-R-47 or by calling the office (989) 224-5186.

An appointment is required to attend.

Acceptable items include household hazardous waste, unwanted medications, farm and landscaping chemicals, motor oil and antifreeze, electronics, bulky waste, scrap metal, appliances, clothing, tires, yard waste, reusable household items, books and building materials. Most items are accepted free of charge but nominal fees do apply (cash or check only).

Fees are waived for volunteers! Volunteers can register online https://www.clinton-county.org/FormCenter/Waste-Management-7/Clean-Community-Event-Volunteer-Signup-46 or by calling the office (989) 224-5186.

Drive for Your Community

Come test drive a vehicle (even a Mustang!) from Pauli Ford and your St. Johns Area Community Fund will receive $20 from Ford Motor Company. Join us Saturday, April 16th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Southpoint Mall. Half of all our proceeds will go to the St. Johns Soccer Club to support their new fields. We have an opportunity to pump $6000 into our community!

Participants must be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license to take a test drive. There is a limit of one test drive per household and all test drives will last approximately seven to 10 minutes.

Masons hold Pancake Breakfast fundraiser – April 9

St Johns-Ovid Masonic Lodge 105 will hold a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at Applebee’s in St Johns on April 9 from 8 – 10 a.m.

The event is being held to help support their Bikes for Books Program. The cost is $8.00 Pancake-Scrambled eggs.bacon, sausage.(drink extra)

Contact Bro Nick 517-290-2320 for more details.

Briggs Library News

Children’s Garden T-Shirt Contest – This summer the Briggs Library will be starting a children’s garden! We are asking for help in designing the t-shirt that will be used during our garden programs. Children in grades 1-5 can submit a garden-themed picture or design that will be used on our shirts. The pictures should fit on a regular-size piece of paper (8 ½ x 11), and be submitted to the Circulation Desk by Friday, April 15. The chosen design will be announced at our Garden Groundbreaking on Friday, April 22.

Children’s Garden Groundbreaking – The public is invited on Friday, April 22nd at 4:30 -5:00 p.m. to the Ground Breaking of the new Children’s Garden behind the library. The garden t-shirt design winner will be announced at that time. Join us on this new adventure and learn more about volunteering and registering for garden programs.

Great Michigan Read – The Library is hosting a community-wide book discussion on this year’s Great Michigan Read, “Station Eleven,” by Emily St. John Mandel. Set in the time after a devastating flu pandemic ends civilization as we know it, this is a spellbinding story of a Hollywood star, his would-be savior, and a nomadic troupe of actors and musicians roaming the scattered outposts of the Great Lakes region, risking everything for art and humanity. Any interested individuals or book clubs are invited to join us on Thursday, April 21 at 6:30p.m. for discussion and refreshments. This is also the Bookaholics book club selection for April. Copies are now available at the circulation desk.

Simple Storytime – Children ages 2-4 (with a participating grownup) are invited to celebrate Spring during our next Simple Storytime! We will meet from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m., Wednesdays, May 11-June 1, to hear stories, sing songs, and make some Springtime crafts! Registration is required and opens Wednesday, April 20.

Chapter Chatter Thank You – A very big thank you to Kroger’s, St. Johns Waste Water Facility and St. Joseph School for allowing us behind their closed doors. Latanya from Kroger’s showed us where the semi-trucks unloaded and boxes were crushed in the back, where the meat was processed and cold items were stored, we peeked out at customers from behind the dairy cases and also saw the big bin of sprinkles and warm ovens in the bakery as well as many other interesting areas.

Jordan took us from the laboratory where testing takes place to the end of the process of how waste water is channeled from one area to another. We saw a lot of big noisy machinery doing very important jobs. The flame for burning off methane gas was a favorite. Mrs. Ann Parker operates the cafeteria at St. Joseph School and had a very fun scavenger hunt for us. She showed us very big ovens, sinks, refrigerators, freezers and a really big mixer. We learned how important it was to keep everything very, very clean and how the school has to follow very strict laws concerning the food and how it is bought and prepared. Thank you all for taking the time to show us many interesting “behind the scenes” things.

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Contact Information:

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

Upcoming Youth Program Sign Ups

Have fun, stay active and wear NFL Gear this fall by participating in the City of St. Johns Recreation Department NFL Flag Football League. We are a proud member of NFL Flag: powered by USA Football. The league will consist of 7 weeks of practice and 5 week of games. Practices will be held during the week with games played on Saturdays. NFL Flag provides the opportunity for kids and families to become involved in football through participation early in life. It also helps develop the first phase of player development by teaching football skills at an age in a safe and not threatening environment, while focusing games on speed and agility not size and strength. Registration is open to both boys and girls.

Cost for the league is $35 for City of St. Johns residents and $40 for non-City of St. Johns residents. Fee includes NFL replica jersey, flag belt, mouthpiece, one year USA Football Membership, and field prep. Practices will start the week of August 22nd, two times a week, with games on Saturday starting September 10 and ending October 8, 2016.

Sign up will take place Tuesday, April 26 at the St. Johns Train Depot (across from Briggs Public Library) from 5:30 – 7:00, this date is preferred because players need to be fitted for jersey size. Registration forms will be accepted by mail or in person to the City of St. Johns Recreation Department until July 22.

For additional information contact Bill at the Recreation Department 224-8944 x 227 bschafer@ci,saint-johns.mi.us or Zane Ballard at ballardz@sjredwings.org. This flag football league is a proud member of NFL Flag Football, but none of the National Football League (NFL), its member clubs, NFL Ventures, L.P. or any of their respective affiliates or subsidiaries will have any liability or responsibility for any claim arising in connection with participation therein. All NFL-related logos and marks are trademarks of the NFL.

Starting Monday, May 2, 2016, children in grades K-3rd grade can continue to hone their basketball skills by participating in this spring’s Basketball Skills Camp. Classes are located at Gateway North Gymnasium on Mondays from 6:15-7:15 for grades K-1 and 7:15-8:15pm for grades 2-3. Basketball University Sports and Events LLC will provide instruction on skill development to help your child with ball handling, shooting, and passing, along with speed and coordination development. If you would like to know more about Basketball University please visit www.bballuniversity.com. Registration for the program is $28.00 when pre-registering for 4 weeks or $10 per week drop-in for City of St. Johns residents and $32.00 when pre-registering and $12 per week for drop-in for non-City of St. Johns residents. Drops-ins are allowed only if space permits, to ensure your spot pre-register. The deadline for registrations is April 28, 2016.

Registrations forms are available at the City Offices and website at http://cityofstjohnsmi.com/Departments/ParksandRecreation.aspx. Call the City of St. Johns Recreation Department at 224-8944 ext. 228 or email rfaivor@ci.saint-johns.mi.us for additional information. Check us out on Facebook at St Johns Recreation.

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, April 12 and at
– Beacon of Hope at First Baptist Church, 512 S. US 27, St. Johns, from 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 12,
– Suntree Apartments, 1100 Sunview Dr., St. Johns from 11 am to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 14. Soup, bread, fruit and dessert will be served to all who come free of charge.

All are welcome.

For more information call 989-533-9535 or 989-544-5764

The Mobile Soup Kitchen Open House kicked off their season on April 3

Mark Your Calendar

Superheroes for Children Return to Clinton County

April 30, 2016 Superheroes return to the St. Johns City Park for CASA-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children 3rd Annual Superhero 5K Run, Walk, or Fly

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Annual Spring Wetlands Conservation Banquet – April 15, 2016

The Clinton County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited (DU) will host it’s 35th Annual Wetlands Conservation
banquet on Friday April 15, 2016. The event will once again be held at Smith Hall on the 4-H Fairgrounds in St Johns.

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Euchre Tournament Fundraiser – April 15

Euchre Tournament Fundraiser for Nathan’s Methodist Relay for Life Team at Lowe United Methodist Church, 5485 W. Lowe Rd. April 15th 6:30-10:00 pm

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Spring Clean-Up scheduled – May 7

Please do not place items out at the curb earlier then Saturday, April 30, 2016.