SJPS hosts community forums on district facilities study

St. Johns Public Schools is hosting a pair of community forums next week to provide information on the district’s school buildings and potential changes based on the findings and recommendations of the Facilities Study Committee.

Meetings are planned for January 26 at Gateway Elementary School and February 4 at Oakview Elementary School. Both meetings are open to the public and begin at 6:30 p.m.

Community forums have already taken place at East Olive Elementary School and the Wilson Center.

The committee was formed based on an Enrollment Trend and Facilities Impact report presented to the Board of Education in May 2015. The committee’s charge was to:

* Analyze enrollment trends and projections as well as other information impacting enrollment;

* Analyze building capacities and utilization;

* Examine building assets and liabilities in light of instructional needs of the students and the district;

* Examine potential capital needs that could impact instructional programming;

* Consider the impact of recommendations on instructional programming; and

* Provide a comprehensive report and recommendation to administration and the Board of Education based on its findings.

The committee presented its findings and the following recommendations at the December 14, 2015 meeting of the Board of Education.

* Transfer ownership of Wilson Center to the city, county, Arts Council or other organization; or salvage, demolish, or sell the property.

See the timeline of Rodney B. Wilson High School

* Restructure Gateway and Oakview into lower and upper elementary buildings with grade configurations of pre-K through second grade at one of the existing school buildings, and third through fifth grade at the other school building; and determine best locations for District elementary Special Education classrooms.

* Close East Olive School and redraw elementary geographic boundaries.

Administrative personnel will facilitate each community forum, assisted by committee members. There will be ample time for questions and answers, as well as listening to concerns and other creative ideas that persons attending may want to share.

While no final decision has been made, the district administrative team will review all information and considerations in preparing a final recommendation for the Board’s consideration. Detailed information on the facility study is available at the district web site

http://www.sjredwings.org/aboutus/superintendentsupdate/
http://www.sjredwings.org/facility-committee-/

St. Johns Rotary to host annual fundraiser

The Rotary Club of St. Johns will hold its 19th annual Helping Hands Dinner on Saturday, February 6, 5:30-10:00 p.m. at Smith Hall at the Clinton County Fairgrounds in St. Johns. Almost one of every ten tickets sold will be awarded cash or prizes through the Deal or No Deal type of drawing with the largest prize $5,000 cash.

A limited number of tickets for the event are still available at $150 per couple from any St. Johns Rotarian or by calling Amy Palus, 517-749-9929. The ticket price includes prime rib dinner for two and participation in the raffle drawings.

Jason Harr-Harr’s Jewelry, Pam Foster – St. Johns Rotary President, Dru Mitchell – 2016 Helping Hands Dinner Chairman, Molly Harr – Harr’s Jewelry, Gregory Martin – 2016 Helping Hands Dinner Co-chairman, Chris Brewbaker – St. Johns Rotary President-elect

As the major fundraiser for Rotary, tens of thousands of dollars have been returned to local organizations and global projects, helping to enrich lives in the community and world-wide. Past support has gone to National Night Out, Toys for Tots, Sparrow Clinton Emergency Room expansion, and the fight against polio.

Dru Mitchell, chairman of the 2016 Dinner and president of the Clinton County Economic Alliance states, “This community-wide effort is supported by over 400 community leaders and residents. They gather for an exciting evening filled with fun, food, and prizes, but most of all, a desire to raise money for our local community and its various charitable causes. Our thanks go out to everyone participating in this event!”

Corporate sponsors are crucial to the success of this fundraiser and club members appreciate the continued support from Sparrow Clinton Hospital at the Platinum Level, Turning Point Youth Center and K-13 Dentistry as Gold Sponsors and Raffle Ticket Sponsor RSI/Wayne Door. An exciting silent auction will have attendees bidding on items including golf packages, food gift cards, St. Johns Police and Fire Department ride-alongs, and a lottery ticket gift basket.
About Rotary

Rotary is 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world. Our differing occupations, cultures, and countries give us a unique perspective. Our shared passion for service helps us accomplish the remarkable.

SJHS Athletic Hall of Fame needs nominees Deadline for nominations is March 31

Attention Redwing athletic fans. Something new and exciting is brewing in St. Johns.

Preparations are underway for the inaugural induction into the newly established St. Johns High School Athletic Hall of Fame, set for Friday, Sept. 9 at halftime of the varsity football game with Mason.

But before that can happen, help from the community is needed in two different ways. Nominations for the Hall of Fame will come from members of the Redwing community. And funding for the Hall of Fame will rely on financial support from local individuals and businesses.

“The Hall of Fame will recognize both individuals and teams for exemplary accomplishments, contributions and service to St. Johns High School Athletics,” said Director of Athletics Chris Ervin. “To do that, we need both nominations and financial support from the public.”

Creation of the Hall of Fame was approved by the St. Johns Board of Education last fall. Its purpose is to celebrate the rich heritage and tradition of Redwing athletics, according to Ervin, who presented the concept to the board. The groundwork has been laid.

Now comes the exciting part – determining who will be included in the first group of inductees.
According to Ervin, three categories will be represented in the Hall of Fame: Student-athletes, contributors to the athletic department and teams.

To qualify for induction, an individual must have distinguished himself/herself while a student-athlete at SJHS. Nominees must have graduated at least five years prior to being nominated, completed their interscholastic athletic career at SJHS and earned at least one varsity letter. The student-athlete must have made a significant impact on SJHS athletics, had an outstanding career, demonstrated good character and achieved acceptable academic standards. Criteria to be considered for student-athlete inductees will include individual honors, school records achieved and outstanding college and/or professional athletic accomplishments.

Inductees in the “contributors to the athletic department” category may be individuals, athletic administrators, coaches or staff members who have served SJHS within the athletic field for at least 10 years. Nominees in this category do not need to be graduates of SJHS; however, all nominees must have had outstanding careers, setting high personal and professional standards in their service to SJHS.

Redwing athletic teams are not eligible for induction until at least five years after completion of the successful season. Criteria to be considered for teams include things such as undefeated seasons, championships and MHSAA state tournament success.

The inaugural class of inductees will consist of no more than 10 selections, including both individuals and teams. Thereafter, a maximum of five inductees will be included each year.

Nominations may be submitted by anyone, except the individual or a member of the team being nominated or individuals on the selection committee.

Nomination forms are available online at www.sjredwings.org/athletics and must be received at the SJHS Activities Office by March 31 to be considered for induction that fall. Nominations not selected will be kept on file for consideration for five years, so the same nomination does not need to be resubmitted. Submissions will remain confidential.

The longevity of the SJHS Athletic Hall of Fame will depend on financial support from individuals and businesses. Donor levels include Platinum, Gold and Bronze options, but donations in any amount are welcome. Contributions qualify as charitable donations for tax purposes. Anyone interested in making a donation is encouraged to contact the SJHS Activities Office at (989) 227-4134 or view the website for details.

For more information, to make a nomination or to make a donation:
Visit www.sjredwings.org/athletics
Call (989) 227-4134
Deadline for nominations is March 31

SJ students honored at Voice of Democracy Awards Banquet

St. Johns students were honored January 7 at the 2015-16 Voice of Democracy Awards Banquet held at VFW Mint City Post 4113 in St. Johns. The annual event recognizes students in senior and junior divisions for their award-winning essays.

This year’s theme for the VOD senior division was “My Vision for America.” First place winner was Autumn Rey Petrick; second place, Madison Crum; third place, Ethan Webster.

Read Autumn’s essay.

First through third place winners in both divisions received VOD trophies and award certificates along with awards of $100, first; $75, second; $50, third.

Teen Activity Center

by Maralyn Fink

I decided to check out the Teen Activity Center located at the Pilgrim United Methodist Church in St Johns. The center is sponsored by the church and was started in 2001 by Stuart Hazle. It is open every Saturday night from 6:30pm to 8:30pm from October through May.

The idea for this was to have a place for teens to gather and recreate in a safe environment. The age group is 6th to 12th grades, and every one is welcome. Today the center is run by Bill and Erin McElroy. The center is run by volunteers from the church.

The average number of kids per week is usually 30 and come from Ovid, Fowler, Laingsburg, Bath, Dewitt and St Johns.
The games offered are Basketball, Foosball, Pool Table, Ping Pong Table and the famous Dodge Ball. There is also a concession stand where you can purchase Pizza, Candy and Pop for 1.00 cover charge.

On the last night in May they have a big event that includes Inflatable’s, Laser Tag, Obstacle Course and Trampolines. Also on that night is free food and admission and last around 4-5 hours.

I spoke to Zachary Sample who told me he had been coming since the 6th grade and now is in the 9th grade. The best thing is that it enables him to get out of the house so he doesn’t have to do chores. He comes every other week, and the games are fun.

I also spoke to Dre who says he has been coming since 6th grade and is also in 9th grade now. Dre likes to play dodge ball and get out of the house also. He likes coming here to reduce his energy and meet his friends here. He tries to come every week. This is a fun place for everybody to come when they get in Middle School.

So give it a try and see what the fun is all about. The Church is located at 2965 W. Parks, on the corner of Parks and Dewitt Rd.

Thank you to Erin and Bill for the information on this story, and keep up the good work that you do.

https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/160116?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Church sponsoring book discussions

The First Congregational Church is sponsoring small group book discussions each week beginning on January 24. The subject is Max Lucado’s Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine.

All are welcome to get a copy at the First Congregational church in downtown St. Johns or online.

Groups repeat Sundays at 9 a.m., Mondays at 7 p.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church in St. Johns, 100 Maple St.

Call 989-224-2636 or email first.congregational.church.sj@gmail.com with questions.

2016 Field Crops Webinar Series scheduled – Monday evenings

The 2016 Field Crops Webinar Series will be scheduled for Monday evenings from February 22 through March 28.

Participants will receive field crop production and pest management highlights to prepare for the 2016 growing season.

Field crop producers and agribusiness professionals who are unable to attend Michigan State University Extension’s traditional winter programs have no need to worry. On Monday evenings from February 22 through March 28, 2016, MSU Extension will offer the 2016 Field Crops Webinar Series, addressing key production points for the coming growing season in a condensed virtual format. These live webinar programs will run from 7-8 p.m. EST and can be viewed independently online over a high-speed Internet connection.

Pre-registration is required for all participants at $15 for the full series of six webinars or $5 per individual webinar session. Please visit events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?folder=FieldCropsWebinarSeries2016 .

One MDARD Pesticide Recertification Credit will be available through each event for application to the Private Core, Commercial Core or Field Crops categories.

· Feb. 22: Overcoming Weed Management Challenges in 2016 – Christy Sprague, MSU
· Feb. 29: Field Crop Disease Management Update – Martin Chilvers, MSU
· March 7: Forage Improvement on a Budget – Kim Cassida, MSU
· March 14: Nutrient Management Research in Field Crops – Kurt Steinke, MSU
· March 21: Evaluating Insecticide Seed Treatments – Chris DiFonzo, MSU
· March 28: Cover Crop Termination Strategies – Mike Plumer, Conservation Ag Consultant

MSU Extension’s 2016 Field Crops Webinar Series represents a unique opportunity to access the expertise of MSU’s field crop specialists from the comfort of your own home or office. To register for one or more webinar program in the series, visit the 2016 Field Crops Webinar Series Event page at msue.msu.edu. Once registered, participants will receive an email containing a link to connect to the webinars.

For additional information or assistance, contact me at 989-734-2168 or dedecke5@msu.edu. Call 989-734-2168 by Feb. 15 to request accommodations for persons with disabilities. Requests received after this date will be fulfilled when possible.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit . To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Valentine Tea at Lowe UMC – Saturday, February 13

The Heartland District United Methodist Women are hosting a Valentine Tea on Saturday, February 13th from 1:15 pm to 3:30 pm at Lowe UMC, located at 5485 W. Lowe Rd. outside of St. Johns.

The cost is $3.00 at the door. Light refreshments will be provided, and Chelsea Hart will provide entertainment.

Reservations are not necessary.

Bring Your Valentine – February 13

Bring Your Valentine to the Sons of the American Legion 20th Annual Spaghetti Dinner.

February 13, 2016
From 5:00pm To 7:30pm
$8.00 Per Person
All You Can Eat

110 E Walker St., St. Johns, MI

Leonard hosts February office hours

State Rep. Tom Leonard today invited residents to join him for office hours scheduled during February.

Rep. Leonard, R-DeWitt, said office hours will place on Friday, February 12 at the following locations:

· In St. Johns at the Big Boy, 1408 S. U.S. 27, from 8 to 9:30 a.m.; and

· In Ithaca at the Hearthstone Oven Bakery and Café, 126 S. Pine River St., from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

No appointment is necessary. Those unable to attend may contact Rep. Leonard by calling 517-373-1778 or toll free at 877-859-8086, via email at TomLeonard@house.mi.gov or through his website at www.RepLeonard.com.

Local Students make Dean’s List at Michigan Tech

Michigan Technological University has released the Dean’s List for the 2015 fall semester. Of the 7,100 students enrolled for the Fall Semester, 1,541 achieved Dean’s List status.

To qualify for the Dean’s List a student must take 12 or more grade point credits and achieve a semester grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or better. Asterisks indicate those earning straight-A averages of 4.0.

Bath: Russell Lipe, Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Bath High School

DeWitt: Nia Becker, Forestry, Dewitt High School
Brandon Hill, Surveying Engineering, Dewitt High School
Haley Swanson*, Mechanical Engineering, Dewitt High School

Eagle: Harley Colburn, Civil Engineering, Grand Ledge High School
Esther Gilliland, Biomedical Engineering, Grand Ledge High School

Saint Johns: Antonio DiCicco, Computer Network & System Admn, Saint Johns High School

Westphalia: Derrick Smith, Computer Science, Pewamo Westphalia High School

SJ students honored at Voice of Democracy Awards Banquet

St. Johns students were honored January 7 at the 2015-16 Voice of Democracy Awards Banquet held at VFW Mint City Post 4113 in St. Johns. The annual event recognizes students in senior and junior divisions for their award-winning essays.

Post Commander Bill Scott welcomed the students and their family members and introduced honored guests including Post 4113 Chaplain Dennis Wright, Post 4113 Senior Vice Commander Larry Varney, Post 4113 VOD Master of Ceremonies Dale Brown, St. Johns High School Principal Mark Palmer, St. Johns Middle School Principal Adel DiOrio, SJHS VOD coordinators Dave Stukey and Dave Mariage, and SJMS VOD coordinators Jill Loznak and Amber Guerrero. Bob Etherton delivered the keynote address.

Judges for both divisions were also recognized: Shelly Bessel, Corinna Batora and Christina Klark. Larry and Shirley Varney coordinated the 2015-16 VOD contest and dinner.

This year’s theme for the VOD senior division was “My Vision for America.” First place winner was Autumn Rey Petrick; second place, Madison Crum; third place, Ethan Webster.

The Patriot’s Pen junior division theme was “What Freedom Means to Me.” First place winner was Tessa Link; second place, Reagann Meyers; third place, Gabrielle Dobernick.

Read Tessa’s essay.

First through third place winners in both divisions received VOD trophies and award certificates along with awards of $100, first; $75, second; $50, third.

Arts Council Gallery undergoing renovations

Gallery renovations are well underway. The floor and wall repairs have been completed. All the walls have fresh paint. New flooring is being installed, and organizers look forward to re-opening on schedule on January 28th.

At the Wilson Center Auditorium – January 15, 19

The Wilson Collective is a program that presents all-ages concerts and events for the St. Johns area that benefit Michigan musicians using a wonderful, historic venue, the Wilson Center Auditorium. The Collective is looking to form an all-ages community with a passion for local music, making contemporary music available to all, especially teens who normally aren’t able to attend live performances.

The Collective Concerts are intended to bring young people and others together, presenting them with a more liberal and alternative place to enjoy many different types of music as well as inspiring them to become more invested in the local music scene. The Wilson Collective also brings a new venue to the contemporary music scene, presenting Michigan musicians with additional opportunities to perform, displaying their creative works. Concerts are scheduled on Friday evenings throughout the winter and start at 7:00 p.m. The first two concerts are coming up on January 15th and 29th. There will be a small admission charge that will go towards the auditorium renovation project. Check the web site or Facebook page for more details on upcoming concerts and events.

The Wilson Collective kicks off its winter contemporary music series with a wonderful concert featuring two local rock bands and other performers from St. Johns, DeWitt, Lansing and Grand Ledge. This opening concert will take place on Friday evening, January 15 starting at 7:00 in the historic Wilson Center Auditorium.

“Synergy,” a popular local band made up of St. Johns High School students, Chase Brya, bass/vocals, and Josh Weinberg, guitar/vocals, along St. Johns Middle School students Alex Pung, guitar/vocals, Jon Collins, keyboard/vocals, and Tom Brubaker, drums, will perform a set of modern and classic rock. “This band performed at the Performance Shell this past summer as part of the ‘Best of Clinton County’ evening and did a great job,” says William Tennant, WC Auditorium Coordinator. “It will be fun to hear them again on this concert.”

The band, “Fire and Water” will also be presenting a set of their classic rock and blues numbers on the concert. This local favorite is made up of adults and includes; Eric and Andrew Pittman, guitarists from St. Johns, Lindsay Luoma, keyboard/vocals from Lansing, John Kelly, bass/guitar/vocals from DeWitt, and Dan Rafail, drums from Grand Ledge. This group is also expecting a special guest vocalist to join them that evening.

The concert will also include some students of John Kelly who will each be doing a number before the bands perform. The students range in age from 5th grade through 10th and include; Kennedy Sturgis, Carly Waire, Lindsey Edwards, Keegen Pratt, Gabby Colarossi and Maria Biewer. “Synergy” is also a product of John Kelly’s great studio of young musicians. “One of the objectives of The Wilson Collective is to offer a performance opportunity to young local musician, presenting them with a performance in this beautiful venue,” states Aidan Pope, Wilson Collective Concert Promoter. “It’s important to foster their growth, getting them excited about performing as they perfect their musical style.”

Various artists covered during the show will include Cam, Meghan Trainor, Adele, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Bad Company, Shawn Mendes, stevie ray vaughan. and more.

There will be a $5 admission charge, which will go towards the Wilson Center Auditorium renovation project. The WC 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 or upcoming concerts and events, please visit the Wilson Center Auditorium Facebook page and/or web site at www.wilsoncenterauditorium.org.

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Rock Concert set for January 15
The Wilson Collective is presenting its first all-ages rock concert of the year on Friday, Jan. 15 starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Wilson Center Auditorium. The concert will include the local bands “Synergy” and “Fire and Water”, along with several individual performers performing a wide variety of cover tunes. It will be a great evening of local rock music. There will be a $5 admission charge, which will go towards the auditorium renovation project. The WC Auditorium is located at 101 W. Cass St. in St. Johns, just south of the Courthouse.

Open Mic Night set for January 18
The Wilson Collective is sponsoring its first Open Mic Night of the year in the Wilson Center Auditorium, 101 W. Cass St., St Johns, on Monday, Jan. 18 starting at 7:00 p.m. Tell a story, sing a song, recite a poem, talk about a piece of art, act out a monologue, show a video or some pictures… Come and Share – Come and Listen. A $5 fee goes towards the auditorium renovation project.

Zink inducted into Basketball Coaches Hall of Honor

Congratulations to Peg Zink on her induction into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) Hall of Honor in the category of Friends of Basketball. Peg was recognized at a recent basketball game for her over 22 years of service to the SJHS Athletic Department.

Board Elections for the Friends of the FMCIS Trail

The Friends of the Fred Meijer Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail will be holding elections at their annual membership meeting on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 to fill vacancies for three directors whose terms will expire in March of 2016. Each of the vacancies is for three year terms for positions in Clinton, Ionia and Shiawassee counties.

Individuals interested in running for these positions must reside in one of these three counties and if elected, would represent their respective county at monthly meetings. If you are interested in running for one of these positions, please e-mail us at cistrail@gmail.com no later than Friday, January 22, 2016. Please include background information on any past experience that would relate to trail board activities.

The Friends of the Fred Meijer Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail is a non-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to create a safe, multi-use trail for non-motorized recreation utilizing the former Central Michigan railroad corridor between Ionia and Shiawassee counties.