Dress rehearsal for Cinderella – an album by Maralyn Fink

On Monday I returned to St. Johns High School for the dress rehearsal of the upcoming play, Cinderella.

Wow, watching practice and seeing the props was awesome. The students and Directors have been working hard for weeks now, and soon it will be Showtime.

It is hard to shoot pictures when everyone is moving, so with patience I was quick and sometimes not quick enough.

There are many people who need to be thanked for all the work they have done and the time given of everyone involved.
These include but are not limited to Don Snelling, parent for building and working on props, several parents that volunteered, set builders and painters, Dawn Flynn, Costumes, and Zane Paksi, who was Mr. Palmers right hand man, Justin Valla, Orchestra and Rachelle Short, piano leader.

The whole cast and all of their hard work will not go unnoticed when you attend this play. Lastly I need to thank Mr. Barry Palmer for taking his time and hard work for the production.

The play will be on

– Friday, November 13 at 7pm
– Saturday, November 14 at 7pm
– Sunday, November 15 at 2pm

Update: Sold Out!

Tickets are on sale, and you can also call the box office at 227-4112 to reserve your tickets.

As always, thank you Mr. Palmer and your cast and crew for allowing me to take pictures and interview you. It is much appreciated.

Until next time . . . .

https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/151102?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Auditorium Committee receives Matching Funds Grant

The Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Project Committee is kicking off Phase II, the final phase of fundraising, to complete this engaging project. “Phase I was completed 4 years ago. The auditorium has been the home to many concerts, plays and events over these past few years. Now it is time to complete the project,” says committee chair Bill Tennant.

The committee is addressing three major areas that need to be completed:

– the refurbishing and installation of 140 auditorium seats that will complete the downstairs main floor seating area
– the installation of a projector that can project high quality film, video and power point presentations
– finally the largest most complex task of basically redoing the entire lighting system, taking it from an antiquated backstage system that is over 60 years old to an up to date modern system.

“It is going to take $80,000 to complete all of the work,” says Tennant. “The good news is that we have $20,000 in our account, another $30,000 has been pledged to the project in a matching grant the committee has obtained, which leaves us with $30,000 to raise before the end of the year! We’re asking a lot of people to get on board with this project – we don’t want to lose those matching funds!”

An Open House is being scheduled for Tuesday, November 10 from 5:00 – 7:00 in the Wilson Center Auditorium so that the community can experience first hand this beautiful venue, seeing what has been accomplished so far and what still needs to be done. The auditorium is located in Downtown St Johns, just south of the Courthouse at 101 W Cass St.

When completed, the auditorium will be used for many concerts presented by The Wilson Collective – concerts also presented by our community musical groups, The St Johns Community Band, the Mint City Singers and the community children’s choir, Vivo Cantando – theatrical productions presented by Homegrown Productions – a film series and possible film festival – Open Mic Nights are being scheduled. It is hoped that community organizations will bring in speakers and other events. A whole host of activities will be taking place in this magnificent historical auditorium that was build in 1924.

Upcoming events are:

November 10 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Open House
November 16 7:00 start Open Mic Night
November 20 7:00 start Rock Concert
December 4 & 5 7:30 start Christmas Show
December 11 7:00 start Christmas Concert

The committee is seeking people, businesses and organizations who are willing to help restore this mid-Michigan historical gem here in St Johns.

“We’re specifically looking for sponsors for the 140 new seats that will be installed,” says committee member Tom Webb. “For $250, sponsors can have an engraved plaque put on one of the seats.” Major donors who give $500 or more can have their names engraved in a large plaque located in the auditorium lobby. Donations are tax deductable with checks being written out to the “St. Johns Foundation for Excellence” and sent to: Wilson Auditorium Project at PO Box 331, St. Johns. MI 48879.

“Once people realize that this beautiful auditorium exists, they will start to take advantage of the wonderful programming that will be presented throughout the year,” Tennant concludes. “We just need to secure the funding to receive the matching funds before the end of the year.”

City accepts donation for Spray Park

check presentation this morning from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for the Spray Park matching funds from the Patronicity campaign earlier this summer.

Craft Show in St. Johns – November 14

On Saturday, November 14 the Clinton County Senior Center will hold a Craft Show and Bake Sale between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Senior Center is located at 201 E Walker Street, St. Johns.

In addition to many homemade items there will also be gently used Christmas decorations, books, puzzles and more for sale. The Craft Show proceeds will go to the Senior Center and the Bake Sale will benefit the Clinton County Meals on Wheels program.

If you would like to donate any new crafts, or supplies that can be used to make things, please drop them off at the Senior Center Monday through Friday (except Thursday) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you need something picked up, please call 989-224-4257.

If you would like to make something for the bake sale, please call Meals on Wheels at 989-224-3600.

Big Boy to honor Veterans with free breakfast – November 11

St. Johns, MI-Both the St. Johns and Mason Big Boy will once again be honoring area veterans with a free breakfast on Veterans Day.

From 7:00 to 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 11, any veteran can stop by the Big Boy to enjoy a trip to the breakfast buffet – compliments of David Hunt, owner of the Big Boy Restaurants in St. Johns and Mason.

“It is our pleasure to honor the men and women who have served our county, whether in times of combat or peace,” said Hunt. “We are blessed with freedom and rights that so many others around the world don’t enjoy – and are also blessed with the dedication of those in uniform. This is a small gesture of appreciation to all those who have served in any branch of the military.”

The St. johns Big Boy is located at 1408 S. U.S. 27, and the Mason Big Boy is at 660 N. Cedar St.

The SJ Indy’s Purely Michigan – Rockport in November

by Jean Martin

Rockport Recreation Area is located along Lake Huron about 10 miles north of Alpena. It was a beautiful day in Nobember. Your results in November may differ.

The road to Rockport is a standard country road, but we don’t recommend using much speed anyway. The deer along there a pretty defiant. They seem to decide on a case by case basis whether they will yield the right of way to passing vehicles.

The Great Lakes Stone and Lime Company of Rockport began operation in 1913 and provided rock for building and paving materials. A limestone quarry operated on the site from 1927 to 1958. The mine was very successful, and it brought a relatively large population to the area. Its last use was as a staging area and supplier of the footings for the Mackinac bridge.

If we must say goodbye to summer and fall 2015, this was a good place to do it.

https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/151103?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Wilson Center Auditorium Open House – November 10

You are invited to come and experience the Wilson Center Auditorium renovation project first hand on Tuesday, November 10 from 5 – 7 p.m.

See what has been done and what there is left to do.

There will be refreshments and entertainment.

Lowe UMC remodeled

Lowe United Methodist Church, on the corner of Lowe and Findlay Rd. north of St. Johns, has recently undergone a remodel to become barrier free to the public and to add a social hall to accommodate events in the community and within the congregation. Lowe celebrated in August with 125 years in ministry as well as an open-house for the public to see the additions to the church.

As beautiful and exciting as the remodel and anniversary was, it left much to the imagination on the exterior. Identical twins Louise Ferguson and Lorraine Upton, both members of the Lowe congregation, designed a stunning display of plants and stones.

The labor of love came from many places. Agro-Liquid Fertilizer donated and placed large boulders from a farm once owned by the Findlay family who are past and present members of the congregation. Other members of the congregation and community helped plant and mulch the grounds, and a majority of plants were donated by the twins.

Lousie and Lorraine have been passionate about landscaping since they were young, and it is evident in their personal life as well, a drive past either of their homes and you’ll leave in awe at the display of flowers, trees, shrubs and other props, depending on the season and holiday.

Asked what benefit they receive out of the labor intensive work of landscaping? “God has given me the opportunity to have fun with nature, and to enhance the beauty of His creation in hopes that it will draw attention to our church and the surrounding community. Hard work by our forefathers has proven to be successful and it is rewarding to carry on with our God given talents,” explains Louise Ferguson. Asked if Lorraine Upton has anything to add? She responds with, “Ditto.”

Lowe UMC is Pastored by Kathy Leydorf-Keck and worship service is on Sunday at 11:00 am.

Leonard introduces bill to protect vulnerable adults

State Rep. Tom Leonard today introduced legislation to better protect vulnerable adults from physical and mental abuse by stiffening penalties against those who abuse them.

Rep. Leonard, R-DeWitt, said House Bills 5046 through 5049 increase penalties for first- and second-degree vulnerable adult abuse. First-degree abuse is an act intentionally causing harm, pain and suffering, such as striking a vulnerable adult. Second-degree abuse is reckless behavior causing a helpless adult anguish and pain.

“As a former prosecutor, I witnessed first-hand the suffering that vulnerable adults experience from mental and physical abuse,” Rep. Leonard said. “Government’s most basic responsibility is to protect our citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable. These bills will ensure that those who abuse the elderly will face the justice they deserve.”

Bills in the legislative package are:

· HB 5046, introduced by state Rep. Holly Hughes, R-Montague, increases the penalty for first-degree vulnerable adult abuse from not more than 15 years in prison to not more than 20 years in prison;

· HB 5047, from Rep. Leonard, updates the Michigan Sentencing Guidelines to correspond with Rep. Hughes’ bill;

· HB 5048, introduced by state Rep. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, increases the penalty for second-degree vulnerable adult abuse from not more than four years in prison to not more than 10 years in prison; and

· HB 5049, authored by state Rep. Kathy Crawford, R-Novi, updates the Michigan Sentencing Guidelines to correspond with Rep. Bizon’s bill.

The bills were referred to the House Committee on Criminal Justice.

Win Cash For Christmas

The Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and the St Johns Downtown Principal Shopping District are going to be awarding one lucky winner a cash prize at the St. Johns Santa Parade. Until December 2 they will be selling raffle tickets in the amount of $5 for your chance to win ½ of the money collected.

Tickets are on sale at the Chamber of Commerce (1013 S US 27), the downtown PSD office (in the courthouse) and at several other businesses in St. Johns. The drawing will take place on Friday, Dec 4 after the St. Johns Santa Parade (approximately 6:15 p.m.) by the community Christmas Tree, located in the Depot lawn at the corner of Clinton Avenue and Railroad Street.

If you have any questions about the raffle, contact the Chamber at 989-224-7248 or the downtown offices at 989-227-1717.

Leonard to host two office hours in November

State Rep. Tom Leonard today invited residents to office hours scheduled to take place in two communities during November.

Rep. Leonard, R-DeWitt, said the informal gatherings will occur:

· In St. Johns on Friday, Nov. 13, at the Big Boy, 1408 S. U.S. 27, from 9 to 11 a.m.; and

· In Ithaca on Friday, Nov. 20, at the Hearthstone Oven Bakery and Café, 126 S. Pine River St., from 9 to 11 a.m.

Because of a scheduling conflict, Rep. Leonard will not be present for the Nov. 13 office hours session in St. Johns. A member of his staff will be on hand to listen to what residents have to say and share the information with Rep. Leonard.

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.

Halloween Party at the Depot – an album by Maralyn Fink

Stopping by the Depot on Saturday afternoon, I decided to check out the Halloween Party held there. This event was put on by the Clinton County Art Council from 1-3 pm.

I met up with Jenny McCampbell who introduced me to Emily Everts, a high school junior who was in charge of the event, with some help from Jenny.

The decorations were fantastic, and the weather was also perfect.

Costumed youngsters filtered in and out of the depot, and there were activities scheduled both inside and outside including games, pumpkin decorating, coloring, stickers and of course the “Haunted Hallway.” Face painting by Sharon Shutes also was a hit.

The Halloween Party started in 2013. The volunteers are members of the Goodwin’s Club at the High School, which is a club that volunteer their time to many community events.

It was fun to see the kids in costume and having a good time with smiles on their faces.

Well, time to head home for a rest but wait . . . . I think I need a doughnut for the road but no cider; I’m driving!

https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/151025?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Trick-Or-Treating Hours – Saturday, October 31

The St. Johns City Commission has set the hours for Trick-or-Treating within the City of St. Johns on Halloween, Saturday, October 31, 2015, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to be signaled by the blowing of the fire whistle.

As in the past, the City Commission asks that all residents light their porches and drive carefully on Halloween Night.

New Art Piece to be unveiled – November 4

An unveiling event will be held on November 4 to dedicate the newest art sculpture in St. Johns.

The new polished 3003-aluminum sculpture entitled “Splash” is approximately 14 feet tall and was installed in the Main City Park in St. Johns at the entrance to the new Spray Park. The art installation was made possible by a Public Art for Communities Grant from the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and the PNC Foundation.

Sculpture Dedication Ceremony:

– Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2015
– Time 9:30 a.m.
– Location: St. Johns Main City Park, 805 W. Park Street, St. Johns (near the intersection of Park Street and Morton Street in St. Johns)

LEAP President/CEO Bob Trezise, Jennifer Morris from PNC Foundation, artist Ivan Iler, and City of St. Johns staff will give a few words at the ceremony. The public and media are welcome to attend this event.

Immediately following the art unveiling there will be a check presentation from the MEDC for Patronicity campaign this summer that raised funds for the Spray Park. The City would appreciate everyone staying for this presentation.

City Manager’s Newsletter

Leaf Pick Up: Every autumn the City of St. Johns assists residents with leaf disposal if proper protocol is used. Residents can either 1) bag their leaves and leave the filled bags curbside (on the property, not in the street) or 2) rake their leaves to the curb in piles (again, not in the street). The City will provide free leaf bags for residents. Additional bags can be picked up at the city offices, the city library or at the DPW site. City crews will continue to pick up bagged or raked leaves at regular intervals during October and November, weather permitting. Residents can also transport their leaves and other yard waste to the DPW compost site.

Raking leaves into the street is a violation of St. Johns City Code 50.05 (c) (3) and could result in the issuance of a civil infraction citation. Leaves raked into the streets can clog city storm sewers and create public safety hazards. As in past years, City crews will be collecting leaves along the curb the week of November 17th, weather permitting.
Seniors and handicap residents who are unable to rake their yards may contact Bill Schafer at 9898-224-8944 ext. 227 to receive volunteer assistance. We wish to thank the various youth groups and their leaders for this valuable community service. If another youth group would like to participate please contact City Offices, all are welcome.

Completion Of 2015 Street Projects: Contractors are “buttoning up” the final road work that is part of the 2015 street millage schedule. Consumers Energy have already completed their natural gas upgrades along these city streets. Thanks to the residents whose ingress and egress to their homes were affected by these street upgrades. Your patience is greatly appreciated. For more information about this program and a color-coded map indicating where construction will occur in 2016 please visit the City’s website at: http://cityofstjohnsmi.com/ Once at the site click on “2014-2017 Street Millage Proposal Map”. In addition to the work indicated on the map for the 2016 construction season, improvements will also be made on N. Lansing Street as a result of receiving Michigan Department of Transportation Small Urban grant.

Affordable Senior Housing Development Update: The multi-unit residential development being proposed for senior citizens for the downtown district continues to move forward. Engineering and environmental work is being undertaken by the developer. Financing for the project is being put in place with an expected ground-breaking for the apartment complex to occur in late spring/early summer of 2016. It is estimated that the construction would take up to 10 months to complete. The City has received numerous calls regarding interested seniors who would like to be on a waiting list. Registration details are still being investigated. It is important to note, studies have demonstrated that there is a distinct shortage of safe and affordable housing for seniors on modest incomes in the Clinton County and the Tri-County Region. This project will address that need.

Depot Grounds Improvements/CIS Trailhead: The City of St. Johns has received Department of Natural Resources grant funds to support improvements along the CIS recreational trail where it intersects with our downtown. The grant will allow the city to erect public bathrooms and install benches, picnic tables and additional paved parking in the Rotary Park/Depot Grounds area. In addition sidewalks, lighting and security cameras will be installed. Conceptual drawings are continuing to forge ahead as we prepare for a spring/summer 2016 project. And if you haven’t yet taken the time to stroll or ride along this wonderful recreational trail, autumn is a great time to give it a try.

City Rec wants to hear from you

The City of St. Johns is in the process of updating its Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan and would like the help of area residents.

The information collected from this survey will be used to develop the plan. The survey will be available until November 4.

An online survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/St_Johns_Recreation_Masterplan for area residents to complete.

The master plan is an important tool the city uses for planning and development purposes. We must have an approved master plan on file with the Department of Natural Resources to apply for grants from them.

The city has been successful in obtaining grants from the DNR over the past 10 years, receiving four grants for over $300,000 in grant money from the state.

If you do not have access to the internet, surveys can also be picked up at City Offices and Briggs Public Library.

If you have any questions please contact Bill in the Recreation Department at 224-8944 x 227 or
bschafer@ci.saint-johns.mi.us.

Beaufore’s Barber Shop honored

Rep. Tom Leonard stopped by Mike Beaufore’s barber shop in Westphalia recently for a haircut.

He also had a special surprise for him. Between Mike and his uncle, the business has just celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Leonard presented Mike and his other barber tributes from the State to place in their Westphalia and Saint Johns locations.

Date set for Breakfast with Santa

Santa will be arriving in St. Johns on December 4 during the downtown parade, and then he will stay in town for the next day for the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Breakfast with Santa.

The Breakfast with Santa will be held from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. during the Chamber’s Christmas Festival. In addition to the Breakfast there will be a Craft Show and Festival of Trees (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and a Kids Make it and Take It Crafts (12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

The cost for the breakfast will be $6 for adults and $4 for children (children aged 2 and under will be free). Tickets for the Breakfast with Santa are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, located at 1013 S US 27 (in the CC RESA Building across from McDonalds) or at Big Boy of St. Johns.

For the Make it and Take it Crafts most will be .25 to .50 each. There will be over 10 crafts you can make for yourself or make to give as gifts for Christmas. If you don’t have time to stay and make the crafts that day, you can purchase the craft kits anytime between 12:00-3:00 p.m. at the RESA Building.

You can participate in this fun day by entering a theme decorated tree in the Festival of Trees, renting a booth in the craft show (only 12 spaces remain) and of course by participating in the Breakfast with Santa and Kids Crafts.

If you would like any additional information about any event of the Christmas Festival, please call the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248 or email them at ccchamber@4wbi.net.

Free Veteran’s Dinner at Lowe Social Hall – Saturday, November 7

Veteran’s and their family are invited to a free dinner and fellowship hosted by the Charge Outreach Group of Lowe and Maple Rapids United Methodist Church.

Saturday, November 7th 5:00 pm
5485 W. Lowe Rd. St. Johns

Please RSVP by October 30th to 989-224-4460 or mapleriverumccharge@gmail.com.

Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum needs your support

Many thanks to all donors and prospective donors for your support in the maintenance of the Museum House; a new roof and storm windows have been installed.

The current issue is the 35 year-old cantankerous boiler. A high efficiency heating system, with air conditioning, is needed to protect the many artifacts from extreme heat, humidity, and cold.

PGS Museum provides an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to discover the history of Clinton County and the Museum operates solely on donations (NO tax dollars) and a volunteer staff.

Please consider PGS as you complete your donations for 2015. Checks payable to “PGS Museum” can be mailed to PO Box 174, St. Johns, MI 48879, or stop by on Wednesday from 2-6:30 PM or Sunday from 1-4 PM and tour the current exhibit on Rural Schools as well as “Christmas in Victorian Times” through December 20, 2015.

Contact the Museum at (989) 224-2894 or via email pgsmuseum@hotmail.com. Website: www.pgsmuseum.com.

Preparing for the Future by Preserving the Past.

Zombie Run – an album by Maralyn Fink

The Third year of the Zombie Run took place on Friday at the City Park.

According to Director Bill Schafer this event was done by the Parks & Recreation Department as a fund raiser for the Spray Park. Planning started after summer events finished. This was a fun run that was not timed, and no prizes were awarded.

Tickets were $10.00 each for early purchase and $15.00 at the start. There were 138 runners in the race.

The 43 Zombies were stationed around the course throughout the park and fairgrounds. The Zombies were volunteers from the High School, and the Art Department did the make up.

The course was 1.5 miles. The entrants were given a flag belt, and each belt had 2 yellow flags on it. The idea was for the runner to grab a flag before the end of the course. Zombies could have access to as many flags as they wanted.

The event raised almost $1,200 from the run. This money will be put toward the spray park project.

It was a nice evening for the race, and many youngsters and adults enjoyed the run and the fun.

https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/151024?authuser=0&feat=directlink

******

Videos courtesy of Guven Witteveen

About 10 minutes before the start of the fun run. A TV news crew waited for the scene to be composed.

Several waves of runners tried their luck to pass the zombie stronghold along the running path.

CAFR distributing batteries

Energizer has given CAFR some 9V batteries to give out to those who need them for smoke detectors.

Stop by this week and get one for each smoke detector you own.

Time change is this weekend. Turn your clocks back 1 hour on Sunday morning at 2:00 am November 1st.

An Event So Good It’s Scary – October 30

On Friday, October 30 the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce along with many businesses in St. Johns will be holding their Annual daytime trick-or-treating event for young children. From 3:30-5:30 p.m. young children that are in costume can trick-or-treat at over 30 businesses.

A complete list of businesses that will be participating in the Event So Good It’s Scary will be available after October 26.

If you have any questions about the event; or if you have a business that would like to participate, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248.

Trunk R Treat – October 31

Community Christian Church, 400 E. State Street (M-21), St. Johns, invites the public to join them for their free Trunk-R-Treat event on October 31 in the church parking lot during the St. Johns trick-r-treating hours. Candy will be given away, and trick-r-treaters can warm up with hot chocolate and coffee; also restrooms will be available.

Mint Country Garden Club to meet

The monthly meeting of the Mint Country Garden Club will be held Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 7:15 pm.

Dennis Fulbright, Ph.D., MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences will give a presentation about “Edible Chestnut Farms”. Visitors are always welcome to attend the meetings.

Meetings are held at Clinton Commons Community Center, 1105 S Scott Rd.

For further information about this meeting or how to become a member, email mintcountrygardenclub@gmail.com or call 989-224-9206.

Briggs Library News

Thank You
The Library would like to thank the Mckenzie-Crosby Agency for their continued sponsorship of seven magazines through EBSCO Industries. Their generous donation will provide the following titles to the Library for public use: Bon Appetit, Car & Driver, Girls Life, Readers Digest Large Print, Town & Country, Vacations, and Where to Retire.

Chapter Chatter: Thanks A Lot!
Boys and girls, ages 6 to 8 years old (independent listeners) are invited to join us in showing our thanks to those we appreciate and those in need. Library staff will select and read chapter books about stories of thanks over the course of 4 weeks. Kids will be making a “warm” craft, a yummy treat, letters of thankfulness, and other theme related fun. We will meet on Monday evenings, November 2 – November 23, 7-7:45 pm. Registration is required.

Caroling Kids
Youthful singers ages 4-10 can join Caroling Kids at Briggs. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings, November 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th from 6:30 – 7:00 pm. Participants will be singing at the Dec. 3rd Holiday Program. Registration is required.

Last in the Library Book Club
When the Last in the Library Book Club meets next we will be discussing When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. This Newbery Award-winning novel tells the story of a twelve-year-old New York City girl who tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes that seem to defy the laws of time and space. Each anonymous message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late. This parent/child book club is recommended for children in grades 4-8, though any who can read the material and would like to discuss it are welcome. The club meets Saturday, November 14 at 3:00pm. Copies of the book and registration are now available.

Bookaholics
The last meeting of the Bookaholics for the year will be Thursday, November 19 at 12:00pm at the Library or at 7:30pm at Bruno’s Bar, when we will discuss The Underground Girls of Kabul by Jenny Nordberg. This gripping nonfiction account of young girls being raised as boys and presented as such to the outside world is a powerful account of those secretly living on the other side of a deeply segregated society. Copies of the book are now available. The club will resume its regularly scheduled meetings after the holidays.

Staff Picks
If you are looking for a good book to read here is a list of titles that Library staff enjoyed or found informative in the last month.

Fiction: Devoted in Death by J. D. Robb, Make Me: a Jack Reacher novel by L. Child, The Solomon Curse by Clive Cussler, Protocol Zero by J. Abel and The Middle of Somewhere by Sonja Yoerg.

Non-fiction: 150+ Quick & Easy Furniture Projects by P. Porter, 37 Seconds: Dying Revealed Heaven’s Help by S. Arnold, Micro Shelters: 59 Creative Cabins, Tiny Houses, Tree Houses, & Other Small Structures by D. Diedricksen, $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America by Kathryn J. Edin, Thirty Million Words: Building a Child’s Brain by D. Suskind, The End of Plenty: The Race to Feed a Crowded World by Joel K. Bourne Jr. and Lovable Livable Home by S. Petersik.

Miss Marie’s Juvenile Picks: Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon by K. DiCamillo and Goodbye Stranger by R. Stead.

Holiday Programs
It’s that time of year! Mark your calendars! Holiday Programs will be Thursday, December 3rd, 6-8pm, Friday, December 4th, 6-8pm and Saturday, December 5th, 10:30 to Noon. There will be musical entertainment, North Pole games, holiday crafts and yummy refreshments. Santa will share tales from up north and visit with each child. No registration is required for these FREE programs.
You won’t want to miss the fun!

Library Closures
The Library will be closed on Wednesday Nov. 11th in observance of the Veteran’s Day Holiday. The Library will close at 5:00pm on Wednesday Nov. 25th and be closed Nov. 26th, 27th and 28th for the Thanksgiving Day Holiday. The drop box on the Library porch will be available for returns throughout these closures.

******

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

November activities at Clinton County Senior Center

Do you enjoy good food, activities and good company? Then check out the Clinton County Senior Center located at 201 E Walker Street in St. Johns. They are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Here are some of the activities going on in November:

Senior Meals
Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday a nutritional meal is served at Noon for senior citizens. The meals are available for a suggested $3 donation. Some of the meals in November include Taco’s, Lemon Pepper Cod and Turkey. For a complete schedule, call the center at 989-224-4257 or stop in and pick one up.

Bingo
Bingo will be held every Tue and Fri at 12:30 p.m. The cost is only $1 and every player will walk away with 4-5 items. Prizes include things like canned goods, personal care items, cereal, peanut butter, snacks, cookies and of course Chocolate!

Monday Euchre Tournaments
On November 9, 23 and 30 Euchre tournaments will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. If you eat lunch at the center before cards the tournament is only $1. If you come just for the tournament it is $2. On November 2 and 16 the Euchre Tournament will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and everyone pays $2. The tournament is pretty fast paced so you need to know the basics of the game, but you don’t have to be a great player to come and have fun.

Trivia Contest
On Mondays, November 2 and 16 there will be a no cost Trivia Contest from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. There are a lot of clues given, so don’t worry about being the smartest person in the room. Small prizes are awarded throughout the contest.

Birthday Party
Each month the center celebrates the birthdays of anyone that is celebrating a birthday in that month. If it is your birthday month you get free lunch, cake and ice cream and a special sweet treat. The party for November birthdays is planned for Wednesday, November 11.

Monday Fundraising Lunches
Every Monday lunch is open to the general public – no matter what age. A fundraiser meal is made by volunteer cooks each week in their licensed kitchen. The cost is only $5 for the full meal or $3 for a sandwich and chips. Meals in November include: November 2: Turkey, November 9: Lasagna, November 16: Ham, November 23: Meatloaf and November 30: Chicken. Homemade pie is also available for only $1.50 a slice. Monday meals are served between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Take outs are available.

Game and Puzzle Day
On Thursday, November 12 the center will hold a special Game and Puzzle Day. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will cost each participant $3. The day will include lots of fun and games, a special lunch and then a Euchre Tournament from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. to round out the day. Your RSVP must be received at the center by Monday, November 9.

In addition to the planned activities senior citizens are always welcome to stop in to use the Exercise Room, work on a puzzle, play other card or board games or just to socialize.

If you don’t think you are old enough for the center, but want to support them in some way, consider donating items they can use for bingo, in their gift shops or things they can pass on to volunteer crafters. They take things like stuffed animals, nic naks, puzzles, books, magazines, fabric, yarn, stuffing for pillows and quilt batting.

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

Early Childhood Workshops in Clinton County – November

MSU Extension in Clinton County will be offering Early Childhood Workshops for interested parents, child care providers, and preschool teachers during the month of November.

Upcoming topics include Community Connections, Emotional Support, Positive Guidance, The Purpose of Play, and Nurturing Communities/Nurturing Parenting Program.

There is a $5 fee for each class, payable at the door.

For more information and to register, please call Nicole at 989-224-5241 or email walke628@anr.msu.edu. You may also visit our website at msue.msu.edu/county/info/Clinton

Leonard to host two office hours in November

State Rep. Tom Leonard today invited residents to office hours scheduled to take place in two communities during November.

Rep. Leonard, R-DeWitt, said the informal gatherings will occur:

· In St. Johns on Friday, Nov. 13, at the Big Boy, 1408 S. U.S. 27, from 9 to 11 a.m.; and

· In Ithaca on Friday, Nov. 20, at the Hearthstone Oven Bakery and Café, 126 S. Pine River St., from 9 to 11 a.m.

Because of a scheduling conflict, Rep. Leonard will not be present for the Nov. 13 office hours session in St. Johns. A member of his staff will be on hand to listen to what residents have to say and share the information with Rep. Leonard.

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.