Hospice Tree Lighting

The annual Sparrow Clinton Hospice tree lighting honors those who were cared for by Sparrow Hospice Services this past year. Since the Sparrow Hospice Program began in St. Johns in 1983, over 2600 lights have been added to this tree to represent each person cared for during the past 32 years. Michelle Wiseman is the founding and current director of this program.

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Piano recital is Monday, October 26

Piano Recital at First Congregational Church of St. Johns, Monday October 26 at 7 PM featuring MSU students Soyoon Choi (piano) and Chae-Heon Bak (cello).

They will be performing music by Bach, Haydn, and Granados.

Admission is free.

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Halloween Party at the Depot – Saturday, October 24

Decorate a pumpkin, enter the costume contest, play games, create your own monster and enter the Haunted Hallway if you dare! All of this, along with cider and donuts will be happening at the St. Johns Depot on Saturday, October 24, 1 – 3 PM. Kids, bring your parents and get into the spirit of things!

This event is open to all, at no charge, thanks to the generosity of the following organizations and people:
– St. Johns Kiwanis;
– Postal Connections;
– Uncle John’s Cider Mill;
– Andy T’s;
– Verizon, the Cellular Connection;
– Sharon Shutes, face-painter;
– Middle School volunteers from the Builders Club and interested high school student volunteers;
– Tonya Phinney and the Clinton County Arts Council.

This spooktacular event is being coordinated by St. Johns High School junior, Emily Everts, under the auspices of the Railroad Museum, a branch of the Clinton County Arts Council. The Clinton County Arts Council is grateful for grant support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Arts Council to host Creative Meeting – Thursday October 29

With an eye to expanding the awareness of the arts, Clinton County Arts Council will host a gathering of various arts council members and artists from the greater Lansing area on Thursday October 29 from 5-7 p.m. at the Gallery in St. Johns. The primary purpose of the mixer is to explore methods to bring arts into greater community focus.

Persons interested in arts encouragement are welcome to attend, but advance registration is requested.

Meanwhile, on a closer to home effort, the Council will be conducting a beginners’ watercolor class on Thursday November 12 at 6 p.m. This class will be taught by Livonia resident and artists Sarah Tule, who recently join CCAC.

The class is designed for ages 12 and up. Registration is $35.00 including all necessary supplies. Information may be secured by calling the Gallery at 989 224-2429.

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Overview Lions Club Recycling Program 1978 – 2015

During the 1970’s and 1980’s, the need to recycle came into focus. At the National. State and Local level we learned the importance of re-using our recyclable trash and waste to make new products and help preserve renewable and non renewable natural resources.

The St Johns Lions club initiated a recycling program as a way to help the environment and as a revenue source to help fund it’s local humanitarian and community service programs that help those in need. The sale of recyclable materials has helped fund the local food bank, providing funds for community projects such as the Clinton Memorial Hospital expansion, the Briggs public Library, Paine-Gilliam-Scott Museum, Senior Center, a Little League ball field, the new Band Shell at the city Park, supporting local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, other youth groups, and other community service programs. The St Johns Lions have touched the lives of many people in our community.

The Lions started small, accepting only newspapers, when their recycling program the began in 1978. In the early 1980’s the operation moved to it’s current location on North Swegles Street. It started with one warehouse bay and a small metal shed where the public could drop off their newspapers.

During the 1980’s, other recyclable materials were accepted, requiring the rental of more bays at the warehouse. Other recyclables included plastic, glass, metal cans, aluminum, magazines, Styrofoam and cardboard. For nearly a decade, the Lions club provided a service of picking up residents recyclables curbside one Saturday a month. From it’s beginning until the late 1990’s all the work at the recycling center was done by Lions Club members who volunteered their time to make the program successful.

As the amount of recyclables increased, the Lions Club applied for and received a Clean Michigan Grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. This permitted the club to purchase equipment such as a fork lift, baling machine, pallet pusher, plastic shredding machine, and a glass crushing machine. This made the recycling center operations more efficient.

In recent years there have been wild swings in the price the club receives from the sale of these recyclable materials. An example is the value of cardboard. Within a short period of time, we have seen the price the Lions receive vary from as high as $300 per ton to a low of $5 per ton. These price swings highlighted the need for additional warehousing space to hold the recyclable materials until the products could be sold at an acceptable price. To meet this need, the Lions club purchased the entire warehouse facility. Additional storage space was added with the construction of a new pole building at the north end of the property.

The rapid growth of the world’s human population is stressing the world supply of renewable natural resources like wood fiber, and to non renewable natural resources like oil and other minerals. This means that each of us needs to do our part by recycling. If you are bringing your recyclables to the Lions Recycling Center, we thank you. If you haven’t, the Lions Recycling Center is open for you to drop off your recyclables 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your support will make it possible for the Lions to help fund their community service and humanitarian programs.
The Lions club wants to thank Clinton County, the surrounding townships and the City of St Johns for their encouragement and support of the operation of the St Johns Lions Recycling Center. We also want to again say “Thank You” to all the people who bring their recyclables to the Recycling Center.

If you want more information about Lions, or about becoming a member of the St Johns Lions, so that you can help make St Johns a better place to live and to help those in need, you can call the club president Tim Black at 517-204-6688.

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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.

Lowe United Methodist Church: If you haven’t seen the beautiful landscaping at Lowe Church, please stop by. The design of the plants is beautiful, and the stonework is truly amazing.

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City needs to hear from you

The City of St. Johns is working to update the 5-Year Parks and Recreation Masterplan.

Your responses to this survey will help to shape the actions of the city over the next five years.

The short survey will ask about your park and recreational program use, as well as your thoughts on future park funding.

Your participation is voluntary and all respondents will remain anonymous. This survey should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/St_Johns_Recreation_Masterplan

The results from this survey will be incorporated into the new 5-Year Recreation Master Plan. This plan will be posted for community review during the month of January at the St. Johns City Hall and the Briggs Public Library. It will also be available online through the City Recreation website and social media page.

A community review meeting will take place at the end of January before the plan is submitted to the state.

United Methodists move to temporary home

Beginning Sunday, October 25th, the First United Methodist Church of St. Johns will temporarily be holding their Sunday service and Sunday school classes at the Agro-Liquid Conference Centers on Sundays while they await the installation of a new boiler.

They will also be starting a new Sunday schedule on that same date:

– Worship at 10 am
– Fellowship Time at 11 am
– Sunday School at 11:15 am

The Agro-Liquid building is located at the corner of DeWitt Road and M-21 just west of St. Johns.

For more information go to the First UMC website: www.firstumc-stjohnsmi.com

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MSU Extension seeks public input

Michigan residents can help determine where Extension faculty and staff members should place their emphasis.

Michigan State University Extension has long been a source of information and education for Michigan residents. Along with MSU AgBioResearch scientists, Extension professionals throughout the state are asking Michigan residents to help them determine where they should place their emphasis in the future.

“This organization belongs to the people we serve,” said Ray Hammerschmidt, MSU Extension interim director. “We want to make sure that we are meeting their needs throughout the state by sharing research and education that will make a difference to them, their communities, their families, their business and their farms.”

To that end, MSU Extension has launched an online survey asking all Michigan residents about their needs and priorities. The MSU Extension and AgBioResearch Survey to Sharpen Our Focus online survey that will supplement 14 upcoming face-to-face meetings throughout the state that will engage nearly 500 residents.

“We have designed a series of meetings that will bring together people from all over,” said Maggie Bethel, the former MSU Extension director who is charged with overseeing the process. “But it is important that we don’t limit ourselves to the people we see in person. The online survey gives everyone a chance to participate in the process.”
As an added bonus, respondents who complete the survey will have the option of entering a drawing that includes two MSU men’s basketball game tickets (date and time to be determined), a basket of Michigan-made agricultural products and a $75 gift certificate to shop.msu.edu.

To participate, access the survey from the front page of msue.msu.edu by visiting msue.msu.edu/focus. All information collected is anonymous. Once completed, a separate link will be provided to those who wish to enter the drawing.

“We don’t want people to feel any hesitation about providing information,” Bethel said. “Therefore, we will not retain names or contact information except for the purposes of the drawing. That database will be not be kept once the winners have claimed their prizes.”

To learn more about MSU Extension, visit msue.msu.edu.

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 http://bit.ly/MSUENews. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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Soup kitchen makes stop in St. Johns

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, October 27.

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

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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.

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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. Restrooms also will be available.

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House OKs enhanced access to mental health care – Measure bolsters public safety, protects patient rights

The Michigan House today approved a bill introduced by state Rep. Tom Leonard and backed by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley that bolsters public safety by enabling family and friends to acquire mental health care for those in dire need.

Rep. Leonard, R-DeWitt, said House Bill 4674 makes it easier for family members and friends to access the mental health system through the assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) process for people who are in extreme need of care while maintaining their due process rights.

The measure reforms Kevin’s Law, a legislative package from 2005 that gives access to care for adults who have challenging mental illnesses but fail to comply with voluntary treatment. The law is not adequately utilized in Michigan because of its complexity.

Rep. Leonard’s bill allows family members and friends more ease to get much-needed mental health care for those in severe need.

“This reform is sorely needed because current law makes it very difficult for people who might not recognize the severity of their situation to obtain the treatment they need,” Rep. Leonard said. “In the same vein, we must guarantee individuals’ due process rights are protected by providing legal counsel to guide them through the court process if they believe AOT is not necessary. This protects both the public safety and the privileges of the individual.”

HB 4674 clarifies current law by:

· Offering early intervention, since current law requires a serious incident that might endanger public safety to occur before AOT may be requested;

· Simplifying the process of seeking court-appointed treatment; and

· Allowing a judge to order AOT before an incident has occurred that could cause injury to the prospective patient or a member of the public.

“We must make public safety – including the well-being of the individual in need of care – a priority in this type of situation, but also ensure that their rights remain protected. This legislation strikes that delicate balance.” Rep. Leonard said. “I want to thank Lt. Gov. Calley for bringing this issue to my attention, and for the strong leadership he has shown working to protect our state’s most vulnerable citizens.”

The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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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 – Saturday, October 24

Decorate a pumpkin, enter the costume contest, play games, create your own monster and enter the Haunted Hallway if you dare! All of this, along with cider and donuts will be happening at the St. Johns Depot on Saturday, October 24, 1 – 3 PM. Kids, bring your parents and get into the spirit of things!

This event is open to all, at no charge, thanks to the generosity of the following organizations and people:
– St. Johns Kiwanis;
– Postal Connections;
– Uncle John’s Cider Mill;
– Andy T’s;
– Verizon, the Cellular Connection;
– Sharon Shutes, face-painter;
– Middle School volunteers from the Builders Club and interested high school student volunteers;
– Tonya Phinney and the Clinton County Arts Council.

This spooktacular event is being coordinated by St. Johns High School junior, Emily Everts, under the auspices of the Railroad Museum, a branch of the Clinton County Arts Council. The Clinton County Arts Council is grateful for grant support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Arts Council hosting “Art-ful Treasures” sale – Tuesday, October 19 and 20

A collection of vintage art items will go on sale Monday and Tuesday, October 19 and 20 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the storefront at 315 N. Clinton Ave., St. Johns. All of the art on sale was created by past artists of Clinton County Arts Council. The “Art-ful Treasures” sale will feature a broad selection of wall art, as well as some pottery, jewelry and other items.

Many of the works will bear names familiar to local residents, such as Maxine Strahle, Florence Horne, Muriel Gilson and Kathy Martindale.

Jenny McCampbell explained that Clinton County Arts Council has many works of art sitting in storage from its 35 years of serving the community and would like to make them available at prices that will allow everyone to enjoy owning original artwork from this area. Because there are so many items, the sale will take place at 315 N. Clinton, rather than in the Gallery, to better display everything.

Come and browse – no reasonable offer will be refused!

The CCAC is supported by memberships, donations and grants provided by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Additional support is received from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Senior Center Holds Annual Rock-a-Thon – Wednesday, October 21

On Wednesday, October 21 the Clinton County Senior Center will hold their 13th Annual Rock-a-Thon. This event is sponsored in part by Premier Sponsor McLaren Health Plan and Major Sponsors Fluke Hearing and LAFCU. The proceeds from the event are used to pay the heat bills during the cold winter months.

From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. individuals will be at the center rocking in rocking chairs while playing games, telling stories and playing bingo. A pizza lunch is planned for all Rock-a-Thon participants. Prior to the event the rocking individuals will collect donations from family, friends and neighbors. A prize will be awarded to the highest fundraiser.

At 10:00 a.m. there will be a special pairing of musical talents when senior Marie Smith and Molly Ernst (famous for playing at Horrocks) will team up on the piano and provide some entertainment.

The center always welcomes additional rockers. If you are interested, please call the center at 989-224-4257. You are welcome to stop in just for the musical entertainment. Since it is a fundraiser, a donation jar will be out. If you have any questions about the event, please call the Senior Center. The center is located at 201 E Walker Street in St. Johns and is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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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.

Homecoming Parade Part II

An album by Barry Bauer

https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/151003?authuser=0&feat=directlink

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Briggs Library News

Jr. Readers
Join us for the “Pajamapalooza” program being held on Monday, October 26 from 7:00 – 7:45pm. This program is for children in grades 2 – 4 and includes a book discussion, snack, and craft — and the children can even wear their PJs! We will discuss “What You Never Knew About Beds, Bedrooms & Pajamas” by Patricia Lauber at the program, but participants are not expected to read it beforehand. Pick up a copy of the discussion worksheet at the Circulation Desk, or download it from the Library’s website, so the children can share with others about their bedrooms at home! Registration is required.

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.

LEGO Block Party
Both LEGO and Duplo blocks will be available at our next LEGO Block Party, where we will try to build Halloween creations. The program will be held at the Train Depot across the street from the Library on Tuesday, October 27, from 6:30-7:30pm, and is open to children ages 2-11 (children ages 2-3 with a participating adult). 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.

Trick or Treat at the Library
Join in the spirit of Halloween by visiting the library on Friday, October 30th! Come in your costume between 3-5pm and pick out a treat for yourself. All ages welcome.

Library Closures
The Library will be closed on Wednesday Nov. 11th in observance of the Veteran’s 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
Briggs Public Library website

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2015 Fall Open Gym Schedule

Open gym for adults 18 and older, will be held at the St Johns Middle School Gymnasiums starting October 26, 2015 and ending December 17, 2015.

Mondays will be open volleyball and basketball from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Thursdays will be open soccer from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The cost is $4.00 per person per night. Open Gym cards can be purchased at the City Offices for $20 and are good for 6 visits.

Call the City of St. Johns Recreation Department at 224-8944 ext. 227 or email rfaivor@ci.saint-johns.mi.us for additional information. Like us on Facebook at St Johns Recreation.

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SCH Auxiliary’s BINGO & Bags fundraiser – Saturday, November 14

Ladies, if you like purses you will love the Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary’s new fundraiser.

Gay Baker, Carey Harris, Shelley Gunther and Nancy Mino. Baker and Harris serve as co-chairs for the project.

Auxilians host BINGO & Bags on Saturday, November 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers in St. Johns.

This unique BINGO features 19 games – each with a Purse Prize valued at a minimum of $60. Purses may also be stuffed with coupons and a few surprises. The afternoon ends with a Grand Finale Game, featuring a designer purse valued at $400.

Your $15 general admission ticket provides one BINGO sheet for each of the 19 games. Buy-in for the Grand Finale Game is 3 sheets for $1. This event includes a 50/50 drawing, door prizes, snacks and a coffee bar.

Ticket sales are limited. Purchase your tickets by contacting Shelley at 517.331.0665 shelleyredman54@gmail.com or Robin at 517.281.8004 robin.motz@53.com.

BINGO & Bags, the biggest fundraiser hosted by SCH Auxilians in 2015, helps the group meet their pledge of $100,000 toward construction of Sparrow Clinton Hospital’s new Emergency Services Department, which has been in full operations since July 2014.

Two additional events round out the Auxiliary’s fundraising calendar this year. Saturday, Dec. 5, marks the Auxiliary’s annual holiday poinsettia sale. On Sunday December 6, lucky shoppers embark on a two-day bus trip to Chicago. Reservations for the Chicago trip must be made by 6 pm Tuesday, October 20.

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CAFR meeting rescheduled – October 28

Clinton Area Fire and Rescue has rescheduled a public meeting on October 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm to discuss the ISO Public Protection Classification in Greenbush, Victor and Washington Townships. The meeting will be held at Clinton County RESA, 1013 Old U.S. 27, St. Johns. Skip Starling, ISO Independent Consultant, will be in attendance to answer questions.

ISO (Insurance Services Office) analyzes relevant data in a community and assigns a Public Protection Classification – a grading from 1 to 10. Class 1 generally represents superior property fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that the area’s fire suppression program does not meet ISO’s minimum criteria. Clinton Area Fire and Rescue currently has a rating of 4/8Y.

Insurance companies use PPC information to help establish fair premiums for fire insurance – generally offering lower premiums in communities with better protection. By offering economic benefits for communities that invest in their firefighting services, the program provides an additional incentive for improving and maintaining public fire protection.

For more information about ISO and the PPC program visit www.isomitigation.com.

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Why get a flu shot?

Have you received your flu shot yet? If not, what are you waiting for? There are numerous reasons why you should get a yearly flu shot, and here are just a few:

Reason #1: Symptoms of influenza include high fever, chills, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. A bout of the flu can make you quite miserable and put you out of commission for up to a week. Not everyone with the flu will experience all of these symptoms, but why take the chance?

Reason #2: One person infected with the flu can potentially infect up to 15 others. It’s easy to see how the flu can spread quite quickly, especially in confined areas, such as schools and daycares. That’s why it’s so important to keep kids home when they are sick.

Reason #3: Children less than six months of age are too young to get a flu vaccine, so the best way to protect them is to vaccinate those around them, including parents, family members, and those who care for them.

Reason #4: The vaccine is effective throughout the entire flu season, which can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Contrary to what some may think, receiving the flu vaccine does not “give” the person the flu, but some people may experience brief nasal congestion and a runny nose.

Reason #5: Research has shown that the absolute best way to prevent the flu and it’s potentially life-threatening complications is for everyone, including healthy people, age six months and older, to get vaccinated.

Reason #6: For those at high-risk for developing serious flu complications, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, and people with certain health conditions, vaccination is especially important.

Getting the flu vaccine has never been more convenient. The vaccine is available at a variety of places, including your doctor’s office, many pharmacies, or MMDHD.

Mid-Michigan District Health Department participates with the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, as well as many types of insurance plans. We offer Flumist nasal spray, Fluzone High Dose, and preservative-free options,
as well as the “regular” flu shot. Please call your nearest branch office for more information, to see if we participate with your insurance, or to schedule an appointment.

Clinton County Branch
1307 E. Townsend Road, St. Johns
989-224-2195

You may also visit www.mmdhd.org for more information.

Mid-Michigan District Health Department serves the residents of Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm Counties.

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City to host annual Zombie Run – Friday October 23

Join us Friday October 23rd in the St. Johns City Park at 6:15 for the 3rd Annual Zombie Run. Navigate the 1.5 mile course as Zombies try to take your 2 “life” flags from your belt. This 1.5 mile road/trail race will take runners through post-apocalyptic St. Johns City Park and Clinton County Fairgrounds.

Cost is $10 prior to race day, race day registration $15. Children 10 and under can run for free with a paid adult registration. Children 10 and under must run with an adult. Registrations for the run can be picked up and dropped off at the City Office and are also available online at www.cityofstjohnsmi.com/Departments/ParksandRecreation. In addition you can register online at www.runsignup.com/Race/MI/StJohns/RUNFORYOURLIFE. Last day to register on line is October 22, 2015. The City Offices are located in the County Courthouse.

Being a Zombie more your style? You can be a member of the zombie horde by going to www.runsignup.com/Race/MI/StJohns/ZOMBIEHORDE. Cost to be a zombie is $8. Deadline to sign up to be a zombie is October 22, 2015. Zombies must arrive early to get painted.

Race check-in will be in the Main Pavilion in the City Park starting at 5:15 PM on race day. All pre-registered runners are guaranteed a belt with “life” flags. Minors under the age of 18 must have a parent’s signature. Children under the age of 12 must run with a parent or guardian. Children 10 and under are free and will need to sign a waiver for children when you arrive on race day. All proceeds will be used for the St. Johns Community Spray Park.

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Soup kitchen makes two stops in St. Johns

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, October, 20 and at

– Beacon of Hope/ First Baptist Church, 512 S. US 27, St. Johns 5:30 to 7:30, Tuesday, October 20.

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

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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.

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Get the lead out

Older homes are full of charm and character, but they might also contain something not so desirable- high levels of lead.

If you live in a home built before 1978, it is more likely to contain lead-based paint, which can be toxic, especially to a young child. The most common places for lead-based paint to be lurking are in windows, cupboards, doors, porches, and outdoor surfaces.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), four million U.S. homes contain lead paint, and nearly half a million children, ages one to five living in the United States, have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant damage to their health.

Lead exposure can affect nearly every system in the body. And because it often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized. A lead-poisoned child may seem healthy, but they could have any of the following signs:

· Learning and behavior problems
· Headaches
· Weight loss
· Irritability
· Tiredness
· Hearing problems
· Hyperactivity

So how exactly does lead poisoning occur? Something as simple as opening and closing a window painted with lead-based paint can send lead dust into the air. Lead can also be found in older plumbing fixtures and hobby materials. Once airborne, lead dust settles to the floor and gets on children’s hands and toys. The lead dust then enters their bodies when they put their hands or toys into their mouths.

So what can you do to reduce your child’s exposure to lead?

· Before you buy an older home, ask for a lead inspection.
· Get your child tested, even if your young child seems healthy.
· Get the facts! Visit www.michigan.gov/MDCH for more information.

Ask your family doctor or pediatrician to do a lead blood test on your child at 12 months and 24 months of age, or before starting school if they were never tested. Medicaid will pay for the cost of the test if your child is enrolled. If you have private insurance, coverage may vary.

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Clean a Michigan Historical Marker – October 24

As part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Michigan Historical Marker Program, the Michigan Historical Commission and the Michigan Historical Center urge people across the state to gently clean their local Michigan Historical Markers on National Make a Difference Day, October 24. More information is available on the project site at http://makeadifferenceday.com/dashboard/project/i-care-4-mi-markers.

Over the last 60 years, more than 1,700 official state historical markers have been erected across the state. Most were purchased by local groups or individuals who researched their history and selected the marker program as the best way to commemorate their stories and share them with everyone, from school children to tourists.

“Gentle cleaning is the best way to prolong the life of a Michigan Historical Marker,” said Michigan Historical Center Director Sandra Clark. “All it takes is some warm water, a little mild soap, such as dish detergent, and a soft-bristle brush. Ideally, this should happen every fall and spring.”

It is imperative that the soap be mild and the brush soft in order to prevent damage to the marker surface. People also are encouraged to make sure the land around the marker is free of litter and well cared for. Plantings or hard-surface landscaping are recommended.

The commission and center also encourage people to share their marker-cleaning photos and videos by posting them on social media using the hashtag #icare4mimarkers.

The Michigan Historical Marker Program was established by the Legislature Oct. 14, 1955. The first marker under the new program commemorated the 1855 founding of Michigan State University. It was placed on the side of Beaumont Tower and unveiled Oct. 22, 1955. The second marker, sponsored by the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, marked the beginning of the Lake Superior iron-mining industry at the Jackson Mine in Negaunee; and the third, sponsored by the Ford Motor Company, was erected at the Highland Park Plant to commemorate the Model T.

Learn more at www.michigan.gov/mhc.

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Annual Santa Parade of Lights is December 4

It’s never too early to start adding Holiday events to your calendar.

Please plan to join us on December 4th at 5:45 pm, downtown St. Johns for the Annual Santa Parade of Lights. Each entry is beautifully decorated with colorful holiday lights and also features Santa Claus!

After the Parade, enjoy the official lighting of the annual St. Johns Christmas Tree.