Open House for City Manager Stoppels and Chief Kirk

The City of St. Johns is holding an open house for City Manager Jon Stoppels and Police Chief David Kirk on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. This event will take place at the Railroad Depot Building downtown across from the library. This will be an opportunity for residents and business owners to meet and greet the new city manager and police chief.

City Manager, Jon Stoppels
St. Johns’ new City Manager is Jon Stoppels. Mr. Stoppels has 41 years of municipal service experience including; City Management, Public Works, and Recreation. Jon was raised in the Grand Rapids area and attended both Grand Rapids Junior College and Michigan State University where he received a Bachelor’s of
Science Degree.

Since completing his education, Jon has served in several different cities across Michigan in a variety of positions most recently as City Manager of Eaton Rapids. Prior to that he was the Village Manager of Franklin and is a former City Manager and City Council member in Brighton. He also spent time in the City of Marine City, the Village of Fowlerville and Meridian Charter Township. Jon is a second generation public servant as his father served as Mayor of his home town, East Grand Rapids.

Jon and his wife, Barb McKessy, have four children between them and two grandchildren. Besides spending their free time with their family, both Jon and Barb support a number of charities, most particularly a charity that Barb co-founded, “It’s A Breast Thing” that helps breast cancer patients who are uninsured or underinsured with out-of-pocket expenses. The charity serves four Michigan counties including Clinton. In his spare time Jon enjoys woodworking, collecting antiques and playing drums with a few local bands.

Chief David Kirk
St. Johns’ new Chief of Police is David Kirk. Chief Kirk is a 27 year law enforcement professional who was born and raised in neighboring Shiawassee County where most of his family and in-laws still reside. He graduated from Corunna High School and then Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
In 2005, he graduated from the 222nd FBI National Academy in Quantico Virginia.

After completing his studies at CMU, he took his first law enforcement job with the City of East Grand Rapids. Since that time he has been employed with the City of Owosso Police, the Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Portland Police.

Over the years, Chief Kirk has had a wide variety of law enforcement assignments including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, K-9 Handler, Narcotics Officer, Patrol Supervisor, Internal Affairs Investigator, Detective Sergeant specializing in violent crime investigations including homicides, Cold Case Homicide Investigator, Patrol Division Commander, Investigative Division Commander and most recently Chief of Police in Portland prior to accepting the position here in St. Johns. Additionally, he has acted as an instructor for the Law Enforcement Regional Training Academy and as an Adjunct Criminal Justice Instructor for Baker College.

Currently Chief Kirk resides in the City of St. Johns with his wife Heather and daughter Rachel who attends Oakview Elementary school. He also has three boys all of whom are away to college including one at the University of Michigan, one at the University of Wisconsin and one at Grand Valley State University.

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Let the festivities begin

with an album by Maralyn Fink

‘Tis that time of the year, so I ventured out to check on the Christmas decorating. I found some very nice decorating, and it looked to be a lot of work. I urge you to pack up the family and head out to enjoy some of the great work and thought that were put into the decorations.

This brings back a lot of memories of Christmases past when the decorations were smaller in size, but then we had to work with what we had in the good ole days and we were happy with the result. A great job to all the decorators, and thank you for bringing some joy into people’s lives.

Light Festival and Santa Parade is December 1

Downtown activities begin at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 1; and the parade begins at 5:45 p.m. The tree lighting is at 6:30 p.m. just west of the depot. For a full schedule go here. http://www.sjlightfest.com/event-schedule.html

Breakfast with Santa and Crafts show is December 2

Annual Christmas Festival is scheduled for this Saturday, December2 from 8 am to 3 pm at the CC RESA Building. Breakfast with Santa will be 8-10:30 a.m., and Kids Crafts begin at noon.

The Toys for Tots benefit program on December 2 will start at 7:00 p.m. and will take place in the beautiful historic Wilson Center Auditorium located in downtown St. Johns. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

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Christmas At Paine-Gillam-Scott House Museum

The Paine-Gillam-Scott House Museum invites you to Christmas at the Museum. Their hours for the 2017 Christmas season now include Saturdays from 1-4 pm along with Wednesdays 2-6:30 pm and Sundays 1-4 pm.

This weekend the museum is open Saturday afternoon, so include the museum in your visit to the 15th Annual Christmas Festival at CC RESA Building. On Sunday please join us from 1-4 pm for the book signing by Wayne Summers for the new edition of “Clinton County Schools”. Don’t miss the 2017 Christmas season display and the Early Transportation and Fashion Exhibit.

The Museum will close for the winter Monday, December 18 and reopen in May of 2018.

The Museum is located at 106 Maple Street, west of the Courthouse. For further information, please contact the Museum at
PGSMuseum@hotmail.com, call 989-224-2894. The website is PGSmuseum.com and events are posted on Facebook.

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Let the festivities continue

City Pizza Party with Santa is December 15

Join the City of St. Johns in bringing in the holidays this year with our Pizza Party with Santa. It will be held on Friday December 15 from 5:45 to 7:15. The doors open at 5:30. For more information ontact the recreation department at (989)224-8944 ext. 228 or email bblackmon@ci.saint-johns.mi.us.

Mint City Singers concert at the Wilson – December 15

Mint City Singers invite you to enjoy a December Choral Concert “As the World Turns: Equinox” on December 15 at 7:30 pm. Free will offering

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St Johns Community Band to present Annual Christmas Concert – December 8

The St. Johns Community Band will present their annual Community Christmas Concert on Friday, December 8 starting at 7:00 p.m. in the beautiful historic Wilson Center Auditorium. This is the 13th straight year that the band has performed at this annual event.

The concert will include a nice mix of holiday favorites including “The Holly and the Ivy,” The Little Drummer Boy,” “All Alone For Christmas” and more. David Link will direct this year’s concert.

St. Johns High School Band Director Roy Davis, Jr. and David Link founded the SJ Community Band 14 years ago. The band has been performing at local events ever since.

There is no admission charge to the concert, but the band will be accepting donations for the Wilson Center Auditorium lighting project. The Wilson Center Auditorium is located at 101 W. Cass St. in downtown St. Johns, just south of the Courthouse.

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Holiday Pops coming Saturday, December 9

Mid-Michigan residents are in for a rare holiday treat when the popular Lansing Concert Band “Big Band” jazz ensemble presents their special Holiday Pops Concert. This program will take place on Saturday, December 9 starting at 7:00 p.m. in the beautiful and historic Wilson Center Auditorium.

The program entitled, “Big Band Saturday Night,” will consist of exciting swing arrangements of many holiday favorites along with jazz standards from the “Great American Songbook!”

“There are a lot of excellent big band holiday arrangements out there,” says Bill Tennant, concert host. “All the great bands and arrangers from the swing era put forth an abundance of great holiday music that is still around today. We will hear some of those wonderful tunes along with other familiar music from that great era.”

The LCB “Big Band” was formed in 1993, when several members of the Lansing Concert Band wanted a jazz performance opportunity. Trumpet player Jim Kasprzak, the band’s founder and current leader, stepped forward, giving birth to the “Big Band” to the delight of performers and listeners alike.

Several years ago the Big Band first added female vocalist Kelly Sandula-Gruner and later male vocalist Dan Templin to their personnel. These two additions opened the band up to a plethora of fine vocal arrangements, enhancing the band’s sound and repertoire.

“We’re looking forward to our St. Johns performance,” says director Kasprzak. “Performing in the Wilson Center Auditorium is a real treat with its intimate setting and great acoustics. We specifically put this show together for this one performance.”

Tickets for this special concert will be available at the door for only $10 – Adults, $5 – Seniors and Students. Children 12 and under will be admitted free. A portion of the proceeds will be going to the Wilson Center Auditorium lighting project.
The Wilson Center Auditorium is located at 101 W. Cass St. in downtown St. Johns, just south of the Courthouse.

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FOMR to meet December 6

The Friends of the Maple River (FOMR) will be holding their December meeting in the Briggs District Library Conference Room in St. Johns on Wednesday, December 6th. The meeting will start at 6:30 PM. Briggs District Library is located at 108 E. Railroad Street at the north end of downtown St. Johns. Park on Railroad Street and come in through the main library entrance located on Railroad Street across from the Depot/Pavilion. Anyone interested in our watershed is welcome to attend the meeting.

The FOMR will be conducting a variety of year end business, including consideration of the 2018 calendar and activities like Clean Up, Float Trip and Quiet Water Symposium. The meeting will also focus on cooperation with the Clinton Conservation District particularly as relates to the Upper Maple River Watershed Management Plan. Current Conservation District Executive Director Kelcie Sweeney will provide updates on the watershed management plan as well as other cooperative efforts it has with the Friends.

Come check out what’s up with FOMR and see the Briggs District Library all decked out for the holiday season.

As always, check the website http://www.friendsofthemapleriver.org/ or find them on Facebook at Friends of the Maple River to stay in touch with what FOMR is up to. For for more information or to become a member, supporter, or donor of FOMR, contact them at: email: FOMR_info@friendsofthemapleriver.org.

Clinton County Democratic Party to hold meeting at Cooters

The Clinton County Democratic Party will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, December 7 at Cooters’s Bar and Grill, 123 E. Main Street, Elsie, Michigan. Social time is slated from 6:00-7:00 pm, followed by the business meeting at 7pm.

The evening will feature Ms. Dana Nestle, Democratic candidate for Secretary of State. Those in attendance will have an opportunity to meet the candidate and to ask questions. A short business meeting will follow.

Area Democrats are encouraged to attend to share ideas and to discuss current political issues.

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Shop Local by buying Chamber Buck Gift Certificates

Chamber Buck Gift Certificates have been used at area businesses for over 20 years. Giving them is a great way to let your recipient pick their own gift, and it keeps people shopping locally.

You can purchase Chamber Bucks in any denomination from the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and they can be redeemed at the following businesses:

A-1 Tanning. Andy T’s Farm Market, Applebees, Avery Eye Care Center, Big Boy of St. Johns, Clinton County Arts Council, Clinton County News, Clinton County Senior Center, Clinton Ophthalmology, PC, Deano’s Pizza, Deb’s Sereni-TEA Lounge, Gill-Roy’s Hardware, Habitat ReStore, Hovey’s Accounting and Tax Svcs, Howe’s Greenhouse and Flower Shop, Hub Tire, Huntington Bank, Jet Speed Printing, Journey Federal Credit Union, Kroger’s – St. Johns Location, Les Miller and Sons Aggregates, Inc, Miller Brothers Excavating, Inc, Main Street Café, Mancino’s St. Johns Location, Midstate Sales and Service, Midstate Title Agency, PKSA Karate, St. Johns, Shannon LW Schlegel PLLC – Attorney, Sparrow Clinton Gift Therapy Shop, Sparrow Clinton Pharmacy, Sparrow Hospice Services,Spicer Group Inc., Sports Stop Sportswear, The Cellular Connection,The Emerald Golf Course,Uncle John’s Cider Mill and Vineyard Productions.

Stop in the Chamber today to purchase Chamber Buck Gift Certificates for your neighbor that shovels your snow, your friend that takes you places, or anyone on your gift giving list.

Hanover Mints, hard candy mints, mint soaps, St. Johns mugs, postcards, lapel pins and keychains and a host of Mint Festival souvenirs are also available. The Clinton County Chamber of Commerce is located at 1013 S US 27 in St. Johns in the CC RESA/LCC Building across from McDonalds. Their phone number is 989-224-7248 or email is ccchamber@power-net.net if you have any questions.

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City receives award for finance reporting

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to City or St. Johns by Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishmcnt by a government and its management.

An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement has been awarded to the individual(s) or department designated by the government as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

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December activities at Clinton County Senior Center

Senior Citizens aged 55 and older are invited to come and enjoy the activities at the Clinton County Senior Center. The Senior Center is located at 201 E Walker St. in St. Johns and is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Center will be closed the following Mondays and Tuesdays in December and January: Dec 25 and 26 and Jan 1 and 2.

Here are some of the activities going on in December:

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 December include Stuffed Green Peppers, Macaroni and Cheese and Soft Shell Taco’s. For a complete schedule, call the center, 989-224-4257 or stop in and pick one up.

Bingo – Bingo will be held every Tuesday and Friday, 12:30 p.m. The cost is $1 and every player will win 4-5 items. Prizes include things like canned goods, personal care items, cereal, peanut butter, snacks, cookies and chocolate.

Euchre tournaments – On December 11 and 18 Euchre tournaments will be held 1-3 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 December 4 the Euchre tournament will be 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 Monday, December 4 there will be a no cost Trivia Contest from 1-3p.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 any member that is celebrating a birthday in that month. Members get free lunch, cake and ice cream and a special sweet treat. The party for December Member birthdays is planned for Wednesday, December 13.

General Public Lunches – Every Monday lunch is open to the general public – no matter what age. The 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 December include Dec 4: Beef and Noodles, Dec 11: Chicken Casserole and Dec 18: Shepherd’s Pie. Homemade pie is also available for only $1.50 a slice. Monday meals are served between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Take outs are available.

On Wednesday, December 27 there will be a special party for members of the Senior Center. They will celebrate the coming New Year with a party from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that will include Games and Contests, Entertainment, lunch and then a Euchre Tournament in the afternoon. Become a member of the Senior Center and you can attend these month activities.

Seniors 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 the center such as stuffed animals, puzzles, fabric, quilt batting, pillow stuffing or glassware for their gift shop.

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

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City Of St. Johns Board Of Ethics seeks members

The City of St. Johns is seeking individuals to consider for a seat on the Board of Ethics. There are 4 openings for citizen members. The purpose is to review complaints of ethics violations allegedly committed by elected and non-elected officials, to issue findings and conclusions on same when deemed appropriate, to refer out ethics complaints to the appropriate official or the city commission when necessary, and to prepare advisory opinions regarding ethical issues when solicited to do so by the city manager, a city employee, a non-elected official or a member of the City Commission.

If you are interested, please fill out a board application located on the city’s website: www.cityofsaintjohnsmi.com
If you are interested in being considered for this appointment, please send your application to the city clerk no later than December 6, 2017.

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MMDHD Calendar – December, 2017

Family Planning Clinic Schedule

The Mid-Michigan District Health Department’s Family Planning Clinics provide confidential care to men and women in need of contraception and reproductive health services. Charges for services and supplies are based on income. The Family Planning Clinics are scheduled as follows:

Mid-Michigan District Health Department
1307 E. Townsend Road
St. Johns, MI 48879

December 5: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
December 12: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
December 19: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Hearing & Vision Screening Clinic

Vision screening is required for all children entering kindergarten. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department offers free vision testing, as well as hearing screening tests for all children ages 3 to 21. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 227-3125, Monday through Friday.

WIC Benefit Pick-Up Schedule

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to 5 years old may be eligible for free food through the WIC (Women, Infants & Children) program. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department WIC Benefit Pick-up Clinics are scheduled as follows:

December 6
December 11: Mid-Michigan District Health Department, 1307 E. Townsend Road in St. Johns, from 9 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

No clinic
in December: at Valley Farms Baptist Church, 1141 E State Rd, Lansing, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

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

“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

Immunization Clinic

The Mid-Michigan District Health Department Immunization Clinics are to be held as follows:

Mid-Michigan District Health Department
1307 E. Townsend Road
St. Johns, MI 48879

December 4: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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

December 13: 8 a.m. to noon 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

December 18: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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

Immunizations will be available for adults and children eight weeks of age through adulthood, appointments are preferred. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 224-2195, Option 5, Monday through Friday.

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Moolenaar announced office hours

Congressman John Moolenaar announced office hours to be held by constituent relations representatives at locations throughout the Fourth District. The purpose of the office hours is to help residents in need of assistance with a federal agency, including the IRS and the VA. Office hours have been held monthly and are held when Congressman Moolenaar is in Washington voting on legislation.

December 7

2:00-3:00 PM
Clinton County Courthouse
Garden Level Conference Room “A”
100 East State Street
Saint Johns, MI 48879

Light Festival and Santa Parade is December 1

We need your help again this year to launch the second St. Johns Light Festival and Santa Parade on Friday December 1st. The parade begins at 5:45 p.m.

Please register your festive home or business. Whether you hang one row of lights or cause a blinding radiant glow we want you to be a blip on the map. The St. Johns Light Festival will include rides through town, and they want to make sure that they head down streets that are illuminated with Christmas spirit.

A prize of $100 will be given to the top 4 resident homes and a $100 prize will be given to the best decorated business. You must be registered to win! The deadline to register is November 29.

Mark your calendars for a fun filled event that will barrels of fun for family and friends including:
– Train rides on the lighted “Rails to Trails”
– Santa Parade of Lights
– Live Nativity
– Sawdust Santa making wooden toys with kids
– Santa’s Workshop
– Storytelling with Santa at the Library
– Kids crafts, creating stockings and cookie making
– Scenic wagon rides around decorated homes
– Bonfire and marshmallow roasting
– Animal petting area
– “Whoville Hair” updos at local salons
– Bounce houses
– Live performances at the Wilson Center
– Voting for best decorated home
– Lighting of the Christmas Tree and so much more

For more information and complete schedule of events, please visit www.sjlightfest.com

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Silent Auction for rail car restoration – December 1

After you have helped cheer for Santa’s arrival in St. Johns on December 1, step into the St. Johns Depot to get warm and to find some great items to bid on in a Silent Auction.

You can bid on items ranging from framed art and gift cards to a chance to spend an hour with a fireman! The silent auction is a fundraiser for Clinton Northern Railway Museum, a branch of Clinton County Arts Council. Be sure to get your bids in by 8:00 PM when the auction ends.

All proceeds from the auction will go toward the restoration of the historic rail cars by the depot. Two cars that are a part of this living museum will be open for touring that evening. The Four Seasons model train layout will be running in the East Room of the depot.

Clinton County Arts Council receives a portion of its funding from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Depot activities are in addition to the many other fun activities taking place in the whole depot area and throughout town. Join the festivities!

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Toys For Tots Benefit Show coming to St. Johns

You must mark down the date of Saturday, December 2 when some of your favorite entertainers will be coming to St. Johns for a “Toys for Tots Benefit Show.” Elvis with his friends Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, and George Strait, will all take the stage for an evening of great entertainment for a worthy cause.

The program on December 2 will start at 7:00 p.m. and will take place in the beautiful historic Wilson Center Auditorium located in downtown St. Johns. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for a lot of fun activities before the show starts.

There will be a raffle for gifts, door prizes for items donated by local businesses and merchants, arts and craft, gift certificates and more.

Light food and beverages will be available. Santa will be in the building taking wishes from all the children. He will also be available for pictures, telling stories about his adventures. It all adds up to a lot of fun.

Admission is $10 or an unwrapped toy of equal value at the door. All children 12 and under are free. All proceeds along with all the toys collected will go to Clinton County “Toys for Tots.” The Wilson Center Auditorium is located at 101 W. Cass St., just south of the courthouse.

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Museum expands hours for Christmas

Paine-Gillam-Scott volunteers are busy preparing the museum for Christmas.

The new schedule reflects the interest in the museum during Christmas. They are pleased to announce that the museum will be open
– Saturdays, December 2, 9 and 16 from 1-4 pm, along with
– Sundays, 1-4 pm and
– Wednesdays 2-6:30 pm.
The museum will close for the winter starting Monday, December 18.

Plan ahead now to visit the museum and view Christmas artifacts from earlier times. Our featured 2017 Exhibit “Early Transportation and Fashion” is also on display.

The museum is located at 106 Maple St., St. Johns west of the Courthouse. For further information or group tours call us at 989-224-2894, email pgsmuseum@hotmail.com pgsmuseum.com or find us on Facebook.

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Crafts, Breakfast and Prizes at Annual Christmas Festival

The 15th Annual Christmas Festival, sponsored by the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for this Saturday, December2 from 8 am to 3 pm at the CC RESA Building at 1013 S US 27 (across from McDonalds) in St. Johns.

There will be a:
Breakfast with Santa (8-10:30 am)
Craft Show and Festival of Trees (8 am – 3 pm)
Kids Crafts (12 – 3 pm)

The Breakfast will cost $6 for adults, $4 for children with ages 2 and under free. You must have a breakfast ticket to get your picture with Santa – please bring your own cameras. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce (1013 S US 27 in St. Johns) or Big Boy of St Johns (S US 27). Depending on availability some tickets may be available at the door that day.

Throughout the whole day you can shop at over 90 craft booths. There is everything from jewelry and metal signs to quilts and baked goods. And, if that is not enough crafts, don’t forget to stop at the First United Methodist Church at 200 E State Street. They are having a Craft Show too.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the crafts they can make for only .25 or .50 each. Four of the crafts will be candy crafts including a candy necklace, candy train and a candy wreath. You can make the crafts in the building, or purchase the kits to take home.

When you enter the building don’t forget to purchase your raffle tickets. Most of the vendors will donate an item and the Chamber has added over 20 more, so there will be over 85 prizes awarded throughout the day. A special ticket will be given to anyone that purchases tickets for an extra prize drawing.

Before you leave the festival vote on your favorite decorated tree with a money donation. The tree that collects the most votes (most money) gets to decide what charity receives all the money collected.

Lunch of BBQ pork sandwiches, hotdogs and nachos will be available from 10:30 until gone by the Clinton County Senior Center in the lobby of the building.

If you have any questions about any part of the Christmas Festival, please call the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248.

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Vinyard Youth Theater open house – December 2

Vinyard Youth Theater will be celebrating the opening of their new studio with an open house on December 2 from noon to 4 p.m. The studio is located at 113 W. Higham.

Wear your best Ugly Sweater to win a free class. For more information call 517-803-7808.

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City Pizza Party with Santa is December 15

Join the City of St. Johns in bringing in the holidays this year with our Pizza Party with Santa. This is our third annual Christmas event and it will be held on Friday December 15 from 5:45 to 7:15. The doors open at 5:30.

This event will be fun for the children as they will make their Christmas lists to Santa, participate in Christmas themed arts and crafts projects, take pictures and receive a gift from our special guest, Santa. Pizza and other kid friendly foods will be served during this event, so don’t miss out!

For more information about this event contact the recreation department at (989)224-8944 ext. 228 or email
bblackmon@ci.saint-johns.mi.us. Registrations forms can be downloaded from our website,or picked up and dropped off in the St. Johns City offices Monday- Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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Mint City Singers concert at the Wilson – December 15

Mint City Singers invite you to enjoy a December Choral Concert “As the World Turns: Equinox” on December 15 at 7:30 pm at the Wilson Center in St. Johns. A free will offering will be accepted at the door.

Try To Remember •Unchained Melody
Thankful •Mary Did You Know?
Baby It’s Cold Outside
Stormy Weather •and more!

Ellen Hoard, director
Jeff Richards, accompanist

Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, December 2

First United Methodist Church in St. Johns and the Mint City Singes are co-hosting a Holiday Bazaar, Saturday December 2 from 8 am to 3 pm. (This is the same date and times as the Clinton County Chamber Craft Sale.

This is a fund raising event for the Community Choir and for the church’s local and conference Benevolence Funds. The Church booth will feature RADA knives, Fair Trade Coffee, SERRV items, and retired Partylite cash and carry items, as well as baked goods and handmade items.

The Mint City Singers booth will have Flea market type items, crafts, candy filled jars and decorated cookies.

In addition to the church and choir booths there are outside vendors coming with wooden signs and items, crocheted items, Elves on the shelf, Table runners and other sewn items, lighted blocks and bottles, Glass pendants, badge holders, bird feeders and garden items; planters made of fabric and cement.

This event is held at the First United Methodist Church, 200 E State St in downtown St. Johns across from the St. Johns Fire and Police Stations. We hope you will shop both Events.

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Educational tour of automated Calf Feeding Facility planned

Automatic calf feeding facilities are becoming very popular in Michigan. These feeders allow calves to consume large volumes of milk in small meals throughout the day, resulting in high growth rates of pre-weaned calves. Unfortunately, there are some challenges and misperceptions that must be addressed before producers invest in this technology.

On Wednesday December 13, MSU Extension will host an educational tour at Hogan Dairy in Muir, Michigan. The Ionia county event will feature a facility tour of the 2 year old building, highlight the changes made to the heifer raising program since going to automated calf feeding, and discuss general management considerations for this type of calf raising.

Farm owner, Andrew Hogan, will highlight the planning that went into the barn, his goals, and pitfalls to avoid. There will be discussions on sanitation including a demonstration of an ATP meter to measure bacterial activity. Featured speakers include Jenna Taylor (Harvey’s Commodities), Elizabeth Marvel (Milk Specialties), Andrew Hogan (Hogan Dairy) and Faith Cullens (MSU Extension). There is no charge for this event, however RSVPs are appreciated.

December 13, 2018 1:30-3:00 at Hogan Dairy; 5931 Beahan Road, Muir, MI. RSVP to Faith Cullens at 989-224-5249 or
cullensf@msu.edu.

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Toys for Tots Campaign Underway

The Marine Corp Toys for Tots campaign has begun in Clinton County. The Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, which is the sponsoring organization for Toys for Tots in Clinton County has delivered collection boxes to businesses throughout the county that will collect toys through Thursday, Dec 14 for Clinton County children.

For anyone donating a toy, please note that some of the toys that are popular on want lists this year include Fingerlings, PJ Mask figures, Soggy Dog Games and anything Shopkins and Surprizamals. We are also always in need of things like craft things for older girls (card making, sports fleece for pillows and throws, etc), current CD’s, DVD’s and books from recent movie releases, sports apparel (MSU or Lions hats and shirts) , anything drawing and male and female personal care things (shower gels, fragrances, deodorants, etc).

If you place a toy in one of these boxes you can be assured the item will go to a child that lives in Clinton County:
– In St. Johns: Big Boy, Briggs Public Library, Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, Dollar General, Journey Federal Credit Union, Peebles, St. Johns Police Department, Tractor Supply and Walmart.
– In Wacousta: Watertown Charter Township.
– In Bath: Bath Township Office and Somerset Park Apartments
– In DeWitt: Biggby Coffee (in the DeWitt Meijer), Bridge Street Hair, DeWitt City Police, DeWitt District Library, DeWitt Township Police & Fire (both locations), Mercantile Bank, Verizon Wireless and West Orthodontics.
– In Fowler: Dollar General, Journey Federal Credit Union and Main Street Pizza;
– In Ovid: Dollar General, Journey Federal Credit Union and Main Street Pizza;
– In East Lansing: Mercantile Bank;
– In Elsie: Dollar General;

If your family needs assistance with clothing, food and toys for the holidays, please register with Caring and Sharing at 989-224-1010. If you need assistance with just toys and you are not registered with another agency, call Clinton County Toys for Tots at 989-224-7248 or email ccchamber@4wbi.net.

If you have any questions about the Toys for Tots campaign, toys needs or toy distribution, contact Brenda Terpening at the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248.

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CRV visits Abrams Planetarium

A Community Resource Volunteers trip on November 12, 2017 took seven 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students and five chaperones to the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University to see the show, Planet Nine, The Search is On.

This show follows astronomer Mike Brown and his Caltech team as they “uncover dwarf worlds like the remarkably bright Eris; Haumea, an egg-shaped object rotating incredibly fast; and Sedna, whose orbit takes it deep into the far reaches of the Solar System.” Mike Brown also lets viewers tag along on his first night searching for a new, ninth, planet at the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii.

Their next trip will be to the Cyclotron at Michigan State University on Saturday, January 13, 2018. Please go to crvonline.org for more information and register.

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Briggs District Library News

Holiday Programs – HO! HO! HO! It is that time of year again! There will be music, stories, games, crafts and refreshments! There will be a jolly man in a red suit that will visit with each child. Hand stamps given at the door determine the order in which each child will visit with Santa. This is a great photo opportunity so make sure to bring your camera with you. You are invited to enjoy our Holiday Programs on Thursday, November 30 (6-8pm), Friday, December 1, (6-8pm) or Saturday, December 2 (10:30-noon). Registration is not required for any of these FREE programs.

Tween Holiday Program – Tweens ages 9-12 can join us on Tuesday, December 12 from 6:30-7:30 for a chance to beat the clock in a series of Christmas-inspired “Minute-2-Win-It” events, games, and challenges! Registration for this free program is now open.

Christmas Cartoon and Snack – Children ages 6-9 are invited to join us for a holiday filled hour of Christmas snack making, game playing, and cartoon watching on Monday, December 18 from 6:30- 7:30pm. Registration for this free program is now open.

Pre-Reader Storytime – Children ages 4, 5 and 6 are invited to enjoy our “Stories and Pictures” theme during the cold days of winter. Each week of this 6-week session will celebrate an author or illustrator. There will be games, crafts, and music to compliment the books read each week. So mark your calendars for Thursday evenings, 6:30-7pm, January 11 to February 15. Registration is required and opens December 14.

Toys for Tots – The library is a collection site for Toys for Tots in Clinton County. You may bring in new and unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Items for older children are especially appreciated.

Christmas Displays – The library has three special displays that will be available for the public to view throughout the holiday season. You will be inspired to bake when you see cookie cutters for every holiday and occasion imaginable in the library’s front entrance display case. The cookie cutters are on loan from Carol Fedewa, who has been making delicious cookies for many years. Inside the library you will see a collection of Snowbabies that is being generously shared with us by a thoughtful patron. Lastly, the library’s Department 56: Christmas in the City village is back on display. The village was donated to the library by the Madden family many years ago, and has been a well-loved tradition ever since. This year’s display was constructed by Joy Thompson. A big “Thank you!” to Joy and all of our other patrons who have donated their time and personal collections to the library throughout the year.

Board Game Collection – The library now has a collection of board games available for checkout. We have games for all ages and interests that are sure to be a hit, whether you are enjoying a quiet evening at home or with the entire family at a holiday celebration. This is a new collection, so check back often to see what has been recently added.

Library Closure – The library will be closed Saturday December 23, Monday December 25 and Tuesday December 26 for the Christmas Holiday. The drop box on the Library porch will be available for returns throughout this closure.

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Contact Information:

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

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Leonard announces December office hours

Speaker of the House Tom Leonard, R-DeWitt, will host office hours to meet with local residents and discuss their concerns about state government. Speaker Leonard represents Michigan’s 93rd District.

The local coffee hour will take place on Friday, December 8, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at Big Boy, 1408 Old U.S. 27, St. Johns, MI 48879.

Local residents are encouraged to bring comments, questions and concerns about local government and anything else happening in the local community. Residents with questions about the coffee hours, or those who cannot make it, can contact Speaker Leonard’s office at 517-373-1778 or by emailing TomLeonard@house.mi.gov.