Happy 90th birthday to Sparrow Clinton Hospital

St. Johns recently celebrated Sparrow Clinton Hospital’s 90th birthday. Sparrow Clinton was a pioneer among rural hospitals in Michigan and was one of the first to be governed by a non-profit community corporation.

Funds to build Clinton Memorial Hospital in 1927 were raised via a public subscription campaign, with more than 1,600 Clinton County residents contributing from $1 to $10,000. The family of General Oliver Spaulding donated a portion of the land.

With construction nearly completed the hospital was dedicated on Armistice Day November 11, 1927 with the Rev. Fr. Patrick R. Dunningan as the main speaker.

Since the initial building was constructed, a number of additions have been made including a nurses’ residence in 1930 and an east wing in 1949. In the 1950s north and south wings and a separate laundry facility was added. In 1968 the Fehling Wing nearly doubled the size of the original hospital. Emergency facilities were added after the building became Sparrow Clinton Hospital.

You are invited to a book signing – December 3

The Clinton County Historical Society is happy to introduce the new book Clinton County Schools by Wayne Summers. Wayne will be available to sign this new book December 3, 2017 1-4p.m. at the Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum, 106 S. Maple in St. St. Johns.

Pick up a copy of this historical book about the schools in Clinton County for only $20. It includes many pictures, personal remembrances, and school census.

What a neat Christmas gift. Keep it in your family to pass down through generations. Let’s not lose sight of our history.

The book cost is $20 + $3.60 shipping and handling if you want it mailed. Email to order: ccgensoc@yahoo.com.

The Historical Society hopes you will join them for the signing at the Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum with an extra bonus of enjoying the beautiful Christmas decorations of this holiday.

Veterans Day, 2017 – an album

by Maralyn Woodbury

On Saturday 11/11 I went to the line-up for the Veterans Day parade.

I was able to converse with most of the vets plus I was able to take pictures of them all. This worked out good as it was one-on-one.

I thanked them for their service, and all were appreciative for that. I hope you enjoy the photos.

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.

Volunteers Needed for Work of the Heart Children – December 8, 9

Organizers for the Annual Holiday Store and Party for the Work of Heart Children need your help on Saturday, December 9, 2017. Setup is scheduled for Friday, December 8, 2017.

Work of Heart supports foster, adoptive, and kinship families in Clinton County.

The annual Holiday Store and Party that gives parents some respite while their children have a chance to make and buy gifts for their family members is one of the ways they do this.

Volunteers make this possible by preparing for and facilitating fun activities with the children during this event. The event will be located at CCRESA in St. Johns.

How can you help?
– Research crafts and activities for all age groups
– Transport supplies from storage facility to event site.
– Set up Holiday store like a gift shop.
– Set up activity rooms and organize supplies
– Work directly with children on crafts/activities
– Assist children in the Holiday Store
– Gift Wrapping
– Assist Santa and Mrs. Claus with pictures booth
– Photographer
– Cleanup/packing at end of event
– Transport supplies from event site to storage facility

If you would like to volunteer, please contact
Peggy Hollingworth, Program Coordinator, Work of Heart hollin43@anr.msu.edu, 989-224-5296.

Senior Center Craft Show is November 18

On Saturday, November 18 the Senior Center will hold a Craft Show at their facility on E. Walker at Spring Streets.

Funds from the event help pay for heat bills during the winter months.

For more information please contact Brenda Terpening at 989-224-7248.

Chamber Christmas Festival is December 2

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

The day begins with Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10:30 am. After Santa has seen the last child and breakfast gets cleared away there will be crafts that children of all ages can make. Of course the day is not all about the kids. From 8 am to 3 pm there will be a Craft Show throughout part of the building. Lunch of BBQ pork sandwiches, hotdogs and nachos will be available from 10:30 a.m. 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.

Milk price risk management meeting announced

Market prices for milk have been on a wild ride, leaving farmers guessing about what price they will receive in the coming months. This meeting by Michigan State University Extension will help farmers understand the use of tools to manage that price movement.

Milk markets are down right now; when will they rise? Like the production and use of milk, the markets are not constant. That variation creates uncertainty, risk and opportunity.

Since August 2017, the high and low prices for the November Class III milk futures contracts have ranged almost $1.90 per hundredweight. The slide in prices took only 21 trading days as milk price tumbled from around $17.26 to $15.62. Then, it turned around and gained almost $1 back in 5 trading days a week later.

How is a dairy farmer to plan? If just 30 days ago, we looked at the markets for March 2018 Class III milk, we would have projected a price of mid $15 milk ($15.40 – 15.60) price, but since then, prices have slipped to below $15.00 as of November 8. How can one even plan ahead?

These questions will be considered at the Dairy Price Risk Management Meeting hosted by Michigan State University Extension on November 29, 2017. The meeting will be at Agro Liquid, 3055 M-21, St. Johns, MI, from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm. The objective is to enable dairy producers to become more familiar and comfortable with using price risk management tools and equip them to develop strategies for the future.

It begins with knowing your cost of milk production, presented by MSU Extension Educator, Kathy Lee. MMPA Director of Hedging and Business Development, Aaron Beak will discuss the market tools of futures and options contracts and how to use them in different situations or in combinations.

A panel of brokers, from three firms: Stewart-Peterson, Rice Dairy and FC Stone moderated by Phil Durst of MSU Extension, will talk about market outlook and strategies to employ during times like this and when markets rise.

In the afternoon, producers will work in small groups to develop market plans for 6 months and then run through some price scenarios to show the effects on prices received. Mitch Schafer of Greenstone Farm Credit Services will talk about using hedging accounts through a lender. We will also discuss the role of the milk co-ops as the intermediary in market contracts.

Registration is $30 per person or $20 for each additional person from the farm or business. Registration includes lunch and program materials. To register on-line, go to http://events.anr.msu.edu/dairypricerisk or register with a check, payable to “MSU”, sent to Huron County MSU Extension, 1142 S Van Dyke # 200, Bad Axe, MI 48413.

The commodity markets are best used as a tool to help dairy farmers manage the risk of price movement. Price risk management is not speculative, in which risky positions are taken in order to profit from the markets. Rather, dairy farmers offset the risk of price movement. The Michigan State University Extension Dairy Team has designed this program to be practical, enabling dairy farmers to develop and implement a marketing plan for their milk.

If you have questions, contact the Huron County MSU Extension at 989-269-9949 or email Marianne Buza at mbuza@msu.edu. Managing price risk is an essential tool for the dairy business in these times of low and volatile prices.

CRV collecting empty ink cartridges

Community Resource Volunteers, a nonprofit agency who works with youth to teenagers, will be collecting empty ink cartridges to help fund science and robotic programs.

Please drop them off at the following locations:
– St. Vicent DePaul, 1009 S Highway 27,
– Huntington Bank, 200 W. Higham,
– Clinton Transit 215 N. Scott Rd. and
– CRV, 304 Brush St.,
– MAHLE Engine Components, 916 W. State St., all in St. Johns.
– Motz Builders, 116 West Main St. in DeWitt.

For more information about our organization and events please go to www.crvonline.org or call CRV 517-672-4226. Thank you for your support.

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre in Laingsburg

Laingsburg High School will be performing a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre November 16, 17, and 18.

Dinner begins at 6 pm. The show will immediately follow. The show and dinner takes place at Laingsburg High School in the cafetorium.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 night of the show. Email LHSdinnertheater@gmail.com to reserve tickets.

CASA Volunteer Advocates Needed

CASA-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children is currently accepting applications for our next CASA Volunteer Advocate Training.

Those interested in serving as a CASA Advocate must submit a volunteer application, completely pass a criminal and personal background check, and participate in our 30-hour pre-service training.

Applicants should have ample time to visit their appointed child every 7 to 10 days (activities during visits may include playing games, playing outside, helping with homework, coloring, etc.). Our program continues to work toward our goal of having enough CASA Advocates for every Clinton County child who is in foster care.

For more information, please visit our website ClintonCountyCASA.org or contact the office at clintoncountycasa@gmail.com or 517-599-7145.

Veterans Day observances to be held Saturday

Activities in St. Johns begin on Saturday, November 11 with the raising of the Veterans Flags at MI. Rest Cemetery at 8:00 am, weather permitting.

The Veterans Day Parade will take place on Saturday beginning at 11:00 am. The 11th hour of the 11th day of November commemorates the signing of the armistice following World War I in 1918.

The parade participants will line up at the Wilson Center parking lot and travel north on Clinton to Cass St. They will continue west on Cass St to Maple Ave., north on Maple to State St., East on State and then north on Clinton Ave. The parade will conclude at the Veterans Memorial at the intersection of Railroad St. and N. Clinton Ave.

Those attending are welcome to proceed to the American Legion Post on E. Walker St. following the service for the annual Bean Soup and Sandwich Luncheon, sponsored by Unit 153 Auxiliary and the donations of others.

All are welcome as they accept the challenge of The American Legion National Commander Denise Rohan to open the Post up as a welcome to not only the veterans, but also to all community members.

City residents approve millage

On Tuesday November 7 local voters overwhelmingly approved the St. Johns City Charter Amendment for Streets and Sidewalks.

In a light turnout 78.2% voted to approved a proposal to levy 3 mils for 5 years for street and sidewalk improvement. This will be a reduction from the 4 mills that have been levied over the past four years.

Hammer in Hand working on new Sculpture

photos by Maralyn Fink

You might think of Hammer In Hand Custom Cycles, LLC on East State Street as a custom motorcycle shop, and you would be right. But the metal artist who produced the Splash sculpture at the City Park is really up for anything.

The business was founded by Ivan Iler, Grant Iler and Michele Iler in 2009. In 2011 they were joined by Brent Hurst as a partner, bringing with him over 20 years experience in motorcycle parts sales.

“As a Michigan based artist who specializes in metal fabrication, I am particularly interested in outdoor public art,” says Ivan Iler. “The idea that people will see and interact with my work long after I’m gone inspires me more than anything else.”

Iler has many irons in the fire in terms of the media he uses, sometimes even literally iron in the fire. Sculpting, carving, engraving, metal fabrication including blacksmithing, painting, leathersmithing, drafting and mechanical design, as well as his daily work as a motorcycle engineer and fabricator keep him continually engaged.

See how he put together Splash here.

Families Needing Holiday Assistance

Families from Clinton County needing some assistance with items for the holidays have a couple of options. If your family is in need of food, clothing and toys you should contact the Caring & Sharing Family Life Services agency at 989-224-1010.

If your family is in need of just toys for your children, contact the Clinton County Toys for Tots organization at the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248 or ccchamber@4wbi.net.

All families will be required to complete forms with the appropriate agency. If you are already requesting assistance from another organization or church for the above items, please do not contact Caring or Sharing or Toys for Tots. All organizations match lists to avoid duplication.

Add a green light in support of Veterans

Change one light to green in support of veterans this month. America’s veterans are some of our nation’s bravest, hardest-working men and women. However it’s hard to show them the appreciation they deserve when, back home and out of uniform, they’re more camouflaged than ever.

Greenlight A Vet is a campaign to establish visible national support for our veterans by changing one light to green. More information is available at http://www.greenlightavet.com/.

Here comes the Addams Family November 10-12

The St. Johns High School Theatre Department is proud to present The Addams Family! America’s darkest family comes to life in this new musical comedy with the following performances:

Friday, November 10 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 11 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, November 12 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are now on sale online. Simply visit sjdrama.ludus.com and click “get tickets” for the show(s) you are interested in. This will pull up a seating chart that allows you to select your seats. Once you’ve selected your seats, you can checkout using a credit card. You can choose to print your tickets, have them e-mailed or sent to your smartphone.

Tickets are $10. There is an online processing fee when you pay online with your card. Should you have any problems, please call Mary Donald (4134) or send an e-mail to boxoffice@sjredwings.org.

Crafters Wanted

On Saturday, November 18 the Clinton County Senior Center will be holding a Craft Show and Bake Sale at their facility. In addition to homemade crafts for sale they will have Christmas decorations, new and antique glassware and items such as books, puzzles, etc. The Bake Sale will be run by the Clinton County Meals on Wheels program.

The Senior Center has room for 6-7 other vendors selling crafts that are different from what the center is selling. Spaces are $20 and the center will provide vendors with a 6’ round table and two chairs, or the vendor can bring their own.

If you would be interested in a booth for the November 18 sale, please contact Brenda Terpening at 989-224-7248.

2017 City Fall Leaf Collection

The City leaf collection program will take place from November 13 – December 1, 2017. Leaves must be in the compostable Kraft brown yard waste bags and placed curbside (not in the street) for daily collection.

It is essential that leaves not be raked into the street where they can clog catch basins and cause drainage issues and flooding in the intersections. Persons raking or otherwise placing leaves or branches in the street will be subject to a $50 civil infraction fine.

Free brown Kraft bags are available at city offices, the DPW or Briggs District Library, while supplies last.

We ask that for curb side pick up that only the following items to be placed in the Kraft brown yard waste bags:
– Leaves
– Small sticks – no longer than 4-foot (no large branches or stumps)
– Pumpkins, gourds or any garden vegetation

If you prefer not to bag, bring loose leaves to the compost site located at the Department of Public Works, 1000 N. US-127 BR. This site is open 24/7. Please use the Kuntz Drive entrance.

Questions? Contact city offices at 989-224-8944.

Register for Women’s Volleyball Leagues

As the snow starts falling and the evenings getting shorter, why not join the City of St. Johns Tuesday Night Women’s Volleyball Leagues to keep you warm and active.

These leagues are great for those who are looking for something fun to do and for those that are looking for something competitive to get into. The leagues play Tuesday nights starting on January 9th at Gateway Elementary School. The City of St. Johns Recreation Department is accepting team registrations for this league until Friday, December 1, 2017. The cost to register your team for this league is $155.00, plus additional player and capital improvement fees.

The St. Johns Indoor Volleyball League was formed as an adult recreation league. No one under the age of 16 may be on the roster or participate in the adult volleyball league. A parent must sign the liability form for a minor under 18.

Registration packets for the 2018 City of St. Johns Tuesday Night Women’s Volleyball Leagues are available and can be picked up between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday at the City Offices or downloaded from our website. If you have any questions about winter activities or any other recreation programs please call the Recreation Department at 224-8944 ext. 228 or e-mail bblackmon@ci.saint-johns.mi.us.

Visit the website to download a copy of the managers packet and to stay updated on all recreation activities at: http://cityofstjohnsmi.com/Departments/ParksandRecreation.

Chamber Christmas Festival December 2

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

The day begins with Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10:30 am. After Santa has seen the last child and breakfast gets cleared away there will be crafts that children of all ages can make. Of course the day is not all about the kids. From 8 am to 3 pm there will be a Craft Show throughout part of the building. Lunch of BBQ pork sandwiches, hotdogs and nachos will be available from 10:30 a.m. 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.

CRV collecting empty ink cartridges

Community Resource Volunteers, a nonprofit agency who works with youth to teenagers, will be collecting empty ink cartridges to help fund science and robotic programs.

Please drop them off at the following locations:
– St. Vicent DePaul, 1009 S Highway 27,
– Huntington Bank, 200 W. Higham,
– Clinton Transit 215 N. Scott Rd. and
– CRV, 304 Brush St.,
– MAHLE Engine Components, 916 W. State St., all in St. Johns.
– Motz Builders, 116 West Main St. in DeWitt.

For more information about our organization and events please go to www.crvonline.org or call CRV 517-672-4226. Thank you for your support.

Briggs District Library News

Thank You! – “Socktober” was a great success thanks to our library patrons and the families from St. Joseph Catholic School. We collected over 765 pairs of socks…that’s 1,530 “feet” that will be warm this winter…or 15,300 toes! Thanks to everybody that helped spread the warmth.

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 is required and begins on Monday, November 20.

Pre-Reader Storytime – Children ages 4, 5 and 6 are invited to enjoy our “Stories & 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.

Therapy Dog Tutor “Ruger” – Tale to Tail Program – We are excited to be continuing this Free Reading Program. It is a read aloud program with “Ruger” a certified therapy dog for children ages 6 to 12 years old. Children can bring their choice of tale to read to our Tail Waggin’ Tutor. We offer our Quiet Study Room in the Library from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on Thursday evenings with each child having a 15-minute session with Ruger. The last available date for 2017 is December 14. This service can be used to encourage confidence and reading skills in a relaxing environment. Registration is required and is open at this time. Ruger will also be available the second and fourth Thursday evenings starting in January.

Library Closure – The Library will close at 6:00 pm on Wednesday November 22 and be closed November 23 and 24 for the Thanksgiving Day Holiday. The drop box on the Library porch will be available for returns throughout this closure. The Library will be open on Saturday November 25 from 10:00 – 3:00.

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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