The Briggs District Library Christmas Village
The Briggs District Library Christmas Village hasn’t been up for a few years. They decided to put it up one more time. There won’t be any room to display it after the renovation. We believe that the checkout counter and an entrance will be there.
Also on display are large renderings of the room layouts and floor plans.
SJPD officers reach out to kids and Seniors
Several St. Johns Police Department officers were able to participate in Shop with a Cop events this week. SJPD officers also were happy to deliver care packages along with other officers in the Tri-County area for No Senior Without Christmas.
Museum speakers visit Rotary
Clinton County Historical Society guest speakers, Kelly and Karen, attended the Rotary Club of St. Johns meeting. They shared very interesting history of Saint Johns.
For an excellent opportunity to be involved visit http://www.pgsmuseum.com/
Nicole’s Salon & Day Spa welcomes new team member
Nicole’s Salon & Day Spa invites you to welcome their newest team member, Ava.
Ava is a Saint Johns High School student who will be working at the salon twice a week during the remainder of her senior year, with goals of learning and expanding on social and work skills.
Here is a little about Ava that she wants you to know.
Ava has Williams Syndrome, so sometimes certain tasks are difficult for her and she can have a hard time focusing. She is a big Harry Potter fan, and enjoys the books and movies and would like to go to the Harry Potter world at Universal someday. She loves food and her favorite restaurant is the Olive Garden. She is having a lot of fun working at the salon and excited to meet our guests.
Be sure to say hello when you see her; she would love to get to know you.
Remember when? – A Look Back at 2013
January
Who knew the SJHS media center was really a ski lodge?
It won’t last long, but for now the media center ceiling at St. Johns High School looks a lot like a ski lodge at a five-star resort.
Well, maybe not quite that fancy – but it is very, very cool.
Everyone was surprised when the original wood miraculously appeared following demolition of the existing ceiling tile that had covered the wood frame, most likely since the high school opened in August 1969. No one expected to see wooden beams and support structures – some still encased in the original protective covering.
Unfortunately the ski lodge look will disappear in the near future. The high, dome ceiling that makes even small sounds and noises resonate is being refitted with new acoustic tile as part of the renovation project in and around the media center circle.
Habitat purchases second lot in St. Johns
Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County recently purchased a residential parcel as part of its plan to build a second St. Johns home during the 2013 construction season. Habitat for Humanity Director Sue Carroll indicated “We are excited to build another affordable home in St. Johns for a deserving family. The property we purchased is in a great location close to schools, playgrounds and commercial outlets. There is even a terrific bike and walking trail nearby”. Habitat will muster its volunteers and construction people beginning in May of next year to begin site preparation and construction.
SJPS superintendent announces retirement plans
Citing family obligations, St. Johns Public School Superintendent Dr. Ken Ladouceur recently announced his retirement from the position he has held since July 2009. His retirement is effective June 30, at the conclusion of the 2012-13 school year.
February
Auxiliary Snow Day a success
Members of Sparrow Clinton Hospital board celebrate their singing debut by taking first place in the Snow Day karaoke contest.
Sheriff’s office investigate Ovid deadly shooting
A funeral mass for a 13-year-old Ovid Township girl who died in an accidental shooting over the weekend is set for Saturday at St. Paul Catholic Church in Owosso.
Clinton County Deputies answered a report of a shooting at a home in 9200 block of Woodworth Road in Ovid Township just after 4 pm on Saturday February 2, 2013.
Deputies say 13-year-old Paige McGinnis was dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Investigators say the victim’s 14-year-old brother, Dillan McGinnis, was handling a shotgun that discharged, striking his sister in the head.
Clinton County Special Olympics adds bowling ramp with memorial funds
Jeremy Braska has been bowling with Special Olympics for several years. His dad, Joe Braska, was his partner for Unified Bowling for many tournaments. Jeremy loved bowling with his dad. When Joe died recently, family and friends donated to Clinton County Special Olympics in his memory. Some of those funds were used to purchase a bowling ramp for athletes who are unable to throw the ball down the alley the conventional way.
Ireland in Song and Story Anew
Father Eoin Murphy, back on a visit from Ireland, does a benefit concert once again to support the Clinton County Arts Council with all new material.
The Mint City Singers will be show-casing their talents with a number of selections to round out the program.
Church members explore immigration
Immigration reform has been much in the news lately. First United Methodist Church, 200 E. State St., St. Johns, has decided to explore the issue from a Christian perspective.
March
Walk for Warmth
The annual Capital Area Community Services of Clinton County Walk took place on Saturday, February 23 to raise funds for those in need of help with heating bills.
The volunteer walkers set out at 11:00 a.m. for approximately a three mile walk through the city and by doing so collected donations for their efforts.
Homegrown Productions present Plaza Suite
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the doors of a luxury suite in a landmark metropolitan hotel? Homegrown Productions provides a peek into the lives of three couples who are staying at New York City’s Plaza Hotel in their presentation of Plaza Suite, a comedy by Neil Simon.
Museum plans Calendar Hall update
Upstairs in the Museum, Calendar Hall was created to provide fast facts and information using a graphic representation of events as they occurred over time. The sequence presented is designed to tell a story of the past, present, and future of Clinton County, of Michigan, and of the United States. The panels, containing articles and pictures portrayed on boards in a linear fashion, show that time proceeds in a straight line as unique events in history occur. While enjoying a fast “snapshot” of time, people, and events, the Calendar Hall allows guests to view them in sequence, and understand how each impacts the next.
April
St. John’s Lutherans do have talent
An evening of music, songs, jokes and comedy, including an embellished duet by Pastor Dr. Bryan R. Salminen and Bill Roll, emphasized the spirit of the “St. John’s Lutheran’s Got Talent Show,” but their antics did not detract from the winning piano solo performance by Evan Badgley.
Fundraiser concert planned for upcoming mission trip
This summer a team of youth and their leaders from the First Congregational Church of St. Johns will, once again, head down to Appalachia to build not only homes but relationships.
On Sunday April 28th a fundraiser concert will take place at the First Congregational Church featuring the local talents of the Mint City Singers and many talented youth from the St. Johns High School and local community.
May
Community helps spread a message of hope.
“Paint the Town Purple” with the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of St. Johns
Join the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of St. Johns. Businesses, community organizations and individuals are being asked to show their support for Relay and help raise awareness for the fight against cancer by decking out the town – including homes, restaurants, businesses, meeting halls or other areas- in purple.
Auxiliary selects leaders for upcoming year
Members of the Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary held their annual installation meeting May 15, naming officers and leaders for the coming year.
Event hostess Lynn Barry, Sparrow Clinton Hospital President and CEO Ed Bruun, and Sparrow Clinton Hospital Board of Directors Member Craig Bishop presided over the installation ceremony.
Outgoing President Ann Hufnagel was recognized for her service. Hufnagel served as co-president from 2011-13, sharing that position the first year with Shelley Gunther and the second year with Robin Ingalls.
Co-presidents for the current year are Robin Ingalls and Gay Baker.
Relay for Life
For each of the previous years, members of St. Johns Kiwanis catered and served the survivors’ dinner on the first evening of the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life. This year was no different as the club planned and served the May 17 event to, not only survivors, but to their families and care givers as well
Board approves contract for new superintendent
Members of the St. Johns Board of Education approved entry of an employment contract with Dedrick Martin as the new superintendent for St. Johns Public Schools. Martin has served as superintendent of Ypsilanti Public Schools since 2009. The district recently consolidated with Willow Run Public Schools as Ypsilanti Community Schools.
June
The End of Another School Year
As the school year winds down, summer activity is ramping up. These St. Joseph School students observed the end of the school year with an outdoor field day celebration at St. Johns City Park, which included outdoor games like this relay race between the two Kindergarten classes.
Hazel Findlay Expansion
The City Commission recently adopted the St. Johns Planning Commission’s recommendation that the Hazel I. Findlay facility application to add on an Occupational Therapy wing be approved. The OT addition will allow Hazel Findlay staff to expand and better serve its clientele. Construction of the new unit is already underway.
Clarksons open Concert in the Park season
Cajun, Western Swing, Rock & Roll, Country, Blues and Bluegrass – the popular local band will do it all Wednesday, June 12, at the season-opener of the 2013 St. Johns Concert in the Park series.
Discharge Of Fireworks
With the 4th of July holiday almost upon us, residents are reminded that the City has both fireworks usage regulations and noise restrictions in place. Under state and local law consumer fireworks can only be used legally during national holidays, and on the day immediately preceding and immediately after such holidays. The City of St. Johns Police Department enforces “quiet hours” (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) in town through the City’s noise ordinance. A civil infraction or misdemeanor citation can issue for violations of this nature. So if you plan on shooting off fireworks this July 4th holiday, do so no later than 11:00 p.m.
July
Lansing Concert Band kicks off holiday
Listening to a band play patriotic tunes like the “Washington Post March” and “God Bless America” is a perfect way to jump-start the Fourth of July holiday weekend. That’s the plan for July 3 at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell when the renowned Lansing Concert Band takes the stage in the weekly Concert in the Park summer series.
PGS is Blue Star Museum
Clinton County Historical Society Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum located at 106 Maple Street, St. John, MI is a member of the Blue Star Museums. Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America.
Auxilians Serve Lunch to Habitat Work Crew
One recent morning, while Rotarians and craftsmen worked their way across the roof of a habitat for humanity house under construction, members of Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary were converging on the site with warming containers and baskets of food prepared for the mid-day meal. It was a gesture of “outreach” for the Auxilians as their usual efforts are in support of Sparrow Clinton Hospital.
Auxilians serving lunch were Ione Berg, Jeanette Huard, Gay Baker, Cindy Knight and Sharon Hunt.
Sparrow Clinton Hospital breaks ground for construction of new Emergency Department
Sparrow Clinton Hospital in St. Johns plans to transform the delivery of health care in Clinton County by building a $5.4 million, state-of-the-art Emergency Services Department.
August
New Mint Festival Royalty Court announced
A new queen was crowned at the 2013 Mint Festival Pageant on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 and the young lady that will be representing the Mint Festival and St. Johns in the next year will be Alyssa Mee. Alyssa will be accompanied by her 1st Runner Up Paige Hufnagel, 2nd Runner Up Kaylee Bauman, Junior Miss Mint Alyssa Thompson and Little Miss Mint Audrey Rademacher.
National Night Out is August 6
St. Johns city residents are invited to take part in our 20th annual “National Night Out” event. . The community can come together, once again, to get to know their neighbors and join forces against crime. We will have the Animals Around the World show, Magician show, a DJ, St. Johns High School Marching Band drum line show, inflatables, games for the kids, food and drinks, ice cream and giveaways – All Free!
Soccer Team aids Clinton Northern Railway
St. Johns Soccer Team vs. Railroad Ties. The team helped out Clinton Northern Railway (a branch of Clinton County Arts Council) by moving 58 ties weighing about 200 pounds each and 8’8″ in length. They also moved 3 eight-foot steel beams for a grand total of over 6 tons. It took the 22 soccer players and their 2 coaches (Karl Hanover and Rick Carlson) less than 30 minutes to move all into 5 neat stacks.
SJHS building project on target
Students arriving at St. Johns High School for the first day of classes Sept. 3 should expect to be a bit dazed and confused – and totally geeked – by the transformation of the building they left this past June.
Bancroft home removed
The house in front of the high school gas been torn down. This was the home of the Doyle Bancroft family, and the school purchased the home when we started this building project. Thanks to the Bancroft family for being great neighbors all these years.
Elvis closes out Concert in the Park season
People who have enjoyed Matt King’s Elvis Presley Tribute Show in previous years at St. Johns Concert in the Park probably have already noted Aug. 28 on their calendars , or more likely, techno devices. That’s when the “Hound Dog” is set to return for the 2013 season finale – just like the past four years.
September
Become a member of the Clinton County Senior Center
Are you interested in participating in activities, socializing, learning new things and enjoying a good lunchtime meal prepared from fresh ingredients? Then you should join the Clinton County Senior Center.
AgroLiquid holds open house of World Headquarters
This week the AgroLiquid showcased its new headquarters in St. Johns, Michigan.
The highlight of the new 57,000-square foot building is the IQ Hub learning center. The learning center hopes to bring plant nutrition and agriculture to life in fun, intellectually engaging ways. This will include a tractor simulator, an interactive soil test, and a kids’ corner. The hub will be open to the public, including for school tours, in the summer of 2014.
Buy a Water Drop
The St. Johns Community Spray Park Committee is pleased to announce the Water Drop Challenge will take place October 1st through October 14th. When you purchase a water drop you will receive a thank-you page of coupons from the participating local businesses estimated to be worth over $35 in value. The water drop icons are available in donation amounts of $1, $5, and $10.
October
Homecoming 2013: Lost In Wonderland
Halloween activities at the Depot
Get into the Halloween Spirit at the St. Johns Depot. Outside there will be a pet-costume contest, decorated-pumpkin contest and old-fashioned games to play. Inside, the Depot will be transformed into a tableau of witches, ghosts, monsters, etc., many of which are walking around, playing games, building their own monsters and eating snakes – oops, snacks! Plus: the return of the Haunted Hallway.
Bikers for Books
The first official event is going to be held at the Briggs Library on October 21st from 6:30-8. They will be reading and having lots of fun with a group of kids there. They also plan to schedule our first assembly at Oakview that same day, when we deliver materials that they have requested. They have about $400 worth of books for a specific purpose.
Habitat to dedicate latest home
Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County will hold a dedication of the house that Habitat built at 1525 S. Lansing Street in St. Johns. The dedication will take place on Tuesday, October 29 at 5 pm at the house with a light meal immediately following.
November
Indoor Farmer’s Market open
The Indoor Farmer’s Market is open again on Saturdays for the months of November and December Come check out all the locally made gift ideas and goodies.
Streets millage passes
The question of 4 mills for 4 years for street improvements in St. Johns passed with 818 yes votes to 490 no votes. This will generate a little more than $800,000 per year for street work.
Accident fatal to St. Johns man
Early on the morning of Thursday, November 21, 2013 a two vehicle traffic accident on crash on M·21 at Essex Center Rd /Francis Rd in Bengal Township claimed the life of Albert Thelen of St. Johns.
Builders and Good Wins get acquainted
The weekly 7 a.m. meeting of St. Johns Kiwanis Club recently was a crowded session as a dozen members and advisors of Builders Club and Good Wins Key Club shared breakfast. The two clubs, former from middle school, the other from high school, are sponsored by Kiwanis.
December
Santa’s mailbox
If you haven’t mailed your letter yet, be sure to complete your list and a note to Santa himself
Marching Band in tune with the Season
The harmony of the St. Johns High School marching band extends far beyond its arrangements, suggesting that members share interest in music with relevance to community activities. That dual attention was reflected recently when a check in the amount of $180 was presented as a gift to the Gallery of Clinton County Arts Council, a recommendation offered by Director of Bands Roy Davis.
Gas station robbed
At 1:48 a.m. on December 19, 2013 the St. Johns Police Department responded to an armed robbery call at the Admiral gas station located at 601 E. State Street in St. Johns. A lone male subject entered the Admiral gas station, approached the station attendant showing a firearm and demanded money. The suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of cash and left the station on foot without further incident.
Patrick Lamar Adamson, 39 years old, from Kalamazoo, MI was arraigned today in 65A District Court in St. Johns on the charges of Armed Robbery, Felony Firearm and Possession of a Short Barreled Shotgun. He will be held in the Clinton County Jail without bond until his preliminary exam on January 2, 2014.
Ice Storm
Warming Centers/Shelters opening in Clinton County These shelters are being run by the individual communities and are being supported by the American Red Cross.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Cold Weather Mistakes To Avoid With Your Cat
As the winter months approach, making sure your pets are safe and comfortable in the cold weather is very important.
But just how cold is too cold for cats?
Luckily, cats have great natural instincts and survival skills to keep themselves warm, but taking that extra step can really help them when it gets chilly. Although most cats can fend for themselves, they can get very cold due to their small size and often not having a thick coat for warmth.
There are several things to consider when trying to keep your fur baby safe from winter weather.
Cats and Cold Weather
Cats that spend most—if not all—of their time outside are most vulnerable to the cold weather. Not only are cats sensitive to the cold temperatures, but wind, snow, and ice can expose them to several health concerns.
If you need to put on a coat to go outside, your cat should stay indoors. If there’s a community cat around you, start preparing their shelter and sustenance for a few months of frigid temperatures, depending upon where you live.
Kittens are certainly more vulnerable to the cold weather due to their small body frames and having less instinct to stay safe. A senior cat with an existing health issue is also at risk for sickness, as they might not have the energy to cope with the chillier days outside.
Common Cold Weather Mistakes
Letting Your Cat Outside in the Cold
The best way to keep your cat protected from the cold is simple: keep them inside.
Even if your cat is begging to go out, if it’s less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit, don’t allow them outside. If you only let your cat out for short periods of time, they can still wander off and get lost, leaving them unprotected outside.
When cats get overly cold, they are prone to frostbite and hypothermia (low body temperature), which will slow down their metabolism and make them less active.
This leaves your cat defenseless against predators. Cats that get wet outside in the cold are also at very high risk of hypothermia because they cannot regulate their body temperatures as well.
Cats should not sleep outside in the winter.
Another thing to consider is that cats are very curious creatures. This can lead them to eat or drink the snow, or ice melt, which can be loaded with deicing salt used to maintain safe roads in snowy weather. It’s toxic to cats and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, coma, and even death.
Lack of Proper Grooming
If your cat’s coat is matted, their coat is not efficiently keeping heat in their body. This can expose your cat to illnesses from the colder temperatures.
If your cat’s coat gets matted often, it can be a sign they are not grooming themselves as much, which can be a sign of illness and should be checked by your veterinarian.
Lack of Proper Sleeping Area
Making sure a community cat has plenty of warm shelter and a safe environment is essential. Consider a heated cat house, which provides an outdoor cat with warmth and safety from the elements and predators.
While a nice warm blanket is a good idea to help your cat stay warm, making sure they are safe while doing so is a must. Blankets should never be weighted and should be of a breathable material in case the cat gets stuck underneath. Blankets also come in waterproof material to help protect a cat from getting very wet. Making sure a cat’s shelter is away from as much wind, snow, or ice as possible also makes them less at risk for hypothermia and frostbite. A slightly elevated shelter will also help keep them from getting wet and cold.
When a cat gets cold, their instincts are to find a warm shelter, and this can often lead them to unsafe habitats.
Cats often find warmth under the hood of a car, which is very dangerous. If there are community cats in your neighborhood, honk your car horn before your drive away.
Cats under car hoods or those that seek shelter inside a garage are susceptible to many toxic substances, most commonly antifreeze (ethylene glycol). If ingested, antifreeze can cause kidney failure very quickly, with signs developing within 30 minutes.
If you think your cat may have ingested antifreeze, get them to the vet as soon as possible and consider calling the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for guidance.
Lack of Senior Care
Senior cats fare worse than any other age group when it comes to cold weather. Arthritis and other mobility issues can leave them vulnerable to prey and will also prevent them from seeking shelter.
An older cat’s skin is also thinner and more delicate, which makes it much easier for them to feel the effects of unfavorable weather. If your older kitty is prone to getting chilly or lives outdoors, make sure they have a light sweater to wear or a safe, warm blanket. Be very cautious with electric blankets as they can pose a fire hazard for your curious pet. Keeping a gate in front of your fireplace is also important, so your pets all stay safe.