Michigan approves funding for recreation projects in St. Johns
The Michigan Legislature recently approved funding for two key recreation projects in St. Johns.
A $155,500 investment will establish a connection between the Fred Meijer Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail and Townsend Road area. Another $49,900 project will improve accessibility throughout the city’s Main Park.
“St. Johns is a beautiful community with great opportunities for families to get outside and hike, bike and enjoy the outdoors,” said Rep. Graham Filler of Clinton County. “These projects will make our parks and trail systems accessible to even more people.”
The new trail project will create a pedestrian-and bicyclist-friendly connection between the Fred Meijer CIS Trail, the Main Park and the multi-use paths along Townsend and Scott roads.
Improvements at the Main Park will increase accessibility to the Rotary Pavilion, ice rink and sand volleyball court through the addition of paved parking, sidewalks, and accessible seating areas. The sand volleyball court will also undergo renovations.
Funding for both projects is part of Senate Bill 1028 which includes $45.6 million for 22 land acquisition and 95 recreational development projects throughout the state with revenues from the Natural Resources Trust Fund. The fund’s board approved its recommendations in December 2021 and the projects were recently approved with overwhelming support by the House and Senate. The measure is awaiting consideration from Gov. Whitmer.
Money in the Natural Resources Trust Fund comes from the development of minerals on state land – not general tax money – and is distributed on an annual basis in partnership with local governments. The money must be used for acquisition or recreational development projects, according to the Michigan Constitution.
Hazel Findlay announces 2022 Scholarship Winners
The Hazel I Findlay Manor yearly scholarship winners have been announced and awarded.
Hazel Findlay had multiple entries for both the Harold Benson and Jeanne Rand Scholarships. Those taking home the Benson Scholarship were Kezzie Dietz, Lindsey Pohl, Riley Hengesbach, and Rachel Rozen.
Both scholarships are for $1000. Applicants submitted a letter of recommendation, a copy of their most recent transcripts, and proof of acceptance at a school that offers a State Accredited nursing program.
Students applying for the Benson Scholarship must reside in Clinton County, or be a student or graduate of high school in Clinton County.
Recipients of Rand Scholarship were Bailee Thelen, McKenna Fitzpatrick, and Olin Wesner.The Rand Scholarship is awarded to an applicant who is an employee or a child or step-child of a current employee of our organization.
Congratulations to all the 2022 Scholarship Winners and best of luck to them in their future endeavors.
If you have any questions about the scholarship programs please go to www.HazelFindlay.com or call (989) 224-8936.
Jazz singer Ryan DeHues and Marla Moore take the Park stage July 27
Mid-Michigan residents are in for a treat when crooner Ryan DeHues takes the stage for a special performance on Wednesday evening, July 27 starting at 7:00 in the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the beautiful St. Johns City Park.
“Ryan DeHues is a serious contender in the field of male singers to fill vacancies left by Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Johnny Hartman and Billy Eckstine.” according to late legendary Jazz expert, Dr. Herb Wong. DeHues is one of today’s new breed of great singers who give the old music new style with a modern flair and dynamic delivery.
Ryan, a protégé of Pat Boone, has come a long way from his early years of growing up and singing in Chesaning. “His amazing vocals and outstanding stage presence make Ryan one of the most exciting young stars of the Jazz Standards music genre today,” said Bill Tennant, concert coordinator. “His sold out shows at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Jazz Club in L.A. and appearances with the likes of the Lansing Symphony make him a new legacy act. Wednesday’s show will long be remembered by all in attendance.”
Performing with Mr. DeHues on the program will be special guests, vocalist supreme Marla Moore, along with Jeff Kressler on keyboards, Ed Fedwa on bass and John Hill on drums. It doesn’t get any better than that.
The concert is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) and the City of St. Johns. It is open to the public free of charge but donations are gratefully accepted.
All concerts are presented rain or shine. The Lion’s Club food trailer will be available this year. Social distancing and safety precautions are strongly encouraged. The CCAC receives funding from the Michigan Arts & Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
More outdoor concerts coming up
Friday Brown Bag Concert series continues July 22
The Brown Bag Concert Series will take place on Fridays in downtown St. Johns at 12 noon. On July 22 the featured musicians will be Swift Brothers with Acoustic Folk Pop/Rock.
“These hour-long concerts will feature outstanding soloist and duos during the lunch hour. It’s great to have this series paid for by the Swatman Celebration Fund for people to come together and enjoy some great music in downtown St Johns,” says Bill Tennant, concert coordinator.
Downtown eating establishments will be participating in this concert series by offering specials each Friday for people to pick up and bring down to the concert. Please check out their Brown Bag Specials and support our local businesses.
The concerts will be held in the Rotary Park Pavilion by the CIS Trail and Depot rain or shine. There are
some picnic tables available, but it is advisable to bring your favorite lawn chair.
The Concert Series
July 22 – Swift Brothers – Acoustic Folk Pop/Rock
July 29 – Clique Vocals – Jazz Ballads. Pops. Contemporary Mix Dan Templin and Kelly Sandula-Gruner
Aug 5 – Sally Potter – Banjo-Playing Americana Singer
Aug 12 – Kate Hinote Trio – Alternative Folk From Detroit With Guitar and Violin
Aug 19 – Steve Berkemeier – Singer/Songwriter Covering Songs You’ll Love
Aug 26 – Siusan O’Rourke and Zig Zeitler – Irish. Celtic. Folk
Bring your lawn chairs. Pick up some food. Enjoy the wonderful music.
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It’s a Thursday Thing in Downtown St. Johns
Darin Larner will be the featured artist on July 28.
Upcoming concerts include:
July 28- Darin Larner
August 4 – Michael Gorham
August 18 – Louis Longoria
August 25 – Jim Pontack
September 8 – Louis Longoria
September 15 – Jim Pontack
All concerts will be held from 5 – 7 p.m.
AgroExpo Readies for Summer Agricultural Trade Show
This August 16th and 17th, the AgroExpo will return to provide agricultural demonstrations, speakers and exhibits at Michigan’s largest agricultural trade show. Held at the North Central Research Station in St. Johns, the show has a history of showcasing agricultural innovation.
In 2021 over 3000 attendees attended the sixth annual AgroExpo. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with a multitude of exhibitors specializing in all areas agriculture.
Each year features a demonstration of equipment. Exhibitors in the past have demoed sprayers, remote soil testing operations, drones, and harvesting equipment. This year’s demonstrations will focus on an assortment of tillage and planting machinery.
“We’re really looking forward to bringing the agricultural community together again,” said Burt Henry, AgroExpo Industry Relations and Promotions Manager. “We have so many exciting presentations and vendors we’re sure people are going to enjoy.”
AgroExpo will also host speakers who are addressing issues related to succession planning, irrigation technology and other focused agronomic solutions. Attendees can also receive CCA and RUP credits by attending these seminars.
Over 130 vendors have also committed to being a part of AgroExpo, and they provide a wide range of services to all types of farmers including equipment retailers, seed companies, insurance agencies, and much more.
“After having such a great AgroExpo last year, we were all pretty excited to get started right away planning for this year’s Expo. It has been so much fun seeing the show grow over the years with so many new faces joining us every year,” said the AgroExpo’s Operations Assistant, Jessie Nash. Nash also explained that her involvement with the AgroExpo began as an FFA volunteer while in High School.
“It’s something that I always looked forward to towards the end of the summer. Being from a smaller farm, I don’t really have the chance to see the technology that makes its way into the AgroExpo, so this show was always important to me.”
In 2021 the AgroExpo hosted FFA student competitions, including the Michigan FFA Crop Management Challenge, which is a competition that is designed to help students develop sound agronomic, marketing, and environmental decisions in a demonstration plot.
“The FFA CMC is a great opportunity for students to take theoretical concepts and make them more hands on. It is great to see the personal growth that each of these students go through from start to end,” said Jason Griffith, the advisor of the Ionia FFA Chapter.
The Michigan FFA Crop Management Challenge still continued last year, due to the help of online technology.
Congratulations to the 2021 FFA CMC winners:
Michigan FFA Crop Management Contest – Corn
1 – Ithaca FFA
2 – Coleman FFA
3 – Chesaning FFA
Michigan FFA Crop Management Contest – Soybeans
1 – Lapeer FFA
2 – Ovid-Elsie FFA
3 – Ionia FFA
This year, the AgroExpo will display over 100 different hybrids and varieties of corn and soybean. Food trucks, vehicle test driving opportunities, and attendee networking also round out the experience.
“I would encourage attendees to continuously check our website to keep up to date on additions to the event, as we are continuing to add exhibitors and events to the show.” said the AgroExpo’s Site Manager, Jay Eccleton.
The 2022 AgroExpo is scheduled for August 16 & 17.
For more information visit theagroexpo.com.
Here is your Christmas in July Reminder
Clinton County Cub Scouts have already come up with the first 2022 Toys for Tots donations.
Toys for Tots appreciates the generous support of the community; you make Santa’s Remote Workshop possible.
Organizers look forward to another amazing holiday season; please see information below. More will follow.
2022 Donor Need to Know
* Donation collection boxes will be delivered to host sites in October! If you are interested in being a Toys for Tots donation collection box host, please contact Pamela Allen by October 1st. Pam’s contact information is 989-763-3300 or ClintonCountyAdvocacy@gmail.com.
* Donation collection box locations will be provided on the website and social media.
* All toys donated must be new, unwrapped, and $35 or less, per National Toys for Tots guidelines.
* Toys appreciated by Friday, December 9t Toys received after this date may or may not go out this year; extra toys are stored until next year.
* Throughout the month of November, we will be hosting Toy Collection events!
* They are excited to partner with East Olive Community Center as host of Santa’s Remote Workship.
* Santa’s Top Elf Volunteers can sign up to volunteer beginning October 1.
2022 Family Need to Know
* Families who need help with toys will register ahead of time online beginning October 1.
* New this year! Santa’s Remote Workshop will be open for families to shop for toys December 13, 14 and 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Families will still register ahead of time online beginning October 1 to assist with planning.