City revising plans for Wilson Center
The new St. Johns City Commission is revisiting plans for relocating their offices from the county courthouse to space at the Wilson Center. That plan would have involved their purchase of that portion of the building, the auditorium and gymnasium from developer Dymaxion. Now Dymaxion’s plans to renovate the remainder of the building into living space are on hold while these deliberations are made.
At a special City meeting held on February 15 the Wilson Center was one of the topics for discussion.
Three residents, two of whom were involved in the community’s 18-year fundraising and volunteer renovation of the Wilson Center Auditorium, spoke in favor of not abandoning preservation of the historic building, retaining its auditorium and gymnasium for public use and continuing to work collaboratively with Dymaxion on their development of the rest of the building.
Tom Webb has been a city resident since 1988. He discussed his involvement with the Wilson Center committee that renovated the auditorium. He said that he represented the arts council and was manager of the auditorium when the school district owned it. He called the building an historic and important landmark and wanted to see it continue to be used as a venue for recreation and different events including the plays of Home Grown Productions.
Bill Tennant started teaching in St. Johns in 1968 and has lived here for almost 50 years. He recalled teaching at the Wilson Center. When the school system began looking for offer, he mentioned that they had vetted 3 or 4 offers and went with Dymaxion. This option, he said, would provide necessary housing the community is short on. He mentioned that he was at the September meeting where the Commission agreed on the purchase agreement. The next step, he said, is to approve the condominium document and get the project off the ground.
Tom Irrer is a resident of Bengal Township and a former member of the school board. He pointed out that the city is the area hub and said that the community has an iconic building here.
A special City Commission meeting was planned for Tuesday, March 7 at City Police Department building a to discuss the topic further.
Here is a link to the meeting minutes
St Johns Bands receive perfect ratings
On March 4 the St. Johns bands competed at the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Festival. All four St Johns bands received perfect ratings.
The St Johns 8th grade, 9th grade, concert and symphonic bands each performed three pieces in front of an audience and three judges. One of the pieces had to be from MSBOA’s required list. The second part of the competition was sight reading, where the bands studied a piece for five minutes and then performed it for a judge.
Ensembles are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being the highest rating possible. The four bands received a score of 1 in every category.
The St Johns bands are directed by Roy Davis, who has been in the position for 25 years. “The St. Johns band program has a long history of pride, passion, and tradition, and this year’s students continued that legacy,” Mr. Davis said.
Bishop blesses new altar at renovated St. Joseph Church
Deacon Jerry Fust, Monsignor Robert Lunsford, Fr. Michael Williams, Fr. Douglas Osborn, Lansing Bishop Earl Boyea and Deacon Eric Elstro were on hand at the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday, March 4, 2023 as Bishop Boyea blessed the new altar in the newly renovated St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns.
The Easter Bunny is coming April 8
The annual City of St. Johns Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the St. Johns Lions Club with support from many local contributors, will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023 – rain or shine – at the St. Johns City Park.
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, face painting is back this year. There will be other fun activities for kids, and the Easter Bunny will be at the event for photo opportunities. These activities will take place in the pavilion beginning at 12:30 p.m.
The City Police siren will sound at 1:00 p.m. to start the “organized mayhem.” The area around the pavilion will be sectioned off by the following age groups: under 3 (with parent), 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10. Kids under the age of 3 may also pick up eggs in the pavilion, if preferred. Only kids are allowed in the Egg Patch. No adults please except for under 3.
There is one egg in age groups 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10 that has a special ticket inside to win an Easter Basket filled with goodies, so open your eggs while you are there to claim your prize. The baskets will be available for pick-up in the pavilion.
Please recycle your eggs at the event. There will be recycling containers around the Egg Patch and near the pavilion. A recycling container also will be available at the Lions Recycling Center located at 605 N. Swegles Street in St. Johns.
If you have any questions, call Lion Nancy at (989) 307-9872.
Spring Fling and Touch a Truck are May 13
The Spring Fling and Touch a Truck event sponsored by St. Johns Area Chamber of Commerce will be held in Downtown St. Johns on Saturday, May 13 from 12-4 p.m.
Expect much fun for the whole family including Craft Vendors, Bounce Houses, Kids activities and lots of Emergency and Utility vehicles for kids to explore.
There also will be the beautiful downtown to shop, eat and explore that day.
Mint City Singers at St. Johns Lutheran Church March 31
The Mint City Singers Concert is March 31, 2023 at St. John’s Lutheran Church 7:00 PM. One performance only. They are directed by Steven Easterling and accompanied by Jeff Richards.
Click HERE to find out how MMDHD can help you be prepared https://www.mmdhd.org/emergency-preparedness/