LAFCU awards $2K to contest winner
LAFCU announced Reid Gritsavage of St. Johns was named the winner of its contest that encouraged members to direct deposit their IRS tax refunds into a LAFCU account. A check presentation was held for Gritsavage at LAFCU headquarters and West Lansing Branch, located at 106 N. Marketplace Blvd. in Lansing.
Gritsavage was awarded $2,000 after he was selected in a random drawing of members who direct deposited their IRS tax refunds before April 30. Gritsavage is a 30-year member of LAFCU and currently works as a senior software engineer for Auto-Owners Insurance.
“Winning this contest was a complete surprise and so exciting,” said Gritsavage. “I saw the contest on the website but never expected to win. I am very grateful for this opportunity and will plan to use these funds to pay some bills.”
They stuffed the bus
by Maralyn Fink
This project is to provide school supplies for any age kids. All supplies are donated to Project Connect for kids in Clinton County.
This took place at our local Kroger parking lot from 9-3 – a worthwhile project.
Hazel Findlay recognized nationally For Quality
Hazel Findlay Skilled Nursing in St. Johns was recently recognized by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) with a 2023 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award.
“It is an honor to lead this great team at Hazel Findlay and I am so proud of them,” said CEO Erica Holman. “This process took months of effort by staff in all departments and it is wonderful to see their hard work being recognized nationally. As one of only 13 recipients in Michigan, it really is an award for each and every one of our staff members to be proud of and to celebrate.”
The Bronze Award is the first of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The program recognizes organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of performance to improve the lives of residents and staff in long term care.
“I applaud all of these providers for taking this important first step in their quality award journey,” said Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “The work that they have accomplished lays the groundwork to continue to improve the lives of the individuals who live and work in long term care.”
The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Providers begin the quality improvement process at the Bronze level, where they assess their organization’s mission, vision, and key factors that lead to success. Trained examiners review each application to determine if the center has met the demands of the criteria. Bronze recipients can now move on to the Silver Award level.
“Every day we live our mission, to help people live to their highest potential as individuals who seek independence, good health, and personal fulfillment,” said Holman. “This award recognizes our commitment to those who trust us with their care.”
The National Quality Awards will be presented during the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, October 1-4 in Denver, Colorado.
Solid Waste Planning meeting coming up August 8
The Solid Waste Planning Committee will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m. at the Clinton County Courthouse in the Board of Commissioners Room to continue reviewing and discussing two requests to amend the Clinton County Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP).
The requests include 1) one additional county to the SWMP for waste import and export and 2) amend the total area sited for use at the Grand River Avenue landfill located at 8550 West Grand River Highway, Grand Ledge, Michigan.
Copies of the proposed amendment language have been made available to all municipal clerks, is posted on the Clinton County website (Solid Waste Planning Committee | Clinton County, MI (clinton-county.org)), and available through email or regular mail by request at wastemanagement@clinton-county.org.
An agenda for the August 8 meeting will be posted after the scheduled July 25 public hearing.
For additional information, please get in touch with the Clinton County Department of Waste Management by emailing wastemanagement@clinton-county.org or calling the office (989) 224-5186.
Do you have something that needs to be recycled? Check out our Waste Wizard www.clinton-county.org/WasteWizard
Summer of Giving underway
Oh Mi Organics has teamed up with Briggs District Library for their Summer Of Giving Community Donation Drive. Beginning on July 10 they are collecting the following items:
Week 4: July 31 – August 5
Baby Supplies
(New Baby Books, Puffs Cereal Snacks, Pouches of Baby Food, Baby Shampoo, Baby Lotion, Baby Body wash, Diapers, Bottles)
Items will be distributed to the St. Johns Baby Pantry, Beacon of Hope, Safe Center, and Basic Needs Center.
You can donate items at Briggs Library or Oh Mi Organics, and at both locations you’ll receive a free chocolate for you contribution. For more details or questions, call Briggs Library (989)224-4702.
Concerts in the Park still to come
August 9
Full Cord has made it into the top tier of bluegrass groups in the United States after winning two major awards last year – first the prestigious 2022 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition in Colorado, and they then followed that up with another much- coveted honor when the international Bluegrass Music Association named Full Cord it’s “Momentum Award Band of the Year!” This Michigan based group have recently performed at the Ten Pound Fiddle and the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival.
August 16
The Detroit Retro Society is one of Michigan’s greatest music entertainment production teams. They will be bringing their high-energy Detroit Music Spectacular again into St Johns – they were the hit of last year’s season. Musically, the band includes some of Detroit’s finest performers presenting a nice mix of Detroit sounds including some of the most enjoyable classics along with modern pop hits. They will “blow the roof” off the place with their amazing sound!
August 23
Kari Holmes, a Nashville recording artist, is an exhilarating Michigan country/pop/rock singer. After signing a record contract with Nashville America Records, her career took off, gaining steam in Nashville and around the United States. Performing with her band, Holmes will hit the stage running with her fresh new sound, infective vivacious personality, and incredible voice.
August 30
Matt King’s award-winning Elvis Tribute show will once again take center stage ending the Concert in the Park season. A Michigan resident, King has travelled throughout the united States and Europe entertaining audiences with his unique ability to bring the King to life via his moves, mannerisms, looks and costuming, and of course, that distinctive voice.
The concert in the Park series is co-sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns. The concerts are open to the public free of charge – donations are graciously accepted. The Lion’s Club food trailer is in attendance, with all concerts presented every Wednesday rain or shine.
So, set your GPS to: 801 W Park St, St Johns – bring a chair or blanket and enjoy! The CCAC receives funding from the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
RBW Class of 1963 to celebrate 60th reunion August 12
Rodney B. Wilson High School Class of 1963 will hold a 60th reunion on Saturday, August 12, St. Johns Mint Festival Weekend, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. They plan to eat at at 6 p.m.
The celebration will take place at AgroLiquid’s Conference Center, 3055 West M-21 in St. Johns. No Liquor. The cost per person is $40.
For reservations please contact:
Ken Salisbury at 989-224-7039 or kandc.salisbury@yahoo.com Sunview Drive Saint Johns, MI 48879
Make Checks to “Class of 63” and the deadline is July 1, 2023.
If you are unable to attend, send a note to let them know what you are doing.
For more information please contact:
– Sally Lewis Brya at 989-224-2524 mitten4951@gmail.com
– Holly Davis Phinney at 989-224-7629 hrphinney01220@gmail.com
Class of 1959 reunion is September 14
The RBW Class of 1959 is gathering for a 64th reunion on September 14, 2023 (Thursday) at the St. Johns City Park in the large pavilion which has been reserved from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.
A buffet lunch will be available at 1 p.m. for $15 per person. Reservations are required for the lunch. Deadline for lunch is August 24, 2023. Contact sjboron@gmail.com or ariadnemi1411@yahoo.com for more information.