FOMR to meet at Briggs District Library May 15

The Friends of the Maple River will hold their May Bi-Monthly meeting at Briggs District Library at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15. The Center is located at 108 E. Railroad Street, St. Johns, Michigan. The public is welcome and there is no charge to attend.
This will be a working business meeting. There is no a planned presenter. Key discussion matters will include preparations for the Saturday, July 13 event at Sleepy Hollow State Park in cooperation with the State Park’s planned youth day; looking to schedule a float on the river; and potential log jam removal work on the river all this summer.
As always, check the website http://www.friendsofthemapleriver.org/ or find them on Facebook at Friends of the Maple River to stay in touch with what FOMR is up to. For for more information or to become a member, supporter, or donor of FOMR, contact us at: email: FOMR_info@friendsofthemapleriver.org.
Special Olympics Area 28 Golf Scramble is June 15

Mark your calendars June 15, 2019 for the 23rd annual Special Olympics Area 28 Clinton County Golf Scramble at the Emerald Golf Course. Continental breakfast, 18 holes with cart, luncheon, raffles, prizes are all included for only a $70 entry fee.
They are looking for golfers and sponsors to make this outing a success. The money raised helps pay for equipment, uniforms, transportation and much more. Area 28 wants to reach out and include as many children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Special Olympics as possible. In order to do so, they need community support.
Sponsorships are available. All sponsors names will be posted at the golf scramble.
Platinum Sponsor: $100 or more. Gold (Hole) Sponsor: $75-$99. Silver (Tee) Sponsor: $50-$74. Bronze (Cart) Sponsor: $25-$49. Donation/Item Sponsor: $_____ (Item value or $ under $25).
They will also raffle off a handmade knife made by a local craftsman who is also a parent of an Area 28 athlete. Tickets are $5 each.
Special Olympics Michigan is a year-round sports training and athletic competition program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athletes are given continuing opportunities to develop new skills and physical fitness; boost self-confidence; and build relationships with family and friends.
All Special Olympics programs and activities are provided at no cost to the athletes and their families. There is no state or federal funding. Area 28 is run strictly by volunteers and relies upon the generosity of contributions.
Although sports is the vehicle, the ultimate goal of Special Olympics is to help persons with intellectual disabilities participate and receive respect as members of their communities. Please help our athletes reach this goal! Your support is very much appreciated.
For further information, to reserve your team or to become a sponsor, please contact Area 28 Representative Robyn Monville at 989.224.7021, or Area 28 Director Debbie Cornell at 517.669.7704 or via email at area28@somi.org.
John James headlining Clinton/Eaton County Republican Dinner
Former U.S. Army Captain John James, a West Point graduate, an Iraq War veteran, a job creator, and a 2018 U.S. Senate candidate, will be the keynote speaker at the Eaton and Clinton County Republicans annual Lincoln dinner.
“We are excited to hear James’ insights on the challenges facing America and the political landscape in 2020 and beyond,” said Jenell Leonard, Chair of the Clinton County Republican Party.
The event will be held on Monday, June 3 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West, situated at I-496 and Creyts Rd. Doors open for a VIP reception and social hour at 5:30 PM. The dinner program begins at 6:30 PM.
While serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2007-2009, James led two Apache platoons in combat operations and earned a Combat Action Badge and two Air Medals among other awards.
As the 2018 GOP nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, James ran the closest race against an incumbent senator in decades. The Washington Post named him a winner of the 2018 election cycle despite his narrow loss. He is currently President of James Group International, the parent company for several supply chain management and logistics companies in Detroit.
The event is open to the public by reservation on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is encouraged. General reception tickets are $60 per person or a table of 10 for $540. VIP tickets are available through club sponsorships. Tickets can be purchased from Clinton County Republicans at www.ccrpmi.com/ or by calling Jenell Leonard at 765-210-7971.
City Recreation Summer Sign-ups
Kickball
Get a team together and play in the City of St. Johns Recreation Departments Coed Kickball League. The kickball league will be played on Monday evenings beginning July 8, 2019. The league will run for 6 weeks with a tournament being played in the seventh week. The cost for the league is $125.00 per team (includes umpire fee) plus other fees at a discounted rate (see registration packet for details). The deadline to register for the kickball league is 5:00 p.m. June 13, 2019.
NFL Flag Football
Have fun, stay active and wear NFL Gear this fall by participating in the City of St. Johns Recreation NFL Flag Football League. We are a proud member of NFL Flag: powered by USA Football. The league will consist of 7 weeks of practice and 5 weeks of games. Practices will be held during the week with games played on Saturdays. NFL Flag provides the opportunity for kids, grades 4 through 8, and families to become involved in football through participation early in life. The cost of the program for city residents is $35.00; $40.00 for non-residents. The deadline to register for the NFL Flag Football program is 5:00 p.m. July 19, 2019.
Mint Festival
The CO-ED Kickball Tournament will be held on Saturday, August 10th and Sunday, August 11th (if needed) at the Main Field in St. Johns City Park. This year, we will have middle school and high school co-ed divisions. The format will be a double elimination tournament, guaranteeing each team two games with trophies awarded to the top two teams and shirts being provided to the top teams.
Is kickball not for you? Come out and show off your smooth jump shot in the Mint Festival 3 on 3 tournament on Saturday, August 10th and Sunday, August 11th (if needed), where teams will be guaranteed at least two games and will play in a double elimination format. This fun event is open to ages 10 and older. The age group winners, will receive a team trophy and individual shirts. Runner ups in each age group will receive a team trophy. We will also hold a Three Point Shootout competition on Saturday August, 10th for anyone 15 and above and is a part of a 3 on 3 team for an added fee. Winner of the shootout will receive a trophy.
Registrations forms and the price of each tournament are available at the City Offices and website at http://cityofstjohnsmi.com/Departments/ParksandRecreation/MintFestivalTournaments.aspx Call the City of St. Johns Recreation Department at 224-8944 ext. 228 or email mheard@ci.saint-johns.mi.us for additional information. Check them out on Facebook at St Johns Recreation.
SJHS Jazz Concert will be May 28 at Wilson Center
Director Roy Davis will be holding his annual Spring Jazz Concert as a fundraiser for the Wilson Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28.
This is a great concert each year, showcasing the great jazz program at the high school. There will also be a couple of student groups performing in their own bands. Free will offering at the door.
East Olive arts camp coming up June 24-28

The Clinton County Arts Council will host this year’s Art Camp at the East Olive Community Center.
This week-long art camp will be instructed by local artist and teacher, Courtney Kurncz. Courtney teaches art at Fulton Schools for all grade levels.