Railway Museum Opens for the 2018 Season
Come down to the St. Johns Depot, 107 E. Railroad St. between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. on any Sunday May 6 – October 28.
You can tour the historic rail cars sitting on the tracks; watch the HO-scale trains run around three tracks into tunnels, around a mountain, lakes, towns and countryside; and find out the unique history of the Depot.
All of those features are part of Clinton Northern Railway, operated by volunteers under the Clinton County Arts Council. The Railroad Museum also will be open during the Spring Fling in St. Johns on Saturday, May 12, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
These activities are supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endownment for the Arts.
It’s all a Matter of Balance
Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls is an interactive workshop which promotes the belief that falling and fears about falling are controllable. It aims to reduce fall risk, increase physical activity, and reduce fears about falling. Includes an exercise program designed to increase balance, strength, coordination, and stability. Caregivers and significant others are encouraged to sign up and attend as active participants.
The workshop sessions will be held at Grave Haven Assisted Living, 1507 Glastonbury Dr. St. Johns, MI on Tuesdays, May 8 – June 26, 2018 from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
This workshop is free of charge, but donations are accepted ($25 suggested donation, but it is not required).
Pre-registration is required. To register, call Tri-County Office on Aging at 517-887-1465.
New program helps moms reach breastfeeding goals
Ask any mother who has tried to breastfeed and she’ll tell you it’s not always easy. But ask any mom who stuck with it and she’ll tell you it’s well worth it.
Most mothers fully intend to breastfeed their baby, but when problems arise, they feel they have no one to ask for help. This leads to frustration and many give up. But moms with breastfeeding challenges don’t have to go it alone. Mid-Michigan District Health Department’s International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Angie Martin, is here to help.
“Sometimes a mom struggling with breastfeeding just needs a little help to be successful, and that’s where I come in,’ Martin said. “It’s become my mission to help as many moms succeed as possible because breastfeeding benefits a mother and her child in so many ways.”
Breast milk supplies a baby with the necessary nutrients in just the right proportions. It boosts a baby’s immune system, providing protection from allergies, illness and infection. It also guards against childhood obesity and diseases like diabetes. Breast milk is easily digested, which means no constipation, diarrhea or upset stomach. The result is a happy baby and a less-stressed mom!
Mothers who breastfeed reap the rewards as well. They have a reduced risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and certain cancers, like breast and ovarian cancer. They tend to have less postpartum depression, may find it easier to return to their pre-pregnancy weight and enjoy a strengthened bond with their baby. Then there is the convenience factor- it’s available whenever and wherever your baby needs it, so there are no expensive formulas to buy and no bottles to clean!
Women experiencing breastfeeding problems, such as latching difficulties, painful nursing, or low milk production, shouldn’t give up, they should call Martin! She has personal breastfeeding experience and has been trained to provide expert support and education to pregnant and breastfeeding women. She is able to troubleshoot any issues that may come up, and if a woman is ready to return to work, she can also assist with the transition.
“I like to meet with the mom-to-be during her pregnancy to talk about her expectations and help dispel myths,” said Martin. “Then, after her baby is born, I’m available to help with any issues she may be having. My main goal is to fix problems that come up so the mother can reach her breastfeeding goals.”
Martin is able to see clients with and without insurance, either in her office at the Health Department or in the woman’s home. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 989-763-2384.
Senior Center needs fabric and quilt batting
The Clinton County Senior Center currently has a volunteer that is working on several items to donate to the Center. The center would like to help the volunteer by getting her quilt batting and large pieces of fabric for the backs of quilts and fleece for pet blankets and pillows. Anything from twin to queen size batting is needed. Pillow stuffing is also needed.
The quilts, pet blankets and pillows once completed will be sold in one of the Senior Center’s Gift Shops. The center has two Gift Shops, one with homemade items such as the quilts, afghans, pillows, pet blankets, table runners, baby sweater sets, gloves, mittens, etc. The other gift shop has glassware (some antique), books, puzzles and other misc items. The Gift Shops are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Shoppers are always welcome.
If you would like to donate anything to either gift shop you can drop things at the Senior Center, which is located at 201 E Walker Street, just one block east of downtown St. Johns. during the times noted above. Donations to the senior center are tax deductible; a receipt will be given.
Soup kitchen makes stops in area
His Cup Runneth Over, a mobile soup kitchen, will be making a stop at
– First Congregational Church, 100 Maple Ave, St. Johns 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesday, May 8 and at
– Beacon of Hope/First Baptist Church, 512 S. US 27, St. Johns, from 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 8 and at
– Suntree Apartments, 1100 Sunview Dr., St. Johns, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, May 10, and at
– The Meadows of St. Johns, 2265 W. Parks Rd., St. Johns, from 3 pm to 5 pm, Thursday, May 10.
Soup, bread, fruit and dessert will be served to all who come free of charge. For more information call 989-533-9535 or 989-544-5764
Food distribution scheduled May 10
The Clinton County Open Food Distribution Project distributes food for Clinton County families in need on the second Thursday of each month at the Bath Community Center, 5959 Park Lake Road in Bath. The next distribution date is Thursday, May 10.
Registration for distribution takes place at 8 a.m. on the site. Distribution begins around 9 a.m. and continues for approximately one hour. Participants are asked to bring their own boxes, bags, containers, wheeled carts or wagons.
Those who can benefit from this service include senior citizens on fixed incomes, families and individuals with limited incomes or working minimum wage jobs as well as those who must choose between purchasing groceries or fulfilling medical needs. Each family receives $50 to $65 worth of food.
Call Clinton Transit at 989.224.8127 or 800.800.5938 for transportation assistance. Requests for transport must be made by 2 p.m. the day before an event.
The distribution serves nearly 100 families each month, so financial contributions to benefit the project are welcome. For more information about sponsorship, donations and volunteer opportunities or future distribution dates, call the Sparrow Clinton Hospital Foundation at 989.227.3323.
Leonard announces May office hours
Speaker of the House Tom Leonard, R-DeWitt, will host office hours to meet with local residents and discuss their concerns about state government. Speaker Leonard represents Michigan’s 93rd District.
The coffee hour will take place on Friday, May 11, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at Big Boy 1408 Old U.S. 27, St. Johns, MI.
Local residents are encouraged to bring comments, questions and concerns about local government and anything else happening in the local community. Residents with questions about the coffee hours, or those who cannot make it, can contact Speaker Leonard’s office at 517-373-1778 or by emailing TomLeonard@house.mi.gov.
Moolenaar announces office hours
Congressman John Moolenaar announced office hours to be held by constituent relations representatives at locations throughout the Fourth District. The purpose of the office hours is to help residents in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the IRS and the VA.
Office hours have been held monthly and are held by staff when Congressman Moolenaar is in Washington voting on legislation.
May 10
1:30-2:30 PM
DeWitt City Hall, Large Conference Room, 414 East Main Street, DeWitt, MI 48820
Senior Center available for weekend rentals
Are you looking for a location to hold a high school graduation, birthday party, family reunion or shower? Then come and take a look at the Clinton County Senior Center, located at 201 E Walker Street in St. Johns. It is available for rent most weekends of the year.
The center has two large rooms, one with dining tables and chairs, available for use. The center rents for $100 – $150. The price depends on whether you use the kitchen or just the large rooms.
If you would like a tour of the facility, stop in any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. If you have any questions you can also call them at 989-224-4257.
MMDHD Calendar – May, 2018
Family Planning Clinic Schedule
The Mid-Michigan District Health Department’s Family Planning Clinics provide confidential care to men and women in need of contraception and reproductive health services. Charges for services and supplies are based on income. The Family Planning Clinics are scheduled as follows:
Mid-Michigan District Health Department, 1307 E. Townsend Road, St. Johns, MI 48879
May 1: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
May 8: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
May 15: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
May 22: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
May 29: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
****New Clinic in Shiawassee County***
May 10: 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
In the basement of the District Court Building, 110 E Mack St., Corunna
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 224-2195, Option 5, Monday through Friday.
Hearing & Vision Screening Clinic
Vision screening is required for all children entering kindergarten. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department offers free vision testing, as well as hearing screening tests for all children ages 3 to 21. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 227-3125, Monday through Friday.
WIC Benefit Pick-Up Schedule
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to 5 years old may be eligible for free food through the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department WIC Benefit Pick-up Clinics are scheduled as follows:
May 2
May 14
May 30: Mid-Michigan District Health Department, 1307 E. Townsend Road in St. Johns, from 9 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
May 23: at Valley Farms Baptist Church, 1141 E State Rd, Lansing, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 224-2195, Option 5, Monday through Friday.
“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”
Immunization Clinic
The Mid-Michigan District Health Department Immunization Clinics are to be held as follows:
Mid-Michigan District Health Department, 1307 E. Townsend Road, St. Johns, MI 48879
May 7: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
May 9: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m
May 14: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m
May 17: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
May 21: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Immunizations will be available for adults and children eight weeks of age through adulthood, appointments are preferred. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 224-2195, Option 5, Monday through Friday.