September 20 is Virtual Superhero Week
Due to potential safety concerns and the likelihood they cannot safely do all the fun things, The Voice for Clinton County’s Children is hosting their 2020 Signature Event as a Virtual 5K and they are going to celebrate all things SUPERHERO for an entire week.
The week of September 20 organizers hope you will join them from wherever you are to run, walk, bike, trampoline, and just move in support of their services for abused and neglected children.
Sponsorships and registrations will be welcome until midnight, Sunday, September 13. All registered participants will receive a 5K t-shirt and cloth mask which will be picked up at Sports Stop in St. Johns and 20% off their registration for our 2021 event.
To register or sponsor the event, please visit our website at VoiceForClintonCountyChildren.org. For more event information, please contact Kelly Schafer at KellySchaferED@gmail.com or 989-640-5681. Will your cape be ready?!
SJPS delays school opening due to COVID rates
Due to a recent spike in the positive COVID-19 rates in Clinton County (5.2% as of 9-3-2O) the administration will be delaying the start of school for all SJPS students whether in person or online.
As previously communicated, when this average is above 5%, they will move to online instruction for 3 days and not reopen in-person instruction until the 7-day average is less than 5%. They anticipate that they will begin instruction on Monday, September 14. They will be will be watching the test rates daily and update if necessary.
Elementary staff will be working to prepare chromebooks so families can pick them up on Wednesday, September 9 between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. at their respective schools. Middle School, High School and STRIVE students who have not yet picked up their chromebooks should contact the office to arrange a time to pick up the chromebook.
Teachers plan to provide some introduction through the online platforms beginning Thursday, September 10 to assist students in engaging with classes virtually.
All families may pick up free breakfasts and lunchs on Tuesday and Wednesday (3 breakfasts and lunches) for their children.. The meals will be available for pickup between 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at the High School Athletic entrance.
Free COVID testing in St. Johns September 9
Available to the community free-of-charge
September 9 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Clinton County Fairgrounds
800 W. Sickles Street, St. Johns, MI 48879
Please enter via Townsend Road
– Available for anyone who wants a test, even if you have no symptoms.
– Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
– No appointment is needed.
– No screening is needed.
– No doctor’s order is needed.
– Please bring a form of ID (a state or country issued ID or paperwork with your name and address (bill, mail or paystub).
– This is a drive-through clinic. Everyone will stay in their cars.
– People with high-risk jobs are encouraged to attend.
– The National Guard will be performing the tests with the Mid-Michigan District Health Department providing support.
Concert in the Park series continues September 9
The David Shelby Band kicks off the second half of the Concert in the Park series on Wednesday, September 9 as the series continues into September for the first time in its 17-year history. The concert which starts at 7:00 p.m. will take place in the William E. Tennant Performance Shell at the St. Johns City Park and will feature the multi-talented Detroit country singer, David Shelby, with his 4-piece band.
“David Shelby is a true Detroit musician,” sayss Bill Tennant, concert coordinator. “The multi-cultural influences of the Motor City music scene, combined with the Nashville sound, makes his country sound unique amongst bands. He is a finely-tuned talent who delivers a fresh dose of delicious sounds that will have a long-lasting impression on our concert goers.”
As David puts it, his “introduction to music was as ordinary and customary as a serving of peanut butter and jelly on Wonder Bread, with my creative palate refined over time. A simply elementary pastime became a teenage essential; the art of performing became more than child play, it was a life calling.”
“When you’re born into a proud Polish-Russian family,” he continues,”you’re given two things as standard issue, an accordion and a bowling ball; and I’ve put them both to good use. It’s easier to pick up a split with an accordion!”
A scholar of music and a well-rounded instrumentalist, David is proficient on the accordion, trumpet, piano and guitar. As an ace trumpeter, he toured internationally with award-winning recording artists such as The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Turtles, Little Anthony and The Imperials, Stevie Wonder and Davy Jones of The Monkees.
Other members of the David Shelby Band include:
Justin Deason: Originally from, and currently residing in Lansing. He plays lead guitar and is very active in the local Blues scene, having been a veteran of the Lansing music scene for over 10 years. Justin has played in the band for over 3 years.
Joey Lindstrom: Originally from Lansing, he currently resides in Columbus, Ohio. Known as an amazing technical musician, Joey plays bass. He teaches in the “School of Rock” in Columbus and is the newest member of the band.
Duane Dawkins: Originally from Benton Harbor, he currently resides in Detroit. He is not only big in country music, but also is one of the most sought-after Drummers in the Gospel community. Duane has been in the band the longest going on 5 years.
The weekly concerts are being presented under strict safety guidelines that have been established by the State of Michigan, the City of St. Johns and the “Concert in the Park” Committee. During these unprecedented times, the guidelines must be followed if the series is to be continued each week.
Wearing of Masks and Social Distancing are both required this year.
A decision will be made each week on whether the next concert can take place. Please check the Performance Shell Facebook Page or the Clinton Count Arts Council’s Website at www.clintoncountyarts.org before coming each week. Also please note that the Lions Club Food Trailer will not be at the concerts this fall. Concerts will be held each Wednesday evening, rain or shine, through the month of September.
Concert in the Park is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns. The Clinton County Arts Council receives support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
ArtWalk: Chalk It Up! is September 11
On Friday, September 11 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. the Clinton County Arts Council invites you to walk the streets of downtown St. Johns to see the talents of over 30 local artists.
This annual sidewalk chalk contest is sure to be big fun for the whole family.
Stop by the Art and Soul Gallery at 215 N. Clinton Avenue to pick up your event map; then visit each listed stop to view artwork. Live music and street performers will entertain you along the way.
The last stop will bring you back to the Gallery where you can submit your vote for your favorite artist and have a chance to win prizes.
Local food vendors Papa B’s BBQ, Meat N’ Eat, DavePops and Specialty Popped Kettle Corn and Lemonade will be set up with delicious cuisine, desserts and snacks for sale.
This is a free outdoor event with plenty of space to maintain social distancing. For more information, please visit www.clintoncountyarts.org.
FOMR to hold meeting on September 16
The Friends of the Maple River will hold their September Bi-Monthly meeting at Sleepy Hollow State Park off Price Road in Clinton County at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, September 16.
The meeting will be in one of the picnic shelters at the beach area of the park. Look for FOMR signs to help guide you once you get to the beach area. There is no charge to attend.
Feel free to bring your own lawn chair to give some flexibility in spreading out and making the most of the weather that day. Please bring a mask with you and use it accordingly.
The Friends are pleased to have Sheila Moore, MPH, Health Educator, Environmental Health Department, Mid-Michigan District Health Department, present on Septic Smart. The intent is to offer insight into septic field operation so we can be better stewards.
Following the presentation those interested are encouraged to bring the craft of their choice and do a sunset float on Lake Ovid, departing from the boat launch on the west side of the lake.
SJPS outlines Return to School Planning
Any online instruction during the 2020-21 school year will look and feel fundamentally different from the emergency learning that took place in the spring of 2020.
Students will have access to rigorous instruction and real-time access to teachers and peers. All staff have learned valuable lessons from the spring and will benefit from robust professional learning in August. Adminstraters are confident that online instruction will stack up with any school or provider in the state of Michigan.
SJPS will provide a chromebook to all students for any required online learning. Students in grades 6-12 will be issued a personal chromebook device to take with them from class-to-class and to take home on a daily basis. Students in grades K-5 will have their own personal chromebook to use while at school and will be able to take them home when it is required to learn from home.
All K-12 students who choose to receive their instruction online will be issued a chromebook device at home. SJPS will provide assistance with obtaining free or low-cost Internet for students of families with demonstrated need if they go 100% online. This may include access to existing network resources using an outdoor hotspot located on the SJPS campus.
All staff and students wear face coverings, except when eating and drinking. This includes wearing face coverings in hallways and common areas and at arrival, departure, and recess.
Elementary students will be provided mask breaks throughout the day as determined by the teacher and when appropriate social distancing can be maintained. All face coverings should be appropriate for school.
If a student is identified as testing positive, or has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or is symptomatic for COVID-19, then that student will move to the virtual cohort learning environment until that period of time is over. The schools will work closely with the local health department to determine when an individual is deemed safe to return to in-person learning.
Clinton County Showcase lets kids show livestock
The Clinton County Livestock Showcase, the prospect show was held on August 3, and the goat show was August 2.
The volunteer committee gave kids the opportunity to still show and auction there livestock animals. Many thanks to everyone that helped to make this happen.
Congratulations to all the of the young people who were able to participate this year.