{"id":6984,"date":"2020-01-02T20:59:20","date_gmt":"2020-01-03T01:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/?p=6984"},"modified":"2024-02-03T14:51:39","modified_gmt":"2024-02-03T14:51:39","slug":"latest-news-95","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/?p=6984","title":{"rendered":"Latest News"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>New Year\u2019s Eve ball drop in St. Johns a hit \u2013 with an album<br \/>\nThe Mint City Singers want you<br \/>\nOvid Library to host local author January 14<br \/>\nPlan now for a paint party at IQhub February 6<br \/>\nMoolenaar announces first office hours of the new decade<br \/>\nMMDHD Calendar \u2013 January, 2020<!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong>New Year&#8217;s Eve ball drop in St. Johns a hit<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ucWh4Aa28a0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>A good sized crowd composed of people of all ages was on hand to watch the first ever New Year&#8217;s Eve ball drop in St. Johns.<\/p>\n<p>Following the countdown the ball changed colors and flares were seen on the ground. The dazzling 2020 sign lit up, and eventually the ball made it to the ground. This all happened on the North end of downtown on the grounds of the lumberyard near the rail trail.<\/p>\n<p>The 2020 ball drop in St. Johns was brought to you Sunbelt Rentals, Chant Farms, Schneider Fabrication, Captains Choice Docks and Boat Lifts, Michigan Graphics and Signs, and New Look Computer and Data.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>The Mint City Singers want you<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you can sing in the shower, you can sing in the choir. Enrollment is active now. All singers ages 14 &#8211; Adult are invited to join them when they resume rehearsals on January 9. No previous experience needed.<\/p>\n<p>Mint City Singers is a community-based choir comprised of people from St. Johns, Michigan and the surrounding communities. It provides opportunities to sing and perform a wide variety of choral music, cultivate self-expression through group singing, and contribute to the artistic diversity within the community.<\/p>\n<p>The choir was founded by Marcus Roll in July 2011, and the choir\u2019s first concert was held on October 16, 2011. A Leadership Committee was formed in January of 2012 and in February of 2012 the Mint City Singers (MCS) became a branch of the Clinton County Arts Council. There were several temporary directors between 2012-2014. In April of 2014 Ellen Hoard became Music and Artistic Director, and she continues in that capacity today.<\/p>\n<p>The group was permitted to rehearse free of charge in several places through the years including the St. Johns Lutheran Church, St. Johns First Congregational Church, Saint Johns First United Methodist Church, and Redeemer Church &#8211; St. Johns Campus. In September of 2019 the choir obtained a new rehearsal home in the South Point Mall next to the Secretary of State office, 1035 Old U.S. 27, St Johns, MI 48879.<\/p>\n<p>Visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.clintoncountyarts.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #0000cc;\">www.clintoncountyarts.org<\/span><\/a> for detailed information about the choir, membership, and enrollment, or contact director Ellen Hoard (989) 233-5775.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Ovid Library to host local author January 14<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-23473\" src=\"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/stanton4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"359\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/stanton4.jpg 500w, https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/stanton4-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Nearly forty percent of American adults are obese, and Jon Stanton is one of them. The former Carland and Ovid resident has struggled with obesity most of his life.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was already wearing adult-sized clothes in third grade,\u201d he says. Now he\u2019s written a book about what it\u2019s like to grow up and live as a fat man.<\/p>\n<p><em>FAT: A Life Unfiltered<\/em> is a frank portrayal of the life of the obese, but with an emphasis on more humorous experiences of being overweight.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen you\u2019re more than 100 pounds overweight for most of your life, funny things happen to you that don\u2019t happen to thin people or even people who are just slightly overweight,\u201d Stanton says. \u201cIt also affects your worldview, the decisions you make, how you form relationships \u2013 almost everything about your life is impacted in some way.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Stanton says he wanted to keep most of the book humorous because laughter opens people\u2019s hearts, allowing them to feel the pain and shame the extremely obese experience without being overwhelmed. The entire book isn\u2019t funny, though. \u201cI took time to discuss what goes on in our heads,\u201d he says. \u201cNearly everyone I know who is as big as I am struggles with low self-esteem and negative self-talk, as well as denial. I couldn\u2019t leave those things out of the narrative.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Stanton has been as heavy as 430 pounds and as light as 200 pounds, within just a couple years of each other. From 2007-2009, he lost 230 pounds through eating better and exercising regularly, and he kept the weight off for over three years. He completed two half-marathons, a century ride (100 miles in one day) on his bike and appeared on NBC\u2019s \u201cToday\u201d and the \u201c700 Club\u201d to tell his success story to others who struggle with weight. He also won the Governor\u2019s Fitness Award from former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThose were some of the best years of my life. I was speaking to groups regularly about healthy living, I met and married my wife, I was riding my bike 3,000 miles annually and felt great. But old demons are hard to keep at bay forever; and unfortunately, I eventually gained back more than 100 of those pounds.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That, Stanton says, is why he wrote the book. \u201cBattling weight all the time, especially in our food-saturated culture, is exhausting. I want to encourage people who have struggled, let them know they aren\u2019t alone, and try to help people who have never struggled understand we aren\u2019t just lazy, unmotivated creatures with no willpower.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Many of the book\u2019s stories took place in Shiawassee and Clinton counties, so area residents will recognize some of the names and places.<\/p>\n<p>Stanton will be signing books on Tuesday, January 14 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and again from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Ovid Public Library, 206 N. Main St. He will also speak to the Women\u2019s Book Club about the writing process from 5:30-6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>The book is $12 for a single copy or two copies for $20. For those unable to attend, the book is available from amazon.com via Stanton\u2019s website <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hopefortheheavy.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #0000cc;\">www.hopefortheheavy.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For more information about the event, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/stanton-ovid-library\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #0000cc;\">https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/stanton-ovid-library<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Plan now for a paint party at IQhub February 6<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Grab some friends and go to IQhub to paint these fun winter scenes. Colors and style can be changed to suit your own taste.<\/p>\n<p>This is a public paint pARTy by Tracie Davis will be hosted by IQhub on Thursday, February 6 from 6 p.m. &#8211; 8 p.m. at 1130 S. Dewitt Rd.in Saint Johns.<\/p>\n<p>There is no experience is necessary. All supplies and instruction are included. You are welcome to bring your favorite food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy while painting. Paper plates, silverware, napkins cups, and bottled water will be provided for your use.<\/p>\n<p>Pre-Registration is required to ensure that they are ready for you. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tinybydesign.com\/store-2\/winter-scenes-paint-party\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #0000cc;\">Register here for $35<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Did something come up and you can\u2019t make it to the party you registered for? Contact Tracie ASAP at 517-290-4847 or <a href=\"mailto:traciedavis@tinybydesign.com\"><span style=\"color: #0000cc;\">traciedavis@tinybydesign.com<\/span><\/a> prior to the day of the event for a full refund. Did something come up the day of the event? Let them know ASAP and they can arrange for party credit to attend another event.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Moolenaar announces first office hours of the new decade<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>January 9, 1:30 -2:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>DeWitt City Hall, Large Conference Room, 414 East Main Street, DeWitt, MI 48820<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>MMDHD Calendar<\/strong> &#8211; January, 2020<\/p>\n<p><em>Family Planning Clinic Schedule<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The Mid-Michigan District Health Department\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n<p>Mid-Michigan District Health Department<br \/>\n1307 E. Townsend Road<br \/>\nSt. Johns, MI 48879<\/p>\n<p>January 7: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.<br \/>\nJanuary 14: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.<br \/>\nJanuary 21: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.<br \/>\nJanuary 28: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Clinic in Shiawassee County<\/p>\n<p>January 9: 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>149 E Corunna Ave, Corunna MI<\/p>\n<p>For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 224-2195, Option 5, Monday through Friday.<\/p>\n<p><em>Hearing and Vision Screening Clinic<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><em>WIC Benefit Pick-Up Schedule<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to 5 years old may be eligible for free food through the WIC (Women, Infants &amp; Children) program. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department WIC Benefit Pick-up Clinics are scheduled as follows:<\/p>\n<p>January 13<br \/>\nJanuary 29: Mid-Michigan District Health Department, 1307 E. Townsend Road in St. Johns, from 9 a.m. to Noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 224-2195, Option 5, Monday through Friday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em>Immunization Clinic<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The Mid-Michigan District Health Department Immunization Clinics are to be held as follows:<\/p>\n<p>Mid-Michigan District Health Department<br \/>\n1307 E. Townsend Road<br \/>\nSt. Johns, MI 48879<\/p>\n<p>January 6: 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>January 13: 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m<\/p>\n<p>January 16: 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm<\/p>\n<p>January 27: 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New Year\u2019s Eve ball drop in St. Johns a hit \u2013 with an album The Mint City Singers want you Ovid Library to host local author January 14 Plan now for a paint party at IQhub February 6 Moolenaar announces first office hours of the new decade MMDHD Calendar \u2013 January, 2020<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6984","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6984","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6984"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6984\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23476,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6984\/revisions\/23476"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6984"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6984"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6984"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}