{"id":8383,"date":"2020-04-30T20:57:47","date_gmt":"2020-05-01T00:57:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/?p=8383"},"modified":"2020-04-30T20:57:47","modified_gmt":"2020-05-01T00:57:47","slug":"features-114","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/?p=8383","title":{"rendered":"Features"},"content":{"rendered":"

Meet CAC Program Director and Forensic Interviewer, Michelle Barker<\/strong><\/p>\n

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What I love about working at the Child Advocacy Center, the children. As a forensic interviewer, I have the privilege to listen as a child tells their story. These children trust me enough to share what is likely the most painful and traumatic event they have been through. To be able witness that courage is something I do not take for granted. I am also blessed to work with such dedicated co-workers, volunteers, law enforcement, CPS workers, mental and medical health professionals and prosecutor’s office. I truly feel lucky to work here.<\/p>\n

A little about me…I grew up and still live in mid-Michigan, graduated from the University of Michigan, am married to my wonderful husband Brian and have three amazing adult sons. I enjoy spending time up north with my family.<\/p>\n

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Remember when? <\/strong>– 2010 Grant aids renovation at Wilson Center Auditorium<\/p>\n

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A grant for $1,667 from the Capital Region Community Foundation will help area residents in their ongoing effort to renovate the Wilson Center Auditorium in St. Johns.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe grant money helps us finalize all the components of our new sound system,\u201d says renovation committee member, Darryl Schmitz. \u201cThe necessary equipment has been ordered and will arrive in time for several of our upcoming events.\u201d<\/p>\n

The completion of the sound system allows the committee to focus its fund-raising efforts on replace the antiquated lighting system in the auditorium.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a critical need as we move forward,\u201d says Bill Tennant, committee treasurer. \u201cBeing able to adequately light a show or concert will encourage more events being scheduled into this marvelous facility.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cost estimate for lighting improvements is approximately $20,000. After the lighting improvements are made, the rest of the seats will need to be renovated \u2013 that will finalize the project.<\/p>\n

Fundraising concerts continue this fall with the \u201cbasement band,\u201d The Regulators performing Friday, November 5, 2010. Ernie Block and Kathy Motycka conclude the fall series November 19. Admission is $5; shows begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Wilson Center Auditorium, located on Cass Street in downtown St. Johns across from the Clinton County Courthouse.<\/p>\n

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Letter<\/strong> – Personal comments to St. Johns Public School Board and news from Hazel Findlay<\/p>\n

Good Morning St. Johns Public Schools Supt. Mark Palmer and St. Johns Public School Board Members,<\/p>\n

Thanks for opportunity to make public comments at your Monday, April 27, 2020 School Board Meeting. As a long-time resident and taxpayer, I\u2019m providing my written personal comments. Note that these are my own personal comments and don\u2019t necessarily represent the St. Johns City Commission which has not taken a public position recommending to the St. Johns Public Schools to accept any of the Bids for Wilson Center.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m encouraging the St. Johns School Board to please promptly accept the Bid from Dymaxion Development for purchase and redevelopment of the Wilson Center. It\u2019s \u201chead and shoulders\u201d over the other two bids.<\/p>\n

My children attended RBW for some of their St. Johns \u201cMiddle School\u201d years. The Wilson Center has an amazing history in St. Johns public education! In the \u201cheart\u201d of Downtown St. Johns, it deserves to be saved and redeveloped for both future private residential and community use.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the seven benefits that I see for St. Johns Public School Board to please approve the Dymaxion Development bid and soon sell the Wilson Center:<\/p>\n

– Provides SJPS with the most net money (+$50,000) for sale of the Wilson Center;
\n– The School Board avoids paying future annual operating (-$100,0000) losses;
\n– The sale to this private developer allows the Wilson Center to be placed onto the property assessment tax rolls, which will generate future property tax payments to the City of St. Johns, SJPS, Clinton County Government and State of Michigan;
\n– The redevelopment of Wilson Center into 72 units of mixed, high quality residential helps meet the increasing demand for more housing in St. Johns;
\n– The redevelopment of Wilson Center for high quality housing will generate local construction jobs and help boost our local economy;
\n– Allows community (probably City) use of Gymnasium for public recreation, and heath\/wellness programs at $1 per year lease, plus lessee pays annual operating costs;
\n– Allows community (probably Non-Profit) use of Auditorium for public arts, music and cultural programs at $1 per year lease, plus lessee pays annual operating costs.<\/p>\n

Dymaxion Development is planning on OPRA (Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act) property tax incentives. They must submit appropriate OPRA applications to St. Johns City Treasurer for review, public hearing and approval by St. Johns City Commission. Their OPRA application then must be submitted to Michigan State Treasury Department and others for review and approval.<\/p>\n

Finally, the City of St. Johns Planning and Zoning Department will also be involved with the Dymaxion Development plans as the Wilson Center must undergo site plan review and it needs to be re-zoned. I recommend that the private developers promptly contact and establish a working relationship with St. Johns Deputy City Manager\/Planning and Zoning Director, for review, public hearing and approval by St. Johns City Commission.<\/p>\n

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments. Thank you.<\/p>\n

Sincerely,
\nBob Craig<\/p>\n

******<\/p>\n

To our extended Hazel Findlay family,<\/p>\n