"Charlie Brown" Dates Changed

Auditions Remain on Jan. 20 and 21

If you had penciled in a date to attend the upcoming production of "You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown," you can change your reminder to ink as Homegrown Productions announced this week that "Charlie" will saunter across the Wilson Center Auditorium state Friday and Saturday March 20 and 21. He and his friends will reappear the following weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday March 27, 28 and 29.

Performance times will be announced in advance of those play dates.

Meanwhile, the production company is proceeding with the audition schedule of Tuesday and Wednesday, January 20 and 21. The tryouts will be held at 7p.m. those dates in the auditorium of Rodney B. Wilson Center. plans for its premiere production of the musical "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown" are underway with audition dates set for Tuesday January 20 and Wednesday January 21 beginning at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Rodney B. Wilson Center.

For more information regarding play dates or audition details, please contact Beth Webb, 989.224.8982 or Susan DeRosa, 517.651.2949.

Local man cast in Wharton production

A new production at the Wharton features a St. Johns man in the cast. Legally Blonde The Musical is now being featured at the Wharton Center. Several members of the cast are Michigan residents.

The musical follows the story of Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 hit movie, an ambitious sorority sister determined to get into Harvard Law School to win back her boyfriend and prove how smart she really is.

Kevin Beebee, associate company manager for the musical, said the story line has been adapted and expanded for the stage.

Beebee, a former resident of St. Johns, thinks that this performance should be quite popular with college students.

Cast members from Michigan include:

ˇ Nick Dolton, Paw Paw

ˇ Lauren Zakrin, Rochester

ˇ Kevin BeeBee, St. Johns

ˇ Courtney Wilson, Univ. of Michigan graduate

ˇ Jerry Mitchell, Paw Paw

ˇ Marcia VanKuiken, Grand Rapids

State Representative Paul E. Opsommer (R-Dewitt) was officially sworn in for his 2nd term in the Michigan State House of Representatives Wednesday afternoon. Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saulius "Saul" Anuzis issued the following congratulatory comments:

"Republicans in the house caucus, Clinton and Gratiot counties, and the entire State of Michigan are fortunate to have a steadfast leader like Representative Opsommer amongst their ranks. I am confident that he will fight hard to turn around Michigan’s dismal economy by working for structural reforms to the state budget and opposing any tax or fee increases."

Opsommer won re-election by besting Democratic opponent Ron McComb in the 2008 elections. He represents Michigan’s 93rd House district, which covers all of Gratiot County and a portion of Clinton County.

State Rep. Paul Opsommer today took the oath of office as a state representative in the Michigan House, starting his second term. Michigan Supreme Court Justice Michael Cavanagh administered the oath at a ceremony in the state Capitol. Joining Opsommer are, from left, his son, Matthew; daughter-in-law, Christina; and wife, Barbara.

Women Participating in the 2009 Expo:

+ Always Charming - Sterling Sliver Jewelry; leeAnn Blakely

+ Artemisia's Gallery - Paintings, offering classes; Susan Femholz

+ Cindy's Ice Cream & Treats - (seasonal) coupom & information; Cindy Ortman

+ Curves for Women - Fitness center; Jackie Plowman

+ Decorating Advisor - Interior decomting advice; Undo Fitch

+ Elaine's Too - Quilting fabrics and supplies; Elaine Matznick

+ Face Painting by Sharon - Offering face painting; Sharon Shutes

+ Gaia's Gifts - Custom jewelry; lynn Thelen

+ Garden Gallery - Antiques and uniques for your home & garden; Nancy DeRosia

+ Gentner Family Dentistry - Information; Dr. Amy Gentner

+ Inspiration Station - Scrapbooking supplies; Michelle McGroarty & Connie Walter

+ Jackson, Jackson & Associates, PC - Information; Attorney Erika Anderson

+ Just Sew - custom sewing; Teresa Zuker

+ Karen's House of Design -Interior designer; Karen Kusenda

+ Mary Kay Cesmetles • Tips on skin care & make up application; Sandy Klein

+ Modern Concepts Salonˇ Hair products, offering hand massages; Komi Schroeder

+ Noah's Ark Animal Workshop Stuff & fluff Party. Make your own stuffed animal; Melissa Heinlen

+ Sandy's Silksˇ Silk Floral Arrangementsj Sandy Klein

+ Shorty's CakesˇNˇBakesˇ baked goods & tasty treatsj Rochelle Koenigsknecht

+ Simply Natural Soaps. Soaps, candles and Webkins; Erika Arnett

+ Sirensˇ Full service salon; Usa Kumez

+ The Garden Shop - Fresh flowers and more; Sherri Mulligan

+ Tupperware - all your Tupperware needs; Gene Bamhart

+ Treasure Chest - Coupons & information; Cindy Ortman

Admission to the event is FREE.

Habitat for Humanity demonstrates "Green" paint

Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County (HHCC) is partnering with Patriot Building Solutions to present a demonstration of paint that is manufactured from used and discarded paints. This environmentally "green" product will be introduced at the HHCC build site at 6734 S. Meridian Rd, Laingsburg, 48848 on Friday, January 30 at 9:00 a.m. The demonstration is open to the public and will provide hands-on experience to show the low odor, color variety, consistency, and overall quality of the recycled paint. Walk-ins are welcome, but persons interested in attending are asked to contact Sid Lounds at (517) 712-4305 in advance, if possible, so that HHCC can estimate the number attending.

Helping Hands tickets now available

The Rotary Club of St. Johns is selling their annual Helping Hands Dinner and Raffle Tickets.

The event will be held Saturday, February 7, starting at 5:30 pm at Smith Hall in St. Johns. Tickets are $100. First place winnings will be $5,000.

For more information call 989-224-2371, ext 231.

NAMI Winter Gathering is Jan. 27

Stomp the Stigma Team from Oakland will present at the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Lansing Winter Gathering on January 27 5:30 p.m.at the Ingham County Human Resource Building 5303 S. Cedar. The three member team will speak about mental illness and their recovery.

The public is welcome to attend and listen to this award winning team provide hope for all those who suffer from mental illness and their families. Call NAMI Lansing, 517 484-3404 for more information or send an email to info@namilansing.org.

The Community Network Services Anti-Stigma program is a consumer-run program in Oakland County comprised of Margaret Thele, James Fortune, and Malkia Maisha Newman. Dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues, the program aims to educate people throughout the State of Michigan to help reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness and eliminate it as a barrier to seeking treatment. In addition to educating about stigma, the team also spreads a message of hope by sharing their inspirational stories of recovery from their own personal mental health challenges.

The award-winning CNS Anti-Stigma Program has added two more accolades to its resume. The Mental Illness Research Association (MIRA) presented them with the MIRA Milestone Award while the Alliance for the Mentally Ill (AMI) of Oakland County recognized the program with the Michael Curtis Award.

"The CNS Anti-Stigma program puts itself out there, face to face with the community, and brings with it the positive message that even though one has been diagnosed with a mental illness disorder, you can still be positive role models, productive citizens, and effective and pro-active supporters of those who need a voice heard in the fight for insurance parity. The effect they have on the people who see their presentation is awe-inspiring and thought provoking." said MIRA Executive Administrator Sue Schwerin.

The second award the CNS Anti-Stigma program received is the Michael Curtis Award from AMI-Oakland. The program was recognized at AMI-Oakland’s 25th Annual Awards Reception on November 2nd. The reception was held at Meadowbrook Hall in Rochester Hills.

The Michael Curtis award is named in memory of a consumer who passed away at Clinton Valley Center many years ago. The award goes to consumers who have done extraordinary things to help other consumers.

"Stigma is a major barrier to timely treatment, to appropriate funding for mental health services and to acceptance of persons with mental illness in the community. The CNS Anti-Stigma program is making an exceptional contribution to improving community awareness and attitudes," said Fred Cummins, President of AMI-Oakland.

LSSM’s Lou Prues recognized

The $30 million renovation and expansion of MapleCreek, gracious affordable senior living by Lutheran Social Services of Michigan (www.lssm.org), 2000 32^nd Street SE in Grand Rapids, is heading toward its completion in 2009. Guiding the MapleCreek project has been Dr. Louis J. Prues, LSSM’s vice president of planning and business development.

Dr. Prues has been named one of "20 Who Are Making a Difference," according to Healthcare Design magazine. This national publication is a resource for architects, designers, administrators, facility managers, consultants, and key members of the construction community responsible for designing, building and renovating healthcare buildings. In its December 2008 issue, the magazine recognizes 20 individuals who have significantly advanced the design of healthcare facilities. Regarding Prues, they said that he "has proven to be an invaluable asset to the design team and end users alike. His ability to provide clear direction, overall vision, and significant input on the smallest of details in all aspects of design (civil, architectural, interiors, mech/elec, etc.) has truly allowed Luther (sic) Social Services of Michigan (LSSM) to provide a unique, highly desirable environment for its patients/residents, allowing LSSM to lead the pack in its market."

Prues was nominated by Michael Novakoski, president and COO of the general contracting firm Elzinga & Volkers, Inc., which is handling the building and remodeling of MapleCreek. The full-continuum residential community for seniors, owned and operated by Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, provides many living and care options, including rehabilitation and respite, plus home care services on its campus and for clients in six counties. The MapleCreek project is the largest construction investment in the 75-year history of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan.

In addition to his position at Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, where he has worked since 1994, Dr. Prues is a parish associate at Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church in Detroit.

Marriage licenses filed the week of January 5, 2009

Joowon Suh, 36 of DeWitt and Eunjin Park, 35 of DeWitt

Samuel Eugene Griffet, 58 of St. Johns and Jill Ann Betz, 44 of St. Johns

Aaron Christopher Fairchild, 21 of St. Johns and Keely Marie Glass, 21 of St. Johns

Robert Alvin Eller, 65 of DeWitt and Alice Kay Noe, 53 of St. Johns

Ryan David Stegman, 27 of Bath and Erin Zelmanski, 27 of Bath

Robert Christopher Stone, 38 of Lansing and Melanie Ann Judge, 35 of DeWitt

Jeremiah Alan Brummel, 27 of Fremont and Sarah Hope St. Louis, 20 of DeWitt

Jon Wayne Arbon, 22 of Burley, Idaho and Kasie Ann Hixson, 29 of DeWitt

Gregory Alan Miller, 50 of DeWitt and Shelly Annette Miller, 48 of DeWitt

Michael Ryan Wilbur, 25 of Eagle and Andrea Gaye Kingsley, 31 of Eagle

Births

Medina

To Raymond Medina Jr. and Stefanie King of Ovid, a son, Julian Gabriel Medina, at Sparrow Hospital, Dec. 30.

Peters

To Eric and Alisha Peters of Elsie, a daughter, Alivia Dawn Peters, at Sparrow Hospital, Dec. 30.

Gibson

To Kyle Herington and Beth Gibson of Maple Rapids, a daughter, Annika Sharon Gibson, at Ingham Regional Medical Center, Dec. 31.

Cindy L. Tyler, 27, Lansing, Convicted of OWI: $1450.00 fine & costs, must attend VIP & AHSE.

Connie L. Wilkins, 63, Lansing, Convicted of Impaired Driving: $890.00 fine & costs.

Justin A. VanCourt, 19, St. Johns, Convicted of Lewd & Lascivious Conduct: $1290.00 fine & costs, 60 days jail, 2 years probation.

Thomas C. Zavala, 32, St. Johns, Convicted of Attempt Retail Fraud 3^rd: $514.65 fine, costs & restitution, 15 days jail.

Thomas C. Zavala, 32, St. Johns, Convicted of Attempt Student Safety Zone-Residency Violation: $890.00 fine & costs.

Scott L. Seibert, 17, St. Johns, Convicted of Zero Tolerance: $550.00 fine & costs, 12 months probation.

Levi J. Pierce, 27, Lansing, Convicted of Disorderly-Obscene Conduct: $590.00 fine & costs or 35 days jail.

Jesse J. Sexton, 24, Bannister, Convicted of DWLS: $1290.00 fine & costs.

Mark R. Browder, 47, Laingsburg, Convicted of Impaired Driving: $1161.00 fine, costs & restitution. Also Convicted of Open Intox: $190.00 fine & costs.

Jonathon R. Hess, 23, Elsie, Convicted of Attempt Larceny u/$200: $1133.00 fine, costs & restitution, 46 days jail.

Scott N. Labar, 40, St. Johns, Convicted of False Pretenses u/$200: $890.00 fine & costs, 30 days jail.

Dina R. Arthur, 44, Laingsburg, Convicted of OWI 2^nd: $1750.00 fine & costs, 45 days jail.

Sr. Center bake sale is Sat.
The Clinton County Senior Center will hold a bake sale this Saturday, January 17 at Krogers starting at 9:00 am.

Sam’s Kitchen supports Special Olympics

Sam’s Kitchen in DeWitt continues to help Special Olympics through the month of January.

To make a donation stop in and eat. For each Hamburger Basket (Thursday and Friday from 5-8pm) Sam’s donates $1 to Area 28. You may also enjoy any choice on the menu and leave your gift in the donation jar.

Free glaucoma screening at CCH

A free glaucoma screening will be offered at Carson City Hospital in Conference Room A on Tuesday, January 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. The screening will be performed by Dr. Lawrence Evans of Evans Eye Centers in Carson City and Alma. No appointment is necessary. For more information, please call (989) 584-3971 ext. 307.

Welding training at Baker

Baker College of Owosso’s Business and Corporate Services Division is offering welding training in February.

"Fundamentals of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW-TIG)" is an introductory session that covers safety and provides hands-on practice in the TIG welding process with a variety of wires and base materials including steel and aluminum. Emphasis will be placed on the type of weld and filler metals needed for a particular base material or type of joint. Scheduled for February 17 and 19, 2009, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Baker’s Tech Center, Room 1641. Cost is $145.

"Fundamentals of Stick Welding (Shielded Metal Arc Welding-SMAW)" is an introductory session that covers safety and offer hands-on practice in shielded metal arc welding, torch cutting, and plasma cutting. Welding will be performed on mild steel-plate using E7018 and E7024 electrodes in a variety of weld positions. Scheduled for February 10 and 12, 2009, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Baker’s Tech Center, Room 1641. Cost is $145.

To register for classes or for more information on class schedules and costs, contact Lisa Bowen at Business and Corporate Services, (989) 729-3603, or visit us on the web at Bentley.Baker.edu. Minimum class size required for some classes.

CMH beauty program helps cancer patients

Clinton Memorial Hospital and the American Cancer Society now offer the Look Good … Feel Better program for St. Johns-area women who are cancer survivors.

This free, community-based service teaches cancer patients helpful beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self-image throughout the weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

A volunteer beauty professional provides instruction in practical make-up techniques and skin and nail care as well as hair loss options, including wigs, turbans and scarves. Each participant receives a free cosmetics kit for their personal use during and after the workshop.

The first Look Good … Feel Better session for 2009 is scheduled at Clinton Memorial Hospital in St. Johns on Monday, Feb. 9. Subsequent sessions take place April 13, June 8, August, 10, October 12 and December 14. All classes meet at 2 p.m. in the Volunteer Workroom on the third floor.

Participants are asked to register at least three weeks prior to the class date so individual kits can be ordered in advance. For more information or to register, call Jackie at 989.227.3334.

Clinton Memorial Hospital was named a Five-Star Community Investor by the American Cancer Society. The prestigious Five-Star Community Investor Award is presented to organizations that are active on multiple fronts in the fight against cancer through sponsorship of local programs and services.

To learn more about services and programs available at Clinton Memorial Hospital, visit www.clintonmemorial.org.