Mint Fest Issue

FREE

Mint-Tastic Recipes

Mint Fest Issue 2011

For your Mint Fest party!

The Great Train Adventure All about a little red caboose

Bragging Rights

Capturing the essence of a spray park for St. Johns

PLUS: Sights and sounds of summer, Just a Small Town girl with Monica StumpThayer, A teacher with heart and meet Judge Amy Krause - and so much more!

See local. Do local. Be local.

www.stjohnslocale.com

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LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

What was I thinking?

It’s funny how I look back sometimes on some of the things I have done or said as a mom and I wonder - what was I thinking? I am the proud

As a business owner, it feels a lot like having kids. I have made my fair share of mistakes. I am constantly asking myself, what am I thinking? But

mother of two teens. And as proud as I am, there are those moments when I wonder.

My son recently returned from his first year of band camp. I was affectionately told by another band camp attendee that as part of some kind of

instead of rethinking the mistakes, I choose to think about the good Locale has done. Over the past two years, Locale has been able to put funds directly back into our local community. We support local organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary and the

first-year initiation, he had to get up and sing for all band members. I think this would panic many kids, but I am proud to say, not my kid! He got up, and began to tell everyone he wished to sing a song his mom sang to him when he was a little boy. As this

Chamber of Commerce along with Habitat for Humanity. Locale sponsors events like Stroke For Life, Homecoming half time show, Family Fit Fest and Luttig Links Fore Tomorrow and a host of other worthy events. Locale has done numerous articles

young lady told this story to me, I felt a tear well up in my eye. She also spoke of how sweet it all appeared and just as the “aw’s” and “ah’s” began, without missing a beat, my son started to sing

for our schools and groups such as Teen Activity Center, the Clinton County Arts Council and Downtown St. Johns to help promote the positive energy and good work being done, here, every day. Locale has also created new jobs for local

‘Baby Got Back’. Now, If you do not know this little gem of a rap tune, I certainly don’t recommend searching for it on You Tube. After I had a very good chuckle at the wit of my budding

people. Our growing staff lives right here in St. Johns; they are also very passionate about keeping their earned income local whenever possible. This kind of thinking, loving local and giving back, is truly the backbone of Locale’s

George Carlin, I suddenly realized something. I think I actually did sing this song to him as a little boy. My stomach began to churn. Now, keep in mind, this song was some serious comedic relief at the end of Shrek the

mission. For all of these things, too numerous to mention, I thank our advertisers profusely. By supporting Locale, I promise you will support our local people, Locale’s mission and our community , and our big booty love for what we

movie, so I guess it wasn’t THAT bad. Was it? After all, I’m still the woman that changed their diapers, kissed the boo-boos and panics every time they crawl into a car I am not in control of. I’m still MOM.

do. So the next time one of our Locale representatives contacts you about supporting Locale - I ask you to remember one thing.

Baby Got BACK!

In this issue:

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6 The Great Train Adventure

14 At The Heart of Teaching

Gary & Jenny McCampbell enlighten & entertain!

Diane Harte is at the heart of Oakview Elementary

18 Here Comes The Judge Meet Judge Amy Krause, appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals

24 Bragging Rights Angi Bunn investigates the history and essence of the original St. Johns Veterans Memorial Park Pool.

COVERSHOT Mom in Charge Laurie Oakwood-Bishop Chief Operations Officer Rick Vining Advertising Manager Robert “Bing” Crosby Marketing Manager Cammi Robinson Office Manager Jacqie Vining Graphic Artist Megan Priess Photography Jim Oakwood Brian Bishop

Published by Locale Media Company Mint Fest 2011 Contributors: Angi Bunn Ron Huard Gary & Jenny McCampbell Lisa Soros Monica Stump-Thayer

Photo submitted by Dusseau Photography Madison Nofzinger enjoying mint chocolate chip ice cream

Our advertisers make this publication possible. We graciously thank them for their continued support. We know our dedicated readers love Locale.

Please tell our advertisers you saw their ad in Locale Magazine so we may continue to bring you the best, beautiful and heart warming stories of our favorite hometown.

St. Johns Locale Magazine is published by Locale Media Company, LLC © 2009. All rights reserved.

Reproduction, whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher.

Contact our office at 517.614.4189 or email us at stjohnslocale@gmail.com.

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LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

A little red caboose is a true icon of the glory days of America’s railroading – many people don’t even realize that cabooses haven’t been

The caboose crew took turns in the cupola and watched for fires that might start on the top of trains pulled by steam engines or down by the

required on freight trains since the 1980s and they were almost never used on passenger trains.

Today many cabooses serve as motels, diners, guest homes, flower shops, attractions in city parks, etc. because their style is so appealing.

wheels’ hotboxes which could start fires if they became dry. Whether the train was making a routine stop on the main line, making an emergency stop or stopping to let a priority train pass, the brakeman turned the brake wheel on

The Railroad Crew of Clinton Northern Railway

the caboose, ran along the roof, then leaped from

The Great Train Adventure Museum (at the St. Johns Depot) has been working hard this summer to restore a Grand Trunk Western caboose they were able to acquire last fall. So far,

roof to roof to the next car. He turned the brake wheel on top of that car, jumped to each of the next cars, and ran along the tops to turn their

the siding and windows have been restored and painted with primer; now the buffers (area at both ends) are being taken care of; and repairs to the cupola and roof will finish the exterior. The car has been dubbed “Scrappy” because it is small in size,

brake wheels until the train slowed to a stop.

Picture him running on cars moving at 50 mph, with smoke and dirt coming at him at that speed.

A thousand or more crewmen were killed each year and many more were injured in the early train

but big in attitude. Part of his attitude comes from his pride in having a center cupola, natural yellow pine throughout his interior and six beautiful slat benches.

days.

While cabooses tend to be romanticized by the general public, they fulfilled a very important role historically. The conductor used it as his office, keeping track of all of the cargo and where it needed to be picked up and dropped off, along with numerous other duties, while often acting as a father to the rest of the crew. The other workers found in the caboose were the signalman, the switchman and the brakeman. The signalman and switchman needed to jump down to set signals or switch tracks, then run to catch up and jump back on the slowed-down train; but the brakeman’s job was the most dangerous.

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See the Depot May through October 2011 Open every Sunday from 1-3 PM. Tour the depot and the layouts as well as the two cars on site. For tours and field trips can be made by special appointment.

For special events check the website.

www.clintonnorthernrailway.org During the month of August enjoy Tuesday Together Time 6:30 - 7:30 PM! If you see the doors open or cars in the lot, be sure to stop in!

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LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

The 1869 depot survived the St.Johns fire of 1895 that destroyed a large section of the town and was updated to electrical lighting in 1914. This upset many of the local St.Johns residents as they had been led to believe that a new depot building was to be built based on news from the Railway that they had designed a new depot for St.Johns in 1911. Several of the businesses near the depot had been moved in anticipation of this plan. Ironically, the depot building was destroyed in the Tornado of 1920, which lead to the construction of the building we have today based on those plans drawn up in 1911.

The History of the Depot

The new depot was constructed along the same lines as the Ionia depot build in 1910 but without the portico. This building was in service for the Grand Trunk Railway as a passenger depot until 1960.

As told by Gary, the story of the St. Johns' Depot is actually a tale of two buildings. Or is that three. The railroad line completed to St. Johns (and ending there at the time) on January 16, 1857. It was the end of the line until the rail to Ionia was completed in September of 1857. At the St. Johns station, there was also an engine house built to accommodate up to four engines, a freight building, and even a

The Railroad Museum is a branch of Clinton County Arts Council. The RR Crew welcomes all who are interested in volunteering to help restore

roundhouse with machine shop to be built.

Scrappy and/or the other two cars still waiting.

Please call Gary McCampbell at 989-224-6134 to volunteer. All funds for the restorations are raised through events or donated. The Clinton County Arts Council receives a portion of its funding from

The second depot to be built in St. Johns was in 1869. It had high arched windows, was a 32ft by 70ft one store Ionia brick structure with a veranda on all sides.

the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. You can donate by sending a check or money order to: Clinton Northern Railway, 107 E. Railroad St., St.Johns. MI 48879 - submitted by Jenny & Gary McCampbell

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Mint Festival Down at the Depot MINT CITY USA St. Johns, Michigan is celebrating the growing of the green – mint green that is – during the 27th annual Mint Festival. The celebration of more than 100 years of Mint Farming continues after hours in Downtown St. Johns at the Rotary Park Pavilion at the St. Johns Train Depot.!The “Mint Festival Down at the Depot" takes place on Friday and Saturday, August 12 and August 13, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 Midnight.!

The event kicks off with our annual Mint City USA Car Show at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night, August

Mojito in our Downtown on Tap beverage tent … all until

12th, with cars lining the “main drag” along Clinton

12:00 a.m.

Avenue.! The entry fee for car show exhibitors is $10 with 2 free tickets to the Beer Tent ($10 value), and

The festivities resume again on Saturday, August 13th!at

trophies will be

7:00 p.m.! Some call this night the biggest hometown

awarded along with a

reunion of the year!!!Live music from The Squids will be

$100 Cash Prize to the

rocking in our Downtown on Tap Beverage Tent, and you

first place winner!!

can mix and mingle, dance!or try your luck at our Vegas

While viewing those

style Casino Gaming tables until 12:00 a.m.

COOL cars, you can listen to HOT live music

For additional information about “Mint Festival Down at

from The Mike Shafley

the Depot” and other events taking place in Downtown St.

Band and enjoy a

Johns,!visit the website at www.DowntownStJohns.org.

COLD beer or Mint

Hearing Starts Here.

Do you need to ask people to repeat themselves?

Do you have to strain to understand conversations?

Do you turn up the TV louder than others to hear it?

Dr. Kinda K. Wright AuD., CCC-A

See our website for our hearing aid surveys, videos, articles, hearing info, maps & MORE! www.AdvancedAudiologyDeWitt.com

12775 Escanaba Drive Suite 3 • DeWitt, MI

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LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

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Grace Haven raises new flag.

There is a beautiful new flag flying over Grace Haven Assisted Living.!The flag was previously!flown over the US Capital in Washington, DC, then donated to the VFW.!

Marjorie Nevins and her family noticed that the flag was becoming frayed and requested!it be!donated it to Grace Haven.! A flag raising ceremony was performed to properly retire!the old flag and proudly raise the!new one. Performing the ceremony were Boy scouts Levi Peffer!and Zach Dennison from Ovid Troop #585 Led by Scoutmaster Dennison.

We

Kids!

Gentle Dental Care For the entire family!

If you are tired of paying high co-pays because your dentist does not participate come in and try us!! We participate with DELTA DENTAL, MET-LIFE, AND DENTAMAX. New patients and emergencies welcome.

State Street Family Dental

989.227.1858

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LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

Photos by Kimberly Steed-Page & Jim Oakwood

The Sights & Sounds ofSummer Beautiful music is a staple of the local landscape as summer concerts fill the park every Wednesday night.

Rodney Page is pictured above as he directs the MidMichigan Summer Orchestra. At right, SJHS band members wow the crowd as they show off their newly acquired skills from summer band camp held in Tustin, MI. Even the youngest local admirers, like Lola, right,

Don’t miss the next Concert in the Park series dates

enjoy the musical feast for the ears.

Aug. 10 –BARBERSHOP CHORUS – The Capital City Chordsmen Aug. 17– CELTIC – Shepard’s Folly Aug. 24 – METRO JAZZ VOICES – Carl Cafagna’s Detroit Group Aug. 31 – ELVIS IMPERSONATOR – Matt King

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LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

Oakview Elementary: Day in the Life The Heart of Teaching: Diane Harte She remembers the accident like it was yesterday. A third grade student had run headlong into a plate glass window, leaving a deep gash in his arm. Terrified, he ran away, and having witnessed the accident, she gave chase.

She caught him, scooped him into her arms, and immediately pressed on his wrist. She clung to him and pinched his arm for twenty minutes, until an ambulance arrived. Paramedics told her she saved his life. Years later the two had a chance encounter at Kroger. Now a grown man, he recalled the experience clearly and showed her his scar. Time has not dimmed the significance of this event in her career.

Meet Diane Harte, one of Oakview’s three kindergarten teachers, who will begin her 37th year of teaching this fall. To her delight, St. Johns Public Schools has made the transition to all-day, every

day kindergarten, something Diane has hoped for for many years. She is “excited beyond words”, and considers this evolution a gift.

Also this fall, at least 7 of Diane’s students will be the children of former students. She doesn’t remember exactly when that started happening, but found it “a shock” when another past student, Jennifer Hallead, began teaching. Small world indeed: Jennifer is one of Oakview’s first grade teachers…..and at least four of the teachers employed by St. Johns Public Schools spent kindergarten with Mrs. Harte! She estimates that in her nearly four decades of teaching, she has nurtured almost 2000 young minds.

Diane was originally hired as a kindergarten teacher, and has never taught anything else, which in this time of layoffs, transfers, and displacements, is truly a rare accomplishment.

Even after all of these years, she never tires of witnessing the “aha” moments when her students get it, and it all starts to come together. Diane raves: “When they start reading, it’s like I want to throw a party!”

So what is Mrs. Harte like outside of the classroom? Her face glowed and her voice radiated pride as she talked about her daughters, Emily, 24, and Allie, 21. A graduate of Alma College, Emily works as an insurance agent for MEEMIC, is engaged and plans to wed in 2012.

Allie is a senior at the University of Michigan, majoring in psychology, with a minor in social change, and plans to be a social worker specializing in geriatrics. This summer Allie had the experience of a lifetime, spending nearly 10 weeks at sea and visiting 8 countries as part of the “Semester at Sea” program. Who else can say they turned 21 in Morocco? (For more information on this exciting educational opportunity, visit www.semesteratsea.org.) While we chatted Diane showed me Allie’s blog on her Ipad (yes, she is quite tech-savvy!). You can read Allie’s blog at allieatsea.tumbler.com.

We toured her backyard, where I admired the handiwork of her husband of nearly 28 years. Jerry has a Zen-like love of rock stacking (think of the path on Mackinac Island, along Lake Huron, and the rocks perched precariously atop one another; that is what his work reminded me of). Jerry is the executive director of the Michigan Water Environment Association in Bath. Besides his presence at the Emerald Golf Course, Jerry is also

14

known for his “toilet” ties, which he rarely returns home wearing after meetings. Custom made (Diane laughs: “Not by me!”), these ties are also part of a fundraiser for a scholarship program run by Jerry’s company. (I’m bummed I didn’t get to actually see one of these masterpieces, let alone take a picture!)

An avid reader, Diane is a fan of historical novels, mysteries, and anything by James Michener. A bit of trivia: this love of reading resulted in a short career as a bartender at Jim’s Tiffany Place in Lansing. One summer (years ago) she decided to read something “different”….. which led to a course on bartending.

She jokes that she was the only bartender there with a master’s degree. I’m still marveling at this image.

She also loves to knit (her group is infamous at Biggby for their boisterous laughter), craft, bake (chocolate chip cookies are her specialty), lunch with friends, and walk. She showed me an intricate blanket she had knit for her nephew as well as a charming shawl for her daughter. I also got a firsthand glimpse of the dedicated craft corner in her basement. Very cool, indeed!

So just how will this all-day kindergarten look?

Mornings will consist of literacy, with plenty of breaks for movement and hands-on activities. Following lunch, there will be a quiet rest time, and the afternoon will include math, science, social studies, health and choice time. Every teacher is excited, she says, and with the increased demand on curriculum, it is a relief to have more time to spend on everything.

Of course, all of these changes mean an increase in the number of routines, and there will certainly be tired children, “Along with tired teachers!” (We both chuckle.)

We Are Here For You! Scratch Bakery

Blueberries, Cherries

More hours in the day also mean more fun learning opportunities, such as cooking projects, readers’ theatre, and arts & crafts. Oakview will be wireless and Diane is eager to incorporate her Ipad into daily lessons.

This is the first year Diane will have just one section of students. In the past, she has had to “carry 50 little people around in my head all the time.” With the move to all-day kindergarten, “My brain will have twice as much room now because I will only have 25” students. We laugh at this visual and agree that this change increases the opportunity to bond with and form a stronger connection with students and families.

Locally Grown

& Peaches

OUR OWN LOCAL

Gourmet Sweet Corn

Tomatoes, Pickles & Cucumbers

Picked Daily!

What has Diane Harte learned from her little scholars? “…to savor the moment, have fun, keep learning….and never give up.”

Great words of wisdom from a woman who is truly the heart of teaching.

- Written & submitted by Lisa Soros

Grown. Made. Harvested. Locale. !"!"#$%#&'(#")*#########$+%#,-./$########01234(%567#

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LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

WORDFIND ANTS AUGUST BARBECUE BASEBALL BEACH BEES BICYCLE BLUE SKY BOATING BREEZE CAMPING FISHING FLIES FLOWERS GARDENING GOLF GREEN GRASS HAT HIKING HOLIDAYS HOT ICE CREAM

JULY JUNE MOSQUITOES NO SCHOOL PICNIC ROLLER BLADES SANDALS SKATEBOARD SOCCER SOLSTICE SPRINKLERS SUNBURN SUNGLASSES SUNSCREEN SUNSHINE SUNTAN SWEAT SWIMMING U V RAYS WASPS WATER FIGHTS WATERMELON

This puzzle page is sponsored by

Shaggie’s!

Home of the

$4 LUNCH!

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SUDOKUMAZE

Studies have shown the sort of exercise which the brain gets from logic puzzles can help to stop memory decline, make you smarter and perhaps even halt the progress of Alzheimer’s disease - so grab your pen or pencil and GO FOR IT!

The object of Sudoku is to fill the other empty cells with numbers between 1 and 9 (1 number only in each cell) according to the following guidelines: numbers can appear only once on each row, numbers can appear only once on each column, and numbers can appear only once on each region.

Shaggie’s for healthy choices?!You bet!

Shaggie’s is on the bandwagon with health conscious choices.! We feature Frace', a soft serve ice cream substitute product that has only 40 calories per serving, and zero fat! !It is suitable for weight!watching people, diabetics, and those that are lactose intolerant!!Of course, we have always offered 5 delightful salads,!such as our most popular Michigan salad, with lettuce, dried cherries, sun flower seeds, apples and other tasty ingredients.! We suggest Kens Raspberry fat free dressing, or Sweet Vadalia Onion Lite fat free dressing.!

Mad Gabs!

Mad Gabs/Whatcha Sayin? Are fun for a group game or ice breaker - or just fun to figure out on your own.!They are a group of words, that at first glance and first saying don't make sense... but say them SLOWLY and LISTEN to what you hear to figure out what the phrase is. Example: Common Firm Their Rain = Come In From The Rain

1. Deaf Villain Disk Highs 2. Death Worm Dough Fur 3. Debt Snot Must Aisle 4. Deep Hits Perks Till Hears 5. Deeper League Hates

1. Devil In Disguise 2. Death Warmed Over 3. That's Not My Style 4. The Pittsburgh Steelers 5. The Pearly Gates

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LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS Judge Amy Krause appointed to challenging and exciting new position

Judge Amy Ronayne Krause considers herself blessed to have held jobs she loves

law firm. From there she moved into public service, and served as an assistant

since 1989. This includes her current seat on

prosecuting attorney, Assistant Attorney

the Michigan Court of Appeals. Judge Krause was appointed to the Court of

General, and 54-A District Court Judge for the City of Lansing. Judge Krause is a

Appeals in November 2010.

Judge Krause’s experiences have varied

nationally recognized expert in the areas of criminal law, trial advocacy, and cases

widely since receiving her Bachelor of Arts

involving sexual assault, domestic violence,

from the University of Michigan and Juris Doctor from The University of Notre Dame.

and child abuse. In addition, Judge Krause has served as an adjunct professor for

She began her legal career with a private

Thomas M. Cooley Law School and as a lecturer for the Prosecuting Attorney Association of Michigan. She has trained other judges on a national level for the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.

Judge Krause says these experiences have given her a strong background for the Court of Appeals. “I have had great bosses along the way, mentoring and training as a prosecutor, and Assistant Attorney General.”

She adds, “With my background, I never forget there are people behind every piece of paper I look at. I have worked with victims and defendants. That is always in the forefront of my mind… I never lose sight of that.”

The Judge describes her first eight months on the Court of Appeals as, “Challenging, but fascinating. I am excited to come to work every day, because every day is different.” Court of Appeal hearings are held before a panel of three judges, and at least two of the three judges must agree on the ruling. While Judge Krause says this is different from making decisions on her own, it works well. “This Court is a family. We

Photo courtesy of Judge Krause

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certainly don’t always agree, but there is no rancor, animosity or disrespect.” According to the Michigan Court of Appeals, the panels are frequently rotated so a variety of judicial opinions are considered.

Despite a heavy caseload, Judge Krause dedicates time to the community, serving as a board member with the Lansing Educational Advancement Foundation (LEAF), the Uplift Our Youth Foundation, and the American Red Cross Board of Directors for the Great Lakes Region. She

“With my background, I never forget there are people behind every piece of paper I look at.”

- Judge Krause

enjoys traveling with her husband, Kurt.

They especially enjoy exploring Michigan. In fact, Judge Krause recalls one of her first case calls as Assistant Attorney General was in Marquette. “My husband accompanied me, and enjoyed fishing the entire time we were up there.”

Judge Krause welcomes opportunities to meet with the public, and

enjoys speaking to community groups. “My office is always open to anyone with questions,” she says. The Judge is not able to talk about specific cases, but can answer questions about Court of Appeals procedures, or navigating the Court system. Judge Krause’s chamber number is (517) 373-0683.

- Written & submitted by Angi Bunn

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LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

Just a Small Town Girl

The Transformation of Monica. The Ups & Downs.

I didn’t realize how much the weight loss would affect me emotionally. The changes have happened to me gradually over the time that I have been on this journey of mine. I have learned to accept whatever this has in store for me. I wanted to make sure that I was open to all the changes that I would go through. I just didn’t know that I would be going through a multitude of emotions. Sometimes, it feels as if I’m on a roller coaster ride and I’m the only one who is experiencing the twists and turns.

There are times when I feel so alone in this journey.

This is not something that anyone else could do for me. I’ve had to experience it for myself…to learn from it and be changed by it! I couldn’t ask anyone to do the exercising for me and to push me beyond my limits some days. I couldn’t ask anyone to eat less for me and to avoid some of the bad habits that got me here in the first place. And I couldn’t ask anyone to take away all the feelings that I would experience.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had a lot of support from my family, friends and also on Facebook. I’ve documented the weight loss with monthly pictures and have shared my gains and losses on there. I also started a “blog” several months ago.

And these articles that I am writing for St. Johns Locale are a source of support and an outlet for my thoughts and feelings. I’m very thankful for everyone who has been there for me and continues to be there for me.

I am very blessed.

One of the things that have been the most difficult for me to do is to look at pictures of myself when I was bigger. The emotion that I feel most of the times is like grief. I see pictures of myself and I feel like she is gone. I see me, but

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then I feel as if she is a stranger now. It seems like a lifetime ago. I don’t want to go back to that size and that is what “drives” me to continue with this. It helps fuel my determination. I will continue to have my pictures, which are who I once was, but as time goes by I will be able to look at them and feel a sense of peace about it.

The other thing that has been difficult for me is dealing with the fear that I will gain it all back. I have seen it happen with other people. I just want to be one of the different ones. I don’t want to be obsessed about it either. Too many people fall into that pattern too! I just need to continue to have faith that I am on the right path and that I will have learned my lesson.

Two of the positive changes of the weight loss have been my self-esteem and confidence levels.

I feel better about myself now. I had issues with my self-esteem for as long as I can remember growing up. I felt ugly and awkward just like so many young girls do when they are young. It didn’t help that there was a hurtful “grading chart” for the girls that the young boys did in my class. I have had to learn how to forgive them, to realize that I gave them control over how I felt about myself for way too many years and that I needed to stop the negativity, get passed it and learn to love myself again.

I can’t really explain how my confidence level had changed. It just happened. I just feel different now. I would always second guess decisions that I would make. Now for some reason, I can say yes to things and not feel like I can’t do them or feel embarrassed. These articles for this magazine are one of those things that I said yes to. I was scared to death to put my thoughts and feelings out there for people to see but in the back of my head, I knew I had to do it.

Even if it was to let people know that they could do it too!

I’m not going to lie to you, this weight loss and the changes that have went along with it have been one of the hardest things that I’ve ever had to experience except for my miscarriage and the subsequent births of my two children. I have found strength in me that I didn’t know I had. I have found an endless amount of determination to finish what I started. I just didn’t know that it would take this long or there would be so many ups and downs…

- Written & submitted by Monica Stump-Thayer http://monica-justasmalltowngirl.blogspot.com/

The St. Johns Farmers Market was created over 50 years ago to promote the sale of fresh local farm products, and to give growers of Michigan agricultural commodities and other farm-related products the opportunity to share directly with consumers.! The public is invited to attend each Saturday to purchase homegrown, home-baked and homemade goods from local gardens, farms, home kitchens and vendors. The Market is open every Saturday, from June 18 through October 29, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. until noon on Maple Street west of the Courthouse in Downtown St. Johns.!

Bring your own bag to stock up on the farm-fresh produce (fruits, vegetables, herbs, mushrooms, nuts, dried fruits, honey, flowers, meats, poultry, eggs and dairy products) along with home prepared foods and baked goods (pies, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, bread, confections, granola, jerky, jam, jelly marmalade, maple syrup).! The Farmers Market also offers a wide variety of goods from artisans, crafters and growers.! These include landscaping plants and potted flowers, cutting boards, small wooden furniture, stained glass, aprons and tote bags, hooked rugs, dyed wool, crochet dish cloths and throws, woodcut paintings and lawn ornaments, hand poured candles, beaded earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, pins and other jewelry, wooden toys, birdhouses, etc. !

If you are a farmer or vendor interested in providing locally grown produce, prepared foods or quality products at the Downtown St. Johns Farmers Market, we would love to talk to you about how you can get involved!! Contact our Farmers Market Manager Shirley Davis by calling (989) 224-7863 or the St. Johns Principal Shopping District office at (989) 227-1717 or email Info@DowntownStJohns.org.!

!

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LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

BRAGGING RIGHTS Splash park push sparks memories of park pool glory.

“It’s just about the best thing that ever happened in Clinton County,” remarked one enthusiastic ex-serviceman the other day…

We think Clinton County people can be proud of the job they have done in building a useful “living” memorial to WWII servicemen and women. The pool will provide swimming instruction and recreation for the youth of this area for many years to come.”

This excerpt, from the August 10th, 1950 opinion-editorial page of the Clinton County Republican-News illustrates the pride and excitement the community felt for the Veterans’ Memorial Pool in the St. Johns city park. The “Among the young people who pool have used this park were scores continued to and scores of boys who later wore provide the uniform of their country in World swimming instruction War II… And that’s what we are and recreation for doing here – remembering and 60 years. The pool acknowledging in our inadequate was closed in 2010. way the great sacrifices made by St. Johns those youths who one day played Recreation Director, happily in these fields…”

Bill Schafer, said the - S. L. Marshall

decision to close the pool was difficult, but inevitable in this economy. “No one took it lightly. With the needed repairs on top of the amount of money we were already spending to maintain the pool… it was still a tough decision.” Schafer said many of the pool’s mechanics needed to be repaired or replaced, which would cost roughly $200,000. The last year the pool was open, 2010, the city lost about $20,000 in operating costs.

Schafer stressed the city remains dedicated to providing swimming instruction and recreation, as they were in 1950.

Swimming lessons, open recreational swimming and lap swimming are offered in the St. Johns High School pool.

Whether it is because of an increase in private swimming pools in the area, more summer activities for youth, or other reasons, fewer people were taking advantage of the Veterans’ Memorial Pool. To compare, in 1950, nearly 600 people registered for swimming lessons, while 270 were registered in 2010. Open swim times in 1950 attracted more than 200 swimmers on weekends, while the pool averaged 40 in recent years.

Regardless of the waning numbers at the park pool, many County residents were dismayed when the pool closed. Memories of swim lessons and fun times at the pool began to swirl.

The St. Johns park needs a place to cool off during the summer months.

Something to draw people from other areas again.

Something that utilized as much of the existing infrastructure as possible.

Something.

A splash park. Splash Photo from the Clinton County Republican-News parks generally have small

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fountains, water jets and other components built into a concrete pad, designed to keep people cool and entertained on hot summer days. A splash park could utilize some of the components that are functional from the pool, the bath house and restrooms. There is no standing water, and no lifeguards are needed. Splash parks are enormously popular, yet not very common in Mid-Michigan.

With an idea in mind, a committee formed. Splash park committee co-chair, Suzie Fromson says she was sad to see the pool close. “St. Johns is small, but our city park is a gem. It’s special.

With the pool - at the entrance of our park - closed, the park is not reaching its full potential. We want the entrance to be the pinnacle of the park.”

Fromson adds that many generations of Clinton County residents have benefited from the hard work and sacrifices made in 1950 to build the Veterans’ Memorial Pool. “It’s time to give back. We owe it to our kids to provide the same healthy, safe and active opportunities we had.” She says a splash park will draw people from outside areas. “It would be something to be proud of. Something we can brag about to other communities.”

The committee is currently looking at possible designs for the splash park. Fromson says they are focusing on making it universally accessible, utilizing as much of the existing infrastructure as possible, making it environmentally friendly, and diverse enough that families want to spend an entire afternoon at the park. She adds the committee should have designs in mind, and will be looking for community feedback. Efforts will then be focused

on raising the money needed to build the splash park.

The committee is hoping the support they received during the Reader’s Digest ‘We Hear You America’ online contest is indicative of the community’s interest in the project. Fromson says,

“The $10,000 we received through the contest is wonderful seed money. The splash park project got wonderful exposure – we really got the word out. I hope it’s proof that people support the effort.”

Schafer and Fromson both stress that the splash park will remain a living memorial to Clinton County veterans. As S. L. Marshall said at the pool dedication in 1950, “Among the young people who have used this park were scores and scores of boys who later wore the uniform of their country in World War II… And that’s what we are doing here – remembering and acknowledging in our inadequate way the great sacrifices made by those youths who one day played happily in these fields…” The sons and daughters of those veterans used and appreciated the pool for many years.

Clinton County residents are working to ensure their descendants have a place to enjoy for years to come.

- Written and submitted by Angi Bunn

25

LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

GALLERY TALK

ARTS COUNCIL NEWS - Rothwell Featured at First Sunday Event If you’d like a break from the Mint Festival activities on Sunday August 14, add a trip to

of her work displayed in the 2010 Art Prize Exhibit in Grand Rapids.! Her work can aptly

Clinton County Art Association’s Gallery.! The

be described as fitting into the category of

regular monthly “Sunday Event” happens to fall on the mint fest weekend and ties in well

“new contemporary American painting,” with characteristics of the traditional.

with the spirit of the many activities that annual occasion presents. !

!

According to council director Mike Muehlenbeck, “Tina’s work will provoke

The August gathering will feature Tina Rothwell.!Ms Rothwell works in oils and mixed

frequent thoughts of the world of mixed media with a simplistic manner to it.! Her

media and among her credits is an example

pieces will certainly entertain!” !

The August 14 open house, which extends from 1p to 3p, is being sponsored by Stoney Creek Essential Oils and refreshments will be served throughout the entire time. !Normal business hours at the Gallery are Tuesday through Friday, 10a to 5:30p and Saturday 10a to 2p.! The Gallery is closed on Monday.! Additional information on this event and other details of Gallery or Clinton County Arts Council operations may be secured by calling 989 224-2429. !

The monthly Sunday Event is made possible through membership dues and donations, supplemented by periodic grants from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs which is a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Each unique piece of artwork is original and created using the best quality of!oils and panels on the market today.

This piece can be found at

TINAROTHWELL.COM

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Kiwanis Club gains new members Aside from his active days as a state representative, Paul Opsommer, left, found time recently to recruit a new member of St. Johns Kiwanis club.!Tom Leonard, an Assistant Attorney General, became a Kiwanian and immediately sponsored Shannon Schlegel as a new member of the group.!

Ms Schlegel is an attorney in DeWitt.

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4-H Fair Fun 2011

LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

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LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

When You Went Away A heartfelt story of a best friend moving away.

It’s an image I will carry with me forever.

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Two boys, Tristin and Matt, sitting side by side on the sidewalk in front of Tristin's new house, a moving van in the driveway. Two boys with decks of Yu-Gi-Oh cards fanned out before them, oblivious to the movers whirring past them. Instantly best friends.

Fast forward 33 months and the image has hardly changed.

The boys, now young men, are taller of course, their voices deeper, their shoulders broader, the Yu-Gi-Oh cards replaced by duplicate Xbox games they can play together. They stand facing each other, the weight of the impending loss heavy between them, not sharing many words, but knowing just the same. They are best friends, brothers "from a different mother" as they repeatedly joked, forced to say goodbye.

Tristin is moving again, this time to Fort Jackson, South

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Carolina.

Of course this is not like the days of old, when separated best friends had little hope of truly staying connected. The boys have Facebook, Xbox Live,

texting. I've suggested Skype. They aren't interested. Yet. There are plans to meet up when Tristin visits his grandparents in Ohio. Matt has aunts, uncles & cousins there. But South Carolina and Ohio are far apart.

There are plans for a spring break vacation to Hilton Head Island, with us swooping in and scooping Tristin up for a week on the ocean with his "second" family.

But that's months away.

Hundreds of memories were formed between the bookends of the first and last meetings of these two boys. Dozens and dozens of sleepovers. TAC. Laser tag. Movies.

Basketball. Swimming. Bike rides. Ice cream at Shaggies. Shopping at GameStop together.

Sitting side by side. Laughter. Always laughter.

This young man understood Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hearing loss, and not once did he ridicule him. He knew when Matt removed his hearing aids that he had to tap him on the shoulder to get his attention, that it would often be necessary to repeat conversations.

To find such compassion and sensitivity in kids is so rare.

I told Tristin he was my "third child." My very first encounter with this polite son of an army man, he quickly reprimanded Matt for talking back. "Listen to your mom, dude. She knows what she is talking about." I told him with that comment he was welcome any time in our house. My heart swelled. I instantly loved this boy.

And now he is gone. Gone.

- Written & submitted by Lisa Soros

31

MintyTreats

& Cool Eats

32

LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

Mint Julep Sorbet Ingredients: 1 cup sugar 2 cups water 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup bourbon 1/4 cup club soda Mint sprigs for garnish Directions Combine sugar, water, and mint leaves in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. Add the bourbon and club soda to the cooled syrup, stirring until combined.

Freeze mixture according to manufacturer's directions in an ice cream freezer. Place sorbet in a freezer-safe container and allow mixture to freeze for 4 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.

Mint Chip Ice Cream Ingredients 3 cups half & half 1 cup heavy cream 8 large egg yolks 9 ounces sugar 1 teaspoon peppermint oil 3 ounces chocolate-mint candies, coarsely chopped Directions Place the half-and-half and the heavy cream into a medium saucepan, over medium heat. Bring the mixture just to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and remove from the heat. In a medium mixing bowl whisk the egg yolks until they lighten in color.

Gradually add the sugar and whisk to combine.

Temper the cream mixture into the eggs and sugar by gradually adding small amounts, until about 1/3 of the cream mixture has been added.

Pour in the remainder and return the entire mixture to the saucepan and place over low heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon and reaches 170 to 175 degrees F. Pour the mixture into a container and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add the peppermint oil and stir to combine. Place the mixture into the refrigerator and once it is cool enough not to form condensation on the lid, cover and store for 4 to 8 hours or until it reaches 40 degrees for below. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker; add the chopped candies and process according to the manufacturers directions. This should take approximately 25 to 35 minutes. Serve as is for soft serve or freeze for another 3 to 4 hours to allow the ice cream to harden.

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LOCALEMAGAZINE MINT FEST 2011

Grilled Chicken with Mint and Radish Salad • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup lime juice (from 4 limes) • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 3 cups tender greens, such a baby lettuces • 1 cup fresh mint • 4 radishes, very thinly sliced • 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt • Freshly ground pepper • Lime wedges, for serving

Mint Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Frosting Cupcakes 2 cups walnuts, toasted, cooled 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 2 tablespoons honey 1 cup all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 6 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1 1/4 cups sugar 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Frosting 1/2 cup whipping cream 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 8 ounces high-quality white chocolate, chopped 1 tablespoon crème de menthe Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter two 12-cup mini-muffin pans.

Using on/off turns, blend first 4 ingredients in processor until walnuts are finely chopped. Whisk flour and baking powder in small bowl. Stir chocolate and butter in heavy small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Cool slightly. Using electric mixer, beat sugar, eggs, and vanilla in large bowl until very thick, about 4 minutes. Gradually beat in cooled chocolate mixture. Stir in walnut mixture. Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons batter into each prepared muffin cup. Bake cupcakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Cool in pan on rack. Cut around cupcakes to loosen; turn out onto work surface.

For frosting: Bring cream and butter to simmer in heavy small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until butter melts. Remove from heat. Add white chocolate; stir until melted. Mix in crème de menthe. Transfer frosting to bowl; let frosting cool at room temperature until firm enough to pipe, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours.

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Combine chicken, oil, lime juice, and garlic in a bowl. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat a grill or grill pan to high. Grill chicken until cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Combine greens, mint, and radishes. Sprinkle with salt, season with pepper, and drizzle with oil and lime juice. Serve with chicken and lime wedges.

“Domestic and sexual violence is the most under reported crime nationally, It is a crime that generally happens secretly in the home."

As the area!s authority on domestic and sexual violence issues, SafeCenter believes that everyone has the right to be safe. We provide

professional, confidential, compassionate services and resources that address domestic and sexual violence. You are not alone. We are here for you. Call our crisis line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 877.952.7283

Available Services: • Emergency Shelter • 24 Hour Crisis Line • Information & Referrals

• Individual Counseling & Advocacy • Basic Needs (Food & Clothing) • Housing Programs & Assistance • Legal Advocacy • Support Groups

• Prevention & Education Programs

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