Board reinstates

extracurricular clubs

GOODRICH -- The Board of Education voted to reinstate 12 extracurricular clubs for the remainder of the school year at its meeting Monday.

Vice President Ken Rappuhn, who chairs the district’s Activities Committee, recommended that the board reinstate clubs that are educational in nature – those that enhance and “support what is going to be done in the classroom.”

Clubs reinstated include: high school French, Spanish, SADD and Model United Nations clubs; middle school art club and Quiz Bowl; and the Oaktree Elementary school store and bank, small business, Spanish, literature and fifth grade art clubs.

Rappuhn said the clubs will give students the opportunity to explore areas they may not be able to in the classroom due to time, resources and other limitations. The Spanish Club, for instance, could have a cuisine night or explore dance and other cultural themes not in the classroom curriculum, he said.

Some athletic-oriented clubs, such as ski club, were not reinstated.

The district also will expand the Science Club from one club to three; make the sponsor positions for the Destination Imagination and dance clubs paid positions; and examine the possible of compensating sponsors for other clubs.

Students joining the clubs will pay a $25 participation fee, which will be used to help cover that specific club’s supplies.

Several clubs were cut over the past few years due to financial constraints. Now that the district has extra funds in the fund balance – about $1.1 million from cuts, unused funds and unexpected revenue from the district’s 2005-2006 operating budget – it was time for the board to offer students more activities, Rappuhn said. -- J.N.

 

Officer honored

GRAND BLANC TWP. -- The township board and township police department recognized Sgt. Debra Lintz for her service at last Thursday’s board meeting. Lintz retired this year after 28 years with the police department. She was the third female officer in the department and the first female sergeant.

“I can’t say enough good things about her,” Police Chief David Stamm said. “She has always thought about the community and department first.” -- P.H.

 

Robertson sworn in

GRAND BLANC TWP. -- Rep. David Robertson (R-Grand Blanc Twp.), who won re-election to his third and final term in the State House of Representatives in November, was sworn in Jan. 5. This will be his fourth term overall serving the 51st District.

“There is a lot that needs to be accomplished on behalf of the residents of our state,” Robertson said. “I will join with my colleagues to ensure that we continue to fight for fiscal responsibility.”

To contact Robertson and his staff, call 517-373-1780 or e-mail davidrobertson@house.mi.gov. -- P.H.

 

Winter taxes

GRAND BLANC -- City of Grand Blanc winter tax bills were mailed Dec. 1 and will be payable without penalty until Feb. 28. Unpaid summer tax bills, assessed penalties of three percent on Sept. 1, 2006, can also be paid through Feb. 28.

All unpaid summer and winter tax bills will be transferred to Genesee County on March 1. -- P.H.

 

EBay day

GRAND BLANC -- The Grand Blanc Post Office hosts an <I>eBay Day<$> from 5-7 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Holy Family Father Bush Parish Hall, 11824 S. Saginaw Rd.

Postal experts will explain online auctioning, demonstrate how to sell items on eBay and then how to use Click-N-Ship at www.usps.com to mail items. The post office also will have free prize drawings and refreshments during the training session.

“People who sell online want the process to be as convenient and cost-effective as possible, and we’ve got the experts who can show them how to make the most of it. Our online services meet their need for ease of use and efficiency,” said Grand Blanc Postmaster Patricia Tuer.

The post office asks that anyone planning to attend the eBay Day pre-register so the post office can gauge the number of people planning to attend. Call 810-694-4241 to register or with questions. -- J.N.

 

Financial aid night

GRAND BLANC -- Grand Blanc Community Schools hosts a Financial Aid Night at 7 p.m. Jan. 29 in the Commons of Grand Blanc High School East, on the corner of Holly and Saginaw Roads.

Staff from the UM-Flint Official of Financial Aid will present information and offer instructions and assistance for parents and students in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Parents and seniors from GBHS and all area high schools are welcome to attend. Call Gerald Survant, GBHS counselor, at 591-6651 with questions.

Information on student financial aid and FAFSA forms also are available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. -- J.N.

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