Arts Council Extends “Thank You” To Supporters By: Ron Huard [Click here to print article] November will be a busy month at Clinton County Arts Council as the board prepares for a series of “thank you” open houses showing appreciation to supporters who have made donations to the council in amounts of $500.00 or more. It all began last week when the first special event honored management and employees of Clinton Memorial Hospital. That group, collectively, has been a major supporter of the Arts Council and, according to Director Mike Muehlenbeck, “one we can always rely on.” Other “thank you” open houses are set for Tuesday Nov. 11 and Thursday Nov. 13. These will be followed by a special “members only” gathering on Monday Dec. 1 accompanied by the group’s annual meeting. The Nov. 11 session will honor the firms of Allaby & Brewbaker, FirstBank, Al’s Arial Service and Charles Dickenson. Two days later, special guests will include officials of the City of St. Johns, Avery Vision Center, Stoney Creek Essential Oils and Douglas Cook. “This is our means of expressing appreciation to all who have so generously assisted us during the year,” Muehlenbeck commented. “Without local support of this kind, we could not offer our community the schedule of cultural programs we maintain. Of course, many of our activities are also made possible with the support of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts."