More than 110 people gathered on Saturday, Oct. 5, to
celebrate the John C. Magnus Center Dedication and the Clare-Gladwin RESD
Golden Jubilee. The event recognized the RESD’s 50 years of service to Clare
and Gladwin counties, and named the nearly 25 acres of land recently acquired
by Clare-Gladwin RESD in memory of John C. Magnus, the property’s former owner.
Previously home to Magnus Tractor sales, the majority of the
acreage was donated to the RESD earlier this year by John’s wife, Verna Magnus
Green, and their children, Lt. Col. Mike Magnus, Darla Schmittner, and Michelle
Maeder. The property will be used to improve and expand learning opportunities
for local youth through Clare-Gladwin RESD’s student programs, including career
and technical education as well as special education.
The land contains multiple outbuildings, a barn, and a house
- many of which will be used to further the students’ skills.
Students in the Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s Construction Trades
program have already been busy this fall cleaning up the grounds and preparing
to make the home handicapped accessible for future use by Clare-Gladwin Area
School students. “The improvements that
have already taken place have been exciting – and it is only the beginning,”
said Verna.
Succeeding an invocation performed by Rev. Karen Blatt, the dedication
ceremony included an historical overview of Magnus Tractor Sales and
Clare-Gladwin RESD. Superintendent
Sheryl Presler also shared the journey that merged the two entities. “John’s
family felt he would approve of the facilities being used to teach the trades
to young people,” she said. “Some kids learn best with their hands. The trades
offer a purpose for learning math and English, a chance to work with others on
projects, and an opportunity to learn there are rewards from a hard day’s work.
There’s honor and dignity being employed in the trades and I don’t think John
would want anyone to ever forget that.”
Remarks by members of the Magnus family reinforced the significance of
the property’s past and the benefits it will bring to the community in the
future.
“My married life with John revolved around this business. The buildings
and grounds hold so many memories,” said Verna. “John would be pleased to know
that it will be used for those in need for many years to come.”
Following the program, attendants gathered around the property’s barn
to witness the ribbon-cutting that revealed the sign that now identifies the location
as the John C. Magnus Center.
“I want to especially thank Verna, Mike, Darla, and Michelle for their
generosity,” said Presler. “Also, thank you to the former and current CGRESD
staff, students, administrators, and board members for your energy and
dedication to the last 50 years and as we grow in the future.”
To see more photos from the event, click here.
To watch the sign reveal video, click here.
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