A snowy day in St. Johns
by Maralyn Fink Woodbury
We were under a winter weather advisory for Tuesday into Wednesday of this week.
I decided to take a couple pictures from my front and backyard instead of getting on the road.
Hope everyone is safe and healthy.
Oxford, Advocate Sophie’s View
by Advocate Sophie as told to Kelly L. Schafer, M.S., Executive Director, The Voice for Clinton County’s Children
Advocate Sophie participated in two special assignments to support the Oxford Community. She is part of a statewide Canine Advocacy Program. These outstanding dogs answered the call to support Oxford schools as they reopened in December and January. The stories are not mine to share; this is Advocate Sophie’s view of those days.
My person and I took two early morning trips to work. I felt things were different, but just went back to sleep because I like car rides.
Before Christmas we went to a school with a lot, A LOT, of little humans. It was super exciting to walk with them, hang out in their classrooms, and get SO, SO many pets. One was bummed I didn’t know it was pajama day. I got to sit while some little humans read books to me; it made me happy one knew not to read me a book about cats. I just had fun but I could see the sad eyes and felt something was different for the humans. The taller humans thanked us so many times for coming and were giving extra hugs to the little humans who were struggling. After a long but FUN (for me) morning, I snored the entire way home.
In January on a snowy morning it was again a way longer ride to work, but I didn’t care I just got to go back to sleep. We parked at very big school. This felt like another different day. Walking into the school was hard for me to focus, it was snowing–I LOVE to play in the snow. This school had a lot more taller people, the day felt big.
I was assigned to be in the hallway where the really bad thing happened. My job was to just get all the pets, this is a really great job! Some of the humans were talking about teaching, all seemed a little nervous. Everyone was giving out hugs and most were saying how glad they were to be back. It wasn’t long before the hallways were full. I hope the humans knew I was happy, my tongue was out and tail wagging. I did not let the humans walk past me without petting me. I think I was told how cute I was at least 48,371 times (I know I am cute, but always good to hear). There were moments of humans crumbling and they just looked so sad. I just sat with them; if you know me sitting still is sometimes hard when I’m with people, but me being still during those moments seemed important.
When we left it was snowing a lot, and I got to play in it again. I heard that I made the car smell like wet dog; I am a dog; that makes sense. On the way home I got to have chicken nuggets (I NEVER get those, I LOVED them) and I snored again. This day had all the feels, and I would totally do it again if needed–I hope I am not.
I (Kelly) remember getting the message being asked if we could be available. Absolutely, no hesitation but a realization of what was bringing us all together. I definitely do not have ‘the’ answer. We all know there are many viewpoints on would have/could have/should have been done, hindsight is a luxury. Oxford, like too many communities, is forever changed; after our experience I remain hopeful for their healing. We really did see #OxfordStrong during our visits.
Together we must work together to support kids, youth, and families through the hard times. We cannot continue to look the other way or assume someone else we do something; we all are someone. If our agency can help, please contact us. wW may not be the person but we will help connect you.
Advocate Sophie and I hope to never again be needed in this capacity, but like so many others #WeWillBeThere.
Mark your calendar
The City of St. Johns Spring Clean-Up is set for Saturday, May 7, 2022. Please do not place items out to the curb prior to Saturday, April 30.
Items must be placed out by 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 7. Items placed after the contractor has passed will not be picked up.
Clean-up is limited to 3 cubic yards of material (approx. the size of a regular pick-up truck box). Pickers be courteous and keep areas tidy. Do not leave a mess!
Do put out:
-Appliances (appliances containing ANY food will not be picked up. Doors must be removed from refrigerator or freezer unit).
-Electronics (T.V.’s, computer and stereo equipment)
-Lawn mowers (must be drained of fuel and oil)
-Hub caps
-Copper or brass tubing and wiring
-Large toys
-Bicycles
-Furniture (indoor and outdoor) and mattresses
-Scrap metal (bed frames, aluminum lawn chairs, file cabinets, etc.)
-Odd pieces of lumber under 4 ft. long (must be bundled)
-Carpeting (bundles less than 6 ft. long)
Please box, bag or bundle (50 lb. limit) your items when possible.
Do Not put out:
-Household trash or recyclables (cans, bottles, etc.)
-Liquids or hazardous waste
-Automobile components
-Yard waste including stumps
-Batteries (can be recycled)
-Books, magazines and newspapers (can be recycled)
-Construction or demolition materials from major household repairs.
-Dirt or sand piles
-Latex paint (can be dried out and placed in weekly trash pick-up)
Any refuse that contains contaminated items, may be only partially picked up or left behind by contractor.
This is available for city residents whom live in a one to four unit dwelling. A refuse fee is applied to the summer tax bill to pay for this service. Any non-resident placing refuse illegally is subject to a $500 fine.
Remember When – Moving closer to ER Monitor purchase in February, 2012
It was a happy group that gathered for a photo after the karaoke winners announcement. From left, DeeDee Galesk, applause meter judge, Jan Kelly and Rick Preister, third place; Ed Delacruz, first place and Jerry Winans, second. Winans provided complimentary karaoke for the evening through his Smiley Day Karaoke service.
A near capacity crowd filled the Emerald Golf Course clubhouse Jan. 28, sampled chili, munched on hotdogs and cheered a line up of karaoke contestants while raising funds toward Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary’s project to purchase a bedside monitoring system. The fourth annual “Snow Day at the Emerald” hosted the largest attendance so far and when final tabulations are completed may well be the top fund raiser since the initial event.
The Auxiliary has been working toward the purchase of an $18,000.00 emergency room bedside monitoring system for the past few years and before the recent Snow Day gathering had raised $13,000.00. Fund raising chair, Kathie Clock was pleased and felt among this event, the spring flower sale, the annual golf outing and other projects, the goal may be reached this year.
Meanwhile, those attending this year’s Snow Day kept the spirit high as they tasted ten chili recipes, enjoyed a happy hot dog dinner with salad and chips, enjoyed an array of assorted dainty deserts prepared by Auxilian Dianne Zuker, shared the warmth of a huge bonfire, then screamed in excitement while being entertained by a group of eleven karaoke contestants who each gave a $5.00 entry fee. In all, the atmosphere was festive and the crowd cheerfully used its dollars to further the Auxiliary’s cause.
Tom Hollis smiles after receiving a trophy from Auxilian Mary Ann Ellickson representing first place in the chili cook off contest.
While the dollars flowed to the auxiliary, individuals received recognition, including Tom Hollis who took first place – on behalf of the Emerald – for his chili recipe. Larry Moeggenberg representing the American Legion won second place and Beth Smith of Main Street Café placed third. Other entrants included A-MAE-Zing Hair Care, Big Boy, Bruno’s, F.C. Mason, Galesk Tree Farm, Swany’s and Wheel Inn. Entrance fee for the cook off was $25.00 each.
Other recognition went to eleven karaoke contestants who kept the crowd cheering with personal renditions of favorite songs, new and old. Winners in this effort were Ed Delacruz, first; Jerry Winans, second and the team of Jan Kelley and Rick Preister, third. Winans donated his emcee skills and equipment as “Smiley Day Karaoke” on behalf of the Auxiliary’s project. A $400.00 half of a 50/50 drawing went to Jim Ellickson.
Ms Clock put a wrap on the evening by expressing appreciation to all who attended. “We are so thankful for this wonderful turnout,” she said, “and a special note to the chili and karaoke entrants for their efforts. We cannot forget Jerry Winans for coordinating and contributing his karaoke time and to the Emerald staff. It has been a fantastic evening.”
The Auxiliary’s next major fund raising effort will be the spring flower sale, set for mid-May.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Is Cat Depression Real?
People with depression experience persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in life. When it comes to cats, it’s impossible to know if they experience the mental state of sadness, but we can observe their behaviors to determine whether they experience a lack of interest in life and may be suffering from depression.
Here’s some helpful info and signs to watch for to help you understand your cat’s mental state.
Can a Cat Be Depressed?
Yes, your cat can get depressed. Some possible situations that lead to depressive signs in cats include:
– Loss of a family member
– Moving to a new house
– A change in the family’s schedule
– A change in physical health
– Loss of a Family Member
Many people still think of cats as solitary in nature. However, cats can be more or less social, depending on their experiences and living situations, and they can experience loss and grief similar to people.
When a family member moves out of the house or passes away, the family cat will experience a loss if they had a social connection to that person. It is also not uncommon for cats to grieve when a feline or canine housemate leaves or dies.
Moving to a New House
A change from the current living environment to something new can be stressful to both pet and pet guardian.
Aside from the stress of the move itself, moving from a large house to a smaller house or apartment would cut down the amount of space a cat has to explore and may restrict their level of activity, leading to depression.
In addition, when a cat that is used to having access to the outdoors moves to an apartment where they can’t go outside, they can become depressed.
Changes in the Family’s Schedule
When your work schedule changes and you’re absent for longer periods of time, your cat’s mental state may be affected. Also, when you go away on vacation and your cat is either left with a pet sitter or sent to a boarding place, your cat has no way of knowing that you will come back for them, so they may experience depression.
Changes in Physical Health
If an active cat starts to develop arthritis and can no longer jump up to their comfy spot on the couch, bed, or window, it can be depressing and lead to a loss of enrichment. As a result, your cat can become depressed.
In situations when a cat experiences a sudden loss of a limb or an eye, or they start losing their sight, that would totally affect how they navigate in the world. Some cats may adjust really well, but an older cat may take longer to adjust and may become depressed.
How Can You Tell if a Cat Is Depressed?
Some depressed cats may exhibit very obvious changes in behavior, whereas other cats may only exhibit subtle signs that you need to carefully look for.
– Cats experiencing depression may show:
– Decreased appetite
– Loss of interest in playing with their toys
– Less interest in interacting with feline/canine housemates or family members
– Increased vocalizations
– Decreased interest in going outside (if allowed outdoor access)
– An increase in the amount of time spent sleeping
– A decreased in the amount of time spent grooming (they have an unkept coat or mats)
– Increased frequency of urination in the litter box
– House soiling or not consistently using their litter box. Whenever a cat does not consistently use the litter box, take your cat to your vet to be examined.
Some of these signs can also be exhibited by a cat if they have an underlying health problem. Cats are predators to small creatures but prey to larger predators. As prey animals, cats have learned to hide the signs of any physical illness really well. Therefore, it is always important to have your cat examined by your veterinarian and diagnostic tests performed to rule out any underlying medical problems.
Do Indoor Cats Get Depressed?
It is easier to determine if an indoor cat is depressed because you see them more often. But outdoor cats can also experience depression.
Remember that depression in cats is a state of mind that is reflected by an overall decrease in activity. Your cat is no longer engaging in activities they once enjoyed, and they are sleeping more and more. So instead of exploring the yard or neighborhood, your cat may stay in one area of the yard or may not even go out at all.
How Do You Cheer Up a Cat That’s Depressed?
Although cats can experience depression, there are many things you can do to help them improve their mental health.
Spend Quality Time With Your Cat
To help your depressed cat, you can spend more time with them. Just sitting with them and petting them can soothe to a depressed cat. Some cats may enjoy ear rubs, scratches on the side of their face or under the chin, or even being brushed.
Introduce New Toys and Games
You can also try to spark your cat’s interest in life again by engaging your cat in more activities or offering them new toys of different sizes, textures, and colors.
Actively participate in playing, using fishing pole–type toys to entice your cat. You can also offer puzzle toys to encourage your cat to work for tasty treats, or provide toys that move around the floor in unusual patterns or make interesting noises. Download games made for cats to your mobile devices to engage your cat or subscribe to cat TV.
Offer New Types of Food
Some cats may show interest in different flavors or brands of food, or even human food such as boiled or roasted chicken, yogurt, or cheese. Other cats may respond well to meat-based baby food. Before feeding your cat human food, have your vet okay the type and amount of food.
Play Calming Music
There is soothing music designed specifically for cats that you can find on YouTube, such as a channel called “Music for Cats” that some cats may enjoy. The music contains underlying tracks of cats purring and other frequencies of sound that cats can hear.
Try Supplements
There are natural supplements that contain l-theanine and l-tryptophan that can increase serotonin in a cat’s brain to help combat depression. Serotonin is sometimes known as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, and higher levels are connected to feelings of calm and happiness.
Use Pheromones and Invigorating Scents
Feline pheromones may be calming to cats. You can also offer your cats different scents, such as mint, catnip, and rosemary to waken their senses.
Consider Adopting Another Cat
Some cats may enjoy the companionship of another cat. However, careful consideration is needed. Even if your cat was very social with a previous feline housemate who passed away, getting another cat may not be the right answer. Your resident cat may not want a replacement for their recently departed housemate.
Get Professional Help
You can also speak to your regular veterinarian regarding psychoactive medication for your cat. Ask for a recommendation for a veterinary behaviorist for a customized treatment plan and pharmaceuticals to help your cat.