Mint Festival Grand Marshal Mark Palmer: commitment to kids, community
By Rhonda Dedyne
Working with young people and being involved in community service has been a priority for St. Johns Public Schools Superintendent Mark Palmer throughout his career as an educator and administrator. Those attributes make him a perfect choice to help lead the 2018 Mint Festival as Grand Marshal of the Mint Parade, says Mint Festival General Chairperson Brenda Terpening.
“We are very excited to have Mark as our Grand Marshal for 2018. He has a great interest in seeing that kids excel in our community, and the Mint Festival is a lot about kids in many ways. The Committee’s choice of Mark for Grand Marshal was a unanimous decision.”
The roots to that decision were planted back in 1999 when Mark and his wife, Denise, moved to Clinton County following his acceptance of an offer to serve as St. Johns High School Principal. The distinctive aroma of mint became part of the daily summer routine during his first year at SJPS.
“That first year here, we were living in a house in Bengal Township on Centerline Road near Francis Road where Tom Irrer and his family farm mint,” Mark recalls with a smile, noting the fragrance of newly chopped mint. “Denise and I were very familiar with farming having grown up in the Shepherd area, but this was our first introduction to mint.”
Being part of a district like St. Johns Public Schools is a perfect fit for the family that includes daughters Grace and Jada, both of whom were born here and are students at SJHS. “This area fits our lifestyle perfectly,” Mark says, citing the advantages of a large-size school system that has an intimate community feel. “In terms of community service, it’s important to be actively involved and also be visible at events – both school and non-school.”
The respected educator is a member of the St. Johns Kiwanis Club, serving in various capacities over the years. Along with other area residents, Mark and Denise helped organize “Compassion in Action” that provides back-packs filled with food items to students in need. “The response by donors to the back-pack program has been unbelievable,” he says. “We fill about 50 back-packs every two weeks for distribution at our elementary schools.”
That kind of dedication is evidenced in work on behalf of the Mint Festival, too, Terpening says. “Mark has always supported the Mint Festival’s use of school property for Festival events like the Mint Queen Pageant, parking at and around St. Johns High School for various Mint activities, and the Redwing Marching Band’s participation in the Mint Parade.”
As the Grand Marshal, Superintendent Palmer will have a great view of the thousands of people who will line the streets from SJHS through to the downtown business district. The parade begins at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 11 – and he’s ready for it.
“St. Johns Public Schools is a tremendous school system and I am very pleased and proud to be serving our students and families here,” he says. “I am also looking forward to my expanded role as superintendent and the opportunities that provides to work with even more community residents. The people here have given so much to our family and it’s important to give back to them.”
Past Grand Marshals
1985 Robert Halsey and Lawrence Yallup
1986 Alden Livingston
1987 Frank Sipkovsky
1988 Louis Sipkovsky
1989 Esther Crosby
1990 Peter Kurncz, Sr.
1991 Otto and Donna Kus
1992 J.E. Crosby, Jr.
1993 Richard Woodhams
1994 Larry Crosby
1995 Tom Irrer
1996 Peter Kurncz, Jr.
1997 Larry Kus
1998 Jerry Henning
1999 All Past Grand Marshals Honored
2000 Paul and Joann Martis
2001 Jim Crosby
2002 Doug Irrer
2003 John Kurncz
2004 All Past Grand Marshals Honored
2005 Shirley Huguelet and Ed Martis
2007 Art Motz
2008 Mark Crosby
2009 All Past Grand Marshals Honored
2010 Andy Todosciuk
2011 Mayor Dana Beaman
2012 Dean, Leo and Paul Henning
2013 Walter Viges
2014 Karl and Heather Hanover
2015 Bill Richards
2016 Dennis and Pat Koenigsknecht
2017 Ted Lewis
Band Camp, 2018 (turn on your speakers)
courtesy of Troy Hicks
Mint Festival Free Entertainment: Performers and Venues
There are many exciting entertainers to watch throughout the weekend in the City Park and on the County Fairgrounds. Our Entertainment Sponsor is McLaren Health Plan.
Friday, August 10
Main Pavilion
4:00 – 5:00 pm Karen Domanski
Performance Shell
6:00 – 8:00 pm Brenda Loomis Band (www.brendaloomis.com) / (Country, Rock and Blues)
Saturday, August 11
Main Pavilion
3:30 – 4:30 pm Miriam Quinlan (Country, Rock and Folk)
Performance Shell
1:00 – 2:00 pm Mint City Singers
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy some music with us. Mint City Singers is part of the Clinton Co. Arts Council and is partially funded by a grant from MCACA and the Natl. Endowment of the Arts.
5:00 – 7:00 pm Donald Benjamin (www.donaldbenjaminofficial.com) (Country)
Country Fairgrounds
12, 2, 4 and 6 pm Dog Shows(jumping, agility, dancing)
3:00 – 4:00 pm Capital Ballet
Sunday, August 12
Main Pavilion
12:00 – 1:00 pm Paul Imholte (Dulcimer, Fiddle, Banjo and Mandolin)
Performance Shell
1:00 – 2:00 pm DeWitt Community Band,
12, 2 and 3:30 pm Dog Shows
Strolling
1:00 – 5:00 pm Paul Imholte
A Look Back – 1974 Bowling Champs
by Barry Clark Bauer
Members of a 1974 Bowling Championship team accept their awards from Mike Hatta (left) and Jon Tatroe (right) at the Redwing Bowling Lanes in St. Johns.
The members of the team are unidentified.
Bennie and Jessie’s Pet Info – How to Check for Dog Ear Problems
Courtesy of Teresa K. Traverse
Having a dog ear infection or other dog ear problem can cause a great deal of discomfort, so it’s important for pet parents to notice when there’s an issue. Most pet parents are probably not in the habit of peering into your dog’s ears every day.
To help protect the health of your dog’s ears, it’s smart to get into a routine of checking them at least once a week. That way you are able to spot any potential dog ear infections or problems, and you can take proactive measures before these issues develop into more serious dog ear problems.
Getting your dog used to having their ears handled as a puppy will make it easier to handle them when checking for or treating dog ear infections in the future.
Here’s some advice from veterinarians on how to check your dog’s ears, what to look for and how to keep them healthy.
Signs of Dog Ear Problems
You should check the ears about once a week, especially if your dog has had skin or ear issues in the past. If you have a hanging ear dog breed, be sure to lift up the flap and check on their ears more often to watch for infection or disease. Dr. Loft says you can shave around the ear opening so it’s not as hidden.
Before you get out the dog hair clippers, though, make sure to ask a professional groomer or veterinarian how to shave this area properly to avoid rashes or wounds that can lead to infection and irritation.
Some surefire signs that your pup is suffering from a dog ear problem are:
Pungent odor
Discharge
Blood
Irritated or red skin
Inflammation
Dr. Goetz cautions that if part of your dog’s ear feels like a pillow or balloon, he might have an aural hematoma. Essentially, the dog has broken blood vessels underneath the skin, which causes the ear flap to start to fill with blood. If you notice that your dog’s ear flap has started to look inflated or swollen, you should take them to your veterinarian right away. They will examine the ear and decide on an appropriate course of treatment.
If you notice any of this in your dog’s ears, then it is time to make a trip to your veterinarian.
Common Behaviors That Indicate Dog Ear Problems
If your dog is excessively scratching or pawing in the ear, tilting his head or excessively flipping his head, it may also be a sign that he is experiencing discomfort, says Dr. Matthew Goetz, DVM, medical director for the Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA in Phoenix.
If your dog is turning in circles, off balance, ataxic or uncoordinated, tripping over objects, or showing signs of vertigo, it could be a sign of a middle or inner ear infection, which is serious and should be treated immediately, says Dr. Klaus Earl Loft, DVM, a veterinary dermatologist at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts.
Another sign of a dog ear problem that you may not have expected is if you notice other dogs continually sniffing at your pup’s ear. Dr. Loft suggests that this could also be a sign of ear infections in dogs.
How a Vet Might Treat Your Dog
If your pup’s ears show any signs of infection, or you’ve noticed any of the behaviors that indicate an infection, you need to take your pet to see the vet before trying any type of treatment at home.
“The reason why it’s really important that you go see your veterinarian before you start any medication is that it’s important that the vet be able to look into your dogs’ ear and make sure that the ear drum is still intact. If you have a ruptured ear drum, and you put certain medications in there, it can cause deafness,” says Dr. Goetz.
A vet will perform an ear swab first. The ear swab tests for yeast, bacteria, ear mites and white or red blood cells. If you suspect an ear infection, heading to the vet is important.
A vet might need to send test results to a lab to determine the best treatment, depending on the infection. Most veterinarians can look at the sample through a microscope and determine the cause of acute and external ear infections. Chronic and middle/inner ear infections often need a culture that is then submitted to a lab for evaluation.
Dogs will typically receive antifungal or antibacterial medications, says Dr. Goetz. For a really severe ear infection, Dr. Goetz may prescribe oral antibiotics. If you’re having trouble administering ear medication, Dr. Goetz advises asking your veterinarian about long-lasting ear medications, which can last for 10-14 days.
How Often Should You Clean Dog Ears?
When it comes to cleaning dog ears, Dr. Loft warns pet parents that too much ear cleaning can actually damage your pet’s ears.
“I’m not encouraging people to clean the ear every day and do it as a precautionary, because that sometimes will render the ear more susceptible to maceration [when the skin breaks down after exposure to moisture] or infections,” says Dr. Loft.
Although you shouldn’t be cleaning your dog’s ears often or as a preventative method, there may be instances where you will want to clean them. This should be done after you’ve consulted your vet and discussed treatment.
If your dog is prone to ear infections, you may want to consider cleaning his ears weekly or monthly. You will also want to take extra precaution if you take your dog swimming or submerge his ears during a bath. Try drying them out afterwards or even cleaning them, since moisture in the ear can cause infection. Most veterinary recommended ear cleaners contain a safe drying agent which allows residual water to evaporate, which lessens the risk of infection after swimming or bathing.
How to Clean Dog Ears
According to Dr. Loft, “It’s best to stay away from harsh products like alcohol, vinegar or peroxide, which can make a bubbly sound inside the ear and scare your dog.” To clean your dog’s ear, you should always use an ear cleaner that is made specifically for dogs.
Never use cotton swabs on or in your pet’s ears for any reason. This can lead to serious injury and a trip to the emergency vet.
Here are the steps:
– Dr. Loft recommends holding the bottle over the ear canal and gently squeezing the solution into the ear. He advises not putting the bottle or tip in the ear directly.
– You then massage the base of your dog’s ear to loosen up the debris within the ear
– Let your dog shake their head. By shaking their head, your dog is bringing the softened wax and debris to the front of the ear canal, which makes it easier for you to clean away.
– Use a large cotton ball to wipe away all the wax and debris. Be gentle when wiping inside your pup’s ears. The skin within the ear is very sensitive and can be injured if you continually wipe at it.
Chronic Dog Ear Infections
Goetz says having your dog’s ear infections treated early is important for ear health. This is especially crucial for chronic ear infections.
Some chronic infections are so bad that surgical removal of the ear canal is the only option left for pain control—total ear canal ablation (TECA) surgery.
“If you have chronic ear infections that go untreated, you’re definitely going to be predisposed to having hearing loss earlier in life,” says Goetz.
Letters – Union Home Cemetery Association annual meeting
The Public is hereby notified of and invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Union Home Cemetery Association to be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at the United Methodist Camping Center (former Salem United Methodist Church) at 2307 W Maple Rapids Road, Saint Johns, MI 48879.
The annual reports and election of officers for the Association will be held at this meeting in addition to any other business that may be required.
Submitted by Gayla Phillips, Secretary
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Reducing Vet Clinic Anxiety
courtesy of Victoria Schade
A visit to the vet clinic can be stressful for both pets and their people. For many cats and dogs, a simple wellness exam is actually a series of increasingly scary and uncomfortable manipulations that might result in the animal lashing out at the practitioner. And for pet parents, the stress of watching their best friend go through necessary yet anxiety-inducing exams might deter them from returning to the veterinarian for important health checks.
That doesn’t have to be the case. Three revolutionary certifications are changing the way veterinarians interact with their patients, and in turn, are changing the way pets and their people view their time in the vet clinic. Practitioners report less stress on both sides of the exam table, which leads to better diagnostics and happier, healthier patients.
What Is Fear Free Certification?
Developed by Dr. Marty Becker in 2016, the mission of Fear Free Certification is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them. The certification process includes a series of courses, both online and in person, that is available to veterinary professionals as well as all individuals employed at a vet clinic, from veterinarians and nurses to customer service representatives and practice managers.
The Difference Between Traditional and Fear Free Handling
According to Dr. Joanne Loeffler, DVM and Fear Free Certified Practitioner at the Telford Veterinary Hospital in Telford, Pennsylvania, the primary difference is the way the practitioner interacts with the patient.
“The traditional way of doing veterinary medicine was to make the pet deal with whatever procedure we needed to get done,” says Dr. Loeffler. “That would mean pinning an animal down, forceful restraint, etc., for sometimes unnecessary things, like a nail trim.”
Dr. Loeffler says that using Fear Free techniques allows the practitioner to change their approach to consider the animal’s emotional state in order to accomplish procedures. She adds, “Fear Free is a culture change from the way most of us were taught how to handle animals. In the time I’ve been involved in Fear Free, I’ve seen such a change in the compliance rate of my patients and clients. Fear Free is about treating the animal with respect and working with them to realize the vet’s office isn’t such a scary place.”
Fear Free Certification and the Diagnostic Process
“Lower stress means better diagnostics,” says Dr. Loeffler. “By having a more compliant patient, we can get more accurate heart rates, temperatures and blood pressures, and even some bloodwork values (like glucose) are more accurately assessed on a calm patient versus a stressed one. Also, when a pet has continued low-stress visits with us, a pet owner will be more likely to bring them in earlier if they get sick, which often translates into a better and quicker response to treatment.”
What Is the Cat Friendly Practice Program?
Established by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the International Society for Feline Medicine (ISFM), the Cat Friendly Practice program (CFP) is a global initiative designed to elevate care for cats by reducing the stress for the cat, the caregiver and the entire veterinary team.
According to Dr. Elizabeth J. Colleran, DVM, MS, Diplomate Feline Specialty Practice and Cat Friendly Practice Task Force Chair, CFP is a self-paced online program that walks veterinary practices and professionals through all the tasks necessary to reduce the fear and stress of a cat’s visit to the vet clinic.
How Cat Stress at the Veterinarian Is Different Than Dog Stress
“Cats have a very deep connection to their home. They don’t like to leave it. Ever.” Dr. Colleran explains. “The anxiety begins as soon as they leave their ‘home range.’ From there, each new experience adds a bit more stress: strangers, loud noises, unusual odors, quick movements. Once fully anxious, they will stay that way for a long, long time. Cats have uniquely heightened senses and are more sensitive to stimuli than many other animals—sensations can be overwhelming for cats.”
Cats can also show redirection anger, which means that they will lash out at anyone in front of them at the peak moment of stress. Many owners will try to calm their cats during stressful times, putting themselves at risk of scratching, or even worse, a cat bite.
Benefits for Veterinarians Using Cat Friendly Practice Protocols
Cat Friendly Practice veterinarians note that the designation can decrease anxiety for everyone in the exam room. In a 2017 survey, CFP veterinarians said that their patients are less stressed; their clients are happier about the visit experience; and their clients noticed that how much these specialized vets care about cats. “Understanding how cats experience the world gives CFPs the tools to make the changes essential to make health care easy,” Dr. Loeffler says.
What Is Low Stress Handling Certification?
The Low Stress Handling Certification program was developed by Dr. Sophia Yin and released in 2014. Certification involves completing 10 online lecture and lab courses, passing a multiple-choice exam at the end of each lecture, and passing a final multiple-choice exam. Dr. Sally J. Foote, DVM, CABC-IAABC, LSHC-S and Low Stress Handling Silver Certified veterinarian states, “This is an in-depth program in the fundamentals of behavior, understanding the patient in front of you right now, and how to approach and deliver care right now to this animal in a less stressful way.”
The Difference Between Traditional and Low Stress Handling
Dr. Foote notes a connection between the traditional use of force during an exam and the animal’s stress levels. “The most common misstep by veterinary clinics not using Low Stress is adding more people for restraint to get the job done, like vaccinations, nails or blood draw, and not removing or reducing the triggers that are increasing the stress in the animal.” She adds that recognizing when the animal has had enough, and either using medication to assist the exam process or splitting up care, is also important for the health of the animal and safety of the practitioner.
How Does Low Stress Handling Aid Veterinarians and Pets?
Low Stress Handling techniques teach veterinarians to better understand the emotional states of the animals they’re examining, which can reduce the animal’s reactivity, and in turn reduce injury risk to the practitioner. Dr. Foote states that clients are more likely to come in when care is needed rather than trying to avoid the stress of care on the pet.
“I have also heard many veterinarians say that the client finds the veterinarian more credible because the veterinarian recognizes what this pet is feeling,” says Dr. Foote. “So if this vet can recognize stress and fear, they certainly must be able to recognize a bigger medical problem.”
Helping Your Pet Feel More Comfortable at the Vet
Dr. Foote says that creating a handling plan based on the animal’s needs and combining the efforts of both the veterinarian and pet parent in reducing the patient’s stress is the most effective approach.
She suggests open communication with your veterinarian as a way to reduce stress in the exam room. “Tell the veterinary staff and veterinarian before the exam begins what part of your pet’s body they do not like touched [and] how they like to be approached—for example, no reaching or avoid looking in the eye.”
Cats
Much like with dogs, the process of traveling to the veterinarian often sets the stage for intensifying anxiety. Dr. Loeffler says that one of the most powerful ways cat parents can reduce this stress buildup is to teach their cats to love their cat carriers. Leave the carrier out and place bedding and cat toys inside well in advance of a scheduled visit, so that when the time comes to head to the cat veterinarian, the cat will already have a positive association with the carrier.
Dogs
Dr. Loeffler believes that the first step to a happier vet visit for dogs is a stress-free car ride, as well as teaching your dog simple placement cues that are helpful during the exam. Dr. Loeffler says that teaching a dog to stand for an exam and blood draw can go a long way in making the exam more comfortable for everybody involved.
Bringing a hungry pet and high-value dog treats can also help, as well as establishing a comfort level with muzzling beforehand, since veterinarians often need to examine areas that may be painful, which puts them at risk for biting.
You can also talk to your veterinarian about using anxiety management products for dogs, like holistic calming treats or sprays that can help to diffuse stress.