Remembering Pee Wee on his 100th birthday anniversary
courtesy of Jim Price
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Avelino Pena was born in Larado, Texas. In 1923. Al moved To St Johns Michigan In 1952.
Al started working at the St Johns Public Schools in 1970 as a janitor. There is where he got his nick name of “Pee Wee”. Al Was a happy go lucky, friendly person.
When I met Al for the first time, he was working at Rodney B Wilson High School, In my High School years of 1963-1966 everyone knew Pee Wee because of his size and his being so friendly.
Pee Wee worked hard in his free time to be able to get his high school diploma in 1973, something he never was able to receive when he was younger. Pee Wee worked for the St Johns Public Schools until he retired in 1990.
Pee Wee was well known around town. After his retirement, he volunteered at The Clinton County Senior Center, and at Hazel Findley Country Manor. In The winter months Al was alway seen cleaning the sidewalk after a snowfall in the first block of Clinton Ave on the east side where he lived for years in an upstairs apartment.
He would get his mail from a Post Office Box at The Post Office here in St Johns. That’s where I really got to know Al, seeing him every day picking up his mail, and visiting with us window clerks at the post office where I worked for 30 years.
I just thought it was fitting for me to pay tribute to a great community member, as Al “Pee Wee” was. As of August 26, 2023 Pee Wee will be celebrating his 100th Birthday in Heaven. He’s been gone off the streets in St Johns Since 2008, but to me he will never be forgotten.
Please help me pay tribute to this fine gentleman on this 26th of August, 2023.
Local farmers to be inducted into Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame
– from an earlier interview
For over 55 years, Ken and Liz Nobis of Saint Johns have been involved in the agricultural industry. They own 1600 acres and rent an additional 900 acres at their farm in Bengal Township, housing 1000 dairy cows and growing crops such as alfalfa, corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Ken has actively contributed to the dairy industry over the years, both on and off the farm. He served as a board member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association and was president for many years. He was also honored to serve as vice-chair of the National Milk Producers Federation. Due to the close proximity of Michigan State University to their farm, Ken has helped countless students complete research projects on Nobis Dairy Farms.
The Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame was founded in 1982 by Bill Aukerman, with its annual induction ceremony held during the Prairieville Farm Days for the next twenty-eight years. In 2015 with the assistance of Harry & Sharon Pratley and the Fredonia Grange #1713, a board of directors was established, and the hall of fame moved to its current home at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds in Marshall.
The 2023 Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Saturday, September 9 at 2:00 p.m. at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds in Marshall, and is open to the public.
For more information, visit www.MichiganFarmersHallOfFame.org or follow their Facebook page.
77th Annual DeWitt Ox Roast – an album
Donate to Sea Lions Scholarship Fund in memory of Heidi
Heidi is in the center of the top row
The family of Heidi Scranton would like to recommend that you donate to the Sea Lions Scholarship Fund in her memory.
Using donor gifts and available Sea Lions funds, the goal is to accept at least three applications per swim session. The number may vary based on available funds. Each scholarship will cover full swim fees for one session, and will also include a team suit, team cap, and a pair of goggles. Your application will be anonymous to all but the Board President and Treasurer, who handle team records and finances. The team Board may help evaluate responses, but will not see your name or your child’s name. No financial information will be requested. You may submit one application for multiple swimmers in one household.
The fund is honored to receive any swim scholarship donations in memory of Heidi Scranton, to whom swimming was such an important part of her life. Heidi started in Sea Lions as an 8-and-under during the 1977-78 season with coaches Goins, Martindale, Stratton, Munger, Jan (Newhall) Simmons, and Gavenda. She continued swimming in high school under coaches Makarauskas and Meyer. She made lifelong friends on both teams and fondly recalled many fun years in Sea Lions. Please note Heidi’s name with any donations made in her memory.
Any donations will go directly to the scholarship program to help sponsor a swimmer who may not otherwise be able to join the team.
Donations by check can be made out to St. Johns Sea Lions and mailed to:
800 South US 27 #108, St. Johns, MI 48879.
If you would rather pay with cash, please email stjohnssealions@gmail.com to make arrangements. If you would like to pay online, please see follow this link.
CCRESA recognizes 35 years of service
Each year CCRESA honors employees who have reached a service milestone. This year Martha Hibbs, Paraprofessional in the Early Childhood Special Education program, was recognized for 35 amazing years of service.
While currently in Early Childhood, Martha has worked in a variety of programs and locations throughout her years with CCRESA, always having a positive impact on those around her.
Dr. Scott Koenigsknecht, CCRESA Superintendent, presented Martha with her service award and thanked her for her years of dedicated service to the students and families of Clinton County.
Remember when? – Heidi Scraanton honored in 2022
Dedicated: Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor has named their recreation center in honor of retired Activity Leader Heidi Scranton. Heidi’s friends and work family say that she still supports them tirelessly, sends ideas and gifts and helps plan events.
Letters – Looking for photos of past Mint Queens
I was just wondering if you had any photos in your archives of past Mint Festival Queens, primarily from 1985 to 1989? We have been all over the place looking and no one seems to be able to turn any up. I know stories are done on the history of the festival from time to time and most of the stories include the past mint queens. Any help you may have to offer is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Patty Baxter
Editor’s note: The photos Patty is looking for include
1985 Becky Irrer
1986 Cheryl Rademacher
1987 Denise Egres
1988 Janice Rademacher
1989 Elizabeth Baker
Please send photos or information to sjindy@gmail.com We will see that they get to Patty, but we want to see them too!
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
courtesy of Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP
Many pet parents find themselves asking questions after adopting a new pup, including how often they should bathe their dog. The answer can be tricky since it depends on the dog and other factors.
There are no hard and fast rules for bathing—but how often will depend on many things, including the breed of dog, their coat type, lifestyles, and the time of year.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
Bathing and grooming are two related but different things. All dogs need regular grooming. This includes trimming their toenails, brushing their coat out, using de-shedding tools for dogs with thicker coats, and cleaning their ears and folds of their skin.
Some dogs will need more frequent grooming than others. However, most dogs will benefit from a weekly “once over” to shorten their nails, clean their ears, and take care of small snags and tangles in their fur. A full bath—including a wet down, shampoo, and rinse varies. Bathing too frequently can lead to dry coats and skin problems, while not enough bathing can lead to health problems and a stinky pup. The happy medium may range from bathing your dog once a week to only a few times a year.
Dog Breed and Dog Coat Type
Your dog’s breed will be a huge determining factor for how often to bathe them, and how much work this process entails. It isn’t as simple as fur length, as hairless dogs like the Xoloitzcuintli need quite a bit of coat care even though they don’t have much fur. Other dogs, such as the Puli, have super long coats. They surprisingly need little care—especially after their coats have been corded. Double-coated dogs like Labradors often need more de-shedding work than they do bathing, and long-haired pups like Collies tend to get more tangles and mats which require regular care.
As a rule, the larger the dog and the longer the coat, the more effort will be needed to keep things under control, although this may not mean bathing, but more general grooming and coat care. Be sure to research the breed (or mix of breeds) to find out its needs before adopting. As a responsible pet parent, you need to know what to expect.
Health Conditions
If your pup has any health conditions—particularly those that affect the skin—your veterinarian will likely have additional guidelines to consider when developing a bathing schedule. Be mindful that medicated shampoos may be necessary to treat some skin conditions, and that these dogs may need to be bathed either more or less frequently than the general breed recommendations.
Using the wrong product on a dog with unhealthy skin could make matters worse, so if you are noting any changes in your pet’s skin, be sure to check it out with your veterinarian before opting for a product.
Seasonality
The time of year will also affect how often to bathe and what products to use. During the warm, wet months of the year, many dogs are prone to greasy coats and doggy odor. Skin allergies will also be more in focus, with scratches and sores developing. Parasites such as fleas and ticks are also more common, further irritating the skin. This means that more frequent baths—often with medicated products—are necessary.
Dogs that swim in the warmer months may not need as many baths but will need a good rise in clean water post swim. During the winter, dogs typically aren’t as dirty, but are more prone to dry skin which can be itchy and irritating, so a moisturizing shampoo is necessary. The level of bathing will depend on the amount of dirt and grime on your pooch.
Age and Lifestyle
Puppies and young adults tend to be experts when it comes to finding ways to get dirty. As a result, these dogs often need more baths.
As dogs age, they tend to become more inactive. Some dogs prefer to stay indoors rather than play outside. Senior pups typically do not need as much bathing—usually just enough to keep any body odor at bay. You can also invest in some grooming wipes to keep them smelling fresh between baths.
Senior dogs also have restricted activity and may have trouble keeping themselves clean. They may require more intensive grooming, as they may not be able to do it on their own. Some of these pups may start to show health issues, such as urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence can cause dogs to easily soil their coat. If they are managing health conditions, daily wipes and spot cleaning may be necessary.
How Often Should You Brush Your Dog?
Brushing should be done daily for long-coated breeds and at least weekly for dogs with a short coat. Brushing goes a long way to keep fur and underlying skin healthy. Dogs with thick coats will need to have the undercoat pulled out with de-shedding tools, while dogs prone to tangles will need careful dematting.
Most mixed-breed dogs will benefit from brushing a few times a week. When in doubt, brush it out.
Dog Bathing Products to Have on Hand
Before stocking up on bathing supplies, chat with your veterinarian to be sure they are right for your pooch.
Some great products to keep on hand include:
Miller’s Forge nail trimmers
General ear cleaner (ask your veterinarian if your dog needs a prescription cleaner)
Soft brush for your dog’s topcoat
De-shedding tool for the undercoat (if your dog has one)
Towels to prevent slipping and sliding on the floor in the bathing area
Fluffy towels for drying off
A hair dryer to lessen moisture
Shampoo/conditioner: oatmeal products tend to work well for all skin types
Waterless shampoos for in between bath clean ups
Grooming wipes for spot cleaning
Professional Grooming Considerations
Many pet parents take their pups regularly to have a groomer do all the heavy hitting. If you prefer a particular haircut for your pup, or it’s time to do a seasonal shave down, these tasks are often best left to a groomer. If you notice your dog has tight knots or has rolled in something sticky like bubblegum, groomers have special tools to deal with the situation safely.
Whether you want to groom your dog or have a professional take care of them, good coat care is not only cosmetic, but also critical to the health of your pup.