Features

St. Johns Alum Charles Brainerd to receive APA award
Courtesy of Stephen D’Angelo

Charles Brainerd, professor of human development and human neuroscience, will receive the American Psychological Association’s G. Stanley Hall award for distinguished contributions to developmental science at the APA’s August 2019 meeting in San Francisco. Regarded as the highest honor in the field of developmental psychology, the award is given to an individual or research team who has made distinguished contributions to developmental psychology in research, student training and other scholarly endeavors.

Brainerd’s research has had an impact on educational, developmental and cognitive psychology, and he is credited with major breakthroughs across his theoretical and empirical work.

“Chuck has done groundbreaking work in human memory and reasoning through experimental behavioral methods, mathematical models and neuroscience techniques,” said Qi Wang, professor of human development and department chair. “He co-developed fuzzy-trace theory of memory, judgment and decision-making that has been widely applied in the law and in medicine. His work exemplifies the best integration of theory-driven experimentation and evidence-based translational research.”

According to the APA, the award is based on the scientific merit of the individual’s work, the importance of this work for opening up new empirical or theoretical areas of developmental psychology, and the importance of the individual’s work linking developmental psychology with issues confronting society or with other disciplines.

Brainerd’s current research centers on the relationship between memory and higher reasoning abilities in children and adults, also focusing on false-memory phenomena, cognitive neuroscience, aging and neurocognitive impairment.

He has published more than 300 research articles and chapters and more than 20 books. His research covers human memory and decision-making, statistics and mathematical modeling, cognitive neuroscience, learning, intelligence, cognitive development, learning disability and child abuse.

Brainerd has been elected to the National Academy of Education; is a fellow of the Division of General Psychology, the Division of Experimental Psychology, the Division of Developmental Psychology and the Division of Educational Psychology of the American Psychological Association; and is a fellow of the American Psychological Society.

The editor of the journal Developmental Review, Brainerd has served as associate editor for journals including Child Development and The Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

Brainerd’s win of the 2019 G. Stanley Hall Award immediately follows the 2018 win of Stephen Ceci, the Helen L. Carr Professor of Developmental Psychology in the Department of Human Development.

Stephen D’Angelo is assistant director of communications at the College of Human Ecology.

[Editor’s note: Charles Brainerd graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns in 1962. During his high school years he was a member of the football, basketball and baseball teams. He was also involved in the drama and science clubs.]


Local residents complete unique adventure

James and Andrea Makarauskas of St. Johns received their BaccaLOOPerate degree from America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA). The degree is given in recognition of completing one of the world’s most unique adventures, America’s Great Loop.

Boaters doing the Great Loop are on a 6,000 mile journey that circumnavigates the eastern part of the U.S. and Canada, cruising up the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, through the New York State Canals, into the Great Lakes, down the inland river system, across the Gulf of Mexico, and around the southern tip of Florida.

The couple crossed their wake in Lake Michigan aboard State of Bliss, their 39’ Mainship power boat. In addition to facing the challenges inherent to long-distance cruising, James and Andrea enjoyed unparalleled views of the U.S. and Canada from the distinct vantage point of the water’s edge. Here’s what they said to sum up their adventure:
“From the First Forty miles to the last we were blissfully Moon Dancing the Cha Cha along the loop and so much more… Stop by and see us in Northport.”

Approximately 100 boats complete the Great Loop each year, making it a feat more unique than swimming the English Channel or Climbing Mount Everest. Throughout this trip of a lifetime, they relied on America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association to provide them with information and assistance vital to the successful completion of their journey.

For more information on America’s Great Loop, contact America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association, 500 Oakbrook Lane, Summerville, SC 29485, 1- 877-GR8- LOOP (478-5667), www.GreatLoop.org, email: info@greatloop.org.


National Best Book awarded to Holzhei


Josh Lance, President of AGLOW presents Bob Holzhei with a national Best Book Award – Photo courtesy of Shirley Holzhei

The Mountains Shall Depart by Robert E. Holzhei netted a 3rd Place in the 2018 “Awards-In-Craft Competition” at the annual Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers conference held this past September in Bismarck-Mandan, North Dakota. AGLOW’s membership consists of journalists, convention and visitor’s bureaus, and corporate sponsors from across the United States.

The novella is told from the perspective of a young boy, named Luke, who was raised on a family farm in the mid-1940’s. He was mesmerized by the grown-up world around him, but also confused. Early in life he learned of bad times that extended into an endless winter. The Old Man’s identity and the farm merged into one body; it was not only a tradition handed down by ancestors, but also a curse. The unexpected occurs and Luke asks himself, ‘what else could I have done for the Old Man?’
“Nothing, nothing at all,” stated Luke.

The novella traces the events leading up to the suicide of the Old Man. The story touches the heart as Luke searches to discover his place in the world, no longer locked in his childhood. Destiny occurs when Luke meets a Shaman in Alaska who provides guidance for Luke’s Spirit Journey. Gradually Luke lets go of the past, he had no control over.
In the end is Luke’s beginning!

The book was reviewed by Dave Barus, a syndicated New York columnist and editor of www.sharethe outdoors; his comments follow:
“A new book about adventure. Tragedy. Death. Life. Peace. Mystical intervention. Joy Leadership. Luke’s journey from childhood involves uncompromising risk that leads to burden, panic and tragedy. The spellbinding journey for Luke becomes mystical, when an Alaskan Shaman helps Luke shed a tragedy he can not erase from his childhood. The new trail becomes a Spiritual Journey where Luke discovers new energy and a life changing path that evolves into a life-long journey to coach others in a new role. Once you start reading the book, you realize that overcoming adversity, realizing new inspiration and linking to new goals is not about fiction.”

Recently Holzhei was asked by Marcia LeVigne, Assistant Director of Development, College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University, to work with students in a new Students Scholar program in its third year. Holzhei is available to speak at community groups and libraries about preserving family memories and the steps involved in self-publishing.


A Look Back – Craft Show

by Barry Clark Bauer

This looks like a craft show, I don’t have any information on it. The only woman identified is Frances Deibert, second from the left.


Letters – Voice debuts Virtual Tour and more soap box news

We are excited to share with you this wonderful Virual Tour of our office space. Please click here to see and experience the welcoming, child-friendly space you have supported us to create.

A great deal of care, thought, and planning has been invested to ensure our office is welcoming for children of all ages. The Virtual Tour offers families the opportunity to “walk through” and experience the office. This opportunity prior to visiting our office will assist in alleviating anxiety and help families prepare for their visit.

The Virtual Tour is amazing; however we also are happy to host tours. A Tour of Hope offers you the opportunity to learn more about our work and see the space YOU have created for abused and neglected children in our community. To schedule a Tour of Hope, please contact any member of our staff.

Kelly L. Schafer, M.S., Executive Director
The Voice for Clinton County’s Children

******

It’s official. Bees Chevrolet of st. Johns is our gold sponsor for the 2019 soap box derby race scheduled for June 16, 2019 on Clinton Ave. in St. Johns. Boys and girls 7 to 17, first 150 to sign up. Go to sjsoapboxderby.com or call 989 403 8581.

Dan Matson

******

Thank You Jeff Feldpausch from Bee’s for supporting the comeback of the St. Johns Soap Box Derby! I know when I raced as a young boy/teenager your Dad was very instrumental in the success of the Soap Box Derby, and I’m sure he would be very proud that you are supporting this great event.

I raced in the Soap Box Derby from about 1970 to 1975. It was a great event in St. Johns. People would come from all over to see it. My grandparents used to come up every year from Oklahoma to watch me race. Grandpa would always sit in front of Pierces Bakery to watch the race (and eat rolls and donuts)!

It taught me a lot about safely using power tools, and it was a great project for my dad and me to work on together. There are three divisions in Soap Box Derby. They are Stock, Super Stock and Masters. St. Johns will not have the Masters Division this first year.

The winner in each of the two divisions will race in the world championship in Akron Ohio. So all you guys and gals 7-17, put your video games and cell phones away for a short time, get off the couch and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!

Alan Nelson


Maralyn’s Pet Corner – How to Make Your Dog’s Crate Feel Like Home

courtesy of Kathy Blumenstock

Dog crates should be safe, comfy places for your canine companion to relax. That is why it is so important to choose dog supplies for your dog’s crate that turn it into the ultimate doggy den. When a dog crate is thoughtfully outfitted with the right dog crate accessories, like cozy dog crate mats, it can feel like a restful retreat.

Create a Secure and Tranquil Crating Experience

“When crate training is done properly, most dogs enjoy spending time in them and actually view the crate as their own special place. The most important thing is to make the crate a pleasant experience from day one,” says Kelly Armour, a certified behavior analyst/trainer and owner of The Virtuous Dog LLC in Reading, Pennsylvania.

She says that for the first few days with a new dog, if possible, you should plan to be at home, giving your new companion the reassurance of your presence and the time spent on positive training. “While keeping the crate door open, toss dog treats into the back and let your pet discover them at his own pace.”

Animal behaviorist Alice Moon-Fanelli, PhD, CAAB, of the Brooklyn Veterinary Hospital in Brooklyn, Connecticut, cautions, “Some individual dogs and some breeds of dogs are more prone to resisting being crated than others. Proper introduction to crating greatly influences whether a dog not only accepts but is comfortable being crated.”

And Armour emphasizes that “Crating should never be viewed as punishment. Keeping a new pet safe and out of trouble while you are getting familiar with each other and adapting to new routines is good for both the pet and owner.”

Getting the Right Fit for Your Dog

Like our own beds, sofas and chairs, both style and sizing for comfort are key to finding the right dog crate for your pet. “Specifics about crates have variable answers depending in part on the breed and the individual dog’s temperament,” says Moon-Fanelli. “Soft-sided crates are comfortable and convenient for dogs that don’t chew.”

For adult or average adolescent dogs who are already house-trained, Armour recommends “a crate that is large enough for the dog to comfortably sleep and move around with enough room for some special enrichment toys and treats like a KONG, bones, etc.”

“For elderly animals, I prefer to use a much larger size crate so that they have plenty of room to move, stretch and reposition,” Armour says.

Armour says that for dogs who are house-training (and possibly struggling), the general rule is that the dog crate should be just big enough to give your dog room to lie down and turn around. “Most dogs do not like to sleep in a soiled area, which is why the area should be small.” She reminds pet parents that when house-training your dog, “frequent potty breaks are critical,” and that if you’ll be away for hours at a time, a midday dog walker is a must for giving your pup those breaks outside his dog crate.

All the Comforts of Home

Once you’ve found the right style and size dog crate, it’s time to upgrade from empty space to cozy place with a few basics. Start with a spot for resting. “Some dogs chew and ingest their bedding; others snuggle up,” Moon-Fanelli says. “Know your dog to avoid injury and unnecessary veterinary visits.”

Armour agrees and adds that if dogs do tear up their bedding, the reason likely stems from “lack of exercise or proper enrichment (e.g., toys, training, exercise) before going into the crate for a period of time.” So if your dog likes to shred plush dog toys or is an avid chewer, you might want to choose a more simple dog crate mat as opposed to stuffed, plush one.

When you are choosing a mat or dog bed for your dog’s crate, you should keep the size of the crate in mind. The dog crate mat or dog bed you choose should not impede your dog’s ability to move or rest comfortably. It should allow them to get cozy as well as move around to find a resting position that they find comfortable.

You should also make sure to provide your dog with access to a dog bowl for fresh water and some crate-appropriate toys to keep them preoccupied while inside the crate. “Make the crate an interesting place to be by providing KONG toys, antlers or other special, long-lasting treats when your pet is in the crate,” Armour suggests.

Dog interactive toys can be great additions to your dog’s crate because they engage your pup in fun activities that he can do by himself. The KONG Extreme Goodie Bone is a great option for crate time because it can be filled with peanut butter and frozen for long-lasting fun. You can also try a dog toy like the Pet Zone IQ treat ball dog toy, which can be filled with dog treats or dog food to keep your dog happy and occupied while in the crate.

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable and Safe During Crate Time

Keeping your dog comfortable inside his crate is key. “For warmer months, or if you have a heavy-coated animal, a crate fan is an excellent option,” Armour suggests. “You want to carefully attach or position a fan to a crate so that it provides good ventilation but is not blowing directly on the animal in a way that he cannot move away if he feels too cool or uncomfortable.”

She reminds dog owners to avoid common hazards, such as placing the crate in direct sunlight or too close to a heat source where your dog cannot get relief from overheating. “And removing collars and harnesses is critically important to prevent a device [from being] snagged or caught in the crate,” she says.

Armour says that covering a crate at night or to give a dog quiet time can be a great option. “The most important thing to remember is that a cover can cause a crate to heat up and should only be done if someone is home to supervise, since it’s important to make sure the pet gets proper ventilation.”

Moon-Fanelli says that if a dog accepts a cover on his crate, the resulting quiet may allow owners to sleep in, as “it might minimize exposure to outdoor sounds and slow the dog’s awareness of sunrise.”

Make Sure to Provide Plenty of Exercise

If your adult dog must be crated for a long period—as in, a full work day—Armour recommends that he get at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise before going into his crate, as well as a walk with a dog walker to break up the day. Even as your dog accepts his crate time, he’ll always look forward to his favorite time of all—time spent with you.