Ensuring Children’s Voices are Heard
courtesy of Kelly Schafer
Six years ago the brainstorming could not have foreseen the impact of our work in the lives of Clinton County Children. Six years ago when CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) planning began and the idea of a CAC (Child Advocacy Center) was tossed around, the real life impact was yet to unfold. Now, in 2019, I am forever grateful for the caring work which has solidified both services for Clinton County Children who have been physical abused, sexually assaulted, and/or neglected.
Six years ago my viewpoint was more practical How does Clinton County not have these services? This is a generous county of both time and resources.
In 2019 my viewpoint has dramatically shifted to this work matters far more than I will every be able to measure, especially to all the amazing kiddos I have been so fortunate to meet along our journey.
Along with our amazing volunteers and staff, I am often asked, How do I do this work? How do we sit with children who have been abused and hear their hard stories? How can we listen to the details as children talk about sexual circumstance they should not have been forced to experience? My response is often how do we not listen? How do we not help shoulder burdens children should not carry? How do we not work with our partners to provide support through a healing journey?
The heart work done by The Voice for Clinton County’s Children and our partners has grown significantly since planning began six years ago. To meet the needs of the clients we are entrusted to serve and with a generous grant opportunity, we are now serving Clinton County from two locations in St. Johns.
Our Child Advocate Center (CAC) remains in our building filled with beautiful murals. We invite you to our CAC Fall Open House on Friday, September 13th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Our CAC is located at 1207 N. US 27 in St. Johns, just to the west of Sundance and next to Redwing Lanes Bowling Alley.
Our Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program will be serving from 306 E. Elm Street in St. Johns. Building neighbors include Dr. Rajesh and Sparrow Medical Supply. CASA will host an Open House later this year when we are all moved and settled in to our space.
We hope you will consider how you can ensure abused children’s voices are heard. There are many ways to support our work; I would challenge everyone to attend our Open Houses, meet and speak with our dedicated volunteers and staff, visit our website www.voiceforclintoncountychildren.org, follow us on Facebook, and thoughtfully consider how you will make an impact for Clinton County’s children who have experienced neglect, physical abuse, and sexual assault.
Aviation Exploration Day flies into the IQhub
Noah Hassenzahl, 10, displays his prize for winning the rocket launch.
More than 350 people spent September 7 at Aviation Exploration Day, hosted by the IQhub, the learning center featuring agricultural history and innovation.
The IQhub is housed inside of AgroLiquid in St Johns, and the parking lot was filled with kites, hot air balloon baskets, drones, and rocket launches.
Wendy Hassenzahl of Adrian said, “We drove an hour and a half to attend Aviation Exploration Day – and it was worth it. We got there when it started and stayed until the very end, and even then, my kids didn’t want to leave. My son Noah even got to participate in the rocket building and launch. He learned a lot through the process and loved watching it launch. We had a great time.”
Inside the IQhub featured even more flight-related activities, like Potter Park birds, a mobile planetarium, and paper airplane flying. Local author Dean Feldpausch hosted a display of historical aviation items related to his book, The Batman and the Ballerina: The Amazing Life and Love of Clem Sohn and Margot Fonteyn.
Attendee Steve Thalison particularly appreciated the exhibit. He said, “This was a great opportunity for both of my young boys to learn about various aspects of flight, from Oscar the great horned Owl, to Clem Sohn the Michigan Batman.”
Visitors were also able to fly RC planes, see a working beehive, plus enjoy face painting and food trucks. The event was in conjunction with the IQhub’s guest exhibit, Aviation Exploration. The guest exhibit is the third in a series of exhibits hosted by the IQhub, following A Salute to the Military, and Muscles, Music and More.
Marcy Powelson of St Johns enjoys the events. “My family loves when the IQhub opens their doors to the community. Aviation Exploration Day was one for the books! My five and two-year-old were both interested at every sensory level. Mini airplanes, kites, animals, food trucks – these all equal smiles, memories, and great naps.”
The day’s raffle winners include:
– B-17 Flight & 4 Yankee Air Museum Tickets: Marsha Dollarhite
– Spark Drone: Lynette Luna
– 2 Hour flight lesson: Alex Taylor
– 30 Minute flight over Owosso: Michael Holm
– IQhub Gift Basket: DJ Logan
The IQhub is open weekdays 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Helping Harvest Farm Relief is October 26
The new non-profit Helping Harvest Farm Relief is holdingtheir first major fundraiser event on October 26 at Uncle John’s Cider Mill. The Halloween-themed car show will also feature a costume contest, trunk or treating, silent auction, face painting, pumpkin patch scavenger hunt, and pumpkin decorating along with all of the amazing activities that Uncle John’s offers.
Vehicle classes for just about everyone include tractors, farm trucks, everyday drivers, off road vehicles, best decorated, as well as more tradition car show classes. The registration fee is $20, or $10 if you bring candy to pass out to trunk or treaters.
The schedule for the day includes:
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Vehicle Registration
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Silent Auction
12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Guess How Many Candy Corn (small fee per guess, prize for closest guess)
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Face Painting (By Donation, while supplies last)
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Pumpkin Decorating (By Donation, while supplies last)
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Trunk – Or – Treating (Free, while supplies last)
1:00 PM
Costume Contest (Free to enter, award for winner of each age group)
2:00 PM
Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt (Free)
4:00 PM
Awards Ceremony
Helping Harvest Farm Relief helps primarily Michigan farmers during times of need as well as farmers in other states who are trying to recover from major natural disasters. They also strive to bring attention to the high suicide rates among farmers and those in the agriculture industry. This service includes how to spot suicide tendencies in others, and how to properly approach and help those individuals.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Dangers of Topical Medication for Pets
courtesy of Helen Anne Travis
The topical products we use on ourselves and even our pets could cause big problems if accidentally ingested or administered incorrectly. Here’s how to keep your pets safe.
Protect Your Pets From People Products
Animals are curious and no one is perfect, which means it’s all too easy to accidentally leave your favorite topical product in the path of an inquisitive pet. The following products can cause major problems:
Zinc oxide: A common ingredient in sunscreen, diaper rash formulas, and calamine lotions, zinc oxide can be particularly damaging to a dog’s intestines if ingested, says Dr. Rachel Barrack of New York City’s Animal Acupuncture. Keep an eye out for vomiting and diarrhea; these are signs your dog’s intestines have been injured. And once absorbed into the bloodstream, zinc damages red blood cells, leading to anemia, pale or yellow mucous membranes, weakness, rapid breathing, and abnormally dark urine.
Retinoids: Found in many anti-aging products, retinoids can cause tummy trouble for dogs if ingested, resulting in lethargy, vomiting, and decreased appetite, says Dr. Carol Osborne, veterinarian at Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Another potential side effect in dogs is the development of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye). You’ll also want to keep any pregnant dogs far from your wrinkle reducers, as the retinoids could cause birth defects, she adds.
NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are commonly used in over-the-counter and prescription creams to treat pain and inflammation. They make you feel better, but they can cause everything from stomach ulcers to kidney failure in pets if administered incorrectly. Signs of toxicity include decreased appetite and vomiting, Barrack says.
Steroid creams: If ingested or absorbed through your dog’s skin, these can cause endocrine disorders, Osborne says. You may notice an increase in thirst and the need to urinate. The dog may also have nausea and diarrhea. Exposure to estrogen creams can cause heat-like symptoms in spayed female dogs and mammary gland enlargement in males.
Minoxidil: Found in hair growth products, minoxidil can cause severe cardiovascular issues, including heart failure, if ingested, Barrack says.
The easiest way to keep your pets safe is to store your topical products in a secure location, Barrack says. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying any topical medicine or treatment, and never use human products on your pet without a veterinarian’s guidance.
“I always say to keep the items out of paw’s reach,” Osborne recommends.
If you suspect your pet has ingested something he shouldn’t have, or if he exhibits any signs of strange or unusual behavior, call your veterinarian or nearest emergency clinic, she advises. If there are any traces of products still on their skin or coat, get them in the tub immediately.
Protect Your Pets From Pet Products
Even topical products that are intended for pets can cause problems. Pet parents may accidentally administer the wrong amount of medicine for the animal’s body weight, or the pet may lick a spot that has just been treated.
Topical flea and tick medications may contain insecticides like pyrethrin and permethrin, Barrack says. If ingested or applied improperly, these can harm the nervous system, resulting in seizures, nerve damage, and even collapse. Always read the instructions thoroughly and call your vet immediately if your pet exhibits excessive salivation, vomiting, or diarrhea, she says.
“If you realize you made a big mistake, wash the pet immediately,” Osborne adds. “Cats are especially sensitive.”
In multi-pet households, it’s all too easy to accidentally use a product intended for one pet on another. Or perhaps one pet decided to give the other a few good licks after an application.
A product designed for a 60-pound dog could cause big problems in a 6-pound cat. Keep an eye out for signs of toxicity, which can range from vomiting and lethargy to nervousness, twitching, and seizures. Some toxic exposures lead to a condition known as S.L.U.D., Osborne says. This stands for salivation, lacrimation (running eyes), urination, and defecation.
“Anytime your pet inadvertently takes a medication that wasn’t intended for them—be it your medication or one intended for another member of the household, call your veterinarian immediately,” Barrack stresses.