St. Johns and the Coronavirus
by Maralyn Fink
On Friday I decided to take a little ride around town and take some pictures of our life now. It is somewhat like a ghost town minus the tumbleweeds, because like other towns, the virus seems to think it is in control. There is some truth to that, but we are fighters and will continue to be.
It is a big adjustment for everyone since supplies have been in demand, store hours cut, and businesses have closed with some restaurants doing takeout. Time seems to drag, and the days are endless for a lot of us folks.
I hope all of our readers are well and following the guidelines set by the Governor.
A big thank you to my Clinton Area Ambulance friends and all my medical friends at Sparrow Clinton Hospital for all you are doing on the front lines.
Please stay safe. I am with you in spirit!
Superhero Staff Spotlight – Meet our Executive Director, Kelly Schafer
Kelly and her family live just outside of St. Johns. She is a mom to two young men, grandma to a perfect LillyBug, and Advocate Sophie’s handler. Her husband works for Lansing Board of Water and Light.
Kelly has her master’s degree in human services and has served in the nonprofit field for over 20 years. Her first nonprofit role was for The SafeCenter when it was RAVE; she also spent a number of years working for Hospice. Kelly has served as our Executive Director since our agency began serving the community in 2013.
“I absolutely love my job. Even the hard days have really great moments. Our agency is blessed with caring volunteers, co-workers whose passion it is to advocate for children, amazing professional partnerships, and generous community supporters. Most important, it is a special gift to walk with children who have survived horrible abuse and see them thrive.”
LEAP announces Michigan Small Business Relief Program Grant awardees
Following a transparent, rigorous and equitable application and review process involving representatives from LEAP, Capital Region Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW!) and other key community
partners, LEAP has awarded 60 local small businesses with Michigan Small Business Relief Program (MSBRP) grants. Each business will receive a $10,000 grant to help them address a financial hardship for their businesses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These grant funds were generously allocated to the Lansing region by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer through the
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
LEAP was selected by the MEDC to administer and award $600,000 in grant funds to the Lansing region over the course of two weeks. LEAP received 1,875 applications for the 60 grants available from small businesses across Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties.
“All of us at LEAP have been personally touched, both inspired and heartbroken, by the thousands of small business stories shared through these grant applications. Our small businesses are a cornerstone to our regional economy and the fabric of our regional community—their pain is felt by us all,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “But this economic development grant program brings good news to many. Small businesses are getting a bridge from these grants to bring in some cash flow, increasing the likelihood of a stronger re-opening in the late spring or early summer. LEAP is also working hard to connect those businesses that did not receive grants with additional state, federal and local opportunities.”
One such example available through LEAP is the MSBRP loan option. Small businesses wishing
to apply for loan funds must be based and founded in the Lansing region with fewer than 100
employees (full or part time), and must meet additional criteria established by the MEDC and
LEAP. Loans to selected eligible borrowers ranging from at least $50,000 to no more than
$200,000 will be issued with a 0.25 percent interest rate, with no collateral required and flexible
repayment terms. LEAP expects to issue 3-12 loans depending on the amount of funds allocated to
our region by the MEDC. The application will be available until Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at 11:59
Grant Awardees include:
• Golden Harvest
• Oh Mi Organics LLC
• Ryans Roadhouse
• The Wooden Nickel II
Remember when? – SJPD cars now and then
The St. Johns Police Department put a new patrol car into service recently, so they thought they would recreate an old photo that was sent to them recently.
Officer Russell Doty stands beside the City’s new 1965 Plymouth.
Letters – Kids, Grace and Support
As an adult I know I struggle at moments with all the information the last few weeks as we work together to stay safe and healthy! Our agency while providing essential services and my family (also essential workers) are following the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order. I absolutely support efforts made to protect the health of our community.
One of the many aspects that feels harder about this are comments and assumptions on why kiddos are out and about outside during nicer weather, where are their parents, and shouldn’t the police doing something.
To reiterate, our agency fully supports and follows the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order; and I woulld like to see that all families are able to follow. However, before determining kids are bad or parents are not doing their job, please consider different perspectives on why kids may be out and about.
– Maybe siblings left their home to get away from a family member who sexually abuses them.
– Maybe kids got togehter because one in their group has a parent abusing drugs and the group is the kiddos’ only support.
– Maybe a parent told their child to get the hell out of their house.
– Maybe a parent is an exhausted health care worker and the young person snuck out of the house.
– Maybe the young person lied to their parent about what they were doing (weren’t we all young once?)
– Maybe the adult present in the home is having severe anxiety because of our changing world and the child needed to leave to remain safe.
– Maybe the parent had to make a hard daycare choice right now because daycare is closed.
– Maybe a kiddo brought a friend some food because a family is struggling right now.
There are so, so many reasons why we may see young people out and about when they are supposed to be at home–this is not intended to be a list of excuses for young people who are unsafely gathering just to hang out. But, we know not all young people are safe at home.
As adults, we have decisions to make right now to remain safe and healthy. A young person is likely not yet in a place to sort through and absorb information in the same way.adults are attempting to process all information related to the Coronavirus–and we know our new world may be traumatic for young people and adults.
I challenge everyone to pause before jumping to an assumption, we likely do not know the full circumstances.
Perhaps instead of assuming a young person is violating the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order or a parent is not doing their job consider how you can offer grace and a way to support the young person and parent and first understand situation.
Stay safe and stay well!
Kelly L. Schafer, Executive Director
The Voice for Clinton County’s Children
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Should I Go to the Vet or Wait?
courtesy of Dr. Katy Nelson, DVM
It’s a scary time right now, and everyone is adjusting to a new normal. During this time of social distancing, we should all be trying to do our part to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19. This means staying home, eating in, and reducing unnecessary contact with others.
While our pets are probably loving this extra cuddle time with us, what do you do if they need to go to the veterinarian?
Many veterinary hospitals are recommending to only come in if your pet is ill, and to postpone any routine visits until a safer time. Some are using telemedicine, where you can connect with your vet through video chat for minor issues or scheduled follow-ups.
This guide will help you determine whether you need to take your pet to the vet now vs. waiting, what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do if your vet is closed.
Should You Take Your Pet to the Vet Now?
With the new practice of social distancing, how do you know if you should bring your pet to your veterinarian today, or if it’s something that can wait?
Here are some helpful tips to ensure you are taking the best possible care of your pet while minimizing the risk to expose you and your pet to COVID-19:
Go to an emergency veterinarian immediately if your pet:
Ingested a toxin: human medications, chocolate, xylitol (artificial sweetener), antifreeze, rat poison, raisins, etc. Call poison control immediately at 888-426-4435.
– Has an open wound
– Has a history of trauma
– Is showing signs of pain
– Is having difficulty breathing
– Suddenly shows signs of lameness or weakness
– Is having difficulty urinating (especially cats)
– Has prolonged vomiting and diarrhea (especially if blood is seen), or any severe distention of the abdomen
– Shows neurologic signs such as seizures, tremors, stumbling, circling, being disoriented
– Has an abnormal appearance or behavior, such as pale gums, bruising of the body, bulging eyes, squinting eyes, holding head to one side
– Has facial swelling or hives
– (Your cat) has not eaten in more than one day or is looking yellowish (icterus)
Call your veterinarian about coming in if your pet:
– Has vomited once or twice in 24 hours
– Has had diarrhea for less than 24 hours but is acting normally
– Is coughing without signs of labored breathing
– Is sneezing and has watery eyes
– Has not eaten for less than 24 hours
– Is itching or shaking ears
Schedule an appointment later if your pet:
– Needs annual exams or routine bloodwork
– Has new lumps or bumps without showing signs of discomfort
– Has a torn toenail that is not bleeding or causing discomfort
– Has worms in their stool and/or visible fleas or ticks without having diarrhea or discomfort. In this case, call your veterinarian to ask for a prescription for a dewormer and flea and tick products.
What Do I Do If My Vet Is Closed?
Veterinary services have been deemed “essential” by the federal government, but this does not mean that they are required to stay open.
The essential designation means that veterinary hospitals are not ordered to close as many other businesses have been. If your local hospital is unable to establish protocols that allow them to practice safely, they may choose to close.
If your veterinarian has decided to close their office:
– Call to see if there is a recorded message with the number of another vet you can call, and also check the vet’s website for this information.
– Send them an email asking for a referral for another vet. It’s likely that they will still have someone answering emails from clients.
– If you are unable to reach them, call your local emergency veterinary facility, describe your concerns about your pet, and ask if they recommend for him to be seen.
What Do I Do if I Am Sick?
If you are ill or might be ill with symptoms of COVID-19, have someone else bring your pet to the hospital for you. If you are unable to have someone else take your pet, let your veterinarian know prior to bringing your pet in for care. If your veterinarian recommends that you do bring your pet to the hospital, wear a mask and gloves and keep your distance from employees.
What If I Need Prescription Medication for My Pet?
Ask your veterinarian if getting a 2- or 3-month supply of all necessary medications is possible now, and also ask about online options for ordering medications to minimize trips to the vet’s office.
Vet Visit Checklist
1. Call Your Vet Before Coming In
If your pet is ill, call to determine when they can come in, and ask your veterinarian what protocols they have put in place to ensure the safety of you, your pet, and their team members.
Here are some questions to ask:
– Are you offering telemedicine (video chats) for minor illnesses?
– Has anyone in the hospital become ill?
– Will I be able to be with my pet during the exam?
– Will you come to my car to get my pet?
– How will I communicate my concerns to the doctor?
– Will you take my payment over the phone?
At my animal hospital, Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre in Alexandria, Virginia, we have put some simple procedures in place to limit human-to-human and pet-to-pet exposure. Everything happens while the client is in the parking lot in the comfort of their cars.
When clients call to schedule an appointment, we take the pet’s medical history, ask about any concerns, and instruct them to stay in their cars when they arrive, as one of our nurses will come out to take their pet. Our staff members use personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize potential exposure as they come to the car and take the pet into the hospital.
Once the exam is complete, our veterinarians call the client to discuss the findings and any recommended diagnostics or treatments. Afterward, payment is taken over the phone, and we bring the pet plus any medications needed out to the client in the parking lot.
2. Follow the Protocol
If your veterinarian has instituted protective protocols, they are doing so in order to protect you and their staff. Please take the time to learn the new rules and adhere to them carefully. Your patience and understanding during such unprecedented times are greatly appreciated.
All pets should be on a leash or in a carrier.
3. Stay Prepared
Here are some other things you can do to prepare for the unknown:
– Take time now, while both you and your pet are healthy, to locate alternate veterinary hospitals in case yours is forced to close due to illness or inability to safely serve their clients.
– Ask your veterinarian for a copy of your pet’s medical records in case they need to be seen elsewhere (a folder full of receipts is NOT a medical record).
– Check your supplies. Make sure you have enough food, litter, and medications for your pet to make it through at least a month.
– Ensure that your credit card is on file with your veterinarian in case someone else must bring your pet in for you.
– Post numbers for your nearest emergency veterinarian, as well as animal poison control, in an easily visible spot in your home.
– Ask a friend or neighbor if they would be willing to take your pet to the veterinarian if you become ill, and give them the phone number and address ahead of time.
– Put together a pet emergency kit so that you can take care of small issues at home.
– Keep yourself informed of the latest updates on COVID-19 from the CDC and the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association).
– Remain calm.