This week’s Mystery Photo
Where is this?
Can you tell us where this is located? Drop us a line at mail@sjindy.com.
803 N. Oakland St. – St. Johns, Michigan
The current owners are James and Linda Vanamburg. Previous owners include Margaret (Anderson) Weatherwax. Also living here in the past were Danny Boncha, Federal-Mogul general foreman, Gail Goetze, Federal-Mogul hourly employee, and Harvey Weatherwax, one time City Manager.
A Look Back – Memorial Day Service in 1968
Barry Clark Bauer
Memorial Day festivities in St. Johns this year will again center on this monument at Mount Rest Cemetery where the Rev Gerald Churchill will give the Memorial Day address.
George Smith (left), commander of Edwin T. Stiles Post 153 American Legion; Norman Ketchum, commander of the Veterans Honor Guard; and Don Devereaux, commander of Post 4113, VFW, offer their salute much as they will Thursday.
The Memorial Day Parade will form at the railroad depot at 9:30 a.m. and will move out at 10 a.m. following a line of march along Clinton Avenue, State Street, US-27 and Steel Street to the cemetery.
Maralyn’s Did You Know? – Blue Buffalo Dog Food Recall
Blue Buffalo Company of Wilton, Connecticut, has confirmed that it is voluntarily recalling a limited batch of its Life Protection Formula Dog Food product due to the presence of excessive moisture and mold.
What’s Being Recalled?
The company is voluntarily recalling a single batch of its Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Fish and Sweet Potato Recipe for Dogs with the following batch information:
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Fish and Sweet Potato Recipe
30 pound bag
Best by date: April 11, 2017
Batch data: AH 2A 12:08-14:00
What Caused the Recall?
According to a company representative, the voluntary recall was initiated due the discovery of excessive moisture and mold.
The recall is limited to a single batch that was manufactured during one 2 hour period.
What to Do?
Customers are invited to return affected product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Those with questions may call Blue Buffalo Customer Service at 855-201-4331 between 8 am and 5 pm ET, Monday through Friday.
Letters – Everyone can be a Bright Spot
Recently when talking with a community member encouragement was given to share more about the hard stuff and difficult situations Clinton County children we serve have experienced.
I share some of our CASA kiddos’ experiences with caution only because we don’t want to think it, we don’t want to go there. We don’t want to think about a toddler being the caregiver for a younger sibling; a pre-teen being a caregiver for a parent; little ones who disclose sexual abuse and maybe are not believed; little ones in a home with no available food; kiddos who struggle with big emotions; and little ones who have been home during a drug raid.
Right now it is easier to think about kiddos getting ready for summer vacations, going to the beach, having sleep overs, camping–anything but the unsafe and scary situations described.
Wrapping our brains around situations no child should experience can be difficult–the situations described are a very brief snapshot of what has happened to Clinton County children.
There are bright spots in these difficult situations–9 Clinton County CASA Advocates who support and advocate for children. Their work includes play dough, board games, coloring, helping with homework, playing outside, and navigating life skills. Through the interactions with the children, CASA Advocates present information to the court to ensure children’s voices are heard throughout their experience in the foster care system.
Consider how YOU can be a bright spot.
– Become a CASA Advocate (kids are waiting!)
– Participate in our events
– Make a financial gift to our program
– Educate yourself and others
– Stay informed through our Facebook page
– Help to spread the word
– Everyone can do something
If you would like more information about CASA Advocacy in Clinton County, we would be happy to speak with you.
clintoncountycasa@gmail.com. Our work is not easy–but it is always worth it.
Yours in Service,
Kelly Schafer, CASA Executive Director
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – All Dogs Are at Risk in the Hot Months
Because dogs don’t have sweat glands the way humans do, they are limited to panting as their major cooling effort. (They do have some sweat glands in their paws, though they are not the principal mechanism for cooling.) This, coupled with the insulation effect of their fur, means they are prime candidates for heat exhaustion, particularly if they haven’t been building up to longer walks—which is why the weekend warriors are the ones who so frequently run into trouble.
Everyone should know the signs of heat exhaustion and impending heat stroke in dogs: sluggishness, very heavy panting, bright red gums, hypersalivation (which can progress to the opposite: dry tacky gums), vomiting or diarrhea, and collapse. In the later stages, death can occur rapidly if not treated in an ER.
Certain dogs are especially prone to heat stroke: overweight pets, brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds like pugs and bulldogs, and dogs with dark coats. If you have any suspicion that your dog is showing early signs of heat exhaustion, stop, spray your pet with cool water (NOT ice!), and call an ER for guidance.
Of course, the best solution is to prevent it from happening in the first place by being aware of the risks. Avoid walks during the hottest periods of the day, acclimate your pet to longer walks, and make sure you take plenty of water breaks. And for goodness sake, don’t leave your pet in the car on a hot day. But you knew that one, right?
As we head into the hot months, remember with a little planning there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the great outdoors. Have fun and stay safe.