About those CASA Volunteers
by Kelly L. Schafer, M.S., Executive Director
Clinton County has amazing individuals who have chosen to serve as CASA Volunteer Advocates. It is a pleasure to support and work with these 9 who make a difference every day–and every day is not easy.
A quick glimpse of the impact made by these amazing volunteers.
– Visiting every 7 to 10 days to play outside, play board games, bake cookies together, have a picnic, color, and listen.
– Through each visit, Advocates learn about a to-do on behalf of their CASA kiddo, an issue that may need some attention and follow up with the appropriate person.
– Advocates report information specific to their child or sibling group, back to the court–information to assist the court in making permanency decisions in the best interests of the children.
One thing I am quick to jump on (honestly, it is a pet peeve of mine) is when I hear the Advocates say “I’m just a volunteer.” This could not be further from the truth. Everyday Advocates go above and beyond to work with community partners in the best interests of the children we serve. All children deserve a champion and today Clinton County has 9 who have chosen to be a champion–we look forward to when there enough CASA Advocates to serve every Clinton County child who is in foster care due to abuse or neglect.
It takes all of us to support Court Appointed Special Advocates who work on behalf of abused and neglected children.
Supporting the work of our CASA Volunteer Advocates is also generously done through financial support, participating in our events, donating in kind items, spreading the word, and staying informed. We are very appreciative for the generous support which allows Clinton County to have CASA Advocates.
If you would like more information about CASA Advocacy in Clinton County, we would be happy to speak with you. IF you would like to join our amazing CASA Volunteer Advocate Team, our next Advocate class is now forming–contact us today for more information.
We can be reached via e-mail clintoncountycasa@gmail.com or phone at 517-599-7145. We welcome you to visit our website ClintonCountyCASA.org for more information.
Our work is not easy–and it is never about “just” being a volunteer.
This week’s Mystery Photo
Where is this?
Can you tell us where this is located? Drop us a line at mail@sjindy.com.
Jonathan Pulling writes: This house is located at 809 North Clinton Avenue. I don’t have any idea who owns it or who has lived there.
Jan Bensinger added: This week’s house belongs to my sister-in-law and her husband, Pat and Bill Saurbek. They have lived there for a long time and raised 3 children there.
Barry adds: Previous owners include Howard Hackett, and Roy Briggs.
A Look Back – Gamble Store
by Barry Clark Bauer
The Gamble Store at 108 N. Clinton Ave. I’m not sure when this was taken but can guess by the cars it was sometime in the 1930s. There’s garland wrapped around the light pole on the right which indicates this was around the Christmas holidays.
Ray Osborn was at one time the manager/owner of the store but at this time I’m not sure who it was.
Located on the left was Hunt’s Drug Store.
[Editor’s note: Ray Osborn became the owner of the Gamble Store in 1928.]
Letters – August Elections
Recent changes at Briggs Library have opened the door to exciting times for the greater St. Johns community. By becoming a district library, all residents in the St. Johns school district now have unlimited access to services. Plans for future expansion, wider collection of hard copy and e-books, and increased access to technology and high speed internet are just a sampling of the possibilities for our community.
Though the access to free reading material is a treasure in itself, today’s library extends far beyond. The multiple programs available to all ages, toddler to senior citizen, provide opportunities to expand our horizons and come together as a community. Check the Briggs library Facebook page to view the dynamic array of activities available.
Supporting a library is a highly visible sign that our community values education, communication, reading, and family. Though library funding is complicated, this change in status necessitates a renewal of the mileage required as its major revenue source. This, in my opinion, is one of the best ways we can spend a few of our tax dollars. I will enthusiastically be voting YES on August 2nd, and urge you to do the same.
Tomi Ann Schultheiss
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I am proud to support our Clinton County Prosecuting Attorney Charles Sherman. Over the past 30 years, I have witnessed his dedication to the residents of Clinton County. I am impressed by his professionalism and his effectiveness as the voice for victims of crime.
Chuck has earned my respect along with the respect of his colleagues. Clinton County has been fortunate to have such a hardworking and experienced individual serving the past 35 years as our Prosecuting Attorney.
On August 2, please join me by voting to re-elect our Clinton County Prosecuting Attorney Charles Sherman.
Tina Ward
Clinton County Treasurer
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Michael Trebesh of St. Johns announced his candidacy for the 3rd district Clinton County Commissioner’s seat. The 3rd district consist of Bingham Township and the city of St Johns.
Trebesh is a successful business owner and was recognized by the State of Michigan as “Business Advocate of the Year.” Trebesh Business and Tax Advisors was honored as “Outstanding Small Business” by the Chamber of Commerce. Michael is an active member of St Joseph Catholic Church, the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, Michigan Farm Bureau, NRA, North American Hunting Club and Certified Fraud Examiners. Michael is also a member and past Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus, St John Council, #3281.
Michael Trebesh’s resume includes managing his own farm and accounting business and also extensive experience in construction, government as Assistant Auditor General and teaching accounting at the college level. His “real world” ability to show leadership and solve problems using common sense and thriftiness led to many constituents urging him to run. With the assistance of volunteers, Michael is proud to announce that his team successfully obtained sufficient valid signatures and as a result, Michael Trebesh will be on the August 2nd primary ballot for County Commissioner as a Republican.
Michael’s top election issues are reducing taxes; agriculture enhancement; job creation, security and creation; education; economic growth; health care and identity protection and security. Local government must be responsive to the people and build a business environment conducive to job creation. Government must reduce “red tape” and bureaucratic rules that do nothing more than hinder, discourage and delay job creation.
Trebesh has pledged to:
– Reduce government spending and interference
– Increase government transparency and accountability
– Protect family farms
– Vote no on tax increases
– Maintain a 100% Pro-Second Amendment record
– Maintain 100% Pro-Life voting record
Please vote for Michael Trebesh, County Commissioner, August 2, 2016
Thank You,
Michael Trebesh
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Breed of the Week, Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is the largest and toughest of the terrier family. Its coat is dense and wiry, with a softer undercoat, and comes in both tan and black and tan and grizzle. This breed was one of the first used for police duty and has also been popular among U.S. Presidents (e.g., Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, and Warren Harding).
President Warren G. Harding with Laddie Dog
Physical Characteristics
The long-legged Airedale Terrier has strong round bones that effectively combine power and agility. This enables the breed to hunt difficult game. The wiry, hard, and thick coat lies close and straight with the body, while a few hairs remain crinkled.
Personality and Temperament
This protective and lively companion is one of the most versatile terriers. The playful, adventurous, and bold Airedale is intelligent, and yet headstrong and stubborn at times. Though some dogs are dominating, most of them are responsive to the wishes of the owner and are reliable.
As long as the Airedale is provided with daily physical and mental exercise, it is a well-behaved house dog. It likes to be a leader and dislikes being challenged by other dogs. Smaller dogs and terriers, however, get along well.
Care
Being an active breed, the Airedale Terrier requires vigorous exercise on a daily basis. Long walks, energetic games, and romping and hunting in safe areas, can meet the dog’s requirements. The wiry coat has to be combed three times a week, in addition to shaping and trimming once or twice a month. Clipping is useful in layering the color and texture of the coat. The ears of puppies need to be “glued” so that they are properly shaped when they become adults. The Airedale can live comfortably outside in cool climates, but should be allowed to sleep indoors.
Health
The Airedale Terrier, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years, sometimes suffers from colonic disease. Other serious health issues this breed is prone to include canine hip dysplasia (CHD), gastric torsion, and hypothyroidism. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run thyroid and hip exams on the dog.
History and Background
The Airedale or “King of Terriers” is the tallest of the terriers. Thought to have originated from the Black and Tan Terrier or English Terrier, the medium-sized Airedale was bred by hunters in Yorkshire to hunt small game such as fox and water rat. The dogs were also good at retrieving and finding birds.
In the mid-19th century, some terriers near South Yorkshire’s River Aire were interbred with Otterhounds to enhance their scenting ability and hunting skills around water. This attempt resulted in bred known as the Waterside Terrier or Bingley, which was an expert in otter hunting. It was, however, only in 1878 that the breed was accepted as the Airedale Terrier.
After becoming a show dog, it was crossed with Bull and Irish Terriers, to remove the traits of the Otterhound cross that was not very popular.
By the 20th century, Champion Master Briar, the breed’s patriarch, popularized the dog and his child achieved the same outcome in the U.S. The hunting ability and the size of the Airedale helped the dog earn huge renown as a big game hunter. The dog managed to become a good family pet and a police dog for its manner and smart looks. The period after World War I saw a decline in the dog’s popularity, but today many dog fanciers are fond of the Airedale Terrier.