Fowler Dedicates new mural
by Maralyn Fink
On Saturday, October 3rd I traveled to my heritage village of Fowler for the unveiling of the Mural of the Fowler Depot circa 1912.
Planning started 3 years ago; and an artist from Westphalia, Dan Arens was contacted.
The Village Council decided to have the Mural painted in the township hall so that anyone would be able to stop in and follow the progress. In fact I visited in August and met the artist and took some pictures of his progress.
The Village Council would like to thank the following for all their help in effort to bring a project like this to completion:
– Dan Arens Artist extraordinaire,
– Dallas Township for permitting the use of their property, the old fire hall,
– Mark and Laurie Becker for allowing the Village to put the Mural on their building,
– Vern Feldpausch, Brad Smith and Roy Witgen, the Fowler DPW for preparing the location and all they have done to make this happen,
– Rhonda Feldpausch Village Clerk who spearheaded the entire Fowler Downtown Revitalization of which the Mural is just one initiative,
– John Rademacher, Village Treasurer, for his willing attitude to help in anyway needed,
– Village Council for backing the entire effort,
– Meijer Corporation for providing the Concession Trailer
– All Fowler residents for their support and confidence in the Council.
This was a heartwarming ceremony because this is a Mural of the past and has meaning in the heritage of the Fowler Community.
I always give thanks that some people and places still hold that heritage of the past close to their hearts and do not destroy that image. Thank you Village of Fowler.
Meet the Artist
Dan Arens is the Artist that painted the Mural of the Fowler Depot. It was done from a postcard that a resident of Westphalia had and was given to Dan who then had it enlarged.
He started painting as a child in grade school and has never looked back. Dan is a very talented artist who has spent a large number of hours doing what he loves best.
Dan started this project the first week of May; and when I met him, he had over 300 hours into this project.
The size of the Mural is done on 4 panels that is 9x5ft tall and 20 feet wide. Dan states that panels are more durable and flexible to use for outdoor work.
It would be a worthwhile drive to Fowler to see this. It is on the north side of Becker Furniture.
Dan also has done a Mural at the Battle Creek VA Hospital, Portland District Library and numerous homes. The Youth Center in Westphalia also has an Ark Mural painted by Dan.
Dan told me he has his own trademark that goes on each painting he does. What, I asked. He paints a mouse somewhere on the painting. After looking at it for 20 minutes, I gave up. To this day he will keep that information to himself, and I will keep looking. Dan specializes in murals, wildlife, landscape and pencil art.
Thanks, Dan, for meeting with me; and it was a great pleasure for me. You are blessed with a great talent and are brightening up the life of everyone who is able to see your work.
You can contact Dan at 989-587-6565.
https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/151006?authuser=0&feat=directlink
This week’s Mystery Photo
Where is this?
Can you tell us where this is located? Drop us a line at mail@sjindy.com.
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111 W. Steel St.
The current owners are Raymond and Becky Lober. Previous owners include Olney Moore, Todd Dollarhite, Allen Dault, Central Michigan Lumber, Thomas Pioszak, and Thomas and Lorann Smith.
A Look Back – Gray Ladies Honored
by Barry Bauer
Honored in April, 1965 for their five years of service to Clinton Memorial Hospital as Gray Ladies were, left to right, Mrs. Raymond Parr, Mrs. Forrest Swatman, Mrs. Cecil Boak, Mrs. Lyle Steves and Mrs. Levi Blakeslee. Mrs. Jeanne Rand, of the Clinton County chapter of Red Cross (right), made the presentation of five-year pins. Also serving five years but absent for the presentation was Mrs. Francis Flegler.
Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info
5 Signs Your Dog is Stressed (and How to Relieve it)
Is your dog acting unusual? Perhaps he or she seems overly anxious or depressed. Stress is more common in dogs than you may think. Even worse, stress can negatively impact your dog’s health. Here are five common signs of stress and anxiety in dogs to help you identify it and seek help quickly.
1. Diarrhea, Constipation, or other Digestive Issue
Although they are more commonly attributed to disease or food intolerance, gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and constipation can also be brought on by anxiety. Speak to your veterinarian if the diarrhea, constipation, or other digestive issue is abnormally severe, especially if it has lasted longer than 24 hours or if the diarrhea is bloody. Blood in the vomit and/or stool can be an indicator of a food borne illness.
2. Decrease in Appetite
Dogs don’t go on fasts or diets like we do, so it’s important to consult a veterinarian if your pet suddenly loses interest in food or stops eating altogether. It could be due to stress or to an underlying health condition, including anorexia, which can cause your dog to refuse to eat totally and its food intake to decrease so much that it leads to drastic weight loss.
3. Isolation
Some dogs like some alone time now and then. However, a dog that is constantly isolating him or herself from other pets or people may be suffering from anxiety or a sickness. Your veterinarian can help you identify the cause of this strange behavior.
4. Increased Sleeping
By now you will have become accustomed to your dog’s sleeping schedule. Speak with your veterinarian if your dog is sleeping more than usual or seems overly lethargic. Lethargy is often the first symptom that a dog is sick, injured or traumatized. It can also be a symptom of conditions including diabetes, heart and liver problems, tumors, diarrhea and severe dehydration, hypothyroidism, anaemia and poisoning, among others.
5. Aggression Toward People or Other Animals
Aggressive actions toward animals or people can be a sign of a stressed or sick dog. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist before the problem gets worse. Many aggressive signs are accompanied by a fearful body posture and facial expression, and with submissive behavior. Treatment for aggresion focuses behavior management techniques to assist the dog with its anxiety and anger. Devices such as muzzles can also be effective when the dog is away from home, with all treatment being focused on preventing injury to humans, other animals, and to the dog.
How to Help a Stressed Out Dog
If your dog’s behavior changes suddenly in any way, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. He or she can rule out any underlying medical issues as well as make recommendations to help lower your dog’s stress level. Here are some tips for helping to alleviate anxiety in your dog:
– Play/exercise with your dog regularly – Physical activities like a game of fetch or a walk around the block are a great stress reducer for dogs.
– Create a safe zone – Set apart an area in your home for your dog to escape high-stress events like thunderstorms and parties. Provide your dog with a favorite “security blanket” such as a toy and visit your dog often. If possible, stay with him until the high-stress event has passed. Your presence is a great reassurance to him or her.
– Choose a high quality dog food – Your dog’s diet is an integral part of his health and wellbeing. Providing your dog with a diet that is not properly balanced for his or her life stage and lifestyle may cause unforeseen repercussions that may lead to anxiety and stress.
Marvin J. Fox, 72 of St. Johns, MI died on Monday evening at Hospice House of Mid Michigan. Marvin was born on March 8, 1943 in St. Johns, MI the son of Urban and Martha (Lenneman) Fox. He graduated from Fowler High School and earned his Journeyman Certification in Tool & Die work and was employed at Motor Wheel and Federal Mogul, retiring in 2005. On June 19, 1971 he married Susan M. Wieber in St. Johns, MI. Marvin was a veteran of the Army National Guard, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and of the Knights of Columbus, he delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, loved nature, gardening, animals and playing cards.
D. Elaine Michutka, age 86 of Ovid, passed away on October 5, 2015at Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, MI surrounded by her loving family after a short illness. Elaine was born in St. Johns, Michigan on August 8, 1929 to George and Eloise Myers. She graduated from St. Johns High School in 1947 and attended Grand Rapids Junior College. She married Joe Michutka on June 24, 1950 and they made their home in Ovid and raised three daughters. He preceded her in death in 1972. 
Albert F. Masarik of St. Johns passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2015, after a lengthy illness. Born on September 18, 1924, in North Star, Michigan to Rudolph and Mary (Chovance) Masarik. During World War II Al served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Gunner’s Mate on the U.S.S. George F. Elliott, a Troop Transport Ship in the Pacific Theatre. In 1947, he was united in marriage with Lila Mae Cole in Birmingham, Michigan. He retired from Federal Mogul and also worked for Paul Automotive and drove the School Bus for the St. Johns School System. He volunteered for CACS and Walk For Warmth.
City names William E. Tennant Performance Shell
Adoption finalized in a case with a CASA Advocate
Soup kitchen makes stops in St. Johns – October 6, 8
This week’s Mystery Photo
Remember when? – Miller Jones Shoe Store
A 1972 Football Club Donation
