SJHS Christmas Concert
This week’s Christmas Concert representatives from Silver Bells in the City, The Lansing Board of Water & Light and Marshall Music Co presented the St. Johns High School Marching Band made up of the Concert and Symphonic Band with an award for Best Illuminated Large Band at this year’s Silver Bells Parade. The award include a $500 cash prize from the BWL and a $500 gift card towards the band program from Marshall Music.
The band also presented two Service Awards during the concert. Mr. Dave Link was honored for his almost twenty years of service and for being “the voice of the band”. Mr. Soros was honored for his years of outstanding service as the band’s treasurer.
St. Johns Festival of Lights and Santa Parade says thanks
Big Thanks To Santa and his crew. Merry Christmas!
Bruce DeLong
Connie DeLong
Rachel Lea Clapsadle-Lynch
William Marrison II
Owen Denovich
Kevin Kramer
Remember When – Habitat’s 7th House uilt in St. Johns in 2012
Pictured from l-r are Dan Redman, Roger Wells, Theresa Fedewa-Wells and Sue Carroll representing Habitat, and Dana Beaman, Mayor, Mindy Seavey, City Clerk, and John Salemi, City Attorney, representing the City of St. Johns at the closing on the Lansing Street property.
On Wednesday, February 22 the City of St. Johns sold their first vacant lot to Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County for the purpose of constructing a new home this summer for a low income family in need of adequate shelter.
“We are so pleased to be building in St. Johns for the first time, “said Sue Carroll, Executive Director. “We have built homes for families in Maple Rapids, Laingsburg, Wacousta and Ovid, but never before in the heart of the county that we represent. We felt it was the right time for this project.”
The lot, located on Lansing Street just south of Townsend Road, is an ideal location for a family because of its close proximity to local churches, merchants and all the St. Johns schools.
“The St. Johns City Commission and City staff is excited about Habitat for Humanity’s acquisition of city land for its next residential home build,” said Dennis LaForest, City Manager. “We hope this is just the first in many Habitat homes to be built in our community. New construction and adding a new family with children attending local schools is the kind of growth that keeps our city healthy. We definitely consider this a ‘win-win’ moment for St. Johns.”
Letters – City Commission remember Dan Redman
The city commission and staff would like to send our condolences to the family of Dan Redman.
Dan was a member of the City’s Board of Review for many years along with being the executive director for our downtown principal shopping district. Dan’s love for the city was contagious and his presence in our office elevated our entire team.
We were able to work with Dan on many projects and his experience and knowledge of the city’s history was invaluable to our staff. Dan will be missed by our team but his legacy will always remain in his many contributions to St. Johns.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Stop Treating Pets as Little Humans This Christmas
According to Oodle Life 70% of pet owning households in Michigan admit to giving their pet special treatment over Christmas. This equates to over 1.3 million households. Moreover, according to the 2021–2022 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey, 43% of pet dogs in the United States and 49% of pet cats sleep on their owner’s bed. In addition, more than one in five, or 22% of U.S. adults, report they have held or attended a birthday celebration for a pet (getting a cake and candles for a birthday celebration is more common for dog owners than cat owners).
Animal experts at Oodle Life, a website that provides dog and puppy information, have warned that the ‘Disneyfication’ or anthropomorphism of pets this Christmas can cause significant harm to them.
Many pet owners will admit that they attribute human characteristics to their pets, treating them as miniature people. After all, pets become part of the family. “They’re always on your side, they keep you company when you’re feeling sad or lonely, and they bring endless joy with their loyalty and adorable behavior” says Chris Allen, Founder & CEO of Oodle Life. “However, as much as we love them, it’s important to remember that they’re not actually human, and they shouldn’t be treated as such.”
Putting pets in strollers, spraying them with pet cologne, putting diapers on them or giving them breath-freshening products were also among the increasingly popular practices discouraged in a joint report by researchers at the University of Pisa and the Metropolitan Autonomous University in Mexico City.
Treating pets as little humans can be damaging to them for a number of reasons says Chris Allen, Founder & CEO of Oodle Life:
For example, dressing your dog in a Christmas sweater may impede its ability to regulate its own temperature, so is best avoided. However, when outdoors, even dogs with thick coats can get hypothermia or frostbite in freezing weather, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). If the temperature drops to the mid-40s Fahrenheit, it’s definitely time to dress that pet – just not in a human Christmas sweater…
Holding or carrying them like a baby for prolonged periods can cause obesity, inflammation of the joints and hinder their ability to cope with their environment, leading to anxiety.
Hugging a pet could also be seen as ignoring the animal’s preferences and may cause anxiety.
Giving them human Christmas food – such as Brussels sprouts, or cake – can cause conditions such as obesity or malnutrition.
He continues: “So just remember that while a pet is for life, and not just for Christmas, they are also animals, not people, and it’s important to treat them as such. That way, both humans and pets can equally enjoy the holidays!”