Features

More photos from the school open houses


Garden Club treats Commons residents to ice cream social

The members of the Mint Country Garden Club held an Ice Cream Social for the residents of Clinton Commons earlier this month. Ice Cream and cookies were served, and many compliments were received for the homemade cookies along with all the ice cream flavors. Now they are all ooking forward to next year’s ice cream social.


Moxie String perform at the Wilson Center

– photo courtesy of Darryl Schmitz

The Moxie Strings performed at the Wilson Center on Saturday, August 20.


Remember When – Elvis returns to St. Johns in 2009 – sort of

Matt King is “Elvis” during the Aug. 26 Concert in the Park season finale at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell. The show begins at 7 p.m.; no admission charge.

King, who hails from nearby Leslie in Eaton County, was one of the most popular and well-received performers in the 2008 Concert in the Park series, prompting the return engagement this year. He’s earned national acclaim for the Elvis show he’s been performing on a professional level for the past 17 years.

King is known for his ability to bring to the “King” to life in his moves, mannerisms, looks and costuming – and, of course, that distinctive voice.
“Some guys choreograph every move – I try to capture the way Elvis expressed himself for the audience. The way he moved his hand, shook his leg or held the mic,” King says.

When he’s not performing at clubs and events around the U.S. and Canada, King is a frequent participant in Elvis contests. He took first place in 2007 at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort’s Elvis Contest.

Attention to detail – like the 30-plus Elvis costumes contained in King’s wardrobe – lend authenticity to his shows.

“They’re all here: the peacock, the Arabian, the sundial, the sunburst, the dragon,” he says.

Concert in the Park is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the city of St. Johns, with support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.


Letters – Recognizing community leaders and park patron speaks out

John Sirrine and Bill Tennant at a Brown Bag concert

So proud of all of the musical events Bill Tennant plans each summer for 2 venues in St. Johns, the Wednesday Concerts in the Park and the Friday noon concerts in the Rotary Pavilion near the railroad depot.

He’s a master at finding the best musicians.

– Joi Tennant

******

To the individuals that hung out in the Zeeb Pavillion at the St. Johns City Park, I could almost appreciate the $1.40 tip you left if it weren’t for the fact that I had to fight bees while cleaning tables for our family reunion.

Please be considerate of others in the future at St. Johns City Park.

Angela Myers


Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Can Dogs Eat Apples?

For dogs, an apple a day can keep the veterinarian away. That’s right: Dogs can eat apples. I recommend apples as a nutritious snack for dogs.

Apples provide an excellent source of vitamin C, which is necessary for proper immune function. They’re also loaded with carbohydrates, the ultimate energy source, and are high in fiber, which plays a role in digestion, weight, and blood sugar regulation.

Here are the benefits and risks of feeding apples to dogs.

Can Dogs Have Apples?

Yes, all dogs can eat apples, from Great Danes to Chihuahuas, Yorkies, or Pomeranians.

Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Gala and Granny Smith—basically all varieties of apples that you’d commonly find at your neighborhood grocery store—are safe for dogs to eat.

I recommend feeding fresh apple slices, including the skins. Do not feed your dog apple cores, as they can become a choking hazard.

Can Puppies Eat Apples?

Yes, puppies can eat apples, just like adult dogs.

Are Apple Seeds Poisonous to Dogs?

Apple seeds are poisonous to dogs and people alike. Apple seeds contain cyanide, a chemical that can cause hypoxia or lack of oxygen delivery to the body.

Some symptoms include:

– Brick-red mucus membranes
– Dilated pupils
– Difficulty breathing
– Panting
– Shock

Accidental consumption of small amounts of apple seeds shouldn’t cause cyanide poisoning. But eating large amounts of seeds or consuming a small amount regularly over time can cause cyanide poisoning.

Are Apples Good for Dogs?

Yes, apples are good for dogs as nutritious snacks, in moderation, but not as a full meal.

Dogs need several different nutrients to thrive, including proteins, fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Apples provide an excellent source of vitamin C and carbohydrates, and are high in fiber. However, they lack protein and fatty acids.

Are Apples Bad for a Dog’s Teeth?

Some people might ask if the sugars found in apples rot their dog’s teeth. The answer: It’s unlikely.

The water content in an apple will help wash away the sugar from inside the mouth, making apples relatively safe for teeth. The apple skins are a bonus, as they act like a toothbrush.

Can Dogs Have Apple Juice, Applesauce, or Apple Chips?

Other foods made from apples, like apple chips, applesauce, and apple juice, are less nutritious forms of apples and more problematic for teeth.

Apple chips are dehydrated, have added sugar, and have no fiber. Apple juice and applesauce may have the water content, but they also have added sugar and no fiber.

These combinations can lead to enamel decay, weight gain, and diabetes.

Are Some Dogs Allergic to Apples?

Dogs are primarily allergic to proteins in food. Apples have negligible amounts of protein. Therefore, although it is possible, dogs do not typically have allergies to apples.