Plein Air event a huge success
The Clinton County Arts Council’s first event of the year was a huge success. Eight artists, some from as far away as Traverse City, participated in this year’s event.
This was an adjudicated show, which took place from May 6-8 with cash prizes being awarded to the top three artists.
A total of 21 artworks were produced. and they are now on display in the Art and Soul Gallery in downtown St. Johns.
En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air” and refers to the act of an artist leaving behind the four walls of a studio in favor of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view. Plein air artists capture the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, color and movement into their works.
“This was a very strong show again this year,” states Ruth Reynolds, the Art and Soul Gallery director and planner of this year’s event. “The artists creatively captured many recognizable buildings and subjects throughout Clinton County, while working under in some difficult weather conditions.”
The following artists took part in this year’s event:
– Lisabeth Curnow – 1st Place
– Martha Eichert – 2nd Place
– Theressa Levett – 3rd Place
– Mary Ablao
– Nanette Buettner
– Chad Burham
– Deb Macarty
– Nicholas Stump
Judges for the event were St. Johns Mayor, Eric Hufnagel, downtown businessman, Jason Butler, and local artist, Martin Vargas. The judges stated that the judging was extremely difficult this year due to the high quality of paintings submitted.
Plein Air is a CCAC program dedicated to enhancing the public’s awareness of the freedom of painting “en plein air” while providing a venue for established and emerging artists alike to share creative endeavors with collectors and the public.
The paintings are on display until the end of May and are for sale, with proceeds going to both the artists and the gallery. The Art and Soul Gallery is located at 215 N. Clinton Ave. in St. Johns.
Guard your COVID-19 vaccination card
After you get your COVID-19 vaccine, keep your vaccination card safe. Scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to try to steal your personal information.
Don’t share a photo of your COVID-19 vaccination card online or on social media. Scammers can use content you post, like your date of birth, health care details, or other personal information to steal your identity.
Protect Yourself
You should get a COVID-19 vaccination card at your first vaccine appointment. If you didn’t, contact the provider site where you got vaccinated or your state health department to find out how to get a card.
If someone contacts you to buy or sell a vaccination card, it’s a scam.
If you suspect COVID-19 health care fraud, report it online or call 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). TTY users can call 1-800-377-4950.
Opportunity awaits High School Students
Your local American Legion post is looking for high school juniors to attend the 2021 Virtual Boys State and Girls State programs. In most cases, individual expenses are paid by our American Legion or Auxiliary.
Candidates should be keenly interested in government and current events, and show strong leadership abilities. This experience looks great on job applications and college admissions forms.
American Legion Boys State
American Legion Boys State is a participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government. At Boys State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs.
American Legion Auxiliary Girls State
Female high school students who have completed their junior year are competitively selected and sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary units for this program, where they learn about the political process by electing officials for all levels of state government and actively running a mock government. The girls are assigned to mock cities and either the “Federalist Party” or “Nationalist Party.”
Remember When – Friends of Maple River schedule 2012 clean-up
The Friends of The Maple River (FOMR) wants everyone who lives within the Maple River watershed to be aware that the FOMR annual Maple River clean-up is scheduled for Saturday April 14.
The FOMR is seeking volunteers to help pick up trash at bridge crossings, public access sites, by floating sections of the rver to pick up trash along the banks of the river that are inaccessible, and/or floating the river to remove parts of trees that are blocking small boat navigation on the river.
Volunteers will meet at 9:00 AM on April 14 at the Elsie Dam. The Dam is located just north of Island road, one mile west of the stoplight in downtown Elsie.
There will be a short safety and orientation session and assignments will be made. Volunteers should dress appropriately for the job they will do. It is suggested that you bring rubber boots and heavy work gloves. Anyone who wants to float the river to open passages for small boats should bring their own boat and the necessary saws to remove sections of trees that are blocking boat navigation.
Please note that if the river is in flood stage on April 14, the floating the river portion of the river clean-up will not take place because it is not safe to be on the river. In such a case, the clean-up efforts will be confined to bridge crossings and public access sites. Trash bags and bottled water will be provided by the FOMR.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – 7 Health Issues to Look for When You Have an Older Dog
All dogs get older. And like us, dogs age at different rates, especially dogs of different breeds and size.
For example, giant breed dogs like Great Danes are generally considered to be a senior by roughly 5-6 years old, whereas a smaller breed dog like a Chihuahua would probably only enter the senior stage at 10-11 years.
As your beloved dog enters his senior years, you should be prepared for certain changes that might occur in your dog’s health. Visit your veterinarian regularly; many vets recommend twice a year for senior dogs.
If you notice any of the following issues, talk to your veterinarian to determine the course of treatment.
1. Vision Loss and Other Eye Problems
Has your dog begun bumping into things, falling or displaying signs of eye discomfort (redness, cloudiness, etc.)? He may be suffering from vision loss or an eye disorder.
Deteriorating eyesight is part of the normal aging process for dogs. Many dogs will develop a cloudiness in their lens as they age, and though this is normal, it does decrease the precision of their eyesight.
Even though it may be due to aging, take your pet to the vet to rule out treatable eye diseases such as corneal damage, dry eye syndrome or conjunctivitis. Cataracts can also be treated surgically.
Loss of vision is usually irreversible, but there are certain things you can do to help your dog adjust. Ask your veterinarian for tips on handling senior dogs with vision loss.
2. Increased/Strained Urination
Increased urination or straining to urinate may be an indicator of kidney disease or urinary tract infection, both of which are more commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs.
Fortunately, urinary incontinence and strained urination can often be alleviated with prescription dog medication or dietary changes. Urinary incontinence quickly leads to uncomfortable urinary tract infections. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect a problem.
3. Bad Breath, Bloody Gums and Other Oral Problems
If you haven’t been diligent on brushing your dog’s teeth or bringing him in to the vet’s office regularly for a professional cleaning, he’s probably beginning to display the signs of oral diseases (bad breath, excessive drooling, gum inflammation and loose teeth).
Dental hygiene, after all, is primarily about good maintenance. However, it’s not too late to start. Take your dog to your veterinarian and discuss how you can resolve the issues and prevent them from occurring in the future.
4. Lumps, Bumps and Other Skin Problems
Your dog may encounter skin and coat issues at any age, but he is more susceptible to them as he gets older. These may show up as rashes, lesions, swelling, lumps, dry skin or hair loss in dogs.
But there are often things your veterinarian can do to help alleviate the symptoms (such as make dietary changes) or even cure the underlying cause of the issue.
Many dogs develop lumps under their skin as they age. Lipomas, or fatty growths, are common and benign—meaning they pose no problem for your pet.
However, fatty growths and other more dangerous growths can look very similar, so it is best to have them evaluated by your veterinarian.
Lumps are of increased concern when they are new, when they grow, or if they change shape, color or size.
5. Weight Gain or Loss
Some older dogs have difficulty maintaining their weight and may need a dog food with a higher calorie content or better palatability, while other dogs tend to gain weight and may need a diet for less active dogs.
Neither being overweight nor underweight is ideal for your dog. Overweight and obese dogs, for instance, have a higher incidence of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and even cancer.
Discuss with your veterinarian when it would be appropriate for your dog to switch from an adult dog to a senior dog diet. Ask about the benefits of therapeutic diets, which can provide key benefits to help manage conditions commonly associated with aging dogs.
In addition, devise an age-appropriate exercise routine for your senior dog with the help of your vet. A proper diet and exercise plan can be important in delaying the signs of aging and increasing your dog’s longevity.
6. Difficulty Playing and Getting Around
It may be hard for you to see your previously active dog having difficulty getting around the house or playing fetch like before, but joint issues such as arthritis are common in older dogs.
Discuss with your veterinarian whether dietary changes (such as the addition of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids) would be helpful. Dog ramps and orthopedic dog beds can also help you accommodate your senior dog’s less-mobile state.
Physical rehabilitation can also reverse some mobility losses and is a valuable tool for aging pets.
7. Behavior and Memory Problems
Changes in your dog’s behavior may be a normal part of aging or a symptom of a disease like dog dementia (canine cognitive dysfunction).
Therefore, you need to consult your veterinarian should he exhibit signs of confusion, disorientation, memory loss, irritability, unusual pacing or other personality changes.
Some specific signs of canine cognitive dysfunction include staying awake or pacing at night, having urinary accidents and forgetting cues (e.g., sit, stay) that he once knew.