RESA students staff Teen Court
The Career Connections Criminal Justice students from RESA recently visited the Clinton County courthouse and attended Teen Court with Judge Sullivan. The students served as the bailiffs, clerks, jurors and forepersons. The students (as jurors) asked real juveniles, that have committed real crimes, questions.
Once enough questions had been asked, the students discussed the case, the respondent, and their answers. They then determine the respondent’s fate. They determined if they were given community service, had to write an essay, victims impact panels among many other options.
The courts then assigned a probation officer for each juvenile that stood before us. They have 3 months to complete the tasks assigned by the peer jury.
Clinton County’s Stuckman inducted into National 4-H Hall of Fame
Sandra (Sandy) Clarkson Stuckman, of DeWitt, Mich. was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame on October 12 for her lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H, including Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s 4-H program. One of the highest honors bestowed on members of the 4-H community, Stuckman received the recognition as a former 4-H member, professional, administrator and current volunteer, supporter and advocate who has been serving her club, community, country and world for more than six decades.
“Sandra Clarkson Stuckman is among MSU Extension’s strongest 4-H supporters and we are fortunate to have her as a member of our 4-H community,” said Jake DeDecker, state leader for Michigan 4-H. “Sandy’s commitment to 4-H has been a lifelong journey. Starting as a 4-H member herself as a youth, growing into a 4-H professional and administrator, and now as one of Michigan 4-H’s most significant donors and advocates, Sandy has forever left her imprint on 4-H.”
An Indiana 4-H alumna, Sandy earned her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. She came to MSU for her master’s degree after working for Cornell Cooperative Extension for six years. She began her MSU career as an MSU Extension home economics agent, later serving as a regional MSU Extension director and then state 4-H leader of Michigan 4-H Youth Development from 1991 to 1998. Under her leadership, the Michigan 4-H China Project and the 4-H Chinese Art Exchange were established. In 1993, she oversaw the official opening of the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden, the first garden of its nature in the nation on a university campus.
During her tenure as state 4-H leader, Sandy also served as trustee and secretary of the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees, a role she embraced and enjoyed. Sandy became a loyal 4-H donor with major gifts for both the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden and the Vision 2021 Campaign for Kettunen Center, a capitol project to enhance Michigan’s 4-H youth development conference center. She became a strong partner for this campaign, helping to advocate support from Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) and its members toward this campaign.
In 1998, Sandy assumed the role of MSU Extension director of diversity. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have always been key to Sandy. As such, Sandy helped build MSU Extension and 4-H’s DEI efforts and staff training to help develop an understanding and appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism. After retiring in 2002, Sandy continued as an MSU Extension diversity facilitator and remained a dedicated 4-H supporter. In 2014, Sandy was elected Michigan 4-H Foundation honorary trustee for her continued advocacy and support for 4-H.
In 1998 Sandy created a named 4-H endowment with gifts made in her honor. She has continued to grow this perpetual fund over the past 20+ years, which supports 4-H leadership training scholarships. Since then, Sandy and her husband, Noel, have remained committed to 4-H as leadership donors and campaign volunteers through the Michigan 4-H Foundation. From 2014-2018, Sandy and Noel were members of the 4-H Leadership 10 – a group of 10 couples who provided leadership for the Campaign for Michigan 4-H’s Future. This campaign raised $13.3 million for Michigan 4-H, including more than $2.1 million to grow and build county 4-H endowments. Sandy co-hosted a 4-H retiree fundraising event, engaging 4-H retirees in contributing more than $200,000 towards a match pool for county 4-H endowments, becoming lead donors themselves. Sandy provided leadership to the local 4-H endowment campaign in Clinton County, hosting a kickoff event that led to a successful $50,000 local campaign. Most recently, the Stuckmans documented an estate gift to grow their 4-H endowment, as well as to support several additional endowments at MSU. With a majority of their support through endowed funds, their generosity will continue to serve 4-H youth and students for generations to come.
Throughout her retirement, Sandy has been well-known to volunteer her time to 4-H. She helps to plan and organize the Clinton County Friends of 4-H Silent Auction, where she also is known to annually donate and purchase items to directly support the local 4-H program. She also served several terms on the planning committee for the Michigan 4-H Retiree Reunion, a biannual event to keep former Michigan 4-H staff connected to and advocates of the Michigan 4-H program.
Sandy and Noel also provide leadership and support for the East Lansing Agriculture Club, the Barn Preservation Network, the YMCA, and are active MFB members. They served as leadership donors, campaign volunteers and student mentors for the FarmHouse Fraternity and are donors and advocates for Purdue University. They were honored for their service to and support with the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Distinguished Service Award in 2018 and the Michigan 4-H Citation Award in 2016. They were also honored with the Ruby C. McSwain Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association in June 2020.
For her lifetime commitment to 4-H, Sandy joins the ranks of other notable members of the 4-H community in the National 4-H Hall of Fame, which recognizes and celebrates 4-H volunteers, faculty and staff, pioneers, donors and others who have made a significant impact on 4-H at the local, state and/or national levels.
“We are overjoyed for Sandy to be recognized at the national level for all she has done for 4-H, both in Michigan and Indiana,” remarked DeDecker. “It’s a well-deserved honor.”
Nominated by MSU Extension Michigan 4-H Youth Development and the Michigan 4-H Foundation, Stuckman was one of 20 people inducted during the ceremony held at the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
Honorees were presented with a National 4-H Hall of Fame medallion, plaque and memory book during the ceremony. The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as part of the Centennial Project of National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in partnership with National 4-H Council and National 4-H Headquarters at the United State Department of Agriculture.
“We are proud to recognize the 2021 National 4-H Hall of Fame honorees for the passion, dedication, vision and leadership they have shown toward young people during their many years of service to 4-H,” said Jeannette Rea Keywood, National 4-H Hall of Fame Committee Chair.
Visit the National 4-H Hall of Fame website for more information about previous inductees. To learn more about Michigan 4-H, visit the Michigan 4-H website.
Remember When – St. Joe pumpkins decorate CMH in 2004
As part of a fall tradition, fourth-grade students at St. Joseph School in St. Johns once again brought some Halloween cheer to the patients, staff and volunteers at Clinton Memorial Hospital by providing decorated pumpkins.
The students helped Andy T. of St. Johns harvest pumpkins from his fields. As a way of saying thank you, Andy gives each child a free pumpkin for their assistance in loading the wagons.
Fourth grade teachers Jan Sipkovsky and Dorian Cormier held a pumpkin decorating contest for their students. Some of the winning pumpkins were presented to Clinton Memorial Hospital and displayed throughout the hospital for all to enjoy.
Winning pumpkins were made by Austin Cleaver, Riley Peterson, Elizabeth Skaryd and Hannah Schneider.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Exercising With Your Dog 101
Reviewed by Dr. Hanie Elfenbein, DVM, PhD
Do you feel guilty that your pet doesn’t get enough time with you? It’s a situation that happens to most of us, but one that can be easily remedied. Giving your dog an opportunity to exercise with you every day can increase your bonding time and help to improve her quality of life.
Here are some reasons why you should exercise your dog daily, what can happen if you don’t, and helpful tips for starting an exercise plan with your pup.
Benefits of Exercise for Dogs
Big or small, young or old, dogs need to exercise daily. While the age and breed of your dog may affect your dog’s ability to exercise, all dogs still need to take part in some form of daily physical activity.
Exercise tones a dog’s muscles, helps the body and metabolic system to function properly, and engages the mind.
Why Senior Dogs and Those With Disabilities Still Need to Exercise
Dogs that are less active and older—despite having physical conditions that can slow them down—still need to engage in some activity to keep the body working as it should.
Daily exercise is even more important for dogs with arthritis because it helps keep their joints moving. If you think your dog would experience too much pain to go on a casual 30-minute walk, talk to your veterinarian about pet pain medication and other pet health treatments.
Dogs that use specially equipped wheelchairs or carts can still enjoy a walk through the neighborhood, and some can even continue to take part in water activities.
What Can Happen When Dogs Don’t Exercise
Without physical activity, your dog will become bored, frustrated and unhealthy.
Here are some issues that come up when dogs suffer from lack of physical activity and mental stimulation:
– Destructive behaviors: These usually decrease once the dog is getting out every day.
– Loss of muscle mass: This can be difficult on a dog’s body.
– Weight gain: Dogs will also become overweight if they are not allowed to burn off the calories they take in during the day. This is especially true if they are given a lot of dog treats in compensation for lack of attention.
Tips for Beginning a Dog Exercise Program
Before you begin a dog exercise program, be sure to visit your veterinarian for a health check. Your vet can recommend an exercise plan that is appropriate for your dog’s age, breed and condition.
If you want to get your dog started on an exercise program, here are some guidelines.
Determine How Much Exercise Your Dog Needs
Exercise needs are based on a dog’s age, breed, size and overall health. However, it is generally recommended that your dog spend between 30 minutes to two hours being active every day—and not just on the weekends.
Your veterinarian can help you decide exactly how much exercise your dog actually needs.
Breeds in the hunting, working or herding groups (e.g., Labrador Retrievers, hounds, Collies and shepherds) will need the most exercise. If your dog is in one of these groups and is in good health, she should be getting at least 30 minutes of rigorous exercise along with her one to two hours of daily activity.
If your dog is a short-nosed breed, like a Bulldog, he will not tolerate a lot of daily exercise once he is fully grown. A casual walk around the neighborhood will be sufficient.
As a general rule, you can tell your dog needs exercise if she is restless or pacing. If she isn’t restless, a short walk should be enough to keep everything in order.
Start Your Dog Exercise Routine
Start out slowly and work your way up to longer walks or play times as they seem suitable. Additionally, don’t forget to allow for a warm-up period and cool down time at the end of your sessions.
A leisurely walk to the park or around the block before exercise should be enough to warm the muscles and prepare your dog for a serious game of catch or other strenuous activity.
And, don’t forget that mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Don’t be afraid of taking new running paths with your dog, going to different dog parks in your area, or introducing new dog toys and games to your routine.
Activities for Exercising Your Dog
Depending on the level of exercise your dog is capable of, there are a variety of activities they can take part in.
Low-Impact Exercise:
– Walking
– Moderate Exercise:
– Jogging
– Hiking (flat trail)
– Playing fetch
Strenuous Exercise:
– Running
– Hiking (with hills)
– Swimming
– Playing a more intense game of fetch
– Agility training
Mentally Stimulating Exercise:
– Trying a new walking route
– Training exercises
– Playing with puzzle games and feeders
– Scent training
– Agility training
Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Signals
You don’t want to pressure your dog into doing things that are too strenuous, or you could end up with bigger problems. Start slow if your dog is not accustomed to being physically active. Observe her responses, adding more activities or longer durations as she gets stronger.
Your dog should be happily tired, not exhausted, when you are done exercising her for the day. And remember that for most dogs, adding daily activities will NOT result in a need for more calories.
If you have any concerns about whether your dog can handle a long walk or whether you should implement a dog exercise plan for her, talk to your veterinarian.