Features – The St. Johns Independent

Brya wins State Wrestling Championship

Jacob Brya of St. Johns High School is a State Wrestling Champ at 140 pounds. Brya (42-0) won by a decision over Carsen Richards of Goodrich.

LAFCU uses cupcakes to encourage reading March 16

LAFCU is crazy for cupcakes … and it’s all to encourage reading during National Reading Month.

The Michigan credit union is partnering with a library, elementary school and bakery for a virtual event that encourages kids aged 12 and under to read. LAFCU Listen & Learn Crazy For Cupcakes will be live, 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 16 via Zoom.

“Reading sparks imagination, and imagination influences everything we do, think about and create,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer. ‘This is why it is important for young children to have access to stories and books, and why LAFCU, as a credit union, works with others who share our passion to be a positive force in the community. Our future success depends on our youth.”

The March 16 event revolves around the book If you Give a Cat a Cupcake, written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felica Bond. It was selected and will be read by Gillian Streeter, youth services librarian, East Lansing Public Library.

Featured will be third and fourth grade students in the classes of Matt Himmelspach and Stephanie Krumbach at East Lansing’s Red Cedar Elementary. Sweet Encounter Bakery owner Nikki Thompson Frazier will lead the students in creating cat faces with icing on cupcakes that the bakery will provide.

Kids participating virtually can interact with presenters during the event’s Q&A sessions, and they are also eligible for a free cupcake.

To encourage kids to visit and explore the East Lansing library, children aged 12 and under can pick up a coupon for a free cupcake at the library through Saturday, April 30. The coupons are redeemable at Sweet Encounter Bakery located in Knapp’s Centre, 300 S. Washington Square, Lansing. The bakery specializes in gluten- and peanut-free desserts.

Supporting the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” LAFCU created the Listen & Learn Program in response to the pandemic to provide a fun, new option for kids up to age 12 to learn, listen, read and interact.

In addition to live events, the LAFCU Listen & Learn Program offers recorded readings of children’s books on the credit union’s YouTube channel, , and by phone, 517.622.6789.

Remember When – Congratulations To 2012 Wrestling Team

Winning a state championship is an amazing accomplishment for any high school sports team. Winning three in a row is a much rarer feat.

The St. Johns Redwings wrestling team did just that, taking home the 2011 Division II Michigan State Wrestling Championship, making them the champs for three years running.

Special mention goes out to Taylor Massa, who concluded his high school wrestling career with four consecutive individual state titles and was undefeated during his four years as a Redwing grappler.

Congratulations to the team, the coaching staff and the proud families who support this great sports program.

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Flowers and Plants That Are Safe for Dogs
Courtesy of Carly Sutherland, reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Grota, DVM

Some plants and cut flowers can actually be toxic to dogs, causing symptoms such as swelling of the mouth, vomiting, trembling, loss of coordination, seizures, difficulty breathing, or even death.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t ever decorate your place with indoor plants or accept a gift of flowers from a friend. Before you bring home a nice flower arrangement or new houseplant, you just need to make sure it’s on the list of flowers and plants that are safe for dogs.

Flowers That Are Safe for Dogs

Some safe flowers for dogs include:
– Alstroemeria
– Asters
– Gerber Daisies
– Orchid
– Roses
– Snapdragon
– Statice
– Sunflowers

Houseplants That Are Safe for Dogs

Here a few plants that are safe for dogs:

Ferns:
– Boston Fern
Herbs:
– Basil
– Cilantro
– Dill
– Lemon Balm
– Rosemary
– Sage
Perennials:
– African Violet
– Aluminum Plant (aka Watermelon plant)
– Bamboo
– Friendship Plant
– Spider Ivy (aka Spider Plant)
– Swedish Ivy
Succulents:
– Blue Echeveria (aka Wax Rosette, Painted Lady)
– Christmas Cactus
– Haworthia
– Hens and Chickens
Palms:
– Areca Palm
– Dwarf Date Palm
– Dwarf Palm (aka Good Luck Palm, Bamboo Palm, Parlor Palm)
– Lady Palm

Why Do Dogs Eat Plants and Flowers?

Pets are curious, so it’s not unlikely that they would try to munch on plants or flowers that you bring into the home.

“Exposure of dogs and cats to household plants occurs commonly, especially with younger animals that tend to be very inquisitive. Some plants are extremely toxic to our pets,” says Dr. David Dorman, DVM and professor of Toxicology at North Carolina State University of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Dorman says, “It’s important to remember that your pet cannot distinguish between safe-to-eat plants and those that are dangerous. The key to preventing poisonings in your pets is to prevent exposure.” Thus, don’t bring poisonous plants into the home with cats and dogs, period.
What to Do If You Suspect That Your Dog Ate a Toxic Plant or Flower

Plants that are considered dangerous for dogs can cause a range of symptoms—some much more serious than others.

If you’re concerned that your pet has ingested a poisonous plant or flower, or they’re showing symptoms of poisoning, contact your veterinarian, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435, or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 immediately.

Before you add eco-friendly décor to your home, do your research to keep your pets safe.