CAAS celebrates 50th
by Maralyn Fink
I attended the 50th year open house for Clinton Area Ambulance Service on Saturday May 6.
Wow, 50 years earns a huge congratulations from the whole community!
Back at that time, I was involved in the starting and did the scheduling and the bookkeeping.
Lynn Weber and the EMT’s do a great job in keeping the service going and because of their dedication.
Congratulations to all for your time. Thanks to all who came out for this special day.
For more information go to http://www.clintonambulance.com/
Redwing Profile – Melissa Jones becomes Sr. Guadalupe
On May 5, 2023 Melissa Jones, a 2000 graduate of St. Johns High School, made her temporary Profession as Sister Guadalupe Maria, PBVM with the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary based in New Windsor, New York.
Born and raised in St. Johns, the sister grew up like any other kid in the Midwest. She was the second oldest of her siblings, with an older brother and younger brother and sister. She attended St. Johns High School and did theater, working backstage on school productions like “Grease” and “Annie.” In high school, Sister Guadalupe briefly thought about joining the sisterhood but brushed the idea away.
She attended Baker College in Owosso and changed majors a few times. First accounting, then business with a minor in computer technology, and then a minor in marketing. After a couple of semesters, she knew something wasn’t right: “Nothing fit,” she said, “So I left college and got a job.”
She worked a variety of jobs for grocery stores, fast-food restaurants and as the supervisor for the National Passport Information Center. Things were going well until the grocery store she worked at went out of business, putting her out of a job. It was a hard period in her life.
“It was a bad time,” said Sister Guadalupe. “That was when I started searching for God on a deeper level. I started getting more involved in church, and I switched parishes to St. Gerard Catholic Church in Lansing that was active, and I started getting more involved.”
The more she dove into her faith the more she started thinking about the sisterhood. She mentioned the vocation idea to her Uncle Jim Rehmann who worked for Catholic Charities in Anchorage, Alaska. At that same time, Watervliet general superior, Mother Mary Louise Kane, PBVM, also worked for Anchorage Catholic Charities and was friends with Sister Guadalupe’s uncle. When he mentioned his niece’s interest in the sisterhood one day, Mother Mary Louise said, “Tell her to call me.”
“My uncle called me and was like, ‘So there’s this order of sisters that I know…’” she laughed. Sister Guadalupe did give Mother Mary Louise a call, and in August, 2019 she boarded a train from Lansing, Michigan to Albany, New York to meet with the Sisters.
The first visit with the sisters felt more like a vacation than a discernment trip, she said. She got a tour of the campus and visited the Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine in Auriesville and the Saint Kateri National Shrine and Historic Site in Fonda.
“It was amazing, everybody was so sweet,” said Sister Guadalupe. “Everybody was just so nice and kind.”
“There was definitely this calling here,” Sister Guadalupe said. “There was another order I was considering, but I could tell it didn’t fit. There was something that didn’t feel right, but this feels very right. I wouldn’t still be here if it didn’t!”
The building where the sisters live serves as both the motherhouse for the Watervliet order of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and basecamp for St. Colman’s School, a residential and day program for special needs children founded and run by the sisters. As part of the usual vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, the Watervliet sisters add a fourth vow of instruction for poor children.
It’s the place where Sister Guadalupe has spent the past three years discerning her vocation. She was accepted as a postulant in September 2020 and a novice in April 2021. She’ll continue working, studying and praying here as part of her journey toward final vows.
Now Sister Guadalupe’s day is packed with work. The day starts early with Morning Prayer and Liturgy of the Hours with the sisters. After that, she’ll assist two elderly nuns to get ready for the day, then go to the children’s dining room to help serve meals to students.
“I’m gaining a lot of knowledge about autism,” Sister Guadalupe said of her work. “Some kids have quirks and some also are just typical teenagers.” Ryan, a student in the full-time residential program, uses a device to talk with the sisters. “Even though he has a device he talks on, you can still tell when he’s got his, ‘I don’t want to do anything’ vibe.”
One day a week, Sister Guadalupe has a Zoom class with the Magdala Apostolate, an outreach project of the Institute of Catholic Culture that provides doctrinal formation for women religious and novices. She’s currently learning the Theological Virtues and just wrapped up the Cardinal Virtues last term.
In her free time the sister enjoys diamond painting and loom knitting. Throughout the day, she loves hanging out with Maggie, Mother Mary Louise’s King Charles Spaniel, who even has her own chair in the rectory space.
“You really have to be open to what God wants; and if he’s calling you, listen,” she said. “I know it’s difficult to listen, but listen because you never know.”
[Interview courtesy of The Evangelist, the official publication of the Diocese of Albany, NY.]
Vocational Scholarship awarded
Congratulations to Cameron McCoy-Dean as the second recipient of the Terry Boettger Memorial Scholarship award from the St. Johns vocational auto program.
Terry Alan Boettger passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021 after a short battle with COVID. Terry was a lifelong learner, an instructor and an advocate for the trades. Terry served the public school community of Fowlerville, MI as an automotive instructor from 2002-2007. He then worked as a regional service trainer at Suzuki Motor Corporation for a couple years before finding his professional home with Subaru of America, Inc. Terry gave himself fully to his on-the-go job of making sure the world knows the importance of skilled trades, and to making sure those he trained were fully prepared for the task.
Best wishes to Cameron as he pursues his dream career.
Children and Youth Crime Victims Need a Voice
courtesy of Kelly Schafer, M.S., Executive Director
The Voice for Clinton County’s Children
I have worked in the nonprofit field for over 23 years, most of the time serving crime victims. In 2013 I was privileged to cross paths with professionals who support Clinton County children and youth who are in foster care to have a voice through Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). In 2016 our agency collaborated with great professionals from many Clinton County disciplines, Child Protective Services, Health System, Law Enforcement, Mental Health Services, and Prosecutor’s Office. We all worked together to bring our nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center (CAC) services to Clinton County.
When our journey was beginning, we talked a lot about what to name our nonprofit agency-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children–it did not take too long to name who we served and where we served, a word tossed around was the. I have thought about those conversations, we are THE voice, that is a big responsibility and one I have never taken lightly. Recently, it has felt to be a struggle to fully be their voice and fulfill our responsibility.
We are in a time where it does not feel Clinton County’s young victims of alleged crimes-when they come to our Child Advocacy Center the crimes are alleged-have an opportunity for justice as they journey through the entire criminal legal system entrusted to serve. I am speaking only from my experiences and observations, holding tight young peoples’ deserved confidentiality, respect for what is not public information, and not getting into other concerns shared with me.
I am disheartened when professionals who are investigating criminal allegations of child abuse appear hopeful when alleged abuse happened in another county–happening in another county means criminal charges will be considered outside of Clinton County.
I am frustrated when during an investigation professionals refer to potential criminal charges as slam dunk cases and the prosecutor’s office does not issue criminal charges.
I have sat with a young person in criminal court proceedings who experienced a panic/anxiety attack while being questioned by a defense attorney. The prosecutor did not intervene; the questioning continued until a judge initiated a break.
I have great respect for brave crime victims who read their victim impact statements to the court, and the honor of standing by their side with the defendant present. And then a glimmer of hope when judges do not accept a sentencing agreement between the prosecutor and defense and the sentence is increased.
I am angry when an original criminal charge starts with a Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) of some degree and is plead down to something vaguely related; and the criminal sentencing agreements do not include the defendants being on the Sex Offender Registry (SOR).
I am in a state of disbelief when I learn an alleged criminal sexual conduct case has been under review for criminal charges in the prosecutor’s office for over a year.
“No child should have to be braver than the adults in their life” Adrianne Simeone, founder of the Mama Bear Effect. These words ring true to me.
If children and youth are brave enough to speak out against their abuser and entrust us with their story and their pain the adults within the criminal justice system must take their responsibility seriously. A responsibility which impacts the safety of our community, justice for young crime victims, and assurance to Clinton County’s youngest (and all) crime victims they will be heard. As The Voice for Clinton County’s Children I lift the voices of the nearly 500 victims of human trafficking, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and witness to violence we have been entrusted to serve since 2017. I expect their voices to be heard by the entire criminal justice system.
The East Ward School story, Part 3
by Maralyn Fink
1919-1926
In 1917 the United States entered World War I. In 1918 on November 11 an Armistice was declared and the war ended. Thse were the years of Prohibition and Woman Suffage Amendments. Wilson, Hardiing and Coolidge were the Presidents of our country.
At East Ward the teachers were Grace Rimmer, Ms. Butler and Sara Pouch. Following these teachers were Bess Conley Osgood, Helen Gould Judd and Hazel Risdele Culver.
A few of the students attending during this time were Gerald Bunge, Raymond, Gene and Bob Eich, Robert Pratt, Ruth Pratt Roof, R. G. Warstler and Kenneth Penix.
1927-1936
The nation’s leaders were Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt. The depression years were in progress. Prohibition had been repealed and the nation was struggling to raise above the depression with such things as TVA and the New Deal.
The staff at East Ward remained about the same. In 1934 Dorothy Welch joined the teaching staff.
Several individuals familiar to St. Johns today were entered on the East Ward kindergarten roster.
1929 – Raymond Parr
1931 – Dorothy Pratt Salters
1932 – Robert Cole
1934 – Leonard Puetz
1934 – Jean Mary Castell * 2nd grade
1935 – J. E. Crosby
1936 – Dean Wakefield
1936 – Richard Boling
1936 – Charlie Cordray
1936 – Louise Tilford Fernholz
1937 – Richard Tilford
Next week: The story continues.
Remember When – CAASA showcases their new building in 2019
by Maralyn Fink
The Clinton Area Ambulance Service Authority (CAASA) hosted their municipal partners on June 20 prior to the Board meeting to showcase their new garage.
The festivities were held in the nearly completed auxiliary garage with several municipal Boards represented as well as several of the CAASA crew members. The crews shared their appreciation for the Board’s decision to construct a space that allows for all of the CAASA vehicles to be housed inside where they are both secure and out of the weather.
Normal business was conducted at the Board meeting, and the Director’s report was a formal presentation by Director Lynn Weber. This presentation explained the rapidly changing healthcare environment that EMS works in and how much more EMS does now than in the past.
The addition of Community Paramedicine was touched on. The positive impact on the community with this program has been significant, but growth has been intentionally kept at a minimum due to a lack of reimbursement for this service. The increased cost of operation was also discussed, and then compared with the very minimal increase in reimbursement for services provided.
Director Weber concluded by expressing a willingness to come to other community meetings to share this information with those that might be interested in learning more about their local EMS provider.
I was invited to attend this event due to my past experience of the original Ambulance Service back in the 70s. Thank you Lynn and crew for including me. It was great visiting everyone and seeing the facilities and changes since then.
For more information go to http://www.clintonambulance.com/
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Kitten Vaccination Schedule and Costs
Kittens are most susceptible to infectious diseases when they are under 6 months of age. That’s why it’s so important to give your kitten the protection they need with the right vaccinations.
Mother cats pass maternal antibodies through their milk during nursing. These antibodies do offer some degree of protection against diseases, but they also interfere with, or even inactivate, the body’s response to vaccination.
For this reason, core (recommended) kitten vaccinations start at 6-8 weeks of age and are boosted (repeated) every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 16-20 weeks old. Core vaccines should be boosted one year after the initial series.
Core vs. Non-Core Kitten Vaccines
Cat vaccinations are divided into two types:
Core cat vaccinations are those that protect against especially common and/or particularly dangerous diseases, and they are recommended for all kittens and adult cats.
Examples: FVRCP and Rabies
Non-core vaccinations are recommended only for those cats that are at high risk of infection. In the case of non-core vaccinations, your vet will assess your cat’s lifestyle to determine the risk of disease and whether it’s greater than the risk of vaccination.
Examples: FeLV and Bordetella
What Vaccines Does a Kitten Need?
There are two vaccines that should be given to all kittens, and a third vaccine is highly recommended by some veterinarians.
FVRCP
All kittens should receive a vaccination that protects against feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia (FVRCP). These diseases are common in the general cat population.
Protection against all three of these viruses is generally provided in a combination vaccine.
Feline calicivirus is one of the most common viral causes of feline upper respiratory infections.
Feline viral rhinotracheitis is highly contagious between cats. It’s also a major cause of upper respiratory infections and is caused by feline herpes virus type 1. Cats that become infected will always be carriers of the virus.
Feline panleukopenia is also very contagious between cats and is caused by feline parvovirus.
The kitten vaccination schedule for FVRCP can begin as early as 6 weeks of age. Kittens are vaccinated once every 3-4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age or older. However, to avoid over-vaccination, most veterinarians will recommend starting the vaccine at 8 weeks of age, followed by boosters at 12 weeks and 16 weeks old.
Rabies
Rabies is the other core kitten vaccination. Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect cats and many other animals, including humans. Your kitten can receive a rabies vaccination as early as 12 weeks of age, but this depends on state laws and the veterinarian.
FeLV
The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine is recommended by some veterinarians for all kittens, while others only recommend it for kittens at risk of disease. The decision should be based on your pet’s lifestyle and a discussion with your vet.
Feline leukemia is a viral disease that can be transferred to kittens from their mother or through close contact with other infected cats. Kittens should be tested for FeLV prior to vaccination. Vaccination can begin at 8 to 12 weeks of age and requires a booster vaccine that’s given 3-4 weeks later.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Here’s the general schedule for kitten vaccinations:
6-8 weeks:
– FVRCP required
– FeLV highly recommended
10-12 weeks:
– FVRCP required (second in series)
– FeLV highly recommended
14-16 weeks:
– FVRCP required (third in series)
– Rabies required by law
– FeLV highly recommended
1-year booster:
– FVRCP booster required
– Rabies booster required by law
Cost of Kitten Vaccines
Each vaccine costs roughly $25 to $50 depending on the manufacturer and where you live. Your kitten will also usually need a physical examination to make sure that they are healthy enough to get vaccines.
The initial examination is usually with the veterinarian, and follow-up exams are either with the vet or a certified technician. The cost for the initial exam can range from $40-$60 on average. The follow-up visit cost might be lower with a technician.
Kitten Vaccine Side Effects
Side effects of vaccinations are usually mild if they occur at all, although in rare instances, unexpected severe reactions can occur. Your veterinary team should discuss these possible issues with you so you know what to monitor for.
Mild side effects can include:
– Tiredness
– Mild fever
– Soreness at the site of injection
– Lump at the site of injection
Moderate side effects can include:
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Loss of appetite
More severe side effects include:
– Facial swelling
– Hives on the body
– Trouble breathing
– Shock
Go to an emergency vet if you see any severe side effects.
If you have any concerns about your kitten after receiving vaccinations, contact your veterinarian or bring your pet in to see the vet. They will help determine if it is safe to continue with the vaccine series and may even recommend giving your cat an antihistamine ahead of time.