Oakview students visit the Capitol
Fourth grade students from Oakview Elementary traveled to the Capitol and Impressions 5 this week. Thank you, teachers for organizing the trip; and thanks to all of the parents that volunteered to make this trip possible.
St. Johns Band travels to Detroit for Thanksgiving
John Sirrine: Honorary Saint of the Year 2023
A proclamation was issued naming John Sirrine the community’s 2023 Saint of the Year.
Whereas, John Sirrine has been a part of the St. Johns’ community for his entire life. He is a graduate of Rodney B Wilson High school, married local gal Deb Wirick and raised his children Bridget and Bekah in St. johns.
Whereas, Johns Sirrine has acted as a representative of St Johns on the larger stage in places such as the MSU Boys State program in high school, in the United States Navy as a young man and recently at the Capital Region Community foundation
Whereas, John Sirrine has selflessly provided his skills, and expertise to many causes with in the St Johns Community with no thought of recognition or renumeration, taken personal time away from his family and his golf game to be a board member of local organizations such as: the Clinton County Arts council, The St Johns Public School Foundation for Excellence, The First Congregational Church, The American Legion Post 153, The Clinton County Historical Museum, the Clinton County Veterans Memorial, The Briggs Public Library and the St Johns Area Community Fund.
Whereas, Johns Sirrine is a Charter Member of the St Johns area community fund, has raised considerable funds to benefit the community of St Johns and currently acts as the volunteer executive director.
Whereas, John Sirrine was this year instrumental in preparing two grants that have brought over $700,000 to the St Johns Community for the renovation of the Fantasy Forest Playground in the city park.
we the people of St. Johns, Michigan do hereby proclaim
John Sirrine Honorary Saint of the Year 2023
and wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation.
Marching Redwings wow them at Silver Bells in the City
Call-In Coalition co-founder receives Governor’s Service Award
Clinton County resident and St. Johns Call-In Coalition co-founder Andrea Ryan has been selected to receive a Governor’s Service Award, honored in the Community Impact category because of exceptional dedication and service to her community and state.
When Andrea found out that the coalition was receiving an award she became emotional. “I felt a deep sense of acceptance for our community, ” she says. “We all had our hearts out and the Michigan Community Service Commission said yes, your hearts do have value and we see you.”
She noted that, “people can see our hearts working side-by-side to create a healthier, safer, more inclusive community and that is beautiful for the coalition and the St. Johns community as well.”
“I want everyone in our community to share in this experience, and know your life has value”, she says. “Your voice is important and you matter.”
The St. Johns Call-In Coalition fosters and advances the culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within the community of St. Johns. The coalition was organized in 2020 and works closely with other local organizations, county coalitions and the St. Johns city council. It hosts a variety of community initiatives including The Upstanders, a youth reach out program, and the annual St. Johns Pride Festival.
The Governor’s Service Awards has been held since 1994 to recognize the individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism, service, and philanthropy throughout the years. The event is a wonderful opportunity for Michiganders to gather and be inspired by their stories of service at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on November 28.
CCRESA designated HEARTSafe School
CCRESA is proud to have received the MI HEARTSafe School designation for both their Educational Center and Administration Building.
The HEARTSafe designation recognizes the school’s preparedness for a cardiac emergency. A special thanks to the Educational Center Nurse, Megan Stephens, for her leadership in this area.
Remember when? – Historical Society Holds Christmas Party in 2014
“Preserving the Past, Enhancing the Present, Investing in the Future”
by Maralyn Fink
The Clinton County Historical Society and Museum held their annual Christmas party on Monday December 1 at the Road House. Many members and spouses were present for food, fun and conversation.
President Lynne Gregory presided over the meeting, and drawings were held for many prizes. Everyone present had a great time and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
The Society is made up of two groups: the Museum and the Archives and Genealogy Resource which includes Clinton County Trails. Members number around 90, and membership is $25.00.
The Society puts out a newsletter every 3 months, and the Museum does a yearly one.
The Historical Society meets once a month, and the public is welcome. The Museum has its own board of directors that meet on an irregular basis, and their meetings are not open to the public.
The Society and Museum are funded by fundraising projects and donations. There are many uses for the donations such as heating, lights, maintenance repair and phones when open. The hours for the museum are Wednesday 2-7 and Sunday 1-4, closing just before Christmas till the following season.
The President of the Historical Society is Lynne Gregory, and Diane Carlson is the Executive Director of Museum.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Can Cats Eat Ham?
courtesy of Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP
Ham is a holiday food and a favorite meat for quick sandwiches—but what about sharing with your kitty? Can cats eat ham, or should you skip this meat? While ham is a source of protein, there are some instances when your kitty should never snack on it.
Here’s what to know about safely feeding ham to your cat.
Is Ham Bad for Cats?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are completely dependent on the nutrients found in meat products for their nutrition. Ham provides a lean source of protein, which is an ideal way to offer these nutrients.
However, not all ham is created equal. Although home-cooked ham is very good for cats, deli-processed ham foods are much less likely to be nutritious for cats. They frequently have lots of additives that can be bad for your feline companion, such as sodium and seasonings like garlic or onion, which are toxic for cats.
Although home-cooked ham is very good for cats, deli-processed ham foods are much less likely to be nutritious for cats.
So, if you want to share your ham with your kitty, it’s best to purchase raw, uncooked ham and then prepare it yourself without the addition of any seasonings or spices. This way, you will know that it’s safe and nutritious for you and your pets.
And, as always, check with your veterinarian beforehand to be sure that your cat is healthy enough to snack on ham.
Can Kittens Eat Ham?
Kittens fall in a slightly different category than adult cats when it comes to eating ham. Although they are still considered obligate carnivores and depend on animal protein-based foods for their nutrition, they have much more delicate nutritional needs and it can be difficult to make sure that all of the nutrients are being provided in the correct ratios.
For example, muscle meat (such as ham) is high in phosphorous but deficient in calcium. Eating too much muscle meat—although nutritious, lean, and high in protein—could actually affect the balance of calcium in a kitten’s body and affect the growth of strong, healthy bones.
A small bite of ham that has fallen on the floor isn’t going to hurt a kitten. But ham also isn’t something that should be regularly provided as a snack until a kitten has reached her full adult size. Additionally, a kitten’s digestive tract can be delicate, and she can develop concerns such as vomiting and diarrhea much more readily than adult cats.
How To Feed Your Cat Ham
If your kitty enjoys ham and you would like to add small snacks of it into her diet, it’s best to purchase raw ham and cook it yourself. Although this isn’t the most convenient—given the abundance of precooked, packaged, deli ham—it is by far the safest for your cat.
When cooking the ham, do not add any seasonings until after you have set aside a portion of fully cooked meat for your kitty. Raw meats can transmit a variety of different diseases, especially bacteria such as E.coli, salmonella, and listeria, so be sure any meats you feed your kitty are fully cooked.
How Much Ham Is OK for Cats?
Any ham offered should only be a 1-inch cube serving, no more than two or three times a week. Cut this portion into smaller bites, as your cat could potentially gulp down this tasty treat and choke.
Any ham that you offer your cat should be considered a treat and not a staple of their diet. Talk to your veterinarian before you start offering your kitty ham for treats, as not all cats should be offered ham. For example, cats on a sodium-restricted diet (such as cats with kidney disease or heart disease) may not be able to eat even small amounts of ham safely.
Many cats like to eat ham plain, or it can be used as a food topper. Another alternative is to help your cat get exercise in the process of getting her special treat by hiding the snack in a food puzzle or even in tiny portions in bowls around the house. This will make her more active while “hunting” for her snacks.
Any ham offered should only be a 1-inch cube serving, no more than two or three times a week.
As fun as it is to share ham with your cat, keep portion sizes small relative to the amount of commercial cat food she eats. It’s quite easy to give your cat too many treats, which can result in nutritional imbalances and illness. Remember: Even low-sodium hams still contain salt. Too much salt can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) in cats, just like it can in people.
Can Cats Eat Ham Bones?
No, do not give your cat ham bones. In fact, all bones are off-limits for cats.
Bones pose many dangers. One of the most serious is if your kitty manages to break off a piece of bone. This can become lodged in the intestinal tract (causing an obstruction) or even puncture the stomach or intestines. And because a cat’s teeth are small and fairly brittle compared to a dog’s, they can break off a tooth while trying to bite the bone.
So, while cat tongues are designed to remove meat from bones, always keep bones away from your kitty.
Other Foods To Feed Your Cat
There are several other protein sources you can try offering that might be appealing to your cat. As long as they’re prepared properly, cats can have:
Chicken
Turkey
Beef
Fish
Lamb
Remember: All meat for your cat needs to be fully cooked with the bones and skin removed. Keep portions small, and never add any seasonings or flavorings, as these could be harmful for your cat.