Wilson Center boasts new stage doors
The Wilson Center Auditorium is pleased to present another significant improvement to the auditorium stage – a new steel double door backstage. The new doors will provide better access to the stage for performers who had been using the 1920s-era single wooden door for stage entry.
The double door will allow allow better access for prop builders, as well as the ability to move the piano to a storage area across the hallway when not being used.
A big thank you should go to Bill Tennant for keeping these renovation project details moving forward during the current Covid-19 down time.
Chalk it Up 2020
Voice for Clinton County’s Children adds K-9 support
courtesy of Kelly L. Schafer, Executive Director
The Voice for Clinton County’s Children
In September 2019 our agency and my family began the process to add a furry Advocate to our team. We began our partnership with the Canine Advocacy Program, Leader Dogs for the Blind, and 1 FUR 1 Foundation to provide this amazing support to our kiddos.
The process begins with a puppy trained through Leader Dogs for the Blind. When the puppy is around 15 to 18 months old, the decision is made on what is the best way for the puppy to serve.
On February 21 I made the trip to Leader Dogs for the Blind’s (beautiful) campus in Rochester Hills to bring Sophie home. I spent a couple hours with her on campus. We got to know each other, and I was taught her commands.
Her first couple weeks she spent just at our home getting to know her new home. I worked mostly from home for a couple weeks which is very ironic to me based on what was to come. Just before things changed in March we were in the process of acclimating her to our Child Advocacy Center, and we were able to make a trip to the courthouse.
Sophie’s summer has been time with our young granddaughter who has been a great co-trainer, trips to the office, some time at the courthouse and some social distancing.
Sophie’s role with our agency will be to provide support for children, youth and families who are at our CAC, attend court hearings as a support person, and wherever else she may be needed.
Recently she was officially in a support role for a CAC Forensic Interview. On another day she also provided support during a court hearing. In both circumstances, she was amazing; it genuinely is a gift to me to watch her when she is working. She seems to be very in tune with when she is needed.
I am often asked, so for clarification, she is not an expense for our agency – other than maybe some extra vacuuming of dog hair. As her handler and owner, her needs are taken care of by me and my family.
We are so grateful to all of our partners who support our furry staff member. Through the support of the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office we were able to have the $1,000 fee waived. All of our Court Judges are supportive of her presence, and our professional partners are happy to see her at work.
If you see Advocate Sophie out and about she loves people; but know that when she is working, she needs to follow her commands. We look forward to all of the support she will provide.
We wish you and your family peace and health. Stay Well.
Remembering 911, 2020
Remember When? – It’s a three-peat in 2010
Concert in the Park audiences who’ve loved Matt King’s Elvis Presley Tribute Show the past two seasons will be pleased to know that the “Hound Dog” is returning again in 2010.
King is “Elvis” at the Aug. 25 Concert in the Park season finale at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell. The show begins at 7 p.m.; no admission charge.
A resident of Leslie, King has traveled all over the United States and Europe entertaining audiences with his unique ability to bring to the “King” to life via his moves, mannerisms, looks and costuming – and, of course, that distinctive voice.
He’s earned national and international acclaim for the Elvis show he’s been performing on a professional level for the past 18 years. Among his many honors are first place awards in 2007 in the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort’s Elvis Contest, and the 2004 Elvis European Championship.
“Some guys choreograph every move – I try to capture the way Elvis expressed himself for the audience. The way he moved his hand, shook his leg or held the mic,” King says.
Attention to detail – like the 30-plus Elvis costumes contained in King’s wardrobe – lend authenticity to his shows.
“They’re all here: the peacock, the Arabian, the sundial, the sunburst, the dragon,” he says.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – 10 Things You Need in Your Pet First Aid Kit
courtesy of Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM
When a pet emergency strikes, the last thing you should be doing is scrambling for items you need. Assembling a first aid kit for pets will give you the peace of mind that you’ll be prepared in case of an emergency. Make sure to check your cat first aid kit or dog first aid kit every six months or so to make any necessary replacements or updates.
Here are 10 supplies you should always have stocked in your first aid kit for pets.
1. Emergency Contact Card
Use a contact card to write down the phone numbers for your veterinarian, a 24-hour emergency clinic and animal poison control. If you have to leave your pet with a sitter, a copy of the card can be left with them.
It’s also a good idea to keep a copy in your wallet. There are products available, like the Imagine This Company “Rescue Our Pets” decal and wallet card, that include stickers and wallet cards where you can write down the types of pets you have and emergency contacts. The stickers can be placed at each entrance to your home for emergency responders, while the wallet card can be kept in your wallet or purse at all times.
2. Blunt-Tipped Scissors
A pair of scissors can be an overlooked element in a first aid kit for pets, but without them, it’s often difficult to administer care. Whether you’re removing hair near an injury or applying bandages, scissors always come in handy.
Look for blunt-tipped scissors, such as the ConairPRO dog rounded-tip shears. You don’t want to accidentally nick your pet when cutting close to the skin. This is particularly important when trimming hair near the eyes, nose or ears.
3. Bandages
Bandages are staples in any dog first aid kit or cat first aid kit. In many cases, the bandage you place after an injury will be temporary until you can get to your veterinarian. Even so, it serves a vital role by providing support and preventing contamination.
Make sure bandages are snug enough so that they won’t fall off but not so tight that they compromise blood flow.
You can make bandaging easier by choosing a self-adhering bandage, such as the Andover Healthcare PetFlex paw print dog, cat and small animal bandage. This bandage won’t stick to skin or fur and is made with a material that applies pressure while reducing the chances of cutting off circulation.
4. Sterile Eye Solution
It’s scary to think of chemicals or foreign objects being anywhere near your pet’s eyes. If an irritant finds its way into the eye, the animal is likely to scratch or rub and make it worse.
Since eye injuries can be true emergencies, consult your veterinarian before attempting any treatment at home.
If you are told to flush your pet’s eye, you’ll want a good rinse close at hand. While generic eyewashes are widely available, a few have been designed to address the specific needs of dogs and cats, like Nutri-Vet cat eye rinse and Burt’s Bees dog eye wash solution.
5. Latex or Rubber Gloves
When providing first aid for pets, gloves are essential items to have. In addition to protecting yourself, using gloves helps decrease your pet’s risk of infection. It’s surprisingly easy to accidentally contaminate an animal’s wound.
Consider keeping multiple sets of gloves in your kit. One pair could rip, or you might need the assistance of another person.
6. Plastic Syringe
Anyone who has tried to give liquid-based oral pet meds to a fidgety pet knows the value of a syringe. A needleless syringe can also be used to give oral fluids to a dehydrated pet, or you can use it to flush out and clean a wound.
Make sure to keep your syringe sealed up and clean until you need it. The Four Paws easy feeder syringes come with two separate tips, providing flexibility for use. If you need to give your pet a thicker medication, opt for a tapered tip.
7. Medications
Depending on your individual dog or cat’s needs, you may need to have specific medications (including prescription medications) in your first aid kit for pets, but make sure to keep an eye on those expiration dates.
In addition to any prescription medications, it’s also practical to stock your kit with a couple of standard remedies.
Styptic powder is used to stop mild bleeding, particularly if a nail has been broken or cut too close to the quick. Miracle Care Kwik-Stop styptic powder for dogs, cats and birds includes benzocaine, which helps ease pain.
Another first aid kit classic is hydrogen peroxide. With permission from your veterinarian or a poison control professional, it can be used to induce vomiting.
8. Tweezers
When a sharp object, such as a thorn or piece of glass, becomes lodged in a pet’s skin, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to remove with just your fingers. Tweezers are the easier, safer and more sanitary choice.
You may also need tweezers for tick removal. When pulling out a tick, you need to grab it as close to your pet’s skin as possible—a feat that is much simpler with tweezers.
An option like the TickEase tick removal tweezer tool will make this unpleasant task a little easier.
9. Antiseptic Wipes
Using antiseptic wipes or rinses on your pet’s wound will minimize the risk of infection. Wipes are especially convenient for cleaning around the face or in-between the toes.
If you’re assembling a kit for both dog and cat first aid, look for products like the Pet MD chlorhexidine antiseptic dog and cat wipes. They are sting-free and safe for both species.
10. Digital Thermometer
Measuring your pet’s temperature can help you understand how serious their condition is. When consulting your veterinarian over the phone, it will also be good information to convey.
For stress-free insertion, apply a petroleum or water-based lubricant to the end of the thermometer. If possible, have someone gently restrain and distract your pet while you lift the tail only as far as necessary to slide only the metal tip of the thermometer into your pet’s rectum (approximately one-half inch). Make sure you purchase a thermometer that reads up to at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. Treats (Bonus Item!)
If you’re in a situation that requires first aid for pets, chances are good that your pal could use a distraction. That’s where dog treats or cat treats come in—as long as your pet can safely eat, of course. Do not feed pets who are vomiting, are unable to swallow normally, are having seizures or are mentally impaired.
If you’d like an option that serves the dual purpose of being a tasty treat and medicine-hider, try Greenies Pill Pockets canine chicken flavor dog treats or Greenies Pill Pockets feline salmon flavor cat treats.