{"id":14021,"date":"2021-11-11T20:57:52","date_gmt":"2021-11-12T01:57:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/?p=14021"},"modified":"2021-11-11T20:57:52","modified_gmt":"2021-11-12T01:57:52","slug":"features-193","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/?p=14021","title":{"rendered":"Features"},"content":{"rendered":"

HIFCM named top nursing home<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor has been named one of the top Nursing Homes in Michigan by Newsweek<\/em>.<\/p>\n

This ranking is based on our performance data, recommendations by peers, and how our facility handled COVID-19.<\/p>\n

Kudos to our the staff and to the community. Without all of the hard work from their staff and support from the community, this would not be possible.<\/p>\n

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New business opens on Clinton Avenue<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Rise Up Co. carries carefully curated pieces. They say that they are casual but yet sophisticated. They like to run businesses but also to camp and explore with their country roots.<\/p>\n

123 N. Clinton Ave. Saint Johns, MI 48879<\/p>\n

Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
\nMonday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
\nSunday: closed<\/p>\n

https:\/\/shopriseupco.com\/ <\/font><\/a><\/p>\n

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Singing the praises of cellphone picture-taking<\/strong>
\nby Guven Witteveen<\/p>\n

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\nKoi young and old snapshot at Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park (iPod photo)<\/em><\/p>\n

Frequently quoted is the observation that \u201cthe best camera is the one that\u2019s with you,\u201d attributed to Chase Jarvis, but maybe felt by fellow photographers well before that, too. Fancy gear left at home will always be beat by whatever happens to be within reach. As of 2021, some statistics say 60% of humans have a camera at hand, mostly in the form of mobile phone app. So while camera makers have seen a drop in sales by 75 or 80%, the world\u2019s collective output of images, shared or unshared, has multiplied by a factor of double-digits.<\/p>\n

At the end of summer 2021 my circa 2014 cellphone pictures seemed to be looking ever so slightly bluish and the software updates on the handset itself had ceased long ago. Security was not a big concern, since this trusty Nokia Lumia was chiefly a carry-around pocket camera. Seldom did I require a functioning wireless telecommunication device. For text messages or voice calls I carry a prepaid phone. Looking at my budget for a replacement pocket camera for the old phone in which camera quality and overall size\/weight (form-factor) mattered, I ended up with a 7th generation iPod Touch (circa 2019). Although it may lack the design trends of the newest phones for multiple lenses and computational photography, the number of useful functions and dependable picture quality continues to impress me after eight weeks of daily use. And since it is still newish, the software is supported and the dozens of iOS apps add still other functionality to something not much heavier than a pack or two of chewing gum.<\/p>\n

My first digital camera was around 2000 when a grant paid for a Ricoh DC-4 with its swivel lens, 3x optical zoom, and power supplied by 4x AA batteries. That was a great way to get psychologically used to taking pictures without film roll limitations and expenses. And the idea of spending photography time on PC instead of darkroom was a revelation, too. Fast forward 20 years and a dozen digital camera devices later, this latest camera\/iPod really is a lot of camera in a small package. There is a lot to like about such small, capable and reliable devices such as this.<\/p>\n

The camera app frequently captures compositions faithfully by nothing more than pointing and shooting. But with just a little more time and care, it is not hard to exercise a little manual control: lock the focus and slide the exposure control to fine tune the image, or force the pint-sized LED flash to fill a little bit of near foreground light. Tapping HDR and anchoring one\u2019s standpoint gives a good preset range of light values merged into a finished photo. Being able to press and hold the shutter for bursts of photos has its uses, too. As well, the ability to snap a picture by using the volume up\/down physical button rather than the capacitive touch (on-screen) button is a good option sometimes. In especially low light, relying on the basic self-timer minimizes the camera shake of tapping the shutter, too. But with the built-in image-stabilizing gyro, hand-held pictures in dim light is theoretically possible, although anchoring against table, chair, wall, or tree improves the odds to capture a picture free of camera shake.<\/p>\n

Besides the default 4:3 aspect ratio to use the whole sensor, there are situations when the other camera modes are very useful, too: panorama sweep left or right (up or down, too) to form a very immersive canvas without the aid of extreme wide-angle lens, 1:1 (square) aspect ratio when a subject fits that frame best, video in normal or slo-mo, and time-lapse locked to produce about 20 to 40 seconds of playback, no matter how long the real-time subject is recorded (0\u201310 minutes at 2 fps, 10\u201320 minutes at 1 fps, then from 20\u201340 minutes at 0.5 fps, from 40\u201380 at 0.25 fps, and so on). Compare this basket of photography (and videography) powers of a pocket-sized digital camera device like this to the consumer-friendly equivalent of \u201ceveryone\u2019s camera\u201d 100 years ago, the Kodak \u201cbrownie\u201d box camera with big film magazine to be returned to manufacturer to process negatives and print photographs.<\/p>\n

The line of \u201cbrownies\u201d put lenses into the hands of people from all walks of life in many countries. Something similar is true of cellphone cameras, from low-resolution ones to the latest ones making image files of 40 megapixels. Recalling an early PC that I had with hard-drive totaling 40 megabytes (the Cadillac of its moment in history), the idea now of 1 photo from a pocket (cellphone) camera consuming 10 or 15 megabytes is startling. Those black and white magazines of Kodak film were a gateway to fancier gear in the hands of some people who went beyond casual shooting to serious hobbyist (enthusiast in today\u2019s language) to positions paid to produce timely pictures. A generation of two after the heyday of Brownie cameras the 35mm \u201cminiature\u201d camera (relative to the larger film rolls before) from Leica and its competitors led to the single-lens-reflex (TTL, through the lens composing) and the growth in popular photography among serious amateurs and hobbyists. In the hands of a skilled film photographer with a well-developed eye for photo opportunities, truly immersive and impressive results can be seen over the years. But with some of the pocket cameras of 2021, equally immersive and impressive results can be made by a person with a similar photographic eye who is well versed in the touch screen control of composition and capture. In other words, it is worth praising the pocket-sized wonderful picture-taking gizmo of today. Leaving aside the video, sound recording, and assorted smartphone apps, just on the merits and controls for still photography in a digital pocket camera app today the older technology is equaled or exceeded.<\/p>\n

In 1953 Saul Bellow published The Adventures of Augie March. From time to time Augie reacts to an event or headline by mentally composing a letter to reach out and engage with the subject. With the advent of email, spontaneous epistles delivered without the aid of envelop, stamp, or letter carrier came to be possible. And then came mobile Internet devices to allow a person to dash off a letter to somebody or a Tweet to the world at large. Combining mobile social media with a camera lens controlled by software, now a person can combine images (moving or still) with text to publish his or her thoughts from any location with cellphone service. Were Augie March to spend a day living in 2021 it would be interesting to see if he would carry his habit of mentally writing into the digital arena and actually publish what is on his mind and what sights catch his eye.<\/p>\n

Truly it is no exaggeration to pause from accustomed routines, reflect on the many powers of a pocketable lens combined with software, and to be grateful for all the pictures made so far and the ones yet to be made thanks to a high quality and highly capable digital camera. Let us now praise pocket cameras!<\/p>\n

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Remember When<\/strong> – Local groups donate to Toys for Tots in 2009<\/p>\n

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Mike Madden, Rotary Club Toys for Tots chairman, presents Brenda Terpening with checks totaling $3,200 to purchase gift cards for the Toys for Tots program in Clinton County.<\/p>\n

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Grand Knight Michael Trebesh, of the St John Knights of Columbus, council #3281 presented a check to Brenda Terpening, Clinton County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director for the Toys for Tots fund drive. The five hundred dollar contribution will provide toys for local area children who would otherwise go without. When presenting the check, Trebesh said an important mission of the Knights is charity and what better way to demonstrate charity than to bring joy to children on Christmas morning.<\/p>\n

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The Fowler Daisy Girl Scout Troop #3716 has learned first hand that giving is more fun than receiving. This month the girls learned the \u201cConsiderate and Caring\u201d portion of the Girl Scout Law by participating in the Toys for Tots project.<\/p>\n

The Girl Scouts were asked to bring a small unwrapped toy to their December meeting. During their December meeting, the girls participated in a \u201cbuild a bear\u201d project where they made stuffed animals \u2013 one to keep and one to be donated towards the \u201cToys for Tots\u201d project.<\/p>\n

Toys for Tots sends a message of hope to disadvantaged children. Through the girls\u2019 generous donation, children in our area can enjoy Christmas\u2014the way it was meant to be\u2014even if parents have limited means. Getting involved in this effort is a wonderful way for our girls to spread Christmas cheer throughout our community.<\/p>\n

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Maralyn’s Pet Corner<\/strong> – How Cold Is Too Cold for Your Dog?
\ncourtesy of Jennifer Coates, DVM<\/p>\n

We all know that exercise and the mental stimulation being outdoors play are key to keeping our dogs healthy and happy, but what should we do when it\u2019s cold outside? When do the risks of spending time in the cold outweigh the benefits of being outdoors? Let\u2019s take a look at the dangers associated with winter weather and how we can still safely enjoy the great outdoors with our dogs during wintertime.
\nAll Dogs Aren\u2019t Created Equal<\/p>\n

Dogs are individuals. An outdoor temperature that feels downright balmy to one dog might send another in search of shelter. What are some of the variables that affect how dogs respond to the cold?<\/p>\n

Coat type<\/em> \u2013 Dogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be the most cold-tolerant (think Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands or Samoyeds). In most cases, these breeds have been developed in Northern climates and may also have other anatomical, physiological or behavioral attributes that allow them to thrive when it\u2019s frigid. On the other hand, dogs who have exceptionally thin coats (e.g., Greyhounds and Xoloitzcuintli) suffer the most in cold weather.<\/p>\n

Coat color<\/em> \u2013 On a clear day, black, brown, or other dark-coated dogs can absorb significant amounts of heat from sunlight, keeping them warmer in comparison to their light-coated brethren.<\/p>\n

Size<\/em> \u2013 Small dogs have a larger surface area to volume ratio. In other words, the smaller dogs are the more skin they have (in relation to their \u201cinsides\u201d) through which to lose heat. Therefore, small dogs get colder more readily than do large dogs \u2026 all other things being equal.<\/p>\n

Weight<\/em> \u2013 Body fat is a good insulator. Thinner dogs tend to get colder quicker than do their heftier counterparts. That said, the health risks of being overweight far outweigh any benefits, so don\u2019t fatten up your dogs during the winter months in a misguided attempt to protect them from the cold.<\/p>\n

Conditioning<\/em> \u2013 We\u2019ve all experienced this one. Fifty degrees feels quite chilly in October, but after a long, cold winter, a fifty degree day in April can make us break out the shorts and t-shirts. Dogs who are used to cold temperatures handle them much better than do pets who aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Age and Health<\/em> \u2013 The very young, the very old, and the sick are not as able to regulate their body temperatures in comparison to healthy dogs in the prime of their lives, and they therefore need greater protection from the cold.
\n
\nAll Temperatures Aren\u2019t Created Equal<\/em><\/p>\n

The temperature as it registers on a thermometer isn\u2019t the only environmental factor that affects how dogs feel the cold.<\/p>\n

Wind chill<\/em> \u2013 A brisk breeze can quickly cut through a dog\u2019s coat and greatly decreases its ability to insulate and protect against cold temperatures.<\/p>\n

Dampness<\/em> \u2013 Rain, wet snow, heavy fog, going for a swim \u2026 any form of dampness that soaks through the fur can quickly chill a dog even if the air temperature is not all that cold.<\/p>\n

Cloud cover<\/em> \u2013 Cloudy days tend to feel colder than do sunny days since dogs can\u2019t soak up the sun and warm themselves.<\/p>\n

Activity<\/em> \u2013 If dogs are going to be very active while outside, they may generate enough extra body heat to keep them comfortable even if the temperature is quite low.<\/p>\n

Cold Temperature Guidelines for Dogs<\/em><\/p>\n

In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45\u00b0 F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. When temperatures fall below 32\u00b0 F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and\/or very young, old or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet\u2019s well-being. Once temperatures drop under 20\u00b0 F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.<\/p>\n

The best way to monitor dogs when it\u2019s cold is to keep a close eye on their behavior. If you notice your dog shivering, acting anxious, whining, slowing down, searching out warm locations or holding up one or more paws, it\u2019s time to head inside.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

HIFCM named top nursing home Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor has been named one of the top Nursing Homes in Michigan by Newsweek. This ranking is based on our performance data, recommendations by peers, and how our facility handled COVID-19. Kudos to our the staff and to the community. Without all of the hard work Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14021","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-features"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14021","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14021"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14021\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14021"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14021"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14021"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}