{"id":20196,"date":"2023-08-17T20:57:29","date_gmt":"2023-08-18T00:57:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/?p=20196"},"modified":"2023-08-17T20:57:29","modified_gmt":"2023-08-18T00:57:29","slug":"features-284","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/?p=20196","title":{"rendered":"Features"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>2023 Mint Festival is in the books<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Qr8_eieEtpI\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>The St. Johns Chamber of Commerce along with their incredible sponsors, brought free bounce houses to the Mint Festival last weekend. They dedicated to enhancing your festival experience by offering fun activities for both the young and young-at-heart.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you to the St Johns High School football teams for helping set up for the Mint Fest Downtown Street Party.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Grand Mint Parade, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pvN0UA8vkrQ\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><br \/>\nThis parade marks the end of 16 years of announcing the Grand Mint Parade.  Carla Wardin will be taking over next year. She was born and raised in St. Johns, knows just about everyone, has her own podcast and her bubbly personality makes her the right person to take over.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Hennings mark special birthdays<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ruthenning.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"407\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-20199\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Megan Marie says, &#8220;31 years of back-to-back Birthday weeks and every year I hope I\u2019ve got enough of your genes to make 93 looks as good as you do. I just love ya so much! Happy (almost) Birthday.<\/p>\n<p>Megan Marie is Jean Henning Ruestman&#8217;s daughter. Jean is the youngest daughter of Ruth Henning.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>CCRESA student garners Yes I Can Award Award<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/prince.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"479\" height=\"386\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-20200\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It was an exciting day in Traverse City when Benjamin Prince, 2023 Michigan CEC Yes I Can Award Award winner for the Arts, addressed over 750 attendees at the Michigan Assoc. of Administrators of Special Education Summer Institute.<\/p>\n<p>Benjamin is a current CCRESA student and former student of Pewamo-Westphalia Community Schools. Benjamin did an amazing job sharing his story, his love of art, and how the support of family, friends, and educators have helped him to become the accomplished artist that he is today. The special education leaders in the room were inspired by his message.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Remember when?<\/strong> \u2013 Old car show on Clinton Avenue in 1960<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fEwO4-uEwTA\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Phil Bair says, These are pictures my father, Carl Bair, took of a car show in St.Johns in 1960.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If you look closely, you can see many store fronts on Main Street. One of them was taken East on M-21 I front of the Allis Chalmers Dealer. I think that\u2019s the Steel Hotel in the background behind the Rolls Royce.&#8221;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Letters<\/strong> &#8211; Looking for farmland<\/p>\n<p>To farmland owners in Clinton county,<\/p>\n<p>I am looking to rent additional tiled farmland in Clinton county for corn and soybeans in 2024 crop year. I am also looking to purchase farmland on a land contract.<\/p>\n<p>Call or text Don Cuthbert at 517881124 or email me at <a href=\"mailto:1don.cuthbert@gmail.com\">1don.cuthbert@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Thanks<br \/>\nDon Cuthbert<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Maralyn&#8217;s Pet Corner<\/strong> &#8211; How to Teach Kids to Interact With Pets<br \/>\ncourtesy of Janelle Leeson<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/duck.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"347\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-20201\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Introducing a family-friendly pet to your household is like adding sprinkles to ice cream. They\u2019re the cherry on top of childhood memories. However, while kids and pets are a classic combination, interacting with pets doesn\u2019t always come naturally to little ones.<\/p>\n<p>Adult supervision is essential when it comes to caring for pets, even if kids believe they\u2019re mature enough to handle the responsibility on their own. This rule applies to all kinds of animals, whether they are cats, pups, rabbits, guinea pigs, or any other beloved family pet.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot only does such supervision protect humans from potential bites, but it also ensures much less stress for the animals and reduces the risk of them being unfairly labeled as bad pets,\u201d says Jennifer Malawey, certified professional dog trainer and owner of Gentle Beast.<\/p>\n<p>To ensure the safety of your children and create lasting memories with their new furry companion, we\u2019ve compiled a set of crucial tips for teaching kids how to interact safely with pets.<\/p>\n<p><em>Key Takeaways<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Establish a \u201cpet voice\u201d for the child to use when interacting with a pet for the first time.<br \/>\n&#8211; Always teach children to respect a pet\u2019s boundaries, and to know when a pet doesn\u2019t want to be touched or played with.<br \/>\n&#8211; Be clear in how to interact with pets\u2013examples of what to do and say will go a long way when it comes to teaching.<\/p>\n<p><em>Introducing Kids and Pets<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If you already have a young child in your household and are considering adding a furry family member to the pack or clowder, our experts recommend following these tips. Always remember that these interactions should be conducted under the watchful eye of an adult. Naturally, your approach might vary slightly, as it should be personalized to suit the needs of your individual child and pets.<\/p>\n<p><em>Get To Know Your Pet<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Before introducing your child to your pet, get to know your new furry family member, advises Dr. Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. \u201cObserve how they respond to sudden movements and noise, and take note of their preferred areas to be petted and any sensitive spots to avoid,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlways practice positive interactions with your pet, as kids tend to emulate the behaviors they witness from trusted adults.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><em>Pet Talk<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Before your child meets their new pet, collaborate to create a \u201cpet voice\u201d. According to Dr. Geller, this should be a soft, soothing tone for you and your kids to use when interacting with your pets. This will be especially important during the first few interactions with your family\u2019s new furry friend.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThink of a sing-song voice,\u201d says Dr. Geller. \u201cKids, especially young ones, tend to be loud and may not be aware of their volume and tone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This is also a good time to remind your little one that pets dislike having their ears, fur, or tail pulled, and that small animals, such as kittens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, should always be held with two hands rather than one to ensure their safety and comfort.<\/p>\n<p><em>Learning Consent<\/em><\/p>\n<p>To teach your child about consent, start by placing your new furry family member in a safe and secure room. Encourage your child to spend time with the pet there. When entering the room, calmly greet your pet with your \u201cpet voice\u201d and encourage your child to do the same. Begin with short visits and gradually increase the time spent together.<\/p>\n<p>Remember to only pet your pup or cat when they show signs of acceptance. \u201cTeach your child not to reach for the cat or make the first move, and to sit on the floor rather than stand up so they are not towering over the cat,\u201d Dr. Geller says.<\/p>\n<p>If your dog or cat indicates that they\u2019re not interested in interacting by not approaching, Malawey advises teaching your children to respect the pet\u2019s boundaries and not force interactions.<\/p>\n<p><em>Taking Responsibility<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Beyond learning how to care for another living being, helping with daily care builds trust between pets and humans and fosters a strong bond between them. Even better, Dr. Geller suggests practicing pet responsibilities at the same time each day. As she points out, \u201cCats love routine and predictability,\u201d to make them feel secure and content. Many dogs also thrive with such schedules.<\/p>\n<p>If your child is too young to handle tasks like scooping the litter box or taking their pup for potty breaks, you can involve them in simpler responsibilities such as filling the food bowl or water dish. This is an excellent opportunity to have discussions about boundaries, such as not petting animals while they\u2019re eating, drinking, sleeping, or \u201cdoing their business.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em>Petting Dogs and Cats<\/em><\/p>\n<p>When it comes to petting animals, it\u2019s essential to demonstrate gentle strokes rather than patting, moving your hand in the same direction as your pet\u2019s fur (head to tail). It is also a good idea to let the pet smell your child\u2019s hand first before moving on to petting them. This lets the pet get familiar with the smells they will be exposed to. Use this opportunity to explain to your child that just like they wouldn\u2019t appreciate having their ears and hair pulled, the family pet feels the same way.<\/p>\n<p>Cats tend to enjoy being petted on their back, shoulder, neck, and head, while areas such as the belly, paws, and tail should be respected as off-limits. On the other hand, dogs often appreciate being petted on their back and chest. Once they feel comfortable and at ease, they may also enjoy ear scratches and belly rubs.<\/p>\n<p>Providing clear examples of how to recognize when a pet enjoys being petted, and when they need some space can be really helpful to your kids. A few examples of interactions you could share are:<\/p>\n<p>Purring is a sign of happiness but can also be a sign of fear or stress.<br \/>\nIt can sometimes be differentiated if the cat\u2019s tail is swishing back and forth that is often stress or fear. If they are content otherwise without any change in body movements, its likely a happy purr.<\/p>\n<p>If my cat\u2019s tail is swishing back and forth really fast, I should find another activity and leave the kitty alone.<\/p>\n<p>When my dog leans into me or nudges my hand, it\u2019s okay to pet them.<\/p>\n<p><em>Playing With Pets<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Interactive play with pets builds trust and strengthens bonds. But first, you\u2019ll need to set some ground rules and gather a few toys.<\/p>\n<p><em>Discourage Roughhousing<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Playing rough, such as jumping from the couch, running through the house, and throwing toys, can evoke various responses from pets, ranging from fear to over-excitement. To address this, consider designating a playroom with a gate or door that restricts pet access that allows for confined, rough, or loud play.<\/p>\n<p>Likewise, if your child likes to play rough, set clear boundaries for pet-appropriate games and toys.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTeach them not to use their fingers or hands as cat toys,\u201d Dr. Geller says. \u201cThis practice teaches a cat that it\u2019s okay to use their claws and teeth on hands (or any flesh), which could inadvertently hurt your child.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em>Stock up on Toys<\/em><\/p>\n<p>To avoid any potential issues, it\u2019s essential to have an ample supply of toys for your pets. Mistaking a favorite doll for a chew toy can quickly sour a relationship between your child and their furry friend. When your pup has their own chew toys and your cat has plenty of cat trees and scratchers, they\u2019re less likely to use family belongings as substitutes.<\/p>\n<p><em>Playing Together<\/em><\/p>\n<p>To show your children how to interact with pets safely and avoid potential risks, involve them in interactive play. For example, when you play with your cat using a fishing pole toy, have your child hold the wand with you, suggests Dr. Geller. This ensures their fingers remain at a safe distance while they learn how to interact with the cat in a way that the cat enjoys.<\/p>\n<p>Playing fetch is always enjoyable for both kids and pups and provides an excellent opportunity to teach your dog important manners, like \u201cdrop it.\u201d Transforming playtime into a game of hide-and-seek by hiding treats in the yard or around the house can be an exciting way for your child and dog to bond while stimulating the dog\u2019s natural instincts to sniff and search.<\/p>\n<p>Teaching children to interact respectfully with pets and enjoy interactive play will create a harmonious and joyful relationship with the child\u2019s furry companions. These positive experiences and early bonds set the stage for a lasting and meaningful connection that brings years of happiness and companionship.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2023 Mint Festival is in the books The St. Johns Chamber of Commerce along with their incredible sponsors, brought free bounce houses to the Mint Festival last weekend. They dedicated to enhancing your festival experience by offering fun activities for both the young and young-at-heart. Thank you to the St Johns High School football teams <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/?p=20196\">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-20196","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-features"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20196","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=20196"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20196\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=20196"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=20196"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=20196"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}