{"id":7258,"date":"2020-01-30T20:57:16","date_gmt":"2020-01-31T01:57:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/?p=7258"},"modified":"2020-01-30T20:57:16","modified_gmt":"2020-01-31T01:57:16","slug":"features-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/?p=7258","title":{"rendered":"Features"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>And here they go!<br \/>\nCatholic Schools Week at St. Joseph School<br \/>\nA Look Back Again \u2013 Mom and Pop Grocery Stores<br \/>\nLetters \u2013 Stock is running low!<br \/>\nMaralyn\u2019s Pet Corner \u2013 Pet-Friendly Houseplants That Purify the Air<!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong>And here they go! <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/danceteam1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"292\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7261\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Members of the St. Johns High School Dance Team are on their way to Orlando to compete in the National Dance Team Championship.<\/p>\n<p>The best of the best are headed to Orlando, Florida to prove they have what it takes to take home the title of #UDAnationals Champion!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/tv.varsity.com\/articles\/6675133-weekend-watch-guide-jan-31-feb-2\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><font color=\"#0000CC\">https:\/\/tv.varsity.com\/articles\/6675133-weekend-watch-guide-jan-31-feb-2<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Catholic Schools Week at St. Joseph School<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7WsE1RU8oWo\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>6th graders hosted a fun sports day for the underclassmen. Spelling bee winners were honored. Bingo and popcorn all around.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>A Look Back Again<\/strong> &#8211; Mom and Pop Grocery Stores<\/p>\n<p>by Barry Bauer<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/hunt1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"376\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7263\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This photo, purportedly taken in 1955, shows one of the many Mom and Pop grocery stores that used to dot the neighborhoods in St. Johns. I don\u2019t think anybody knows exactly how many of them we had. A lot of them were residences with a store on the enclosed front porch.<\/p>\n<p>I posted the photo on Facebook and readers believe it was the Peoples Store at 302 W. McConnell. Manzer Hunt and his wife, who ran the store, lived next door at the northwest corner of Ottawa and McConnell.<\/p>\n<p>The store changed hands and was sold to Art and Esther LaBar.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/hunt2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"353\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7264\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This is what it looks like today. It is owned by John and Judi Thelen.<br \/>\n[From January, 2014]<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Letters<\/strong> \u2013 Stock is running low!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/treehouse.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"279\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7265\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Treehouse is in need of toiletries. We are currently seeking donations of shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and body wash\/soap. If you would like to donate or have any questions please contact Ashley at 989-640-3734.<\/p>\n<p>The Treehouse is a service available to Foster Parents, Kinship\/Relative Placement Homes, Adoptive Homes, and Youth who have aged out of the Foster Care System at no cost to the families. We provide clothing, shoes, toiletries, school supplies, pillows, new toys\/games, etc.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Maralyn&#8217;s Pet Corner<\/strong> &#8211; Pet-Friendly Houseplants That Purify the Air<br \/>\ncourtesy of Carly Sutherland<\/p>\n<p>Plants that are safe for cats and dogs are great for decorating, but they can provide the benefit of fresh air for pets and pet parents alike.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM, author and pet health expert, explains it like this, \u201cThese days, many houses are built for energy efficiency. This can mean fewer fresh air opportunities for people or their pets. For those who can open their windows wide, city living\/pollution might make it such that the better air is on the inside.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She goes on to say, \u201cStale air can adversely affect health. Stale air has higher levels of carbon dioxide, possibly carbon monoxide and other waste gases. Higher wastes mean less oxygen availability.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Houseplants cleanse the air we breath from toxins found in many household products\u2014formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide, just to name a few. These toxins are found in household cleaners, paint, solvents, vinyl, cigarettes\u2014the list goes on. Plants play a vital role in improving indoor air quality and helping to remove trace levels of toxic vapors from the air.<\/p>\n<p><em>Indoor, Pet-Friendly Plants Release Oxygen<\/em><\/p>\n<p>One standout benefit is more oxygen. You may be wondering why more oxygen in the home is ideal. When we breathe, we inhale oxygen, and when we exhale, we are releasing carbon dioxide.<\/p>\n<p>During photosynthesis, plants essentially do just the opposite. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which creates a healthy and symbiotic relationship between plants and animals (both human and nonhuman). Plants undoubtedly increase oxygen levels, and our bodies\u2014as well as our pets\u2019 bodies\u2014certainly appreciate it!<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Alinovi goes on to explain, \u201cOxygen is critical for good brain and muscle function. Therefore, stagnant air can lead to tiredness and brain dizziness, and can even affect heart function. The good news is, safe indoor plants help clean the air and increase oxygen concentration while decreasing waste products.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As Dr. Alinovi explains, plants make great natural air purifiers!<\/p>\n<p><em>Houseplants Can Raise the Humidity Level<\/em><\/p>\n<p>According to a study conducted by Virginia Lohr of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Washington State University, increased oxygen in the home isn\u2019t the only benefit plants provide for both pets and owners. They also raise the air\u2019s humidity by releasing water in the form of moisture vapor. This means softer skin, less dandruff on your furry family members, and clean and healthy airways for both you and your pets.<\/p>\n<p>In a natural environment, a plant\u2019s roots tap the groundwater table, and through a process known as transpiration, the water evaporates through its leaves. Evidently, the same thing happens in our home\u2014of course with a different water supply.<\/p>\n<p><em>Choose Plants That Are Safe for Cats and Dogs<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Dr. David Dorman, DVM and professor of Toxicology at North Carolina State University of Veterinary Medicine, explains the importance of researching safe plants for dogs and safe plants for cats.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cExposure of dogs and cats to household plants occurs commonly, especially with younger animals that tend to be very inquisitive. Some plants are extremely toxic to our pets. For example, cats ingesting small amounts of Easter lily leaves can develop life-threatening kidney failure. This is just one of many examples,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Dorman goes on to explain, \u201cIt\u2019s important to remember that your pet cannot distinguish between safe-to-eat plants and those that are dangerous. The key to preventing poisonings in your pets is to prevent exposure.\u201d Thus, don\u2019t bring poisonous plants into the home with cats and dogs, period.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSome plants can cause vomiting without actually being poisonous. Poinsettia and spider plants are an example [of this]. On the other hand, many lily species are poisonous, can cause kidney failure and should not be used in the home with pets,\u201d says Dr. Alinovi. She suggests trying succulents and herbs in the home.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re concerned that you pet has ingested a poisonous plant, or they\u2019re showing symptoms of poisoning, contact your veterinarian immediately. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline have valuable information regarding safe, non-poisonous plants for use around pets.<\/p>\n<p>Here a few examples of plants that are <strong>safe<\/strong> for cats and dogs:<\/p>\n<p>Ferns:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Boston Fern<\/p>\n<p>Herbs:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Basil<br \/>\n&#8211; Cilantro<br \/>\n&#8211; Dill<br \/>\n&#8211; Lemon Balm<br \/>\n&#8211; Rosemary<br \/>\n&#8211; Sage<\/p>\n<p>Perennials:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; African Violet<br \/>\n&#8211; Aluminum Plant (aka Watermelon plant)<br \/>\n&#8211; Bamboo<br \/>\n&#8211; Friendship Plant<br \/>\n&#8211; Spider Ivy (aka Spider Plant)<br \/>\n&#8211; Swedish Ivy<\/p>\n<p>Succulents:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Blue Echeveria (aka Wax Rosette, Painted Lady)<br \/>\n&#8211; Christmas Cactus<br \/>\n&#8211; Haworthia<br \/>\n&#8211; Hens and Chickens<\/p>\n<p>Palms:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Areca Palm<br \/>\n&#8211; Dwarf Palm (aka Good Luck Palm)<\/p>\n<p><em>Consider Edible Grasses<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The benefits of pet-friendly plants in the home will only work if they aren\u2019t eaten or chewed-on, Dr. Alinovi explains. \u201cThe downside of trying to grow cat mint or edible grasses is they both taste great, and the challenge will be to keep pets from eating the plants. (If the plants are eaten, they will have difficulty cleaning the air.),\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>Having cat-safe houseplants and plants that are safe for dogs doesn\u2019t necessarily mean they won\u2019t be nibbled on from time to time. This is where adding pet grass, such as The Cat Ladies organic pet grass kit with planter, comes in handy!<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Dorman explains why some cats enjoy nibbling on indoor plants. \u201cSome cats enjoy chewing on these types of grass materials. Other cats may occasionally develop vomiting even from this ingestion. Most high-quality cat food based diets are complete, meaning they provide all of the nutrients your cat needs\u2014so supplementing their diet with plant materials is not required,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>If your dog or cat enjoys a pet grass to munch on and doesn\u2019t get stomach upset, then pet grass kits, like Pet Greens self-grow garden pet grass, might be the solution to keeping a happy pet.<\/p>\n<p>Do your research on plants that are safe for cats and dogs, and add functional d\u00e9cor to you and your pets\u2019 most treasured spaces for a healthier and happier home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>And here they go! Catholic Schools Week at St. Joseph School A Look Back Again \u2013 Mom and Pop Grocery Stores Letters \u2013 Stock is running low! Maralyn\u2019s Pet Corner \u2013 Pet-Friendly Houseplants That Purify the Air<\/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-7258","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-features"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7258","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=7258"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7258\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7258"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7258"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}