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3 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG fromthe PUBLISHER Many times, I have said how I repeat myself in writings. One friend said, “it’s okay to repeat oneself if the message is important.” That’s so true. We, at Pets Uniting People Society, thank and re-thank (if that’s a word) many times its supporters. Because if it weren’t for our members and followers, our purpose is for naught. Supporters are varied in what they give. Some give their time to writings for the PUPS’ On a Mission Magazine, some give to support “Dot’s Connection” … our front cover story, Dottie Smiddy, some give to the Neuter/Spay program because that is most important, and some give to PUPS’ total mission. It’s a mission to offer education, awareness and responsibility in animal welfare in print and social media with a neuter/spay program for feral/free-roaming cats and pets of low-income, qualified families.” In addition, giving support and aid to PUPS’ full-capacity shelter headed by the PUPS’ Co-Director, Judy Benning. She cannot accept any more pets because of full capacity, her age, and health. Judy is the reason “Pets Uniting People Society” was started in the first place. With her assistance, twelve years ago, we together founded this group. I will continue as PUPS’ administrator until I can no longer physically able to do the work. I am planning to retire by the time I reach 75 years of age which will be here before I know it. So much has happened in the last six months. That’s why I need to write more on the PUPS’ Blog. Thanks to everyone involved in the various phases of this 501c3 nonprofit organization! So thank you all who have given generously to this group. As I repeat myself once again, “One can never outgive God”. I thank my Lord and Savior each day that I can do what I do! Disclaimer: On a Mission Magazine and PUPS will not be held responsible for any article or story content provided to us by a freelance or contributing writer. All articles, stories, and photos are freely given contributions. No portion of this magazine may be reprinted without written permission from the publisher. To receive this magazine by subscription, only by issue-by-issue, send $5.00 per issue for Postage/ Handling to: PUPS, PO Box 49 Tremont City, OH 45372 pupsdigest@gmail.com pupsunite.org Advertising Call: Carolyn Hayes 937-244-4604 Designed by: Myra Ray of PrintAndWebDesigner.com VOL. 6 ISSUE 1 Publisher Carolyn Hayes Designer Myra H. Ray PrintandWebDesigner.com Authors Barry Horn Carolyn Hayes Dottie Smiddy Janie Acton Ken Ham Linda S. Clare Lynn Berna Michael Manoloff R. Jeffrey Schumann, DVM, MS Roanne FitzGibbon Ski Schanher Vickie Pressler Cover photo by Tanya Stewart pupsunite.org Enough ThankYou Can Never Say
PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 4 all things god created Just A Lady Who Cares: Dottie Smiddy................................ 6 Genetics Goes to the Dogs.............. 8 Creatures Great & Small Are Worthy.................................. 10 in thisissue pets health Pyometra in Dogs.......................... 12 Wobbly Cat Syndrome Cerebellar Hypoplasia................. 14 Cat Chart....................................... 17 Annie the Wonder Therapy Dog. .. 18 community thoughts Business Directory. ....................... 21 Thoughts on Patriotism: “A Day of Fire”............................. 22 family values Living Life in the Second Act. ........ 26 Retro Jell-O Strawberry Pie........... 28 Hidden Picture.............................. 29 Reminiscing About Downtown Springfield, Ohio....... 30 If You’re Not Living on the Edge, You’re Taking Up Too Much Space.......................... 32 mission & events Dot’s Connections Daisy is a CH Kitty........................ 35 Pets Uniting People Society Receives Grant................ 36 Become a Member. ...................... 38 PUPS and Life on the Farm............ 39 10 6
5 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG messagefrom the board Board picture-left to right: Dave and Dottie Smiddy; Judy Benning; Stacey Picolo; Susan Pike. Pets Uniting People Society or PUPS is a 501c3 nonprofit pet protection network that provides education and awareness through print and social media. They offer, for those people who qualify, free or low-cost dog or cat neuter / spay services. In addition, the group offers neuters/ spays for free-roaming cats for established colony care providers to keep the overpopulation numbers to a minimum. PUPS’ Autumn Leaves biggest fundraiser of the year is Saturday, October 1, 2022, Springfield Country Club, 10am. We hope you’ll be able to attend this year. We have a delicious breakfast and then a live auction along with a silent auction, raffles, and a 50/50. $25 for a ticket, no ticket sales at the door. Buy early as we have only 120 spaces to sell. Purchase your ticket online. Congratulations to Dottie Smiddy! What an honor for being on the PUPS’ On a Mission cover for this edition. Dottie had no idea! We appreciate Janie Acton for writing Dottie’s story. Check Dottie’s personal facebook page and the PUPS’ facebook #petsunitingpeoplesociety for the latest in news from our group.
PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 6 all thingsGOD created JUST A LADY WHO CARES Dottie Smiddy by JANIE ACTON
7 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG mother cat she rescued. As she sat in the office, she thought did she eat breakfast or lunch? Had she brushed her hair? It didn’t matter as long as the life, so small and tiny survived. This lady has a heart like no other. Today is a celebration of all her successes. When the day ends, she continues to love and care for the ones who have been thrown away. If the Universe has blessings to give, may they end up being for her. This beautiful, kind, warm, and loving person is Dottie Smiddy. Thanks, and bless her for all the work she accomplishes saving the lives of many cats and kittens that have no one. If we all had a heart like Dottie, this world would be a much more loving place. Everybody is looking for the end of the rainbow, but Dottie is just trying to smell the rain. Please donate to Pets Uniting People Society to help Dottie save cats and kittens. Pets Uniting People Society (PUPS), Box 49, Tremont City, OH 45372 all thingsGOD created A light flickers in the window of a country brick home at 2am. A lady in her nightgown stands at her kitchen table holding a tiny, fuzzy, and meowing kitten totally dependent on the determination of this lady to keep it alive. When you look closer, the truth is revealed and there are many little souls depending on this kindhearted lady for food and care. Her gray hair and weathered eyes say she has done this for many years. The kittens and cats love her soft kind voice and warm touch. They know she works tirelessly to save each little soul that without her would have no one. The day will be long and stressful with antibiotics to dispense and eyes that need ointment plus bathes for those with fleas. As her own cats line up for feeding time, the kind lady they love touches and calls each one by name. She knows them. She saved them, but her day is not finished. She has others, miles away waiting on her to bring food and water. On her way to where the feral group waits, she stops at the Sanctuary to see if the veterinarian can help the failing young Dave and Dottie Smiddy
PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 8 all thingsGOD created by KEN HAM PERMISSION TO REPRINT BY ANSWERS IN GENESIS WWW.ANSWERSINGENESIS.ORG A recent news item caught my eye. It was describing a genetic study that attempted to correlate dog breeds’ behavior with their genetics. About 50% of the dogs were known or inferred purebreds, and the others were “mutts.” Some of the results were pretty much expected for certain breeds, but many showed little correlation. For example, the dogs that showed the highest correlation between genetics and the ability to understand human speech and follow commands (termed biddability) were Belgian shepherds and border collies (a herding dog) and the Hungarian Viszla (a hunting dog). Owners were also asked to list sets of behaviors, and the researchers checked to see if there were genetic connections to those observed behaviors. A strong positive one was “doesn’t bury toys,” which 90% of Greyhounds don’t do. The most cited negative behaviors with the largest genetic contribution were “gets stuck behind objects’’ (associated with genes for cognitive capacity) and “howling” (near a gene involved in speech and language). But the researchers also found a lot of data that had little or no genetic contribution. They found that a small percentage of purebreds did not conform to the norm. For example, 78% of Labrador Retrievers don’t howl, but 8% do frequently. They also found that some almost GENETICS GOES TO THE DOGS
9 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG all thingsGOD created purebreds (even those with as little as 15% of other dog mixture) often did not have the same behavioral traits as the purebreds. Most “mutts’’ showed that only 9% of their behavioral tendencies could be explained by genetic factors. Interestingly, the researchers pointed out that most dog breeds have only been around for 150 years or so, having been created to fit the owners’ needs and preferences. You could say that many people want “designer dogs”—short haired, curlyhaired, small, affectionate, not prone to biting, etc. All of this comes at a genetic loss (which may explain the “gets stuck behind objects” behavior). In other words, the more we breed (and inbreed) dogs, the less capable they are of surviving outside the home. The actual evidence corroborates what Scripture states, rapid speciation within a biblical kind. But this article also reminds me how the original dog kind that came off the ark must have had a massively heterozygous genome, with enough variability created in it to account for speciation into wolves, coyotes, jackals, etc. And also that humans have been able to breed the gray wolf into hundreds of dog breeds (many of them recently). Rapid speciation (and sub-speciation via artificial selection) corroborates what we see in Scripture. Before a thousand years had passed after the flood, we read of several bird kinds speciating out (Leviticus 11:14-19) as well as ungulates (Deuteronomy 14:4-5), and the original cat kind generated lions and leopards (the most prevalent big cats seen in North Africa and the Middle East at that time). Evolutionary biologists will often state that there were hundreds of thousands or even millions of years involved in generating new species, but the actual evidence corroborates what Scripture states: rapid speciation within a biblical kind—and nothing that crosses the kind boundary. I also found the last statement of the news article amusing: “And, if your own dog seems to be a complete mutant when it comes to its behavior . . . well, there’s a chance it is.” Now, for those who have heard my musings on small dogs like poodles, they may recall that I’ve referred to them as degenerate “mutants” before. Our domestic dogs were produced by artificial selection. As is the case for most of those dogs, we have selected for mutations (basically “mistakes”) that we prefer.
PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 10 all thingsGOD created by ROANNE FITZGIBBON CREATURES GREAT & SMALL ARE WORTHY It is truly amazing how just one animal can touch our very lives and cause us both ecstatic, emotional joy and unequivocal pain and loss. Their presence can serve as an aura, at times, leading us to take action while answering the simple questions about life. An animal’s purpose on this Earth may be mysterious and still may not be quite known, but their very lives matter as they exist with humans day to day. Sadly, too many animals are taken for granted for what they can give us and not for who they really are as a unique creature. Too many end up abused or abandoned for various reasons without a safety net in place for them to survive. The overpopulation of discarded pets is pitiful and surely a crime. The humble souls often just need some extra care and love to survive. Thankfully, there are people like Tiger Franks, who are actively dealing with the fate of feral cats and other animals in need. Tiger has been working with rescues since she was eighteen years old. A graduate of Bellefontaine High School, Tiger’s ambition has always been about helping and saving animals. She is now serving as the Director of the Champaign County Animal Welfare League. It is a non-profit organization aiding animals in distress, located between Urbana and Mechanicsburg, Ohio. Beyond the typical domestic dog or cat, Tiger views all animals with equal needs and rights. Regardless of fur, feathers, webbed feet or claws, each ‘individual’ is welcomed into her life and onto the premises. With shelter
11 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG all thingsGOD created and food available, each creature is granted a fair chance. There is always a purpose and place beyond the moment. As Tiger’s work with animals continued throughout the years, she always held onto a greater vision. It all came to a tipping point in July of 2015. Her hopes of ‘maybe’ someday acquiring land and having the means to help many animals played out with fanfare! It seems as if the angels were looking out for her mission and contacted a recently deceased individual who had the very same dream. After a life changing moment in time, when Tiger professed her commitment and love for the Lord, her whole world changed. She soon was approached by interests from another animal lover that only wished to change things for the better in Champaign County. He had the means to make it all happen, with a very generous donation, land and everything else according to his specifications. The stars aligned in a way at that special time, as the puzzle pieces of life perfectly matched up to benefit so many animals. The seventy-two acre campus of Champaign County Animal Welfare League was soon formed by Tiger Franks and friends. It also boasts three miles of hiking trails. The granted land has been destined to great adventures and rescues as the years have unfolded. They embrace shelter for animals including rabbits, deer, cows, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys and foxes. It is a beautiful place, and is open for groups to enjoy. Some of the animals have become part of the family, such as Stanley and Evee, the resident foxes. Friendly, yet still wild, they are a happy bonus to everyday life on the grounds. Playtime and pool time can always be arranged for the dogs!! A clinic is also on site, as needed. As normal days unfold with the TNR program...”Trap, Neuter, Release”…serving close to fifty animals a day! No day is ever wasted if only one animal is served and protected. Do they see casualties, deaths, accidents?? ....... Yes, but they are mostly preventable, and mostly a result from lack of care. Each animal in the hands of The Champaign County Animal Welfare League is always taken care of. Working off of donations with a skeleton crew, Tiger’s work is never done. It is like the sign “Providence” on the property, which was granted to her for her work. Anyone working with animals knows it all. Tiger Franks has experienced it and more. Early feeding times each day start her day with no end in sight for breaks or other hobbies. This is her life, and the life that she loves. Champaign County Animal Welfare League is a refuge and provides healing for the animals as well as for all that come in contact with their programs. From Senior citizens to special need groups, as well as scout troops and families, interacting with the animals is a form of therapy within nature that exceeds the usual petting zoo experience. Tiger Franks is on a mission to create a legacy, see a vision into life, show and share a fond respect to all life and recognize Our Creator in all things. Please consider a donation by texting “CCAWL” to 26989 When Providence is divine, it will happen and it will flourish. Save our animals!
PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 12 petshealth by R. JEFFREY SCHUMANN, DVM, MS NORTHSIDE VET CLINIC Pyometra in Dogs Pyometra is a bacterial infection of the uterus. In dogs, the most common culprit of infection is E. Coli which is found in feces. Other causes can be from an ascending vaginal infection, or a concurrent urinary tract infection. Pyometra is typically diagnosed in intact female dogs aged 3 years and older, though it is occasionally seen in younger intact female dogs as well. When a dog goes through a heat cycle, a hormonal imbalance takes place that increases the risk of development of infection. When bacteria is introduced, infection occurs and the uterus becomes filled with pus. Early symptoms of pyometra infection include lethargy, decreased appetite or refusal to eat, increased thirst and urination, and vomiting. There may or may not be a malodorous dark colored vaginal discharge, or your dog may be licking their vulva more than usual. Dogs who have developed a pyometra infection may also experience an “extended” heat cycle. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it is imperative to see your veterinarian immediately as pyometra is a life-threatening emergency. The veterinarian will get a complete medical history on your dog and do a physical examination. Bloodwork will be performed to check for marked elevation of the white blood cell count and globulin levels. The bloodwork will also help indicate whether the patient has developed sepsis or organ damage has occurred. Additional diagnostics will vary with the degree of illness the patient is experiencing. A urinalysis may be performed to confirm low urine concentration which is a direct result of the dog drinking unusually
13 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG petshealth high amounts of water. The veterinarian may also want to do imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis of pyometra. An x-ray can confirm an enlarged uterus and an ultrasound will verify structural abnormalities of the walls of the uterus, as well as the presence of fluid in the uterus. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment will begin. IV fluids and antibiotics will be administered, and the patient will be hospitalized. Once the patient is stable enough, she will be taken to surgery to undergo an ovariohysterectomy (spay). When pyometra is present, the procedure is more complicated than a traditional spay procedure and as such,carries an increased risk. As mentioned before, pyometras are an emergency condition and require rapid intervention to avoid sepsis and possible death. Prognosis varies widely, depending on how ill the patient is on presentation. A patient who is diagnosed in the early stages will have a good prognosis with surgical intervention. A patient who is severely ill on presentation may require a few nights hospital stay and will have a guarded prognosis. Once the patient is discharged from the hospital, home care involves pain medication, antibiotics, and exercise restriction for approximately 10 to 14 days. Pyometra is a serious infection that can result in death if not treated promptly. The best prevention is spaying your dog. By removing the uterus and ovaries, the heat cycles and uterine changes that contribute to pyometra will cease. Spaying a dog with a healthy uterus is much safer for the patient and costs considerably less than spaying a dog with pyometra. If you do not intend to breed your dog, speak with your veterinarian to determine the right time to spay!
PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 14 petshealth by FIRSTVET.COM Wobbly Cat Cerebellar Hypoplasia SYNDROME
15 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG petshealth CAUSES OF CEREBELLAR HYPOPLASIA IN CATS The cerebellum, which translates as “the little brain,” is the part of the brain (in both cats and humans) that helps monitor and control aspects of both voluntary and involuntary movement. Although it’s not technically part of the brain, it is still considered part of the central nervous system. It receives all kinds of information from the vestibular, or balancing part, of the middle ear down to the bottom of the paws or feet helping to establish where the body is in space - e.g. up from down - and this information helps determine how the body should move. Although the exact cause of cerebellar hypoplasia is unknown, it is clear it has to do with the development of the cerebellum during pregnancy. It takes a long time in utero for the cerebellum to develop which makes it particularly vulnerable for things to go wrong. When something does go wrong during the pregnancy, a kitten can be born with cerebellar hypoplasia. The most common cause occurs when a pregnant cat is exposed to the panleukopenia virus, also known as the feline distemper virus - either out in the environment (from other cats) or even from the vaccine. Although it’s an extremely important vaccine, the panleukopenia vaccine contains a modified live virus as opposed to a killed virus. This is one way an unborn kitten can contract the disease. The panleukopenia virus seems to attack cells that are dividing rapidly during the last few weeks of pregnancy and even into the first few weeks after birth. It’s possible the entire litter may be affected, or just one or two of the kittens.
PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 16 petshealth SYMPTOMS OF CEREBELLAR HYPOPLASIA IN CATS The signs of cerebellar hypoplasia are very characteristic. The kitten will walk wobbly and uncoordinated. The severity of the symptoms is directly related to the amount of damage done to the cerebellum in utero. The symptoms may not become apparent until a kitten begins to walk, as the cerebellum helps to control purposeful or voluntary movement or coordination. A kitten will oftentimes stand or walk with a wide stance to help with balance, and the jerky movements may become worse when it tries to play or is bending over to eat/drink from a bowl. They can appear weak, as they may use a wall for support, but it’s actually just a lack of coordination. Walking, running, sitting, and playing are all affected. There may be head bobbing and trouble focusing on objects such as food/water bowls and litter pans, so it quickly becomes a “quality of life” issue. The good news is that cerebellar hypoplasia is neither painful nor progressive, meaning it doesn’t tend to get worse as the kitten ages. Furthermore, the kitten affected is not contagious to other cats or kittens since it is a congenital condition. (A congenital condition is when something happens during the pregnancy to cause some sort of birth defect.) HOW IS CEREBELLAR HYPOPLASIA DIAGNOSED? The diagnosis of cerebellar hypoplasia is usually accomplished simply by observation during a physical exam. There are no laboratory tests to diagnose it, however, performing them may be used to help rule out other conditions. An MRI may show an underdeveloped or small cerebellum. TREATMENT AND HOME CARE FOR CATS WITH CEREBELLAR HYPOPLASIA There is no cure or treatment for cerebellar hypoplasia, but as noted before, the symptoms will not worsen. With some help, many kittens will learn to live with their disabilities. They should be kept indoors as their ability to protect themselves outside will be greatly compromised. They should be spayed or neutered since cerebellar hypoplasia is also considered a genetic disease, and it can be passed down to future litters of kittens. They should not be declawed as they will need their nails to help grasp onto things like carpeting or rugs. Nails will help them gain traction and will also help with balance. Using a large litter box with shorter sides will make crawling into and out easier. Also using raised food and water bowls will help with their ability to eat and drink. HOW TO PREVENT CEREBELLAR HYPOPLASIA IN CATS The prevention of cerebellar hypoplasia couldn’t be simpler...Vaccinate! Vaccinate! Vaccinate! The vaccine used to protect cats against panleukopenia, aka feline distemper, is considered a core vaccine. This means it is recommended for all cats except for pregnant female cats. It’s important to not vaccinate pregnant cats, so when in doubt, wait a month or so to see if a cat is pregnant. (The length of time for a feline pregnancy is right around 9 weeks or 63 days. After the kittens are delivered, it’s best to wait another month or so before vaccinating the mother.
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PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 18 petshealth by LINDA S. CLARE Annie the Wonder Therapy Dog When I started physical therapy with Jodi James in Eugene, Oregon, I got a wonderful surprise. In addition to the expert treatment Jodi dispenses from a yurt in her backyard, she has an assistant. All sessions come with a beautiful golden retriever named Annie. Annie, now twelve years old, greets every patient, and often rolls over for belly rubs. She’s so loving that every patient thinks Annie loves them best. Of course, I’ve told myself she likes me best, but Annie’s just that kind of dog—a gorgeous, red-hued golden retriever, with fur that sparkles in the sunlight. No matter who arrives for treatment, she’s always ready with a heart-melting smile. Her laid-back personality makes her the perfect assistant. Annie the Wonder Therapy Dog calms anxious patients and makes every session extra special just by being there. According to Jodi, patients often bring treats and gifts for Annie and love to dote on her. Many have a little doggy baby talk for this calm canine, as Annie helps out with difficult or painful therapies. Suffering patients feel better as she cheers them on with wet-nosed nudges and those soulful brown eyes. A few years ago, Jodi began seeing online video evidence that deep tissue laser therapy was producing real results at veterinary practices. Accord-
19 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG petshealth ing to Jodi, Deep Tissue Laser Therapy generates a photochemical response in damaged tissue by a process called photobiomodulation. This process stimulates healing on a cellular level by enabling cells to more rapidly produce energy. Since animals almost certainly can’t fake results, Jodi brought laser therapy into her practice for dogs, cats and humans. Deep Tissue Laser treatments result in marked improvement for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and begin producing positive results in as little as three to six treatment sessions. Laser treatments are noninvasive and last four to ten minutes. More than 3000 studies point to deep tissue laser efficacy and Jodi’s laser machine, Lightforce, is an FDA-approved industry leader. For several years I’ve received treatments for my painful shoulder arthritis. Safe and painless, deep tissue laser therapy gives me both pain relief as well as better range of motion. Jodi skillfully adjusts laser strengths for different body areas and ensures patient safety with tinted glasses. Annie proudly wears her protective goggles, too. Since she’s getting on in dog years, Annie receives laser treatments to help with joint discomfort, inflammation and other musculoskeletal conditions that come with aging and Annie seems to enjoy them. Annie’s improvement convinced Jodi to work toward a certification in Animal Physical Therapy. In addition to Annie and five foster/rescue cats, Jodi now treats several canine patients on a regular basis. As with her human patients, Jodi combines laser therapy with massage and physical exercises to strengthen animal muscles and reduce inflammation. Many of her dog patients have arthritic joints that benefit from Jodi’s expert handling. Annie’s not sure she wants her dog mom to pay attention to any other pup, so she sometimes has to go sit in the house while these doggos are being treated. But as soon as the coast is clear, Annie’s back at her station in the yurt, greeting patients and scooping up every tidbit of attention. Loving on Annie is easy—she deserves all the love for being so darn cute. Jodi rescued Annie from a backyard breeder who’d forced Annie to whelp litter after litter. Neglected and tired, Annie has since blossomed under Jodi’s loving care. The five kitties—Jean Grey, Dunley, Satyn, Ernie and Julietta—that share a home with Annie can sometimes be frustrating—the nerve of a cat to steal her dog bed! But the animals know that Jodi will always take great care of them, even if a cat or three must be moved so that Annie can sleep in her own bed. And Annie really does need her beauty rest. Although she’s been known to snore a little, she takes sleeping seriously. Every workday, she must be ready to assist Jodi in the treatment room. And I can’t wait to get to Soma Potential for my treatments, always hoping that Annie the Wonder Therapy Dog loves me best. Linda Clare is the award-winning author of eight books, including Thank God for Cats! (June 2023), Prayers for Parents of Prodigals (Harvest House, 2020) and the novel The Fence My Father Built (Abingdon, 2009). A frequent contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul and Guideposts, Linda is a writing coach and mentor. No matter how chaotic life becomes, God and her furbabies carry her through it. She lives with her family in Oregon. Connect with her on Twitter (@Lindasclare), Facebook or her website https://Lindasclare.com. Jodi and Annie
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21 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG communitythoughts business directory www.cafeparadisourbana.com Café Paradiso Café Hours: M–Th: 11a.m.–9 p.m. F & Sat: 11a.m.–10 p.m. Casual Italian Dining Fine Wine & Beer Selections 13 Monument Square • Urbana 937.653.8040
PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 22 communitythoughts “ADay of Fire” thoughts on patriotism by SKI SCHANHER With the 1984 presidential election on the horizon, incumbent Ronald Reagan, while campaigning in New Jersey, on Wednesday, September 19, spoke to an overflowing crowd. During his speech, Reagan said, “America’s future rests in a thousand dreams inside your heart; it rests in the message of hope in songs so many young Americans admire: New Jersey’s own Bruce Springsteen. And helping you make those dreams come true is what this job of mine is all about.” Springsteen himself provided a different perspective, later responding on stage in Pittsburgh, “We’re slowly getting split up into two different Americas. Things are getting’ taken away from people that need them and given to people that don’t need them, and there’s a promise getting broken. In the beginning the idea was that we all live here a little bit like a family, where the strong can help the weak ones, the rich can help the poor ones. I don’t think the American dream was that everybody was going to make it or that everybody was going to make a billion dollars, but it was that everybody was going to have an opportunity and the chance to live a life with some decency and some dignity and a chance for some self-respect.” Later Springsteen referred to the American defeats in Vietnam, Watergate, and American hostages taken in Iran saying “we were humiliated” as a nation. He felt that the American public needed to “feel good about the country they live in.” The need is there; however, it was not being fulfilled, but “manipulated.” Gradually, Springsteen disassociated himself from Reagan.
23 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG communitythoughts Springsteen called his popular ballad, “Born in the U.S.A.,” one of the best things he had ever done. “It was a G.I. blues,” he said, “the verses an accounting, the choruses a declaration of the one sure thing that could not be defined…birthplace.” Although, “Born in the U.S.A.” was not intended to be a patriotic song, it has been used as one, so must be mentioned. If one listens only to the refrain, the song could be mistaken for a patriotic song. But the lyrics are a blue-collar anthem detailing the mistreatment of returning Vietnam veterans. It points out the problem veterans experienced when they returned home from the war. They faced desperate circumstances with few options. President Reagan was moved by music. On the Saturday night before his January 1981 inauguration, he was emotionally overwhelmed by the concert at the Lincoln Memorial in which the Mormon Tabernacle Choir presented “God Bless America” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” He later recounted that moment to his speech writer, “That Lincoln Memorial… it’s such a beautiful place. I’ve never been filled with such a surge of patriotism. It was so hard not to cry during the whole thing.” Reagan later remembered, “it was so moving. I was crying frozen tears.” Lee Greenwood, a former Las Vegas lounge singer who found success in Nashville as country music’s male vocalist of the year in 1983, wrote “God Bless the U.S.A.,” considered to be a more conservative version of Springsteen’s hit song. His song was written in response to the 1983 Soviet downing of a Korean jet on a flight from New York to Seoul. A total of 63 Americans were on board the flight containing 269 passengers. When asked, Greenwood stated, “Did I know the song was special, a hit from the beginning? Well, every time you go into the studio to record a song, you think it is going to be a hit. But, yes, I knew this song was special because of the responses we received whenever we sang it live.” The Reagan camp notified Greenwood that they would like to use his song in campaign advertisements for their re-election efforts. Surprised, Greenwood gave his approval and licensed it for one dollar. It quickly became the Reagan-Bush re-election song, now commonly used as a conservative standard. This song promotes a life’s pattern of “perpetual promises and enduring dreams.” One of Greenwood’s fellow country music artists says, “’God Bless the U.S.A’ is an extremely patriotic, borderline over-the-top anthem that still ensures a standing ovation when performed today.” And I’m proud to be an American Where at least I know I’m free And I won’t forget the men who died Who gave that right to me And I’d gladly stand up next to you And defend Her still today ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A. Our nation was founded upon the principle of a “land of opportunity,” a place where all have a “fair chance” as sixteenth President Abraham Lincoln phrased it. Greenwood’s song reminds us of overcoming crises. His song insists upon “perpetual promise and enduring dreams,” quite the contrast with Springsteen’s song of broken promises and unfulfilled dreams. Be reminded that how these two songs are interpreted is a matter of perspective. President George W. Bush could have used former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s famous words “a date which will live in infamy” when referring to the dastardly, cowardly terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York City on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. On the following Friday in Washington National Cathedral, President Bush addressed the shocked nation. During the memorial service commemorating the lives of brave souls lost, the congregation sang, “O God Our Help in Ages Past” and “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” That was followed by a solo rendition of song writer Katherine Lee Bates’s “America the Beautiful.” The U.S. Army
PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 24 Orchestra performed “God Bless America” written by Irving Berlin. President Bush continued, “On Tuesday, our country was attacked with deliberate and massive cruelty. We have seen the images of fire and ashes and bent steel…War has been waged against us by stealth and deceit and murder.” Bush told the nation, “They have attacked America because we are freedom’s home and defender. And the commitment of our Fathers is now the calling of our time.” Julia Ward Howe’s, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” sung by the congregation, concluded the service. Many Americans turned to music in an effort to make sense of the 9/11 attacks, the deadliest since Pearl Harbor. Many well-known musicians sought to “console and inspire,” including Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Neil Young, Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, Bon Jovi, Paul Simon, Celine Dion, and Willie Nelson to name a few. Neil Young wrote “Let’s Roll,” a song memorializing the final words of Todd Beamer as he and others fought back against the hijackers, resulting in United Airlines flight 93 crashing into the Pennsylvania countryside sixty miles southeast of Pittsburgh. I know I said I love you, I know you know it’s true, I’ve got to put the phone down, And do what we got to do, Ones standing in the aisle way, Two more at the door, We’ve got to get inside there, Before they kill some more, Time is running out, Let’s roll, Time is running out, Let’s roll. The heavy, serious beat of the music reflects upon the intensity of the moment as we listen to Young’s emotional, unforgettable song. Some musical artists wrote songs of faith, hope, and love, while others were more warlike, martial, plain-spoken, and provocative, anthems of anger, not anguish. Bruce Springsteen focused on firemen and law enforcement who had laid their lives down for others. Springsteen reflected, “The picture I could not let go was of the emergency workers going up the stairs as others rushed down to safety.” He continued, “The sense of duty, the courage, ascending into…what? If you love life, or any part of it, the depth of their sacrifice is unthinkable and incomprehensible. Yet what they left behind was intangible.” He took President Bush’s signature phrase, “Into the fire” and included it in his 2002 Grammy Award-winning album “The Rising,” a tribute to those fallen heroes. Springsteen’s masterful album shows us what and how we were feeling, but simply could not express. One reviewer said, “He gives us a modern-day hymnal with this body of work, with words and music to grieve 9/11, along with a sense of community that we’re going to get through it.” Despite the influx of a patriotic spirit that enveloped our nation post 9/11, there was communitythoughts
25 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG controversy as U.S. troops prepared to invade Iraq. For what it is worth, the Dixie Chicks, who due to present-day concerns for racial reconciliation have renamed themselves simply the “Chicks,” protested President Bush’s leadership. While on stage in London, one member stated, “We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas.” Apparently, they were swayed by their perception of anti-American sentiment while traveling Europe. Despite the group’s stand, one member proclaimed, “I love my country. I am a proud American.” Later, she apologized to President Bush, but eventually rescinded her apology. Not surprisingly, President Bush responded, “The Dixie Chicks are free to speak their mind.” He continued, “I want to do what I think is right for American people…That’s the great thing about America. It stands in stark contrast to Iraq, by the way.” This entire incident raised questions about freedom of speech and its implications. In the face of death threats and widespread censorship, the singing group was called “hillbilly Jane Fondas” by many, a reference to Fonda’s visit to Hanoi in the midst of the Vietnam War. Some country music critics derided the group’s attack upon President Bush, saying that it was a direct attack upon our president, our values and patriotism as well as upon country music audiences across the nation. Country music never seemed to welcome them back. On the other hand, country music artist Kix Brooks and a few of his song writing friends joined together on his farm in Tennessee talking about how much they loved America. Brooks, reveling in the moment, said, “Man, we’ve got to write this thing.” “Only in America” flowed easily from that session. Brooks and Ronnie Dunn recorded it and, with their permission “Only in America” became President Bush’s theme song for his 2004 re-election campaign. Obviously, excited and flattered, Brooks said, “It was never meant to be political; it was patriotic, no partisan.” The overall universal message of “Only in America” follows previous themes of hopes and dreams. This song will be sung for a long time and, in keeping with Brooks’ insistence it is non-partisan, has been used by both Democrats and Republicans. At the conclusion of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Barrack Obama and his family stood on stage before the audience, clasping hands with “Only in America” reverberating throughout. From Bush to Obama, this song celebrates competing visions for our country’s future where every moment of harmony counts. As Jon Meacham wrote in Songs of America : Patriotism, Protest, and the Music that made a Nation, if we share patriotic music of America in today’s divisive age, we just might “shout in anger a little less and sing unity a bit more. Or so we can hope.” The songs of America are not completed. More notes are still to be played. “Let us lift every voice and sing.” Sun comin’ up over New York City School bus driver in a traffic jam Staring out at the faces in a rearview mirror Lookin’ at the promise of the Promised Land One kid dreams of fame and fortune One could end up going to prison One just might be president Only in America Dreamin’ in red white and blue Only in America Where we dream as big as we want to We all get a chance Everybody gets to dance Only in America communitythoughts
PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 26 familyvalues by LYNN BERNA LIVING LIFE in the Second Act A friend of mine whose husband is retiring said she would continue her job a while longer for fear that once she retired, she would start falling apart and have all kinds of health issues. It’s been said growing old is not for sissies, but we do not have to be afraid. God takes care of us and helps us to be brave. Swimming at the fitness center, I did more arthritic exercises in the water than normal. Pleased with my efforts; I headed home for supper. It was not long before I started noticing pain on my right side. Still bothering me when I went to bed. The pain continued into the next day. My husband finally talked me into making a doctor appointment for later that afternoon. But after another hour I suggested he just take me to the ER. A few blocks from the hospital I had a deep cramp, Charlie horse type that really made me want to get out of the car to stretch and try to work it out. My husband said no and locked the car doors so I could not get out since we were so close to the hospital. I screamed let me out as loudly as I could, but he still refused. And I reached the ER and was catapulted into another
27 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG familyvalues world. Tests were run. Decisions made. And I spoke with my surgeon who looked like Seinfeld on that old familiar TV series. Nurses scattered like ants except for one. She was older, slower, experienced, and occasionally would give me a wink. This was always reassuring and made me smile. She must think I’m going to be alright. I would reason, even though I do not know what happened to me. I thought I was staying at a nice lodge. My anesthesia began to wear off and a visitor came, and it turned out to be my brother and when I saw him it brought me back. I remembered who I was and what happened. My appendix had burst (Perforated appendicitis). I will tell you the wise, old nurse who was a weekend warrior came to my room to say goodbye and check on me that one last time before I was released from the hospital. Good people like her who care are found in hospitals and they work to keep you alive. So, you do not have to fear the hospital since you know, you, the doctors and nurses all want the same thing. There are a lot of good things about growing older. Occasionally my mom would ask me my age. When I would tell her, she would say, “Oh I remember when I was 40 or in my 50s, 60s, those were good years.” I think my mom was trying to teach me to see the good in aging and when sickness came to always look and plan for the next happy thing. This is how I was able to watch her age so beautifully, because of her lovely outlook. Like my mother would do, perhaps you can think of an illness or surgery as a reset or mile marker. It can be a time to reflect on what is really most important in your life right now and give you the opportunity to plan it out and do it. Other observations that I have made are place get well cards on the bathroom door where you can easily read them again and again. And if asked if there’s something the person can do to help say sure send me a funny card! You know it takes a while to heal from a surgery, but while you do, listen to positive messages, music, and stay off social media. And when you get lonely invite a friend over to babysit you. Lynn Berna is a former Ohio Christian radio host devoted to family who says, “As for me when I am afraid, I will trust the Lord”, while Living Life in the Second Act.
PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 28 by VICKIE PRESSLER RETRO JELL-O STRAWBERRY PIE INGREDIENTS • 3 tablespoons cornstarch • 1 cup sugar • 1 1/2 cups water • 1 box (3 oz.) strawberry Jell-O • 2 cups sliced strawberries • 1 10-inch pie crust, prebaked INSTRUCTIONS 1. Line the bottom of a prebaked pie crust with sliced strawberries 2. Combine cornstarch, sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add the Jell-O and stir until dissolved. 3. Pour gelatin mixture over strawberries and refrigerate until set. Prep time is 15 minutes. Need to chill for a few hours. Serves 6. familyvalues recipe
29 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG hidden picture www.hiddenpicturepuzzles.com familyvalues
PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 30 familyvalues by BARRY HORN REMINISCING ABOUT DOWNTOWN Springfield, Ohio Reminiscing. I’ve been doing a lot of that lately! Recently, I was listening to radio and on comes an oldy, but goody by Petula Clark called “Downtown”. I find myself singing this quirky, little song and how it reminds me of days of our Downtown. Don’t hang around and let your problems surround you There are movie shows Downtown Maybe you know some little places to go to Where they never close Downtown… So just for fun, let’s reminisce about Springfield’s downtown, the way it used to be. Sadly, now, the core block especially, is not much to get excited about, only two buildings, Credit Life and the City Building with nothing much in between, but pavement with some tables and benches. However, in the 50s and 60s, there were movie shows downtown and at least one restaurant that never closed! Let’s face the fact. Millions of Americans have fond memories of their downtown shopping districts. It was the place to be, and the place to be seen with lots of shopping, eating and visiting a variety of unique stores and cafes. Like many of you, I have many great memories of downtown Springfield. I worked for F.W. Woolworth’s for eight years and the downtown store was my very favorite. I remember how the younger folks would cruise the block in their souped-up cars, hotrods, or motorcycles. But, just for fun, let’s take a nostalgic walk in downtown Springfield during the 1950s and 60s. A downtown shopping excursion that the entire family could find just about anything. Christmas downtown was especially a special time. Found a couple of pictures on the Internet (Pinterest) that are interesting showing the crowds. Men could look their best with all the latest styles from the Vogue Shop, Hub Clothing, or Richman Brothers, everything from pegged jeans, gaberdine slacks, a dress shirt to a Stetson hat! The well dressed woman shopped for fashion clothes at Hoenig’s, William Greene, and endless selection of shoes at Nisley’s, Carmen’s, or Brown’s Bootery. One could find patent leather slippers, black and white saddle shoes and penny loafers. Teenagers found endless fascination at Woolworth’s, Kresge’s, and McCrory’s. They could find 45 RPMs records, posters, of their favorite movie stars, cosmetics, lipsticks, hair tonic or just sit and enjoy the soda fountain. For furniture, appliances, carpet or anything for the home, one could visit Sears & Roebuck, Wren’s Department Store or J.C. Penney. Lunchtime was always an adventure for me. Sometimes I would cross Limestone Street, cut
31 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG familyvalues through the Boston Store and into the Bancroft Hotel for a bite to eat. When I was feeling prosperous, I would take in “The Tea Room” at Wren’s. Other times, a quick hot dog and root beer at “The Orange Café”. On the way back to Woolworth’s, I remember the smell of fresh roasted peanuts passing by “Mr. Peanut”. Wow! These are great memories that will always stay with me. As I write this, I am wondering what other people’s memories are. Yes, it’s true, folks of a certain age have fond memories of downtown Springfield. It seemed those days would never end. Then, in 1971, the Upper Valley Mall opened, and we bid our wonderful downtown an affectionate farewell. So it was downtown…a place where “We can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares, Downtown.” Our downtown is trying hard to make a come back. Let’s hope it brings us to another look at our Downtown. Photo credit: Sharon Springer Shawver and Susan Springer
PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 32 familyvalues by MICHAEL MANOLOFF Too ‘bold’ a title for some, if so, read no further. If you are intrigued with the ‘edge’, like me, read on my friend, read on. My wife and all that have known me for all my ‘decision making years’ would say that is an accurate appraisal of me. In other words, ‘if the shoe fits, wear it’ I wear it. I have stories about knives, arrows, explosives, cliff diving, repelling .. and other things. I have scars from many ‘edges’ that serve as a testament to my narrow space. I won’t swim with sharks because they simply scare me beyond my ‘edge’ and I will pass on climbing Mt. Everest because I don’t like cold
33 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG familyvalues feet. Everything else was a go. I’m 72 now so most of my adventures are probably behind me. I want to describe truly the best one(s) I ever experienced in ‘Living on The Edge’. In 1974, my best friend Jim and I were having a few beers at a local bar in Springfield when a couple friends came in, sat down and infused the entire place with their energy. They were excited like nobody I’d ever seen having their first beer. Everyone listened as the guys related their first day parachuting, from taking their class to hitting the ground. The more they talked and the more Jim and I put down a few pints, the more we came to the realization that this was something made for us! Friends, we shook hands then-andthere in front of all our friends and the bar’s patrons. We were going to jump and there would be no backing down… when we sobered up. The very next day, I picked Jim up in my Chevy van and we proceeded to Xenia to fulfill our promise. Naturally, the thought that this could be dangerous began taking hold. Three thousand feet is a long way up there… birds don’t fly that high… so just what are we thinking! A handshake can never be broken… that is a fact of life! So, on we went. As we got closer to
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