History comes to life at Valley View museum

March 5, 2010 · Filed Under Education · Comment 

Valley View Elementary was home to approximately 100 “Famous Americans” recently as they held their very first Wax Museum. Amelia Earhart, Albert Einstein, and even Walt Disney were in attendence. All

Valley View’s “famous Americans” enjoyed a day of living history.

fifth grade students were required to become their character, complete with costume, make-up, props and background as part of a school project which doubled as a fundraiser for their end of the year field trip. Coin boxes and tip jars were decorated to match their theme and the characters came to life when they heard the clink of money hit the bottom of their jar. Each prepared an interesting two minute speech and many of the kids found parallels with their famous person that they would not have learning about them in a history book.

Justin Jacobs and Alex Searl in their character costumes.

Dan Derksen had done this project at a past school and brought the idea to Valley View. He felt the kids would get much more out of learning about these amazing people in this way, and that it was a great way to get parents involved as well. Packed to the brim, the Valley View halls and gym gleemed with proud parents and smiling kids. It was a night to be remembered and hopefully repeated next year. Thanks for your hard work fifth graders.

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Michigan state parks, recreation areas, harbors fill up quickly

March 5, 2010 · Filed Under News · Comment 

Make summer camping reservations now

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds users of Michigan state parks, recreation areas and harbors that reservations are now being accepted for the 2010 summer camping and boating season. Reservations for harbor slips, campsites, cabins, teepees, and yurts are now available online or through the central reservation system call center for dates beginning as early as Memorial Day weekend.

“Campsite reservations become available six months in advance of your requested arrival date, so we are already accepting reservations booking campsites for as early as the Memorial Day weekend,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “Staff at the reservation call center begin taking phone calls at 8 a.m. on weekdays and at 9 a.m. on weekends. New site availability dates roll into the database at those times to be fair to all users.”

Campers and boaters who are planning their vacations are reminded to make their reservations now to secure a campsite or slip at their favorite park, recreation area, harbor or marina. Also, while planning your vacations, check out the calendar of events at www.michigan.gov/dnrgogetoutdoors, and select “GO-Get Outdoors,” to see what events are being planned in 2010 at your favorite state park, recreation area or harbor. This calendar is updated as events are finalized.

Also, for those winter outdoor enthusiasts, there are state parks and recreation areas that remain open for winter camping or outdoor recreation year-round. Some offer rustic camping with no amenities, while others offer semi-modern campsites with site electricity available. Some parks have cabins, mini-cabins, lodges or yurts available to rent all year, and the cabins are mostly heated with wood or propane stoves. So GO-Get Outdoors and enjoy nature year-round.

Reservations can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com, or by contacting the DNR central reservation system at 1-800-447-2757.

For more information about a specific state park or recreation area, winter camping opportunities, events or accessibility, visit the DNR’s website at www.michigan.gov/dnr, under the “Recreation, Camping and Boating” section, or contact the Lansing office at (517) 373-9900 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired).

Permits for the 2010 season are also available to purchase at any state park or recreation area, or on the DNR’s website through the Michigan E-store. Cost is $24 for a resident annual motor vehicle entrance permit, or $6 for a resident daily permit. A non-resident annual permit is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8. Resident annual senior discount permits are $6 and can only be purchased in person at a state park or recreation area, or the main office in downtown Lansing, and will require a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration.

Boating access site permits are $24 for an annual permit, or $6 for a daily permit, for both residents and non-residents. Boating access site permits are also available for purchase through the Michigan E-store or at fee sites. For a list of boating access sites that require a permit, visit the “Boating” section on the DNR’s website, or visit www.mcgi.state.mi.us/MRBIS for all boating access sites throughout the state.

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Crestwood Elementary’s Amanda Eslinger: an Example in Excellence

March 5, 2010 · Filed Under Education · Comment 

Known for her sunny smile and willingness to give

Amanda Eslinger, 10, is the daughter of Paul and Robin Eslinger and sister to Brianna. Amanda is known as a responsible person who sets high standards for herself.

Teachers at Crestwood Elementary School say that Amanda regularly goes out of her way to make a difference

in the lives of other students. She is quick to lend a hand when she notices someone who needs help, and is known for her caring attitude. A friendly student, Amanda is well liked by her peers and teachers.

Amanda volunteers her time at Crash’s Landing, a no-kill cat shelter. She spends six to nine hours each month helping to care for the pets there, feeding and watering the animals, or cleaning cages. She also enjoys giving loving attention to the cats until they find their new home.

Amanda strives to do her personal best in the activities she undertakes. Her sunny smile is well known at school and at home. Her determination to succeed is shown by her academic achievement. She has reached the Platinum level in Accelerated Reading, and was elected to student council in fifth grade.

A well-rounded student, Amanda also enjoys cheerleading, gymnastics, reading and playing games on her Nintendo DS. She is a member of the Rocket cheer team and also loves to ride her bike. Amanda attends Northlawn United Methodist Church. This positive and exceptional young woman is an Example in Excellence in all she does.

Examples in Excellence is a joint effort of Rockford Public School, Douglas Photography and The Rockford Squire newspaper. Students are chosen annually from each school in the district for their qualities of character and williness to help others.

Students are recognized at a ceremony each spring and throughout the year with a display of their portraits and biographies in the school administration office.

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Classifieds — March 4, 2010

March 5, 2010 · Filed Under Classifieds · Comment 

HELP WANTED

Looking for a new direction? Earn money when you sell with this commission-based job. No weekends or evenings. All materials supplied. No start up fees! Make 20¢ on every dollar sold! Plus, you get your own desk! Must be over 18 years, have valid driver’s license and dependable transportation. Full or part-time available for Kent County area. For more information, email superman49@charter.net or just send resume!      ftfn
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Dietary Cook/Server two shifts per week, 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Call Bishop HIlls at (616) 866-8227 and ask for Andrea.       b9
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Now hiring: seeking an experienced production supervisor. 1st and/or 3rd shift available. Competitive wages, full benefits, growing company. Accepting resumes at Northern Lights, 157 W. Beech St., Cedar Springs, MI 49319. No calls please.      b09cp
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Immediate Needs—Rockford and surrounding areas. Full- and part-time available. Call for immediate interview: ComForcare Home Health (616) 285-7000. www.comforcare.com.      b09
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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Home Office Opportunity—Rockford-based company seeks transportation sales person. Experience a plus but not necessary. We pay high commission rates. Call Mike at (616) 318-3024.        p09
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FOR SALE

Klaussner Loveseat. Vintage look, one owner. No animals and non-smoking home. Very good condition. $195 o.b.o. Call Norm at (616) 874-7674.      b09
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ANTIQUES


REDUCED! Antique Victorian desk, 5 ft. tall, 4-1/2 ft. wide and 2-1/2 ft. deep, $675. Call (616) 866-1478 and leave a message.      ftfn
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FOR RENT

Lake Bella Vista apartment—2-bedroom, air, garage, free lake access, seniors welcome. No pets, no smoking. $550/month plus utilities. (616) 874-7871.      b09
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Daytona Beach oceanfront condo available from April 2 to April 9. One bedroom sleeps four, kitchenette and deck included. $500. Call (616) 866-9917.        p10
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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or marital status, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination, call the Fair Housing Center at (616) 451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
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CLASSES AND LESSONS

Guitar Lessons—Learn guitar the RIGHT way and enjoy it for a lifetime. Lessons also on banjo, fiddle, mandolin, Dobro, etc. Call Joe (616) 874-8582.     btfn
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SERVICES

House Cleaning 13 years experience. Dependable, honest and very thorough. References available. Call Susie at (616) 887-1824.            p09
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I’ll design your flier, brochure, business card for a low rate! Other graphic design also available. Over 18 years experience. Professional design guaranteed. Flier design starting at $30. References available. Call Melanie Ragsdale at (616) 889-9082 or view design samples online at ragsdaledesign.com.      ftfn
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LOST AND FOUND

FOUND—very friendly male cat with black and tan markings, white paws, red collar with bell. Found on Byrne Industrial Dr. on Monday, January 4. Call Wee Folk, (616) 866-4740.      ftfn
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FOUND—tame white rabbit with brown spots. Found on Maple and Fremont in downtown Rockford. Call to identify, (616) 862-5313.      ftfn
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LOST—Burton Blunt snowboard near 13 Mile and 14 Mile roads in Rockford. Lost on Sunday, December 20 off the back end of a truck. (616) 889-9931.      ftfn
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LOST—cat, orange and white tiger, striped front paws, declawed. Last seen at Wolven and 11 Mile Rd. Call (616) 863-8278.      ftfn
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LOST—orange cat with white paws and white chest. Lost by Peachtree and Natchez Court. Comes to the name of “Ginger.” Reward. Call (616) 826-9785 or (616) 884-0068.      ftfn
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PETS AND SUPPLIES

Free kittens—playful indoor kittens, three girls, two boys. Litter-trained, free to indoor homes. (616) 866-8633.      ftfn
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Free—one calico cat, 2 to 3 years old, indoor/outdoor, plays well with kids. (616) 696-9225.      ftfn
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The Rockford Squire’s “Free” and “Lost & Found” classified ads are free of charge. Call (616) 866-4465 by noon on Monday to place your ad in next Thursday’s issue.
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Who is teaching whom? part III

March 5, 2010 · Filed Under News · Comment 

by SAM HYER

Once you have mastered the “heel” with your best fur friend, next is “heel, sit.” This is another command your dog needs to learn, and it is best taught at the same time as the “heel.”

Sam Hyer

Your pup needs to learn that every time you stop, she is to immediately sit down by your side, and remain sitting until you release the command. This looks very impressive to people who are unfamiliar with dogs but, in fact, it can be taught easily.

Every time you stop moving when your dog is heeling, immediately say, “Sit, Benny”—ok, maybe not Benny; please use your pet’s own name. And give him or her a quick, gentle tap on the hindquarters. A stubborn fur friend may need a little push into the sitting position, while a very stubborn child needs a jerk upward on the choke collar plus a push down on the behind.

Every time your dog sits, praise him lavishly. And if he should decide to stand up before you are ready to begin again, give him an immediate correction. Soon your dutiful child will sit automatically when you stop.

Next, let us try the “stay” command. Begin by placing the dog in a “sitting at heel” position. While holding his leash tightly in your left hand so that he cannot follow, step directly in front of him so that you are facing him. Holding the taut leash behind and over his head, show him the palm of your hand while you give the command “stay.” Then step backward, still holding the leash. If he starts to come toward you, correct him by saying “No, stay.” After about three tries, you should be able to take a few steps backward before he moves. If he remains in position, you are ready for the recall. Say “Benny, here,” and give the hand signal to come to you by holding your arm straight out from your side, then swing it in until your palm is flat against your chest. If you need to, you may give a little tug on the leash, but at this point most dogs are more than happy to come over to you.

Once the dog arrives beside you, guide him to a spot directly in front of you so that he is facing you, and put your hand under his chin. Tell him to sit. Then tell him what a wonderful fur friend he is. Then repeat the whole thing over.

Patience and repetition are the keys to teach your fur child to stay, and chances are your dog will be no exception. But the rewards are more than worthwhile.

We are doing so well with our best buddy, let’s try one more, the “down” command. With your child in the sitting position, kneel beside him and give the command “down.” At the same time, keeping your left arm around his body, gently lift his front feet off the ground and ease his body down until he is lying on the ground. The down command can sometimes become a power struggle with an older dog or a stubborn, aggressive dog, because the dog tends to view the down position as submissive. If this happens, try to remain calm, and by your tone of voice and non-threatening behavior, convince your dog that it is only another stage in his obedience work. It is best not to struggle with your dog over the down command. If need be, leave the training of this command for another day.

The last command we will touch on will be the “stand” command. The final thing a well-trained dog should learn is to stand on command and accept the attention of strangers, such as the groomer, vet, dog show judge, or your best human friend.

To teach your fur buddy to stand-stay, begin heeling as usual, but after a few steps slow down, bring your right hand down in front of the dog’s nose with your fingers pointing down to the ground, and give the command “stand, stay.” While doing this, move to the end of the leash (which, by the way, should be in your left hand), stay there for a few seconds, and then give the dog the verbal and hand commands to stay. Now walk around his left side, behind him and back into the heel position. Resume heeling for a few steps before repeating the stand-stay lesson. If your dog tries to move off, correct him with the choke collar. If he begins to fidget, correct him with a firm “no.”

If your fur friend starts to sit as you begin to leave, you are undoubtedly taking too long to give him the hand signal and step away. Try again. If you are moving quickly and he starts to sit, you can either hold his hind leg up while you give the stand command or prop your foot under his stomach. Either way, he will find it impossible to sit. If your best friend tries to sit when you circle around him and return to the heel position, get him back up, give the stand command, and circle around again until he remains on his feet. When you do return to his side, stand with him a few moments so that he understands that he is not to move until you give another command.

Training your dog can be hard, but it is immensely rewarding. It gives both you and your fur friend peace of mind that you can trust each other and that you know what the other requires to enjoy a long loving relationship. Most dogs are happier when they feel useful—when they have a task or job—and training will give your dog something to focus on. Have fun and enjoy the healthy air and exercise that you and your fur friend get while training and bonding.

Sam Hyer is owner of Hyer Luv Kennel and Groomers, Mid Michigan Cocker Rescue founder, ISCC life member, Rockford Chamber of Commerce member, American Boarding Kennel Association (Pet Care Services Association) member, guest speaker and lecturer on companion animal topics throughout the country, proud breeder of Oprah’s first cocker Solomon, behavior consultant, parent, grandparent and pet mom. Sam may be reached at 874-DOGS (3647) or sam@hyerluv.com.

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