I took a walk yesterday with Carol Niffenegger and the CPA, Celery Pond Advocates, to look at the most beautiful celery pond. I took this shot of some blue herons that make it their home.

I sure hope Carol has the wherewithall and stamina to save it.

Take a look at this new blog about the celery pond. I think it's very important.

http://celerypond.blog.com/ >>>

I do lean in that direction, personnally, but I want Watchdog to be open to anyone, Democrats and Republicans alike. I just happen to know more Democrats and that is why the site leaned that way.

Dorothy Answers Her Own Question!

In one of the earliest comments left on Our Town, Dorothy has this to say about a City Council meeting she attended and the state of the City of South Haven:

"I just wish it was our town! A-r-r-r-r-gh!! I've just spent another evening with our illustrious City Council, and I can only say that it's time for a change. Any ideas out there?"

Posted by: Dorothy Appleyard at Novenber 15, 2004 10:39 PM

Funny quote to read today, take a look >>>

Does anyone have a son or daughter, a grandmother or grandfather, or someone who has a bit of time (it will certainly not be a full time job!) who is interested in the internet, in issues in South Haven, maybe a bit interested in web design?

The program that drives this site is very popular and used as the content management system on some very mainstream websites, namely about.com. About.com uses this exact program so that all of its many (paid) contributors can add content to that website. It might not be a bad skill to acquire and I am more than willing to teach anyone with an interest.

Please email me if you, or if you know anyone who is interested.

denise@shwatchdog.org

Thanks, Denise Hartmann (creator of shwatchdog.org)

It's an important time of year in South Haven. The candidates have very different views and directions for the city. I hope everyone will find out the specifics and take this opportunity to contribute to the city's destiny.

Elaine as always, voices her views on a number of issues and people.

Read - Our Town >>

They ask, where is the help? --> Iraq.

Mission Statement,
Michigan National Guard:

The Guard's Mission

The Michigan Army and Air Guard have two primary missions. The first is to execute the duties laid down by various State of Michigan statutes and the Governor. Included in this mission is the administration of several veterans' programs, primary of which is administering two veterans' homes with a resident population which can reach 1,000 veterans. The Guards second mission is better known. The Organized Militia's traditional mission of military preparedness to assist both state and federal authorities is expressed in the two basic missions of the Michigan National Guard.

State Military Mission

The Michigan National Guard's state mission is to protect the lives and property of Michigan citizens during times of natural disaster and to preserve the peace, order, and public safety at the direction of the Governor.

Federal Military Mission

The Michigan National Guard's federal military mission is to assist the federal government in defending the sovereign interests of the United States when they are threatened or violated..

Unique Dual Role

This dual responsibility is unique to the National Guard and distinguishes it from other United States military organizations. These dual tasks are proudly performed in this State by over 11,000 members of the Michigan National Guard -- your friends and neighbors. These dedicated Citizen-Soldiers include the farmer, the doctor, the lawyer, the police officer, the teacher, the autoworker; and the list goes on and on -- they are people deeply concerned and committed to their state and their community. The Guard is people helping people.

Somehow, for some reason, the notion exists that Al-Van Humane Society is a “no-kill” shelter. As president of Al-Van’s Board of Directors I want to set the record straight and explain to you exactly why that is not the case.

Al-Van Humane Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter and care to homeless animals. Each year the numbers needing our help increases. In addition to fund-raising events, we rely on the generosity of the community, individuals and businesses to provide money needed to care for the animals and support other activities that meet our mission statement such as spay/neuter clinics, awareness/information booths at area events, and educational programs.

Did you know:

• Through July of this year, our shelter has taken in 1,741 unwanted animals and only 278 of those were adopted? By year-end, between Allegan and Van Buren County our area’s homeless animal population could not be solved even if every man, woman and child in the City of South Haven took one new pet.
• Al-Van re-homes only about 33% of the dogs/puppies and a meager 9% of cats/kittens? Statistics that sound deplorable, but are in line with other organizations in our area.
• In 2004, 1396 kittens came to the shelter due to unwanted litters? Or that free roaming, unspayed/neutered cats are the main reason for cat overpopulation?
• 622 puppies also came to the shelter for the same reason?
• Pet spaying and neutering is the only proven way to stop unwanted litters and the resulting euthanization of hundreds of animals?
• Nearly half the dogs admitted to shelters could be avoided by having proper identification?

Imagine having to come to work, day after day, feeding, caring for and giving affection to a puppy that you have to euthenize because there aren’t enough homes to go around. It’s neither a fun job nor one for which most of us would have the stomach. But Al-Van’s staff could not be more compassionate. Yes, Al-Van Humane Society has to euthanize animals in their care because it is the humane thing to do.

Here are the year-to-date facts:

So as you can see, there are a lot of reasons why it is just more humane to let an animal leave this world peacefully by injection than stressfully, or perhaps even painfully without it.

There may be some confusion regarding Al-Van being a “no-kill” shelter. The staff will reassure visitors to take their time finding the right pet as these animals will not be euthanized. We’re fairly certain that this may be the cause of the confusion. Let me explain what the staff means. At Al-Van, the building is segregated in a way that keeps questionable or unadoptable animals on one side and adoptable animals on the other. If an animal makes it to the adoptable side, it has virtually a 100% chance of being re-homed. Those animals are groomed, socialized, and finally adopted out or sent to breed rescue organization . You need not worry about those animals. They will find a home eventually. Animals on the other side are evaluated and either moved to the adoptable side or euthanized.

Pet overpopulation is a horrendous problem and I must commend Al-Van’s staff for a job well done. Now, you might be asking yourself what you can do to help. Here are a few suggestions:

Have your pets spayed or neutered (don’t have litters because your pets would make cute puppies, or you want your kids to see the miracle of birth, among various other reasons I’ve heard). Unaltered pet cats running free are creating the huge feral cat population that runs rampant in our area.

• Make sure your pet’s collar is secure.


• Put identification on your pet’s collar.


• Microchip your pet (we can do it for you at the shelter or visit your veterinarian).


• When considering adding a pet to your family, adopt from the shelter, at Decadent Dogs, or Miss Kris’s Home Room (places that showcase adoptable pets from the shelter).


• Support Al-Van Humane Society by becoming a member, attending fund-raisers, donating supplies or cash, volunteering, and of course, advocating for animal rights.


• Remember Al-Van when planning your estate or in your year-end giving.

You can make a difference. Please help us to continue to improve this problem and look for ways to eventually eliminate it.

Sincerely,
Cathryn A. Thaler

Go to the South Haven Center for the Arts and have a look. H.A.S.H. puts on a really good show and I know the people who have been working hard on it for months. I'm sure its great. I'm going today.

They have all sorts of events planned that sound incredibly interesting.

The opening celebration is Sunday, June 26th, 11am-2pm at Broadway and Church streets, so it should be a happening event. They'll serve brunch and have entertainment.

Visit the H.A.S.H. website for a Schedule of Events >>>

Catskills of the Midwest
June 17 - July 31, 2005
South Haven Center for the Arts
600 Phoenix St., South Haven, MI
(269) 637-1041
Tues-Thurs 10-5, Fri 10-4,
Sat-Sun 1-4

Opening Celebration
Sunday, June 26th, 11-2 Broadway and Church Streets,
adjacent to the First Hebrew Congregation.

Traditional Jewish Brunch, $8
Tours: Synagogue and Exhibit
Entertainment

Come learn to relax, become more flexible and energized at Kristin's yoga classes.

Time: Wednesdays, 10am

Place: Upstairs Studio above Biddy Murphy Celtic Gifts,
610 Phoenix St., South Haven

Price: $10 per lesson

If you can plan ahead, please email Kristin and let her know you're coming. If not, just drop in.

Email Kristin

Julie, Hope, you go girls.

SHADC >>>

A&E >>>

Impending Doom >>>

Well, if you have ever been to their house you know how nice it is and warm and very cozy with all the creature comforts. Maynard designed it and it is a wonder.

Powered by solar panels and a high tech windmill.

Read about it on Think Green >>>

The Dem's are recommitting themselves to making a difference locally and beyond.

Read Julie's Post >>>

I love this post by her:
January 23, 2005

South Haven Tribune:Hello?

Today's weekly paper is out with no story at all about Monday's Council Meeting. I hardly recall a Tribune after a Council meeting without a front page article on what was discussed. The DDA issue was hotly contested and the chairs were full of bystanders, yet no report.
That's just weird.

Posted by Elaine