MaryAnn Nething and her therapy dog, Ike.
Around Charlestown / Charlestown
Around Charlestown: A local dog joins the WAGS therapy team, plus Easter event news
- Ruth Ann Bartholomew
MaryAnn Nething contacted me recently with the news that she and her dog, Ike, are officially a therapy team in the WAGS program at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center. Back during Covid, people wondered about the woman and the big black dog who were walking around Charlestown and Edinburg. It was MaryAnn and Ike, getting him ready to reach his goals.
Ike passed his evaluation screening in December, and by the first of the year they were approved as a team. Any dog is welcome to go through the screening. The teams have dogs of all breeds/mixes, sizes and ages. MaryAnn was prepared ahead of time for exactly what Ike was expected to do, so there were no surprises.
Ike has his own photo ID, volunteer sign-in number and gets his own emails for dog related events at the hospital. The patients enjoy a visit from the dogs, which MaryAnn expected, but she was surprised how much the nurses and hospital staff enjoy them. They say it’s good therapy for them, in their stressful jobs, too.
Charlestown’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be Saturday March 23 at 1 p.m. at the township park. Don’t be late! The Easter Bunny will arrive in the fire truck ready to start the hunt. He will then be available for photo ops. Every child will be able to pick a special gift. Please remember to bring your own bag or basket for egg gathering. Rain/snow date will be Saturday March 30 at 1 p.m.
Charlestown United Methodist Church invites you to join in the Easter Sunday Services. Pastor Jim Lewis will lead the Sunrise Service at 7 a.m. with a potluck breakfast to follow. A traditional Easter Service will begin at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Karol Lewis delivering the first message in a new series: Unboxing Faith. Chris Webb will be the special guest pianist providing beautiful traditional Easter music. All are welcome!
Please contact me with your news, event or accomplishments. Leave a message or text me at 330-281-3723 or email me at ruthannbartholomew@yahoo.com.
Ruth Ann Bartholomew