A ‘Not So Secret’ Society eDH resident and shriner gives back to kids in need

Kelsey Morgado Shriners Children’s

Secret handshakes, mysterious symbols and initiation rites are all hallmarks of the Freemasons but ask longtime El Dorado Hills resident and Shriner Dave Kubel about the “mysterious world” of freemasonry and he’ll tell you it’s not so secret.

“Despite what some may say, Shriners International and Freemasons are not a secret society,” said Kubel. Kubel is a member of Ben Ali Shriners, the Shriners chapter in Sacramento. “We’re a fraternal organization dedicated to philanthropy and community service. Our highest priority is increasing access to specialty healthcare for all kids.”

Supporting children and families

“When a family first learns their child will need ongoing, specialized pediatric care the last thing they should have to think about is, ‘How in the world am I going to pay for this,’” said Kubel. In addition to being to ensure children receive necessary, a Shriner, Kubel serves on the Shriners

Children’s Northern California Board of Governors. The hospital on Stockton Boulevard in Sacramento was built in 1997 and has served more than 85,000 children since opening its doors. It’s the largest hospital in the Shriners

Children’s healthcare system.

Raising funds and having fun

While the Shriners mission is a serious one, its members have a lot of fun meeting their n See ShriNerS, page B5

Getty Images Oleander is toxic to animals and can cause heart problems if ingested.

Grow for it!

Protect animals from poisonous plants

Many plants we grow in our yards are toxic to dogs and cats. Some can be fatal, but many cause nonfatal — but annoying — symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and drooling. Because of dogs’ indiscriminate eating and chewing habits, they are much more commonly poisoned than cats. For lots of good information on poisonous plants see the ASCPA website, aspca.org/pet-care/poisoncontrol/plants.

Heidi Napier, DVM

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten or chewed on a poison plant, first call your vet to find out if it is OK to induce vomiting. If it is OK, and if your pet is conscious and alert, follow these directions:

1. Give about one tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide per 15 pounds of body weight. For the average cat or toy breed dog, use one half to 1 tablespoon. For medium sized dogs such as a springer spaniel, the dosage is 4 tablespoons. Large dogs, like Labs or German shepherds, can be dosed with 5 to 6 tablespoons.

2. Repeat in 10 minutes if the pet does not vomit.

3. Identify the plant, or take it to your vet, if possible.

4. If the pet ate a pesticide, bring the container to the vet.

5. Take the pet to your vet ASAP. There are very good drugs that reliably cause vomiting in 5 minutes. The following plants can present serious poisoning issues:

Sago and cardboard palms: Cycads and zamias cause liver failure in dogs; they are extremely potent and all parts of the plant are poisonous. Once a dog shows signs of liver failure, the mortality rate is 30%. For some reason many dogs like to chew on sago palms.

• Lilies of all kinds: Crocus, Asiatic, Oriental, tiger, Easter and hyacinth, tulips, aloe and daylilies. However, agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) is not poisonous. Lilies are extremely potent and cause acute kidney failure in cats; few cats survive. Lilies will cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, but not kidney damage.

• Castor beans and plants contain ricin, the deadliest plant toxin known to man. The dried beans are sometimes used as decorative beads in jewelry and small children are especially at risk.

• Buckeye pollen is toxic to bees and the plant and nuts are toxic to dogs and livestock. They cause vomiting and diarrhea and affect the central nervous system.

• Oleander is very poisonous; it causes heart problems and is mostly a problem for livestock.

• Foxglove is the original source of digitalis, a drug used in tiny amounts for heart failure, but it is very toxic if overdosed.

• Lily of the Valley, Convalaria, is also cardio-toxic.

• Rhubarb leaves and portulaca can cause kidney damage.

• Nicotiana contains nicotine; it can cause vomiting and affects the central nervous system.

• Vinca rosea also causes vomiting and diarrhea and affects the central nervous system.

• Sweet pea, Lathyrus latifolius, can be a problem for livestock.

• Azaleas and rhododendrons are toxic and usually only a problem for sheep and goats.

• Daffodils, especially the bulbs, are toxic.

• Rudbeckia is toxic to livestock in large amounts, but it tastes bad.

• Yellow star thistle is toxic to horses if they eat 50% to 200% of their body weight in two to three months. It is only a problem if there is insufficient healthy forage available.

• Cocoa mulch may be attractive to dogs and is toxic; it causes vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, fast heart rate and tremors. Some are labeled as safe for pets and have toxins removed.

• Grapes may be toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets, but many pets that eat grapes are not affected. Those that are affected show signs of kidney damage a few hours after ingestion.

Most plants that are toxic to livestock are not consumed in large enough quantities to cause poisoning unless the animal doesn’t have enough safe forage. There are many plants not listed here that are considered mildly toxic, meaning they may cause mouth and stomach irritation, (drooling, vomiting and diarrhea), but are not generally fatal. Nevertheless, no list can cover all potentially poisonous plants. If you suspect your pet has consumed a poisonous plant or is sick, call your vet to be safe.

Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Public_Education_

Classes/?calendar=yes&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education/Classes.

Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open every Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Master Gardeners will offer tours, answer questions or guests can just enjoy the garden. Check the website for further information about the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_ Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden.

Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr.edu, or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr. edu/master_gardener_e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

EDH Chamber helps grads

News release

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce awarded five scholarships of $1,000 each to local graduates who plan to continue their education at a university, college or technical school.

2023 scholarship recipients are Oak Ridge High School grads Alena Tadayeski, Adele Trapp, Haley Wong, Summer Dixon and Gianna Jean.

“The chamber and our scholarship sponsors are honored to offer scholarships to our graduating seniors. Our goal is that after graduation they will consider moving back to El Dorado Hills to live, and hopefully fortunate enough to work here as well” said Debbie Manning, El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce president & CEO.

This year the chamber received 10 impressive applications from highly qualified students. Four scholarships are funded by Pacific Interstate Insurance Brokers and El Dorado County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn.

The other scholarship was funded from the proceeds from the Chamber’s Silent Auction at the Installation & Business Awards. The chamber looks forward to growing this sponsorship program in the future.

The scholarships are judged by a committee of five business leaders from the community. It was a difficult task, as each of the applicants were most deserving. The point system is based on the following criteria: 50% community service, 15% work experience, 15% extracurricular activities, 10% scholastic GPA and 10% financial need.

Donations to the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund for the Class of 2024 can be made to chamber@ eldoradohillschamber.org.