Bells Brewery

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What does freedom mean to you ? Page 5

BURLINGAME

Admire : Fireworks begin at dusk in the city park .

July 4

Burlington : Music and fireworks will begin at dusk in Kelley Park . The stadium will have some seating available but bring lawn chairs .

Council Grove : At 6 p . m . a local band and at 10 p . m . “ The Stars and Stripes Fireworks Spectacular ” kicks off at the Council Grove Aquatics Center .

Watch Gazette social media for weather related changes .

The City of Emporia ’ s Independence Day fireworks display is moving up a day .

This year ’ s celebration on the north end of the Emporia State University campus

By John Robinson john @ emporia . com

Joe Michaels estimates when it ’ s all said and done , the Flint Hills Optimist Club will have launched around 3,200 fireworks into the air after Sunday ’ s fireworks show in Emporia .

With some of the shells as big as bowling balls , the work which started months ago and involved a full day of setup will all be over in about 30 minutes .

“ The big labor all comes in the morning of the show ,” Michaels said . “ We probably have 20 - 30 trained members and volunteers ... setting all the racks out making sure it ’ s all secured .”

Please see Celebrations , Page 3

is Sunday , July 3 . The inclement weather date is Monday , July 4 . The best viewing area will be the west seats in Welch

Please see Emporia , Page 3

BURLINGTON

Keep loved ones comfortable this Fourth of July

By John Robinson john @ emporia . com

With fireworks set to light up the night sky of the Flint Hills this weekend , the entertainment they provide for families can double as sources of fear and anxiety for pets .

” Generally with fireworks , it is the noise anxieties associated with them or even the flashes of light can bother some animals as well ,” Richard Mendoza , a doctor at the Emporia Veterinary Hospital , said .

So what can be done to help pets stay calm ? According to Mendoza , familiarity is key and to find a room where the light and sounds will be diminished , even if the pet is normally outdoors .

” Try to isolate them in a quieter area of the house ,” he said . “ Like an inner room or a basement where they can ’ t see the flashing lights and diminish the sound . If there is a certain toy or blanket that the pet is comfortable with or their go-to thing to kind of relax , have that available for them .”

Mendoza also recommended

“ A lot of ( pets ) just need somebody to sit by .”

Richard Mendoza , Veterinarian

sitting with the pet if possible in order to help keep them calm .

” A lot of ( pets ) just need somebody to sit by ,” Mendoza said .

Mendoza also said that due to the increased anxiety , a pet may not let its owner know when it needs to go to the bathroom .

” It seems to be a little bit of an issue with some of these dogs that are more scared of ( fireworks ),” he said . “ You may need to encourage them to go out even if they aren ’ t asking for it . Or if you take them on a walk — just going outside with them like normal — could cause them to forget about the fireworks for a little while .”

Also recommended by Mendoza is a product called the “ Thundershirt ” which applies pressure to a pet , similar to swaddling an infant .

” We ’ ve had some success with those ,” Mendoza said . “ With both storms and fireworks .”

Some pets will run away from the disturbances . If a pet goes missing , it can be reported to the Humane Society at 342-4477 .

By Mary Ann Redeker maryann @ emporia . com

It ’ s the time of year that many celebrate America ’ s freedom with food , fun and fireworks , but for many veterans and people with sensory issues , it can be a difficult time .

It ’ s important to remember that some veterans and people are greatly affected by the blasts and flashes of fireworks .

“ I think it helps to have a plan in place to be prepared ,” Marketing and Outreach Director Clarice Podrebarac of CrossWinds said . “ If veterans can decrease the likelihood of a flashback , that would be the key .”

For some combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder , fireworks and family gatherings can be tough and trigger flashbacks of war .

Loud and sudden noises , like fireworks on the Fourth of July , can sound like gunfire . These sounds can trigger PTSD , anxiety and panic attacks in veterans .

“ Veterans should remind themselves that they are only fireworks ,” Podrebarac said . “ It ’ s a celebration and not a crisis . The biggest triggers for veterans are the sound and the flash of fireworks , so if they can be prepared ahead of time , that would make it easier for them . Veterans could avoid the noise and the flashes by using headphones , shutting their windows and pulling the blinds — anything to take away those triggers . Finding a soundproof place such as a basement may also be helpful .”

The U . S . Department of Veterans

Affairs wants to remind others to be aware of veterans when they are using fireworks . Be mindful of those who may live nearby .

“ If a veteran has been working with a clinician or clergy , reach out to them ,” Podrebarac said . “ They can surround themselves with loved ones for support and comfort during this time . Being prepared , lessening the exposure and having a plan in place would all be very helpful .”

“ If veterans can decrease the likelihood of a flashback , that would be the key .”

Clarice Podrebarac , Marketing and Outreach Director of CrossWinds

For people with sensory issues , the loud noises and bangs can be equally disturbing .

Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Autism Specialist Katie Crook of Katie Crook Counseling Services said there is unpredictability with fireworks .

“ Unpredictability isn ’ t always a friend to someone with sensory issues ,” she said . “ The loud , sudden boom and the bright spray of lights can really throw a person with sensory issues into meltdown . Think of it as a flight-or-fight response .”

Crook said there are ways to help people with sensory issues prepare for this time of year .

“ Noise canceling headphones work great ,” she said . “ Also , try to prepare the person as much as possible beforehand . I would suggest watching videos of firework displays on YouTube . Start out at a low volume and slowly increase the volume to see how the person reacts . Writing up a short social story about fireworks , or going to a Fourth of July celebration is also a good way to introduce the activity .”

Crook said it ’ s important to realize that people with sensory issues can either be sensory avoidant or sensory seeking .

“ Sensory avoidant is probably easier for people to understand ,” she said . “ But the Fourth of July can be particularly dangerous for

folks with sensory seeking behaviors . Impulsivity and sensory seeking behavior coupled with fireworks could be a very dangerous combination . These children and people should be monitored closely .”

Crook said , more than anything , people should be conscious of others who may not respond well to fireworks .

“ Everyone should realize this is a very real thing and be understanding of others ,” she said . “ If you see a child in full meltdown , don ’ t immediately think the child is being naughty . People with sensory processing issues get overstimulated and that overstimulation may manifest in ways that are not desirable to the general public . Don ’ t stare , don ’ t judge and cut the people some slack .”

So , this Independence Day , the public is encouraged to be conscious of those around them . If there is a neighbor who served in active combat or a person with sensory issues , determine their comfort levels with fireworks . Let them know if there will be fireworks nearby so they can prepare .

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