By Jon Bodell - Jul 5, 2017 |

Kevin Clark plays guitar on the sidewalk downtown by Phenix Hall last week. You can see Clark just about every day playing somewhere downtown, usually in front of Eagle Square. JON BODELL / Insider staff

If youve ever walked around downtown anytime other than the dead of winter, youve most likely heard Kevin Clark playing guitar and singing somewhere close by.

Clark is Concords resident busker (one of them, anyway). Most of the time he can be found near the clock tower at the entrance to Eagle Square, but plays all over the Main Street sidewalk, and hes out there just about every day.

Hes been playing guitar for 50 years, and hes been working the streets of Concord for the past six. He used to play some harmonica and sax, and he knows a few songs on piano, but the guitar is Clarks primary tool and hes a skilled craftsman with it.

We went looking for him around Eagle Square last week but, surprisingly, he wasnt there, even on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon. On the walk back to the car, we found him by Phenix Hall, finger-picking away on his Fender acoustic, cooler full of dollar bills and coins by his side.

We approached him between songs and he was nice enough to stop and tell us a little bit about what he does.

I play covers, he said. Ive got a few originals, instrumentals, but not too much.

Clark is a big fan of folk tunes, and he counts Bruce Springsteen, Cat Stevens, John Denver and Gordon Lightfoot as his most favorite artists. He regularly plays several songs by each of them, plus a lot more.

For the most part, he teaches himself every song. I can learn songs just by listening, he said.

When he was a kid, he had siblings who played, so he picked a little up from them. Since then, though, hes been teaching himself.

I go on YouTube here and there (to learn songs), but I dont spend too much time learning new stuff, he said. My go-to, when people ask me to play a song, is Father and Son by Cat Stevens.

Unlike many live performers, Clark plays no matter how many people are listening, or for how long. Given the nature of playing on the sidewalk, it isnt exactly the type of environment that lends itself well to big crowds that stay for hours.

That doesnt bother him, though.

I definitely enjoy it, he said. If I didnt like it, I wouldnt do it day in and day out.

He doesnt play bar gigs or anything like that at the moment, though hes been thinking about performing at open mic nights at Tandys, he said. That means if you want to hear him, youll have to find him on Main Street.

He usually starts around 10:30 a.m. and stays until whenever, he said. Sometimes blistering rain or sweltering heat can cut a set short. Sometimes hes not there because hes grabbing a meal at the Friendly Kitchen.

Clark said playing for passers-by is his only job right now, so if you do hear him, dont be afraid to toss a buck or two into his case its a small price to pay for relaxing, soothing music setting the mood for your downtown stroll. Plus, it never hurts to support the arts, or the people creating that art.

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Musicians of Concord: Kevin Clark provides the sounds of the streets - The Concord Insider

An expert in Geriatric Medicine, Dr Toyin Ajala has said that constipation and dehydration may cause delirium, a sudden severe state of confusion due to rapid changes in brain function in elderly persons, particularly after surgery operation.

Dr Ajala, a guest lecturer in the series of lectures to mark the 60th anniversary of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, stated that delirium also contributes to longer stay of many patients in the hospital after surgery.

Ajala, a consultant at the Frimlay Health NH Trust United Kingdom, said that three to five of every 10 elderly after surgery may develop this sudden change in their behaviour and personality.

The expert, who noted that some cases of delirium are reversible, declared that in some instances, when the condition is not prevented and treated properly, patients might die or end up with long term problems like dementia.

According to her, relatives can easily suspect when delirium is occurring when there is a sudden change in their relations behaviour and personality.

She said: Sometimes, the person may become aggressive, might start to see things or wonder around, and become agitated. Also they can become slow and just not respond, not eating and drinking. This happens suddenly over a few hours or days.

Dr Ajala, however, said that in elderly persons, paying attention to their nutrition, pain, constipation and preventing infections, in some cases had helped some individuals to prevent the condition.

In addition, she said drugs may be prescribed to correct the problem in some cases as well as non pharmacological treatments like listening to relaxing music, warm milk or herbal tea, pap and chocolate hot drink.

Earlier, Chief Medical Director, UCH, Ibadan, Professor Temitope Alonge said delirium is a common condition that many health workers do not recognise early when it occurs.

Professor Alonge linked some cases of people been strapped to their beds to calm them down while on hospital admission to delirium even though the problem is treatable.

He stated that the hospital was revising its policy on forceful restriction of patients to their beds, adding that such end up doing more than harm than good.

Continued here:

Constipation, dehydration can cause delirium Expert - NIGERIAN TRIBUNE (press release) (blog)

ABINGDON, Va. Twice a week, Karen Sorber reclines in a chair, relaxes to quiet music and breathes in refreshing salt air.

Sorber isnt on vacation. Shes enjoying a salt therapy session in downtown Abingdon.

A new health spa on Main Street is offering Sorber and other clients the same healing properties trusted by people centuries ago.

Tonya Page said her business, Salt of the Earth, is a recreation of salt rooms or caves that exist naturally throughout the world. The modern healing rooms are popping up across the country with spas similar to the Abingdon business no closer than Asheville, North Carolina.

Inhaling salt is very beneficial for people who suffer from allergies, asthma, colds, bronchitis and sinus conditions, she said.

The all-natural, holistic business in Abingdon is attracting clients from as far away as Greeneville, Tennessee.

A couple of years ago, I had a respiratory illness, so Im doing this as a preventive measure, said Sorber, an Abingdon resident. Its made a huge difference. I get a monthly membership when I come twice each week.

She traveled to Asheville for the salt therapy before the Abingdon business opened in June.

Salt therapy is proving to be a new lure for people who want to improve their health.

I think this town is catching up with other cool little towns in the country because more people are eating farm-fresh foods and going in for whats natural. Salt therapy just goes along with that. I guess you could say Salt of the Earth is getting back to the basics. Were going back to the basics with essential oils, herbs and salt that God put on earth for us, said Page.

According to the business owner, salt therapy has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that clear toxins in the lungs and skin. A 45-minute session is equivalent to several days at the beach, she said.

Salt therapy sessions begin at $22.50 for seniors, $15 for children, ages 4 to 17, and $25 for adults. Clients visits once to a few times each week, depending on their needs.

Salt therapy, also called halotherapy, supposedly originated centuries ago. According to Pages research, halotherapy more recently can be traced back to the mid-1800s when a doctor in Eastern Europe discovered that salt mine workers had healthy respiratory systems, free from lung diseases suffered by people who didnt work in the mines.

The doctor concluded that the natural sodium chloride contained in the air in salt mines helped to reduce inflammation in the lungs.

Therapy takes place in a climate-controlled room with a halogenerator machine that disperses a fine aerosol mist of high-grade sodium chloride particles and negative ions into the air.

Our bodies are constantly bombarded by positive ions from the use of cell phones, computers, microwaves, televisions and other electronics. Salt therapy provides negative ions to restore balance, said Page.

Dimly-lit therapy rooms have comfortable chairs and relaxing music. Bare feet sink into a floor covered with 2,500 pounds of Himalayan pink salt from Pakistan. Himalayan pink salt bricks cover the walls for dcor and therapeutic purposes.

Its also good for headaches," Page said. "The first week I opened, a client tried out the salt therapy and left saying her migraine was gone after suffering from it all day.

Another client told me his son slept through the night without coughing after just one salt therapy. A client came in and told me she had been to urgent care for an ear ache. After salt therapy, she couldnt believe how her pain was completely gone.

Page was attracted to salt therapy after a sinus infection nearly landed her in the hospital for surgery a year ago. After she tried salt therapy at a spa in Asheville, she was sold on the holistic treatment.

One session made me feel the best I had felt in months. I knew Id be fine if I could use this treatment more often.

At 53, Page, was looking for a new career. She found and renovated a vacant building in town in March and opened the business three months later.

I think we needed a facility like this here in Abingdon. I dont know anyone who doesnt suffer with sinuses and allergies around here.

In addition to salt therapy, Page incorporated treatments with infrared therapy and red light therapy, both offering the healing power of wavelengths of light.

She said infrared energy increases circulation, reduces inflammation and promotes healing when delivered to injury sites and other painful areas.

Sorber, who visited the business last week, also received an infrared treatment.

I threw my back out lifting something heavy. Four ibuprofen pills didnt touch the pain. I took an infrared therapy, and there is no sign of it now. Im a big believer.

According to Page, red light therapy is a skin care treatment that speeds healing of conditions including acne, rosacea and sun spots. It fades scars and stretch marks, assists in boosting collagen, adds moisture to the skin, and can stimulate hair growth over time.

Page is such a believer in the positive benefits of salt therapy, she sells salt products for home use, such as Himalayan salt blocks that can be used as cooking surfaces. The flavor is amazing. You use so much less salt on your food.

In addition, her business has salt lamps that help improve indoor air quality.

Page also enjoys the benefits of essential oils, many of which she stocks at her business. The oils are concentrated essences derived from different parts of plants. Many of the oils promote relaxation while others have anti-inflammatory properties.

To learn more about Salt of the Earth, visit the Facebook page or call (276) 477-4101 for reservations.

Carolyn R. Wilson is a freelance writer in Glade Spring, Virginia. Contact her at news@washconews.com.

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New salt spa in Abingdon offers a natural way to fight colds and allergies - Southwest Virginia Today

4 July 2017, 16:53

Classical music makes everything better. Including those moments of ravishing hunger, when all you crave is a cone of salty chips and the greasiest meat-based item on the menu.

Why do junk food restaurants play classical at night?

Playing classical music in the late hours of the day appears to be part of the mass fast-food chain effort to combat rowdy behaviour in their branches. The soothing sounds of Chopin and Debussy are said to create a calming atmosphere and encourage more acceptable conduct among customers.

The trend began when McDonalds customers in Liverpool, Cambridge, Huddersfield, Swansea, Southampton and London were reporting instances of a Wagnerian accompaniment to their late-night burger and chips.

McDonald's then confirmed it was their intention to feature classical playlists, to put an end to anti-social behaviour. The Stockport branch of McDonald's have long been a fan of this idea, with councillor Philip Harding hoping that [customers] would disperse as its not their scene.

Is it a good idea?

So there are a couple of possible interpretations of this approach. Firstly, the fewer people hanging about, the more room there is for classical lovers to indulge in some wraps n' Rhapsodies. And secondly, we can't think of a more perfect amalgamation than quick, tasty food accompanied by our favourite Brahms Piano Quartets.

But realistically, will classical music lovers really turn to McDonald's for an audio experience? Seems unlikely. And while classical music can often be relaxing, it can also be as aggressive as any other genre when the time is right. Try chowing down on a Royale with Cheese while the finale of Don Giovanni rings out across the drive-thru - it ain't gonna work.

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This is why fast food restaurants play classical music at night - Classic FM

Music is an integral part of human cultures around the world. Common wisdom suggests that listening to music has an affect on mental states, for better or for worse. Rock and roll music can pump you up, while soothing classical piano can mellow you out. However, are these effects real? What is really happening in the body when you listen to say, a track of relaxing music? Is it any different from simply listening to pleasant sounds or resting quietly? Scientists in a collaborative team in the US, Germany, and Switzerland ventured to find out.

Previous studies on the effects of music on the body usually only tested the music on very small groups of people, which can lead to bias. Many also failed to measure actual biochemical markers of stress, making it difficult to determine if changes in the body are actually occurring. In this study, the researchers tested various types of sounds on 60 healthy people, all female, between the ages of 20 and 30 and then measured actual biochemical stress indicators from the womens saliva. The researchers explained that, because the stress response differs by sex, they wanted to confine their group to only one sex in order to avoid variation in results from drowning out any real changes in stress levels. It is worth noting that applicants who had clinical depression, tinnitus, or music training, as well as those who drank alcohol and smoked regularly, were not accepted as study participants.

Prior to the experiment, the participants were given standardized tests that measure depression, anxiety, and emotionality. They were also given a survey to determine their music preferences, and it is worth noting that preference for classical music was high in this group. These measures were taken to ensure that depression and music preferences did not play a role in how relaxed the women became as a result of the study. For example, an anxious person might have a more difficult time becoming relaxed despite any intervention, and a person who hates classical music may not feel relaxed while listening to it.

Now, onto the experiment. The participants were divided randomly into three groups. One group listened to Miserere by Gregorio Allegri. The second group listened to a recording of flowing water. The third group rested quietly with no music. Each groups session lasted for ten minutes. Saliva was sampled from each participant before and after the intervention to establish a baseline. This would be used later to measure various stress markers. Then, the participants were put into a stressful situation a mock job interview. This particular scenario was chosen because it is a common stressful experience, and thus, stress could be induced ethically. After the stress test, a third saliva measurement was taken. The participants also filled out a set of questionnaires reporting how stressed they felt after the mock interview.

This begs the question how do we measure stress anyway? Simply asking a person if they are stressed can lead to bias since stress is different for everyone. It is also a very general term describing many different experiences. Researchers decided to accompany the self-reported stress levels of the participants with actual biochemical and physical measurements cortisol levels, salivary amylase, heart rate, and respiratory rate.

Cortisol is a hormone that is commonly elevated when a person is stressed. Salivary amylase is an enzyme produced by the digestive system, but it is also an indicator of the fight or flight response and another sign of stress. These chemicals are secreted in the saliva, making measurement convenient. Elevated heart rate and changes in what is called the Respiratory sinus arrhythmia or the syncing up of heart rate with breathing, can also change in response to stressful situations.

As it turns out, listening to relaxing music before a stressful event actually increased cortisol levels! This surprised the researchers. On the contrary, listening to relaxing music did seem to help the participants recover from this heightened fight or flight mode more effectively after the stressful event was over. Self reported anxiety, depression, and emotionality were not affected significantly by any of the interventions.

Despite doing their best to control for confounding factors and using objective stress measurements, they do mention that because the study was done on such a narrow demographic (young, female, healthy) that it may not be applicable to the general population. More research in this area would be needed, possibly on different groups of people with different preferences, genders, and health statuses.

Nevertheless, the study was well designed and produced provocative results that corroborate past research on music and stress. The major conclusion here is that the effect of music on human psychology is a highly individual experience and affects a symphony, pun intended, of hormones, enzymes, and cognitive processes that require many studies to fully understand.

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Relaxing Music May Not Be a Useful Stress-Reduction Strategy - Sciworthy

SIERRA VISTA For pets, Independence Day can be a stressful time as the loud pops and sudden bangs of fireworks sound off in the dark of the night. The holiday makes for one of the busiest weeks for animal shelters across the nation because of the amount of dogs that get out of their yards during firework shows.

Dogs get frightened with fireworks and escape, so pretty much that whole week, we are taking in strays, said Arleen Garcia, the animal control supervisor at the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center.

Nationally, July 4 is the busiest day of the year for animal control in general. Animal shelters experience a 30 percent increase in stray population right after the Fourth, according to Pet Amber Alert, a pet recovery service. On average, only 14 percent of lost pets are returned to their owners.

Last year, the Huachuca City Animal Shelter took in a few animals related to July 4 escapes and all were returned to their owners.

It was a little unusual, but good, said Nikki Haines, the Huachuca City animal control supervisor. Im really glad about that.

These animals were lucky, most dont make it back home. Pet Amber Alert reports between 30 to 60 percent of July 4-related strays are euthanized in the U.S.

Loud noises can be distressing to some dogs, prompting them to make a quick getaway. Other dogs might get the urge to find their owners during the loud blasts, Haines said.

There are, all of the sudden, these loud noises that dont normally occur and [the owners] are not there, so [dogs] arent able to protect their owners, she said. Youre part of the pack and they cant protect you when youre not there.

Leaving pets indoors is the best way to ensure that they dont escape. Both Garcia and Haines said, for some animals, a kennel or crate inside a secure room can do the trick.

Unless theyve had their dogs around firearms, like hunting dogs, most people should keep [their dogs] at home or possibly inside, Haines said.

To help drown out the noise, both Garcia and Haines suggest leaving relaxing music or the television on to distract their pets from the noise. Leaving on sounds that dogs are often around also helps with stress, Haines said.

If a dog or cat is extremely stressed out by loud noises, Haines suggests seeking help from a veterinarian for medication to alleviate anxiety. She said pet parents can also find over-the-counter medication but they should follow all directions and check with a pet professional before administering it to their furry friend.

This Independence Day, Haines wants pet parents to remember that a fear of loud noises can come with an age, Haines said. She said some animals mightve been able to handle the noise while they were young but developed a fear as they got older.

You should know your pet, she said. You may want to leave them home at this time and make sure that they feel safe.

More here:

Fido fears fireworks - Sierra Vista Herald

Charlotte Observer

Old Jail Art Center in Texas offers Andy Warhol exhibit Charlotte Observer The majority of the images are black and white, typically with artists performing or relaxing with friends. They capture a time in Austin's history when music and the people who made it felt more accessible. There's an immediacy present in many of the ... and more »

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Old Jail Art Center in Texas offers Andy Warhol exhibit - Charlotte Observer

Olivia Myeza has recently taken up the post of CEO at Birth for HumanKIND, a not-for-profit organisation that supports women experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage on their journey to motherhood. She is this weeks Changemaker.

Myeza, who is originally from Melbourne, is a wearer of many hats wife, mother, sister, leader, singer.

After leaving the world of corporate PR she spent a decade living and working in South Africa at the coalface of community development and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

During her time there, she was CEO of Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust, a not-for-profit organisation that responded to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the region, where one in three people were HIV positive.

Prior to this her roles in South Africa included resource mobilisation manager for GOLD Peer Education Development Agency; fundraising and marketing manager for McCord Hospital and South Africa director for The Oaktree Foundation.

Myeza has now relocated back to Melbourne with her family to take on the role of CEO at Birth for HumanKIND.

The Melbourne-based not-for-profit organisation provides women in need often young mums and recently arrived women with refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds with free support and education during pregnancy, birth and early parenting.

In this weeks Changemaker Myeza talks about her work in South Africa, how a musical collaboration led to her marrying into a black Zulu community and how birth unites us across borders, cultures, incomes, languages and race.

What attracted you to the not-for-profit sector?

I had worked in the corporate PR sector and got really tired of making rich men richer, to speak frankly. That just isnt something that motivates my heart much.

Once I got connected with the not-for-profit sector and started doing volunteer work for Oaktree Foundation, first here in Melbourne and then in South Africa, my heart and soul came alive.

For three years in Australia and then two years full-time in South Africa I was an unpaid volunteer, raising funds to cover my living costs. It was really liberating to be able to do something for reasons other than money, but unfortunately it wasnt sustainable.

Its amazing to put your skills, time and energy into something that helps others and makes a difference in our world its a million times more inspiring and motivating than making the richer richer, and I found endless passion and energy for it. Ive never looked back and cant imagine, at this point, leaving the not-for-profit sector.

Youve returned to Melbourne after 10 years in South Africa. Can you tell us about your work there?

It was through a volunteer role for The Oaktree Foundation that I first visited South Africa in 2005 and I completely fell in love with the country. I had lost my mum to cancer as a teenager and always felt pretty sorry for myself about that, but when I got to South Africa and learnt that there are 4 million orphans in the country, mostly orphaned due to their parents dying of HIV/AIDS, I realised I was the lucky one. I had support, I never wondered where my next meal was coming from, I had access to counselling these kids dont have any of that and so many of them are growing up in child-headed households without a safe roof over their head, without enough food and without their parents.

A good friend had told me that with privilege comes great responsibility, so I followed my heart and committed to doing whatever I could in the fight against poverty, HIV/AIDS and the orphan crisis in South Africa.

And that led you to work at the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust?

Yes, I led a team of 160 staff and 50 volunteers to implement prevention, care, community outreach and economic empowerment projects that impacted thousands in semi-rural, poverty-torn communities the majority of them women and children.

It wasnt just work that kept you in South Africa, was it?

Not quite. On my first visit to South Africa in 2005 I met an amazing Zulu choir and ended up collaborating with them and recording two albums with them and a few other Australian musicians.

It was through the music collaboration projects that I met the man who is now my husband. I married into a black Zulu community and together we have three beautiful children, Asanda, 8, Lwazi, 4, and Eli,1, who represent whats called the rainbow nation of South Africa.

What was it like giving birth in South Africa?

I was lucky enough to have natural, doula-assisted births in a private hospital, which is not the case for the vast majority of women in South Africa. I witnessed, on too many occasions, the dire consequences of women not being supported through this important time of their lives. I will never forget crying with a mother who gave birth to her stillborn baby in an ambulance on the way to the hospital after having waited hours at a local clinic before any help arrived.

After 10 years at the coalface of the fight against HIV/AIDS, youve moved back to Australia. Tell us about your new role as CEO of Birth HumanKIND.

The role with Birth for HumanKIND jumped out at me as I saw it as a chance to continue using my skills to make a difference to society within a not-for-profit organisation with which I have shared values. Birth for HumanKIND runs a bunch of amazing birth support and education programs that help to catch women before they fall through the cracks in our maternal health system.

The majority of the women we work with are from migrant, refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds, recently arrived in Australia, dont speak English fluently and dont have a network of family and friends to support them. We also work with many young mums (under 25) and women experiencing domestic violence or homelessness. Broadly speaking, our clients are pregnant women who are experiencing socio-economic disadvantage which is obviously something that is close to my heart.

What is the ultimate goal through your work?

My ultimate goal is to use my skills and gifts, and make use of the great education I was privileged to have received and the benefits of having been born in a developed country, to help those who are less fortunate.

To see organisations growing in their impact and their sustainability, to see team members operating in their passions and giftings, and to see lives being improved through powerful programs that have deep and lasting impact on people and communities in need.

How do you find time for yourself?

Can I pass on this one? This is admittedly a work in progress and not something that Im currently the best role model for. Being a working mother of three kids, time for myself is something that doesnt come easily. In theory I do one yoga class a week for me time, but in reality this hasnt happened for the past year since I had my last born note to self: must find local yoga studio and commence classes!

I do enjoy hot baths at home after the kids are in bed and the house is relatively clean I set it up for full relaxation vibes, play quite relaxing music, light candles and use lots of bath salts. I really love my baths and try to get at least one per week.

I also love chilling out with my husband after the day is over and watching light-hearted series that allow for escapism and comedy such as Friends, thats our favourite. We have been through a really busy period having had a baby, moved continents, changes jobs, schools and houses and so on all in the past 12 months.

Once the dust settles, I will get back into a stricter routine of me time as its so important and its not something that anyone other than you can do for yourself. So watch this space!

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Helping Women on the Journey to Motherhood - Pro Bono Australia

The Washington Farmers Market is doing well, according to the midseason report.

The market, which opened April 8, has regularly seen 25 to 30 vendors of the 40 who registered for permits each week of its season, according to Amanda Griesheimer, marketing director for the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber operates the covered market, which is located at 317 W. Main St. in Downtown Washington, every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The market is growers only, meaning only produce that is in season in Missouri will be sold each week. Guests can regularly find a selection of produce, baked goods, jams and jellies, meat, eggs and handcrafted items.

Its going great. We have had steady traffic, and that continues to increase as we hit our peak season, said Griesheimer. Right now there is a great selection of produce, so that always helps attract new visitors. I love looking into the market and seeing mounds of fruit and veggies all around.

In addition to the market, children ages 3-10 can participate in the markets Sprouts Club, which started in 2016.

The club was designed to introduce children to a variety of fresh, local produce while encouraging families to shop at the market.

The sponsored program allows children to check in each time they visit and receive two $1 tokens to spend only on fresh fruit and vegetables.

Griesheimer said that 238 children have participated in the program this year, spending nearly $600 in Sprouts tokens. Vendors are reimbursed for the tokens they collect, so without the sponsors, Griesheimer says the Sprouts Club would not be possible.

The program also features many hands-on learning opportunities for the children, such as crafts with the YMCA and outdoor activities with Hillermann Nursery & Florist.

The program has always had the goal of being a healthy kids initiative, said Griesheimer. We started with the tokens last year to build our audience and encourage children to choose fruits and vegetables. There is so much more I would love to incorporate over the next few years and if there are groups interested in providing an educational activity, I would love to hear from them.

One of the things Griesheimer would like to utilize is a healthy foods tracker where children can place a sticker by foods theyve tried, adding she hopes there arent too many stickers beneath the I dont like this food category.

The Sprouts Club is looking for more volunteers to help at the check-in table, as well as people wishing to sponsor. Information on both opportunities can be found at http://www.washmomarket.com/kids-club.

The Chamber also is planning many upcoming events at the market, such as live music and hands-on activities, to help create a more relaxing environment.

Music adds a little more charm to the atmosphere, said Griesheimer. The market is an experience, more than just a quick place to stop and grab some groceries. Its really the benefit of shopping at the market you have time to have a conversation and develop a relationship with the person growing your food.

The events are as follows:

July 1 Music will be played by Just Us. The Sprouts Program will be hosting Sprout House with Hillermann Nursery & Florist.

July 8 Music will be played by Dan Chiras and the Wind River Band. The Sprouts Club will have frog coloring pages and frog toppers with Hillermann Nursery & Florist.

July 22 The Sprouts progam will have monarch coloring pages with Hillermann Nursery & Florist.

Visit link:

City Farmers' Market Reaching New Heights - The Missourian

Today

Alive On Fridays from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Hutchinson Homestead & Learning Center, 8913 W. U.S. 50, between Salida and Poncha Springs, kicks off the Fourth of July weekend with old-fashioned fun and games like a three-legged race, corn hole, ring toss, fireworks tag and a water balloon toss. Visitors can also enjoy watermelon and lemonade under the shade of the 150-year old willow trees. From noon-4 p.m. guided tours of the historic site are offered for $5 per person.

At 7 p.m. Red Dirt Showcase features Byron White of the Damn Quails and Tanner Fenoglio performing Americana music at Salida SteamPlant, 220 W. Sackett Ave. Tickets cost $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the show at the SteamPlant box office. Online tickets are available at salidasteamplant.com. Prior to the show Old Mose will perform an acoustic set from 6-7 p.m. in the SteamPlants Paquette Gallery.

Rapids & Grass Beer Festival features live music by Caribou Mountain Collective and Rapidgrass from 6-10 p.m. at South Main Town Square in Buena Vista. For information and tickets visit rgfest.com. The festival continues from 2-10 p.m. Saturday with live music and beer tasting and at 10 a.m. Sunday with a rafting trip.

At 7 p.m. Buena Vista Heritage presents a Mount Olivet Cemetery tour, 257 S. Rodeo Road. Costumed characters from Buena Vistas past, including Alsina Dearheimer, Mother of Buena Vista, are featured in the tour through the old section of the cemetery. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children 12 and younger.

Saturday

From 7 a.m.-5 p.m. the Buena Vista Event Cooperative Car Show features more than 100 cars of all makes, models and years displayed on East Main Street. Musical entertainment will be provided by Crestones Blue Rooster.

The Hutchinson Homestead & Learning Center, 8913 W. U.S. 50, between Salida and Poncha Springs, is open for guided tours of the site from 2-4 p.m. with live music, pie, relaxing under the historic willow trees and visiting the animals. Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family.

Sunday

Steven Sarns will speak on Artificial Intelligence and You, describing the history and future of AI, from 10 a.m.-noon at Salida Community Center, 305 F St. Presented by Central Colorado Humanists as part of its Sunday Science series, the talk and discussion following are free and open to the public.

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7 things to do this weekend - Mountain Mail Newspaper