By Future Brown Herald Democrat

The Levitt Amp Denison Music on Main series kicks off Friday at Heritage Park in downtown Denison with its first concert of the summer. Brave Combo is scheduled to take the stage at 8 p.m.

Since the band is from Denton, a University of North Texas alumni night will also be held at the concert.

We want to bring people downtown so that they will return, Denison Main Street Director Donna Dow said. We want people to come for the music, but see the other offerings of downtown. We want them to want to come back and shop. This year, we are encouraging the stores on Main Street to stay open past 7 (p.m.) and we will give the people that go there and shop a T-shirt as a thank you for shopping on Main Street.

Brave Combo was formed in 1979 by Carl Finch, who recruited Tim Walsh, Dave Tito Cameron and Lyle Atkinson. Their first album, Polkamania was released in 1979. The group won Grammy awards in 1999 and 2004 for best polka album for their albums Polkasonic and Lets Kiss.

The bands website says Brave Combos music is a world music mix that includes salsa, meringue, rock, cumbia, conjunto, polka, zydeco, classical, cha cha, the blues and more.

The group has released more than 30 albums in their almost 40 years together. Their last studio album, The Liminal Zone, was released in 2015.

Current band members include Finch on guitar, Danny OBrien on the trumpet, Alan Emert on drums, Little Jack Melody on base guitar and Robert Hokamp on guitar.

According to their website, Brave Combos music has been featured in the Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek movie, Fools Rush In, and Ben Stiller and Christopher Walken movie Envy. The group was also immortalized in animated form in the 2004 Simpsons episode, Co-Dependents Day.

Last year, Music on Main attracted as many as 4,500 people from Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Overdrive Entertainment booking agent Tip Jones, who helped put this years lineup together, previously said he hoped that the diversity of artists will bring in attendees.

For those that have never attended Music on Main, it is good music, diverse genres and artists of different genders in a relaxing family atmosphere in a lawn setting, Dow said.

Holy Ghost Tent Revival will perform at the next Music on Main concert to be held at 8 p.m. June 2 at Heritage Park. Shermans free concert series, Hot Summer Nights, is scheduled to start June 1 with a performance by Trout Fishing in America.

Original post:

Music on Main to hold first concert of summer - Nueces County Record Star

Home Brain Function Sleep Cant sleep? Try this

I used to say sleep was the third pillar [of health]. I was absolutely wrong. Its the foundation.

If youve ever suffered from insomnia or been sleep deprived, youll surely agree with these words by Dr. Matthew Walker, director of the Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley.

After pulling an all-nighteror a few in a rowyou just arent able to be your normal self. Even if your health is in good shape, a couple of sleepless nights is all it takes to make your existence miserable. Youll discover new pains, youll have no energy In fact, the only thing that youll be sure of is that all you want to do is sleep.

Yet, despite the unpleasant aftermath of sleep insufficiency and the serious health repercussions of chronic sleep disorders, one out of every three adult Americans is sleep deprived.

Well, there are a myriad of things that dont let us get a good nights rest. Some of them are health-related and some have to do with our lifestyles. If youve been suffering from sleep problems for awhile, the first line of action is to see your doctor. Once common medical conditions that disturb sleep such as sleep apnea, hormone imbalances, and depression have been ruled out, its time to look at your sleep habits.

Do you sleep in when you dont have to be up at a certain time in the morning? If you do, youre probably not getting enough sleep during the week.

Meaning, get on a sleep schedule. Stick to the same bedtime and wake-up time every day.

Many people who have trouble falling asleep drink alcohol in the evening in hopes that it will help them unwind. Wrong. Booze fragments your sleep, so cut it out.

Yes, do something to help you unwind (without the assistance of alcohol). Stop checking your work emails and your social media accounts a couple of hours before bed. Or find a similar activity of the same effect.

Yes, sleep experts all around the world recommend leaving your gadgets outside the bedroom. But your devices can actually help you fall asleep if used wisely. The key is, whatever youre doing should promote your sleep rather than impair it. You can use your smartphone or tablet for a session of guided meditation, to listen to some relaxing music, or even do some journaling to let the thoughts that bother you out of your head.

No, you dont have to sacrifice your marriage for the sake of a good nights sleep. The two can peacefully co-exist together, but sometimes in different rooms. If you keep waking up time and again because of your partner, you may want to try sleeping in another room or even in a separate bed. Its normalin fact, about 30 percent of couples sleep apart.

If youve been having trouble falling asleep for awhile, you may have gotten used to this nagging feeling of tiredness and exhaustion. But the good news is, you dont have to commit yourself to this misery for the rest of your life. All it takes is getting your sleep back to normal.

Related:Sleep deprivation leads to weakened immune system: Study

Related Reading:

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Simple yoga exercises for restful sleep

http://time.com/4765198/insomnia-sleep-tips/

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Can't sleep? Try this - Bel Marra Health

The following programs will be offered through Carroll County Public Library. Registration is required only where noted. For more information, call 410-386-4488. Visit http://www.library.carr.org for more program information.

Eldersburg

6400 W. Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg

410-386-4460, 410-795-3520

Thursday

Read and Play: 9:45 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Independent Exploration: 10 a.m. For ages 3-adults. Drop in for self-directed use of our makerspace resources during Independent Exploration, our unstaffed open lab hours. Check library.carr.org/explorationpoint for a full list of the equipment and software available. For staff assistance with a project or piece of equipment, please speak with a librarian to schedule a 1-on-1 tech appointment.

Twos and Threes Together: Shapes: 11 a.m. For ages 2-3. This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Friday

Tinker Tots: 10 a.m. For ages 2-5. A little push, a twist, a turn. Keep those little fingers busy and experimenting in our library Tinkertown. Fun, playful activities will engage the mind and body as your child builds his/her fine motor skills and creativity. Refreshments will be served. Only kids need to register.

Saturday

Saturday Storytime: 9:45 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Sunday

Closed.

Monday

Closed.

Tuesday

Read and Play: 9:15 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Read and Play: 10:15 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Wednesday

Read and Play: 9:45 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Twos and Threes Together: Ducks: 11 a.m. For ages 2-3. This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Deep Relaxation Class: 7 p.m. For ages 13-adults. Register for this event. Join us and experience the benefits of a deep relaxation session, in this inward focused yoga class. Through gentle asanas (comfortable stretching), yoga nidra (deep relaxation), an introduction to pranayama (breathing practices), and meditation we work from the physical body to the subtle bodies, restoring and inviting peace to our being. No experience necessary. Please bring a mat and a blanket. All attendees need to register..

Finksburg

2265 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg

410-386-4505

Thursday

Twos and Threes Together: Outer Space: 9:45 a.m. For ages 2-3. This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Read and Play: 11 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Friday

No special programs listed.

Saturday

No special programs listed.

Sunday

Closed.

Monday

Closed.

Tuesday

Read and Play: 9:45 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Twos and Threes Together: Friends: 11 a.m. For ages 2-3. This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Ready, Set, School: Friends: 1:30 p.m. For ages 3-6. An independent storytime that prepares children for school. Fun, hands-on activities will teach listening, pre-reading, math, movement, music, and art skills. All adult caregivers are welcome.

Wednesday

Family Storytime: Friends: 11 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Pajama Party Storytime: Friends: 6:30 p.m. For ages birth-8. Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and listen to stories before bed. This storytime introduces stories through books, songs, and activities appropriate for young children.

Mount Airy

705 Ridge Ave., Mount Airy

410-386-4470, 301-829-5290

Thursday

Tape Town Play: 10 a.m. For ages 2-5. Create a whole town out of tape and blocks. We'll put down tape roads to drive on and we'll build our town with blocks. Then we can play. This fun, playful activity will engage the mind and body as your child builds their fine motor skills and creativity.

Mount Airy Senior Book Discussion Group: "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," by Rebecca Skloot: 12:30 p.m. For adults. Join us at the Mount Airy Senior Center for a discussion of this month's book.

Friday

Ready, Set, School: Bugs: 10 a.m. For ages 3-6. An independent storytime that prepares children for school. Fun, hands-on activities will teach listening, pre-reading, math, movement, music, and art skills. All adult caregivers are welcome.

Family Storytime: Bugs: 11 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Saturday

Family Music/musique joyeuse Class Demonstration: 11 a.m. For ages 1-6. Using the Musikgarten whole-child approach, the youngest musicians explore the wonder of music while expanding their self-awareness and experiencing social action. Parents and caregivers participate with your child in singing, listening, instrument exploration, and movement activities. This class is provided by Children's Chorus of Carroll County. Only kids need to register.

Sunday

Closed.

Monday

Closed.

Tuesday

Family Storytime: Mice: 10 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Family Storytime: Mice: 11 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

VR Open House: 3-7 p.m. For ages 8-adults. Still wondering what's all the hype about Virtual Reality? Come in and find out for yourself. Come try out CCPL's HTC Vive virtual reality headset. We'll have the Vive set up for drop-in exploration, with a staff member on hand to answer questions. Step into the future and experience technology that's changing the way we work, play, and learn.

Wednesday

Read and Play: 9:45 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Twos and Threes Together: Mice: 11 a.m. For ages 2-3. This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement..

North Carroll

2255 Hanover Pike, Greenmount

410-386-4480

Thursday

Thursday

Family Storytime: Fish: 10 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Friday

Read and Play: 10:30 a.m. For ages birth-24 months. Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities which allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Saturday

No special programs listed.

Sunday

Closed.

Monday

Closed.

Tuesday

Move & Learn: Sheep: 10 a.m. For ages 2-6. A theme-based storytime featuring an age-appropriate story, songs, and learning activities, with a concentration on creative movement.

Move & Learn: Sheep: 11 a.m. For ages 2-6. A theme-based storytime featuring an age-appropriate story, songs, and learning activities, with a concentration on creative movement.

Color Yourself Relaxed: 6:30 p.m. For adults. Come relax by coloring-a big adult trend. Join us for this drop-in series on the fourth Tuesday of each month to color your stress away. No devices, wires, or instructions are needed. Materials will be provided, as well as conversation, and relaxing music. You are welcome to bring your own materials, if you prefer.

Drop-In Crafts for Adults: 6:30 p.m. For adults. Stop in between 6:30 and 8 p.m. to relax and make a fun craft. All supplies provided

Wednesday

Family Storytime: Sheep: 10 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Pajama Party Storytime: Sheep: 6:45 p.m. For ages birth-8. Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and listen to stories before bed. This storytime introduces stories through books, songs, and activities appropriate for young children.

Taneytown

10 Grand Drive, Taneytown

410-386-4510

Thursday

Family Storytime : Chicks & Chickens: 9:45 a.m. For ages birth-8. We'll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children

Drop-In Knitting: 6:30 p.m. For adults. Please join us to share ideas, patterns, books, and projects.

You're a Wonder, Wonder Woman: 6:30 p.m. For all ages. Are you excited about the new Wonder Woman film? Join us as we celebrate our favorite Amazon with crafts, games, and other activities. All superheroes are welcome.

Friday

ABCs and 123s: 11 a.m. For ages 2-5. Join the fun as we explore letters and numbers. We'll offer lots of engaging, hands-on activities to make learning fun. Only kids need to register.

Saturday

Sloppy Saturday: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. For all ages. Need something fun to do with the kids? Like to create and express yourself with art? Drop in and join the fun making crafts with leftover bits and pieces from storytime.

Sunday

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Carroll County Public Library schedules (May 25-31) - Carroll County Times

As the first 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar stadium opened its gates for the Emir Cup final to widespread acclaim a pilot sensory room project also kicked off, potentially changing the way that people with cognitive disabilities experience football. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has partnered with the Ontario Centre for Special Education (OCSE) to develop Qatars first stadium-based sensory room, which will provide a space where people with cognitive disabilities can feel comfortable as they enjoy live sport. The room, which is located at Khalifa International Stadium, benefits from noise cancellation, soft furnishings, mood lighting, relaxing music and brightly coloured sensory toys and equipment. These features are designed to manage a persons anxiety and allow them, as well as their families and friends, to watch football matches in a welcoming, calming and inclusive environment. Mariam al-Rashdi, founder of the OCSE, was inspired by the work of the SCs Accessibility Forum and decided to donate resources from the OCSEs sensory room for the pilot. An environment was required which can help those with additional needs to cope with the excitement and stimulation happening at a football game, she said. What we are doing is historic, not just in Asia and the Middle East, but in terms of the whole world. Qatar is building history. This sensory room was never a FIFA requirement; it was Qatar saying that we have thought about people with cognitive disabilities who require extra support to watch football. The SC has clear inclusivity goals, which are embodied by the new facility at Qatars first completed stadium for the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East. It is our ambition to ensure that football can be enjoyed by all, irrespective of ability, said Samantha Sifah, head of community outreach at the SC. Football is more popular than ever in Qatar and across the region, and fans should be able to watch their favourite team play, with equal opportunity to attend, participate and contribute to the atmosphere. Accommodating the needs of people with disabilities is a reflection of the countrys ambition to prioritise accessibility throughout every sector. As we look to create new sensory rooms in the stadiums we are building, it is only a matter of time before these spaces are as commonplace in football stadiums as bathroom facilities or food concessions. (SC.qa)

See original here:

Khalifa stadium pilots the first stadium-based sensory room in Qatar - Gulf Times

A new study reveals that mindfulness training, but not relaxation training, benefits college athletes' attention. Practice engagement and program adherence are key.

Its no secret that performance excellence in sports requires dedicated practice and physical training. Much less is known about mental training to deal with the psychological pressures of competitive athletics, the mental game.

A recent University of Miami study conducted in the laboratory of neuroscientist Amishi Jha, asked if mental toughness and resilience can be trained in collegiate football players. Results suggest that just like physical training, practice is key for mental training. Jhas team found that greater practice and program adherence in a mindfulness training program, but not a matched relaxation training program, led to more stable attention and fewer attentional lapses in football players.

Mindfulness involves focusing attention on present-moment experiences and observing one's thoughts and feelings without emotional reactivity or judgment.

Jha is an associate professor in the UM College of Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology. Her lab has partnered with mindfulness expert and University of Miami Law School professor, Director of the Mindfulness in Law Program, and co-author, Scott Rogers, to develop, deliver, and evaluate the impact of short-form mental training programs involving mindfulness and relaxation for professionals who have high-stress careers from all walks of lifefrom military personnel and firefighters, to teachers and accountants.

Back in 2014, the University of Miami Hurricanes football program partnered with Jhas lab for a first-of-its-kind research study, documented by the Miami Herald, to investigate how mindfulness vs. relaxation training can help student-athletes cope with the high demands of collegiate athletics. The study, We Are Talking About Practice: the Influence of Mindfulness vs. Relaxation Training on Athletes Attention and Well-Being over High-Demand Intervals, was recently published online in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement.

The studys first author, UM psychology Ph.D. candidate Joshua Rooks, knows first-hand how demanding the life of a football player can be. Rooks, a former college football player who practiced mindfulness during his time as a tight end for the Northwestern University Wildcats, joined Jhas lab in 2012.

In the current study, Rooks monitored the attention and emotional well-being of student-athletes on the UM football team over a 4-week interval, during which Rogers delivered two matched training programs to subgroups of players.

One group, consisting of 56 players, received mindfulness training (MT), while the other group, consisting of 44 players, received relaxation training (RT). The players in the MT group participated in breathing exercises, body scans, and mindful awareness sessions, while the RT group partook in muscle relaxation exercises, place-guided imagery, and listening to relaxing music. Players attention was measured using the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART), a test designed to promote mind wandering and measure attentional performance lapses. Their emotional well-being was measured by questionnaires accessing mood, anxiety, and depression levels.

The 4-week interval of this project occurred while players faced intensive demands, both academically and physically, as part of their pre-season training. Prior research has found that high demand intervals, such as the academic semester and military pre-deployment training, degrade attention and emotional well-being in students and military service members. Here too, football players attention and emotional well-being degraded from the beginning to the end of the 4-week interval. Yet high adherence to the MT program, but not the RT program, protected athletes sustained attention. The study also found that greater engagement in both MT and RT protected against a decline in well-being. Thus, practice is paramount for program benefits.

Professional sports teams have long used relaxation training with players. Recently, some teams have also introduced mindfulness training. High performance psychology coach, Dr. Michael Gervais, who serves as an advisor to Jhas lab for their work with military cohorts, has offered mindfulness to pro-athletes, such as the Seattle Seahawks, with success. He says, This is the type of research that moves the needle from theory to application. The hallmarks of elite performance within the most hostile environments are the ability to be tough minded, adjust to unpredictable demands, and to properly attend to the task at hand.

In addition to its potential to help athletes attention and well-being, mindfulness training has been examined in military service members during their high-demand predeployment training intervals. Prior studies have found that these intervals deplete attention and degrade emotional well-being.

"Research like this is very important as the Army explores mindfulness training as a possible enabler to Soldier readiness," said Major General Walter E. Piatt, who is on the Advisory Committee for the Mindfulness Based Attention and Training (MBAT) Project in Jhas lab, which is supported by Department of the Army Medical Research and Material Command.

MG Piatt is uniquely aware of the importance of readiness for Soldiers as the Commanding General for the 10th Mountain Division, which has been nearly continuously deploying Soldiers since 2001.

Thus, the results of this study suggest that more time spent engaging in mindfulness exercises may help build both cognitive and psychological resilience. At its conclusion, the findings of this Department of Defense funded study reveal that training the body and mind may be quite similar for just as physical exercise must be performed with regularity to train the body for performance success, mental exercises must be practiced with regularity to benefit the athletes attention and well-being.

The study titled We Are Talking About Practice: the Influence of Mindfulness vs. Relaxation Training on Athletes Attention and Well-Being over High-Demand Intervals, is published online ahead of print by Journal of Cognitive Enhancement. Additional authors who contributed to the study are: Alexandra B. Morrison, Ph.D. and Merissa Goolsarran of the University of Miami.

Link:

Building Mental Toughness Off the Field - University of Miami

Daily Light report

WAXAHACHIE From the vineyards of Texas to the breweries of the Metroplex, one Waxahachie couple is providing downtown patrons an opportunity to kick back, relax and indulge in the finer spirits and brews that the state has to offer.

He dreamt of a barbecue restaurant. She wanted a winery. So, naturally, they settled on a wine bar.

Work began to transform a vacant ground floor studio at the historic Rogers Hotel just after the New Year and wrapped with an April 22 soft opening before officially cutting the ceremonial ribbon Wednesday, May 17 to announce the opening of Cork and Keg the newest wine-bar-and-craft-beer venue in Waxahachie.

I was in the natural gas energy sector for 39 years in Houston and I married a young lady here in Waxahachie three years ago. I commuted for two years and last year my company was sold. So for the last year, I was trying to decide what to do, said Mark Hillegeist, who co-owns the wine bar with his wife, Phyllis Hyatt. I have always wanted to have a restaurant. I always thought I would have a barbecue place or a steak house. My wife always wanted a wine bar. We love to go to wine bars and wineries, so we came up with the idea to open up a wine bar.

The restaurant features wine, craft beers, and small plate items on its menu like crab cakes, hot wings, flatbread, and bruschetta. Already on tap are beers from Deep Ellum Brewing Company in Dallas, Rahr and Sons Brewing Company in Fort Worth and Revolver Brewing out of Granbury.

"We went to the grand opening and had a great time. Because of how crowded it was we sat outside," wrote Bentley Beck on the Cork and Keg Facebook page. "Great beer choices, and for being "bar" food it was really good! [The] atmosphere was very laid back, even when it was packed, we could still carry on a conversation with everyone who joined us. Gold star service from Samantha our waitress, she checked in on us and paid attention anytime someone joined our party to get them drinks. All around five stars, we need more places like this in Waxahachie!"

Laurie Burrow Muirhead also gave the new venue a five-star Facebook review and stated the Cork and Keg is "exactly what Waxahachie needed."

"Upscale but relaxing environment. The staff is great and the food is really good," Muirhead stated. "We are excited for them to have a larger menu and live music which the owners said is coming soon. We usually drive to Bishop Arts when we want this kind of atmosphere so it's great that we can stay in town to have that now."

Beers range from $3-8 for a 16-ounce glass and wine runs between $6-7 a glass. Wine options include keg and bottles from California, Washington, France, and Australia, among others. As of Friday afternoon, beers on tap included Rahr and Sons Dadgum, Saint Arnold Summer Pils, Revolver Blood and Honey, Shiner Bock and Lizard Scorcher.

Specials change daily and are posted to the Cork and Keg Facebook page, which can be found by searching "Cork & Keg."

We are going to focus on a relaxing atmosphere with some good music and some TV monitors in case the game is on. It is going to be a place that people can come to relax, have a drink, learn a little bit about wine and wine pairings. We are also going to serve some craft beers. So they can learn about craft beers and have some really good small plate foods, Hillegeist said. Instead of a place that you can go in and leave, it will be more of a place that you can go to sit back and relax and casually talk to people. I hope to have a little bit of live music once or twice a month and would also like to bring in a comedian once a month.

The restaurant is open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Cork and Keg can also be rented out for private parties.

Continue reading here:

Newest craft beer and wine bar, Cork and Keg, opens its doors as a member of the Waxahachie Chamber - Waxahachie Daily Light

Top Livingston County Area News Get the Latest on 93.5 FM

A crowdfunding project has been launched to help turn one Howell alley into a relaxing and beautiful destination.

The Downtown Development Authority, in collaboration with the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Howell, and local leaders are asking the community for $12,000 that, if met, will be matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for improvements to Peanut Row Alley. The Peanut Row alleyway is located downtown behind the Dairy Queen and Uptown Coffeehouse.

DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly said they are hoping to turn the alley into more of a place that people will walk to, rather than just walk through. Some of the plans include placing comfortable, unique furniture in the alley as a place for people to relax, sip on coffee, or enjoy music like that which is played during their Rock the Block event. Other plans for the alley include a human sized chessboard, and interactive chalkboard, vibrant flowerbeds, and new overhead lighting. Art will also be hung on the alley walls.

Edgerly said they have worked with experts and have spent the past year collecting these ideas and suggestions from residents and business owners. They have until June 30th to meet the goal if they want the funds matched by the MEDCs Public Spaces Community Places program. There are ten tiers of donating to choose from with incentives at each level. More information can be found through the link. (MK)

Back to WHMI Home Page

The rest is here:

Crowdfunding Project To Help Downtown Howell Alley Improvements - WHMI

The Italian American Cultural Society of New Jersey invites members of the public to its June dinner meeting on June 8 at 7 p.m. at Frankie Feds, 831 Route 33, Freehold Township. The restaurant is BYOB. The cost is $35 per person for members and $45 for non-members. Cash is preferred, no credit cards. To reserve seating, call Anthony Grassi at 917-743-3311 or Richard Favara at 732-861-9465.

DeBows United Methodist Church, corner of Route 571 and Route 537, Jackson, will host its annual flea market and bake sale on June 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend. There will be a food concession with breakfast and lunch items. Interested vendors may call Sue at 732-928-0352 to reserve table space ($10). Details: debowsumc.org

A meeting of the Monmouth County Retired Educators Association will be held on June 13 at the Spring Lake Manor, Spring Lake, at 11 a.m. Monmouth County Surrogate Rosemarie Peters will discuss wills and the Surrogates Office. The associations annual philanthropic award will be presented. Members are asked to bring a non-perishable donation for the food bank and school supplies for Bridges at the Shore. For luncheon reservations, contact Sue at 732 995-7754. New members are always welcome.

The Monmouth County Retired Educators Association will sponsor a member and family picnic at Oak Tree Lodge, Wall Township, on June 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be food, entertainment, games and activities. The cost is $5 for members; non-member guests, $35. Children under 5 are free. Guests age 5 to 11 are $15 per person. Details: Sue, 732 995-7754.

On June 5 at 6 p.m., the Jackson Library will host Martin Mosho as he discusses Unsung Heroines The Role of Women in the American Civil War. Mosho will discuss womens roles as volunteers, nurses, spies and combatants. The program is for adults and registration is required. Details: 732-928-4400 and press option 4.

The Jackson Rotary Club will sponsor a bus trip to the Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, on June 11. Cost of the trip is $34 which includes bus transportation, sandwich, chips and beverage on the bus, $25 back in slot play from the casino and gratuity for the driver. Bus leaves at noon and returns at 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit local organizations. For reservations, call Tom Barchie, 732-207-4029 or 732-849-6309.

The Jim Hall Memorial Homeless Vets Motorcycle Run and BBQ/Picnic will be held at noon June 24 at Jackson Elks Lodge No. 2744, 1059 East Veterans Highway, Jackson. Tickets are $25. Registration for the ride starts at 9 a.m. and the ride kicks off at 10 a.m. Food, beverages, entertainment by the Mangos and vendors. Proceeds of the day benefit homeless veterans. Details: joelamo90@gmail.com

The Monmouth County Park System is seeking vendors for its Eco-Elephant Family Flea Market to be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 17 at the Dorbrook Recreation Area, Route 537, Colts Neck. Individuals, businesses, nonprofits and crafters are welcome. Vendors must provide their own table and merchandise. Cost: $30 per space. Reserve a space at http://www.MonmouthCountyParks.com. Details: Al Weaver, 732-542-1642, ext. 31.

A program on the Art of Meditation for Beginners will be held at the Jackson Library from 10-11:30 a.m. June 6. The program is for adults. Participants will learn about different techniques of meditation that may work best for them. Program led by Shazia Zaman. Wear comfortable clothes. No experience required. The program is free and walk-ins are welcome. Details: 732-928-4400.

The film Under One Sky: Arab Women in North America Talk About the Hijab will be shown at the Jackson Library at 7 p.m. June 12. The film is for adults. Arab women living in North America explain the ideologies behind the hijab (veil). Followed by Q&A with Mariam Jalabi, director, Syrian National Coalition, United Nations. The program is free and registration is required. Details: 732-928-4400.

The Jackson Library will host the seventh annual Verity Academy Piano Recital from 2-4 p.m. June 17. Classical music will be performed by students of the Verity Academy. All ages welcome. Registration required. To register, call 732-928-4400 and press option 4.

The Jackson Library will host a Red Cross blood drive from 2-7 p.m. July 31. Anyone who is at least 17 years old, weighs a minimum of 110 pounds and is in generally good health can donate blood. All blood types are needed. Donors should bring a photo ID. Visit http://www.redcross.org to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

Look for turtles, egrets, herons, ospreys and other wildlife during a boat tour of the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell. Each 45-minute tour leaves from the Visitor Center, Windeler Road, Howell. Tours are offered at the top of the hour from 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, May 6 through Sept. 4. Wednesday tours are offered at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. from July 5 through Aug. 30. Evening tours are offered on the first Friday of each month May through September; call 732-751-9453 as times vary for the evening tours. All tours are weather and water level dependent. The fee is $6 per adult and $4 per child age 12 and under.

A coloring for adults program will be held at the Jackson Library from 10-11:30 a.m. June 20. Rediscover the joys of coloring. Coloring sheets and art supplies provided along with light refreshment and relaxing music. Adults 18 and over. Seating limited. Registration required. Registration is open now. Details: 732-928-4400.

Adults 18 and over can create their own rainbow clay necklace at 2 p.m. June 22 at the Jackson Library. Supplies provided. Seating is limited. Registration required. Registration opens June 9. Details: 732-928-4400.

The Jackson Library will host an Adventure in Art workshop from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 10. The workshop includes hands-on instruction by artist Nancy Bonta Voitko. Adults 18 and over. Seating limited. Registration required. Registration opens May 8. Details: 732-928-4400.

The Upper Freehold-Allentown Municipal Alliance will host Bike Night 2017 on June 7. All makes and models of bikes are welcome. American and metric bikes will be present. A car show will be held on June 28. All makes and models of cars are welcome. Both events will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Roost at the Cream Ridge Golf Course, 181 Route 539, Upper Freehold Township. Door prizes, judging, awards, music, food and beverages. Vendor opportunities are available. There is no entry fee, but donations for the alliance are accepted. Details:609-758-7738, ext. 230.

The Jackson Librarys knitting group, Knit-Chat-Chain, is seeking donations of yarn and wool. The members of the group create sweaters, hats, scarves and blankets to donate to charity. Yarn donations may be brought to the Circulation Desk during library hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details: 732-928-4400.

New Jersey Blood Services is in need of volunteers to work blood drives in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Tasks include assisting donors with registration, watching donors for post-donation reactions and responding to their needs. Details: Jan Zepka, 732-616-8741.

St. Aloysius Church, 935 Bennetts Mills Road, Jackson, offers support groups to help people better understand their feelings and to meet others who are dealing with the same life issues. A bereavement support group meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. and a divorced and separated support group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Both meetings are held in the parish office. A freewill donation of $5 is requested. Details: Email St AloysiusGonzagaGroup@gmail.com.

Items for the Datebook may be sent to gmntnews@newspapermediagroup.com. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.

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Tri-Town News Datebook, May 24 - centraljersey.com

Published May 23, 2017 by Ivan P

Copy Cats features a colorful design, cheerful and relaxed soundtrack, and a couple of features to be on the lookout for as you hang out with feline family members.

We're used to NetEnt slots being fun to play and visually appealing, and their latest release, Copy Cats, set to hit the virtual shelves today, is no exception to this rule. Featuring cartoon-style graphics, cheerful, relaxing music, and 25 paylines, this game will particularly appeal to cat lovers among us.

Graphics & Atmosphere

As the name suggests, Copy Cats is all about cats, and symbols you'll encounter as you spin away are in line with this fact. There are colorful cats, cat paw prints, fishbones, milk bottles, toy mice, and more. The design features bright and vivid colors, making this slot an excellent choice if you're looking for something to lift up your spirits.

The sound certainly deserves a special mention. The soundtrack playing in the background of the Copy Cats slot is a cheerful, jazz-like theme, which will have you dancing ever so slightly as you hit that spin button. It is one of the best features of this slot, and it must be said that NetEnt developers really hit the nail on the head with the choice of music.

Gameplay & Features

Copy Cats features 25 paylines across five reels, which is a fairly standard number, so the slot doesn't particularly stand out in this regard. However, there are a few features to look forward to, which will make playing Copy Cats a very exciting experience.

The first one is the Copy Cats feature. If you land a full stack of any cat type on the reel one, all other cats across all the reels will turn into that symbol. This goes for the Golden Cat as well, which serves as the wild symbol in this game. Thus, if you happen to land a full reel of wilds, you'll be in for some big wins.

The free spins feature is triggered when the bonus symbol appears on the reels 1, 3, and 5. You'll get 10 free spins to kick the things off, and the bonus round can be re-triggered once, for the total of 20 spins. During the bonus game, all cat symbols landing on the first reel are wild, creating a much bigger potential for big wins when you trigger the Copy Cats feature.

This colorful and relaxing game won't pay you heaps on any particular occasion, but you can expect a stream of steady wins as you play along. If you like feline-themed games, you can try Copy Cats for yourself at a number of NetEnt-powered casinos like Slotty Vegas, Playamo Casino, and EUCasino.

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NetEnt Release New Feline-Themed Slot Copy Cats - Online Casino Reports (press release)

This past Saturday, the Watauga County Farmers Market took place from 8 a.m. until noon at the Horn in the West. It was a beautiful day full of sunshine and nice weather. Those in attendance were welcomed with smiling faces from the vendors, as well as some wonderful products to peruse.

There was a vast selection of fresh vegetables and other produce to choose from, including herbs, fruits, breads and pastries. All of it looked absolutely amazing and delicious. Along with this, there were numerous crafts and knickknacks set up throughout the perimeter.

Not only that, but there was an array of beautiful and blooming flowers to choose from that perfectly displayed springtime in the High Country. The whole ensemble was serenaded by a live band, Strictly Strings, that provided relaxing music to keep everyone on their feet on that clear Saturday morning.

Be sure to stop by this upcoming Saturday for another round of fresh produce, beautiful flowers and other various products that are made and produced locally through our community! The Watauga County Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon at Horn in the West.

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The Watauga County Farmers' Market Was a Huge Success this Past Saturday - High Country Press