The Yale County Jug Bands performance was enjoyed by those who attended the first Music At The Lakes concert at the Interlakes Service Centre on July 1. Various other bands are scheduled for these free, family-friendly concerts. Alamaz Durand photo.

Who wouldnt enjoy an evening featuring free, live music in the outdoors on a lovely summer evening at Interlakes?

Most folks who have attended Music at the Lakes during previous summers say they enjoy all of these outdoor concert events, according to its organizers.

However, those with specific tastes can pick their favourite genres and even their preferred musicians by perusing the schedule and then attend any Saturday evenings that feature them.

Sponsored by the Interlakes Economic Association (IEA), Music at the Lakes co-ordinator Shelly Durand says the next event features Beyond Brass of Kamloops, an incredible 18-piece orchestra playing Big Band music from the Frank Sinatra and Count Basie styles of the 1930-60s to Diana Kralls own versions today with some Beatles pop and some blues thrown in.

How often do we hear these in 100 Mile? And how does this fit into somebodys summer evening?

Its something the children are going to enjoy, but most adults are going to remember the music [eras, styles and songs].

Also the IEA arts, culture and events co-ordinator, Durand encourages the broader community to turn out as this is not just for Interlakes residents, estimating about half of their audiences are tourists.

We try to involve as many local bands as we can, but also, we want to bring in some of the other ones from out of town, so people have the opportunity to hear different [ones] otherwise, where do our kids start out?

While she gets plenty of rave reviews on the amazing musicians that appear, she says people are often asking her how they can provide this level of musicians at so many concerts for free.

This leads Durand to think others may be missing out, if they dont realize the bands and performers are paid by the IEA, through its Interlakes-based fundraisers and its business supporters, she says, adding the quality of music is as good at these free concerts as plenty of others with entry/ticket fees.

Young, up and coming musicians not only have a chance to hear the various styles but may even be hired to perform once they have further honed their own skills. Many times Music at the Lakes has hired younger bands to perform on the stage, she explains.

Other local performers appearing this summer many residents will be familiar with, most of whom are being brought back by popular request.

Durand adds it is the businesses at various support levels from $50 to larger donations, as well as in-kind contributions, that keep these IEA events going to also help the Interlakes economy to grow and thrive.

This benefits the whole community, beyond a summertime of relaxing evenings of free music, she notes.

We are always looking for volunteers. We are always interested in people coming on board, just to help out.

This summers Music at The Lakes line-up is as follows:

Yale County Jug Band (Kamloops) July 1 (now past)

Beyond Brass (Kamloops) Big Band July 8 (this Saturday)

Class Mates (local), classic rock July 15

New and Used (local), classic rock July 22

Doug Maxwell (local), a mix of everything July 29

Ryan 7 (Kamloops), swing, jazz, country Aug. 5

Marco Bueler (local), various guitar/singing Aug. 12

Thorne and Larson (local), mixed styles Aug. 19

Jason Rusheinsky (local), country/cowboy Aug. 26

Rusheinsky, also the 2016 Cowboy Festival first place music award winner, will be the final concert this summer, so mark these dates on your calendar if you wish to attend then all you will need to do is show up and enjoy the show.

There are some picnic tables and a few chairs, but Durand recommends you bring a lawn chair and your children, parents, grandparents or anybody else you wish, then head out to the Interlakes Service Centre stage on Saturdays, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and enjoy free outdoor concerts this summer.

Be sure to check the 100 Mile Free Press for weekly advertisements, or soon to come will be a flyer ready to pick up at The Country Pedlar store at the same Interlakes Service Centre on Highway 24 at Horse Lake Road. Food, water, and soft drinks are available at adjacent businesses.

Originally posted here:

Summer music at Interlakes a relaxing venue - 100 Mile House Free Press

You know how they say, youre only as old as you feel? But what if you feel old, tired, and run down - especially first thing in the morning? That cant be good.

Morning fatigue can ruin your entire day. The good news is that you dont have to live like that. There are simple ways to boost your energy and get you back on track. With a few simple changes, every day, you can banish morning fatigue from your life and live the way you were born to with vibrancy and energy!

Here are eight tips from associate clinical psychologist, Justine East to refill your tank, fight fatigue and win, morning, noon and night.

1. Get more exercise and improve your diet. Exercising each day will help you feel more energised and improve your sleep quality. Eat more balanced meals with fresh fruits and vegetables. 2. Try doing something relaxing before bed and create a bedtime routine. You can meditate, do yoga poses, deep breathing exercises, listen to relaxing music or draw. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, to help your body know what hours you should be tired and resting, for more consistent sleep. 3. Create a worry period and keep a worry journal. Select a time and place for worrying every day, but early enough so it wont make you anxious just before going to bed. During this period you can focus on anything that's of worry, and keep the rest of the day a worry-free zone. If you tend to wake up in the night because of worry, write down your thoughts in a worry journal to address later. The worry journal will help you become more knowledgeable about how people or situations impact you, so you can address them appropriately. 4. Ask if you can solve the problem. Mulling issues distracts you from your emotions, but problem-solving requires assessing a situation, making specific steps to deal with it, and executing the plan. Also, question your anxious thoughts. For example, what proof do you have that this thought is true? Is there a healthier, more realistic way to view the situation? 5. Put all electronics with lights away, and try another bedtime activity, like reading, and try to make your bedroom more comfortable by trying various things, e.g., keeping your room dark. Try to do work or other activities outside of the bedroom and only do bedroom activities in the bedroom so your body knows that sleep is what occurs there. 6. Refrain from drinking coffee too late in the day, so its out of your system by bedtime. 7. Try not to smoke too close to bedtime. Drink a lot of water, eat healthy, and refrain from overindulging. Consider getting therapy to quit the habit. 8. Visit a medical doctor if you think you may have a sleep disorder or you have developed other symptoms that could be affecting your sleep, like chronic pain. Also, visit a psychologist if you think emotional problems are impacting your sleep.

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8 Ways to Fight Morning Fatigue - Jamaica Gleaner

Golden State Management Corp. in Lake Forest plans 25 to 30 locations of Modern Acupuncture in OC over the next three years, part of a commitment of 65 sites that includes San Diego County and the Inland Empire.

Owner Chad Meisinger is a marketer and franchising veteran; hes a regional developer with the franchiser, ACU Development LLC in Scottsdale, Ariz., which means he can open sites or re-sell franchises to others.

Bought the rights last month, he said. In OC Im going to open them myself. Im not going to re-sell them.

The other areas will get a mix of his own sites and those by other operators.

Im looking for guys who can take five to 10 of these and really roll this out.

Meisinger and broker Brian Dwan of Triple R Group in Los Angeles are scouting 12 to 18 sites so far, mainly in newer, high-traffic centers with an anchor tenant identified with health and wellness, such as Whole Foods.

I hope to be negotiating leases by the end of July, and as fast as they can be negotiated well start.

He described a Modern Acupuncture location as spa-like, with mood lighting, relaxing music very peaceful.

Modern Acupunctures franchise fee is $29,500 and royalty and advertising fees are about 9% of gross sales. It costs about $195,000 to $350,000 to open a location.

Meisinger paid $479,000 for development rights to 65 locations, in addition to whatever franchise fees are due as sites open.

ACU launched in August; franchise documents show no locations opened as of year-end 2016 and 10 planned in six states by the end of 2017. The company wants 150 franchised locations systemwide over the next three years.

Its granted about 350 regional developer and franchise licenses so far.

Company founders have worked with the Massage Envy massage therapy studios system and The Joint chiropractic chain.

All three chains are franchised wellness concepts and membership-based, similar to a gym or fitness center model but applied to specific health niches.

Theres a whole lot of cross-pollination with franchisees in other chainsEuropean Wax Center, Amazing Lash Studio, Orangetheory Fitnesssigning on for acupuncture as well.

Meisingers marketing work focuses on customer acquisition for retail clients and he was a franchisee for The Joint, which went public in November 2014 and traded recently at about a $49 million market cap.

Excerpt from:

Acupuncture Franchise Signs OC Developer - Orange County Business Journal

The Strawberry Festival is a relaxing evening of music, fresh fruit and community visiting that serves as the annual fundraising event for the Darby Fire Department on July 15.

Fire Chief Chad Harrell said the Strawberry Festival has been happening since 1940.

It is a tradition but we are having a lot of changes this year because Firp (Redman) left, Harrell said. He has been our bluegrass musician for 20 years.

This year the new band is Tin Cup from Connor.

Another change is that the Strawberry Festival usually coincides with Logger Days which is on the following weekend this year.

The Strawberry Festival always happens on the third Saturday in July, Harrell said. Logger Days changed their date but we chose to keep our tradition.

The Strawberry Festival is from 5 to 8 p.m. in the city park, across from Mr. Ts Convenience Store.

Well be selling strawberry shortcake, Harrell said. This year we are not buying strawberries at the store but are using caterer Connie Gallagher, owner of the Darby Mercantile, so everything will be fresh, homemade and local.

Harrell said all firefighters will attend the Strawberry Festival.

Hopefully, having Connie do the catering frees up the firefighters so they can be more social during the event, he said. It seems they are too busy during the event usually and we want them to be able to mingle.

There will not be fire trucks at the festival due to tight parking.

We just ordered a new truck and we were hoping it would be here for the event but it is just not ready yet, Harrell said.

A big draw to the Strawberry Festival is the raffle.

People can purchase raffle tickets at the Bitterroot Community Federal Credit Union, Darby Espresso or at the event.

We try to get all our donations from local vendors, Harrell said. We have Jimmy Harrison from the Double H Custom Hat Company. He donates a certificate for a custom hat.

The Stitch-n-Time quilting group in Darby donated a large quilt that is traditional with a modern edge. It was designed by Meredith Johnson and Brooke Adams and long arm quilted by Carole Vining.

Quilter Paula Nelson said the quilt is a log cabin pattern to celebrate Darbys history in the timber industry.

We are celebrating Darbys history in the timber industry - the beautiful forest as well as the logging, recreation and log home industry, Nelson said. We offered it to the Fire Department in remembrance of firefighter Mike Stark who passed away recently and who valued quilts and got our group making quilts for them a few years ago.

The quilt is on display around Darby and will be at the Strawberry Festival.

It is absolutely beautiful, Harrell said. It is definitely one of the main raffle prizes. It will be moving around town so everyone gets a chance to look at it.

Another key prize is a deacons bench from Jerry Hinman Woodworking.

Hes a retired firefighter who has done that for years and years, Harrell said.

Farmers State Bank donated a $500 gift certificate and the Bitterroot Community Federal Credit Union donated a $200 gift certificate.

Harrell encouraged the community to attend the Strawberry Festival.

Its a good way to meet volunteer fire fighters who volunteer their time and energy and support the community, he said. Enjoy fresh strawberries and a great event.

See the article here:

Darby Strawberry Festival; This year marks 77 years of the beloved annual event - Ravalli Republic

An official switch-on event on Friday morning marked the introduction of four new DAB digital radio transmitters for Leicestershire.

Together they will reach 250,000 listeners throughout the area, a fact which was celebrated at a special event at Brownlow Primary School in Melton Mowbray.

Cat James, presenter of drivetime on Gem 106, Tom Watts and Claire Chambers of Capital East Midlands drivetime with Tom & Claire, and Helen McCarthy of BBC Radio Leicester, pressed the big green digital radio switch at 9am to signify the launch of the fourth and final digital transmitter, which has boosted local DAB coverage in Melton Mowbray, in front of pupils and staff from Brownlow Primary School.

The expansion of coverage means that many listeners can now receive ten further radio stations BBC Radio Leicester, Capital East Midlands, Gem 106, Heart East Midlands, Smooth East Midlands, Gold, Chill, LRB Digital, Sabras and Sanskar Radio on DAB digital radio for the first time.

Over the last 18 months local DAB coverage has increased from 63% of households to 82% across the county and an additional 250,000 people have been brought in to coverage. There have been four new transmitters in total, with the final one launching in Waltham, near Melton Mowbray.

In the photo:

Cat James, Gem 106 Ellie Codling, Smooth East Midlands James Lloyd, Capital East Midlands Tom Watts and Claire Chambers of Capital East Midlands drivetime show Ford Ennals, CEO, Digital Radio UK Damien Turrell, Headteacher, Brownlow Primary School Helen McCarthy, BBC Radio Leicester Children from Brownlow Primary School

Here are the quotes on the event:

Damien Turrell, Headteacher, Brownlow Primary, said: The pupils have loved meeting our local radio presenters and finding out more about digital radio. Were delighted to have hosted such an exciting occasion on behalf of the county at our school and to have welcomed Leicestershires local stations.

Sophie Shardlow, Editor, BBC Radio Leicester, said: BBC Radio Leicester has been a part of life in the county for 50 years and its great news that now even more listeners can tune in to our hugely popular presenters, delivering the local news, sport, music and conversation that they love on DAB digital radio.

Dick Stone, Managing Editor, Capital East Midlands, said: Were delighted that the increase in DAB digital radio coverage allows us to bring the UKs biggest commercial radio brands Capital, Heart and Smooth as well as Gold to more people in Leicestershire. Its great news for listeners and for Global.

Ali Forshaw, Regional Managing Director, Smooth Radio East Midlands, said: Its fantastic to see that the people of Leicestershire can now enjoy Smooth Radio East Midlands on DAB digital radio. We know that our listeners love our mix of relaxing music combined with local programming at the times they want it most. They can now tune in to DAB digital radio for our popular presenters, Gareth Evans at Breakfast and Emma Caldwell at Drive.

James Brownlow, Content Director, Gem 106, said: It is brilliant that 250,000 listeners in Leicestershire will be able to hear Gems original entertainment and variety of music on DAB. Gem is the only commercial radio station in the East Midlands that both produces and broadcasts its shows and music 24/7 from right here in the region, so it feels right the listeners in the area get to enjoy Gem in fantastic clear digital quality.

Cat James, Presenter, Gem 106, added: Gem is very much a part of the Leicestershire community and I get to enjoy that when on-air playing them music they love and getting them home with a smile each weekday. To allow the people of Leicestershire to be able to hear a variety of music they wont get anywhere else in lovely, clear brilliant, digital audio is the very least this great audience deserve.

Ford Ennals, CEO Digital Radio UK, said: Today we are celebrating the transformation of the coverage of local stations on DAB digital radio across the county. Its great news that a further 250,000 listeners across Leicestershire will now be able to hear these much-loved stations, which play such an important role in serving the local community, on digital radio.

Richard Johnston, Head of Commercial Radio, Arqiva, said: Arqiva has been extremely busy over the last year building hundreds of additional national and local DAB transmitters across the UK to bring DAB digital radio into millions more homes and thousands of miles of the road network. We are proud of our role in delivering the infrastructure needed for a vibrant digital radio market and are delighted to complete the expansion of local DAB coverage in Leicestershire, enabling over 250,000 more people to receive their local stations on DAB.

See more here:

New transmitters turned on in Leicestershire - Radio Today

Campbell Soup Co. said Thursday it has agreed to acquire organic counterpart Pacific Foods for $700 million in cash.

The deal would be Campbells fifth acquisition in the last five years, and the fourth of a natural/organic food company, as it attempts to remake its portfolio around the burgeoning health-and-wellness movement.

Pacific, based in Tualatin, Ore., makes organic broth and soup, shelf-stable plant-based beverages and other meals and sides. It had sales of $218 million in the 12 months ended May 31. Campbell described Pacific as natural foods industry pioneer with strong health and well-being and organic credentials, particularly with younger consumers.

Pacific is an authentic brand with a loyal consumer following, Denise Morrison, Campbells president and CEO, said in a statement. The acquisition allows us to expand into faster-growing spaces such as organic and functional food. Moreover, Pacific Foods is an excellent fit with Campbell strategically, culturally and philosophically. It advances our strategic imperatives around real food, transparency, sustainability and health and well-being.

Campbell said it plans to bring its scale to Pacific Foods and invest in the business to drive full force growth. The company expects to expand distribution; boost marketing support for brand building to engage consumers and shoppers; and invest in R&D and the supply chain.

Pacific Foods will become part of Campbells Americas Simple Meals and Beverages division, which includes Campbells soup, simple meals and shelf-stable beverage units in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. The division is led by Mark Alexander, president, and includes leading brands including Campbells, V8, Swanson, Prego, Pace and Plum Organics.

Pacific was founded in 1987. CEO and co-founder Chuck Eggert will stay on as a supplier of key ingredients through his family farms. Weve spent the past 30 years focused on making nourishing foods with an emphasis on simple, organic ingredients and authentic, rich flavors, Eggert said. Looking ahead, a future with Campbell means we can maintain what we value while accelerating growth of the brand in a way that we couldnt do alone, reaching more people while increasing our impact on sustainable agriculture.

Campbell acquired Bolthouse Farms in 2012, organic baby-food company Plum in 2013, and fresh salsa and hummus maker Garden Fresh Gourmet in 2015. Campbell also acquiredthebiscuit company Kelsen in 2013, which boosted its international brand portfolio.

See original here:

Campbell to acquire organic soupmaker Pacific Foods - Supermarket News

Cleveland Tinker @ClevelandTinker

Dealing with social justice issues associated with organic farming has been at the core of Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers of Gainesville's work since the group's creation.

Known as FOG, the nonprofit this month will celebrate 30 years of fighting for organic farmers, farm workers rights and for people on the lower rung of the economic ladder to have access to healthy food.

Both the Gainesville and Alachua County commissions declared July FOG Month.

Marty Mesh, executive director of the Gainesville-based organization, said it was established to support and promote sustainable organic agriculture through educating consumers, farmers, businesses, policy makers and the general public about issues associated with organic farming.

We decided to collaborate with farm worker organizations and other groups to promote organic farming standards domestically, Mesh said.

As part of its ongoing efforts to educate people about and promote certified organic farming, FOG will host two workshops this month.

The first, co-sponsored by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, will be held from 1-4:30 p.m. July 24 at the Straughn Professional Development Center at 2142 Shealy Drive on campus.

It will focus on organic vegetable production and high-tunnel research results, and discussion topics will include benefits and challenges of high-tunnel production; disease and pest management; economic considerations; high tunnel structures; organic certification and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cost Share program and soil fertility and crop nutrient management.

High tunnel farming allows farmers to extend the growing season of their crops by using a conservation practice available through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program offered by the USDA.

The second workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon July 27 at Frog Song Organics at 4317 NE U.S. Highway 301 in Hawthorne. It will focus on organic tomato grafting and high tunnel production.

Vegetable grafting is a horticultural technique combining parts from two plants to form one plant.

Both workshops are free, and those interested can register by calling 352-377-6345, extension 123, or emailing tyler@foginfo.org.

People from out of town attending the first workshop will be able to get reimbursed for their travel by the USDA, said Tyler Nesbit, FOGs education and outreach coordinator.

To celebrate its 30-yearanniversary, FOG will host an Organic Food and Farming Summit Sept. 17-19. It will be an opportunity for farmers to interact with innovators and leaders in organic agriculture to gain knowledge and training through farm tours, workshops, a trade show and a day of presentations on available resources, Mesh said.

FOG has spent its first three decades fighting for social justice in organic agriculture, primarily ensuring that healthy food gets to people most in need, educating organic farmers on issues and policies that affect them and educating and promoting the public about issues related to organic agriculture and improved food systems.

FOG, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, oversees the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program in Florida. The program provides financial help to those obtaining or renewing their certification with the National Organic Program.

To be eligible for reimbursement this federal fiscal year, producers or handlers must have received or renewed certification between Oct. 1, 2016 and Sept. 30 of this year. The amount of reimbursement is 75 percent of certification costs, up to a maximum of $750.

For information about cost on the cost share program, email costshare@foginfo.org.

FOG also offers a program that makes fresh, local produce more affordable and accessible to low-income families. The Fresh Access Bucks program increases the purchasing power of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamp) recipients by providing a dollar-for-dollar match for Florida-grown fruits and vegetables.

For instance, a SNAP recipient who spends $10 of their benefits at the farmers' market gets an additional $10 in Fresh Access Bucks to buy more fruits and vegetables, Mesh said.

The program is part of the Alachua County Farmers' Market, held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at 5920 NW 13th St.

For more information about Fresh Access Bucks, email info@freshaccessbucks.com.

Local residents can also get fresh organic fruits and vegetables from the Community Supported Agriculture program through Siembra Farm in southeast Gainesville just south of T.B. McPherson Recreation Center.

Cody Galligan, owner of the 20-acre farm, said $30 gets buyers an assortment of fruits and vegetables delivered to their homes.

Its a great way to support local farmers and for families to get fresh organic fruits and vegetables at a reduced price, Galligan said.

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FOG celebrates 30 years of healthful food - Gainesville Sun

ELKHART Its confining to describe Red Oak Farm as a farm as this urban ag operation is more than planting and harvesting.

Nicole Bauman is one of six adults who live in two houses on a large city lot at 1721 Prairie St. The group of friends who call themselves the Prairie Wolf Collective due to nearby street names, divides tasks among themselves. Baumans task is to operate the farm.

The farm consists of an adjacent vacant lot that is leased from the city of Elkhart. That lot of less than 1/8th of an acre produces all sorts of vegetables and herbs for community-supported agriculture members who arrive each Thursday to fill bags and boxes. The members purchase a share in the garden in the spring and then are entitled to a box full of produce each week.

The shares can even be purchased by people using food stamps.

So far, 14 people have purchased shares this year, according to Bauman. She has several more shares available on a pro-rated basis because the garden is very productive this year.

Fresh produce is also available for purchase by the public each Thursday afternoon when the supply allows.

Community-supported ag

Such small-scale urban food producers are part of the community-supported agriculture movement that has popped up in the nations urban centers, according to Bauman.

We are trying to do a little bit of intentional community and experimenting with different sustainability practices, she said. And trying to be connected in this neighborhood where there is a long history of organizing and community building.

Bauman reaches out to the community by holding occasional classes on food preservation and canning. This fall, she will provide educational sessions for students at the nearby Roosevelt Elementary School. The Prairie Wolf Collective is also working on lead paint abatement projects.

Close by

Some of Red Oak Farm's neighbors have become good customers.

Kathee Kirchner lives just down the street. You can see her front porch from the collective's front yard.

You cant get any fresher than this, she said of the greens she was placing in bags.

Kirchner pointed out that Bauman raises exceptional okra, which she likes to share with friends.

Kirchner said she used to get organic produce from another local farm, but that business stopped its delivery service, so she found Red Oak Farm a few doors from her home.

Organic food is a staple in Kirchners diet, and she enjoys Red Oaks vegetables and herbs while they are in season.

There was a lot of love put into it, she said of the farm.

Out of season, Kirchner said she turns to organic foods she finds in local markets.

There are some market chains where we can get organic food from, but its just not the same, Kirchner said.

The other aspect of that is I love supporting the horticulture in the community, Kirchner said. Having a farm in the neighborhood. Jason (Nicoles partner) and Nicole do everything they can to conserve resources and to share with people in need.

Second season

This is Baumans second season of gardening on the property. Before that she was employed at another local organic farm.

Organic growing is something Bauman has experience with, having grown up on a small Ontario, Canada, farm that specialized in organic products. She sold microgreens to restaurants when she was in high school.

She said Red Oak Farm is not certified as an organic producer because the cost is prohibitive for such a small producer, but the practices used are totally organic.

For instance, her technique for controlling cabbage beetles is to plant small plots of the garden staple and then patrol the plants daily and pick any bugs off by hand. She said, so far, she has only lost one small planting of tomatillos to an insect infestation.

Thats fine, she laughed. That is part of the game.

She foregoes the use of pesticides, even those concoctions gardeners mix up themselves or purchase from suppliers of organic products.

Even that will harm beneficial insects, Bauman said. Like pollinators. So I just keep trying to build my soil. The healthier your soil is the healthier your plants are and the less the bugs are going to harm them.

Small vs big

The community-supported agriculture movement is ideal for small ag operations such as Red Oak Farm, according to Bauman.

People can go to the grocery store and buy a whole lot more for the same amount of money than purchasing here, Bauman said. Which has to do with farm subsidies, which is why that food is really cheap and also is not the same quality. Yes, it is a challenge for sure.

For small food-production operations like hers, Bauman said she cant afford to subsidize the cost of food for her customers as she is barely making minimum wage now. So she relies on the her payment plan through the CSA program to make it easier for people to purchase her fresh produce.

She is also optimistic that local low-income residents will see the value in Red Oak Farm products.

It is an opportunity for there to be truly fresh organic produce right here, Bauman said. I am set up to accept SNAP benefits, often called food stamps, WIC vouchers and seniors farmers market nutrition program vouchers. So people on those programs can come and purchase stuff.

Re-use and beauty

Eight years ago the city of Elkhart demolished a vacant house at where the garden is now, Bauman said. She believes Red Oak Farms repurposing of the lot is sending a positive message to the south side neighborhood.

It is an exciting thing for the people in the neighborhood to see that Oh, this space matters to people and this neighborhood is not forgotten and there can be business initiatives and environmental initiatives and beauty right here.'

And people in the neighborhood seem to have noticed the garden, according to Bauman.

I have experienced a lot of community building around it to, she said. By being out here all the time I get to know our neighbors better. ... I see neighbor kids and they stop by to see what I am doing and try a radish or a carrot. It builds a lot of connectedness.

Follow Roger on Facebook and also on Twitter @rschneider_TGN

Originally posted here:

THANK A HOOSIER FARMER: Red Oak Farm is a consumer-supported organic ag business - Goshen News

By Our Representative Gujarat police on Friday detained two senior farmers leaders, Sagar Rabari of the Khedut Samaj Gujarat (KSG) and Alpesh Thakor of the OBC Ekta Manch, along with some of their colleagues soon after they began a 25-km farmers footmarch from Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar, the state capital. They were demanding farm loan waiver. The footmarch, which began at Khet Bhavan near Gandhi Ashram, first went to the Gandhi Ashram, where farmers garlanded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. However, no sooner they moved out of the Gandhi Ashram and proceeded towards Gandhinagar, they were stopped by the cops standing off the Ahmedabad district collectors office. The police said the reason for the detention was the organizers did not taken requisite permission for taking out the rally. The farmers leaders, however, said they were forced to begin moving towards Gandhinagar in a peaceful rally because they were not granted permission, which is normal in Gujarat today. Jayesh Patel, president KSG, said, The Gujarat police routinely deny permissions, and cracks down on protests in the state, which has become a norm. The voice of dissent in Gujarat is sought to be smothered and democratic rights of people are under stress. Giving reason for starting the farmers protest rally, Patel said, The issues of farm distress in Gujarat are multiplying. Farmers are committing suicide, reeling under the enormous burden of nearly two decades of neglect of the farm sector by the ruling dispensation. He added, Instead of addressing their issues and, at the very least, entering into a dialogue with them, the state government is using every repressive tactic at its disposal. The agitation was organized part of series of protest actions rallies, demonstrations, footmarches to highlight the pitiful conditions of farmers in the state at various locations in Gujarat. On Wednesday, police detained hundreds of farmer-activists across Gujarat after they poured thousands of litres of milk on roads, demanding a waiver of all farmer loans in the state, where essential commodities have seen a sudden spurt in prices. Led by Alpesh Thakor, the agitation was dubbed Doodhbandi and Doodh Roko. Thakore also heads Kshatriya Thakor Sena. Thakore and 50 supporters were detained in Ahmedabad after his group blocked roads and poured hundreds of litres of milk on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, which connects Ahmedabad with the state capital. The agitation was simultaneously held some several other towns. Earlier, On July 2, a group of 100 middle class women led by Hetal Parikh, were denied permission to hold demonstration at two different spots, after which they went and sat on dharna at Gandhi Ashram. Parikh told Counterview, We wanted to hold peaceful protest against Goods and Services Tax (GST), which has affected women most. However, Parikh said, No sooner we sat in Gandhi Ashram with banners, the police came and dismantled the banners and asked us to go, telling us that if we did not go, we would be detained. We had no other option but to move out.

Here is the original post:

Gujarat farmers' leaders detained off Gandhi Ashram for holding footmarch to Gandhinagar "without permission" - COUNTERVIEW

Theyre not regular vegans, theyre sexy vegans.

Since celebrities cant just be a thing without being the most beautiful or sexiest version of said thing, PETA has released its annualSexiest Vegan title for 2017. And this year, its an-woman, three-way tie for the top spot.

The three lucky meat-and-dairy-free ladies are Ruby Rose:

David Livingston via Getty Images

Noel Vasquez via Getty Images

Dimitrios Kambouris via Getty Images

The activist group has typically named one man and one woman as its sexiest vegetable-lover of a given year. Last year, for example, Liam Hemsworth and Jhene Aiko took the top spots for sexiest vegetarians.

Were all about celebrities standing up for what they believe in and living the way they please, but calling them out for being sexy while doing so seems just slightly unnecessary.Congrats?

See the original post here:

Here Are PETA's Sexiest Vegans Of 2017, For Some Reason ... - HuffPost