CARVER DAY CELEBRATION.

The annual Carver Day Celebration at George Washington Carver National Monument will be held on July 12, 2003 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This special event celebrates the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the monument named for the famous African-American scientist.

A gala of gospel music, family activities, science exhibits, and a commemorative program will be the highlights of the day. Rain or shine, event-goers will hear the inspirational music from choirs including the Washington Avenue Baptist Church Men’s Choir, Springfield, Joplin’s Shiloh Baptist and Unity Baptist Churches, Union Baptist Church from Pocola, OK and many more. African Marimba Band KUFARA will be performing from 2 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

Many exhibits will be related to this year’s theme, "Carver the Scientist." Families will enjoy visiting with a forester from the Natural Resource Conservation Service, viewing live animal exhibits from Roaring River State Park and Nature Reach, Pittsburg State University. Other exhibits include, Greenbush Education Service Center, Stream Erosion and Prairie Education from the Missouri Department of Conservation, and Neosho National Fish Hatchery. Missouri Southern State College will have an Environmental Health exhibit. Also, the Associated Recyclers of the Midwest and Ozark Regional Land Trust will be here! Park staff welcomes the Missouri Botanical Gardens and thier commemorative display on Dr. Carver. So many more organizations to meet – don’t miss this event!

A Commemoration program is scheduled for 1 p.m. featuring vocalist, Charlesetta Bryant singing the National Anthem. Special speaker, J.H.M. Henderson, Professor Emeritus of Biology, Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama will present, "Carver the Scientist." Find out more about the life of George Washington Carver and why his legacy continues to inspire students of all ages.

Junior Ranger activities will keep children entertained. Come see animal tracks and hides, check-out binoculars for some bird watching at our beautiful park, and learn all about snakes and lizards at a reptile exhibit presented by biologist Frank Martinez. Storytelling, Civil War fiddle tunes, and first person interpretations will be presented on the small stage.

Meet Harriet Tubman, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, and Maria Kolb (founder of the Playground Association). Also, the St. Louis Repertory Theatrical Group will present "Follow the Truth"- a play written by Bill Harris from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of Interior, George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver, scientist, educator, and humanitarian.

The monument is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri, on Highway V, then ½ mile south on Carver Road. For more information, please call the park at (417) 325-4151 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

I don’t suppose that I should be surprised. It just seems odd to me to see what I have always called a ‘garden tractor’ that prob’ly moves at a whoppin’ five or six miles per hour tops, bein’ designed to look like it’s goin’ a hunderd and ten.

In fact, I’ve never seen a ridin’ mower actually used as a ‘tractor’ in the traditional sense, pullin’ a little plow or little disk. I suppose there are some bein’ used for heavier tasks than mowin’, but they are mainly just big grass cutters.

I still like the old-fashioned ridin’ machines that cut a wide swath and looks like it’s tractor namesake. Lots of engines and tires with a comfortable seat. All of it out in the open where you can see the workin’s. Who would wanna cover up a beauty like a Briggs and Straton?

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

McCune- Brooks Hospital

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Please say something about concussions. I am a coach for a Little League Baseball team, and I want to be prepared for everything. Last summer, a kid was knocked out, and no one knew what to do. — G.P.

ANSWER: There’s a mistaken notion that loss of consciousness is required to make a concussion a concussion. Not so. After a head blow, being dazed and not being able to follow directions constitute a concussion. Any deviation from normal clear thinking is a concussion.

If, after a head blow, a player is a bit confused but the confusion clears within 15 minutes, that player can resume play if someone keeps a close eye on him or her. Any lapse into confusion requires pulling the player and having a doctor examine that child — or adult.

If a player loses consciousness, that is the most serious symptom of concussion. Such a player is best examined in the emergency department of a hospital, where brain scans can be obtained.

Postconcussion syndrome is something to be aware of. The child has no energy, has trouble concentrating and might find it difficult to sleep. These symptoms can last for weeks or months, and no participation is permitted while symptoms persist. Again, a doctor’s examination is the safest route to take.