Today's Feature

Committee Continues Park Evaluation.

The Public Services Committee with Parks Director Alan Bull discussed Carter Park as part of a continued evaluation of City’s parks at their meeting this week.

Bull presented a map and photographs of the park to the committee and provided a list of the strengths and weakness that he had noticed. Committee members commented on the park’s high traffic and said that the playground equipment is in good condition and well used.

Among the improvement list were two stone entrance ways which are in decent shape according to Bull but which may require new tuck-pointing to maintain stability and improve their appearance. One point that Bull suggested for improvement was the roofs of the shelter houses which are beginning to deteriorate. Other points that the committee discussed were the improvement of the roads in the park, the possibility of creating a dedicated parking area and repair of the fenced areas.

Committee Chairman Jim Woestman made note of these improvements and the committee will return for evaluation after working through the other City parks.

With fuel gettin’ over two dollars a gallon, sendin’ a bill by mail rather than drivin’ it across town is startin’ to be more attractive. Even if ya get twenty miles to the gallon it’s costin’ a dime for ever mile. Not to mention the cost to start the car and the time and miles on the car and yourself.

‘Course back when I started drivin’ two dollars worth of gas would take me the sixteen miles to the "city" and back with plenty in the tank for a little cruisin’. These days if your reaction time is a little slow, the pump will push in an extra two dollars worth in the blink of an eye.

The skill of stoppin’ the nozzle on the exact penny is becomin’ more of an art form ever day. I have expanded my tolerance to bein’ within a nickel either way on the first try. Who counts pennies these days?

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Mullein plants have taken over the parking lot! This primary lung herb is often times hard to start in your home garden, but cast the seeds in an unlikely space and they will take over. This hardy plant is often seen growing from between rocks on bluffs or in then cracks of a city walk, around railroad tracks or any other dry gravely space. One of my favorite places to observe them in full, thick growth is along the railroad tracks on River St. Until they are mowed down, they are quite a site. According to The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods and Home Remedies since 1939 Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss, the mullein (verbascum thapsus) plant has been of value in his family since his childhood (probably before too) to treat asthma. The root was used for this purpose. It is explained to burn the root and inhale the fumes. " A tea of the leaves is valuable in asthma, croup, bronchitis, all lung afflictions, bleeding from the lungs, difficult breathing and hay fever." It has also been used to calm the nerves. Of course, being 2005, you should check with your medical practitioner before use.

Received a simple explanation from a local Dr. regarding the question of what exactly is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a component of collagen, the "space filler" or support for living cells. It makes up the material between the cells providing structure to various organs to support the eyes, joints and skin. Hyaluronic acid is like the mortar between bricks, it holds things in their place. It is the breakdown of collagen that begins to cause wrinkling and drooping.

May your smile be as glowing as the morning sun on the freshly bloomed redbuds. Healthy thing to pass along, a smile.

artCentral

Teacher mixes art with fun

I recently chatted with Peggy Dyke about her upcoming painting workshop, "Got Oats?" being held at artCentral on Saturday, April 23, 9:30–4pm .

Being a "slow" painter myself, I asked Peggy if students really do complete the painting by the end of the day. "Oh, yes...or they at least have what they think are the ‘hard parts’ done," " she replied. "If they didn’t finish in class, I make sure that every student can go home and complete their painting. Often it’s something pretty simple, like adding blades of grass or putting in a shadow."

Everyone works on the same picture, based on a painting that Peggy has already completed. "Got Oats?" portrays "Dolly", a gentle Welsch-Arab mare that Peggy and her siblings used to ride while growing up on their farm in Wamic, Oregon. "She was a wonderful little horse," recalls Peggy fondly.

Since most of her students are new to painting, Peggy’s biggest challenge is to get them to relax. "I teach to have fun," confesses Peggy. "So while they are tracing the image on the canvas, I introduce myself and we all get acquainted."

By day’s end, students usually are surprised–and pleased–by what they have accomplished. Several years ago, at the end of one workshop, an 80 year old attendee commented, "To think that I spent all that time thinking I couldn’t paint!"

Call 358-4404 to register. The cost is $49; or become an artCentral member and pay only $44.