Today's Feature
RES Update.

City Attorney David Mouton reported on the progress of Renewable Environmental Solutions (RES) at the City Council meeting this week. Mouton, along with Mayor Kenneth Johnson and City Administrator Tom Short attended a meeting in Springfield recently with officials from RES to discuss what measures are being taken to reduce odors from the plant.

Mouton informed Council that there had been a surge in odor around the week of the Maple Leaf Parade during which time RES had agreed to not operate. No citation was issued by the Department of Natural Resources during that week.

RES officials told City representatives that they have removed a bio-filter and added a wet gas scrubber and a new stack which will work in conjunction with the scrubber. Other upcoming additions for odor control will include a permanent ozone generator which should be installed some time in November and will replace the temporary ozone generator used by RES. The plant will also begin using a street sweeper/wet scrubber and has agreed to use it at least three times per week on the grounds of the facility.

Stench Report:
Thursday,
11/10/05

No Stench

Most fun I ever had with old tires is gettin’ a truck tire and settin’ inside it and rollin’ down the hill at my grandparents’ house. Ya put your feet inside the tire and then hang on to the inside edge of the tire with your hands.

Then ya just roll. For some reason it sounds a lot more dangerous than it was. None of us ever got hurt rollin’ down in tires. The real problem comes in stoppin’. Once ya get started, ya pretty much were committed. Which is what my ma said we should be when she found out what we were doin’.

My uncle thought it was pretty funny when she got mad. ‘Course he didn’t have ta ride home with her.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

I want to share with you some interesting tidbits regarding aromatherapy, herbs and the sense of smell. The essential oils are very strong and best used diluted in almond, macadamia nut, sesame or some other lighter carrier oil. Oils can be used in bath or for a massage or applied to bruises or in place of lotions.

One may choose lavender oil to get a relaxed feeling or clary sage if it has been a very exhaustive day. Lobelia essence may be applied to aid in loosening a tight muscle. It may be rubbed externally around the throat to ease soreness.

Camphor and eucalyptus oils are known for their ability to open the sinuses. According to Robert Tisserant in his book The Art of Aromatherapy, he states "it is a useful ingredient of inhalations for coughs, colds, influenza, bronchitis, tuberculosis and difficulty of breathing.

Rosemary is one of the earliest recorded herbs used for aromatic use. In early English medicine it was used in sick rooms to keep from spreading sickness. It has a very pungent odor and is said to be stimulating to the thought process. Rosemary oil is frequently found in hair formulas for its ability to stimulate the pores of the scalp. Since the oil is very dark, brunettes prefer the coloring in their shampoos.

The use of aromas can easily be incorporated into daily life. There are many books available for use for the casual user or for the more ardent student.

* This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. References available by request. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

artCentral

artists create art with Earth Wind & Fire

There’s something for everyone to appreciate in the new Earth, Wind & Fire show opening at artCentral this Friday evening, November 11, with a public reception from 6-8pm.

Eighteen artCentral members and guest artists Jed Schlegel and Margaret Roach Wheeler show off just what artists can do with glass, metal, fiber, wood, stone, clay, and a lot of imagination and skill.

Ranging in size from Robin Putnam’s 200 pound limestone sculpture "Puff" to tiny silver figures by Attuso, the show is diverse in every way. There are whimsical birdhouses by Dan McWilliams and funky papier mache sculptures by Jesse McCormick. Bill Snow provides beautifully rendered traditional bronzes that look like stone, while the Mahotan Earth Altar "figures" by Margaret Roach Wheeler and the wood sculptures by M. Justin Hale ventured into the totemic.

Animal lovers will be delighted with Richard Reed’s alabaster "Fish", Jack Sour’s limestone "Raven", and Randy Wright’s "Box Turtle" rendered in bronze. Jewelry lovers will enjoy the vintage beads used by Caryl MacMorran and the mixed media metalwork by Barbara Foley.

For the more "practical" minded are handwoven items by Lee Ann Sours—a luxurious chenille scarf and a multi-colored table runner based on a Swedish design from 1910. However, the lovely handblown glass bowls by Joe Davis and large ceramic pieces Jed Schlegel seem just too handsome to actually use.

There’s more to see, so come enjoy the show!

Earth Wind & Fire continues through December 16. Please note, artCentral has new hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 11am–5pm.