Bluegrass along the Harpeth, tracing its roots back some 100 years, opens tonight at 6:30 on the Public Square in Downtown Franklin.

Festivities will run to 10 p.m. tonight, featuring Howling Brothers & David Travis And Hands Of Time.

On Saturday, July 23 competition begins at 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Competitors will compete in mandolin, flat-top guitar, dulcimer, banjo, jr. fiddle, old time banjo, jr. freestyle clog and buck-dancing, beginner musician, beginner freestyle clogging, old-time string band, old-time singing, bluegrass bands, sr. fiddle with finals in band competitions only. Admission is Free.

Proceeds to benefit The Willamson County Cultural Arts Commission

BLUEGRASS ALONG THE HARPETH

July 22, 2011 - July 23, 2011
Times: Fri 7pm-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm
Address: Main Street and Public Square
Location: Public Square in Downtown Franklin
Phone: (615) 390-3588

Admission: free admission

Description: Musical festival on Franklin's Town Square showcasing Bluegrass band competition. Also featuring Mandolin, Flat-top guitar, Dulcimer, Banjo, Jr. Fiddle, Old Time Banjo, Jr. Freestyle Clog and Buck-Dancing, Beginner Musician, Beginner Freestyle Clogging, Old-Time String Band, Old-Time Singing, Bluegrass Bands, Sr. Fiddle and Adult Flat-Foot Buck Dance.

The 4th annual Environmental Leader Class will begin March 31st. The six week classes will be held every Thursday evening from 6:30 - 8:30pm. The cost for the class is $35 and includes refreshments.

Graduation and certificates will be  presented to qualifying class attendees on August 27th during the Living Green Expo.

Classes will be held at the Keep Williamson Beautiful office, located at 420 Century Court. Seats are limited to 40 attendees.

For more information and to sign up for classes, call Jo Ann Jackson at 790-5848. Click here to download the registration form for the classes.

Pumpkinfest, our annual fall festival, attracts a crowd of 50,000 local and out-of-town visitors for a full day of autumn-inspired food, children’s activities, music, storytelling, hayrides, a chili cook-off, a costume contest, All Things Pumpkin! and outstanding arts and crafts from 50 vendors.

The family oriented street festival held around the public square runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 30, 2010. For more information or a schedule of events, check back here soon!

 

(ARA) - Have government or manufacturer rebate programs enticed you to purchase a new home appliance, like a clothes washer or refrigerator? Or are you simply in the market to upgrade? Before purchasing any major appliance, it's important to consider all your options before you make a final decision.

According to an October 2009 survey commissioned by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a leading independent safety testing organization, one in five homeowners who are involved in purchasing decisions independently reported they are likely to buy a large household appliance in the new year. That number increased to one in four upon hearing that states may offer cash back for purchasing an energy-efficient appliance during 2010.

"As today's appliance technology continues to advance, it is now, more than ever, critical to consider safety when purchasing these items," says Ms. Simin Zhou, vice president and general manager, UL's Appliances, HVAC/R and Components business unit. "Energy efficiency is an important attribute, but family safety also needs to be part of the decision-making process."

A 2009 National Fire Protection Association report states that in 2006, U.S. consumers reported approximately 17,700 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines, resulting in 15 deaths, 360 injuries and $194 million in property damage.

Five tips can be used to help assess whether your current appliances are safe for continued use and help you to make smart decisions when purchasing new appliances:

1. Read the owners' manual or users' guide: These resources provide essential information to keep you safe.

2. Only use as intended: Using appliances for activities other than what they are designed for can pose serious risks. The clothes dryer should only be used for fabrics and an oven should not be used to heat the home.

3. Trust your instincts: If an appliance smells, sounds or functions strangely - be suspicious. This is a likely indicator to replace the problem appliance or at least have it inspected by a licensed technician.

4. Follow preventative maintenance measures: Lack of preventative maintenance is a contributing factor to some appliance malfunctions and fires. Simple ways to keep your appliances in peak performance include never overloading the clothes washer; periodically removing debris from the dishwasher filter; and immediately unplugging the vacuum cleaner and dislodging items that should not have been picked up.

5. Look for safety certification: Safety certifications, such as the UL Mark, confirm a product has been tested and certified to meet the highest standard in safety.

If you're ready to buy a new home appliance, you should start by researching available government and manufacturer rebate programs in your area. Programs usually vary by state so qualified appliances and rebate amounts will differ.

To learn more about 2010 state rebate programs, and to find more tips on appliance safety, visit www.UL.com/appliancesafety.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Considered "America's best idea," national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see.  An American invention, they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real, life-altering experiences. And, it's this beauty, exploration and enrichment, combined with the accessibility of national parks, that make them a popular vacation choice.

According to the National Park Service, trips to national parks are on the rise. Tour operators offering guided visits through America's parks agree.

"Bookings on our North American National Park tours have witnessed an increase of 180 percent in the last year," says Scott Nisbet, president and CEO for the Globus family of brands. "National parks are idyllic vacation 'hot spots' perfect for relaxation and introspection, wildlife exploration or adventure, depending on the traveler and his or her interests."

A wide range of experiences can be had at national parks, including everything from snorkeling, rafting and hiking to learning about the environment, geology and wildlife. They also provide a perfect retreat for those hoping to reconnect with themselves or nature.

And, it's the diversity of experiences national parks offer travelers that can make booking a national park vacation seem overwhelming. Use these tips from Globus to simplify the process and book the perfect getaway for 2010:

1. Choose the right park destination

From the east to west coasts, Alaska to Hawaii, America has more than 50 national parks to explore. Do your research to choose a park that has what you're looking for. For instance, if you're interested in an abundance of hoodoos and canyons, Bryce Canyon National Park might be the right fit. Or, if you want a vacation filled with bird watching or boating, the Everglades National Park could be a great choice.

2. Go rustic or go luxury

Lodging is an important consideration for any vacation. Some travelers prefer to experience the outdoor beauty of the parks 24 hours a day and choose to camp. Others want to escape to the more modern conveniences provided by nearby hotels, cabins and lodges. Decide what experience best suits you or your family - and decide early! Spots (camping or lodging) fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

3. On your own or with a guide?

Some travelers prefer to hike or road trip through national parks while others are interested in a more insightful and pre-planned journey. While maps are available for nearly every park, guided tours have become a popular option for travelers and are often offered as part of a packaged tour vacation, including accommodations.

"Our national park-focused tours offer an inclusive-style of travel with incomparable exploration and enrichment opportunities," says Nisbet. "With a wide range of national park destinations, hotels and price points, coupled with unparalleled service and storytelling, we create experiences for travelers they couldn't produce on their own."

For more information or assistance planning your national park vacation, visit www.us-parks.com, www.nps.gov or www.globusjourneys.com. Or call your travel agent or the Globus family of brands toll-free at (866) 313-2855.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Many of us make grandiose New Year's resolutions that we mean to follow through on and never do. Sometimes we might know that what we're doing isn't sustainable over a year, and other times, we underestimate exactly what we need to stick to a resolution. You often need more than just will power to really see results, especially when it comes to the popular resolution to get fit.

If you're embarking on a journey to find a fitter, healthier version of yourself, start with these tips that will keep you from putting limits on what you can achieve.

Exercise anywhere
Even when you've fallen into a good, steady routine in your everyday life, fitting trips to the gym and other workouts in when you leave the home base can be difficult. It's very easy to be tempted to cut yourself some slack and ignore exercising, but you'll regret that decision sooner rather than later.

Luckily, technology makes it easy to bring your workout along with you. With workout programs like iTrain, your exercise regimen is as mobile as you are - you can easily download workouts and carry them with you everywhere, on your MP3 player. So whether you're in New York or London, you really can work out, just the way you want to.

Exercise any way
There's no one best way to work out - you need to know what's best for you. Many people need to keep things fresh to maintain their interest in exercising, and they need to look for different kinds of activities that will help them along the road to fitness. By using online resources for exercise, you're expanding your repertoire. Not only will you stay interested, you can also work different parts of your body. There are a wide variety of programs on iTrain, ranging from their iSculpt Ballet program, which uses ballet techniques to create long, lean muscles, to cardio programs that focus on heart healthiness while helping you create a toned body.  

Exercise anytime
There are some days when you've got to do a shorter workout and others when you can go on as long as you'd like. Downloadable fitness workouts range in length - you can pack your MP3 player with everything from 20-minute workouts to 60-minute sessions - so you can have the right workout for any situation.

Of course, "time" means the long term, too. Don't box yourself in to a time limit like three or six months - take all the time you need to achieve your desired results. To make things more streamlined, you can pay one flat fee for a year of unlimited downloads on iTrain. While they also offer plans that let you download programs a la carte or three at a time. Either way, once you pay the fee, the workouts are yours to keep, so you can go back to them time and again.

Exercise at any level
Whether you just want to get healthier or are shooting for sculpting your body into Hollywood shape, with dedication and the right tools, you can achieve your goals. It's important to have good support, which you can often find with a personal trainer - but that can be an unrealistic expense for many people. Online programs offer some of the most valuable benefits of a personal trainer at a fraction of the cost. Celebrity trainers provide the instruction on workout MP3s from iTrain, and you can also e-mail the company to ask for customized routines. If you feel limited in what you can achieve, search out solutions on the Web or at the gym, and you'll be able to make good on your New Year's resolution.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - The beginning of a new year - and a new decade - is the time many people pledge to live differently. For many, that change means living a more sustainable lifestyle. Sustainability, once only a buzz word, is now fast becoming the way to live consciously.

From reducing your water usage to buying organic, here are 10 simple ways to make 2010 the year of sustainable living:

1. Use water more efficiently: Water is a limited resource and limiting it within your household is a cornerstone of sustainability. Rain barrels, largely unheard of even a decade ago, are becoming a popular way to collect and reuse rainwater for purposes like gardening.  Meanwhile, conserving water in the home by taking shorter showers or even fixing a leaky faucet also can make a difference at a time when many communities are experiencing water shortages or are expressing concerns about water overuse.

2. Compost: Turning over leaves by way of a new compost garden is one way to live a more sustainable lifestyle. A compost heap is a simple, effective way to collect yard waste, like leaves and grass clippings, and kitchen scraps such as raw vegetable peelings and coffee grounds, and return them to the ground as organic matter.

3. Seek earth-friendly packaging: To better fill that compost heap, alter shopping habits to look for products with compostable packaging. Snyder's of Hanover, for instance, recently introduced a new Pretzel Variety Sack of 100-Calorie Pretzels and Pretzel Sandwiches in the market's first 100 percent compostable outer package made from 100 percent renewable cornstarch-based plastic.  The new Variety Sack includes a special logo indicating that the bag can be composted and is made with sustainable materials. In addition to that example, more manufacturers are switching to cardboard packaging materials, which are made from renewable materials and can be recycled or composted.

4. Buy local, embrace organic: Many farmers, ranchers and, increasingly, food manufacturers, are offering foods and beverages made using sustainable practices. It could be a farmers market tomato, a local dairy's milk, an organic snack food, like new Organic Honey Whole Wheat Sticks and Organic Whole Wheat and Oat Sticks from Snyder's of Hanover, or any number of natural or organic items. The bottom line is that natural, organic and locally produced foods provide both sustenance and sustainability. To learn more about Snyder's of Hanover's sustainability initiatives visit www.snydersofhanover.com/Sustainability/.

5. Go to seed: Take the locally grown movement a step further - like in your own backyard or patio.  An afternoon spent planting seeds or small plants can yield plenty of rewards a few weeks or months later, in the form of fresh, inexpensive and convenient vegetables and fruits.  You don't need a large tract of land, in fact, to start a small  garden.

6. Ride out the trend:  Sustain your own energy level by opting to ride a bike or walk to a destination that isn't all that far away. Add a basket to a bike or take along a backpack to bring something back home.

7. Re-recycle: Recycling is nothing new and most people have been recycling in some form for years. But recycling can be taken to another level, going beyond obvious and traditionally recycled items like soda cans or newspaper to the smallest of waste materials, from plastic straws to the paper straw wrapper. Why not recycle apparel as well, by donating clothes and buying gently used clothes?

8. Plug in: Learn how to operate appliances more efficiently.  For example, use cold water in the washing machine: clothes will still be cleaned, without the use of heated water. Turn off appliances when not in use, whether it's the television, video game player or radio. Better yet, completely unplug. Many electronics and battery chargers continue to draw a small amount of power even when they are switched off. Instead, use a power strip to cut power completely when not in use.

9. Lighten up: Use energy efficient lighting and bulbs when possible and turn off lights when not in a room. That will cut energy use - and the family budget.

10. Get involved: As the sustainability movement gains traction among the public, there are more opportunities to join in. Local communities, schools and organizations often have green committees, and there is a plethora of national and grassroots organizations geared around earth-friendly living that appreciate new volunteers or members.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Recycling is certainly not a new concept. In fact, gardeners have been using one form of recycling - composting - for about as long as people have tilled the soil. Composting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to give your garden a boost.

Start your compost pile now, before winter settles in, and come spring you'll have a jump on nutrient-rich compost to help your garden produce its best harvest. Composting happens by itself through natural decay and the breakdown of organic matter. Depending on your local climate, the composting process may not be fully completed with useable humus or compost until temperatures warm up.

"Composting is easy and can be done for as little as $10 - or even free if you build your own bin," says Bruce Augustin, senior director in research and development with Scotts. "It's a great way to provide essential nutrients to your soil, while recycling kitchen and yard waste, which helps keep refuse out of landfills."

It's easy to get started composting: find a bin, gather materials, build your pile and compost. Augustin offers the following easy-to-follow steps for getting started:

Begin with a bin

Containing your compost pile in a bin saves space, hastens decomposition and helps keep the pile neat. You can find many pre-made compost bins at home centers and garden stores. Or, you can build your own from plans found on the Internet with materials around your home.

Gather materials

There are two main sources of materials for your compost pile - your yard and your kitchen. From the yard, you can gather leaves, grass and plant clippings, and shrub or tree trimmings. From the kitchen, add fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds (including the filters), tea bags and eggshells. It's okay to toss in shredded newspaper (not colored or shiny newsprint since these don't decompose readily), but avoid meat scraps, bones, dairy products, grease or pet or human waste since these can all harbor harmful bacteria.

Build your pile

You should build your pile in layers, starting with a 4- to 6-inch layer of coarse material such as twigs or shrub clippings. Then, add on 3 to 4 inches of grass clippings. Next, add another 4- to 6-inch layer of leaves or garden debris and soak with water; moisture will help the microbes decompose the material faster. You can modify this order as needed, depending on the types of materials you have. After a few layers, be sure to add a 1-inch layer of garden soil, such as Miracle-Gro Garden Soil for Flowers and Vegetables.

Maintain compost

"A high-nitrogen fertilizer like Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, spread over each layer of your compost pile, will help the composting process by creating a favorable nitrogen to carbon ratio," says Augustin. Remember to turn or aerate the pile periodically to help move material from the outside closer to the center of the pile, where it will heat up and decompose faster. During the winter - depending on the region where you live - the center of the pile is where decomposition will take place, and adding water to keep the pile moist will aid the process.

Your compost will be ready to use once it has turned dark and crumbly, and gives off an earthy odor. Add the compost to your garden soil to help nourish your plants.

"Composting is not only beneficial for your garden, but it's also an easy, satisfying way to do something good for the environment," Augustin says.

For more tips on composting and other aspects of gardening and lawn care, visit www.Scotts.com. of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - If you haven't yet joined the "grow your own vegetables" craze, it's not too late to join in. You can produce a bounty of vitamin-rich veggies from plot (or pot) to plate this fall, plus you'll save a bundle by growing them yourself.

You may be surprised to find that with just a little attention and effort, growing fall vegetables in the backyard garden and in planters is even more enjoyable than planting a vegetable garden during the spring and summer seasons. Why? Cooler autumn temperatures make it a delight to spend time outside in the garden and also provide an advantage when it's time to harvest your crops.

You'll spend less time caring for your fall crops because of the favorable cool weather growing conditions. Plants will grow rapidly at first and gradually slow as the days become shorter and colder. Destructive insects won't be as numerous in autumn as they are in summer months. Weeds germinate less frequently and grow slower than they do during the warmer seasons. Compared to hot and dry summers, fall usually brings an increase in the amount of precipitation, eliminating another time-consuming chore - watering.

What you need to know:

1. Let the sunshine in.  Most vegetables need full sun - at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They also require a steady supply of moisture and nutrients from the soil. You can help ensure your plants get both by mixing a 2-inch layer of compost into the soil (bagged compost is available at garden centers). Or spread a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, according to labeled instructions. Plants will need an inch of moisture per week, either through rain or supplemental watering.

2. Start with transplants. Transplants buy you lots of time. Plants are six weeks or older when you put them into the ground, so you will begin harvesting much sooner than if you start from seed. Bonnie Plants transplants in biodegradable, environmentally friendly pots make planting easy and spare the use of much plastic. Just cut off the bottom of the pot, water and plant ... pot and all. Garden centers typically supply optimum fall varieties for your geographic region.

3. Don't fear frost. When frost threatens, cover plants with a floating row cover, cold frame or a cloche. Or, you can grow fall veggies in a container and move the pot to a protected location on frosty nights.

Essential, preliminary planning tips for fall vegetable gardens include:

* Before planting any new plant make sure that you clear the area of summer and spring crops planted previously, as they may decay and encourage bacterial infection.

* Spread a few inches of mulch or compost over the area. Make sure that you turn up the soil's top layer and water well. Allow the soil to rest for a day before planting new fall plants.

* During the fall season most areas experience rain and even frost, so make sure that your soil is well drained and doesn't get soggy.

Vegetables best suited for fall gardens:

After following the essential preliminary steps for fall vegetable gardening, it's time to select vegetables for planting. Here's a list of fast-growing, cold-hardy crops that are ideal for fall vegetable gardening:

Winterbor Kale - This nutritious leafy green is a vigorous producer that endures winter easily, even in very cold climates. Cut the outer leaves so that the center can continue growing. Space transplants about 12 inches apart

Georgia Collards - Another leafy green similar to kale, collards offer a larger, stronger, sweet cabbage-like flavor. Leaves taste best when young.  Space transplants 36 inches apart.

Romaine Lettuce - Romaine packs more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients than other popular types of lettuce. Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, romaine is an especially good vegetable for heart health. Space transplants 18 inches apart.

Early Dividend Broccoli - Popular, productive and easy to grow, this broccoli is high in fiber and calcium. Set transplants 18 inches apart

Mustard Greens - Offering spicy hot leaves, this is a very fast-growing, nutritious vegetable. Mustard greens always taste sweeter when nipped by frost. Space plants 12 inches apart

Bonnie Hybrid Cabbage - Bonnie's best cabbage. Grows large, round, blue-green heads. Cabbage is especially high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, K and fiber.

Arugula - These fast-growing leafy greens are great for salads or gourmet recipes. This peppery-tasting green is a super food for your bones. The leaves are "nutrient dense" and low in calories. They are especially high in vitamins A, C, and K.

If you put these practices into place this fall, you'll get your garden off to the right start and set it up for a fruitful season. Preparation is key, but the reward is a healthier, more productive garden - and fresh food that tastes better than anything you can buy at the store.

To learn more about vegetable and herb varieties as well as gardening tips, visit www.bonnieplants.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent