Briefs 7-10-08

Arts on Grand will present Music in the Gallery at 7 p.m. tonight. This week's featured musicians will be Tim and Amanda, and possibly a few special guests. They will perform music for guitar and voice with a country flavor, including covers of songs made famous by such groups as Creedence Clearwater Revival. A $5 donation is requested, with proceeds going to the artists.

Farm Field event tonight

The Iowa Learning Farm is hosting a field day at the Tom Wagner farmstead, rural Primghar, Iowa. The field day will be from 5:30-8 p.m. tonight. The public is invited to attend. A complimentary dinner will be served. Tom Wagner, an Iowa Learning Farm conservationist, will share his thoughts for those who are considering trying strip-tillage for the first time. The July 10 field day will be held at Tom Wagner's farmstead, 4236 Taft Avenue, Primghar. The farm is three miles east of Primghar on county road B-40, then 3.25 miles south on county road L-54 (Taft Avenue).

* An RSVP to the O'Brien County ISU Extension office is recommended, (712) 957-5045.

Light fixture designs on display

The contest for a new light fixture for the front foyer at Arts on Grand has ended, and the entries are now on display. The public is invited to stop at Arts on Grand and cast a vote for their favorite design. Those attending this year's Backyard Bach & Blues will have an opportunity to vote at the event.

Backyard Bach and Blues

Volunteers are needed for Arts on Grand's "Backyard Bach and Blues" fundraiser party, Saturday, July 12. Help is needed with the following: Event set up at the site on Saturday, preparing cheesecakes (recipes and instructions provided) and donations of hydrangeas or other fresh flowers.

* To volunteer, contact Joan Fideler at 262-2919.

Clay County Toy Show

The Clay County Toy Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, July 19, and from 12-5 p.m., Sunday, July 20 at the Southpark Mall. Collectors and toy fans will enjoy the variety of collectibles, farm toys, toy trucks, NASCAR, Coke products and much more memorabilia on display to buy, sell or trade.

'Terrific Trees' at Lost Island Nature Center

Weekend Program at Lost Island Prairie Wetland Nature Center will feature "Terrific Trees" at 10 a.m. on July 12. Join us to learn about Iowa trees as we hike through the forested trails near the Nature Center. We'll make prints of leaves belonging to Iowa natives using the technique of Cherokee leaf printing.

* For more information on this program or other programs at the Nature Center visit www.paccb.org. Sponsored by the Palo Alto County Conservation Board and Palo Alto Soil and Water Conservation District.

Ruthven Yard/Bake Sale

Ruthven United Methodist Yard Sale and Homemade Rolls and Pie

Beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, the Ruthven United Methodist Men are having their 5th Annual Yard Sale at the church on Rolling Street in conjunction with Bully Bull Head Weekend. Proceeds go towards an annual Community Betterment Project.

In addition, the Methodist Women will be holding a bake sale serving homemade cinnamon rolls and coffee in the Fellowship Hall from 7-10 p.m. One block east of the church at the Community Center, you can relax in air conditioned comfort while you enjoy a piece of your favorite kind of homemade pie from 10:30-2:30 p.m. Ice cream, iced tea and coffee will also be available. Proceeds go toward mission projects.

'Invasive Species' talk Monday

Lost Island Prairie Wetland Nature Center Program "Invasive Species" at 7 p.m., July 14. Ecologist, Laura Jackson, Ph.D. from the University of Northern Iowa will be speaking about invasive species. Dr. Jackson will explain what invasive plants and animals are and how we can help prevent them from taking control of Iowa's native habitats. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by Palo Alto Conservation Board and the Palo Alto Soil and Water Conservation District.