Pleasant Living Magazine

The Humane Society of the United States encourages pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their pets safe while celebrating the Fourth of July.

While parades and fireworks displays are beloved Independence Day traditions, for many pets the noise and commotion can be overwhelming.  In fact, so many pets become frightened and try to flee the sights and sounds that animal shelters around the nation report a dramatic increase in lost pets during the holiday.

"The loud fireworks and large gatherings of people at public Fouth of July festivities can be stressful for your pets," said Inga Fricke, The HSUS' director of sheltering and pet care issues.  "It's best to enjoy the Independence Day holiday by ensuring that your furry friends are safe at home."

To ensure your pets stay safe this Fourth of July holiday, follow these simple tips:

On Saturday, May 12 the Warsaw Farmers Market will be highlighting one "mystery market ingredient" and tasking local chef K.G. Smith of The Daily to reveal one set of super samples featuring local produce from Sisson's Produce- Level Green Farm.  Could his dish include strawberries?  Maybe asparagus or sweet potatoes?  Future Tastes of the Market will feature other vendor's offerings (perhaps bison or goat cheese) and another local chef- but customers should always get to the market early to find out because these samples will be served on a first come, first served basis!

Opening at 9 a.m. and running until 1 p.m. on the grassy corner of Main Street, Route 360 and Court Circle in the heart of historic Warsaw, the market will feature all of the vendors bringing the goods we've come to know and love.  Saturday's lineup includes Sisson's Produce, Millwood Farm Produce, Kemper's Nursery, The Wellness Place with organic food and produce, Lady Jane;s Kettle Corn and Edmonds Bison Farm, just to name a few.  Other vendors will offer handcrafted jewelry, baskets, pottery and home baked goods, all offering a great variety of choices to pick up a gift for Mother's Day!

There will be a Barnyard Babies petting zoo for the young visitors, featuring a baby turkey, bunnies, and even a goat or two!  Musical entertainment will be provided by Cold Steel Country.

This is an event brought to the community by the non-profit Warsaw Richmond County Main Street Program, the market will be held the second Saturday of each month from May through September.  For more details, including how to become a vendor, go to http://www.warsawfarmersmarket.com/

In May the market overflows with lush spring flowers both cut and potted.  The transition to summer produce is anticipated as strawberry season ends and rasberries ripen.  Over 35 vendors to sell year-round items such as mushrooms, meats, seafood, cheese, honey, baked goods, jams and butters, peanuts, and chocolate.  Knife sharpening services are also available, and chef presentations, master gardener exhibits and music add education and enjoyment to a market visit!

Call 757-259-3768 or visit the website  regularly for available products and produce!

The Bay School Auction Committee is already hard at work planning and organizing the 14th Annual Bay School Auction, the primary fund raiser for the oganization.  This popular event will be held Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the home of John and Linda Digges.  The all-volunteer group is co-chaired this year by Amanda Taylor, Mary Chapman and Renee Miles.  They coordinate the 12 sub-committees comprised of over 30 people.  Additional details about the auction will be publicized over the summer.  It's not too soon to mark your calendar!