Monday, May 4, 2009

Russ House Century Plant Blooms

An absolutely amazing event is occurring here at the Russ House. The large Century Plant by the front steps facing Lafayette Street has begun it’s "once in its lifetime" blooming process. The "flower" of this plant starts as an asparagus shaped stalk from the center of the plant, grows 5-6 inches per day, and the stalk will grow up to 35’ high before blooming.
The myth, and thus the name, implies that it only blooms once a century. The truth is that it only blooms once in its lifetime, and the lifetime of the plant is 10-35 years, with an average blooming cycle of 25-28 years. The flower grows so fast, it saps the life out of the plant and will ultimately kill it.
So, make a point to drive by or visit the Russ House and watch this spectacle of nature unfold over the coming weeks. Based on the age and maturity of the mother plant, we anticipate the "flower" reaching a height of between 30 & 35 feet, and being in full bloom by late June. At its peak, it will likely be taller than the Russ House.
The story of this flowering Century plant will be a compelling visual journey that will showcase the Russ House and potentially draw the "eyes of the world" to us.I am calling on all members of the Chamber and all citizens of Jackson County to "join us on this rare journey". Tell your friends, come by and visit for yourself, take pictures, and email them to your contacts all over the world.
This is a unique opportunity to call attention to the beauty of Jackson County and the historic Russ House, and to create interest from people around the globe. What a beautiful and interesting way to celebrate "springtime in Jackson County.
Leadership Jackson County Registration
Our 2009 Leadership Jackson County class begins this week with a full class of 15 excited and eager participants. This impressive group of citizens will explore all major aspects of our community over the next eight months, and will have the opportunity to debate and discuss issues of lasting significance to the citizens of Jackson County.
The first class starts this week with a look at Jackson County History through the eyes of historian and author, Dale Cox. Following his presentation, the class will examine the vision for Jackson County and explore the implications of demographic and population growth projections over the next 30 years.
At the close of their first day of class, the members of the class of 2009 will be joined by graduates of the 2007 and 2008 classes for a relaxing networking get-acquainted reception. Congratulations to these engaged, involved citizens on their commitment to learn more about their community and seek ways to make a difference.
MAY FIRST FRIDAY –
A SPECIAL SPEAKER
Have you ever noticed how time seems to fly when spring arrives? Just where did the past month go? It’s already time to start talking about our next First Friday Power Breakfast on May 1st.
The month of May brings us National Hospital Week, and Jackson Hospital is proud to sponsor a special First Friday showcase program featuring Dr. Sally Karioth, a nationally renowned grief therapist, nurse, teacher, writer, speaker and talk show hostess.
At this First Friday Power Breakfast on May 1st at the Ag Conference Center on Penn Avenue, Dr. Sally Karioth will share her amazing gift for evoking a wide range of emotions from her audience. If one sentence were used to characterize her speeches, it is her slogan… "Enjoy life…this is not a dress rehearsal!"
Since 1970, Karioth has been a member of the faculty of Florida State University School of Nursing, where she teaches one of the university’s most popular courses on death and dying. For more than 20 years, Karioth also has been a counselor, helping people cope with the death of loved ones. Her particular concern is parents who have lost a child to death.
Dr. Karioth recently updated and expanded her 1985 book, If You Want To Know If You’re Dying, Ask the Cleaning Lady (And Other Thoughts On Life and Happiness). The book offers a common sense, sometimes humorous, approach to illness and death, and emphasizes that bereavement is a natural part of life to which we are all entitled.
She carries that message on the lecture trail, over which she travels more than 500,000 miles a year, and repeats it in motivation tapes and videos sold at her speeches. Most in demand among business, education and health care groups, Karioth takes listeners on a rollicking ride of funny anecdotes, somber insights and helpful suggestions.
Karioth is a 1967 graduate of the Wisconsin-Green Bay Bellin School of Nursing and a 1969 graduate of the University of Wisconsin (Madison), of which she was named an outstanding Alumnus in 1992. She went on to earn two master’s degrees and a Ph.D.