Love coming to Peacetown
EDITOR: Mr. Music (aka Jim Corbett) brings his talented friends to Peacetown on Aug. 23 from 5-8 p.m. Opening the show will be the famous Love Choir, with sing-a-long songs of peace and joy.
Mr. Music has brought together a stellar lineup of musicians and singers including local favorites: Buzzy Martin, Sherrie Phillips, Frank Hayhurst, Catfish Jack and a special mystery guest. All are backed by finest band including Rick Cutler, Kent Fossgreen, Steve Barbieri, with a full horn section. Cold Lagunitas beer, fine wine and food trucks are available; Bring your good vibes and your dancing shoes. You’re gonna have fun.
Jim Corbett
Sebastopol
Protect your eyes during the eclipse
EDITOR: Most of us are aware of the total solar eclipse that is to happen in the United States on Aug. 21. While the prospect of seeing this phenomena is exciting, it cannot be emphasized strongly enough that special precautions need to be undertaken to protect your eyes when viewing anything except a total eclipse.
When a portion of the sun is blocked, its brightness may not be enough to elicit our reflex to stop looking at it. Because of this, people tend to stare at the partial eclipse too long. This can cause irreversible injury to the retina that may not be immediately evident. Also, this danger is greater for young people than older people, as younger people have bigger pupils and clearer lenses. Children who watch the eclipse need to be supervised.
To view the eclipse safely, special purpose solar safety filter glasses are needed for every aspect of it except the time the moon completely blocks the sun. NASA and the American Astronomical Society offer links online to reputable companies that market quality solar filters. It is not advisable to view the partial eclipse without the proper filters, but those that do would be wise to only view the eclipse for seconds at a time to avoid permanent eye damage, or to create a pinhole with paper to view the shadow of the event on the ground.
Our vision is precious but somewhat fragile. Please be careful about protecting your eyes and the eyes of your loved ones if you plan to view the eclipse.
We have a limited supply of free solar eclipse glasses at our office located at 6880 Palm Avenue. Please stop in and pick a pair up. One per person.
Eric J. Kahle, MD
Ophthalmologist
Eye Associates of Sebastopol Medical Group
