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Datebook: April 20 - Louis Pasteur Develops Pasteurization 150 Years Ago

Louis Pasteur was a French chemist and microbiologist known for his remarkable breakthroughs in vaccinating rabies and anthrax, and for reducing mortality from fevers. He may be best remembered for the discovery that is his namesake: pasteurization, a method to stop milk, beer, and wine from causing sickness. His research showed that the growth of micro-organisms were responsible for spoiling beverages. So he invented a process in which liquids were heated to kill most the bacteria already present within. He, along with Physiologist Claude Bernard, completed the  first test on April 20, 1862. Because of his study in germs, Pasteur encouraged doctors to sanitize their hands and equipment before surgery, a practice relatively unheard of at the time.

It’s Friday, April 20

There’s an Animal Health Technology and Pet ID Day tomorrow from 8 to 4 at Carmen Pavilion, across from Calloway County High School.  Services offered include heartworm testing for dogs and feline leukemia and immunodeficiency tests for cats.  Bathing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and microchipping is also available.  Find prices and details atforthepets.org.

Graves County High School’s Curtain Call is tomorrow night at 7.  The variety show features the best of the school’s Fine Arts Academy, including students from orchestra, jazz band, musical theater, and forensics.  The performance takes place in the district’s Performing Arts Center.  Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students. 

The Murray State University Symphony Orchestra presents its spring concert on Sunday afternoon at 2 in Lovett Auditorium.  Hear works by Wagner and Dvorak, as well as a new composition by junior music education major Barry Sharp.  The concert is free and open to the public.

Find details about community events at wkms.org.  Thanks for listening.

Kala Dunn is a native of Princeton, Ky. She’s a 2006 graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy with a concentration in flute performance and a 2010 graduate of Murray State University with a B.M. in piano performance. She lives in Hamlin, Ky.
Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
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