Today's Feature

Salvation Army "Tools for School."

The Salvation Army is preparing for Tools for School, a program which has helped provide school supplies for hundreds of regional children. Contributions are currently being accepted from the community.

Supplies including backpacks without wheels, paper, pencils, pens, glue sticks, bottles of glue, erasers, etc. may be donated at 125 E. Fairview. In the past the Salvation Army has purchased many of these items additionally, and for that reason cash donations are also being accepted. Volunteers are also welcome to help sort the supplies and pack the bags on Wednesday, August 6.

For those needing school supplies, applications will be accepted beginning today, July 21 through Friday, August 1. Applicants must apply at 125 E. Fairview between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.. The supplies are available for children grades 1 through 7. In order to register the head of household must bring their photo identification. Further information may be obtained by calling the Salvation army at 258-2262.

I always heard the best way ta count how many motorcycles were in a parade was ta count the wheels and then divide by two. Some kina new math I suppose.

A friend of mine tells of an acquaintance that bought a new Harley, had it shipped to a motorcycle rally then flew in to enjoy the festivities. Not your typical motorcycle enthusiast I don’t suppose.

My uncle used ta ride his Zundap motorcycle ever’where he went. Mom always got a kick out of the story of how you can tell a happy cyclist – bugs on their teeth. It was apparently a very visual image that always made her laugh at that one.

I never rode with a wind screen. Wore old aviation goggles. But my mom did teach me there are times it’s better ta keep my mouth shut.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Patching a Vinyl Floor.

Q: There’s a scorch mark on my kitchen floor caused when my son dropped a lighted match (don’t ask, it was a teenage thing, I guess) on it. I tried scrubbing it out, but it seems to be melted into the vinyl. How can I fix it? -- Jeri in San Antonio

A: Extreme heat and solvents are enemies of the vinyl floor -- they can eat right into the surface and are difficult to repair or cover up. It may be better to replace the damaged section, and it’s one of the easier home repairs.

If the floor is vinyl tile, then loosen the damaged tile (a heat gun will soften the adhesive) and pry it up with a putty knife. Soften the old adhesive with mineral spirits (being careful not to contact the surrounding tiles) and scrape away. Spread new flooring adhesive and press a new tile into place, wiping away any excess adhesive that oozes out of the edges.

A floor that has sheet vinyl (the vinyl flooring was rolled out in one big piece and trimmed to fit the room) can also be patched. First, get a patch of matching vinyl -- if you don’t have any extra, "steal" a piece from underneath an appliance or from the inside of the kitchen pantry if the flooring extends there -- by cutting out a square using a sharp utility knife.

Place the patch square over the damaged area and trace around it to mark your cutting area. Remove the patch. Using the utility knife (change the blade if possible), cut along the lines. Use a putty knife to pry up the damaged section. As above, clean away old adhesive, apply new adhesive and press the patch into place. To make sure it holds, cover the patch with wax paper and stack some books on top for at least a day.

Finish the patch by applying liquid seam sealer around the patch edges.

HOME TIP: Liquid seam sealer is great for quick repairs to vinyl floors.