Today's Feature

Christmas Parade Entry Deadline.

The 36th Annual Carthage Christmas Parade, hosted by the Carthage Technical Center’s SkillsUSA Chapter will be held Monday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. The theme for this year’s parade is "Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree."

Those wishing to enter a float in the parade are asked to complete an entry form by Wednesday, November 12, 2008. Entry forms may be obtained by calling the Carthage Technical Center at 417-359-7026 ext. 17031 or by e-mailing sponauglem@carthage.k12.mo.us Entry forms may additionally be faxed to 359-7098.

The parade will follow its identical route of years past. The route will originate at the corner of Chestnut and Main (in front of the First Christian Church), proceed north on Main, circle the Carthage square, and then direct south on Grant street to end at Chestnut and Grant. The route is approximately 1 mile long.

Trophies will be awarded to first place winners in each category immediately following the parade on the steps of First Christian Church. Bands will be divided into sub-groups based upon their size/numbers and trophies will be awarded accordingly. Trophies will also be awarded for Mayor’s Choice, Director’s Choice, Best Interpretation of Theme, and Best Use of Lights. Entries must be decorated for the season. Judging will not take place before the parade, but will occur around the Carthage square.

SkillsUSA is a youth organization, made up of high school students who are enrolled in classes at the Carthage Technical Center. These classes cover a wide range of interests such as Electronics, Health Services, Computer Maintenance, Carpentry, Drafting, Auto Mechanics, and Precision Machining. The 2007-2008 year was very successful for the Carthage Chapter. The organization is 100 members strong and participated in several activities throughout the year. Last year the Carthage SkillsUSA took the largest group ever to participate in state competitions with nine individuals qualifying for nationals. The main community service project of the Carthage SkillsUSA chapter is the Carthage Christmas Parade. SkillsUSA has been part of the Carthage Christmas Parade since its beginning. The SkillsUSA creed is "We believe in the dignity of work and the American way of life."

Due to increased expense of sponsoring the parade, SkillsUSA charges an entry fee for all business and/or commercial entries, as well as politically based entries. The fee is $25 for each entry.

As a safety precaution, the Carthage Police Department has ruled that "treats" may not be thrown from moving units to spectators along the parade route. Additional participants walking beside units may hand out candy or gifts.

The Carthage Fire Department is responsible for booking the real Santa Claus as the parade finale. It is asked that no other participants attempt to portray Mr. Claus.

Participants will receive a confirmation letter indicating place in the parade line-up.

Mornin'
This year seems ta be an especially good one for the foliage. I noticed that the rain gutters are especially full and may require some rakin’ as well.

I see those covers that they sell that are supposed ta keep the gutters clean. I suppose they must deflect some of the debris, but I’ve gotta wonder if they’re worth the effort. I suppose like most things, when ya think about ‘em is after you’ve already cleaned out the gutters for the year.

I have often wondered if there is a equitable distribution of leafs among all properties. It seems that there is sometimes a disproportionate number of red leafs landing in my yard. ‘Course those who have no Maples get to also assist in rakin’ up some from the neighborin’ trees. I suppose it’s all part of the shared responsibility.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

There is a tendency to see physical illness as separate from our soul and spirit. But as we work toward a complete answer to what ails us, we need an integrated understanding that the mind, body, and spirit function together.

Foundational health includes balance in the physical, chemical, spiritual, and emotional components of our multi-dimensional physique.

God relates to His children as whole people and requires us to be good stewards of the life that He has entrusted to us.

I encourage you to ponder and then put into action, some basic principles as you step into the path of holistic wellness.

1. First pray for restoration of your health no matter what the problem. See James 5:13-6

2. Take responsibility for your health. To seek wise counsel is important which should include devising a personalized plan of action to restore balance in all areas of health.

3. Renew your mind. In most cases, the things you do and say begin with the things you think. Romans 12:2 tells us to "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind"

4. Laugh more.

5. Love more. Tend to your relationships as one would tend to a healthy garden.

6. Decide to eat something from God’s garden daily. Choose fresh, whole foods to fuel your body

7. Move your body. Our bodies were designed to move and work.

Yours in good health…naturally,

Leesa I. Robinson,

Natural Health Practitioner

artCentral
Art Notes from Hyde House
By Sally Armstrong, Director of artCentral

Holidays are near, and I think we all will agree that this year’s Christmas gift giving will be simpler for most of us this year, as we all try to conserve and spend our dollars wisely. I am making some decisions to give art as gifts this Christmas, giving a small painting or piece to a "whole family" in some cases, from our large family circle, or at least to a "couple". What better way to give something that a whole household can enjoy? Choose a small piece to enable the receiver an easier decision as to where it might hang, and give information about the artist, be it print or original. We have a nice selection of prints here at the Hyde House, by various artists, most local or regional. Most are reasonably priced. Another great location to find local art is at Cherry’s Framing and Art Gallery off the square in downtown Carthage. Cherry features original and reproduction works by Andy Thomas and Lowell Davis and has many other artists available as well, in both originals and prints. All Things Grand! on Grand Avenue features framed giclee prints by Jerry Ellis. And of course our friend Cleo Copeland in Joplin always has a beautiful selection of artist’s work at her shop, Cleo’s Framing and Gallery, downtown Joplin. Give the gift of art and it will be appreciated for years to come! And if holiday paintings are your choice, please be sure to visit artCentral’s new exhibition opening on November 21st. We will be featuring the original work of artist Glenda Manche of Charleston, Missouri. Glenda’s selection includes both watercolor and oil paintings, many of which are colorful Santas and other holiday scenes. A small Santa head painting would make a wonderful holiday gift for that person who enjoys the season and decorates early and extensively. I will tell you more about our artist and her work next week.