Spare Cat Rescue at Work.

A year end report by Spare Cat Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of cats in the Carthage area, shows they have thus far this year found homes for 159 cats, dogs and rabbits from the Carthage Humane society. This is an increase from the total for the entire year of 2009 of 129.

The SCR also hosted two low-cost spay/neuter clinics in 2010. At both clinics, SCR paid part of the cost of the operations and the cat owners paid a nominal fee. The March event resulted in 53 cats spayed and neutered and 51 cats in November.

The Carthage Council voted to make it legal to maintain feral cat colonies within the city. Colonies must be registered with SCR and must be feral (wild) and at least eighty percent must be spayed or neutered. Several colonies have been trapped, neutered and returned since the ordinance was passed. The SCR is currently looking for dedicated caregivers who are caring for feral colonies and would like to participate in the trap, neuter, return program. For information e-mail spare_cat_rescue@yahoo.com.

Saw a hitchhiker out on the road the other day. I passed him goin’ the wrong way and about an hour later came back by him in the direction he was headin’. I wasn’t willin’ to take the chance.

The hitcher threw up his arms in disgust as I passed him by. I felt a little less guilty by seein’ him vent his frustration. Wasn’t the kind a person I wanted ridin’ anyway, I told myself.

There was a time when I’d hardly ever pass the opportunity to give someone a lift out on the road. Right now, it’s just bad timin’. Whether justified or not, the feelin’s of caution are in the air.

I hope the guy got where he was goin’, but I doubt I’ll be givin’ in to the temptation to pick up any hikers anytime soon.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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Weekly Columns

artCentral

ART NOTES from Hyde House

by Sally Armstrong, Director of artCentral

One of the distinct pleasures of living in Carthage is the generosity displayed by its businesses and residents. artCentral has been the receiver of many generous gifts and donations over the five years that I have served here as director—many local and area corporations and businesses have donated their underwriting funds, given gifts of printing or supplies when needed. We are thankful to all the area folks that have allowed us to display posters, put our art in their lobbies, or display our signs on their properties. I will recognize this year’s underwriters and donors at year’s end, but today I want to thank a former downtown business, "Second Street Gallery" and it’s owner, Mary Beimdiek, for a special donation that we will be taking advantage of this coming Saturday. When this store had its final sale before closing a few years ago, a lot of merchandise was left, particularly Christmas ornaments and other decorations for holiday use. Mary has generously given to artCentral this remaining merchandise to liquidate for her as our donation, and we will be doing so this Saturday, December 4th at the old store location, 308 W. 2nd in Carthage, from 9:00-4:00 that day only. You will find everything at 75% off of the original prices. There are a lot of beautiful mercury glass ornaments in several shapes, sizes and colors, some Old World and Radko glass ornaments and brightly colored round, oversized glass ball ornaments in both shiny and satin finishes. We have some candles, other ornaments and accessories, and a small group of full sized artificial trees and greenery. A bit of general merchandise is also included. Transactions will need to be cash or check only, please. Come out before or during the CHPHoliday Homes Tour and take a look at what we are showing in the last sale at Second Street, and we send thanks once more to Mary for her generous donation to artCentral!