Master Gardener Program Registration Deadline January 15.

The Jasper County University of Missouri Extension has conducted a Missouri Master Gardener program since 1992. This year’s course begins January 26. The deadline to register for the course is January 15. Anyone who has not already received an application can request one by calling University of Missouri Extension in Carthage at (417) 358-2158.

Trained Master Gardeners assist Extension specialists in providing unbiased educational information about various aspects of horticulture to the public.

Since 1992, nearly 380 people have taken the course. Many of these are very active in conducting community projects, providing educational programs and other horticultural/gardening activities.

A person who wishes to become a Master Gardener is required to attend 30 hours of training, and agree to return 30 hours of service during the following year. The fee is $125, but thanks to the support of the Ozark Gateway Master Gardener organization, the cost to those enrolling will be $95.

I never too VoAg in high school. Most of the kids liked workin’ on various projects usin’ the weldin’ equipment. My brother made an outdoor cooker that we actually used a few times.

My most vivid memory from visits to the "class room" where the various equipment was kept was all the rods hangin’ from the ceilin’. I just couldn’t figure out their function. Come ta find out they were weldin’ rods sharpened on the grinder by the students and then flipped up so they stuck. Must a been three or four dozen in various parts of the room. When the weldin’ rod inventory started reachin’ a dangerous state, the guys would get up on a buddy’s shoulders and grab a few to finish his project. Real inventive kids I grew up with.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Lady Plumbers Take Note

Q: I would bet that even most lady plumbers would not call an O-ring a washer! To enlighten you, an O-ring is (usually) a round cross-section thing that overall is shaped like an "O." It comes in many diameters and cross-section widths. A washer is more like a solid chunk of hard rubber with a hole in the middle for the screw that holds it in place in the stem. Now you will not make that mistake again. -- R. Muschett, via e-mail

A: Thanks -- nothing like corrections when they come with a side of old-fashioned sexism. I’m sure professional lady plumbers everywhere are relieved to finally know the difference between O-rings and washers.

That said, it is indeed important to note the difference between O-rings and washers, particularly when describing what you need to a home-improvement store employee (male or female) who doesn’t know the difference. Mr. Muschett’s description of each is pretty accurate.

More importantly, when replacing an O-ring or washer, bring the old part with you to the home-improvement store to get the correct size. Washer/O-ring assortments in common sizes also can be purchased so that you always have a small variety on hand before having to perform any repairs. And, if you’re really on the ball and know the brand and model of each of your home’s faucets, you can buy a repair kit with the exact size washers and O-rings -- if the faucet isn’t too old.

HOME TIP: Protect yourself or family members from accidental scalding by setting the water heater temperature to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit