COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SW MISSOURI NOW ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS.

The Community Foundation of Southwest Missouri is currently accepting grant proposals from schools, 501 c 3 organizations, and community organizations in Barton, Jasper, McDonald, and Newton counties. Grant awards will range from $250 - $5,000. (requests for transportation, insurance, and salaries cannot be funded)

Preference will be given to applicants that have not previously received grants from the Foundation, and projects that show an innovative approach to addressing community issues, broad community impact and collaboration between local Organizations. Applications must be received by June 21, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.

Apply online at www.cfozarks.org/online_application.php

Contact: Michelle Ducre (417) 206-0087 or (417) 359-5534 or mducre@cfozarks.org.

Andrew Chandler from Jasper County was elected President of the Missouri 4-H Council during the June 2 - 4 "Step Up With Missouri 4-H" State Congress.

It’s always interestin’ when newcomers are introduced into a family gatherin’. Seems all the old stories get retold, some heartwarming and others downright embarrassin’’.

Most family members take it in good humor, while a few are always makin’ excuses to leave the room when some particular topic is raised. The newcomers don’t have the advantage of past experience to take advantage of breaks in the conversation to slip from the grasp of family history. They can’t walk away sayin’, "I’ve heard that story a hunderd times" as they shuffle off to greener pastures.

‘Course the story tellers know this fact and take full aim at any ear with interest.

That may account for my brother usually sittin’ alone talkin’ to himself.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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Weekly Columns

HERE’S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson

• Add a dry sponge to your crisper drawer to draw excess moisture that would otherwise spoil the vegetables.

• "We had an unfortunate event recently in our upstairs bathroom. The toilet overflowed, and when we tried to turn off the water, the knob to turn it off wouldn’t budge. Here’s some good advice from the plumber, for which we paid dearly: Turn water valves on and off twice a year to keep them from sticking. Know where your home’s water cutoff valve is, and have the necessary tool to close it readily available." -- L.E. in Ohio

• "Instead of buying pricey air freshener for your car, just put one sheet of your favorite dryer sheet under your seat. You will definitely save money, and your car will smell great." -- I.T. in South Carolina

• You can use vegetable oil to remove the leftover sticky bits of a price tag. Rub it directly on the paper and adhesive. Let it set for a minute or two, and rub off with a paper towel.

• "When you have soups, stews or meats to freeze, let the food cool to room temperature, then do this: Double-line a large container with self-sealing plastic bags. Fill the bags and let all the air out of them. Lay in the freezer flat. They stack much better and take up way less room." -- M.K. in Texas

• Banish mildew from beneath entryway welcome mats: Mix 1 cup bleach into 1 gallon of water and use it to scrub away mildew from concrete. Let dry and seal with a concrete sealer. Be sure to allow the area some sunlight from time to time.