Summer Junior Ranger program.

George Washington Carver National Monument announces the 2010 Summer Junior Ranger program. This program is geared for boys and girls 10 to 12 years old. Summer Junior Rangers spend three Saturdays exploring the grounds of George Washington Carver National Monument and learning about George Washington Carver.

Summer Junior Rangers will spend much of their time outdoors and several exciting activities are planned. Children completing the Summer Junior Rangers receive a badge, certificate, and special T-shirt. This program is free of charge, however space is limited and reservations are required, so please call the park to reserve a spot for your child. The program runs each day from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Choose from one of the following sessions:

Session One: June 12th, 19th, and 26th

Session Two: July 17th, 24th, and 31st

George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of Carver, scientist, educator, and humanitarian.

Bluestem Band Featured at 2010 Carthage Acoustic Festival.

The Carthage Acoustic Festival pre-festival concert will feature the band Bluestem this Friday at the old High School Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. Opening the show will be Alan Young and Joe Smith blending their Dobro/guitar talents and showcasing Young’s vocal and songwriting abilities.

The Bluestem group was formed in 1982 and has performed frequently on stage at the Winfield Music Festival and is a seasoned and professional performance.

Advanced tickets for the Friday show are on sale at Oldies & Oddities Mall on the Square, or at the door for $7. Children under 12 are free.

The Festival will continue on the Historic Carthage Square from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday.

The Fesitval is sponsored by the Powers Museum with funding assistance from the Helan S. Boylan Foundation. Other considerations provided by the City of Carthage, the Jasper County Commission and the Mornin’ Mail and is produced in cooperation with the Carthage Convention and Visitors Bureau. info@visit-carthage.com

Bluestem Band members:

Keith Alberding, sings the girl parts and has all the charm of a banjo player. He always waits until you mouth is full of coffee to tell the punch line. Plays banjo, guitar, and sings tenor

Jim Rood, runs with scissors and usually talks too much. He is not usually influenced by quality.Plays fiddle, guitar, and sings baritone and tenor

Rick Marshall, can recite every line from Monty Python’s Holy Grail and likes pie.He has a large collection of our capos. He even has Elvis’s capo. thank you very much.Plays guitar, and sing baritone and tenor

Marvin Pine, is the geezer and is the owner of the largest boot collection. He is Cowboy #54 in the state.Plays bass, spurs, and recites cowboy poetry.

Woody the wonder bass

The real star of the show, holds Marvin up.

"We hope to see you down the trail for some tunes and some laughs."

As is usual this time a year, I start watchin’ the weather forecast. It looks like this Saturday will be another perfect day for the Carthage Acoustic Music Festival.

In some communication I’ve been gettin’ there have been a couple a versions of the name condensed. Some have referred to the event as the CAM and others the CAF. I suppose the acronym of CAMF just doesn’t ring as well.

‘Course I really don’t care what ya call it, just come by and enjoy it.

We are havin’ the open stage again this year for anyone with the guts to get up and perform. It starts at 10 a.m. in the mornin’ and runs till 1 p.m. As usual, no tapes or electrified instruments. This will be the 9th year that the Helen S. Boylan Foundation has helped fund the project.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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HERE’S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson

• When frosting a cake, put a dollop of frosting in the middle of the serving plate, and then invert your cake onto it. It will keep the cake from sliding around while you frost.

• "I try to keep a clean plastic no-spill cup in the car for each of my kids at all times. They don’t always remember to bring a drink, and we can fill them at water fountains when we unexpectedly visit the park or other fun places." -- K.R. in Nevada

• "I purchased a small misting spray bottle from the travel-items section of my local drugstore. I filled it with rubbing alcohol, and keep it on my desk at work. I use a tissue and the alcohol to clean my phone and keyboard regularly. I believe this has kept me from getting many illnesses this past season." -- F.D. in North Carolina

• Keep your outdoor hardwood furniture (teak, acacia, etc.) looking its best by cleaning and oiling it once per year. Liberally apply oil made for wood with a clean rag, then use another rag to wipe off any excess. It’s a simple thing that can make a big difference.

• "When I replaced the towel rack in our bathroom, my husband decided to keep the old one for his shop. He put several ‘S’ hooks on it, and stores all manner of tools and supplies on it." -- M.W. in Michigan

• "Save the plastic cups from pudding and yogurt. You can refill them at a fraction of the cost by making a box mix. Cover the top with plastic wrap secured with a small rubber band." -- A Reader, via e-mail