United Way Kick Off.

Carthage Area United Way, Inc. will kickoff their 2010/2011 Campaign Thursday, September 16, 2010. Wayne Wilson, Volunteer Campaign Chairman will announce the goal and introduce the volunteer cabinet at the noon luncheon kickoff to be held at Broadview Country Club in Carthage. The sponsors for this year’s kickoff luncheon are Arvest Bank, Hometown Bank, Southwest Missouri Bank and UMB Bank

Report Luncheons are scheduled for noon, October 21st with a "Tailgate" theme and November 18th with a "Give Thanks" theme at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, Carthage.

The Carthage Area United Way supports 15 non-profit agencies that provide services in the local area. These agencies include ACHE Dental Clinic, American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, Carthage Crisis Center, Carthage Crosslines, Cerebral Palsy Center of Tri-County, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Family Literacy Council, Girl Scouts, Jasper County 4-H, Lafayette House, Ozark Camp Quality, Carthage Salvation Army and Special Olympics.

It’s somethin’ that most just expect. Baseball fields, soccer fields, swimmin’ pool, grassy park’s with adequate facilities and equipment. Not only do we expect it to be available, but ta be kept in shape so when we have a family get together we don’t have ta apologize for the grass not bein’ mowed.

Carthage has one a the best baseball fields in the area I’m told. Same with the soccer fields. I’m also hearin’ that the swimin’ pool saw heavier usage this year. Folks use the Parks System in Carthage.

Havin’ those facilities available for use by the School System at minimal cost appears to be just one more benefit the community sees from havin’ all those acres dedicated to the Parks System. Glad I don’t have ta mow it.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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Weekly Columns

• Cut a clean shower curtain into two pieces and use them to protect floors at entranceways when you’re having bad weather. They are easy to drag outside and spray clean when the weather clears.

• Blend sweet, juicy fruits in a chopper or blender and add to unsweetened plain yogurt for a healthy treat.

• "Electronic items like cameras and cell phones come with so many accessory cords these days. I store mine in snack-size plastic baggies. I write on a small piece of paper what the cord is for and then stick that in the bag. The bags can be reused as electronic items are changed out, and although the cords all look the same, you can tell instantly what each is for." -- U.L. in Maryland

• Use a paintbrush to dust wicker furniture. It can get into all the nooks and crannies better than any cloth.

• To store cast-iron cookware, it must be completely dry. It can still get scratched up, though. Try inserting a paper plate between stacked pans to protect the cooking surface and to absorb any moisture.

• "If you color your hair at home, try this handy tip: Using petroleum jelly, lightly coat your ears and your hairline -- two places that usually get dye on them. This can be easily washed off in the shower, and it will protect your skin." -- E.F. in Alabama