Stone’s Throw Christmas Production.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the next production of Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre, will be presented Dec. 12 thru 15 and Dec. 19 thru 22. The location of the theatre is 796 South Stone Lane, Carthage. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. weekdays and at 1:00 p.m. Sunday. The show follows dinner.

The production is written by Barbara Robinson, produced by arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., and is directed by William Roehling. This story is about the awful Herdman kids who take over the Church Christmas Pageant.

Featured in Stone’s Throw cast are: Brenna Barksdale, Betty Bell, Chelsa Borland, Elisia Conrardy, Jerry Cooper, Lincoln Cooper, Connor Cooper, Jeremy Daughtery, and James Flanigan, all from Carthage.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is appropriate for all age groups. For reservations or information or information call 417-358-9665, 417-358-7268 or email bbell23@ipa.net. Box office personnel will be at 417-358-9665 beginning on December 9th at 10 a.m. through 12 noon.

The cool weather last weekend was just right to put an edge on my exercise of seein’ how close I could come to a nail without doin’ enough damage to my fingers so I would be forced to lay down the hammer.

Workin’ from a ladder, I was placed in the position where I could strike justice with both my right and left hand, thus givin’ equal time for both sides of the story.

Bein’ prone to favor my right hand for hammer swingin’, I was more accurate, usually, but also did more damage when I miscalculated. When swingin’ with the left hand, I was only able to inflict a little sting, but that one good shot with my stronger right handed swing resulted in a swell blood blister. It’s amazin’ how well the voice travels through the neighborhood on a quiet, cool afternoon, from the top of a twenty foot ladder. Even the squirrels scattered.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing Services

Your America

By Amy Anderson

December Festivals

The month of December is filled with holiday gatherings. As the weather turns colder and winter settles in, we see an increase in community events. Check your local paper or community Web site to find out what’s happening in your area — festivals of trees, First Nights and holiday crafts markets are overflowing. But if you are searching for something of a holiday twist, consider these four events in the month of December.

Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering

During the first weekend in December, the Del E. Webb Center in Wickenburg, Ariz., hosts the 14th Annual Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering. Beloved for its nostalgic images of the Old West, cowboy poetry is a longstanding tradition. Come see some of the masters perform onstage (Sky Shivers and Jean Prescott) or see up-and-comers at the theme sessions. Sunday’s ticket includes a nondenominational cowboy worship service. For more information, call (928) 684-5479 or log on to www.outwickenburgway.com.

Electronic Music Midwest

On the campus of Lewis University, in Romeoville, Ill., you will find an annual gathering (now in its fourth year) of electronica aficionados. Admission is free, and concerts run from Thursday, Dec. 5, to
Saturday, Dec. 7. For a schedule go to www.electronicmusicmidwest.org or call the campus at (815) 836-5619.

Pirates in Paradise

Key West, Fla., plays host to pirates of all ages from now through Dec. 8. Historical ships will be docked in Key West’s historic seaport, balls and parties will be thrown, and fight circles and swashbuckling swordplay will be seen throughout the town streets. Look out especially for the living history encampments, or better yet, get on a ship and go for a pirate cruise (no pillaging, please). Prices vary by event, but many are family-friendly and free. For more information, log on to www.piratesinparadise.com or call (305) 296-9694.

Indio International Tamale Festival

Indio, Calif., once again celebrates the tamale as a traditional holiday food in Hispanic culture. And what a spicy festival it is. Held Dec. 7-8 on the streets of Old Town Indio from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can expect food, family fun and hot performers. To get details, call (760) 342-6532 or log on to www.tamalefestival.com.