Committee Gets Roof Pitch.

The Public Services Committee was presented with an alternative plan for replacing the roof on Memorial Hall during their regular monthly meeting in the Parks Department building Monday evening.

The proposal would restructure the roof from a rounded shape to a pitched roof. According to City Administrator Tom Short, the contractor would construct the frame work over the existing roof line with a gutter system dispensing of rain water runoff. There would be no additional cost as long as the standard grey-silver color was used. Any other color would add $2,700 to the project.

This is the second request by the contractor for a modification to the bid specifications which called for just covering the existing curved roof. Short has told the Committee that the existing roof is not actually a smooth curve, but a series of angles that will be difficult to cover with the metal roofing material as specified. The contractor’s first request to use a synthetic film-like material was rejected at an earlier meeting. The Committee will await recommendations from the architect. Other change orders should be anticipated said Short.

My mom used ta relay fond memories of roller skatin’ as a kid.

The small town that I grew up in had maybe four or five blocks of sidewalks. Didn’t do much sidewalk skatin’. Ya can’t roller skate on a gravel road either (or in a buffalo herd I’m told.)

As kids, we did always have a bicycle. This form of recreation and transportation did fit in to the community’s rural character. We of course didn’t limit our experience to merely makin’ idle trips to the drug store soda fountain, we sought adventure.

Concrete blocks with a two by twelve made one of the initial tests of courage. Later we would ride up one side of a teeter-totter and down the other side. I never got the hang of ridin’ a bike on a railroad rail, but then, it wasn’t far to fall.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing Services

PRIME TIME WITH KIDS

by Donna Erickson

Kids everywhere are on the go. For many young travelers, getting there may mean flying alone.

If you are like many parents, sending a preteen or teen on a solo journey isn’t so easy the first time. A friend of mine recalls sending her 12-year-old daughter on her first unaccompanied flight. When her daughter called to say she had arrived safely, my friend hung up the phone and exclaimed with relief, "The Eagle has landed ... One small step for Erin, one giant leap for her mother!"

Here are some basic tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable flight for your child:

• Request a guide brochure for unaccompanied children and teens from your airline, which outlines rules, regulations and helpful safety tips.

• Call the airline at least 48 hours ahead of the flight to request a kids’ menu.

• Flight attendant Julia Applegate of Northwest Airlines reminds parents to be attentive to every detail of the child’s itinerary, including making sure the child gets on the correct plane. During hectic boardings, it can be confusing, especially if departure gates change at the last minute. Once your child boards, stay in the gate area until the plane is airborne.

The adult meeting your child at the destination should always call to check on the actual time of arrival of the flight. Many flights are early, leaving kids to wait with the gate agent.

• Remind your child that it is okay to ask a flight attendant to review the personal safety demonstration for them. Airplane seat belts may unfasten differently from automobile belts. Your child may also request to be moved if seated beside someone he/she is not comfortable with. Children should never give their address and phone number to another passenger even though they have enjoyed a friendly visit during the flight.

• Pack an activity bag full of diversions. Be sure the bag is lightweight - school backpacks are ideal. We also pack fruit juice and snacks they like. Include change for phone calls and cash for headsets if you feel the on-board film is appropriate for your child.