Festival of Friends at Memorial Hall.

The second annual Festival of Friends will be held 5 p.m.- 8 p.m., on Sept. 21, at the Memorial Hall, 407 South Garrison, Carthage, MO. This festival has a goal of bringing people together to celebrate diversity by sharing cultural displays, music, food and poetry. For more information, or to reserve a booth for your non-profit organization, contact Jinny Hopp, (417) 358-2158.

"The multicultural festivals, like the one in Carthage, will be a fun way to celebrate the diversity of cultures that are present in southwest Missouri," said Jinny Hopp, human development specialist, University Outreach and Extension.

The upcoming multicultural festivals in Monett, Noel, Carthage and Springfield are designed to celebrate the diversity of southwest Missouri and increase awareness of different cultures.

"These festivals are multicultural, showcasing Hispanic, African-American, Native American and Ozarks culture, music and food side-by-side. Each of them are free activities suitable for the entire family," said Pat Williams, diversity specialist, University Outreach and Extension.

Changes at artCentral.

By Lee Ann Sours, artCentral

This week the last of the carpeting was removed from artCentral. Underneath we found beautiful wood floors. These floors will be much cleaner and more functional than the carpet. Who knows what will happen in the upstairs rooms now; perhaps weaving, art classes, etc. We also have an art library, office space and a Members Gallery upstairs. I love the sunny office space upstairs. It puts me at eye level with the birds that inhabit the oak trees.

Other changes that have been made in the past include the garage makeover. It is now a pottery room and a classroom. The pottery room is equipped with wheels for throwing, cabinets and space for glazing and kilns for firing pottery. Above the pottery is classroom space which is utilized every summer for artCamp for kids. The kids get to work with various local artists and have multicultural and multimedia experiences.

AND one of the major changes of artCentral over the years is our location. We are located in the Hyde House which is next to the Fairview Greenhouse on East 13th Street. As you can tell, it is a wonderful facility and we are very fortunate to have the use of it.

NEW HOURS: T – F 11 - 5

Sunday 12 -5 Closed Mon. and Sat.

1110 E 13th 358-4404

ozarkartistscolony.com

I saw somethin’ the other day that really ticked me off. Then I forgot what it was. Unfortunately, not knowin’ why I was ticked off didn’t alter the fact that I was ticked.

After a while, I started gettin’ ticked that I couldn’t remember why I was ticked in the first place. The resulting double tick stacked up to the point that I think I started lookin’ for thick facts that might depict me bein’ ticked. At that point I decided it just wasn’t worth the effort and became deticked.

Most would have to agree that the natural unticked state is a more wholesome place ta be. The fact bein’ that I usually don’t have ta go lookin’ for any particular ticker to tackle. I suppose a good measure for the level of displeasure would be a ticker tape, but that is usually reserved for parades.

If ya need an excuse ta be ticked, you can use this column.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street health & herbs

Natural Nutrition

by Mari An Willis

Hawthorn has been used for centuries to support normal cardiovascular function. Hawthorn is rich in certain naturally occurring constituents that appear to work synergistically with one another to support cardiovascular function. The active component is thought to be flavonoid glycoside, but hawthorn also contains other compounds that are beneficial to your health, including additional flavonoids and even vit. C. Flavonoids give many plants their pigmentation and are loosely classified as compounds that protect and even strengthen living organisms and their bodily processes.

Hot off the press!!! Cayenne pepper has documented positive effects on the circulatory system. Although used for thousands of years in many different cultures, cayenne has come into common use in arthritis creams, circulatory support formulas and in spicy recipes. The active ingredient, capsaicin, makes the plant hot. Cayenne contains carotenoids and the vitamins C & E to name a few. Studies have shown promise for cayenne as a means to support healthy cardiovascular function by helping to maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels within a healthy range. Cayenne stimulates sweating which helps remove impurities from the body.

As with any dietary supplement, check with a knowledgable herbalist, nutritionist and your family physician.