Firefighters Collecting Toys.


The Carthage Fire Department along with other area Fire Departments and KODE 12 are working together to provide toys for local children.

New and used (in good condition) toys are being accepted. Toys may be dropped off at the Carthage Fire Department and the Wal-Mart Super Center’s red toy collection box.

Cash donations are also being accepted at the Carthage Fire Station at 2043 South Garrison. Donations will be used to buy new toys and help with the cost of the Christmas dinner. Checks need to be made payable to the Firefighters "Christmas for Kids". Mid-America Title Loans in Joplin is matching all cash contributions made to the toy program until December 17th.

Residence who know of families that might need help may call (417) 624-1851 or come by the Carthage Fire Department and fill out a Christmas application.

The toys will be distributed at a Christmas dinner for the children and their families on December 17th held at the Joplin American Legion building.

December Exhibits at artCentral.

by Lee Sours, artCentral

We have a great exhibit by the Reed family this month. Debbie Reed is an artist from Joplin that does paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastel. The subject matter of her paintings is widely varied.

Richard Reed has provided us with a large selection of raku pots with the traditional crackled white glazes and copper glazes. He also has some great photographs of people and places he has seen on his travels.

Their son, Tim, is an accomplished photographer who has a series of 9-11 photos and another series of Chinatown photos.

Debbie Wilkinson, of Carl Junction, has a display of oil paintings, decorated gourds, and handpainted Santa woodcarvings. The small Santas are available for $20 each.

Another husband and wife team, Jack and Lee Ann Sours, have their pottery and fiber arts on display this month. Jack has a big selection of domestic ware — plates, bowls, mugs and vases. The weaver has shorn her angora goats, spun the fiber into yarn, painted the yarn with various dyes, and woven it on the loom into scarves and throws.

The current exhibits will continue to be on display until January 9. We still have some notecards by artist, Marilyn York, artCentral cookbooks, and a sale on overstocked or discontinued pottery.

We have tried to have a lot of great handmade and inexpensive items available this month including many items which are priced at $5.

The Homes Tour was great. Thanks to the people that supported it with your presence. A big thanks goes to Tammy Wilcox who played Christmas music on her harp for our visitors.

HOURS: T-F 11-5 Sunday 12-5

Closed Mon. and Sat.

1110 E. 13th • 358-4404

ozarkartistscolony.com

I’m a little amazed ever year ta see the effort volunteered by the local police officers in puttin’ on the Children’s Benefit Christmas party. I used ta get overwhelmed tryin’ to cope with a children’s birthday party.

As I’m sure the Department would be quick ta point out, the efforts of citizens supportin’ the financial side of the gatherin’ is also quite a statement as to the community’s character.

From those I’ve talked to, bein’ involved in the effort is an important part of their Christmas celebration. All the plannin’ and hours of preparation is rewarded by the appreciation of the kids and their parents.

Just wanted to take a minute to thank the Police Department and his crew for contributing "above and beyond" to the community.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street health & herb

Natural Nutrition

by Mari An Willis

You don’t need me to remind you that it is FLU season, but maybe some gentle reminders for not spreading it.

How about just the simple act of covering our mouth when we cough. It is probably my occupation that makes me so observant, but it is not unusual to hear a parent tell the child to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing and then a second later, the parent coughs and forgets to cover their mouth!!! If only we would be as good at practicing what we preach. I am guilty of touching my eyes and mouth after being in crowded areas...easy way to get the flu. And what happened to the good old hankerchief? It will cover a sneeze beautifully as will a tissue, but with a tissue, we see them floating down the streets. What happened to the gloves which were worn in part for looks, but also to keep germs off the hands which may have many small unnoticable cuts....guess people just wipe it on their sleeves...ugh!!

Some homeopathic remedies for the flu are available which have been used for years. One of my favorite and millions of other users, is a combination which helps with the symptoms and oft has for me just scared it away. Boneset is a traditional herb used for the aches and pains which often accompany the flu. Vitamin C has a good reputation for preventing colds.

Prevention of flu and colds would be the most comfortable choice, but if you do get it, be kind to yourself and the rest of us by staying home.

* This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. References available by request.