There are many reasons why an adult wouldn’t know how to read or speak English or add and subtract. Most of the time it was something out of their control such as a family situation or not being born in an English culture. So where do adults go for a fresh start? Down Orchard street just east of the old Eugene Fields School is the Literacy Council. Director Kim Snodgraff is there with volunteers ready to help assist adults wanting to learn.

"When a parent doesn’t read to the child and then the child doesn’t build the skills that they need they grow up they have problems, "explained Snodgraff. "If those problems aren’t overcome its just going to repeat again somewhere the cycle needs to stop. I feel by helping adults we are helping an entire family."

According to Snodgraff all a student needs to attend classes at the Literacy Council is a willingness to succeed. There is no cost to anyone for anything. Books, paper, pencils and classes are all free. There is even a free lunch available.

Help with skills such as basic math, writing, and reading are avaible. There are GED classes, citizenship classes and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Monday the Literacy Council holds a Program for Hispanic Mothers where participants can learn basic life skills such as discipline, safety and sewing to putting items on layaway at local merchants.

"You couldn’t work in a better place, it’s so rewarding helping people" expressed Receptionist Sandy Swingle. Approximately 300 students are helped each year.

The Literacy Council is a 501C3 and depends on donations and grants to operate. They try to collaborate with the local schools and state agencies but they receive no funding from those entities.

Business or property owners in Missouri can receive up to a fifty percent tax credit for a donation to the Literacry Council. Donations can be mailed to 706 Orchard, Carthage, MO 64836 (for tax credit bring it in to the Literacy Council and fill out a form).

Donations of pencils and paper are also welcome. The Literacy Council always needs people to teach and tutor. A person could help by volunteering time and knowledge.

Rooms within the building are available to rent. Organizations such as the Girl Scouts or M.A.D.D (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) use them for their meetings.

The Literacy Council also hosts the S.H.A.R.E. program. If a person volunteers anywhere in the city for at least two hours that person can go to the Literacy Council Building and for seventeen dollars receive at least double that in quality groceries.

For more infomation call the Family Literacy Council at (417) 358-5926.

For those who didn’t attend the Carthage Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet last Friday evenin’, here’s a run down of some of those acknowledged.

Danny Hensley was awarded Citizen of the Year. A worthy candidate who has contributed much to the community over a span of many years.

Other award winners include: Athena Award, Janet Stafford; MBH Humanitarian, Dr. Russell Smith; Small Business, Oak Street Health and Herbs - Mari An Willis; Chamber Award, Allan VanDem Berg; Spot Light Award, Jerry Poston State Farm Insurance; Artist of the Year, Tricia Courtney; Golden Key, Barbara Mountjoy, Jennifer Simpson, Dr. Glen Coltharp, Lowell Catron.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

McCune- Brooks Hospital

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am an 85-year-old stroke patient. My stroke occurred in May, and it affected my right side. Currently I am on a number of medicines to lower my blood pressure and cholesterol. My doctor says I have an 85 percent to 90 percent blockage in my right carotid artery and that I should undergo a carotid endarterectomy. Is there medication that I can take rather than undergoing surgery? — E.P.

ANSWER: The right and left carotid arteries are in the neck. They carry blood to the brain. Your left carotid artery was so filled with obstructing fat and cholesterol that the left side of your brain was denied its share of blood. You had a stroke on the left side of your brain. The left side of the brain controls the right arm and leg; the right side controls the left arm and leg.

Now your doctor has found a significant blockage in your right carotid artery. If it makes delivery of blood to the right side of your brain precarious, you could have a stroke that affects your left arm and leg.

There is no medicine that melts obstructions in arteries. There are, however, lifestyle changes that can stop progression of buildup and possibly reverse current buildup. You have to be vigilant with your diet, minimizing the amount of cholesterol and fat you eat. You must maintain normal blood pressure. You should exercise to the limits suggested by your doctor.