Today's Feature
Flu Vaccine Available.

News release.

The Jasper County Health Department has a limited amount of flu vaccine still available for Jasper County residents, residing outside the city limits of Joplin. The Jasper County Health Department will be offering flu vaccinations, at their facility, by appointment only. Flu vaccinations will only be administered to those persons who meet high-risk criteria.

Please call the Jasper County Health Department for more information or to schedule an appointment at (417) 358-3111 or 877-879-9131.

Wheels For Workers.

News release.

Economic Security Corporation and Jasper County Wheels for Workers have identified lack of transportation as a key cause of able bodied workers not being able to fill local job vacancies. The unemployment that exists is often due to personal hardship and lack of ability to acquire reliable transportation to reach the workplace.

Economic Security Corporation and community members have formed a transportation collaborative. Their mission is to provide reliable, affordable transportation to individuals who are economically disadvantaged with transportation as a major obstacle to employment.

The collaborative is seeking assistance from the community. In order to fill these transportation needs, we are seeking donations of vehicles and cash. The funds we receive are used to repair donated vehicles to insure the vehicle will pass state safety inspection.

For more information , contact Wes Barbee at 623-0059 (Mondays) or 358-3521 (Tuesday/Thursday) or Stephanie Miller at 629-3556.

There seems to be two schools of thought when it comes to Santa. Especially among those of a tender age.

There are those who are for ‘em, and those who are agin ‘em.

‘Course, arguin’ never did any good. Those who believe continue to believe and it doesn’t matter what proof is set forth, they know. The taunting of the aginers only strengthens their convictions and makes ‘em sing carols louder and take extra care in coloring those Santa and reindeer pictures.

Those of us who believe in Santa understand that he is not sacred, but the spirit of Christmas that he represents certainly is.

Santa is real enough. Whether you’ve hid behind the TV on Christmas eve or not, Santa knows. From those of us who believe in Santa, to those who wish they could, Merry Christmas.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’

by Mari An Willis

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly... and anxious and angry and overly excited and/or tired and so on and so on. With Christmas upon us, these days can be hard on the nerves. There are many nutrients which can be beneficial for the nerves including the following:

• B-vitamins are needed in every one of the billions of cells in our bodies. They help prevent fatigue, mental depression, nervousness, and an almost endless array of diseases associated with the nervous system. Eating on the run and many of the processed foods we have today can leave us deficient in these most important vitamins.

• An equally important mineral for the nervous system is magnesium. Some people have called it the "calm" mineral. Some who suffer with constipation find it relieves that condition also. Magnesium is needed for a strong heart muscle.

• Some of the stress of getting behind may be eliminated by the use of Pantothenic Acid which is utilized by all cells. It is known to increase strength and endurance... some have even added it may help premature aging.

• My favorite is to sit down and relax with a cup of hot tea. If you haven’t tried Kava it is something I enjoy, or the standard cup of chamomile always hits the spot.

artCentral

artCentral’s village is more than a place

Former First Lady Hillary Clinton popularized the phrase, "It takes a village...."

As a nonprofit organization, artCentral is sustained by many from its local village of Carthage, and by others from its extended village including Joplin, Webb City, Neosho, Carl Junction, Jasper, Anderson, Sarcoxie, Diamond, Golden City, Blue Eye and beyond, to the greater Four State region.

There are the selfless Board of Directors who donate time, expertise, energy, talents, and organizational skills to guide and oversee artCentral’s continued development and growth. There are the artists who share their creativity and artwork as teachers, exhibitors, and donors for artCentral shows, programs, and fundraisers. There are the patrons and benefactors, generous in their giving, and the volunteers, generous with their time.

There are the business friends who respond readily to artCentral’s needs and granting foundations that provide assistance for artCentral’s goals. There are the "regulars" who attend openings and events, adding to the liveliness of such happenings, and those who drop in on occasion. There are studio students and parents of ArtKamp Kids who validate artCentral’s mission. There are those (like this publisher) who build awareness for artCentral by printing this column, and those who stay in touch by reading it. There are old friends, new friends, and friends still to meet.

This is the village that artCentral is grateful to be a part of, strives to serve, and sends best wishes for a joyful and hope-filled season.

Reminder: artCentral will be closed December 24 thru January 4. See you in 2005!