Today's Feature

Energy Self Sufficiency Program.

News release

Effective immediately, Economic Security Corporation will be accepting applications for the Energy Self-Sufficiency (ESS) Program for the winter season in Barton, Jasper, Newton, and McDonald counties. This program helps weatherize homes, develops family budgeting goals, and includes an energy conservation workshop designed to help participants achieve the goal of energy self-sufficiency.

To be eligible for this service the applicants must be at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, be paying property taxes on their home and have not previously received ESC Weatherization Services on the home.

Carthage residents who believe they qualify for this program should call the ESC outreach center for additional help and information, Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 358-3521. Funding for the Energy Self-Sufficiency Program is provided through the Missouri Department of Social Services. The amount available is $148,500.00.

I suppose that one a the appeals of the many fall festivals in the area is the fact that they aren’t considered as one of the regular family holidays. They are more of a make-your-own holiday.

There isn’t the pressure of Christmas or Thanksgivin’, or for a lot a families the Fourth or Easter. In many cases is seems, the fall gatherins are more of an excuse to see old friends or some combination of friends and family.

The traditional meal can be as informal or formal as is comfortable or with so many activities and food vendors there can be no meal at all.

Probl’ly the best part for some is that the local merchants don’t close on this holiday. Shop till ya drop.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Mornin' Mail

Here's A Tip

By JoAnn Derson

• "Recently, I needed to move two large potted plants. They were quite heavy, and I thought it would be much easier if I had something to put it on — something with wheels. I used my son’s skateboard. It worked like a charm." — G.B. in Tennessee

• "To keep ourselves active, we have a ‘fun jar.’ Whenever we want to go out and do something, we just pull a slip of paper from the jar. We each put in several slips of paper per week with details of interesting things to do." — E.D. in Florida

• "My favorite mug chipped and now I can’t use it to drink from. I love it because my sister gave it to me many years ago. Instead of throwing it away or just sticking it on some shelf, I put it on my desk and use it to put pens and pencils in. It’s still useful." — O.H. in California

• To spice up your coffee or tea, try stirring it with a cinnamon stick. Or for a lovely gift of cinnamon-stick stirrers, roll one half of the stick in light corn syrup and then in regular table sugar. Allow the stick to dry. Gather several together, and tie with a bow.

• "A weekly vinegar bath keeps my shower walls squeaky clean. I mix one part vinegar with one part water, then sponge onto walls. Rub lightly with a nonabrasive brush, and then rinse. No mildew and no soap scum." — A.R. in West Virginia

• "Rather than throwing your toothbrush away when it is no longer good for your teeth, save it for cleaning projects." — J.U. in Iowa

• To ease tension and headache, you can stimulate blood flow by brushing your hair with a natural-bristle brush.