Today's Feature

Festival of Friends.

News release

Carthage’s Fifth Annual Festival of Friends will be held at Carthage Central Park on September 24, 2005 from 3-7 p.m. The multicultural event brings the community together to share various countries’ tradition through displays and entertainment. Passports are given to attendees, who have them signed or stamped by exhibitors.

The City of Carthage Multicultural Committee has been pleased with a standing-room-only crowd of 600+ people at Memorial Hall for each of the past three years and relocating the event to Carthage Central Park will provide for much-needed expansion, including the addition of children’s activities. It is anticipated that displays will represent at least 20 countries and entertainment will consist of: Kufara’s marimba sounds; Native American opening; Presentation of flags from a multitude of countries by Girl Scouts; blues by Lemuel Sheppers; Keltic Music by Plainsfolk; dance and song by Grupo LatinoAmericana; Arabic belly dancing by Troupe Sarrab; and a closing, including patriotic music, with singing by local children.

Stench Report:
Friday,
08/12/05

No Odors

I have come to the conclusion that electronic answering systems are a great time saver. Not for the consumer who waits on the line hearin’ elevator music and bein’ reminded how important their call is however.

What these computerized wizards do is steal chunks of the consumer’s time and add it to the time of the recipient of the call. This may be the original, authentic electronic "time transfer. "

Of course this is actually just another version of the old fashioned standin’ in line, hurry up and wait situation. If ya want what’s at the end of the line, ya take your number and wait your turn.

I don’t suppose that there will ever be a time when ya don’t have ta wait for some things. At least they could put on some decent music or tell a few jokes while they keep ya on hold.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Hiring a Handyman

Q: I need a lot of general maintenance done around my condo, but I’m an older person and unable to do many of the tasks that require a lot of "elbow grease" and being contorted in one position for a long time (like when making various plumbing repairs). I don’t want to ask my relatives and younger acquaintances for help too often. Are there any contractors who will do "small stuff"? — Clara T., North Miami, Fla.

A: In years past, fixing things up meant calling a relative with do-it-yourself skills who would handle small maintenance tasks for free, or a neighborhood handyman who could make repairs for a small price. This is still a great way to get repairs done, but if there is a lot of work to be done and you feel uncomfortable asking for so much help, more options are available.

One of the newer enterprises to spring up around the country are handyman-for-hire companies, which take the idea of the neighborhood handyman a step further. They provide a skilled professional to take care of small repairs — like leaky drains, running toilets, dripping faucets and so on — for a reasonable price. The customer gets guaranteed work done in a timely manner, and has a central point of contact available in case of problems or if more jobs need doing.

Look for these types of companies in your local business or yellow page listings. As with any contractor service, make certain the company is licensed and/or bonded (ask to see the certificate and write down the number of the license). Get a written estimate of the repairs to be made. If you’re not sure whether the price is fair, get the opinion of a relative or contact another service for a second estimate for comparison. On the day that repairs are made, have a friend or relative stay with you and make sure they’re present during any discussions with the handyman.

Now, if the prices for this type of general repair service are too steep, then consider asking your relatives for help, even with just the small items. You may be surprised to find that they’re more than willing to help out.

HOME TIP: To collect scraps efficiently for your mulch pile, place a large, empty coffee can within reach as you prepare meals, and toss food scraps (except for meat trimmings) into it. Place the lid on the can when done.