Today's Feature

Committee Discusses Wall Removal.

Potential changes to the basement of the Memorial Hall were discussed at the Public Services meeting on Monday. City Administrator Tom Short shared the proposal to remove a non-load-bearing concrete block wall enclosing the small basement meeting room. According to Short this expansion would allow for approximately 20 more people to fit in the room. The main upstairs meeting room of Memorial Hall is too large for many events, according to Short, and the downstairs room can house only 80 as it currently is. The hall has gotten several requests recently asking if a room was available that could hold 100 people and expects a higher frequency of rental if the changes can be made.

Parks Director Alan Bull reported progress in proposed restoration of the Central Park fountain to the committee. A representative from Concrete Services Corporation in Tulsa came to Carthage recently and examined the fountain to make assessments on what course of action would need to be taken for repairs. According to Bull bids from the company should be received within the next few weeks.

Ya don’t see many folks usin’ tire chains on their vehicles in these parts. I grew up learnin’ the only time ta use tire chains was when there was lots of snow on the road. Otherwise, I was told, the chains just wear out your tires.

Seems my dad carried a set of chains in the trunk, but I never saw ‘em on a tire. ‘Course he also carried a log chain which I did see used on occasion to pull his or another vehicle out of a snow bank.

I have also seen the damage to a fender when a tire chain’ came loose and beat the daylights outa the sheet metal.

I personally have made the decision to not invest in tire chains. And I don’t carry a log chain. I do, however, keep a tow strap wrapped up in the trunk. I don’t believe in temptin’ fate too much.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Natural Nutrition

By Mari An Willis

With the holiday behind us, some tend to go into a "post-holiday" slump. Extra nutritional support may help maintain a positive attitude. The following is a list of just a few of the amino acids which have been researched and shown to support positive mental function:

L-Glutamine normally found in muscle tissue is necessary for normal cerebral function. It has been given the nickname "brain fuel" as it helps to protect the brain. Glutamine promotes the production of GABA and assists the body in maintaining normal acid/alkaline balance.

Tyrosine is vital for overall metabolic processes. It plays an important role in the production of the neurotransmittters dopamine and norepinephrine as well as a precursor for adrenaline. Because of its importance in the production of neurotransmitters, tyrosine helps to maintain a healthy mood. It also helps maintain healthy adrenal, thyroid and pituitary glands.

5-HTP is the intermediary in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for promoting a sense of calm and feelings of well being. 5-HTP is naturally derived from the Griffonia simplicifolia plant and is generally well tolerated. Due to its ability to soothe nervous tension and anxiety, it may also be effective for curbing carbohydrate cravings some experience when depressed.

artCentral

Work by Katherine Hyde expresses joie de vivre

Down in the basement of The Hyde House are two deep storage cabinets containing artworks, mostly by Katherine Lucille Hyde, former owner of this lovely Carthage residence that artCentral now calls "home."

As a prelude to artCentral’s 2005 exhibition schedule, 14 paintings by Katherine Hyde (and one by her friend Rachel Stearns) are on display January 5–22 in artCentral’s Main Gallery. In preparation, I spent a day going through the inventory of artworks housed here and gleaned a glimpse into the life of a woman devoted to the study, creation, and support of art.

As a student of art, Katherine received instruction in traditional realism, drawing still lifes in charcoal and pastel. As a painter, she preferred doing portraits of women, and landscapes expressed with bold colors and energetic brushstrokes. She probably worked "plein air", since some paintings still have a canvas loop tacked to the frame for transporting them.

Katherine traveled and painted places she visited. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the canals of Venice, the churches of Mexico, and scenes of Japan appear in her work. She also loved the sea, sky, and palm trees of the Florida oceanfront, evidenced by many beach paintings on canvases bearing a Coral Gables art supply label. And she loved her own Hyde House grounds in Carthage, depicted in summer’s lush greens and autumn’s brilliant reds.

I hope Katherine would be pleased with the pieces in this show. Please stop by to see for yourself, and let me know what you think.