Today's Feature

Lap of Hope Begins Relay for Life.

News release

In a nation where more than one million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year, Carthage is invited to celebrate life.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a unique fund-raising event in which teams of participants take turns walking or running the track in an effort to fight cancer. Teams camp out, eat and play games. This year’s Relay for Life will take place on June 3 and 4 at Central Park in Carthage.

The message of the event is cancer can be conquered. This theme of hope is ignited as the ceremony begins with a cancer survivors’ lap at 7:00 p.m. This emotional lap honors the courage of all who have defeated cancer. Each survivor is introduced, and then all will walk, run, or wheelchair the opening lap - unified in victory and in hope.

The atmosphere of Relay for Life is one of camaraderie and celebration, providing an opportunity for cancer survivors to pass the torch of hope on to those still battling cancer or those that might be touched by cancer in the near future.

For any cancer survivors who would like to take part in the Relay for Life of Carthage, call Nora Tebbets at 358-8131, ext. 2402, or Connie Leek at 540-5547 or 358-8131, ext. 3340. For information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society’s 24 hour help line at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit their web site, www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, advocacy, and service.

As a kid I got a rock just above the eye by a neighbor one evenin’. Made me a little scatter brained for a while. It wasn’t an intentional hit, we weren’t rock fightin’ for real. I just happened to stick my head out the wrong side of a large wood box I was behind’ at precisely the wrong time.

I had a similar sensation one night playin’ hide and seek when I forgot where the clothes line pole was. Make ya see white. A baseball in the eye will encourage the same reaction.

I don’t know how many hits to the head it takes, but I think I’m at my limit.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Allergies are so bothersome and may even be debilitating. If one will eliminate the allergens and nourish the body to control allergic and inflammatory responses, life may be more comfortable.

Quercetin is a flavonoid used in the treatment of allergic symptoms. It has been shown to inhibit histamine release and other inflammatory mediators. By doing this, it helps one avoid uncomfortable stuffy, runny nose and sinus pressure. Traditionally, stinging nettle leaves have been used to reverse symptoms of itchy eyes, ears and throats.

Research has shown that feverfew can be beneficial for allergy sufferers. It has been used to decrease inflammation as has licorice root. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples. It has been successfully used to decrease inflammation and swelling. Many have reported that it is beneficial for the swelling for arthritis as well.

With all the sneezing and coughing associated with allergies, please remember to teach your children to properly dispose of the tissues which they so politely covered their mouth with when they coughed and blew their noses. Much of the above information was from Spontaneous Healing, by Andrew Weil, M.D.

artCentral

artCentral artists busy showing in area venues

Considering the number of art shows in the area, I am amazed how often the names of artCentral members appear on the "participating artists" list.

Last Friday morning I dropped by Cherry Poulson’s Custom Framing, just as she and her crew were hanging the last few paintings of Tricia Courtney, Andy Thomas, Todd Williams, Bob Tommey, and Tom Jones. I didn’t get back there that evening for the opening reception, but I did hear that several items sold.

At the Barton County Arts Council in Lamar, just off the Square at 206 West 10th, "Our American Heritage" show runs through August 17. Among those juried into that exhibit are artCentral artists Mary Ann Soerries, Marilyn York, Carol Hammerbacher, Cheryl Church, Jane Kleindl, and Linda Teeter.

Speaking of Linda Teeter, her "Tuscany Collection" that Carthage diners enjoyed at Shellie’s Restaurant last fall is featured in the Regional Gallery at Spiva, beginning with the opening reception tonight from 5:30-7:30pm, through July 1.

Currently at Shellie’s Restaurant is a mix of landscapes and still life images by Pam Leisenring, a versatile Neosho painter and pastelist.

If you want to see just who the members of artCentral are, then come over to artCentral, 1110 East 13th Street, on Friday, June 3, 6-8pm, for "The Annual Membership Show" opening reception. This yearly gathering with music and a BBQ (free and open to the public) showcases the work of many artCentral artist-members. Then you, too, will be amazed at the art and artists of artCentral.