Today's Feature
Flu Clinics.

News release

For Jasper County residents, residing outside the city limits of Joplin, the Jasper County Health Department will be offering flu and pneumonia vaccinations, by appointment only. Those persons who are interested in receiving the vaccine should contact the Jasper County Health Department to set up an appointment.

Vaccinations will only be given to those persons who meet the following high-risk categories:

• Persons aged greater than 65 years who are residents of long-term care facilities.

• Persons aged 2 to 64 years with chronic medical conditions.

• Children aged 6 - 23 months

• Pregnant women

• Health-care personnel who provide direct patient care.

• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children aged under 6 months.

Only two pneumonia vaccinations are needed in a lifetime and they must be separated by at least 5 years.

Those persons under the age of 65 are required to bring a doctor’s note stating a medical diagnosis of their risk factor. Those on Medicare or Medicaid should bring their card to their immunization appointment. The cost of the flu vaccine is $15.00 and the pneumonia is $30.00

Because young children also are at increased risk of influenza-related complications, vaccination of children 6-23 months old is recommended. Also those children with chronic disease or receiving long term aspirin therapy should be vaccinated as well. Those interested in flu vaccination are advised to call the health department for more information.

The Jasper County Health Department will be providing immunizations at their facility at 105 Lincoln Street, Carthage. Please call the Jasper County Health Department for more information or to schedule an appointment at (417) 358-3111 or (877) 879-9131.

Stench Report:
Thursday,
10/13/05

No Odors Reported

I don’t have any idea what the stuff was made of. It resembled red saw dust with some kind of oil mixed in with it.

The idea was to sue it when sweepin’ the floor and it picked up that thin layer of dust the broom didn’t get, as well as keepin all the dust from poofin’ up and gettin’ allover ever’thing.

There was a real method to sweepin’ with a broom. Nowadays ya see sweepers just pushin’ their mop along, hittin’ the high spots here and there. With a broom and floor sweep, ya had to give a little push, raise the broom and bounce it a couple a times to knock off the dust and push ahead a little more. Least that’s the way I learned. Sweepin’ wasn’t the most fun I ever had. But hey, at a nickel an hour, I could use the overtime.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Here we are again... Maple Leaf festival time. Welcome to all those who make this an annual event.

We use many leaves in our everyday life as medicinals or in culinary uses. Black tea leaves were fought over in Boston and are probably the most commonly used. Currently the Ginkgo, of which we have many trees here in town, is known for its’ ability to aid the memory and for the prevention of senile dementia and even in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. The tree has a unique action in the fall of turning bright yellow and then dropping the leaves all at once. Looks like a beautiful carpet. The leaves of the feverfew plant have been the subject of research for the relief of migraine headaches. One theory is to drink one cup of feverfew leaf tea daily as a preventative to headache. There is the senna leaf which has been used in laxatives for years. It has a very strong effect and if overdosed may cause cramping. Red raspberry leaf tea is quite popular for women as it is know for toning the reproductive system. Bay leaves are used by many a good cook and often packed with flour or other food storage to keep away pests. Olive tea extract has made quite a splash as an astringent and digestive aid. To make a tea using leaves one would want to use about 1 tbsp. per mug and pour boiling water over it and let steep for ten minutes or so. Leaves are often pulverized and encapsulated so they may be taken more conveniently and in standardized amounts.

* This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. References available by request. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

artCentral

artCentral fundraiser a fun and successful event

Last Sunday was a perfectly gorgeous day for those who attended artCentral’s Third Annual Maple Leaf Wine Tasting Party and a fun afternoon for art lovers and silent auction bidders alike.

On hand were artists Bob Tommey, Andy Thomas, Jeff Legg, Bill Snow, along with Rebecca Hall, filling in for artist-son Doug Hall who was out of town, to talk about their paintings and sculpture on exhibit. Several lucky ticket holders won door prizes, Andy Thomas signed copies of his book The Artful Journey, and everyone indulged in the tasty food provided by ArrowHead Sports Grill.

The entire crowd enjoyed a sweet moment of nostalgia and remembrance when artCentral Board President Don Knost presented Bob Tommey and Sandy Higgins with engraved plaques, recalling and acknowledging their contributions to artCentral. Sandy Higgins was honored by having artCentral’s upstairs gallery designated "The Sandy Higgins Members Gallery" while the upstairs classroom at Hyde House is now named "The Bob Tommey Classroom."

Some partygoers sat outside, enjoying the sun , fresh air, and each other’s company, sipping the complimentary wine, punch, or beer of their choice. Others scurried from room to room upstairs to see if their bid was still the highest on one (or more!) of the 50 items donated to the Silent Auction.

When the afternoon was over and the tally completed, artCentral had raised more than $2,200 for its exhibits and programs. Thanks to the many donors, contributors, supporters, and attendees who made this fundraiser and artCentral’s 20th anniversary celebration so successful.