Today's Feature

Relay Teams Now Forming.

News release

The Relay For Life of Carthage is approaching. Teams can be registered today by calling Tracy Ackerman, Team Recruitment, at 358-8131 ext. 3311 or Joette Blades at the American Cancer Society at (417) 627-7506 or (888) 379-2233.

Survivors and current cancer patients, their families, businesses, civic organizations, and the public are invited to take part in this exciting team event. Relay For Life takes place from 7 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2007 until 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at Central Park in Carthage.

Teams of eight to 15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags to participate in the largest fundraising walk in the nation. Relay For Life brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, churches…people from all walks of life. Teams seek sponsorship prior to the Relay, all with the goal of supporting a cure for cancer.

"Relay For Life brings the progress against cancer to the forefront," said Crystal Jones, event co-chair. "Many participants are our family, friends, and neighbors who have had cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made not just in cancer cure rates, but also in the quality of life following cancer treatment."

"The funds raised enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through research, education, advocacy, and services to patients," said Ms. Jones. With the generosity of corporate sponsors and participants involvement with relay, the money goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs."

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, education, advocacy, and service. To learn more about the American Cancer Society’s research, prevention, advocacy, patient services, and early detection programs, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Books Closed.

The Jasper County tax books will be closed until March 5, 2007. During that time, no assessments can be entered into the computer for processing. Those who did not file by March 1 will not be able purchase license plates for their automobiles until the books reopen. This will primarily impact those whose licenses are due in February.

Stench Report:

Thursday,
3/1/07

No Stench Detected on Carthage Square.

The town where I grew up didn’t have a library. We had ta go to the "City" some sixteen miles away to check out a book.

‘Course the schools had libraries that the students used on a fairly regular basis, but nothin’ like the Carnegie in the city.

Back then ya had to learn how ta use the Dewey Decimal System if ya wanted to locate anything in the library. I suppose computer search is the method of choice now.

There’s been lots a talk about the "paperless society" of the future, but I’m guessin’ it will be at lease another hunderd years ‘fore that makes much impact. There is still somethin’ unique about sittin’ in a quiet library and browsin’ through a thick reference book. Hearin’ pages bein’ turned and an occasional cough or chuckle from the folks across the table are part of the experience.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Browsing through Michael Murray, N.D.’s expanded version of The Healing Power of Herbs, I was pleased to see his clear explanation of the usage of bromelain. I personally have used it for inflammation and find it quite effective.

Bromelain is an enzyme which aids the digestion of protein. It is derived from pineapple.

"Commercial bromelain has been reported to exert a wide variety of pharmacological effects: digestion assistance, anti inflammatory activity, burn debridement, prevention of swelling, smooth muscle relaxation, inhibition of blood platelet aggregation, enhancement of antibiotic absorption, ulcer prevention, sinusitis relief, appetite inhibition, shortening of birth labor and enhancement of wound healing."

Bromelain was introduced as a therapeutic agent in 1957 and has more than 200 scientific papers on its therapeutic applications.

In the early research using entiric coated bromelain was not as effective as the later research in which the coating was removed and larger more adequate dosages were administered.

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
Art Notes from Hyde House
By Sally Armstrong, Director of artCentral

One year ago I began attempting to build the active membership of artCentral back to where it had been in it’s strong past. As I received the directorship from two previous directors who had NOT lived in Carthage, I realized that many Carthage people (including myself) had dropped away over the years, for whatever reason. Though these two directors had done a good job in other areas of management, one’s strength was improvement of the grounds and the other’s, improvement of overall show quality and management, the local memberships had suffered. Membership increased. Now, twelve months later, I am again attempting to build on that strong beginning by re-enlisting those who became active members last year, and I thank those who have renewed. In addition, I made membership an item of business at this month’s board meeting by asking the 9 board members to suggest additional folks who needed to be contacted for new membership this year. A list was created.

I have designated February and March "Membership Months" and will be sending out letters with requests to many new individuals in addition to others previously contacted. I hope in doing this I can convince the area public that belonging to artCentral is an investment in the area art community and therefore worthwhile. Membership in artCentral insures that you are kept aware of the happenings at the Hyde House, its openings and special events, classes and workshops. Member artists are encouraged to hold art showings if they so desire, and several have done so in both the Main and Member Galleries. Members who are not artists are encouraged to participate in workshops and other events, bring their children to artCamp in the summer, use the house for special events if needed. Now, granted, a non-member can do many of these things too, so you may ask, why join? Isn’t it more satisfying to have a bit of ownership in something you enjoy? All of our members are appreciated for what they do each year when they send their generous contributions in the form of dues--- many go ahead and join on the Patron or Benefactor level, and some even higher. Because of these generous people we are able to bring to the community art that is available to be seen by everybody, and provide a venue for area artists as well. Without our members we would not have the operating expenses to continue, and it is only through the collective assistance from our community, the generosity of local businesses to assist in underwriting a show, and the publicity that we receive from local media , that we remain a visible art presence in the Ozarks. My thanks to you all for what you have done and will do in the future.