Today's Feature

YMCA Youth Basketball Program.

Sign-ups for the Fair Acres Family YMCA Youth Basketball and Cheerleading programs will take place through November 26th at the Y located at 2600 Grand Avenue, Carthage.

Basketball is open to all boys and girls ages 4 years through 6th grade. Youth are organized by age or grade groups as follows: Iddy-Biddy, 4-6 year-olds who are not yet in first grade; 1st & 2nd Grades, Co-ed; 3rd & 4th Grades, separate divisions for boys & girls; 5th & 6th Grades, separate divisions for boys & girls.

Cheerleading is open to girls ages 4 years through 6th grade.

Cost to register for YMCA Youth Basketball or Cheerleading is $20 for Y-members and $35 for Non-Members with a $10 late-fee taking effect after November 26th.

Coaches & Parents Clinics will be held in December with games starting January 5 through February 23, 2008. Games take place on Saturdays with practice during the week.

Cari Eck, Program Director of the YMCA, said, "Volunteers are critical to our youth sports program. We encourage parents to get involved as coaches, assistant coaches, timekeepers, scorekeepers, officials and in other capacities that render support to their children. Please let us know of your willingness to help at the time you register your child."

For more information about YMCA Youth Basketball contact Cari Eck or Bob Brower at the Fair Acres Family YMCA at 417-358-2070 or visit the Y’s website at www.fairacresymca.org

I finally had ta turn and walk away ta scratch, but the guy followed me, pointin’ like it wasn’t legal to leave after a bid.

When I wanna bid on somethin’, I usually make a deliberate, unnatural motion, so as not to be confused with scratchin’. I always figured scratchin’ my nose was a personal thing anyway, I don’t want anyone lookin’.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

This Is A Hammer
By Samantha Mazzotta

Winter Heating Saps Moisture From Air

Q: I have a forced-air furnace (gas) that heats the house through an air-duct system, as well as supplemental heat from a small gas heater in each room. Needless to say, the air in the house gets pretty dry in the coldest part of winter, enough that the slightest brush of my nose will set off a nosebleed. And we always have dry throats and dry skin. Is there any way to remedy this dry air? -- Joyce in New Hampshire

A: Forced-air furnaces and gas heaters (that radiate heat into a given space) tend to sap moisture from the air. In midwinter, when the air outside is often crisp, dry and cold, the air inside the house can be very dry.

This kind of air can dry sinus passages -- actually increasing the risk of catching a cold -- and make hands feel like sandpaper. It also can exacerbate breathing problems in those who have respiratory issues. So, preventing or reducing super-dry air inside homes is important. Fortunately, there are a few ways to do this.

• Run a humidifier in sleeping areas overnight to make breathing easier and help occupants get a good night’s sleep.

• If the radiant gas heaters have a flat top surface, place a metal or porcelain bowl filled with water on top of them and allow the heat to convert the water to steam, bringing some moisture into the room.

• Make herbal tea -- boiling the water will release lots of steam into the kitchen, and you can hover over the teacup, breathing in the steam.

• When you’re done taking a bath, leave the water in the tub until it is completely cool. This allows the steam from the hot water to increase the moisture content of the air.

• Drink plenty of water -- it’s good for you and will help your body regulate its temperature and keep sinuses and skin from getting too dry.

Letter to the Editor.
Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Mornin’ Mail.

I enjoy a public fireworks display as much as anyone. It is my personal opinion that public displays are the best way to enjoy fireworks. As far as Carthage having a ban on fireworks within the city limits, it seems to be unknown or of little significance in my neighborhood. I am at a corner location, and fireworks are set off in the street on both sides of my corner location every year. As much as I would like to see that change, I don’t expect that it will change.

I am against doing away with the ban as that would open up the entire town to people setting off fireworks. I consider this to be dangerous and annoying. I think city parks should be a place where one can have a picnic and enjoy the day without being harassed by firecrackers.

M. Tilton