Today's Feature

Master Gardener Program.

Jasper County University of Missouri Extension will be sponsoring a Missouri Master Gardener program, beginning in January. The program is designed to train volunteers in various aspects of horticulture. The Master Gardeners participate in a wide variety of community service projects and assist University of Missouri Extension in providing unbiased educational information to the public.

A person who wishes to become a Master Gardener is required to attend 30 hours of training, and agree to return 30 hours of volunteer service during the following year. The fee is $125, but thanks to the support of the Ozark Gateway Master Gardener organization, the cost will be only $75.

Topics to be covered in the basic sessions include an orientation to the Master Gardener program; plant physiology; winter tree identification and tree care; soils and plant nutrition; woody ornamentals; insects; annuals and perennials; plant diagnostics; vegetable production; home lawn and turf; and home fruit production.

To apply for the program or to obtain further information, contact Ed Browning or Janet LaFon in Carthage at (417) 358-2158.

As a kid, there were two philosophies ‘bout takin’ off a band-aid. Some would slowly peel up the edges and try to gently remove the bandage. Bein’ careful not to get in a hurry, wincin’ all the way.

The other method was to grab the tab and yank. One quick motion that quickly ended the agony and worry.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I prefer the quick and painful over the slow and painful. Honestly, though, after careful experimentation with both approaches, my opinion is that both of ‘em hurt like the dickens.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Natural Nutrition
By Mari An Willis

New Year, new diet, new resolutions, new bills, new..new...new...new. Who would have known that we would be repeating ourselves and there really is nothing new? Maybe it is just age, but I don’t think so.

Herbs certainly are not something new, but the spotlight is on them now encouraging research to tell us what is "new" with these plants which have been utilized for centuries. I am encouraged by the people who are giving an admiring glance to the Aunts and Grandmothers/fathers who were laughed at in the not too distant past. It is amazing how influenced we are by the mass media. We in the healthfood stores have been encouraging people to take Ginko Biloba (the botanical name, not the mass medias name) for our memories and to help stay focused. Now that it has been picked up by a pharmaceutical company who has millions to spend on advertising, it has credence and more people want it. It is not that they have spent millions more researching it, but that their market had been cut into by thinking Americans who had been educated and sought out optional answers and opened doors to allow us to choose these things. I am grateful that they advertise, it makes my job somewhat easier; in that those who need media endorsement have it.

But, that is not the only place to seek advice and sit by idly waiting for what you will be told to do next. Start doing your homework and stepping out into this "new" area of healthy choices. Just recently I heard on the news that eating organic foods are good for you... maybe they should change it to the 6:00 History, because we knew that a long time ago.

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

Here at the Hyde House we begin a third year as my directorship of artCentral enters it’s "third time’s the charm" year of 2008! Last year the board decided to declare the months of February & March, annual MEMBERSHIP DRIVE months, as we had increased our membership numbers greatly in the years of 2006 and 2007 during this time. I have drafted a new letter that will go out soon to all of our friends, visitors and patrons of the past year who either graced us with a visit, a purchase, or in some way indicated interest in a program at artCentral, but are not currently active members. In 2005 there were a few more than 100 memberships, and we increased in 2006 to over 150. At the close of 2007, 185 memberships exist for artCentral, representing individuals, couples or families. My goal for 2008 is to break the 200 membership mark by retaining current members and adding new ones. What does a membership cost, you may ask, and what does it include? There are several membership levels available, beginning with $15.00 for Seniors and Students, $20.00 for an individual, $30.00 for a family, and then the levels of $50.00, $100.00 and $1000.00 for those wishing to make a higher contribution as a benefactor, patron or life member. All levels of membership include invitations to all openings and events, invitation to participation in the annual June MEMBERSHIP ART SHOW, which features cash prizes, an art show or exhibition in one of the galleries, use of the pottery making facilities, quarterly newsletters, library privileges to borrow from our art reference library, sales privileges for your work in the GIFT SHOP, and more! Our members come from all over Missouri, and several other states are represented as well. I will be asking our board for suggestions and will hope that we see many new faces here in the coming year, as well a welcoming back all old friends! It’s a great year to join--- call me today for a mailing. Our number is 358 4404.