The Carthage Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are expected to release the name of an interim director for the organization today. Phone calls to the Chamber yesterday afternoon failed to uncover the mystery person’s name, although talk on the street is that a local will fill the position until a permanent Executive Director is hired.

A search committee has begun the process of defining and attracting a suitable replacement for Heather Kelly who resigned the post after serving for four and one half years.

Rumors began to surface last week that a locally known individual with demonstrated management skills would fill the interim post starting on December 6. Efforts to reach the individual by phone for conformation have been futile.

Over the last several years, the Chamber has expanded its role in the Community by contracting with the City for tourism and promotional services. The City contract for this fiscal year was just under $90,000, much of which comes from the hotel/motel tax fund.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

I admit it, sometimes I actually get movin’ in the car before I latch up my seat belt. Although I don’t feel comfortable any more with out the harness, when I forget I usually wait ‘till the first stop sign and then buckle up.

On a couple of occasions (they seem to know) I’ve approached a law enforcement vehicle before I got to that first stop sign. Since I really don’t want to be fumblin’ with the belt as I pass the officer, I have been known to calmly pull the belt across my chest and hold it until I am out of view or reach a stoppin’ spot.

I’ve seen t-shirts with an image printed across the chest to look like a safety belt. Doubt that would keep your head out of the windshield however.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

PRIME TIME WITH KIDS

by Donna Erickson

It’s time to think about sending this year’s holiday cards. Though we don’t always get it in the mail before Christmas, we try to come up with a family greeting that conveys news and reflections on this special season.

Over the years, the kids have contributed either by writing a few lines, signing their names, licking stamps or stuffing envelopes.

Before the hectic pace of the holiday season swings into full gear, set aside a quiet afternoon or evening to make special cards together with your children.

The most economical greetings are those you create on a plain, prestamped postcard available at the post office for the cost of the postage. Your family can decorate the plain side of the postcards in a variety of creative ways such as the popular technique of potato prints.

To make potato prints, an adult or older child may cut a potato in half with a paring knife. On the sliced side of the potato, carve a design such as a pine tree, star or any other symbol of the season. Sop up extra moisture from the cut potato with a paper towel. Dip the design in acrylic or poster paint and make prints on your postcards. Carve additional potato halves and dip in different colors of paint if you wish to make borders or other details.

If you prefer to create a personalized holiday letter instead of a postcard, ask each child in the family to write a few sentences describing milestones and memorable events of the past year. If you have preschoolers, ask them to tell you their ideas. Jot down their comments in their own charming style. Type or write the family greetings, including your own thoughts, on a sheet of paper leaving space for a family photo. Attach the photo to the paper and take the completed greeting to a print shop and make copies.