Lions Club Ground Hog Party.

The Carthage Lions Club will host its 32nd annual Ground Hog Party in Memorial Hall on Saturday, January 30 from 6 AM until 12 PM. Proceeds from the event will be used for the Eye Tissue Bank and other local benefits.

The breakfast includes pancakes and sausage with a drink for a $4 donation.

The Carthage Lions Club has donated locally to such causes as Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Carthage Soccer League and provides assistance to school-age children needing lenses and eye exams.

Nationally and internationally, the club contributes to Lions World Service for the Blind, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service and Lions Clubs International Foundation which addresses disaster relief and health initiatives world-wide.

Computer Classes Begin Today.

The Family Literacy Center, 706 Orchard, will start new computer classes beginning today at 9 a.m. The Center has purchased Windows 7 software and internet will soon be available for all students.

The fact that I got a notice over a month ago that my drivers license expired yesterday was a welcomed reminder. I had every opportunity to plan in advance the gatherin’ of multiple documents now required to obtain the privilege to drive.

I had the opportunity, but apparently didn’t have the ability. The rush to get all my paperwork in order before I went down to the license bureau yesterday put a strain on my schedule. Proudly I walked into the bureau at mid-day. Plenty of time for a leisurely application process. In the midst of what appeared to be a major remodel, I was informed that the bureau was closed, but would be open first thing this mornin.’ I prob’ly popped off some unwelcome remark I will likely regret when I sheepishly return to retrieve my license today.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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HERE’S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson

• "Keep several address labels with you in case you need to fill out forms or for when you need to leave an item for repair. If it’s possible, you can put a sticker on the item. That way, it will not be misplaced so easily." -- R.I. in Alabama

• Be sure to check your pets’ feet this time of year. Pads can crack from cold weather, and they can get rashes from salt exposure. Treat Fluffy to a canine or feline pedicure. Wipe feet with a moist washcloth to clean, then rub in some petroleum jelly.

• "I have a mesh bag that I use for my toiletries at the gym. It’s easy to carry the bag to the showers and hang it on the showerhead. Any water drips off by the time I’m done getting ready, and I can hang it right back up in my locker." -- C.C. in Oregon

• To keep the plastic wrap on a covered dish when transporting it, use a wide rubber band stretched out around the dish’s mouth and over the plastic. The big rubber bands that come on broccoli are good. If you need a bigger band, cut two and tie them together.

• "My children both take piano lessons. Periodically, when they practice, we will record a session. When they are feeling discouraged, we can listen to earlier sessions to see how much progress they’ve made. As a bonus, since we’ve been doing this for several years, it’s very sweet to hear their voices introducing themselves and the bit that they are practicing." -- M. in Indiana

• If you have a cast on an arm or a leg, here’s a great piece of advice: Cut off a leg portion of a pair of nylon stockings (pantyhose) and put it over the cast. Clothing will slip right over the nylon, and you can pull it off and save it for next time.