Today's Feature
Drake Project.

During last Tuesday’s City Council Meeting a presentation was given by CEO of the Economic Security Corporation John Joines. Joines said he had recently received authorization for the proposed renovation to the Drake Hotel building. This $5.2 million renovation would transform the empty building to a fully functional senior housing unit consisting of primarily 1 bedroom units with a few 2 room units similar to the Frisco project in Joplin.

"It will be restored to reflect the grandeurs of its era," said Joines.

Further detail was then given about plans to restore the marble floors and staircase. Joines said he hopes to have demolition underway in four months, begin construction in the summer, and have the project finished by July of 2006.

Councilmember Dave Woods gave a report for the Finance Committee in the absence of Committee Chairman Ron Wells. Woods asked for a motion to write off the interest and penalties for property at 425 S. Garrison in the amount of $85.84 due to a discrepancy at the County level. Council approved the motion.

One guy I know claims he can tell how bad a winter it’s gonna be by the length of his dog’s coat. The longer the hair, the worse the winter.

Others have told me you can tell how bad it’s gonna get by lookin’ at wooly worms. I wouldn’t know a shorthair wooly worm from a long hair.

I never have figured why it’s so all fired important for folks ta feel like they can predict the weather. At one time it mighta been important ta know if the creek was gonna be up at the low water bridge, or if ya needed ta stock up on supplies for a while.

Nowadays, ya just turn up the thermostat and wait for the street crews.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

By Mari An Willis

Uncaria Tomentosa is the botanical name for an old herb which is being studied in Australia, England and France, Germany and Austria for the treatment of many immune deficiency related diseases.

Cat’s Claw, the common name, according to Dr. B.W. Davis, who has been using this herb for a number of years says "it has a remarkable cleanse the entire intestinal tract and help patients suffering from many different stomach and bowel disorders including: Crohn’s disease, Diverticulitis, leaky bowel syndrome, colitis, hemorrhoids, fistulas, gastritis, ulcers and parasites and intestinal flora imbalance."

Cat’s Claw is used in a similar way as Echinacea, Pau d’arco, Golden Seal, Astragalus and Siberian Ginseng.

In Dr. Richard Gerber, M.D.’s book Vibrational Healing, Cat’s Claw is mentioned as "a unique herbal remedy that has been used for many years by native healers of Peru." He further states, "the herb shows great promise for the treatment of Arthritis when taken internally, either by making a tea or by taking capsules of the herb."

He further explains that the research conducted in Peru that more than one species of Una de Gato is available and the one proven to be the most effective was the Unacaria guianesis.

artCentral

artCentral sneak preview and New Year’s invitation

With just a day or two left in 2004, attention turns to the New Year, full of exciting possibilities. And I would like to offer you the possibility of being a part of artCentral.

With 2005 marking the 20th anniversary of artCentral’s "official" incorporation, we’ll be celebrating that milestone later in the year.

In the meantime, our 2005 exhibition lineup begins with two shows by award winning artCentral members. A display of photographic work by Bill Perry III and mixed media sculpture by Rebecca Perry opens on January 21. In March you can look forward to the paintings of contemporary realist Dan McWilliams. All three of these artists won recognition and cash awards at Spiva’s current 57th Annual Membership Show, still on display through January 16.

In February I will be giving a special seminar for artists on "How to Plan a Successful Exhibit", open to members and the general public.

For all the mothers and daughters, grandmothers and granddaughters, aunties and nieces, artCentral is planning a "Tea & Jewelry" event, just before Mother’s Day.

Summer brings the Adult Workshops and "ArtKamp for Kids", followed by The Annual Membership Exhibit and the artCentral’s Maple Leaf Wine Tasting and Silent Auction in the fall. And that’s just for starters!

Whether you’re an artist, enthusiast, or just want to try something new, give us a call at 358-4404. We’ll send you a membership form or add you to the mailing list. Then for sure you’ll be a part of artCentral’s New Year!