Today's Feature

"Better Your Business" Seminar.

News release.

The Carthage Chamber of Commerce will host a ‘Better Your Business’ seminar titled "Marketing To and Understanding Our Hispanic Community"" on Thursday, September 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carthage Memorial Hall, 407 South Garrison Avenue. There is no cost to attend this seminar and lunch will be provided.

According to research done by the Carthage Family Literacy Council, Carthage’s local Hispanic population is estimated to be around 4,000. That translates roughly into one out of every four Carthage residents.

"It’s no secret that Carthage has a large Hispanic community," said Debra Smith, Director of Member Services. "However knowing how to tap into that community and create a loyal customer base or simply recruit an employee has become a secret. That is why the Chamber is hosting this ‘Better Your Business’ seminar on how to market to and understand our local Hispanic community."

During the half day seminar attendees will be taught some basic phrases they can use to communicate with potential Hispanic customers as well as tips on how they can market their product and service to this growing sector of Carthage.

"We want businesses to walk away knowing how to connect with this diverse culture," said Smith. "How to build a relationship that will ultimately positively impact their bottom line."

Scheduled seminar speakers include Adolfo Castillo, Owner of Multicultural Solutions/Consulting services and President of the Tri-State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Sandy Swingle, Director of the Carthage Family Literacy Council.

For more information about the "Marketing To And Understanding Our Hispanic Community" seminar or to register, call the Chamber at 358-2373. Reservations are required.

Further Discussion of Waste Contract.

The City Council Public Works Committee will meet this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Items on the agenda include the discussion of the Allied Waste Contract Addendum.

Allied Waste at the previous meeting requested unscheduled mid-contract changes to recoup losses due to high fuel prices and other increases of cost. The committee at that time requested more time to study and consider the proposed changes prior to taking any action.

Stench Report:

Monday,
9/18/06

No Stench Detected on Carthage Square

There was always a few who’d bait ya in with an exceptional marble or two tryin’ to get you to play your good ones. That lesson cost me a couple good marbles also.

Then there were the "sandbaggers" that tried ta make ya think a particular no-count marble had some value.

I guess it’s a complicated game. The negotiatin’ skills and social skills needed to survive were learned early and reinforced daily. No wonder kids don’t play much anymore.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

What to Do for Canker Sores

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: For several years I had ulcers inside my mouth. I visited an ear, nose and throat doctor, who had me stop all medicines, including medicines for cholesterol and osteoporosis, as well as vitamins. The sores cleared up, but they have returned. My cholesterol has risen without my medicine, and I am very careful about what I eat. I am worried about not taking my cholesterol medicine. What should I do? -- C.R.

ANSWER: I assume you’re suffering from canker sores. Medicines can aggravate them, but a blanket condemnation of all medicines as being the sole cause is not warranted. You need a second opinion.

The actual cause of canker sores isn’t known. Some experts hold that they result from an immune-system reaction to mouth bacteria. Many people have an outbreak when they eat foods that cause trauma to the mouth lining -- foods like pretzels or potato chips. Others find that nuts, chocolate and seafood trigger them. You have to keep a diary of what you eat and see if there is any relationship between food and your outbreaks.

Most canker sores heal on their own in four to 14 days.I don’t buy the recommendation to stop all medicines without consulting the rest of your doctors.

Avoid abrasive, spicy, acidic foods and beverages. When there is an outbreak, using liquid Benadryl, milk of magnesia or Kaopectate as a mouthwash (don’t swallow them) can relieve the stinging pain.

Do consult with the doctors who prescribed your medicines and see if they think it’s safe for you not to use them.