Local briefs

 Used materials find new life at book-binding workshop

Recycled paper and cardboard were tied up in a book-binding workshop Sunday at the Mother Earth Collective, 1305 Tenn.

Chantel Guidry, Lawrence, teaches the workshop once a month and helps people learn how to make small books. The pages are sewn together with waxed dental floss, and a hard cover is glued to the outside.

Guidry said she prefers using reclaimed materials, though she has made books using acid-free paper and more expensive covers.

“I like using things that otherwise would have been thrown away,” she said.

Kelly Nightengale said she enjoyed learning how to make a book.

“I think it’s really important that crafts like this are not lost,” she said. Above, Nightengale applies glue to the spine of her handmade book.

The Mother Earth Collective has a variety of events each month and is planning a “Feast of Fools” costume party and potluck for April 1. For more information on events, call 865-0578 or by e-mail at emmas_kids@hotmail.com.

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 Disaster relief: Local firefighters’ group contributes to 9-11 fund

The Lawrence affiliate of the International Association of Fire Fighters contributed $50,000 to the New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund.

On March 10, the IAFF and its two New York affiliates distributed the remaining proceeds from the fund to families of the 347 firefighters who died as a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

To date, this fund has distributed $144 million to the families of the firefighters. This latest distribution provides an additional $95,000 to each family, bringing the total disbursements to $413,000 per family.

The Lawrence affiliate, IAFF Local No. 1596, raised money for the fund by selling memorial ribbons and T-shirts, as well as with individual donations from the community. Lt. Kathy Elkins of Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical is president of the local organization that has about 95 members.

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 Pump Patrol: Journal-World seeks the lowest gasoline prices

The Journal-World has found a Lawrence area gasoline price as low as $1.23 at several North Third Street stations.

If you find a lower price, please call us at 832-7154. Be prepared to leave the name and address of the business and the price. Or go to www.ljworld.com/section/gasoline to join our Pump Patrol message board.