Salvation Army putting kettles out around town

Salvation Army volunteers will again be ringing bells in Cape Girardeau and Jackson. Bell ringing will begin Friday at various locations. A goal of $225,000 has been set, with the money to be used for ongoing operation of the Salvation Army. To volunteer, call 335-7000.

Girls register Saturday for Optimist basketball

The Jackson Noon Optimist Club will hold signups from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday for the girls basketball league. Registration for girls in grades three to eight is in the community room at Main Street Fitness in Jackson. Enrollment is limited and a fee applies. The season is from January to late February. For more information, call Sandy Crites at 243-3856 or 986-3044. Registration forms can also be picked up at school.

Applications accepted for Christmas baskets

Last year the Salvation Army assisted over 1,000 families with Christmas toys and food. Applicants for this year's drive may sign up for assistance between 10 a.m. and noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. beginning Monday and continuing until Dec. 3. Applicants for Christmas Baskets or Toy Box need the following: a picture identification card for person signing up, Social Security cards for other individuals in the household, proof of address and income. For more information, call 335-7000.

Seminar for grandparents raising grandchildren

A support group for grandparents raising grandchildren is forming and will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Cape Girardeau County Extension Center in Jackson. The presentation, given by John Hudak of the Community Counseling Center, is "Dealing with Difficult Adult Children." For more information and to sign up, contact the University of Missouri Extension Center at 243-3581.

Masons planning School of Instruction in Cape

A School of Instruction for Masons will begin at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Masonic Temple in Cape Girardeau. The school is sponsored by the Grand Chapter of Missouri and led by Retha Felkner, Worthy Grand Matron of Missouri Order of the Eastern Star and Worthy Grand Patron Creed Marriott. There is no charge for the class. All members are welcome.

Singers wanted for Christmas performance

Singers for Southeast Missouri's first singalong "Messiah," conducted by Dr. John Egbert, accompanied by Christy Shinn, are now being recruited. Sponsored by Jackson Parks and Recreation Department, there will be one rehearsal from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 28 and one performance at 4 p.m. Dec. 4 (following the Christmas parade) at New McKendree United Methodist Church, 225 S. High St. Selections include "And the Glory of the Lord," "O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion," "For Unto Us a Child is Born," "Glory to God," and "Hallelujah!" Participants should bring a score or borrow one. For more information, call Ann Swanson, evenings, at 243-1450.

Hearing dates set for housing funding

The Missouri Housing Development Commission will hold public hearings to discuss the affordable housing development proposals submitted by developers for 2005 funding in response to a notification of funding availability issued in August. Proposals for Cape Girardeau, Chaffee and Scott City will be heard at the public hearing at 6 p.m., Wednesday at the Renaissance of St. Louis Airport Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis. For more information, call (314) 429-1100.

-- From staff reports

Holiday luncheons scheduled at Riverlore

Holiday luncheons at The Riverlore Mansion, 2733 Washington Ave., Cairo, Ill., will be held at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 1 and 2. For more information or to make reservations, call the Cairo Public Library at (618) 734-1840. Seating is limited. Proceeds will go toward the upkeep and restoration of this 1867 historical home.

FCE clubs headed to Our Lady of the Snows

The Cape County FCE Clubs are sponsoring a trip to Belleville, Ill., on Dec. 11. Dinner will be at the Shrine Restaurant and clubs will drive through the Christmas light display at Our Lady of the Snows. Earlier in the day, plans are to stop at the Popeye Museum in Chester, Ill., and for shopping at the St. Clair Shopping mall in Fairfiew Heights, Ill. Deadline for reservations is Dec. 3. Call Opal Collins at 334-1468, Carolyn Thompson at 243-2929 or Mary Klaproth at 243-5426 for more information or reservations.

Christmas pageants open in East Prairie

The 7th Annual East Prairie Christmas Beauty Pageants will be held at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in the High School Auditorium in East Prairie, Mo. Age divisions for girls and boys are 0 to 5 months, 6 to 11 months, 12 to 23 months, 24 to 35 months and 3 to 4 years. Additional age divisions for girls include 5 to 6, 7 to 8, 9 to 10, 11 to 12, 13 to 15 and 16 to 18 years old. Attire for ages up to 12 is holiday/Christmas; dress for ages 13 to 18 is formal. An entry fee applies and the deadline to register is Dec. 4. Eight additional special events are offered at a separate cost or contestants can enter the overall contest for a flat fee. Entry forms and information are available at: www.geocities. com/christmaspageant. For more information contact Kandi Staples at (573) 649-2702.

Christmas shoe boxes to be shipped to war zones

Shoe boxes full of Christmas gifts to be distributed to children in war and poverty stricken countries are being collected at Life Care Centers, 2852 Independence St., Cape Girardeau. Participants are asked to fill boxes with small toys, hard candy, school supplies and personal hygiene items. Also include $5 to cover postage and transportation charges, along with a picture to create a personal connection between the giver and recipient. This 2005 Operation Christmas Child campaign is advocated by Samaritan's Purse, the Christian relief organization headed by Franklin Graham, son of the Rev. Billy Graham. For more information, call Michael Hammond or Shelley Wiese at 335-2086.

Comic books theme for Chaffee parade

The theme for the annual Chaffee Christmas Parade is "A Comic Book Christmas." The parade will begin at 1 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Head Start parking lot on North Main Street. It ends at Rhodes/Dollar General parking lot on Highway 77. Cash prizes will be awarded to the best three floats. Refreshments will be at the Country CBer's building for all participants. For more information, contact H.B. Rice at (573) 887-3555 or (573) 887-3608.

"Winter Wonderland of Treasures" sale slated

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 4 the fifth annual "Winter Wonderland of Treasures," sponsored by the St. Denis Home and School Association will be held at the St. Denis Parish Center on Highway 61 in Benton. Individuals, businesses, churches and organizations are welcome to sell or promote their merchandise. Registration forms may be obtained by sending a SASE to: "Treasures" Sale, P. O. Box 503, Benton, Mo., or may be picked up at the school office. Concessions, a raffle, 50/50 and attendance drawings will also be held throughout the day. Admission is free and proceeds will help support St. Denis School.