Tuned-in projects

Each year participants in Leadership Cape present community-improvement projects ranging from the practical-minded to meringue-covered pies in the sky.

This year's dream project would create a $10 million science center with an IMAX theater. More affordable is the plan for Galaxy Park, an observatory for viewing the night sky. It would make use of a former landfill north of the city and cost an estimated $50,000.

Two other ideas are already in the pipeline. One would create a children's museum. The Southeast Missouri Children's Museum Committee was formed 18 months ago for that same purpose. On learning of the parallel plan, the Leadership Cape class provided the committee with its research.

The final project would set up a youth golf program such as the First Tee initiative created by Tiger Woods. First Tee provides training facilities for children of different backgrounds who might not have the opportunity to participate in the sport and learn about its values. The class learned that the Cape Girardeau Jaycees already plan to apply for First Tee chapter status.

Leadership Cape is a seven-month program sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce to help train future community leaders. It is encouraging that these leaders-to-be are thinking in tune with leaders already working on projects to improve their community.