Community briefs 9/22/05

Tans R Us sponsoring hurricane relief effort

All the proceeds of the "Relief R Us," fund raiser to be held at noon Friday at Tans R Us, 91 S. Plaza Way, will go to the Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross for assistance to Hurricane Katrina victims. For a cash donation participants will be eligible for prizes including tanning packages and gift certificates to local restaurants. Every donation wins a prize.

Bikers for Babies event benefits March of Dimes

Registration for the Bikers for Babies event to benefit the March of Dimes begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at River Eagle Distributing, 2346 Rust Ave. The ride begins at 11 a.m. Food will be provided to all paid participants. For more information, call 651-6033 or e-mail djirkovsky@marchofdimes.com.

Annual Cobb/Jennings family reunion scheduled

The third annual Cobb/Jennings family reunion will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Odessa Community Center in Odessa, Mo. The potluck dinner will begin at 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Donna or Karen at (816) 847-7565 or email drmrspirit@sbcglobal.net

Nature Center program teaches native culture

"Connecting People With the Land," a special event celebrating national archeology month and national hunting and fishing day, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Cape Girardeau Conservation Campus, east of Interstate 55 (exit 99) and Highway 61 in North County Park. Auditorium presentations include a 11 a.m. "Meet the People of the Missourian Culture," noon; "Waterfowl identification," 1 p.m.; "Game calling for Deer and Turkey," 2 p.m.; and "The Rise and Fall of the Mississippian Culture." The event is sponsored by the Southeast Regional Museum and Conservation Campus Nature Center.

Salvation Army offers meals with friends

The Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope, will serve meals with friends from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, Sept. 26 to 30. Individuals are welcome to enjoy a hot, nutritious meal at no cost. Dessert is cake or pie for all meals. Monday's menu is barbeque pork steak sandwiches, baked beans, pears; Tuesday's menu is chicken and rice, peas, mixed fruit, rolls and butter; Wednesday's menu is hot dogs, potato rounds, applesauce; Thursday's menu is shepherd's pie, mixed vegetables, jello with fruit, rolls and butter; Friday's menu is ham and beans, green beans, crushed pineapple, cornbread.

Registration deadline nears for families program

To assist families in becoming stronger, the University of Missouri Extension has developed a four-part series called Building Strong Families. The first session, to be presented from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 3, is offered in partnership with the United Way of Southeast Missouri, Success by Six, the Family Resource Center and the Community Caring Council. Participants at the first session will determine the three remaining session's topics. Session dates are Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Presentations are free but registration is required. Call the CCC at 651-3747, extension 104, to register by Sept. 28.

Pioneer Orchard holds 38th annual harvest day

Featuring food, crafts, contests, music, rides, apple butter, cider and soap making, mazes, animal petting and children's games, the 38th annual harvest day will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 1 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 2 at Pioneer Apple Orchards. The event will benefit the American Cancer Society. The orchard is located at Highway 34 west in Jackson. For more information, call 243-8008.

The Sullinger/Hitt family reunion slated for Oct. 2

ADVANCE, Mo. -- The Sullinger/Hitt family reunion will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 2 at Fairview General Baptist Church in Advance. A potluck lunch will be served. All friends and family are invited.

Klaus family reunion scheduled in Friedheim

The 2005 Klaus family reunion will begin with a noon potluck dinner Oct. 2 at Trinity Lutheran Parish Hall, Friedheim. Bring table service, photos and memorabilia. Call 335-6301 for more information.

Brucker reunion at Knights of Columbus

ORAN, Mo. -- Family members of the late Michael Brucker will hold a reunion and dinner at noon Oct. 2 at Knights of Columbus Hall, Oran. Bring a dish and beverage. Table service will be provided.

Life Care Center sets date for open house

Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau will showcase its new rehab unit from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at 2852 Independence. The unit is designed to assist individuals transitioning to home from the hospital. For more information, call 335-2086.

Annual barbecue cook-off planned held at city park

The third annual barbecue cook-off contest will begin Oct. 7 at Jackson City Park with a seafood competition and mixer. First entries are due at 8 p.m. The Oct. 8 competition will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The deadline to sign up is Oct. 4. Call 204-8848 for more information.

-- From staff reports