United Way campaign reaches halfway mark

The United Way campaign that kicked off in late August has reached the halfway point. The goal of $1,120,000 will enable not-for-profit agencies in Southeast Missouri to focus on solving problems by preventing them. For more information about the United Way of Southeast Missouri, call 334-9634.

Southeast Missouri Pachyderm club meets

The Southeast Missouri Pachyderms will meet for a meal starting at 6:15 p.m. Thursday at Dexter Bar-B-Que in Cape Girardeau. A meeting will follow at 7 p.m. Speakers will be winners of the local political races. Call Gerald Adams at 243-4199 for more information.

National French Heritage Park under consideration

A conference to explore a new French heritage park near Ste. Genevieve, Mo., is scheduled for Thursday and Friday at the Missouri Historical Society at Forest Park and for Saturday and Sunday at the State Parks Conference Center in Ste. Genevieve. The park is the focus of a study authorized by HR1728, Ste. Genevieve Park Bill, signed by President Bush in October. The meeting is open to the public. Call (800) 373-7007 for more information.

Ste. Genevieve art show and sale set for Dec. 2

A Christmas art show and sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 in the County Services Building, 255 Market St., Ste. Genevieve, Mo. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1. The show is held in conjunction with the town's annual Christmas Walk Dec. 1 and 2. There will be a drawing Dec. 3 for the raffle showpiece, "The Colors of Ste. Genevieve," an original watercolor by Cloice Lindwedel. A silent auction of artwork donated by guild members will be held throughout the weekend. Proceeds will go to the Art Guild Scholarship Fund.

Red House opens doors for Christmas shop

The Red House Interpretive Center will have ornaments, decor, mini-decorated trees, candle lanterns and candles, greenery, homemade goodies, a white Elephant table and mystery bags for sale from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1. Drawings for gift baskets, treats and door prizes will also be part of the festivities.

Chaffee Christmas Parade set for Dec. 2

The Chaffee Chamber of Commerce will hold its Christmas Parade at 1 p.m. Dec. 2 beginning at the Head Start parking lot on North Main Street. The parade ends at the Country CB parking lot next to Rhodes on Highway 77. A cash prize will be awarded for the top three floats. Refreshments will be provided in the Country CB building for all participants. For more information or to enter a float in the parade, contact H.B. Rice at (573) 887-3555.

Scott City Christmas parade to march Dec. 3

The Scott City Park Department and the Scott City Fire Department will hold their annual lighted Christmas parade at 4 p.m. Dec. 3. Line-up is at 3 p.m. at Bob's Foodliner parking lot. The parade route is down Main Street to Ruth Avenue, ending at the pool parking pot. Santa will make an appearance and be available for children to talk to. Groups, clubs, organizations and businesses are encouraged to enter a float, truck, tractor or car in the parade. Call the park office today at 264-3411 to reserve a spot. Winter Wonderland spots in the park are still available.

-- From staff reports