Community briefs 09/29/03

Andrew Tyler benefit raises $1,800 for bills

About 250 Jackson junior high students attended a recent benefit dance that raised $1,800 for Andrew Tyler, a Jackson boy who remains hospitalized after nearly drowning on June 5.

Andrew's mother, Becky Tyler, "was overwhelmed by the amount that came in," said Colleen Mouser, a neighbor and friend of the Tyler family. The dance was held Sept. 20.

Mouser is in the process of organizing another benefit, a dinner and silent auction to be held Nov. 8.

Mouser is holding an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Riverside Regional Library to organize committees for the event.

The money will be given to the family to help pay for medical expenses.

For more information, call Mouser at 243-9966.

Boy Scouts begin annual popcorn sales

The annual Boy Scouts of America popcorn sale began Friday and will continue to Oct. 17. For more information, call the Scout Service center at 335-3346.

SEMO Homecoming starts Thursday

Southeast Missouri State University's 2003 Homecoming will be held from Thursday to Saturday. The theme is "The Adventure Continues," marking the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Plans for Thursday include a 25-year reunion for university employees and a Homecoming party for the Minority Alumni Chapter in St. Louis.

Friday will include a scholarship reception, a National Pan-Hellenic Council party and the Copper Dome Society/Merit Award social and dinner.

An alumni breakfast in the Student Recreation Center South Campus will be held at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by a 9 a.m. Homecoming Parade beginning at the corner of Broadway and West End Boulevard.

Events continue from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at Houck Stadium Tailgate Area followed by the kickoff at 11:30 a.m. in Houck Stadium, when Southeast takes on Eastern Illinois University.

For more information, call 651-2259.

Miss Jackson Scholarship Pageant scheduled

The Jackson Chapter of the American Business Women Association will sponsor the Miss Jackson Scholarship, Miss Christmas, Miss Junior Christmas, Miss Holly, Little Miss Snowball and Little Miss Snowflake pageants. The pageants will be held at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15.

The winner of the Miss Jackson Scholarship Pageant will represent Jackson in the Miss Missouri Scholarship Pageant. Miss Missouri will represent the state at the Miss America Scholarship Pageant in Atlantic City, N.J. The Miss Jackson Scholarship fund and the awards for all other pageant divisions are financed by area merchants and businesses.

Information and entry forms may be obtained from Precious Memories Bridal Store, Jackson Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 362, Jackson, or from the executive director, Marybeth Williams, P.O. Box 85, Jackson.

Parents group to hold meeting at library

A Parents Without Partners general meeting will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Riverside Regional Library in Jackson. Scrapbooking with household items will be presented by Susan Koerber. The meeting is open to the public.

-- From staff reports