Community briefs 6/9/08

Climate protection group to hold meeting

The Southeast Missouri Climate Protection Initiative will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday in room one of the Osage Community Centre on North Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. The primary focus of the meeting will be discussions of projects and plans for the summer. Projects include the Family Resource Center garden, education via the Climate Counter segments on a local radio station, Southeast Missourian op-ed columns, Web page updates, city climate protection planning, logo shopping bags and local "green business" identifications. In addition, 8th Congressional District Democratic Party candidate Joe Allen has asked to join the group to see what is being done. For more information, visit cstl.semo.edu/SEMOCPI.

Hartle family reunion to be this weekend

The Hartle family reunion will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Cape County Park North shelter No. 5. Relatives and friends are invited. Bring a covered dish. For more information, call Bernice Haynes at 243-4371.

Humane Society warns of cocoa mulch danger

Cheryle Dillon, the director of the Humane of Southeast Missouri, has released a warning concerning the use of cocoa mulch. According to Dillon, cocoa mulch for gardens can cause physical harm to dogs and cats. Some pets won't eat it, but an ingredient in it called theobromine (used to make all chocolate) is toxic to dogs. She warns pet owners to be aware of what may be in area gardens.

— From staff reports