When Barack Obama takes his wife, Michelle, out onto the dance floor Jan. 20 to celebrate his inauguration, a group of supporters from across the region will be having their own party in Cape Girardeau.

Live music, a black-tie dinner and an inspirational speech from Cairo, Ill.-native Lt. Col. James E. Ramsey of Grand Blanc, Mich., are part of the festivities planned for the evening at Drury Lodge, said Ophelia Robinson of Sikeston, Mo., one of the organizers of the event.

"We have sent letters from the Bootheel to Chicago, compiled the names of everyone we know with a connection to the region," Ramsey said. The ball is expected also to draw attendees from as far as Lebanon, Mo., and Arkansas, she said.

The organizers began planning the event in late November, trying to decide how to properly mark the occasion, Robinson said. They settled on having a formal affair that will also raise money for a scholarship for a deserving student, Robinson said.

"It is kind of twofold," she said. "There is a change of arms and an historic change in leadership. Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, history happens. I am a Republican, but we all need a little diversity and I am accepting the change and embracing it."

Ramsey is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve officer and a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. He serves as a staff officer for the Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee and General Officer Steering Committee at the Pentagon and has received numerous decorations that include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

He is employed at General Motors as the supervisor of industrial engineering for the Saginaw Metal Castings Operation.

Ramsey was chosen because of his ties to the region and his dynamic speaking style, Robinson said. "We were brainstorming about who we could get who is local who made a positive impact," she said. "He really speaks to the youth in the community."

The atmosphere of celebration will permeate every aspect of the evening, Robinson said. Pat Schwent and Saxy Jazz, a Jackson-based quartet, will provide the music, and valet parking will be available, she said.

"We are literally rolling out the red carpet," she said.

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

Want to go?

Presidential inaugural ball, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at Drury Lodge in Cape Girardeau.

Contact: Mr. or Mrs. Ron Staten via e-mail at rsttn@aol.com or Carolyn Kluttz at 573-979-5801 or e-mail at carolynkluttz@msn.com.