Community digest 3/31/05

Retired teachers meet for program on arthritis

The Cape Girardeau unit of retired teachers will meet at 9:30 a.m.Wednesday at Chateau Girardeau for a program presented by Southeast Generations on arthritis. For more information contact Gene Loftis, president, at 334-5390 or Doris Ford, vice-president, at 335-6878.

Annual Bowl for Kid's Sake event coming up

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri's annual Bowl for Kid's Sake fund-raising event is right around the corner. The events will take place at 2 p.m. April 9 and 4:30 p.m. April 23 at the new Main Street Lanes in Jackson. Money raised will be used to match and support mentoring relationships between adult volunteers and children in need of a mentor. Teams are made up of four or five people who register online. In order to participate, each team member must raise a minimum of $70. For more information on forming a team, pledging and dates and locations of events visit www.bbbsemo.org/bfks.asp

Celebrating Van Gogh at Cape Public Library

Young artists 4 to 7 years old may celebrate the art of Vincent Van Gogh at 3:30 p.m. April 13 at Cape Girardeau Public Library. Participants are asked to wear an old button-down shirt to work in. This is the final ArtStarts program. Registration required. Call 334-5279. Accommodations for the disabled available upon request.

Conference focuses on helping children

The Little Egypt of Illinois Association for the education of young children has scheduled Dave Pelzer as the keynote speaker for the annual spring conference held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 16 at Shawnee Community College in Ullin. This year's theme is "Journey to Excellence: Working Toward a Safer Tomorrow." Dave Hamilton from the Illinois State Police will give a presentation on "The Drug Endangered Child," defining the growing methamphetamine problem and what can be done to help children in these situations. Open to educators, social and health-care workers, parents and individuals working with young children. Seating is limited. Registration deadline is today. Please call Ruth Smith at (800) 481-2242, ext. 3347 or (618) 634-3347. Registration forms available at www.lei-aeyc.org/

Knitters meet at Cape Girardeau Public Library

Knitters of all ages and skills are welcome at Cape Public Library's knitting group at 7 p.m. April 21. Bring a pair of needles and a skein of yarn. Beginners will learn to cast-on, knit stitch, pearl stitch and cast-off. Advanced knitters may bring projects from home, choose a pattern from the library's collection of knitting books and provide hints and tips for everyone else. The club will meet monthly. All participants welcome but registration is preferred. For more information contact adult or youth services at 334-5279.

Children's Center holds a successful telethon

The Kenny Rogers Children's Center's 25th annual telethon surpassed its $250,000 fund-raising goal. The center, specializing in pediatric therapies, raised $251,763. The center helps to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs, including physical, occupational, speech and language who continue to grow up and enter our workforce and communities. For those who would still like to contribute, pledges can be sent to the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, P. O. Box 608, Sikeston, Mo., 63801.

Optimist Oratorical contest winners named

The Jackson Optimists Club sponsored its annual oratorical contest for youth. They spoke on the topic, "My Hero Is..." First place winners were Rachel Litzelfelner and Michael Graefe, who each received $100 savings bonds. They qualified for the zone contest held March 20 at the Osage Community Centre. Beginning in 1928, the oratorical contest is the longest running youth program sponsored by Optimist International. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program annually. The objective is for youth to gain experience in public speaking that will later benefit them in future careers.

National volunteer month proclaimed by mayors

The United Way, Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Volunteer Intergenerational Center kicked off national volunteer month with the mayors of Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City. All three signed proclamations declaring April as national volunteer month. Following the signing of the proclamations, Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson, Jackson Mayor Paul Sander and Scott City Mayor Tim Porch volunteered at the Jackson Senior Center to help serve the noon meal to seniors.

Home show cookbook winners announced

The 25th annual home and garden show at the Show Me Center recently held a drawing for cookbooks, promoting "People to People student ambassadors." Winners were Betty Morgan and Tracie Seabaugh, both of Cape Girardeau, and Linda Hargraves of Jackson.