Community digest for July 29

FFA member goes to public speaking academy

Amanda Birk, a member of the Jackson FFA Chapter, participated in the Missouri FFA Public Speaking Academy held June 18 to 20 on the campus of Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg.

During the three-day event, FFA members used the Internet and communication technology to develop and refine an effective speech. Each student presented his or her speech as part of a contest at the conclusion of the academy.

More than 60 FFA members and advisers from across Missouri attended the academy, which is now in its third year.

Cape Lions donate $2,000 to foundation

The Cape Girardeau Noon Lions Club presented the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation (MLERF) with $2,000 recently. The Lions Club holds many fund raisers each year, with much of the proceeds supporting the Foundation and its sight programs.

Amblyopia Detection is the foundation's largest disease detection program, provided free screenings for over 8,000 kids last year. Amblyopia, commonly called "lazy eye," occurs when one eye has much stronger vision than the other.

Clark family reunites at park in Jackson

The Clark family reunion was held July 13 at the Jackson City Park. Those attending were William J. Clark of San Angelo, Texas; Jim and Jean Clark of San Angelo, Texas; Shirley and Glenn Clark of Rome, Ga.; Ervin and Margie Sonsansee of Potosi, Mo.; Ray and Rosetta Mayo of Dickson, Tenn.; Christina Mayo of Woodland, Tenn.; Ed, Carolyn and Beth Ann Eftink of High Ridge, Mo.; Larry Kelley of Daisy, Mo.; Jennifer and Kimberly Kelley of Cape Girardeau; Kelsey and Frieda (Clark) Kelley of Gordonville, Mo.; Glenn and Rose (Clark) Gentry of Jackson, Mo.; and Lorie and Brent Brandon Wills of Jackson.

Also attending were Chris and Amy Haertling and baby Allison of Altenburg, Mo.; Karen Gentry of Jackson; Brad and Jill Noel and baby Lindsey of Fruitland, Mo.; Belinda and Stan Ache and family of Park Hills, Mo.; and Donna Clark of Park Hills.

Dozens turn out for 25th Crader reunion

The 25th Crader reunion was held July 9 at the city park in Jackson, Mo. Approximately 100 people signed the registry. The Hurst families provided the meat for the cook-out. Carol Adair and Stephanie Adair did face painting and balloon animals for the children. A friend of the family, Glenn Heisner of Anna, Ill., provided surrey rides around the parking lot. The auction to benefit the Crader Cemetery netted about $740.

The oldest descendent present was Bernard Crader, who will be 90 years old this year. Bernard is currently living at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. The youngest descendent was Dalta Dawn Webb, 4 months old, daughter of Misty Webb of Marble Hill, Mo.

Three families came from Texas, one from South Carolina, one from Virginia and one from Florida. Illinois and Tennessee were also represented along with many Missourians.

Friday concerts in Cape to resume Aug. 16

Old Town Cape will again be sponsoring its second half of "Tunes at Twilight" in mid-August. The series of Friday evening concerts has been warmly received, and will begin again Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Common Pleas Courthouse gazebo and lawn on Lorimier Street. The weekly Friday night concerts will continue through Sept. 20. Jerry Ford's Big Band will appear Aug. 16; Saxy Jazz featuring Patricia Schwent and Pete Parysek will appear Aug. 23; and Hearts in Harmony will appear Aug. 30.

For more information about the summer concerts or Old Town Cape, call 334-8085.

School supply drives swing into motion

The Area Wide United Way is holding its annual school supply drive to help both parents and teachers in the Cape Girardeau, Scott City and Jackson school districts. This year's drive will be held Aug. 1 to 16. Donation receptacles for supplies will be at Wal-Mart in Cape Girardeau, Wal-Mart in Jackson, Schnucks in Cape Girardeau and Sam's Club in Cape Girardeau.

In addition, the Southeast Missourian is holding Tracker's Tools for Teachers again this year. The school supply drive, aimed at providing teachers with needed supplies, will be held Aug. 7 to 28. Drop-off boxes can be found at Southeast Hospital, Bank of America, Southeast Missourian, Jackson U.S.A. and Scott County Signal.

Staples is also coordinating a school supply drive at its Cape Girardeau location in Cape Girardeau. Customers can donate school supplies now through Sept. 9. The supplies will be distributed to the local Boys and Girls Club, an agency funded by the Area Wide United Way.

Back-to-school fair scheduled for Aug. 15

The Salvation Army, an agency funded by the Area Wide United Way, will be holding a back-to-school fair stressing the importance of education. The fair will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 15 in the Salvation Army gym at 701 Good Hope Street.

During the fair, school supplies will be handed out to area schoolchildren who can provide a proof of address and a Social Security card.

Humane Society to hold ice cream social, auction

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri will be sponsoring its fourth annual ice cream social and dessert auction on Sunday at Sierra Room of the Holiday Inn in Cape Girardeau. Event times are 1 to 4 p.m. and ticket prices are $6.50 for members, and $7.50 for non-members.

A portion of the desserts will be provided by Cape Girardeau area restaurants and bakeries. The remaining desserts are provided by members of the Humane Society and animal lovers in the community. Samples will be served before and during the auction.

-- From staff reports