ARTifacts 07/6/12

US Bancorp donation supports the arts

US Bancorp Foundation recently donated $1,750 to the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation to support scholarships for students from underserved populations to attend the university's academies for music, art, and theater and dance. The funds will be distributed equally among the Art Academy, the Theatre and Dance Academy and the Southeast Missouri Music Academy. US Bancorp Foundation donates to organizations that offer support to programs that improve the educational and economic opportunities of low and moderate income families and enhance the cultural and artistic life of the community.

Tippin to perform at concert for veterans

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff has announced that country music artist Aaron Tippin will be the featured entertainer at next year's third annual "Valentines for Veterans" concert. The event will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff. The popular national concert series is made possible through the not-for-profit organization Help Hospitalized Veterans and through donations of funds, time and materials from local communities. No admission will be charged to attend this concert, but tickets are required and will be available beginning in January. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis with four priorities of ticket distribution: Gold Star family members, veterans, families of veterans, and the general public. A limited number of tickets will be available to the public at the Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. Volunteers, businesses and veterans service organizations who want to assist with time and/or donations to bring the no-cost event to veterans and the community may contact concert coordinator Michael Dobbs at 573-778-4058, or call 573-778-4276.

Bikers at Baker set for September

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Experience the rolling St. Francois Mountains while rolling down the highway during the Bikers at Baker event Sept. 7 to 9 at Sam A. Baker State Park in Wayne County. The first Missouri State Parks motorcycle poker run and tour will feature a weekend of fun, food and music and a chance to see some of Missouri's most scenic state parks and historic sites. The event is sponsored by the Missouri State Parks and the Conservation Federation of Missouri. A registration fee of $50 covers the poker run, Friday evening reception, Saturday evening barbecue, Sunday breakfast and a special Bikers at Baker T-shirt. Registration deadline is July 31. Participants are responsible for making their own camping and lodging reservations. Sam A. Baker State Park offers a full-service campground with both basic and electric campsites as well as rustic cabins. To make camping reservations, call 877-422-6766, or visit mostateparks.com. To make lodging reservations, call 573-856-4223. When making a reservation, be sure to mention you are participating in the Bikers at Baker event.

-- From staff reports