FYI 10-14-12

Beginning trapping workshop set for Oct. 21

The Missouri Department of Conservation will hold a beginning trapping workshop at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Oct. 21 at Duck Creek Conservation Area near Puxico, Mo. Registration is required by Wednesday. Participants should pack a lunch each day and bring a pair of rubber boots. To sign up for the class, contact the MDC's Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5730.

Sustainable Living Expo scheduled for Oct. 27

The Sustainable Living Expo is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, 354 Highway 145 North in Simpson, Ill. The event is free to the public. This year's themes are "Good choices, smart living and help yourself." Program topics will cover energy, local foods and conservation. There will be demonstrations and informative presentations related to sustainable living. For more information, visit http://slexpo.org, facebook.com/slexpo, email sbrown63@shawneelink.net or call 618-638-6954.

Shawnee National Forest critter night

Critter Night is scheduled for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds in Jonesboro, Ill. Critter Night is an opportunity to learn about the nocturnal animals of Illinois, including bats, coyotes, raccoons and possums through crafts, activities and games. New activities this year include a sensory hike around the pond, white-nosed bat syndrome information and astronomy. Large groups are asked to register by calling 618-833-8576. For more information, call Sue Hirsch at 618-253-7114.

Conference for grandparents raising grandkids

AARP will host a free conference for grandparents raising grandchildren and other young relatives from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Oct. 23 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 804 N. Cape Rock Drive, in Cape Girardeau. Topics to be covered will include grandparents as parents, legal issues, stopping bullying, budgeting, Medicare, legal trends in substance abuse, money saving tips and taking care of you. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required by Monday and should be made at the Southeast Missouri Area on Aging, 1219 N. Kingshighway, Suite 100, Cape Girardeau or by calling 800-392-8771 or 335-3331.

Holiday Mail for Heroes mailbox opens

Through Dec. 7, Americans can send a card of thanks and support to members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Cards can be mailed to: Holiday Mail for Heroes P.O. Box 5456 Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456, or through Facebook at facebook.com/redcross and Twitter.com/redcross using the hash tag #holidaymail. For more information, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.

Southeast Tupperware cancer benefit continues

SEMO Tupperware will be selling items to benefit Southeast Cancer Center for the month of October. Proceeds will benefit the We Can Weekend, Journeys and other support groups and causes. Orders can be made by calling 573-450-6704, www.my2.tupperware.com/danaljohnston and at the Jackson Senior Center flea market at 7 a.m. Oct 20.

Old Bag Luncheon benefits heart association

The Old Bag Luncheon benefiting the American Heart Association is scheduled for 11 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Elks Lodge in Cape Girardeau. The event is sponsored by Capaha Bank and tickets are available at any bank location for $20 or free with the donation of a new or gently used purse, clutch, tote, gym bag or other bag. Men will model the donated items during a live auction. Attendees wearing red will receive a free gift from the American Heart Association. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 331-7427

Hobbs Chapel hosts old-fashioned fun

Hobbs Chapel is hosting an old-fashioned pie and box supper and dance at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at 3024 Highway 177. Attendees are asked to bring a pie or box supper to share with a buyer. Music will be provided by the John Simon Band. For more information, contact 334-3080.

SoutheastHEALTH begins Fitness Challenge

SoutheastHEALTH has begun a 12-week fitness challenge from October through December. The 12-week program is divided into three sets of four weeks each, with breaks for Halloween weekend, Thanksgiving and Christmas. HealthPoint's personal trainers in Cape Girardeau and Jackson will assist individuals with 30- and 60-minute workouts tailored to meet fitness needs. For more information, call Lori Lambert at HealthPoint Cape at 986-4444 or Scott Givens in Jackson at 243-2211.

AARP driver safety classes planned

The AARP driver safety program has two classes scheduled. The first class will be 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., Friday. The second class will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3. Both classes will be at the United Way of Southeast Missouri office, 430 Broadway in Cape Girardeau. The class will include video presentations, lectures and discussions. Cost for the class is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Advanced registration is requested. To register, call Jim or Melba Stricker at 573-388-1259.

Saint Francis hosting coaches clinic

Saint Francis Medical Center will host the Fall Coaches Clinic from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Medical Center's Health and Wellness Center, 150 S. Mount Auburn Road, Entrance 8. Speakers and topics will include: Robert Stutman speaking about prescription drug abuse prevention; Chris Nowinski addressing post-concussion syndrome; Heidi Hunter discussing brain injuries; Detective Bill Bohnert, a local law enforcement representative; and Mark Alnutt talking about challenges of college athletics. To register for the upcoming clinic, call 331-3996.