Calendar to address community concerns

The United Way of Southeast Missouri and the Community Caring Council are sponsoring a Family Fun and Learning Activities Calendar to highlight activities in Cape Girardeau County and Scott City that some think may be missed.

"There are so many good things going on in our community, but what we have found is a lack of awareness," said Marla Mills, United Way of Southeast Missouri assistant director. "The idea is to encourage families to do things together."

The calendar is the outcome of a survey that identified some of the top community concerns, which include inadequate transportation, access to affordable medical care, alcohol and drug abuse and family issues. Activities on the calendar offer classes, programs and events regarding these topics.

Fliers with the calendar are available at Sav-A-Lot, the Cape Girardeau Public Library and the Community Counseling Center.

The online version of the calendar -- at www.calendar.communitycaringcouncil.org. -- offers additional contact information, including links to the Web sites of organizations sponsoring events listed.

The calendar is also available through Channel 5's programming of community events.

The desired outcome of participation in family-oriented events promoted in the calendar is a strengthened family unit, organizers say.

Kay Azuma of the Community Caring Council says good input from churches, organizations and agencies will help make the calendar a comprehensive listing of family activities.

The council wants to see the calendar reach groups who tend to be overlooked: single parent families, families with preschool age children and grandparents raising grandchildren.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133