Community briefs 01/26/04

Marine auxiliary donates to hospital's toy train

The Mason O. Yarbrough Marine Corps League Auxiliary recently donated $500 to the toy train at Southeast Missouri Hospital. All Marine wives and significant others are invited to attend Auxiliary meetings at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau.

Groups holding town hall meeting on violence

The Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence and the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services will conduct a town hall meeting on preventing violence against women from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday at Glenn Auditorium in Dempster Hall on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. The meeting will be an opportunity for residents and organizations to provide comment and recommendations for strengthening the state plan to prevent violence against women. For more information, call Tammy Gwaltney at 332-1900. Copies of the state plan are availabe at www.dhss.mo.gov or by contacting Joy Oesterly at oestej@dhss.mo.gov.

Cancer benefit dance to be held at VFW

A Valentine's Day dance and auction for cancer aid and research is planned for 5 p.m. Feb. 14 at VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau. With the exception of an annual donation to the American Cancer Society, the funds are donated directly to cancer victims and medical facilities that specialize in cancer research or cancer care. Donated items or gift certificates for the auction are still needed. For more information, call Deborah Griffin at 204-0254; Glenneta Volgelsang at 335-6203; Judy Thrower at 334-5110 or Sarina Webb at 335-4073.

Depression support group meeting today

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Southeast Missouri (formerly the Depressive and Manic Depressive Association) will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. today at St. Francis Medical Center's Assisi Room.

Corps recognizes area Wal-Mart stores

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently recognized Wal-Mart stores in Cape Girardeau and Sikeston with a certificate of appreciation for their participation in Ranger Willie B. Safe's Public Safety Campaign. The campaign was created in response to a youth drowning in Southeast Missouri. The safety initiative included the posting of large safety message boards for customers to see in the sporting goods sections of the stores. For more information on the program, call park ranger Andrew Jefferson at (573) 222-8562.

Breakfast to feature information on MS event

An MS Walk Corporate Breakfast will be at 7:30 a.m. Thursday at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce at 1267 N. Mount Auburn. This is an opportunity to learn more about the upcoming MS Walk, the Multiple Sclerosis Regional Office and individuals served. For more information, contact Teresa Birk by Tuesday at 334-1777 or e-mail teresabirk@ gatewaymssociety.org.

Kindergarten open house set at Cape Christian

Cape Christian School will hold a kindergarten open house for prospective students for the 2004 school year at 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at the school, at 1855 Perryville Road. Parents will have an opportunity to meet teachers, tour the school and view curriculum. Child care will be provided. For more information, call 335-8333.

Community Caring Council to hold conference

The 15th annual Community Caring Conference, "Getting Unstuck ... Without Becoming Unglued," will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Career and Technology Center, 1080 S. Silver Springs Road. The conference is sponsored by the Community Caring Council and the New Vision Training Institute. Registration deadline is Feb. 10.

Super Kids Race Day scheduled for Feb. 15

The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department has announced this year's Super Kids Race Day event will take place at 12:45 p.m. Feb. 15 at Southeast Missouri State University's Recreation Center. Area youths up to age 15 are invited to participate. Participants receive a T-shirt and ribbon. For more information, call Chris at 335-5421.

Deadline approaches for SBA disaster loan

Low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Admininstration are available to businesses that experienced financial losses as a result of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 6 to May 11, 2003. The loans are available to businesses which meet the SBA size standards and cannot meet their disaster-related financial needs through other sources. Farmers and ranchers are not eligible. For more information, call the SBA at (800) 366-6303. Applications must be received no later than Feb. 17.

CASA plans to hold art sale next month

"Home is Where the Art Is," a fund-raising event for Court Appointed Special Advocates, will offer a collection of affordable art to benefit the not-for-profit organization that trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger and Perry counties. A preview will begin at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13; the auction will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center, 1080 S. Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau. For more information, call 335-1726.

-- From staff reports