Community briefs 07/14/03

Genealogical society to hold annual social

The Cape Girardeau County Genealogical Society will hold its annual social at 7:30 p.m. July 22 at the Riverside Regional Library, 204 S. Union, Jackson.

This is an opportunity for members to become acquainted and share progress on their genealogy research. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Members and guests are invited to attend. For more information, call Dorothy Rowley at 243-5882.

Motorcycle ride to aid children's hospital

A Midnight Motorcycle Ride to Memphis is being sponsored by Goldwing Road Rider's Association, Missouri Chapter as a charity event to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Riders will gather at midnight Friday at the Cape Girardeau Wal-Mart parking lot and travel a preplanned route to the hospital. The estimated arrival time is 7 a.m. Saturday.

Comfort and fuel stops along the route will accommodate all makes and models of motorcyles and riders. There will be participation drawings and 50/50 drawings. All motorcyle riders are invited to participate. There is no cost, but donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital are encouraged. For more information, call event coordinator Roger Riley at 243-7080.

Sikeston Little Theatre holding auditions

Topping off its 45th season, The Sikeston Little Theatre will hold auditions for the final production of the season, "The Best of Broadway, Past and Present." This production requires prospective cast members to possess a strong singing voice, outstanding stage presence and the ability to successfully perform solo as well as in a choreographed group.

Audititions are from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the new Albritton Mayer Center for the Arts, 506 S. Kingshighway, Sikeston. Auditions are open to anyone high school age or older. Prospective cast members will be expected to perform one solo from a Broadway musical. Piano accompanists or a CD/cassette player will be available. Call Terry Sapp at (573) 471-7603 for more information.

Fruitland School reunion to be held in August

The annual Fruitland School reunion will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 31 at DelMonico's Restaurant in Jackson. There will be a private room to eat lunch together, dutch treat, and visit. For more information, call Jim Englehart at 243-0465 or Ruth Tinnin at 986-7107.

Empowerment zone to hold annual meeting

The Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone will hold its annual public input meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Education Center at Shawnee Community College.

SIDEZ is a federally designated area that includes all of Pulaski County and parts of Alexander and Johnson counties. The area receives a yearly grant from USDA-Rural Development to carry out a 10-year Strategic Plan for community and economic development.

According to SIDEZ executive director Donna Raynalds, the empowerment zone is nearly half way through its 10-year designation.

Residents of the empowerment zone will vote to prioritize goals in the Strategic Plan to guide budget allocations during the 2004 federal fiscal year.

For more information, call SIDEZ at (618) 634-9471.

Vision 2020 team holds semiannual meeting

Vision 2020 Riverfront Team held its semiannual group meeting with federal, county, state, city representatives and the concerned citizens group at Buckners Restaurant on June 17.

The committee's regular monthly meeting will be at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday at the chamber office.

Everyone is welcome at Vision 2020 Riverfront Team meetings. Call 335-3683 for more information.

Parents group to attend dance class this week

Parents Without Partners will attend line dance lessons from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Circle S Saddle. Call 335-0797 for more information.

Enrollment open for baby-sitting classes

Enrollment is open for July and August Super Sitter classes sponsored by Southeast Missouri Hospital. The class, held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., has openings remaining for Thursday as well as July 22, July 30 and Aug. 6. The class, held in the hospital's Harrison Room, is for boys and girls ages 11 to 16 who want to learn proper baby-sitting techniques and basic child care.

To register or for more information, call the Generations Center at 651-5825. -- From staff reports