Community briefs 12/11/06

Take a holiday tour at the Glenn House

The historic Victorian home on South Spanish Street will have Saturday and Sunday tours in December from 1 to 4 p.m., except Christmas Eve. Candlelight tour is from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. New Year's Day tour is from 1 to 4 p.m.

Victorian Christmas open house set in Benton

The second annual Victorian Christmas Open House tour will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Stewarts' House, 111 S. New Madrid St., Benton, Mo. Hosts will be dressed in period costume and Civil War attire to enhance the experience of touring this historic home decorated for the holiday season.

Civil War Roundtable meets Saturday

The club will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday at Hanover Lutheran Church, 2949 Perryville Road. Note the day and time change from that announced at last meeting. Bring items for the annual Christmas party and election of officers. The program is a recap of the club's successful year and plans for the coming year.

Toy Drive at Applebee's to benefit BBBS

Applebee's Restaurant is teaming up with Big Brothers Big Sisters until Dec. 18 to recruit new, unwrapped toys for distribution to more than 200 families. Guests of Applebee's can bring a new unwrapped toy to the restaurant and receive a free dessert.Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest mentoring organization in the country, serving young people nationwide. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri operates throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area, Cape Girardeau County and Scott City.

Christmas program to benefit Birthright

The Immaculate Conception band and kindergarten to third-grade classes presented "Little Baby in the Cradle" at the school's multi-purpose building recently. No admission was charged but donations were accepted for Birthright. The children were under the direction of Mr. Vincent Rapini and Mrs. Tracy Kietzer.

Library storytimes at Jackson and Altenburg

"Snow, Snowmen and Winter Reading Time" will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Altenburg. "Snowy Snowmen" is on the agenda for story time at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Thursday; "Christmas Story Time" is planned at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.Thursday; "Winter Reading Time" is planned at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 28 for story time at Jackson. The Young Adult After School Connection will be at 4 p.m. Friday at Jackson.

Entries due today for Barnes & Noble essays

Barnes & Noble is giving away a signed copy of Lemony Snicket's "The End" at 7 p.m. Friday. To enter, middle school students (ages 9 to 12) may write an essay on what they liked best about "The Series of Unfortunate Events." Deadline for essays is today. Include a cover page with name, age and school. Leave essays at the customer service desk in the store or e-mail to Jill LeGrand at crm2272@bn.com.

Children's Christmas party with Santa

The American Legion Post 158 and Auxiliary 158 will hold a children's Christmas party from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Jackson American Legion Hall on North High Street in Jackson. Santa will hand out treats and add to his Christmas wish list. The auxiliary will serve refreshments and distribute McDonald's dollars. Children of the community are welcome along with their parents.

Recruiting cards for 80-year-old's birthday

Edward Grebing is celebrating his 80th birthday on Dec. 18. His children encourage friends and family to mark the occasion by participating in a card shower. Cards and well wishes may be sent to 1818 Lakeshore Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

-- From staff reports