Community briefs 12/15/05

Cape Girardeau Civil War Roundtable meets

The Cape Girardeau Civil War Roundtable annual Christmas party and election of officers will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Hanover Lutheran Church, 2949 Perryville Road in Cape Girardeau. Main course provided by the club; side dishes and drinks supplied by members. A new president and secretary/treasurer will be elected.

Glenn House decorated for Christmas tours

Glenn House supporters may enjoy the Glenn House Christmas tours even more since front porch renovations have been completed. Victorian holiday splendor has been accomplished by the volunteer committee led by Carolyn Webb, Knaup Floral and Bloomin' Balloons. Tours in December are from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Open New Year's weekend. Cameras welcome. An admission fee applies.

Arts Council grant workshop rescheduled

The Missouri Arts Council is rescheduling its grant information workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts, 32 N. Main, Cape Girardeau. Reservations requested. RSVP to Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts by calling 334-9233 or by e-mail at artscape@clas.net. The workshop includes information about 20 grant programs and their guidelines, useful application writing tips, the application and panel process, criteria and how to meet it, required financial statements, secret tips from the panelists, handouts not available online, an opportunity to get direct advice on your organization's grant application from staff. Participants will get several handouts including tips on how to maximize support materials and the grant review sheet used by panelists.

Jackson Optimists to hold oratorical contest

The Jackson Optimist Club and Noon Optimists of Jackson will hold the 2005 to 2006 oratorical contest for area youth 15 years old or younger on Feb. 28. This year's topic is "My Future is Bright Because ..." Participants will compete against same genders and have the chance to win savings bonds. First-place winners in each group will have the opportunity to compete at district level for a $1,500 scholarship award. Contact Carol Horst at 243-7916 for an application and rules.

AARP training slated for volunteer tax preparers

Additional volunteers are needed for this tax season. Various tax preparation sites will operate from Feb. 1 to April 15. Typically, volunteers work several hours one day a week. Training is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 17 to 20 at the Cape Girardeau armory, Independence Street and Gordonville Road in Cape Girardeau; from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday, Jan. 23 to 26 at Fellowship Baptist Church on Ables Road in Sikeston. For more information, call Lavern Nothdurft at 794-2241.

-- From staff reports