Community briefs 2/27/06

Retired teachers group meets Wednesday

The Cape Girardeau Retired Teachers Association will meet at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Chateau Girardeau. KFVS12 meteorologist Bob Reeves will give a program.

Scott County Women in Agriculture meet

The Scott County Women in Agriculture will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the USDA office on Highway 77 in Benton, Mo. Plans will be discussed for the upcoming annual Farm Day held in April. All women are invited to attend. If you share an interest in gardening, cooking, farming, family activities or helping the community, this organization provides an atmosphere of fun, fellowship and support. For more information, contact Kay Dover at (573) 545-9027.

Outback to sponsor Veterans Home luncheon

Outback Steakhouse in Cape Girardeau is sponsoring a benefit luncheon for the Missouri Veterans Home from 11 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. March 19. The restaurant will feed up to 350 people a choice of ribeye or chicken on the barbie with mashed potatoes, chips, fries, salad, bread and non-alcoholic drinks. Discounted price for two tickets. The veterans home will receive 100 percent of the proceeds from ticket sales for the Home's Perpetual Trust Fund. The Perpetual Trust Fund is an "insurance policy" for future generations of veterans. A limited number of tickets remain available. Contact Pete Rhodes at VFW Post 3838 at 334-4438.

Chaffee sets pre-k and kindergarten screenings

Call (573) 887-3244 to schedule appointments for Chaffee pre-k and kindergarten screenings to be held Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the First Baptist Church, 301 S. Third St. Bring child's birth certificate, immunization records and Social Security card.

VFW auxiliary to hold benefit for family

The VFW Post 3838 Ladies Auxiliary will hold a spaghetti dinner and silent auction for the family of Sgt. Justin Dietiker beginning at noon Saturday at the VFW. Three family members have serious medical needs, and Dietiker has had difficulty finding full-time employment in construction because of the season. Dietiker, who serves with the National Guard, was deployed to Iraq and then to the Gulf Coast to aid with hurricane relief. Community members are asked to help with donations of money, auction items or time to help support the cause. For more information, call Deborah Griffin, auxiliary president, at 204-0254; VFW Post 3838 at 334-4438; Diane Kelpe at 334-1545; or Glenneta Vogelsang, auxiliary treasurer, at 335-6203.

Fun science workshop at SEMO University

A science workshop for 9- to 14-year-olds will held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Magill Hall, Room 232, at Southeast Missouri State University. Experiments include a dancing raisin and rock candy. Wear old clothes that are not baggy and no eye makeup. There is a fee. Sign up for workshop Y 310S by calling 986-7399.

Humane Society seeks yard sale donations

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri will hold a two-day yard sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 25 and noon to 4 p.m. March 26 at 2536 Boutin Drive, Cape Girardeau. Donated items can be dropped off at the Humane Society; clothing accepted until the week of the sale. All proceeds will be used for Humane Society animal care and operating costs. Donations are tax-deductible. Receipts given upon request. For more information, call 334-5837 or stop by the shelter.

Community Caring Council to hold breakfast

The Community Caring Council will hold its annual breakfast and elections at 7:30 a.m. April 21 at the VFW Hall, 1049 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau. For information about cost and registration, call 651-3747, extension 100. Registration deadline is April 14.

Heartland writing competition held in June

Entries are being accepted for the Great Beginnings Writing Competition, sponsored by the Heartland Writers Guild in conjunction with its 2006 conference June 8 to 10 at the Sikeston Best Western Coach House Inn. Three entries may be submitted in adult or YA novel, children's picture book, short story, nonfiction article or book, screenplay and poetry. Brochures providing details and rules, conference activities, staff fees and accomodations are at www.heartlandwriter.org. Send a request to HWG, P.O. Box 652, Kennett, Mo., or by e-mailing heartlandwriters@hotmail.com for more information. Include "2006 conference" in the subject line.

-- From staff reports