Community briefs 2/7/08

Not-for-profit group looking for volunteers

Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship, a not-for-profit organization serving children and adults with disabilities, is seeking more volunteers because of its lesson expansion schedule. Duties include assisting riders, office work, light construction, special events and stable chores. The riding facility is located in Oak Ridge. Help is needed throughout the week including Saturday. For more information, visit www.semohorsetherapy.org or call 573-275-3040.

Salvation Army seeks donations for program

Supplies are needed for this month's Meals with Friends program. Donations of dessert plates, bowls, canned fruit, napkins, large bags of chips, hot dogs and refried beans may be dropped off at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St. in Cape Girardeau.

Nature Center offers weekend programs

The Nature Center will offer a variety of programs this weekend.

• From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, the Racers group, geared for 12- to 17-year-olds will learn about trout. A trout permit is required regardless of age, and participants older than 15 must also have a fishing permit. Meet at the Nature Center. Permission slips are required and transportation to Jackson City Park is provided.
• From 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Amber Glenn will present a purple martin program at the Nature Center for ages 12 and up.
• From 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, a wild game cooking program for ages 18 and older will be held at the Nature Center.
• From 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, a hike at Juden Creek will begin at the Nature Center, with transportation provided to the site.

All programs require registration. Call 290-5218 to register.

Notre Dame holds annual trivia night

Notre Dame Regional High School opens its doors at 6:15 p.m. Saturday for its 10th annual trivia night. There is a cost per contestant; tables are limited to eight participants. For reservations or information, contact Becki Essner, 335-0862 or 335-6772.

Tickets on sale now for Spring Fling

The 20th annual Immaculate Conception Spring Fling Dinner Auction will open its doors at 4:30 p.m. March 8 at Immaculate Conception, with a smoked pork chop and chicken dinner served at 5:30 p.m., followed by an oral auction at 6:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the school lobby. Donations are being accepted through the church office at 243-3182 or school office at 243-5013.

River Heritage Quilters' Guild has meeting

The River Heritage Quilters' Guild monthly meeting begins with a 6:30 p.m. social hour Monday at the Cape Girardeau Senior Center, 921 N. Clark Ave. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. The program this month is centered on the quilt show that will be Sept. 27 and 28. Plans are being finalized for the guild retreat March 13 to 16 at Kentucky Lake. Newly elected officers are president Darla Snider, vice president Madeline Gieselman, secretary Karla Kiefner, treasurer Pam Mungle and historian Joan Meyer. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, visit www.riverquilters.bravehost.com.

Emergency disaster conference rescheduled

An emergency disaster services conference scheduled for Feb. 1 and 2 at the Salvation Army has been rescheduled to 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 15 and 9 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 16 at 701 Good Hope St. Individuals interested in attending or for more information should RSVP by Wednesday by calling 335-7000. There are no conference registration fees.

Contra dance will be held Feb. 19 at church

The Cape Friends of Traditional Music and Dance will hold a contra dance and workshop from 6:45 to 10:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Christ Episcopal Church, 101 N. Fountain St. A free beginner's session will from 6:45 to 7 p.m.; the contra dance to live music is from 7 to 9:30; free waltz workshop is from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. All dances taught and walked through. Requested donation is discounted for students. For more information call John or Kathy Coffman at 334-4706, Judy Bradley at 334-5289, or John Boyd at 335-7315.

Thorngate employees hold reunion at Ryan's

The 12th annual reunion of former employees of Thorngate Ltd. manufacturing plant in Chaffee, Mo., will be at 5 p.m. Feb. 18 at Ryan's in Cape Girardeau. All former employees are invited to attend.

-- From staff reports