COMMUNITY CARING TO OFFER CONFERENCE

The study of laughter -- the human animal and survival in his habitat -- will be the topic of the eighth annual Community Caring Conference on Valentine's Day.

Motivational speaker Beth Higgs will be featured at the conference, which is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Feb. 14, at the Show Me Center.

Higgs' topic will be "Rhinocerology: How to make it through the jungle of life without being eaten alive." Her workshop will focus on functional tools for relieving stress, creating balance and humor in life, and achieving success both personally and professionally.

"We've done a number of different kinds of conferences," said Shirley Ramsey, executive coordinator of the Community Caring Council, which is sponsoring the event. "What we found a couple of years ago is fun topics give people a break and allow them to look at their lives and stress levels in a fun way."

Ramsey said rhinocerology is a philosophy Higgs developed around the concept of having tough skin like the rhinoceros. "I believe it's about and not letting little things bother you," she said.

"She uses a lot of laughter and down-home common sense to help people deal with the stress in their lives," Ramsey said.

State Rep. Mary Kasten will deliver the welcoming remarks at the conference, which is also sponsored by Southeast Missouri State University. Kasten founded the organization as a means to address problems in the community and bring about positive change in Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area.

The cost of the conference is $40, but Ramsey said agencies and individuals are encouraged to make use of the "Sweetheart Special." To receive the special, four individuals must be preregistered; a fifth person attends for free.

"We have probably 175 already registered for the conference," Ramsey said. "Agencies are sending five to 15 people at a time."