Community digest 1/29/04

Conservation department to discuss idle land

BENTON, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation will hold an informational meeting from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Scott County USDA Service Center, 6458 Highway 77, to discuss the new Idle Land Pilot Program. Following the meeting, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., applications for acceptance into the program will be taken. Participants for the pilot program will be accepted on a first-come first-serve basis provided program eligibility is met. Specific details will be provided by Missouri Department of Conservation Private Land Services staff. Farm Services Agency staff will also be present to answer questions.

Relay For Life new team captains to meet Feb. 10

Relay For Life new team captains will meet at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at Westfield Shoppingtown West Park. The regular meeting is at 6 p.m.; committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Call Tim at 270-8008 for more information.

Annual rummage sale taking place at church

Rummage sale begins at 8 a.m. Saturday; auction begins at 10 a.m. at the Methodist Church, 111 W. Monroe St., Anna, Ill. Featured items include books, magazines, newspapers, paintings, photographs, records, tapes, CDs, videos and sheet music. To donate items call (618) 833-6694 or 833-8745.

Notre Dame faculty readies for performance

Notre Dame Regional High School faculty and staff will perform and entertain family and friends at 8 p.m. Friday. All proceeds will go toward needs of the performing arts department. For more information call 335-6772.

Benefit for Jim Trickey slated for Feb. 28

To promote community awareness, ALS research and patient treatment to the ALS Association and St. Louis Regional Chapter as well as contributing a portion of the proceeds for the treatment of Cape Girardeau resident Jim Trickey II, a benefit will be held beginning at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Cape Girardeau Elks Lodge, lower level. The event will include a silent auction of items provided by local businesses; musical entertainment by The Contors and Mid Life Crisis begins at 8 p.m.; food and beverages/cash bar will also be available. A donation of $5 will be collected at the door. For more information call Karen Mogelnicki at 334-7736 or Tina Trickey at 339-1260.

Mediation services made available to the public

Mediation Achieving Results for Children, a nonprofit corporation with a mission to provide mediation services to better serve the needs of the children of parents who are divorced or never married aims to reduce parental conflict in the best interests of the child. Funded primarily by state and federal funds through the Missouri Department of Social Service, Family Support Division, M.A.R.C.H. serves Madison, Perry, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau and Scott counties. Parents can contact the program directly by calling (800) 595-9750 or by writing to M.A.R.C.H. at 105 E. Mill, Suite B, Liberty, Mo. 64068.

Parenting classes and seminars offered

The Guidance Center, 1707 N. Mount Auburn Road, will conduct courses and seminars on parenting beginning March 2. The instructor, certified by the International Network for Children and Families, teaches the course endorsed and recommended by pediatricians and mental health professionals nationwide. Evening and daytime courses are available. For more information on the courses and seminars or to register, call 334-8165.

Telethon organizers seek musical talent

The Kenny Rogers Children's Center is currently seeking people interested in participating in this year's telethon, scheduled for March 13 and 14, at Sikeston's Field House. Those interested in performing should send a music sample to 417 S. Main, Sikeston, Mo., 63801. Tapes may be sent in for selection purposes only. However mini disc or CDs only will be able to be used the weekend of the telethon -- no exceptions. For more information contact Michelle at the center at (573) 472-0397.

-- From staff reports