Community digest 12/10/07

River Heritage Quilters' Guild to hold meeting

The River Heritage Quilters' Guild will meet for a social hour at 6:30 p.m. today, followed by a meeting at 7 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau Senior Center at 921 Clark Ave. The annual silent auction and installation of 2008 officers will take place during the meeting, with auction proceeds divided between the guild library and the treasury. Those attending should bring items they no longer need or think may be of interest to other quilters. Visitors are welcome. For more information, visit www.riverquilters.bravehost.com.

Parent group to hold presentations on toys

Cape Girardeau Public Schools Parents as Teachers will present "Shopping for Toys 101" at 10 and 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Cape Area Family Resource Center, 1202 S. Sprigg St. in Cape Girardeau. Presentations will touch on toy safety and the age-appropriate selection of toys. Participants will be invited to make a toy to take home. All interested persons are welcome to attend. There is no charge and no pre-registration required. The event is part of a monthly series of health-related presentations sponsored by the Primary Care Coalition of the Community Caring Council. For more information, call 651-3747, extension 104.

Democrats make plans for Christmas party

The Cape County Democrats will hold a Christmas Party from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Laborers Hall, 773 Enterprise St. in Cape Girardeau. Those planning to attend should contact Faye Schriener at 651-0702. Smoked meat orders may be picked up that night.

Nature Center looking for new volunteers

A volunteer interest meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Nature Center in North County Park in Cape Girardeau. The Missouri Department of Conservation will train a new class of volunteers at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center beginning next month. Applications may be obtained at the meeting Thursday, by calling 290-5213, or by visiting the Nature Center. Volunteers lead or assist with programs, interact with visitors and take active roles in large special events.

Breakfast with Santa planned at Arena Park

The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department and the Cape Girardeau Parks Development Foundation will sponsor a breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the 4-H Exhibit Hall on the south side of the Arena Building. The menu for children and parents includes doughnuts, danishes, muffins, bagels, milk and juice. Parents are invited to bring their cameras. The admission fee will benefit the Parks Development Foundation. Pre-register by completing a form at the Cape Parks and Recreation Department or by calling the department at 335-5421 or the Osage Community Centre at 334-2859.

Ramsey Creek Village to hold open house

An open house will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Ramsey Creek Village retirement facility clubhouse on U.S. 61 in Scott City next to the Knights of Columbus Hall. Lunch, door prizes and musical entertainment will be provided. For more information, call 264-1555.

Child asks for donations to pediatric patients

For her 11th birthday, Taylor Seabaugh celebrated a little differently -- by requesting gifts be given to Southeast Missouri Hospital Pediatric Unit Toy Train. Taylor presented more than $600 in toys and games to Mary Burton-Hitt, executive director of the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation. The Toy Train provides pediatric patients with toys and games free of charge. Taylor said she "wants to make some kids happy while they are in the hospital."

Girl Scout troop makes donation to hospital

Cape Girardeau area Girl Scout troop 215 recently donated 15 video games to the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation for the Hospital's Pediatrics playroom. Following the donation, the troop toured the Pediatrics Unit.

Toy donations can earn Charter installation

Charter Communications is offering free standard installation to new Cape Girardeau-area customers in exchange for toy donations until Dec. 18. New, unwrapped toys valued at $10 or more will benefit a charity or charities chosen by the local Charter office. Charter employees will deliver the toys to selected charity organizations throughout the holiday season.

Celebration to benefit children's fund

The Saint Francis Medical Center Foundation will host "A Night of Remembrance" with the Luminarias for Life celebration at 6 p.m. Dec. 18 in the Saint Francis Healing Garden, 211 Saint Francis Drive in Cape Girardeau. The event will feature a display of more than 10,000 lights as attendees gather to sing hymns and celebrate the lives of those who have inspired them. The display is supported by donations. Each year, a different service of the medical center is selected as the beneficiary of funds raised. This year, the Saint Francis Children's Fund will receive the money from the donations. To make a donation, call the Saint Francis Foundation at 331-5133.

-- From staff reports

Benefit for stroke victim planned for Dec. 22

A benefit for a recent stroke victim, Terrell Pirce of Jackson, will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at Pockets Bar, 1444 Independence Street in Cape Girardeau. There will be a silent auction, finger food and refreshments. Attendees can bring a dish to share. For those unable to attend who wish to make a donation, an account is set up in his name at Regions Bank in Jackson. Auction items are still being accepted. For more information, call Fawn Coomer at 335-9290.

Benefit tailgate planned for basketball game

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri has planned a benefit indoor tailgate party for the Missouri vs. Illinois basketball game. It will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at Lush Cafe and Lounge, 3037 Olive St. in St. Louis. Tickets includes entrance, unlimited food, select cocktails and shuttle service to and from the game. For more information, call Shannon at 314-361-5900.

-- From staff reports