Community digest 12/13/07

C.W. Rushing trust donates to charities

The C.W. Rushing Charitable Trust board of directors donated $500 to each of the following charities: the American Cancer Society Gala 2008; Greater St. Louis Area Council Boy Scouts -- Champion Program, a special-needs program; Jackson Senior Center; March of Dimes; Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship; Ronald McDonald House Charities; and the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation -- Hospice Program. The board chose those charities because they met the mission of making a positive difference in the lives of disadvantaged women and children.

Community Caring Council holds open house

The Community Caring Council will hold a Christmas open house from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Kasten Community Development Center, 937 Broadway, Suite 102, in Cape Girardeau. No regular monthly meeting is scheduled. Bring a gift for children ages 12 to 16.

Civil War Roundtable holds Christmas party

The Cape Civil War Roundtable will hold its annual Christmas party and election of officers at 1 p.m. Saturday at Hanover Lutheran Church, 2949 Perryville Road in Cape Girardeau. A raffle will be held to raise funds. Members and guests are invited.

'Wreaths Across America' set for Saturday

The Mound City National Cemetery Preservation Commission and the Illinois Patriot Guard Riders will hold a "Wreaths Across America" ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mound City National Cemetery at the intersection of highways 37 and 51 in Mound City, Ill. Seven wreaths will be placed to remember those who gave their lives in service to this country. Specially made wreaths for Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIA will be placed on memorials during the ceremony. Call the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau at 800-248-4373 for more information.

American Legion to hold children's Christmas party

American Legion Post 158 and Auxiliary of Jackson will hold a community children's Christmas party from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the American Legion Hall in Jackson. Santa Claus will hand out treat bags and gifts to the children. Refreshments will be served. Parents are welcome to bring cameras.

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 St. 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 Pirce's 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. Ticket includes entrance, unlimited food, select cocktails and shuttle service to and from the game. For more information, call Shannon at 314-361-5900.

Cape group to hold post-holiday dance

Cape Friends of Traditional Music and Dance will hold a high-energy contra dance from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at Christ Episcopal Church, 101 N. Fountain St. in Cape Girardeau. The theme is "Dance It Off," with Banjovi Callers as the band. Everyone is welcome.

Register now for 10-week health program

The University of Missouri Extension Center in Jackson will hold "Stay Strong, Stay Healthy," a program built on simple strength-building exercises to improve balance, health and state of mind. No one is too inactive to participate. To register, attend the orientation session at noon Jan. 7 at the Extension Center, 684 W. Jackson Trail, Jackson. The program is from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 14, 22 and 28, Feb. 4, 11, 19 and 25, March 3, 10 and 17.

-- From staff reports