Community digest 12/2/4

Cape County GOP women meeting Friday

The Cape Girardeau County Republican Women will begin their 11:45 a.m. meeting with lunch Friday at the Grecian Steak House in Cape Girardeau. Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones will speak about the possibilities of a charter form of government for the county. The women will also be honoring county Treasurer Bill Reynolds, who will be retiring in January. For more information, contact Cindie Jeter-Yanow at 651-1332. If you are interested in joining the club, please contact membership chair Janet Ludwig at 243-8366.

Public invited to Christmas walk in historic Brazeau

Brazeau, Mo., will hold its fifth annual Christmas walk from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday. The walk includes the Presbyterian Church built in 1852; the 1919 Brazeau bank displaying a variety of decorated trees; crafters with wares for sale at the community hall built during the Depression; the former elementary and high school building, built in 1906, now housing the Brazeau Museum; and Carrie's Tea Room, which housed the first switchboard for the area. Sandwiches and homemade desserts are available for a donation. Also included in the walk will be the restored 1860 Cody House, the blacksmith shop, the Hemman Winery and three residences.

Jackson train becoming 'Polar Express'

The St. Louis Iron Mountain Railroad, decorated for the season, will feature two-hour trips departing at 1 p.m. Saturday, and Dec. 11 and 18. Festivities include Christmas music, homemade cookies and a reading of "The Polar Express" by Santa. The depot is located at the intersection of U.S. 61 and Highways 25 and 72, four miles off Interstate 55, exit 99. For more information, call 243-1688 or 243-1704.

Hospital foundation sponsors holiday program

The Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation's ninth annual holiday music program is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday at Cape Bible Chapel, 2911 Kage Road. "A Christmas Story" will feature keyboardist Shane Steck, the Academy of Dance Arts and young vocalists Lacey Hayes, Quitman McBride and Cara Mueller. Musical performer and educator Mike Dumey will be the program's master of ceremonies. Grace Notes Handbell Choir will provide pre-concert music from 1:30 to 2 p.m. under the direction of Ray Haring. Proceeds of the program will help support programs and services for cancer patients at Southeast's Regional Cancer Center. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information, call the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation at 334-9254.

Cape public library sets December calendar

The Cape Girardeau Public Library has planned the following events for December:

Canned and dried foods will be accepted in lieu of library fines until Dec. 31. Donations will be given to FISH food pantry to help local families.

Beginner Internet training will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday and Dec. 10 and 17. Registration is required for this class targeting those with little or no Internet experience. Use of the mouse, keyboarding basics, simple searches and basic e-mail usage will be emphasized. An optional hour of practice follows each class. For more information, call 334-5279.

The third of three craft programs will be offered at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Hirsch Room. Registration required is required and there is a fee.

The Great Books Series will feature "Namath: A Biography" by Mark Kiegel at 2 p.m. on Dec. 14.

The library will be closed on from Dec. 24 through Dec. 26 and Dec. 31 through Jan. 1 to observe holidays.

Sikeston museum shows Russian treasures

Treasures of Imperial Russia will be on display during December at Sikeston Depot Museum, 116 W. Malone Ave. The museum is also selling tickets for the Sikeston Christmas Home Tour beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. The tour is held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The depot also will offer refreshments and all proceeds will benefit the museum. The Sikeston tour coincides with Charleston's Christmas tour. For more information, call (573) 481-9967.

Jackson public library has holiday story times

Riverside Regional Library in Jackson has planned the following story times:

"Here Comes the Snow," a program for ages 1 to 8, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday.

"Christmas Holidays," a program for ages 1 to 8, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Dec. 21.

"Elephants, Polar Bears & Snow, Oh My!" a program for ages 1 to 8, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Dec. 28

For further information, call Lynn Farrow, children's librarian, at 243-8141.

SEMO Lifesavers group to meet on Dec. 16

SEMO Lifesavers will have its next scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 16, at 354 Silver Spring Road. SEMO Lifesavers is open to anyone who believes in the sanctity of human life. New members with new ideas are welcome. There is no sign-up form or membership fee. Meetings are monthly unless more are needed for special projects. The group is self-supporting by donations and small money-making projects. For more information, contact the office at 335-0665.

Contra dance planned at Christ Episcopal

Cape Friends of Traditional Music and Dance will hold a community dance from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 at Christ Episcopal Church, 101 N. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau. The dance features a caller who teaches and prompts the dances and live, old-time fiddle tunes. No partner, costume or experience are necessary. For more information, call John Boyd at 335-7315 or Judy Hubbard at 334-5289.

Nominations sought for Holiday of Lights

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce Community Beautification and Enhancement Committee is seeking nominations for the annual Holiday of Lights competition. Nominations can be made by calling the chamber at 335-3312 or logging on to www.capechamber.com. Judging will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 14. Nominees need to have their lighting displays on for two full hours as judges drive the streets in search of the best residential and business lighting displays in each of the city's wards. Winners will have a sign in their yards. Maps to coordinate the self-guided tour will be available at the chamber and at the Convention and Visitors Bureau located at the corner of Broadway and Main Street in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Wal-Mart gives to community organizations

The Cape Girardeau Wal-Mart recently donated $500 to each of the following community organizations: Safehouse for Women, Horizon Enrichment, Abundant Life Children's Home, Red Star Food Pantry and Toybox.

-- From staff reports