Community digest 3/6/03

Program gets children, parents ready for school

Children birth through five years old are invited to bring their parents and discover dinosaurs at the Educare Play Group at 10 a.m. March 27 at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

This is an interactive time for parents and children. There will be lots of hands on activities. For more information call Educare at 651-9171, ext. 110.

Jackson student art going on display at mall

In observance of Youth Art Month, the Jackson R-2 art department will be exhibiting a selection of kindergarten through grade 12 artwork at West Park Mall from March 10-16.

Optimist C.O.W. Party to feature music, food

The Optimist Clubs of Jackson present an old-fashioned C.O.W. (Committed Optimists Wanted) party from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 at Knights of Columbus Banquet Hall.

Country western grub, line dancing, lots of country music, good times and testimonials from committed Optimists will be featured. There is an entry fee. Spouses are welcome. Those planning to attend should contact by Anita and Don Sievers at 243-5489 by March 18.

History day contest planned at university

Southeast Missouri State University will host the National History Day in Missouri district contest March 8 in the University Center.

Project judging will run from 9 a.m. to noon in the University Center. An awards ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. in Academic Hall.

Nearly 500 junior high and high school students from Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Iron, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard, Washington and Wayne counties will compete for the chance to advance to the state National History Day competition in Columbia, Mo., April 12.

Jackson Public Library announces story time

Preschool story time for 3- to 5 year olds takes place on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Jackson Public Library, 100 N. Missouri St.

Today, youngsters may enjoy the story of "Anthony Ants Treasure Hunt." The craft project includes making ants.

On March 13 children may enjoy the story of "Mary McLean and the St. Patrick's Day Parade." Those attending will make pots of gold or leprechauns. On March 20 youngsters may listen to the story of "Duck in the Truck" and enjoy making puppets.

On March 27, "A Fancy Dance in Feather Town," will be read. Children will make birdhouses from two-liter bottles.

Man wins NoonOptimist hot chili eating contest

Patrick Stephens won last week's Noon Optimist Hot Chili Eating Contest, receiving a $100 cash prize from club president Ralph Hendrickson.

In the contest, participants ate increasingly hotter chili until only one was left standing.

This year, organizers served 2,250 bowls of chili, surpassing previous records. The money is used for Optimist youth activities in the area.

Story time planned at regional library

Preschool story time will be held at the Riverside Regional Library, 204 S. Union, Jackson, at 9:30 a.m. Monday.

The theme is St. Patrick's Day. The preschool story time theme held 9:30 a.m. March 18 will be spring time.

Jackson Chamber event taking place

The Business After Hours event will take place at 5 p.m. March 11 at Strickland Engineering, 626 W. Main St., Jackson.

Pagans Night Out set for March 10

Pagans Night Out will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. March 10 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers cafe area, located at 3035 William St., in Cape Girardeau.

Those looking for a circle, coven, or just wanting to meet like-minded people are invited to attend this monthly event.

For more information, call 339-0572, e-mail, taramiller76@yahoo.com or visit the Web site: http://thebuzz.semissourian.com/209.

-- From staff reports