Community digest 6/12/03

On-campus blood drive scheduled Tuesday

The Clerical-Technical-Service Employee Staff Council is sponsoring a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday in the University Center of Southeast Missouri State University.

The American Red Cross has a serious need for Type O blood to help save lives. O negative, "the universal blood type," is vital in emergency situations while O positive can be transfused to over 80 percent of patients.

Board of equalization to review property values

Teresa M. Houchin, assessor of Scott County, has announced that the board of equalization will begin meeting at 9 a.m. June 24 at Scott County Courthouse to hear from those who disagree with the values of real estate and personal property established by the assessor for tax year 2003.

Property owners who wish to appeal their assessments must do so by July 1 and should contact Houchin at (573) 545-3535 or (573) 545-3536 for the necessary forms. Property owners appearing before the board should be prepared to present evidence to establish what they believe to be the correct value of their property.

National Guard reunion dinner set for June 27

A National Guard reunion including dinner and fellowship will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. June 27 at K.C. Hall, U.S. 61 North in Jackson. The keynote speaker will be Mike Radford, known as America's "official" ambassador of patriotism. For more information contact Robert Clifton (Company E) at 243-8844; Paul Allison (Headquarters) at 335-0547 or Gene Phillips (Service Company) at 334-1459. Payment is due by Wednesday.

Benefit planned for victim of brain cancer

A benefit for Susan Long-Higgerson, daughter of Carl Long of Cape Girardeau, will be held from 6 to 12 p.m. Saturday at the Cape Girardeau Elk's Lodge. The event will include a sound system, dance and silent auction.

Higgerson has been diagnosed with brain cancer and is undergoing treatment at M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas. A trust fund has been established to assist with medical bills and donations may be dropped off at any U.S. Bank branch in Cape Girardeau. Please make checks payable to the Susan Long-Higgerson Benefit Fund.

Higgerson, employed at Southeast Missouri State University as a reference librarian for 19 years, graduated from Central High School and is an alumni of the university. She has two sons, Conrad and Stuart. Higgerson is a member of Church of Christ in Cape Girardeau.

Events planned for Parents Without Partners

A singles dance, sponsored by PWP, will be held from 8 to 12 p.m. Saturday at the VFW Hall in Cape Girardeau.

A Family Amigo Dinner/ Father's Day Picnic will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Cape County Park North. Call 335-0797 for more information.

Reading club to feature 'I Like Being a Kid'

The Summer Reading Club will feature "I Like Being a Kid," performed by musician Brian Kinder, at 9:30 a.m. June 19.

Civil War Round Table meets Sunday

The Cape Girardeau County Chapter of the Civil War Round Table will meet at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Fellowship Room of Hanover Lutheran Church, 2949 Perryville Road, Cape Girardeau. The speaker will be Patsy Johnson of Jackson, retired teacher and Civil War reenactor. She will discuss the Civil War in Southeast Missouri. Individuals interested in historical events surrounding the Civil War are invited to attend. Guests are welcome. For more information contact Rob Weeks at 335-8361 or Mike Hahn at 334-1928.

Allenville Park picnic to feature music, activities

Featuring the Country Travelers Band, a variety of activities will be offered at the Allenville Park Picnic beginning at 2 p.m. June 28. Activities include door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, music, cake walk, games, homemade ice cream, lawnmower races, a baby contest, an auction, fireworks and a raffle.

-- From staff reports