EASTER SEAL ORNAMENT DEPICTS RIVER BRIDGE

The Southeast Missouri Easter Seal Society once again is adding local flavor to a Christmas tree near you.

The organization has issued its sixth annual limited edition "Christmas in Southeast Missouri" ornament for collectors and anyone wishing to aid Easter Seal.

Each year an ornament is issued that commemorates a different area landmark. The 1996 ornament features a depiction of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge.

"We're very proud of this year's ornament," sad Chuck Martin, regional executive director. "We talked about using the bridge well before congressman Emerson passed away."

Martin said that after Emerson's death in June it seemed even more appropriate to use the bridge to represent Southeast Missouri. "He was one of those political leaders who crossed political lines very well," said Martin. "He seemed to represent the people rather than a party, and we believe people will respond well to the ornament."

Previous ornaments have featured Bollinger Mill, The old courthouse and downtown clock, the St. Louis-Iron Mountain and Southern Railway, the Academic Hall Copper Dome, and a steamboat scene.

The 1996 ornament is gold-plated, solid brass and comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Local artist Don Greenwood designed the ornament.

"Don is the second artist we've used to design these ornaments," Martin said. "Mark Farmer was the first artist, and he designed the first three ornaments. We try to spread it out over other well-known artists in the area."

Only 600 ornaments were created this year, and Martin said about a third already are sold. "We give previous buyers the first chance to purchase new ornaments because we want to make sure they have the opportunity to get one if they are collecting them, Martin said.

"We've had steady sales, but Thanksgiving was late, and I think people are just getting into the Christmas spirit," Martin said. "We still have limited quantities available from previous years if anyone is interested in getting them. But the Bollinger Mill and Copper Dome are completely gone."

Martin said he believes the collector's value of the ornaments will show as the years pass; however, some of the earlier ornaments are already showing signs of value.

"There have been people interested in the Bollinger Mill ornament, and I believe I could definitely see people paying an increased price for it," Martin said. "Obviously, different ornaments will hold different sentimental value for people, but both the Bollinger Mill and Copper Dome-Academic Hall ornaments, I believe, would sell for an increased price right now."

The ornaments sell for $12 each if picked up at Easter Seal, 316 S. Plaza Way. The cost is $13 to ship ornaments anywhere in the United States.

All proceeds from sales directly benefit the Southeast Missouri Easter Seal Society's programs and services.