FAIR FEATURES FAMILIES, FRIENDS, FOOD AND FUN

An occassional breeze stirred the air Saturday bringing relief from the heat for volunteers and participants at the Cape Area Family Resource Center fair. Booths from area hospitals, women's and children's agencies, Teen Challenge, girl scouts and the Missouri National Guard were among those dotting the grounds of Fort D Historic Site on Cape Girardeau's lower east side.

The family resource center encompasses families, churches, agencies and organizations working together to empower healthy and safe communities. Participants in Saturday's activities were able to secure a wealth of information on health issues, summer reading programs and safety tips for fire and water.

Face painting, finger painting and game booths were available for the children. Watermelon, ice cream, sandwiches and chips were also being passed out to those in attendance.

Ken Green, a social worker at St. Francis spoke highly of the center's goals. "I think it's a great idea," he said. "This way we'll be able to bring our services to the community."

Sharland Reed, executive director of the family resource center, expressed appreciation for the support received from the providers of services at Saturday's event. She was also very excited about the center's planned new facility at 1000 S. Sprigg.

"We just received permission to raise funds to purchase the building," she said. When purchase and renovations are complete, the service providers will be able to bring their services to the community instead of the community traveling to them.

Christina Wolford, 13, thought Saturday's events were a good thing.

"There's certainly a lot of people willing to help," she said.

Brittany Jones, 11, visited the Missouri National Guard Drug Demand Reduction booth where Master Sergeant Jimmy Carter explained the guard's mission to reduce drug and alcohol abuse in today's youth.

"I learned about the dangers of drinking and driving," she said.

Tyrone Wade, Isiah Bell, Anthony Hempstead and David Hamilton, all 12, are participants in the center's drop-in program.

The drop-in service is open between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Children are given a hot meal and allowed to use the center's computers and educational software.

"They are supervised the whole time in a safe facility," said Reed.

Bell goes to the center about four times a week. Lunch and computer time are part of his daily schedule.

"Sometimes we have guests and we get to do activities with them," he said.

Hamilton also utilizes the center's drop-in service.

"I go almost every day," he said. He said the best part for him is meeting new people.

"Today was a chance for people to get to see programs they didn't know about," said Camilla Moore who attended Saturday's events with her children.

The center plans to create more programs for children and seniors as funds become available.

Dorothy Prince sees the center's activities as a benefit.

"As long as they catch the kids' interest, they'll be okay," she said. "The new facility will also be a big benefit to seniors," she added.