GOVERNMENT: VISION 2000 PASSES ITS TORCH TO 2020

A parade and banquet heralded the changing of Cape Girardeau's strategic-planning guard from Vision 2000 to Vision 2020 on Saturday.

Vision 2000 was established by the Cape Girardeau City Council in 1987 as an independent council charged with identifying the community's future needs and developing a plan to meet specific goals by the year 2000. Vision 2020 has a similar charge to meet over the next 20 years.

The changeover festivities will conclude with the dedication of the R. Melvin Gateley Garden in downtown Cape Girardeau at 1 p.m. today.

A small motorcade paraded down Broadway to thank the community for working with Vision 2000 to implement its goals in the areas of community spirit, planning and zoning, business/industry/jobs, and education.

Parade organizer Julia Jorgensen said the parade route was designed to take the residents down to the riverfront. The banks of the Mississippi River, which served as the city's birthplace some 208 years ago, provided a fitting spot to pass the torch of community development from Vision 2000 to Vision 2020, she said.

"It makes sense to go to the river since that's where this all began," Jorgensen said. "We want to celebrate the accomplishments of Vision 2000 and celebrate what we think is a wonderful beginning for Vision 2020."

The parade was not well attended, but those who purposely turned out for the event or who stumbled upon it while completing Saturday afternoon activities said they were pleased with the work Vision 2000 has performed to improve the quality of life in Cape Girardeau.

"Their vision has been successful," said Caryn Michel, whose daughters participated in the parade. "I especially like the beautification projects at the intersections. I look forward to that every year."

Pam Deneke has lived in Cape Girardeau less than a month and was running errands when the parade began. She said the parade participation by young and elderly residents was another indication of the community spirit her family has sensed since leaving St. Louis.

"It's great to see all the involvement and getting it out to the people," said Deneke. "This is exactly why we moved here."

Six organizations were recognized during the 11th annual Awards of Distinction banquet Saturday evening. The banquet is held to recognize individuals and organizations that have assisted Vision 2000 through donations of money, time or labor.

Recipients of the 2000 Awards of Distinction were: city of Cape Girardeau; Mid-America Teen Challenge; Saint Francis Medical Center; Schnucks Food and Drugs; Southeast Missouri Hospital; and the Southeast Missourian.

A special award was given to Gateley, who was described by Vision 2000 member Nancy Jernigan as the "ultimate cheerleader" of the organization since its inception.

"Melvin Gateley has not only provided the leadership we needed, but he has cared enough about his community to stay with it through the end," said Jernigan. "The accomplishments of Vision 2000 are to the credit of many, but we have been especially successful because of his hard work and dedication.".