NEW ORNAMENT DEPICTS ACADEMIC HALL DOME

The Southeast Missouri Easter Seal Society has the fourth annual "Christmas in Southeast Missouri" ornament at its office at 316 S. Plaza Way ready to be hung on the Christmas tree.

Every year the organization has depicted a structure representative of Southeast Missouri on its solid brass ornament. The limited edition ornament this year features the dome of Academic Hall at Southeast Missouri State University.

The 500 ornaments in keeping with years past also come with a numbered certificate for authenticity.

The ornaments sell for $12 at the Easter Seals' Plaza Way site.

"All proceeds go to help children from birth to six years of age," said Chuck Martin, the regional executive director.

Martin said this year's ornament was designed by a local artist, Don Greenwood. He said his organization was pleased with the dome of Academic Hall on the ornament.

"It folds out into a three-dimensional shape," Martin said. "We also provide a red storage box with the ornament."

Martin said the ornaments make unique gifts for friends and family who have moved from the area. He said the ornaments' designs have something unique to Southeast Missouri, and they are appealing to people living out of the area.

He said the designs on the ornaments are meant to salute a different area landmark from year to year.

Ornaments from two previous years also are available. The old courthouse and clock tower ornament, 1992, and the old engine No. 5 ornament, 1993, are available for $8 at the Easter Seals' Plaza Way site.

The first ornament, released in 1991, the Bollinger Mill and Burfordville bridge all have been sold.

To reserve an ornament or for more information, the society can be reached at 335-3377.