PICNIC IN THE PARK SET FOR 11 A.M. TODAY

Vision 2000's third annual Picnic in the Park starts at 11 a.m. today at Capaha Park.

The luncheon, which will be held at the shelter near the lagoon, will features hot dogs and hamburgers, drinks and desserts, said Vision 2000 chairman Bob Robins.

Tickets are available at the park, and the picnic lasts until 2 p.m.

Proceeds from the picnic will benefit Vision 2000's many community betterment projects.

Last year's picnic raised more than $900.

Vision 2000 is probably best known for its beautification projects, including planting more than 4,000 rose bushes and more than 42,000 jonquils around the city since 1988.

In addition, the group is sponsoring a competition for the design of a city flag for Cape Girardeau, and has placed more than 50 "Take Pride in Cape Girardeau" signs around the city.

The group is developing a plan for the city's future to carry it through the turn of the century.

Vision 2000 concentrates on four key issues: community spirit, planning and zoning, business and industry and jobs and education. Goals and objectives have been set for each of those issues.

"We have goals for the ongoing projects, and we keep updating these goals to show progress as time goes on," Robins said.

"We're working on something all the time," said Melvin Gateley, who has been working with Vision 2000 since its inception in 1987.

"All of these projects are done by donations," Gateley said. "We just turn the funds back over to the community, wherever it's needed on a project."