Clean up the parks in Cape, Jackson

Right about now is a great time to clear out that messy garage or wipe down those dusty baseboards.

But it's also an ideal time for spring cleaning on a grander scale.

On Saturday, Cape Girardeau and Jackson are set to hold their annual Park Cleanup Day events. That means volunteers are needed to do everything from planting flowers to picking up stray candy wrappers.

Anyone interested in lending a hand for the Great Cape Clean Up & Friends of the Park Day is asked to register at 8:30 a.m. at Capaha Park. The event begins at 9.

To become involved in Jackson's Park Day, register by 8 a.m. at City Park, Shelter 1.

Then go forth and conquer!

Scenic Drive this weekend

This is a fast-paced world, and sometimes it seems the faster we go, and the more projects we take on, the less we even notice the scenery around us, let alone get out and enjoy it.

Estelee Wood has been doing something about that for 25 years. Wood is chief organizer of the Mississippi River Scenic Drive, which is celebrating its quarter-century anniversary today through Sunday.

This time around, the drive will encourage visitors to meander through four counties, from Perryville, Missouri, south to Commerce. The beauty of the drive is -- as Wood said in a recent article -- it has no rules. Participants are welcome to visit as many or as few of the drive's 30-plus designated venues as they choose.

This is a conscious opportunity to get out and enjoy the region's gorgeous scenery. A map and descriptions of the venues appeared on page 9A of Thursday's newspaper.