Heard on the Street

MARY KAY'S LEGACY

More than 600,000 Mary Kay Inc. consultants in 35 countries are mourning the loss of their leader, Mary Kay Ash, who died on Thanksgiving Day at age 83. Ash, whose dual marketing system is taught at Harvard Business School, began her company with borrowed money 37 years ago. Last year it registered sales of more than $1 billion. But it wasn't just about the money. The women, and some men, who took up her profession helped themselves and their customers by living her work ethic God first, then family and then Mary Kay. They told her using the Golden Rule in business wouldn't work. They were wrong. "God didn't have time to make a nobody, only a somebody," Ash said. "I believe that each of us has God-given talents within us waiting to be brought to fruition."

BRR! JUST IN TIME

If you are wanting to spend time with your sweetie snuggling by the fireplace and singing "Let It Snow!" you might be surprised to know that the Public Works Department wants to help. Yes, the romantic men and women of the Solid Waste Management and Public Grounds divisions have firewood to sell to keep your homefires burning. The joint demonstration project uses wood waste generated from the city's tree care operations, so purchasers also are recycling when they buy the $4 bundles of wood.

MO MONEY

Missouri public education programs received the benefits of $13.3 million in Missouri Lottery proceeds that were transferred Nov. 19. That transfer for the month of October brings total revenues for education to more than $68 million, according to a news release from the Missouri Lottery. Each year the state legislature appropriates those proceeds to various educational programs the amount is about 3 percent of the total annual funding for education. About 30 cents of each dollar goes for educational programs such as to the Foundation Program that helps pay for transportation and for gifted- and special-education services. Other programs benefiting from the lottery are the new technology grants program which helps schools districts acquire computer hardware and software as well as training the teachers in the technology; a reading assessment program to identify problem readers early; the Safe School Initiative to help violent, disruptive or abusive students; and vocational rehabilitation, among several other programs. For more information check the Web site at www.molottery.com.

SPEAKING OF TREES

A trip to a local Christmas tree farm is just what's called for this year, according to the wise folks at the Missouri Department of Agriculture. "Nearly 50 Christmas tree farms located throughout the state offer fresh, high-quality products sure to brighten your season," said Amy Bax, the department's specialty crops marketing specialist. Many of the farms are in or near historic towns and cities, "so you can rediscover some of the state's rich history while looking for that perfect tree," she said. Scotch pine is Missouri's most prevalent variety, but there are also Virginia, white and Austrian pines available. Tree farms also offer fresh wreaths, garlands, decorations and activities, such as hay rides. If you're the Paul Bunyan-type, you can cut down your own tree, or they will do it for you. For the farm guide, go to the Web site at www.mda.state.mo.us/pdf/ xmastree.pdf.

SLICE OF NICE

Jingle The Blues Away, a Christmas benefit for boys un-der the Springfield Area Liaison Council's umbrella, will be held 2 p.m.-midnight Dec. 8 at Na-than P. Murphy's, 216 S. Camp-bell. Sponsored by the Blues Society of the Ozarks, the third annual rendition of the charity event raises funds and holiday gifts for the boys who are under the care of the Division of Youth Services. For a $5 donation at the door, blues fans are entitled to blues music, food, and raffles. Local musicians donating their time and talents include Don Shipps and the Titanic Blues Band, Mirage, The DT Blues Band, Side Show, How-lin Mercy, Bert Smith Blues Deluxe and an all-star jam session The wish list for items that can be donated are: Wal-Mart gift certificates, books, compact discs, athletic equipment, sweats, board games, flashlights, disposable cameras, rain gear, wool socks, thermals, hats and personal items such as shampoo, brushes and toothpaste.