Heard on the Street

REGIONAL ECONOMIC MEETING

It's not too late to join the ever-growing membership of the Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership in time for the Oct. 30 fall meeting at Island Green in Republic. The meeting's focus will be on the recently completed regional labor study which uncovered a huge population of Ozarkers who are underemployed and underutilized. The partnership now boasts representatives from 59 cities, counties and chambers of commerce who have joined the organization to study and resolve regional issues. The fall meeting will begin with a session on the foundation of community development and later, a session on marketing and business attraction. For more information contact Allen Kunkel, regional manager of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce at allen@springfieldchamber.com.

ARE YOU FEELING DEPRESSED?

Yes, it's that time of year again those affected by seasonal affective disorder are in the dumps. Add to that the feelings of helplessness associated with the events of Sept. 11, and you might think you're going crazy. But you're not. It's just a temporary depression that can be helped with a visit to your local counselor, or with medication, or with exercise, or with time out from your routine. Importantly, don't stuff the feelings get them out and confront them. As counselors will tell you, "Own your feelings." And remember, feelings are neither right nor wrong; they just are.

KEEP GREENE COUNTY GREEN

County voters will be asked Nov. 6 to consider a quarter-cent sales tax for parks, trails, recreation and historic preservation. The tax, if approved, could raise about $50 million in the next five years to allow the Parks Department to acquire and develop land, including 150 acres or more to be added to parks at Lake Spring-field, Valley Water Mill and Wilson's Creek. The funds also would be used for seven school-park projects, new and expanded walking, biking and hiking trails throughout the county, and preservation of existing open space in the James River Oxbow and Lost Hill areas. Funds also would be earmarked for preservation of the county's six historic parks and to help implement the Dickerson Park Zoo's master plan. Monies are also to be set aside for recreation enhancements at the Doling and Chesterfield family centers, Springfield SkatePark and Close Memorial Park.

LOOK UP AT BEAUTY

If you're not doing anything in particular, take a stroll on foot around Park Central Square sometime and look skyward. The Holland Building is an extraordinary work of art all that rococo with the curves and ornamentation. So much to see and appreciate! Even the state office building has wonderful work way up high, as do several other buildings on the square. Turn down Park Central West and take a gander at SBJ's building it's getting a fresh coat of paint to highlight its interesting architecture. You just can't beat those arched windows for design and interest, can you? The building housing Springfield Pottery a bit north of SBJ is just gorgeous in its detail, and Valerie Boss' hair studio, the brightly painted "The Groove" building south of it, sports a darling pair of classical figurines. We can't wait to see the facade come off the Heer's building!

SLICE OF NICE

Children are the main focus of this week's Slice The Southeast Lions Club will host a pancake breakfast to benefit the Developmental Center of the Ozarks, 7:30 9 a.m. Nov. 9. Sponsored by Village Inn, the breakfast will be in the board room at DCO, 1545 E. Pythian. The center is a private, not-for-profit organization that serves more than 450 in-fants, children and adults with developmental disabilities.

TWICE OF NICE

On Nov.14 the Sertoma Club of Springfield will host "Wingapa-looza 2001" to decide who has the best chicken wings in town. The event will be at Remington's, 1655 W. Republic Road, and it is a fund-raiser for the local Boys and Girls Club. From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., visitors can sample then vote on wings from places like Adobe Coyote Cafe, Classic Sports, Domino's Pizza and Tony Roma's. Trophies will be presented and there will be music, an auction and a silent auction, as well.