Heard on the Street

HONOR OUR VETERANS

Medals are being struck and certificates prepared in honor of the more than 123,000 World War II veterans who live in Missouri. Missouri Speaker of the House Jim Kreider of Nixa and state Rep. Bill Ransdall of Waynesville worked together in the last legislative session to pass a bill that honors those veterans. In addition, vets who took part in the 1944 D-Day invasion will receive replicas of the 50th anniversary "Jubilee of Liberty" medal issued by France in 1994. To be eligible for the medallion, medal and certificate, a veteran must be living in the state on Aug. 28, 2000, and have served in the U.S. military between Dec. 7, 1941, and Sept. 30, 1945. The veteran must have been honorably separated or discharged from the military, unless still active in service in an honorable status. Applications are available by calling 573-638-9983, or at the Web site www.moguard.com or by writing the Office of the Adjutant General, attention: Director; World War II Veterans Recognition Program, PO Box 1808, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Said Kreider, "I encourage all World War II veterans or family members on their behalf to apply for this very special recognition of their service in World War II. This is long overdue, and the time has come to honor the Greatest Generation' of this century."

DOWNTOWN EATERIES ABOUND

Those who have offices in downtown Springfield have 25 places to dine ... and counting. A restaurant and dining guide, including locator map, is available for free from the Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District. In no particular order, the eateries listed are: the Riksha, Carroll's Pub and Eatery, Baylor's Bistro, Fudd's, Dairy Queen, the Hole Enchilada, Harpo's, Sushi Grill - Izumu Hatke, Gallery Bistro, Bijan's, Maria's Mexican Food, Mudhouse, South Avenue Pizza Co., Nonna's Italian American Cafe, Nonna's Bakery, Wellspring Cafe, Bake House, The Sub Shop, Springfield Brewing Co., Taylor's Drive Inn, Rincon Latino Taqueria, Casper's, Rasta Grill and The Lighthouse. Whew!

STAMP OUT CANCER

For just 6 more cents, Americans can buy first class postage stamps that do more than help deliver mail they help deliver money to researchers trying to find a cure for breast cancer. Branson entertainer Jennifer Wilson, spokesperson for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, said, "It is important that we take a stand against this disease that kills and maims so many of our mothers, sisters and friends." Ethel Kessler, of Bethesda, Md., who designed the stamp for the U.S. Postal Service, is personally interested in helping awareness of the disease because she is a survivor of breast cancer. Monies raised will be divided between the National Institutes of Health and the Defense Department's Health Research Division.

SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

A working produce farm near Clever, Campbell's Fresh Market, has opened a seven-week agricultural entertainment event featuring the "Warrior's Challenge Corn Maze." The maze is a four-acre cornfield with twisting trails and dead-end paths that have been cut into the shape of a magical kingdom. Families can play the game that starts out as a fairy tale of two feuding families, complete with rules, "Mutant Insect Warriors," a wicked sorceress and the Silver Queen. The maze is designed to be both an outdoor adventure for the entire family, as well as a tool to spark the imagination. Together they work to stop the sorcerers and save the kingdom. The maze is located five miles west of Nixa on Highway 14, then south four miles on Highway N. It is open to the public 11 a.m.-7 p.m. each weekend until Oct. 28. The farm also offers produce, jams, jellies, honey and canned goods, chrysanthemums, pumpkins, corn shocks and all that other fall stuff.

SLICE OF NICE

The Women's Council of Realtors is sponsoring "The Passion of Fashion," its annual fashion show, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 8 at the University Plaza Hotel. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Court Appointed Special Advocates. Tickets are $20 per seat or $150 for a table of 10. For more information, contact Jennifer Travis at Carol Jones, Realtors.

TWICE OF NICE

Sertoma Club of Springfield is seeking restaurants to participate in Wingapalooza 2001 5:30-9:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at Rem-ington's. The event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club. Enter-tainment will be by Slewfoot recording artists The Domino Kings, The Morells, Honky Tonk Chateau and Kristie Stremel. Tickets will be $12 per person which includes a CD of all the Slewfoot artists. For more information or to join the participating restaurants, contact Kathy Staudt at the Sertoma office.