Heard on the Street

DRESS WARM, BRING GREEN THUMB

Master Gardeners of Southwest Missouri can teach you all you need to know about gourds those things that look like edible squash, but aren't. Starting at 10 a.m. Nov. 10 at Herndon Orchard, four miles west of Billings on Highway 60, those interested in learning how to grow and use gourds can partake of the first session of the fall seminar series presented by the gardeners' organization. "Gourds galore!" will be presented by Sara Herndon at her family's orchard in Marionville where she grows, dries and sells 12 kinds of gourds year round. The volunteer organization, affiliated with the University of Missouri Outreach and Extension Service, provides horticultural information and training to the gardening public. For more information call Gaylord Moore at the extension office.

FLU SHOT ALERT!

If you are on Medicare or are considered to be at high-risk for influenza, you can get a free flu shot from 7 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at St. Agnes Cathedral, 533 S. Jefferson Ave. The 2001 Adult High Risk Immunization Program is a community service provided by the Greene County Medical Society, Greene County Health Department, Cox Health Systems and St. John's Health System. Take your Medicare or Premier Plus Card with you to the church.

WATER QUALITY CONCERNS

If you are worried about the quality of water from the White River Basin, be sure and join the James River Basin Partnership for its third annual forum Nov. 6-7 at the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. State agencies from Missouri and Arkansas and regional stakeholders in the future of water quality will take part in panel discussions, seminars, field trips and other informational meetings. The forum is free, but there is a $5 admission charge to the Wonders of Wildlife Museum reception Nov. 6. For more information call the James River Basin Partnership office.

GINGERBREAD FESTIVAL

As if we haven't had enough goodies to eat already with Halloween, now it's time to gaze at more eats edible houses made from yummy gingerbread! From Nov. 17-Dec. 15, a public participation exhibit will feature gingerbread houses from area schools, scout troops, families and baking enthusiasts along with Christmas trees decorated by area groups. The festival will be held Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the History Museum of Springfield-Greene County, 830 Boonville Ave. The exhibit opening coincides with the Springfield Christmas Parade, which will pass in front of the museum.

SMSU HOSTS MODEL U.N.

The World Affairs Council of Southwest Missouri State Univer-sity will host the Mid-American Model United Nations program from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Nov. 5-6. The 28th annual event will be in the Plaster Student Union and also is sponsored by the SMSU political science department. High school students from Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas will take part in role-playing and simulations of U.N. procedures. The event, which is free and open to the public, couldn't be more timely.

SLICE OF NICE

Deer hunters have a chance to feed the hungry through the annual Share the Harvest program. Each season, thousands of pounds of venison are donated through the program sponsored by the Missouri Depar-tment of Conservation, local meat processors and the Shelter Insurance Company. Last year 49,000 pounds were donated. The program pays $20 toward processing the meat when the entire carcass is donated to charity. Processing normally costs between $40 and $50 for skinning, boning, cutting and grinding. Hunters who want to give a whole deer may request "processing payback" coupons from participating processors. Those coupons and receipts are presented at Shelter offices and the company will issue a $20 check to the hunters. All participating processors must be subject to inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture," said Bob White, the state conservation department's protection programs supervisor.