Heard on the Street

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HELP FOR FAMILY FARMERS|ret||ret||tab|

Twice this week the Small Farm Advocacy Project will hold church-sponsored community meetings in the area to aid family farmers. The video, "Time to Act for Family Farms" will be shown at 7 p.m. June 25 in Marshfield at the Webster County Extension Center on Highway A and June 26 at 7 p.m. in Mount Vernon in the meeting room at the University of Missouri's Southwest Research Center at 14548 Highway H. The video addresses the issues of market concentration, as well as the environmental and economic effects of factory farms on rural communities, according to a news release from the project partners, the Social Concerns Office of the Diocese of Jefferson City and the Center for Rural Ministry of the Jefferson City-based Missouri School of Religion. Policy solutions will be offered to help small farmers with direct marketing, research to develop environmentally sound and low-cost farming practices, support for beginning farmers and fair wages for farm workers. The video highlights policy recommendations prepared by the National Commission on Small Farms. |ret||ret||tab|

The meeting includes a listening conference and a panel of family farmers. |ret||ret||tab|

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FLAG WAVING|ret||ret||tab|

Missouri professional and amateur photographers are invited to submit entries by July 13 for the 2001-02 Official State Manual on the theme "Missouri's Patriotism Then and Now," according to a news release from Secretary of State Matt Blunt. |ret||ret||tab|

Every two years the Secretary of State's Office publishes a new edition of the manual, also called the Blue Book, and includes a photograph section. Subjects this year may include but aren't limited to Missourians on active duty in the armed forces, reserves or National Guard; city and county Fourth of July celebrations; and veteran-sponsored events. The photos may be current or historic. "When we honor veterans, men and women on active duty, or the greatness of America, Missourians exemplify the American spirit. Photos that portray the enduring spirit of America deserve a home in our Blue Book," Blunt said. For more information and entry forms write to Blunt's office at PO Box 1767, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or see the Web site at http://mosl.sos.state.mo.us.|ret||ret||tab|

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BIG TOP CATFISH|ret||ret||tab|

Patrons have already seen the first round of Tent Theatre with "The Pirates of Penzance," so now get ready for "Catfish Moon" starting June 28. Now into its 39th season, the Southwest Missouri State University repertory company's schedule runs through Aug. 4 under the big top tent at Grand Street and National Avenue. "Catfish Moon," set in the deep South, "is a comedy about friendship, fishing and moonlit memories," said George Cron, the director and an SMSU assistant professor of theater and dance. For more information or tickets call 417-836-7678.|ret||ret||tab|

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BIOTECHNOLOGY|ret||ret||tab|

The Healthy Families Trust Fund will be a beneficiary of $21.5 million of Missouri's portion of the national tobacco settlement under the terms of an executive order to be signed by Gov. Bob Holden. Although the General Assembly appropriated the funds for life sciences research and development, no legislation was enacted to govern the expenditure of the monies. |ret||ret||tab|

Holden's order, now being drafted, is based on legislation proposed during the session. Holden hopes to make Missouri a world leader in the life sciences and biotechnology. "I am pleased by the General Assembly's appropriation, but I believe that enhancing life sciences research in our state is too important to delay until next session," Holden said. |ret||ret||tab|

SLICE OF NICE|ret||ret||tab|

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Promoting literacy in the Ozarks is the purpose of a unique combination of events June 26. The Taste the Future benefit will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Vandivort Center Ballroom, 305 E. Walnut St. and will future menu items from the Gallery Bistro, Harpo's, Mudhouse, Nonna's Italian-American Cafe, Rasta Grill, South Avenue Pizza Company and Springfield Brewing Company. After the dinner, watch grown-ups compete in the sixth annual Spelling Bee for Adults at 7 p.m. in the Landers Theatre next door. |ret||ret||tab|

There will be two separate seatings for the dinner, one at 5:30 and one at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Ozarks Literacy Council, 1229 E. Seminole, and at the participating restaurants. |ret||ret||tab|

For more information, contact Gary Harper at DDEC.net at 417-869-8558 or via e-mail at gary@ddec.net, or Karen Carlisle of Ozarks Literacy Council at 417-886-5499. [[In-content Ad]]