Heard on the Street

TEE, ANYONE?

Now that it's been named Missouri's No. 1 golf course by Golf Digest magazine, the Branson Creek Golf Club has come up with the ingenious idea of booking tee-time reservations through its Web site, www.bransoncreekgolf.com. "The computer technology now being used will allow golfers easier access to the course," said Steve Shields, general manager and director of golf, in a news release. Guests who come to the Branson area can secure regular tee times for up to eight players 30 days in advance with each reservation using a major credit card. The course, designed by Tom Fazio and opened in April 2000, is located at Highway 65 and Branson Creek Drive, just south of Branson.

ROLL THE CREDITS

The Nixa Parks and Recreation Department will receive $125,000 in state tax credits through the Youth Opportunities Program. As a result, the credit may leverage $250,000 in private contributions for a new youth activity center, according to Missouri Speaker of the House Jim Kreider, D-Nixa. "Through the funding of the youth center in Nixa, we can certainly make a difference in the lives of hundreds of young people in Christian County," Kreider said. The project includes construction of an at-risk-youth activity center to provide after-school and summer tutoring, substance abuse education, pregnancy prevention information, and recreation. Administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the program awards tax credits to youth-oriented projects throughout the state. The tax credits can be a fund-raising tool because private-sector donors may take up to 50 percent of their donation off their state tax bill. This doubles the amount of funds an organization can raise, and it allows donors to redirect their tax dollars to local projects. "The Youth Opportunity Program is an example of public-private partnerships at their finest state and local government, working ... with the private sector, funding worthwhile projects benefiting the next generation of Missouri leaders," Kreider said.

WATERCOLOR U.S.A. BEGINS ITS RUN

A local premiere art exhibit Watercolor U.S.A. has started at the Springfield Art Museum. Work of artists drawn from the 50 states and the U.S. Territories is on display. This year, 575 artists submitted 1,066 entries which were judged by Daniel Siedell, curator of the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The competition, which was organized its first display in 1962, this year contains realistic as well as abstract work, according to Jim Beasely, curator of collections. Visit the display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. If the exhibit sparks an interest in watercolor, classes are available to learn the painting technique. The museum is at 1111 E. Brookside Drive, telephone 417-837-5700.

FUNDS FIGHT ILLNESS

Those suffering from breast cancer have it hard enough without worrying about lack of funds during their illness. The Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks has received a grant of $20,000 from the Cook Brothers Educational Fund Inc. to give as discretionary funds to patients and their families, according to a news release from Mary Beth O'Reilly, president of the BCFO. Applicants will fill out a form and a committee from the board of directors, chaired by Steve Grace, MD, will review applications and make distribution. Christian and Greene County residents will be given preference. The maximum which will be paid to an individual is $3,000. Referrals may be made through a physician's hospital, the American Cancer Society, the Greene County Health Department or by calling 417-885-9600.

SLICE OF NICE

A traveling three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Wall memorial in Washington, D.C. will be in Lebanon June 15-17. Three hundred volunteers are needed to pull the project together, said Chris Robinson, general manager of Colonial Funeral Chapels in Lebanon, an exhibit sponsor. Organizers need volunteers to set up the nine-foot-tall sections of the 240-foot long memorial, which will be located on the grounds between the Cowan Civic Center and the Mills Community Center. Volunteers also are needed to take turns reading the 52,219 names of those who died during the war. "This project has taken on a life of its own, and we're looking not only for veterans groups ... but just about anybody who'd like to thank a vet or show their patriotism and community spirit," Robinson said. He added that the exhibit has been in more than 100 cities since its creation in 1997. To volunteer, or for more information call Image Ink at 417-532-2773 or Robinson at 417-532-6161.