On the Street

As Springfield City Manager Tom Finnie nears his retirement date, he continues to receive recognition for his 16 years of service to the city. On Jan. 26, the Missouri Community Development Society named Finnie Community Developer of the Year during its annual conference in Springfield. Finnie was recognized for his role in the city's Vision 20/20 planning process - a long-term plan that helped move along initiatives over the last eight years including Jordan Valley Park, Hammons Field and an extensive parks and greenspace plan. Finnie has been city manager since 1990 and will retire in April.

CVB Awards

The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau is accepting nominations through Feb. 20 for the sixth annual Salute to Travel & Tourism Awards. A banquet and benefit in conjunction with the Springfield Regional Arts Council's annual Ozzie Awards is slated for April 28 at Oasis Inn & Convention Center, 2610 N. Glenstone. Event proceeds go to the arts council. There are five CVB awards: Ambassador, Hospitality, Diplomat, Spotlight and Pinnacle. For more information, contact the CVB at (417) 881-5300 or swade@springfieldmo.org.

Valentine's at the castle

Springfield's Pythian Castle is the place for opera, champagne and chocolate this Valentine's Day. Springfield Opera will hold two romantic evenings of “Opera for Lovers” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and 14 at the restored castle, 1451 E. Pythian. Tickets are $25 each and include champagne and Candy House Gourmet Chocolates. For more information, call (417) 863-1960.

Slice of Nice

The Kitchen Foundation holds its second annual Mardi Gras Eyes in Disguise party at 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in the White River Room at Bass Pro Shops. Masks, entertainment, a chance to dress up, music from The Creole Dixieland Jazz Band and The M-Dock Band, a live auction and Cajun food from Hemingway's will make for an exciting evening benefiting The Kitchen Inc. Tickets are $100 each. For more information, call (417) 881-4195.

Twice of Nice

Torch Run T-shirts and ball caps are now available for purchase through Springfield Police Department's Grant Beach Substation. The Torch Run, scheduled for May 23, raises funds for Special Olympics. Every May, Springfield Police officers and troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol carry the torch east on Interstate 44 to Lebanon and pass it on for the next leg of the race. The shirts and caps are black with an orange, red and yellow design. Adult and youth shirts are $10-$15 each. Ball caps are $15. For more information or to order, call Springfield Police Officer Angela Burgess at (417) 837-5832.

[[In-content Ad]]