On the Street

Rumor has it that Hammons Field will undergo physical changes to appease its new tenant. Springfield Cardinals’ top brass are keeping quiet, though, until plans are final. “I wouldn’t call them changes; I would call them enhancements,” said Matt Gifford, Cardinals general manager. “It’s just some things that will make the fans’ experience a little more enjoyable. We’re not very (far) away from making a formal announcement on what’s going to happen.” The rumor mill says individual mezzanine seats will be removed to create additional group party areas and outfield seating will be added above the bullpen.

Hepper art

One-time Springfield artist Scott Hepper is making news in St. Louis, where he will unveil a new painting at a March 13 gala at the historic Saint Louis Women’s Club. The painting, which depicts the Saint Louis Cathedral Basilica in Hepper’s trademark “classical-Cubism” style, will be auctioned at the event. Event proceeds benefit Saint Louis Cathedral Concerts. It’s not the first time Hepper’s art proceeds have benefited charity. While in Springfield, Hepper’s paintings raised more than $45,000 for area charities, including the March of Dimes, American Red Cross, American Cancer Foundation and local cultural organizations.

Ozzie and travel awards

The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Springfield Regional Arts Council are each accepting nominations for their respective awards to be distributed at the Fifth Annual Salute to Travel & Tourism Awards Banquet and Benefit April 28. Through Feb. 15, Ozzie Awards nominees – individuals or groups who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the arts – may submit their information to the arts council by telephone, (417) 862-2787, or online, www.springfieldarts.org. Nomination forms for the CVB’s travel and tourism awards are available by calling (417) 881-5300 or visiting www.springfieldmo.org/

cvb_award_nominations.pdf. There are five categories: the ambassador, hospitality, diplomat, spotlight, and pinnacle awards. Each recognizes leaders in the area’s travel industry. Nominations are due by Feb. 14.

Slice of Nice

The Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts its second annual Valentine’s Day dance Feb. 12 at Radisson Hotel Branson. The $15 per ticket dance, featuring Branson band Midlife Crisis, benefits Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks. Tickets are available at Boys & Girls Club’s Branson and Forsyth units, Great Southern Bank and Union Planters Bank in Branson, and U.S. Bank in Forsyth. Additionally, Radisson’s $155 per room Valentine’s package offers two prime rib dinners, two tickets to the dance and breakfast the next morning. For more information, call Laura Parramore, (417) 335-2089.