On the Street

Fantauzzi retires

City of Springfield Finance Director Fred Fantauzzi has announced that he will retire Oct. 1, after serving the city for more than 26 years. Fantauzzi recently worked on special assignment to oversee the installation of Oracle, a new financial reporting and payroll system.

Under his leadership, the city has received a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officer's Association for 26 consecutive years. The city also has achieved an AA rating from Moody's Investors Service, which is a strong rating that enables the city to borrow money at the lowest interest rates.

Budget Officer Mary Mannix, who has served as acting finance director while Fantauzzi worked on the special assignment, will continue to serve in that capacity during the selection process for a new director of finance.

Purple Heart Monument

Congressman Ike Skelton, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, will be the featured speaker at the dedication of the Purple Heart Monument at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Springfield. The event will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 7.

The monument, erected by members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the state of Missouri, honors all combat-wounded veterans and the families of those who were killed in action. Gov. Bob Holden has issued a proclamation designating Aug. 7 Purple Heart Recognition Day.

Hockey camp

USA Hockey instructor and director of Instructors International Brian Hannon will conduct a summer youth day camp Aug. 16-19 at Jordan Valley Ice Park. Hannon is a former coach of the Springfield Spirit hockey team. In the past 15 years, Hannon has played and coached at and above the collegiate level, most recently serving as head hockey coach for the USA Hockey 14- and 15-year-old development camp teams.

Registration for the camp is open to boys and girls ages 7-14. Participants will have the opportunity to meet and receive instruction from two-time Stanley Cup winner and former NHL New Jersey Devil Randy McKay. The fee for the camp is $275, and campers will need to bring or rent their own equipment. Registration is available at Jordan Valley Ice Park.

Slice of Nice

Discovery Center of Springfield will offer a free Family Fun Day 1-5 p.m. Aug. 8. Families will be able to enjoy the center's interactive exhibits and perform experiments. Tickets to the new Immersion Cinema and the interactive show, "Dinosaurs: Beyond Extinction," will be available for purchase, although admission to the center will be free. For more information, visit www.discovery center.org.