On the Street

Sister city

The Springfield Sister Cities Association is accepting applications from performers who are interested in participating in the 2005 Isesaki, Japan, Summer Festival and Cultural Exchange. According to an SSCA news release, the selected group must pay for airfare to Japan. All other expenses will be covered by the city of Isesaki. The SSCA is offering a donation to assist with the selected group's travel expenses. Applications must be returned by March 15. Additional information and applications are available online at www.springfieldmogov.org.

Smokey Bear printing

Springfield-based Irwin Printing Co. Inc. was awarded a substantial printing contract from the Government Printing Office of the United States for the production of commercially printed products for the Forestry Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More specifically, according to an Irwin Printing news release, the contract is for general printed items pertaining to Smokey Bear and the prevention of forest fires. Over the next three years, the contract could bring in as much as $250,000 per year in revenues. Irwin Printing, a 30-year-old company, has production facilities in Springfield and Republic.

Geography at Drury

Drury University was named the new home of the Missouri Geographic Alliance, a National Geographic Society program aimed at improving geographic knowledge. Sean Terry, PhD, assistant professor of interdisciplinary studies, who helped bring the program to Drury, said the alliance is expected to organize workshops, lesson plans and conferences for teachers and other educators. Previously, the alliance was based at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

AARP award

The application deadline for the AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 Award is March 15. The award recognizes innovative organizations that offer policies and features that appeal to workers age 50 and over, including flexible work options, training and learning opportunities, and age-neutral performance and appraisal systems. Applications can be submitted online at www.aarp.org/bestemployers. The AARP Best Employers Over 50 honorees will be announced in the fall and honored at a September dinner in New York City.

Slice of Nice

The Second Annual Chamber of Secrets Trivia Night to benefit Champion Athletes of the Ozarks will be held 7-10 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Shrine Mosque. The entry fee is $100 per table, with each table accommodating 10 people. Champion Athletes of the Ozarks serves Ozarks-area children and adults with disabilities, helping them to build self-esteem, self-confidence and social skills through sports training and competition. Additional information about the event is available by calling the Champion Athletes of the Ozarks office at 417-890-1599.