On the Street

Now is the time to nominate individuals under 40 years old for SBJ's 40 Under 40 awards, especially given that the nomination deadline is Feb. 5. The awards will be presented in April. Eligible nominees cannot have been a previous 40 Under 40 honoree. Also the 2003 Most Influential Women may not be nominated. They may be self-nominated or nominated by others. They must live or work within a 50-mile radius of Springfield, and they must submit a completed nomination form. The application with biographical information is not to exceed one page, and a current resume is optional. To nominate, call Circulation Manager Diana Weber at 417-831-3238. Nominations also can be submitted online at www.sbj.net.

Art and chocolate

Friends of the Springfield Art Museum will host "The Art and Romance of Chocolate" 2-4:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at The Keyes Gallery, 229 S. Market Ave. Patrons will be able to enjoy chocolate treats from participants including Nonna's Bakery, Richardson's Candy House, Agrario and The Cake Bakery. Tickets to the event are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, and students with IDs. All proceeds will benefit the Springfield Art Museum at 1111 E. Brookside Drive. Tickets are available at the museum, from members of Friends of the Springfield Art Museum and at the door on the day of the event.

Amoco by another name

Springfield-area Amoco stations will soon bear the new helios logo of BP, formerly known as British Petroleum, as part of a nationwide move to enhance the look, feel and consumer experience at BP stores. The name change also signals the introduction of BP as a retail brand in the area. BP began converting U.S. Amoco stations to BP in late 2001. The rebranded stations join the BP network of corporate and independently owned BP retail service stations. The stations continue to sell the Amoco regular, silver and ultimate fuels.

Slice of Nice

Nearly 60 McDonald's restaurants and 25 Great Southern bank locations in the Ozarks will begin Jan. 27 putting red paper hearts on their walls and windows, kicking off a 19-day adopt-a-heart fund raiser to benefit Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks. During the 11th annual Share a Heart campaign, citizens will be able to adopt hearts for $1 each, and hang them on the walls and windows of the participating McDonald's or Great Southern locations after autographing them. Every heart will come with an official entry form for the May 1 drawing for a Ranger 15 DVS Bass Boat and RangerTrail trailer, contributed by Sport Boats USA and Ranger Boats. A donation is not necessary to obtain entry forms. The Share A Heart campaign is expected to provide 15 percent of the $300,000 necessary to operate the Ronald McDonald House. All of the funding comes from private donations.