On the Street

Sister city art

The first local exhibit of art from Springfield's new sister city, Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico, opened Sept. 25 at the Keyes Gallery, 229 S. Market Ave. The exhibit, with more than 200 pieces of art, will be on display at the downtown gallery until Oct. 24. A portion of sales from the art exhibit will benefit the Sister Cities Association, with the idea of fostering a similar exhibition of Springfield art in Tlaquepaque. The fine arts exchange is the result of a common interest of the two cities in developing opportunities for artists and art exchanges.

Manufacturing laboratory

The National Science Foundation has awarded more than $300,000 to the Department of Industrial Management at Southwest Missouri State University to develop an advanced manufacturing laboratory. This new laboratory will emulate a modern manufacturing facility, including industrial robots, computerized numerical control machines and conveyors. The grant is the culmination of many years of effort in promoting advanced manufacturing. So far, SMSU has received more than $500,000 in manufacturing development equipment.

High-tech home

Congressman Roy Blunt and a group of volunteers have joined to construct a new disaster-resistant, energy-efficient home for an area family. Blunt is working to raise $40,000 for the home, which will be located at 1111 N. Heartland in Habitat for Humanity's McAl subdivision. Construction began Sept. 6. This will be the second home to use reinforced concrete construction.

Pumpkin Daze

Republic is gearing up for the 13th annual "Pumpkin Daze" celebration 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 4 on Main Street in Republic. Various events will take place throughout the day and will include awards for largest produce, pumpkin decorating, scarecrows and lawn mower racing. Republic is one of the sites for the largest Giant Pumpkin Organization in the world. Republic will award approximately $2,000 in cash prizes for produce during the day.

Learning disabilities

The 35th annual conference for the Learning Disabilities Association of Missouri will be held Oct. 3-4 at Chateau on the Lake in Branson. Many sessions will provide information for parents and teachers of students who struggle in school. Call 417-864-5110 for more info.

Slice of Nice

McDonald's restaurants are teaming up with educators to raise funds for area schools 4-8 p.m. Oct. 7. For the third time this year, about 400 McDonald's restaurants in Missouri will donate proceeds from evening sales to local education partners. For more information, contact Heather Buffington at 314-982-0291.