Overheard

Gentlemen, start your … bar stools? Yup, and Springfield’s very own O’Reilly Auto Parts is right in the middle of the action as title sponsor of the inaugural Bar Stool Racing World Championships. “Some of America’s hottest and best-known short-track racers will be battling with bar stool karts on ice for $10,000,” a news release announcing the sponsorship says. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Bar Stool Racing World Championship was scheduled for Nov. 10 in Sauk Rapids, Minn.

Rudy! Rudy!

Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, the inspiration for the 1993 movie “Rudy” about an underdog University of Notre Dame football player, visited area Price Cutter stores last week to sign autographs and promote Rudy Beverage Inc. soft drinks, available in southwest Missouri only at Price Cutter stores. He was at two Price Cutter stores on Nov. 8, the 31st anniversary of the only Notre Dame game of Ruettiger’s college football career. In the final 27 seconds of the game, Ruettiger sacked the opposing quarterback and was made famous when the crowd chanted “Rudy” and his teammates hoisted him on their shoulders and carried him off the field. Ruettiger now is an author, motivational speaker and business owner. Ruettiger also owns Rudy International, a corporate-training provider.

Scoring a Presidential Meeting

A volunteer of the Springfield Chapter of Score - Counselors to America’s Small Business greeted President Bush when he arrived at the Springfield-Branson National Airport on Nov. 2. Bush presented Dennis Jones, a Score volunteer for seven years, with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes those who have made a difference in the lives of others. Jones has logged more than 3,000 hours of service and more than 300 client counseling sessions with area businesses offering mentoring services to entrepreneurs and small-business owners. Bush spoke at a Jim Talent rally at Springfield Expo Center on Nov. 3. Bush has presented the volunteer award to more than 550 individuals since March 2002.

Slice of Nice

Family Violence Center, in conjunction with area churches and cell phone and electronics stores, is collecting old or used cell phones during a month-long fund-raising campaign. Throughout November, individuals can drop off cell phones at participating locations, including All-Pet Supplies stores, Bass Pro Shops corporate office, Davis Cellular and WineStyles. For a complete list with addresses, go to www.wirelessforwomen.org. The Family Violence Center provides shelter, advocacy and education to all victims of domestic violence.