The Southtown Council Environment and Public Works Committee selected National Rural Health Association (NRHA); 521 E. 63^rd St., for the January Sparkle Award. New to Southtown, NRHA has been in operation for 30 years providing leadership on Rural Healthcare issues through education, research, and advocacy. It is the only national organization serving a broad spectrum of health care providers who share a common goal of improving healthcare access and quality for rural Americans. The office is open from 8:30am to 5pm daily and employs 15 people.

You are invited to attend a Mayoral Forum co-sponsored by The Cookingham Institute, Department of Political Science, Public Adm. Student Assn., Bloch School African American Student Association at UMKC along with the 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition and the Southtown Council. The Forum is Wednesday, February 7, 5:30-7:30pm at Royall Hall Auditorium, 800 E. 52^nd St. between Rockhill and Holmes on the UMKC Campus.

• Jan. 24, 7:30pm- Midwest Poets Series; U.S. Poet Laureate Donald Hall reads from his work; Convocation Center, Rockhurst, 54th Street and Troost Avenue; Admission at the door is $4 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens.

The Southtown Environment and Public Works committee selected Georgie Porgie’s Café, 7044 Troost Ave. for the December Sparkle Award. Approximately three months ago, owners Sasha and Elizabeth Baldwin opened up this new Café after making renovations both inside and out.

CEO of Top Innovations, Benny Lee is doing his part in Kansas City. This past year, Mr. Lee along with Min Kao, the CEO of GPS manufacturer Garmin, came up with a new promotional tool for the United Way.