The James Edward Gray American Legion Post 100 of Maryville will celebrate the parent organization's founding in 1919 with events set for Oct. 15.

A reception and recognition of those who have been post members for 65 consecutive years will be held at 7 p.m. at the Legion hall, 1104 E. Fifth St. An ice cream and cake social will be followed by a patriotic program.

Program highlights will include a reading of a proclamation by Maryville Mayor Chad Jackson and presentation of a Missouri House of Representatives' resolution by state Rep. Mike Thomson, R-Maryville. Post Chaplain Bob Bohlken will read a brief history of the Legion and Post 100.

Highway tourism plans

Officials associated with a new marketing initiative to promote U.S. Highway 36 will gather Oct. 27 at the Grand River Inn in Chillicothe.

The Missouri Highway 36 Heritage Alliance is inviting all tourism and economic development-related organizations, businesses and public officials along the highway corridor to the alliance's first formal public presentation. The program will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Topics will include Highway 36's designation as the history of the Pike's Peak Ocean-to-Ocean Highway, a preliminary Web site design, an update on the completion of Highway 36 into four lanes through eastern Missouri, and a discussion of association bylaws.

The association hopes to draw upon the resources of historic and recreational sites along the highway, such as the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Mo., and the J.C. Penney Museum in Hamilton, Mo.

Reservations should be made by Oct. 15 to the St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau at 233-6688, or by e-mail to bcarmichael@stjomo.com

The inn is located at 606 W. Old Highway 36 in Chillicothe.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.