The Southtown Council selected Optical Innovations, 107 W. 63rd St. for the August Southtown Sparkle award. In Brookside for more than 2 years, owner Debbie Gifford has 32 years experience as an optician. She has taken a plain storefront and converted the space, both inside and out. On the inside, you will find a contemporary boutique with built-in glass cases, red and chrome floor cases and bamboo flooring. The outside of the building was painted a golden yellow with light yellow highlights.

The City of Kansas City, Mo., is reminding area businesses that the Special Committee on Small Business will hold a meeting tonight, Monday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. While regular committee meetings are held at City Hall, this meeting will be held offsite at Sylvia's Deli, a small business on the City's west side, located at 1746 Washington St.