Dexter, Missouri - "Shop With a Hero" program helped more than 300 children with gifts this holiday season.  The event took place in three different stages at the Wal-Mart store in Dexter.  Children were divided into groups of 100 and each shopped with a HERO!

Firefighters, police officers, probation and parole officers, highway patrol, and EMT's dressed in their best uniforms drove to Wal-Mart and volunteered their time to help children shop for their favorite toys.  Each child was given $75 to shop with and Santa took time out of his busy schedule to greet them. 

It was emotional for some of the emergency responders as each child was assigned a "HERO"!  Some were grinning and laughing, others a little tear in the corner of their eye, but each HERO was happy to help a child who was less fortunate than others this holiday season.

Several emergency personnel from Stoddard County decided to make Christmas a little brighter for underprivileged children and now 13 years later they are still able to bring joy to children of Stoddard County.

Over $22,000 was donated to Shop With A Hero from fundraisers, individual contributions and business donations.  Debbie Juden, Wal-Mart Manager in Dexter is a huge supporter of this worthy organization.

The program is for youngsters 3 to 10 years of age and if you are interested in donating or volunteering please contact Carol Moreland at 573-624-9086.  Shop With a Hero is a wonderful way to help the children of our community.

Bernie, Missouri - It's that time of the year when Santa begins visiting good little boys and girls and have their picture made! The Bernie Senior Beta Club presents "Snacks with Santa" on Saturday, December 14th from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.  Santa will be available in the Bernie cafeteria.

Admission is one can good!  Pictures with Santa are just $2.00.  All children can talk with Santa, sit on his lap, and receive a candy cane.  The $2.00 is to cover the cost of pictures printed.  There will also be cookies and punch, games and crafts for the children.

The Bernie Parents as Teachers will be available for questions, activities and resources.  The public is encouraged to attend.

Have a safe weekend and a Merry Christmas to all.

Submitted  by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Cape Girardeau, Missouri - Is there a child in your family that looks the part of Peter Pan?  Bring them to an audition at the River Campus Dance Studio on Saturday, December 14th at 1:00 p.m.

Children ages eight and up are invited to audition at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 in the River Campus Dance Studio, for various roles in the upcoming Southeast Missouri State University Department of Theatre and Dance production of “Peter Pan.”

Rehearsals will be held on nights and weekends starting Jan. 13. Those seeking a part do not need to prepare a song or materials, as a song will be taught to the children upon arrival.

With eight Tony Award nominations and three wins, this children’s story is filled with spectacle, laughs and the fun-filled escapades of Peter, Wendy and Tinker Bell as they struggle with Captain Hook and his pirates in Neverland.

Children will act, sing and dance alongside the department’s students in this family classic.

“Peter Pan” runs Feb. 26-March 2 in the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall at Southeast’s River Campus.

Submitted by Jill Temples

SMT Writer

Jefferson City, Missouri– The U.S. and Missouri flags on all state and local government buildings in Missouri will be flown at half-staff on Saturday, Dec. 7 to commemorate those who died or were wounded during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941. A 1996 state law designates the date as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and directs that on that day, flags be flown at half-staff by all state agencies and political subdivisions of the state.

“Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day reminds us of the sacrifices that have been made by our men and women in uniform, and of their tremendous courage through the generations,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “When Missourians see the flags at half-staff on Saturday, I ask that they remember and honor those who have served or who are now serving our nation.” 

Submitted by Jill Temples

SMT Writer

Poplar Bluff, Missouri- The Three Rivers College Music Department will perform a free concert on Monday, December 9, at 7 p.m. in the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. The concert will feature performances by the Collegiate Choir, the Swingsations, the Three Rivers College Gospel Choir, and the Three Rivers Symphonic Band.

Pieces performed during the concert will include “She Walks in Beauty” by Foltz, performed by the Collegiate Choir; a selection of pop and Broadway songs performed by the Swingsations; and the “Blue Ridge Overture” by Frank Erikson, performed by the Symphonic Band.

The Collegiate Choir is a non-auditioned group consisting of Three Rivers music students, while the Swingsations is an auditioned group that is optional for music students. Music Instructor Cindy White directs both groups. The Three Rivers Gospel Choir is a newly formed, student-led organization that hopes to bring traditional gospel music to the region. The Symphonic band is composed of college students, community members, and area Band Directors, and is directed by Music Instructor William “Buddy” White.

Registration is ongoing for Spring semester music classes and other programs at Three Rivers. For more information on how to become a student at Three Rivers, visit trcc.edu/admissions or call the Welcome Center at 573-840-9605.

Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.