Dexter, Missouri - "We need your help!!  April 2nd is 7th Annual World Autism Awareness Day and we want to light up Stoddard County in BLUE," stated Belinda Worley.

Belinda Worley is the owner of Bootheel Pediatric Therapy and her daughter is autistic.  She currently serves as a member of the Parent Autism Advisory Council, a state-appointed position and works with many children who are affected by this disorder.

April is also Autism Awareness Month and serves as a time to educate and inform the public about the disorder.  Autism is a neurophysiological disorder affecting brain development and function and is usually diagnosed in young children. 

Nikki Finch works with autistic children at Bootheel Pediatric Therapy in Dexter and has witnessed first hand the every day challenges faced by parents. 

World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, they will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join them in their effort to inspire compassion, empowerment and hope. For more information about Autism click HERE.

Shown in the photo are speech language pathologists of Bootheel Pediatric Therapy: Belinda Worley, Ashley Miller, and Nikki Finch.

Dexter, Missouri - If you can't get to Columbia on Friday to cheer for the Lady Bearcats, then gather your friends and head out to Pizza Hut!

YHC TV will be broadcasting live on channel 21 to give our Bearcat fans a chance to watch the FINAL FOUR basketball game to be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 21st.

Dexter Public Schools are letting students out at 1:00 p.m. so they can get to a radio or television to listen and watch the game.  The girls are going to make history and you won't want to miss out!

Invite some friends and family and come on down to Pizza Hut with their five tv's all on the Lady 'Cats and eat delicious pizza any way you want it for just $10.  How crazy it that?  Or you can order off the menu and enjoy some hotwings and Lady 'Cat basketball!

Go Bearcats!  ONE TEAM ONE DREAM!!

Bernie, Missouri - The Bernie Parents As Teacher's program have announced their March Student of the Month.  Three year old Madilyn Jones, the daughter of Brian and Jessica Jones.

She likes to sing, dance, slide and play outside.  She loves playing with her My Little Pony toys.

During her Parent As Teacher's visits with Mrs. McGarity, she enjoys matching games, putting puzzles together and amuses herself with the ever infamous play doh!

Congratulations Madilyn!  For more information about Parents As Teachers in Bernie go to their Facebook page by clicking HERE.

Bernie, Missouri - The Bernie Parents As Teachers have chosen Branton and Breyson Ferguson as two of their March Students of the Month.

They are the 10 month old twin sons of Dustan Ferguson and Christy George.

Branton and Breyson like to climb and they love listening to music.  They recently discovered how to dance.  Their favorite Parent As Teacher's experience with Mrs. Williams was hiding the scraps of fabric in a box.  They enjoyed pulling the fabric pieces out of the box and feeling the different textures.

For more information about Bernie Parents As Teachers program, find them on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Dexter, Missouri – It’s that time of the year when the snow has almost melted, the flowers are beginning to peak out of the dirt and the 3^rd Annual Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign Fundraiser is gearing up for a spectacular year.

In memory of a loving dad and in honor of their mother, and for all who have battled cancer themselves or have fought along side a family member or friend, this is their way of giving back.   the Jones family celebrate H.O.P.E. – Healing, Optimism, Prayer, and Example. 

Since March 2011, the Larry B. Jones charity has raised over $25,000 for area cancer warriors and individuals faced with this life-threatening illness. 

The H.O.P.E. Campaign is a division of 18FORELife, a 501©(3) charity.  They have a shared mission to help local families fighting cancer.  To date, 18 FORELife has given $1,212,000 in love offerings to families all over our area.  The generous donations and support to the charity have truly meant a difference.  But, there’s still more to do!

This year the Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign volunteers are selling Pork Loins.  Starting today through May 5^th you may pre-order 2lbs of cooked pork loins smoked by Stonies in Perryville, Missouri and delivered to you ready to serve or freeze and save for later.  Cost is only $15.00 each.

The pork loins will be ready on Saturday, May 10^th and can be picked up at Bloomfield City Park at the 1^st shelter between the hours of 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.  In Cape County the following Saturday, May 17^th at the Cape County Park South, shelter #23 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

If you are unable to pick-up your pork loins at the designated time/place, you may call Lora at 314-402-7777 to make alternate arrangements.

To order please contact Lora Galati at 314-402-7777, Joe Galati at 314-952-9127, Kyle Jones at 573-820-7033, Che’ Jones at 573-820-7542 or Kathy Jones at 573-568-2320.  For additional information, you may e-mail them for an order form at larrybjoneshopecampaign@yahoo.com or visit: www.18forelife.com.