Dexter, Missouri – Black Friday seems to be a national holiday these days with people rushing to get bargains and early bird specials. Every dollar you spend brings more tax money into the community and buying local means a guaranteed return to your community.
Where we shop, were we eat, and have fun all of it makes our community home! Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of our distinctive character of Dexter. Our neighbors, our families and our friends own our local businesses! They are a part of our lives and they live in our community and are less likely to leave; therefore more invested in the community’s future.
A few area businesses will have wonderful specials this Black Friday. The Loft and The French Market will open at 7:00 a.m. on Friday with 15% off Christmas, 10% off Storewide and %15 off jewelry.
Weber’s Ben Franklin will open at 7:00 a.m. Friday as well with many specials. Just stop by and see their wonderful selection of items they have on sale.
Corner Cottage will open at 8:00 a.m. Friday. They are doing a FREE gift for the first 25 customers on Black Friday and on Small Business Saturday they will get special savings if they bring in their Shop Small Tote Bags.
The Metro will have great deals as well on Friday and Saturday. Christmas ornaments will have an additional 15% off, Spartina Baggllini purses will be 20% off and Alex and Ani Bracelets will be 15% off.
Happy Thanksgiving and remember to shop local first!
As the holiday season approaches, the American Red Cross is asking you to give something that means something.
Whether you host a blood drive or give blood, you'll be giving a gift that can help save a life. When you do, you'll discover the true meaning of giving – and it won't cost a thing!
You can help encourage others to get in the giving spirit, too. Just share this video on social media along with #GiveWithMeaning.
The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood to help ensure sufficient blood supplies are available for patients this holiday season.
Blood donations often decline during the holidays when donors get busy with travel and family gatherings, but the need for blood remains steady. Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.
Eligible donors with all types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As extra encouragement to donate blood during the busiest time of November for many people, presenting blood donors from Nov. 26 through Nov. 30 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross potholder stuffed with unique celebrity chef recipes, while supplies last. Thanksgiving recipes are courtesy of Mario Batali, Rocco DiSpirito, Alex Guarnaschelli and Mike Isabella.
For more information visit redcrossblood.org or call us at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).We appreciate your support, and look forward to seeing you this holiday season!
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Dexter Rotary Club
Sacred Heart Church - 102 East Castor
Tuesday, November 25th
Noon - 5:00 p.m.
No appointment necessary
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visitredcrossblood.orgor call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visitredcross.orgor visit us on Twitter at@RedCross.
Bloomfield, Missouri – You are invited to the 6th Annual Claus for a Cause charity event to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and 18ForeLife.
Photographers Julie Dodd and Amy Ellinghouse will be available for Pictures with Santa on Sunday, November 23rd, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Bloomfield.
Last year, the Clause for a Cause charity raised more than $11,000 and nearly $30,000 has been raised since the charity event began. No appointments are necessary to take part and packages are available from $10 to $25.
The Trinity United Methodist Church is located at 704 W. Missouri St. For more information you may contact Julie Dodd at 573-568-2503 or email clausforacause@gmail.com.
"All of the proceeds from this event will go to two separate charities," Dodd explains. "We've chosen the Juvenile Diabetes Research foundation and locally 18 Fore Life."
"We expect a big crowd at the church this year," continued Dodd. "It's always a lot of fun and always for a great cause."
Kenneth Swearengin welcomed everyone to honor the Veterans and introduced several including Tila Rowland-Hubrecht (Representative 151st District), Missouri Representative Jason Smith (R-8th Congressional District), and Doug Libla (Missouri State Senator, 25th District). Each thanked the Veterans for their sacrifice and reminded everyone to continue to thank a Veterans each time you see them.
Invocation was presented by Pastor Ronnie Stevens .
Gary Kitchen, SFC USA Retired presided over the POW/MIA Table Ceremony while Allison Statler, student at Bloomfield Schools, played Amazing Grace on her violin in the background.
Participating in the ceremony were James Adams SFC USA Retired (US Army); Tom Love Capt USMC Retired (US Marine Corps); Carl Bess PO1 USN Retired (US Navy); Darryl LaPierre SGT USAF (US Air Force); and Justin Baker CW04 USCG Retired (US Coast Guard). Each presented a cover and placed it on the plate on the table for their respective branch of the military. For more on just the POW/MIA Table Ceremony CLICK HERE.
With temperatures quickly dropping below zero and the winds beginning to pick up a bit Ken Swearengin, SMSgt USAF Retired introduced LTC Ed Gargas, MOARNG as the keynote speaker.
"Lieutenant Colonel Ed Gargas has nearly 28 years of military service, serving 25 of those years in the 35th Engineer Brigade, headquartered at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he is now serving as the Deputy Brigade Commander.
He began his military career in January 1987, joining the Simultaneous Membership Program as an ROTC Cadet in September 1987 with the 1140th Engineer Battalion. He commissioned as a Second lieutenant on 13 May 1989 and was assigned as a Platoon Leader with the Headquarters Company, 1140th Engineer Battalion.
Lieutenant Colonel Gargas’ National Guard positions held are Platoon Leader with Headquarters , Charlie Company 1140th Engineer Battalion, and the 1221st Transportation Company, S1 (Personnel Officer), Company Commander with Charlie Company 1140th, Assistant Operations Officer, S4 (Logistics Officer), and Operations Officer for the 35th Engineer Brigade, S3 (Training and Operations Officer) and Executive Officer for the 1140th Engineer Battalion, Engineer Coordinator with 35th Infantry Division, S3 (Training and Operations Officer) with the 35th Engineer Brigade; and prior to his current assignment, the Commander for the 1140th Engineer Battalion.Lieutenant Colonel Gargas has completed US Army Airborne School, Engineer Officer Basic Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Nuclear/Biological/Chemical Defense Course, Engineer Officer Advance Course, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, and recently graduated from the US Army War College with a Masters in Strategic Studies. He is a graduate of William Woods University with a Masters in Business Administration, and Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Finance.
Lieutenant Colonel Gargas deployed in 2004-2005 as the Operations Officer (S3) with the 1140th Engineer Battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II.
He has been the recipient of numerous Federal and State awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, 4 Army Commendation Medals, 3 Army Achievement Medals, 5 Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals, 2 National Defense Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 3 Humanitarian Service Medals, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device and Silver Hourglass, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, 4 Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbons, and Parachutist Badge.
Lieutenant Colonel Gargas is the proud father of Nathan Gargas (Nate). He and his lovely wife Tina, reside in Dexter, Missouri."Ed compiled his speech from his 2011 speech, a 2014 Missouri National Guard Veterans Day talking points, and the 2014 American Legion Veterans Day talking points. His entire speech is posted below.
"On Veterans Day, we pause to honor and remember the men and women who have served during war and peace, defending our country and the American Way of life," Gargas began his address. "As a nation, we must never forget the debt we owe them for securing the many freedoms we often take for granted."
"We remember those who are part of our history and those who are presently serving to protect our future," Gargas continued. "Being a Service member was never an easy job, but the Service members in today's all-volunteer military chose to serve a cause greater than themselves; many made this decision knowing they may be sent in harm's way. For the past twelve years, they have endured multiple tours - protecting us from danger and giving others the opportunity to live life in security. Our military has proven itself in some of the most difficult environments this nation has ever faced. Our leaders at every level have displayed unparalleled ingenuity, flexibility, and adaptability. Our Service members have displayed mental and physical toughness, but most importantly, courage under fire. They have transformed the military into the most versatile, agile, rapidly deployable and sustainable strategic force the world has ever known.""I am so proud to be part of that military today, but especially today, I am proud I have the opportunity to serve with these great men and women."
"On Veterans day, I think about the 2.2 million men and women we have in uniform today. These men and women live by a professional ethos that asserts, 'We will not accept defeat.' I think about those learning to use prosthetic hands and legs, those learning to live without eyesight. I think about the lone sentinel standing watch at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a hurricane. Many veterans, like these, do remarkable things every day."
"These Service members do not see themselves as being brave or special; they just say they are doing their jobs. Many of our Service members have deployed multiple times and many who were injured during these deployments want to go back, not for a sense of revenge, but out of a sense of teamwork and duty. They fight for our security in an unsecured world, because that is what they promised they would do."
"Our democracy depends on the willingness of its finest men and women to step forward and to serve, to dedicate themselves to a greater cause, the cause of protecting our democracy. For more
than two centuries, the veterans of our nation have been willing to serve and to sacrifice for a country and a cause they love more than their own lives. This has not changed."
"You cannot fight a war without veterans and while the utopian idea of a society without war is appealing, let us not forget that wars have liberated slaves, stopped genocide and toppled terrorists."
"Stephen Ambrose once wrote, 'America’s wars have been like rungs on a ladder by which it rose to greatness. No other country has triumphed so long, so consistently or on such a vast scale through force of arms.”
"I recently watched a television documentary featuring veterans of World War II as they recalled their experiences of the D-Day landing at Normandy. These members of America’s “Greatest Generation” when asked whether there would ever be another great generation, replied forcefully and without hesitation: “Yes, the next great generation is serving today. Their sacrifices and their extraordinary dedication and courage are remarkable.”
"Just as Pearl Harbor and World War II defined a generation destined for greatness, so have the events of 9-11 and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 9-11 generation includes more than FIVE million Americans who have served in uniform, Active, Guard and Reserve, over the past decade."
"The NINE ELEVEN generation includes those on duty on September 11, 2001 who quickly transitioned to war and the nearly THREE million Americans who have joined the military since. Many of the young people serving today were sitting in classrooms on that fateful day. Still knowing they would be sent in harm’s way, they raised their hands to serve the country."
"In contrast to earlier conflicts, the NINE ELEVEN generation is all volunteers. Everyone in today’s military has chosen to serve in a time of war. Afghanistan and Iraq mark the first time since the Revolutionary War that our nation has engaged in sustained conflicts fought entirely by volunteers. Never before has America asked so much of our all-volunteer force."
"The NINE ELEVEN generation has earned its place among the greatest of generations in U.S. history. Over the past 13 years, more than two million of our troops have served in the war zones, deploying more than TWO AND ONE HALF million times. Hundreds of thousands of troops have deployed multiple times. Our National Guardsmen and Reservists have completed an unprecedented number of deployments."
"It is amazing when you think about how much has changed in America and around the world since our nation’s founding, even in the last TEN years. We have overcome many challenges to become the most diverse and powerful nation in the world. Today we continue to face significant strategic challenges abroad, made more so by a globally interconnected world moving “at the speed of Twitter.”
"The key to this growth has always been the creative, unrelenting spirit of America. Faced with formidable adversaries, our resilient Service members have proven themselves as a generation of innovators. They adopted new tactics, mastered new languages and harnessed new technologies. Junior officers have taken on responsibilities once reserved for more senior commanders."
"Our Service members have not only had to defeat their enemies on the battlefield, they have excelled in political, economic and development tasks for which they often had little or no training, but which have been critical to their success."
"As we look back on the last 13 years and how the new “Great
Generation” has brought the military into the TWENTY FIRST century, we need to look toward the future and wonder where this “Great Generation” will take us next. This is a time like no other in history. It is a time of uncertainty and historic change. As operations shift from Iraq and Afghanistan, the future will dictate what our country will need the military to do. Just as earlier generations of Americans overcame great tests and turmoil, the NINE ELEVEN generation has risen to the challenges of our time, ensuring that America emerged even stronger. They will be the ones to bring the military through this period of uncertainty to be as good in 2024 as it is today."
"Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and their families have served with honor, kept us safe, and earned the eternal gratitude of all Americans. As a nation, we will move forward with the same strength, unity and resilience that our Service members and their families display every day."
"Despite the enormous strains of 13 years of continuous operations, our military remains the strongest it has ever been. Thanks to the commitment and character of the NINE ELEVEN generation, we have the best-trained, best-led, best-equipped fighting force in history. We are going to maintain our military superiority so that our Service members can meet any mission and so we can keep America safe. Many of us in 2001 could not have imagined that in 13 years, we would have a completely transformed military, filled with men and women who have spent the bulk of their careers fighting two wars. As our country again faces the winds of change, I am confident that today’s military, one made up of the men and women of the NINE ELEVEN generation will rise to new heights over the next TEN years."
"In closing, to our Veterans-our service members of all ages-who have engaged in combat, stability, and humanitarian operations-we honor you. To those service members who paid the ultimate price or who are still missing or unaccounted for-we honor you by remembering the sacrifices you and your families made for our great nation."
"Today is a day of Honor and a day to Honor. On this day of celebration and reflection, I thank everyone who has worn a U.S. military uniform for their honorable service and for our freedom.
God bless you all for being here, God bless our veterans, and God bless America"
Pastor Ronnie stevens said the benediction and the firing of volley commenced. The Stoddard County Veterans Honor Guard fired while Taps was played.Special acknowledgments to the Stoddard County Veterans Honor Guard, American Legion Post 59 Honor Guard, Bloomfield Assistance League of the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Bloomfield High School Band, Boy Scout Troop #58 Dexter, and the Hope Community Resource Center. Thank you for your continued support.
Dexter, Missouri – The Dexter High School will host their very first DHS Book Fair beginning Monday, November 10th and ending on Friday, November 14th. Their mission to get 300+ books into the hands of readers, young and old!
“We will roll out the red carpet this week in honor of the new movie Mockingjay, which will be released to theatres on November 21st,” stated DHS Library Media Specialist Krystal Hobgood.
Mockingjay is the latest book made into film from the The Hunger Games series. It is the first of two cinematic parts based on the novel and the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy written by Suzanne Collins.
“This is the first event of its kind and I have been blown away by how amazing our community has been in supporting this,” Hobgood continued. “We have so many prizes to give away to the students and I know they will be thrilled. I owe that all to the support of our community.”
Everyone is invited to join the students for a festive time as they celebrate the wonderful world of reading. It will be open to the public from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
All book fair participants, whether purchasing online, by app, or in the library, will receive their choice of a free Big Mac or sweet treat from McDonalds and two coupons from Taco Bell – good for one free seasoned beef taco and one Doritos Locos taco while supplies last. All book fair participants will also be entered into sepcial drawings, which will be held throughout the day on November 14th.
All DHS students and staff who purchase items totaling $5.00 or more from the book fair will be entered into their prize drawing. The first 15 students to purchase items online or via app will receive a free McDonalds sandwich of their choice. The first 24 students to purchase items IN THE LIBRARY will receive a very special Mockingjay treat! (Hmmmm what could that be?)
Some prizes available are Hunger Games Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer, Barnes and Noble gift card, Buffalo Wild Wings gift cards, free passes to the Malco Trio in Sikeston, free passes to the Wehrenberg Theater in Cape Girardeau, free passes to AMC Theater in Poplar Bluff, free pizza from Casey’s General Store, Dexter queen gift certificate, free pizzas from Pizza Hut, Hickory Log gift card, Penny’s Diner gift certificates, and Mrs. Bruce’s famous cake pops.
For more information please click HERE. High School students may come between the hours of 7:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday the LIBRARY will be open late for the pubic from 4 p.m.until 6:00 p.m. for your shopping pleasure!
