Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Elks Lodge donated $500 to the Stoddard County Nutrition Center for their Meals on Wheels program.

The Nutrition Center proves meals at the Center located at 23 W. Stoddard Street in downtown Dexter and has  Meals on Wheels program that delivers to those who are home bound.  

You can give them a call at 624-7234.  Lunch is served Monday - Friday.

Shown in the photo from left to right are Elks Lodge Member Sara Sutton, Nutrition Center Director Waynetta Rodgers, and Elks ENF Chairman Randy Northington.

Submitted photo.

Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Elks Lodge recently donated $500 to the Stoddard County Gospel Mission to help stock their local food bank.

Shown in the photo are from left to right: Elks ENF Chairman Randy Northington, Gospel Mission Assistant Director Angie Smith and Elks Exalted Ruler Roger Triplett.

"The Stoddard County Gospel Mission is a 501(c) non profit organization striving to reach people in time of need. Providing food, nutrition education, financial planning, clothing and household items to low income families throughout our county in time of need. They also strive to be a positive influence on all that they come in contact with, regardless of race, national origin, sex, age, handicapped status or poverty level."

"The mission has been in operation since 1990 and is well established in our community helping approximately 1,000 - 1,500 families with free food each month. The mission also operates a thrift store in Dexter, Puxico and Advance with clothing and household items that are donated from our community. The items donated are sold nominal fee. The proceeds generated by the stores help support their food pantry by allowing them to purchase food items not supplied by grants or government assistance. In addition, they offer nutrition classes and financial planning classes to participants in the food program."

Submitted photo.

Bernie, Missouri - Parents As Teachers in Bernie have selected Harmony Rae Ross as January Student of the Month.

Harmony Rae Ross is the two-year old daughter of Logan and Lisa Ross. 

She enjoys playing with her baby dolls, building with blocks, and spending time with her family.

Lisa, Harmony’s mother, says Harmony is always excited for their PAT visits with Mrs. McGarity and is curious to see what activity they will do together. 

Lisa also enjoys learning new ways to teach Harmony things that she might not necessarily think about until she sees them during the home visit. 

At every visit the family receives a new book and Harmony’s most recent favorite is “Llama Llama Nighty Night” by author Anna Dewdney.

If you would like to know more about Parents as Teachers contact Courtney McGarity or Casey Arnold at 573-293-5335, ext 293 or find them on Facebook by clicking HERE.

The following information was taken directly from the Parent as Teachers Missouri website.  For more information click HERE.

Our Vision

All children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential.

Our Mission

To provide the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life.

Our Values

The early years of a child's life are critical for optimal development and provide the foundation for success in school and in life.

Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers.

Established and emerging research should be the foundation of parent education and family support curricula, training, materials and services.

All young children and their families deserve the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of any demographic, geographic or economic considerations.

An understanding and appreciation of the history and traditions of diverse cultures is essential in serving families.

History

In 1981, Missouri pioneered the concept of helping parents embrace their important role as their child’s first and best teacher. Today, Parents as Teachers continues to equip early childhood organizations and professionals with information and tools that are relevant—and widely applicable—to today’s parents, families and children.

The Parents as Teachers leadership team and Board of Directors is engaged in a three-year strategic plan, which positions the organization as a valued partner to support the organizations and professionals who serve families and children, especially those most vulnerable.

The concept for Parents as Teachers was developed in the 1970s when Missouri educators noted that children were beginning kindergarten with varying levels of school readiness. Research showed that greater parent involvement is a critical link in the child's development of learning skills, including reading and writing.

Early childhood professionals suggested that a program to provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues, and parent education to help parents understand their role in encouraging their child's development from the beginning could help improve school readiness and parent involvement.

With funding from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and The Danforth Foundation, Parents as Teachers began in 1981 in Missouri as a pilot project for first-time parents of newborns. Recognizing the program's benefits and cost effectiveness, the Missouri legislature provided state funding in 1985 to implement Parents as Teachers programs in all Missouri school districts. Since 1985, Parents as Teachers has expanded to all 50 states and six other countries.

Bloomfield, Missouri - The Stars & Stripes Museum and Library is hosting a trivia night and silent auction on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the Trinity United Methodist Church.

The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. at 704 West Missouri Street and the game will start at 6:30 p.m.  Silent Auction closes at 9:00 p.m.

Food and drink will be available for purchase, cash prizes, mulligans, and silent auction! 

All proceeds go to help the museum pay for new exhibits, repairs, and operating expenses.

Cost per team is $75 for 8 players or $10 for an individual.

Dexter, Missouri - Keller Public Library invites you to attend their exciting Story Hours each Tuesday at 10:15 a.m.

On Tuesday, January 3, 2017 "Mitten Magic!" presented by Reita LeBeau and Kim Cook.  Join them for the first Story Hour of 2017!

Dates and presentations are:

Jan. 3 - "Mitten Magic!" presented by Reita LeBeau and Kim Cook
Jan. 10 - "Dino Soccer!" presented by Guest Reader Bill Drake
Jan. 17 -"Blast Off to the Moon!" presented by Guest Readers Preston and Elizabeth Clark
Jan. 24 - "Let it Snow!" presented by Guest Reader Susie Grobe
Jan. 31 - "Jack and the Beanstalk!" presented by Guest Reader John Stephens

Keller Public Library Board of Directors meeting - Thursday, January 26, 5:15 P.M., Library Community Room