Dexter, Missouri - Ruth Gibson, representing the Stoddard County Democrat Club, donated "At Mama's Knee: Mothers and Race in Black and White", a book written by April Ryan to the Keller Public Library in memory of Orlie Edward Cokley.
Mr. Cokley passed away on February 5, 2017 at the age of 66 in Dayton, Ohio.
"In her first book, The Presidency in Black and White, journalist April Ryan examined race in America through her experience as a White House reporter. In this book, she shifts the conversation from the White House to every home in America. At Mama’s Knee looks at race and race relations through the lessons that mothers transmit to their children. As a single African American mother in Baltimore, Ryan has struggled with each gut wrenching, race related news story to find the words to convey the right lessons to her daughters. To better understand how mothers transfer to their children wisdom on race and race relations, she reached out to other mothers—prominent political leaders like Hillary Clinton and Valerie Jarrett, celebrities like Cindy Williams, and others like Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martin’s mother, whose lives have been impacted by prominent race related events. At a time when Americans still struggle to address racial division and prejudice, their stories remind us that attitudes change from one generation to the next and one child at a time."
Before Ed passed away he wrote a letter to his dear friends.........
"This has truly been a spectacular life. I have made some great friends along the way. We have made countless great memories and have enjoyed some great laughs together.
It's been a loving life. I married the love of my life, we had two wonderful boys and raised them to have wonderful families of their own. I am so very proud. This is the definition of a beautiful life.
I will be with you always.
It's been a very fulfilling life. I am so thankful to have met so many of you wonderful people through life's journey. You have each touched my life and my heart. Even if we couldn't always keep in touch, please know that I have always appreciated our friendship.
Now I am moving on from this really great life, as we all eventually do. As I reminisce, I feel so privileged to have lived this incredible journey that has led to this day. I have no regrets, and couldn't have asked for more. I leave my loving family and some great people, but feel at peace also knowing that I leave behind our great memories.
Thank you each for being my dear friend, my other half, and my loving family.
A special thank you to my dearest wife - my Suzie, my sweet darling. You have always been the love of my life, my rock. You have been the greatest mother to our boys and managed to effortlessly give us all of your love, support and friendship for the last 48 years.
You have especially been my saving grace this last year and deserve a standing ovation. Thank you Sue!
You have always been my angel, and now I will be yours.
Never forget how much I love you.
Goodbye my friends. Thank you for being a part of my life. You are forever in my heart."
Orlie Edward Cokley
September 25, 1950 - February 5, 2017
Shown in the photo are Theetta Cokley, Ed's mother, Ruth Gibson, Stoddard County Democratic Club representative, and Pam Trammell, Keller Library Executive Director.
For more information about the Stoddard County Democrats and to follow them on Facebook click HERE.
Bernie, Missouri - The Bernie Parents as Teachers' Students of the Month for April 2017 are Ariella Speer and Brentley Magouirk.
They are the children of Danielle Speer and Tony Magouirk.
Ariella Rae is two years old and loves to play on her tablet and read books. She impresses her mommy with how fast she catches on to new words and phrases, and her family always enjoys her fun and sassy attitude.
Brentley Bishop is 13 months old and loves playing with his big sister. He enjoys playing with balls, learning new words, his sippy cup, and being outside.
The family's favorite parts of participating in the PAT program include all of the new activities and books they get to play with during each home visit, and Danielle enjoys learning ways to help her children grow and learn, all while having fun.
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.
Dexter, Missouri - National Library Week will be observed April 9th - 15th by Keller Public Library in Dexter. They are recognizing the Library Board of Trustees and waiving fees for overdue material if returned during the week.
Library Board Trustees are President Chris Brannon, Vice President Debbie Vanslyke, Treasurer Brett Miler, Secretary Teresa Overall, Dave Ellinghouse, Renee Trout, Ashley Mayer, Connie Churchhill, and Kristi Banken, and City Council Liaison Tim Aslin.
Keller Public Library joins libraries in schools, campuses, and communities nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries are transforming their communities every day through the services and invaluable expertise they offer.
The role of the library has changed for librarians and library workers. Libraries of all types are evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve.
Elected officials, small business owners, students and the public at large depend upon libraries and the resources they offer to address the needs for their communities.
The library embraces the entire community , offering unlimited opportunities for personal growth and lifelong learning," stated Library Director Pam Trammell. "Libraries level the playing field for people of any age who are seeking the information and access to technologies that will improve their quality of life."
Libraries also offer something unique to their communities - the expertise of individual librarians.
The Board of Trustees give freely of their time and expertise to provide the best possible library service.
"They are tireless library advocates who establish policies and long-term goals, oversee the general operation of the library and budget process and promote the library in the community," commented Trammell.
"The waiving of overdue fees is a courtesy offered annually by the library to say thank you for supporting our library," Trammell said.
For more information about the Keller Public Library call (573) 624-3764 or check out their website at www.kellerpl.org or just stop in at 402 West Grant Street.
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at LA Cotton located at 1402 N. Outer Road, Suite C.
The business is owned by Leslie Ackman and features clothing, Jewelry, make-up, candles and other items. She also does heat press and embroidery.
Shown in the photo front row from left to right: Rhonda Hall, Leslie Ackman, Averee Ackman, Annsley Ackman, Mayor Joe Weber, Jason Banken, Alisha Trammell, Debbie Stidham, Cameron Bell, and Hillary Starnes, Dexter Chamber Executive Director. Back row from left to right are: Jerry Corder, Tammy Moore, Trey Ackman, Ryder Ackman, Terry Battles, Kim Norman, and Jeri Pierce.
The program will bring Extension Specialists to Dexter who will provide practical knowledge on gardening, garden fertilization, native plants, farmers markets and other topics.
This is a great opportunity for garden enthusiasts and small commercial growers in the area to ask questions and gain knowledge on garden related topics.
The Garden Symposium will begin at 9 a.m. with a welcome followed by presentations by Sarah Denkler, Horticulture Specialist, Jeff House, Agronomy Specialist and Van Ayers, Community Development Specialist. Kara McSpadden from Missouri Department of Conservation will discuss native plants. Master Gardeners will present on several garden topics.
The event includes lunch with activities concluding by 1:30 p.m. To register call the University of Missouri Stoddard County Extension Office at 573-568-3344. There is a $10 fee payable at the door.
University of Missouri Extension provides equal opportunity to all participants in extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
