
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Elks and Ladies' Auxiliary from Lodge 2439 helped sponsor the annual Valentine's Concert for Vets.
John J. Pershing VA Medical Center thanks the them for their support.
This event is a great way for our community to show our Veterans how much we support them!
Pictured on the right is Dennis Carmack of the Elks Lodge.
Valentines for Veterans Concert - 2019 will feature Rodney Atkins with special guest Tiera.
Also, Mark Littell - former MLB pitcher will be there to talk with Veterans before the concert.
Tickets will be available starting January 3, 2019.
Veterans may contact the VA Voluntary Services @ 573-778-4499 or 573-778-4276 for more information.

Bernie, Missouri - Gabriel Thomas Robinson is the Bernie Parents as Teachers’ student of the month for January 2019.
He is the one year old son of Holden and Amanda Robinson.
Gabriel likes to play outside and go for rides on the ranger.
He also enjoys working with his daddy and reading with his mommy and big sister.
During the family’s PAT visits, Gabriel enjoys playing with all the toys from Mrs. Casey’s bag.
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 relevantᾢand widely applicableᾢto 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 - The Stoddard County 4-H club will host a Spa SPIN Club for ages 8 and up. Eager participants will learn how to create an at-home spa!
The sessions are two hours long from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. You may choose three to attend.
Sessions will be held at Janet's Salon located at 215 N Locust Street in Dexter.
Session 1: Body Butter & Tennis Ball Massage
Session 2: Bath Salts & Zen Garden
Session 3: Lip Balm & Cuticle Cream
Session 4: Brown Sugar Foot Scrub & Citrus Salt Body Scrub
Session 5: Homemade Candles & Happy List
Session 6: Homemade Soap & Yoga
Call Stoddard County Extension for more information: 573-568-3344
Cost is $10 for 4-H members and $20 for non-4-H members.

Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce Weekly Events called Chamber Chatter. Korie Fish, Executive Director of the Chamber, would like to invite you to the annual awards banquet to be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
MONDAY JANUARY 28th
Planning and Zoning Board Meeting-Municipal Building, Vine St. at 6:00pm
TUESDAY JANUARY 29th
Children's Story Hour-"Play It Safe"-Presented By-Ron Montgomery, SEMO Electric
Keller Public Library at 10:15am
Click Here for February Story Hour Dates
Breakfast & Learn-VA LOANS with Brandon Wooley
Hosted by: Military Mortgage Boot Camp and National Title
Time: 8:30am-10:00am
Where: 515 W. Market St. (Chamber Building)
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8th
Stars and Stripes Trivia Night and Silent Auction
The Gathering at Versity Crossing at 6:00pm
Click Here for more information
ANNUAL AWARD BANQUET INFO! Saturday, February 9, 2019
Social Hour/Doors Open-5:00 pm
Events Starts-6:00 pm
Individual -$35.00
Table of 6-$200
Table of 8-$265
Table of 10-$330
There are still several sponsorship opportunities available for this evening-please contact the chamber office for more information on these.
Basket Giveaways-We will have drawings for gift baskets provided by businesses in the community-these can be as elaborate or as simple as you would like. If your business would like to provide a basket please contact the Chamber Office. '
