Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri - Santa Claus is coming to the Bank of Advance today! He will be there from 3 pm to 5 pm and will have holiday treats for the children.
Bring your camera and make a memory!
The Bank of Advance is located at 1428 U. S. 60 in Dexter, Missouri.
Jessica Snider, SMT Writer
Throughout the past year around the community, toys have been collected for the Manager Full of Toys event. The event will be held this Saturday, December 15th at 10:00 A.M.
Over two thousand new and lightly used toys are projected to be given away at the third annual event.
The toys that will be given are free for children and teens and there’s not a prerequisite income level.
Event organizer Rachel Watson commented on how thankful she is for the donations that allow the program to continue to grow year after year. “We hate to see the same families every year, but then again we love to see them. We love that they know their needs will be met,” said Watson.
It is very unfortunate that the need for these annual events continues to grow, but it is great that we live in such a great and giving community that we never shy away from an opportunity to give back.
Even though the event is just two days away, you still have time to donate toys if you’re interested! There is also a need for volunteers at the event. If you’re interested in donating toys or your time you can call: 573-624-1324.
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Bloomfield, Missouri - County Wide Insurance of Dexter, Missouri enjoys giving during the holiday season. With the temperatures beginning to drop and the cold, night air finally upon us, we assume everyone will stay warm this winter.
This year at County Wide Insurance Agency's annual Christmas celebration new hats, mittens, gloves and scarves of all colors were bundled together. Everyone was excited folding pretty pink scarves, matching gloves to hats, holding up little tiny mittens for the littlest of children. All to be delivered to the Stoddard County Children's Home in Bloomfield, Missouri.
The Children's Home is a safe haven for children from infant to eighteen years of age. Their doors opened in January of 1980 because of a man named, Churn Williams. He served as the county's part-time juvenile officer during those days. He knew there was a need in the county to have a place where children felt safe, loved and happy.
Mike Davis, Chief Juvenile Officer and currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Children's Home, knows just how hard times can get when he sees so many children in need, especially during the holidays. "Your generosity and support will bring joy to the children. Thank you!"
It is the true spirit of giving that sustains the Stoddard County Children's Home. Due to the generosity of many local businesses, schools, churches, other organizations, and people from the local community the Children's Home has been keeping children safe for 32 years.
Anyone wishing to donate are encouraged to contact the Board of Directors by mail at P.O. Box 164, Dexter, MO 63841 or you may contact Mike Davis at the Justice Center in Bloomfield, Missouri.
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Bloomfield, Missouri - The Bloomfield Masonic Lodge #153 out cooked themselves again this year with a Holiday Breakfast this past Saturday. Cooking breakfast for the community has been a tradition at the lodge, which is located on Prairie Street just north of the courthouse square near the Bloomfield post office.
Mike McCollum, Worship Master, stated “You can’t get a better breakfast than this anywhere for $6.00. We had sausage, bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, orange juice, milk, and hot coffee. All you care to eat”.
Even the youngsters who attended the event were excited to pick out a Hot Wheels car to take home. The little race cars were donated by one of the newest members of the Lodge, Dale Kemp of Dexter, Missouri.
The Mason men really enjoy their cooking as they have each year a Valentine’s Day Breakfast, Mother’s Day Breakfast and Father’s Day BBQ. Monies from these wonderful events are used for various community projects. Their most recent endeavor is to have a Hunter’s Safety Education Course for children interested in the sport.
Clifford Hicks joined the Masonic Lodge #153 back in 1958 just after the building was dedicated. “I’m a good cook”, and “The Working Tools of the Knife and Fork Degree is proof as it is printed on my apron”.
The musical is directed by Maria Chamberlain and performed by the many talents of the First Baptist Church adult choir. The presentation will bring to you the story of Christmas to life by the elegant and simplistic use of many colors throughout the program.
Final preparations and the final polish has been placed on the performance this Wednesday evening as the group held a dress rehearsal.
You will be amazed as the holiday show will deliver the story of the Savior, Jesus Christ. The stage will be filled with drama and banners, as the choir performs traditional selections ranging from "White Christmas" to "Silent Night" and "Jingle Bells" to "The Messiah's Medley".
Many will recall the days of yesteryear as Maria and First Baptist Church would host a week long presentation of a Christmas pageant. Those events are remembered by many throughout the Midwest as the most exceptional two act presentations filled with fun, laughs and meaning. Act one would offer the joys and traditions of a typical American Christmas, while act two would present the life of Jesus Christ from birth to Crucifixion.
A new creation each year, the pageant always brought anxious guest to be amazed by the work of the First Baptist Church, Don Kennedy's effects and Maria's talent for bringing everything together for a special evening.The Colors of Christmas is certain to deliver the same meaning of the Season while you enjoy the beautiful sounds of Christmas. Make your plan to join others in the community to get your holiday season started right.
There is no charge for admission to the program. The Colors of Christmas is a gift of love from the members of First Baptist Church of Dexter to the communities of the area.
The musical will be performed this Saturday and Sunday evening, December 8th and 9th at the First Baptist Church in Dexter, Missouri. Performances will begin at 7:00 PM.
