Dexter, Missouri - Alex Ogburn, Saint Francis Vice President of Ambulatory Services addressed a huge crowd Friday afternoon prior to the official Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony and Open House at the new Saint Francis Health Center in Dexter.
More than 300 people attended the open house. Saint Francis staff members greeted and provided tours throughout the building including the main attraction, the Fitness Plus center.
The first floor offers a lap pool for aquatic therapy and swim lessons. There is also a room to have live video exercise classes. A personal trainer can help you with all your exercise needs. There are three fitness areas with state-of-the-art equipment , an indoor track that if you go around 12 times equals one mile, physical therapy and massage service, beautiful locker room with private showers, a whirlpool, and sauna room.
Ogburn thanked everyone for attending the Open House, especially the Stoddard County first responders in attendance. He noted that Saint Francis was here to provide the area "a ministry of healing and wellness" for the community.
"Our presence here is to provide excellent primary care when you need it," stated Ogburn.
Ogburn introduced Dr. Christopher Montgomery, an urgent and primary care family physician from Poplar Bluff.
"We are extremely happy to be in this fantastic facility. We have been welcomed with open arms in Dexter," stated Montgomery. "You have a wonderful group of people in this community and we are excited to be here."
The featured Fitness Plus has gained more than 600 members from around the area. For more information about the cost of membership, clinic hours, etc contact Saint Francis Health Center of Dexter at (573) 614-3600 or visit sfmc.net online.
Bloomfield, Missouri - The American Legion Post 114 Ladies Auxiliary in Sikeston, Missouri made a $20,200 donation to the Bloomfield Assistance League, a non-profit agency created for improvements and enhancements at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.
The much needed funds was raised through a Poker Run, Cook-Off and other events sponsored by the Auxiliary, American Legion Post 114, American Legion Riders, and the Sons of American Legion.
The American Legion groups have contributed $60,000 to the cemetery in recent years. Cemetery Director Kenneth Swearengin thanked the groups for their generous contributions.
Bernie, Missouri - The Bernie Parents as Teachers chose Haven and Landon Hendrickson as their July Students of the Month. They are the children of Amanda Johnson and Jack Hendrickson.
Haven is four years old and enjoys ponies, Mickey Mouse, and Doc McStuffins.
Landon is three years old and loves his cars, Curious George, and Paw Patrol.
Haven and Landon’s favorite activities to play together include drawing with sidewalk chalk, Play-Doh, and running and exploring outside.
When Mrs. McGarity comes for the family’s PAT visits, Amanda says the kids are always excited to see what she has to play with that day. They also look forward to the new books she brings and leaves with the family at each visit.
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 - 2016 Dexter Senior High School graduate, Tyler Stevenson, was recently notified of scholarships he has been awarded to attend Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas.
His recent ACT score of 33 earned him an academic scholarship in the amount of $44,000 over 4 years. He was also awarded $1,000 per year from the Engineering Department for his first two years at Harding University.
Tyler is an Eagle Scout and was awarded a $1,000 Scouting Scholarship renewable each year if he works with a Cub Pack or Scout Troop in Central Arkansas.
He also received the Associated Women of Harding Scholarship of $1,000 per year. Tyler will volunteer at AWH events during the school year to be eligible to renew this scholarship.
Tyler Stevenson is the son of Kay Polsgrove Stevenson and Keith Stevenson.
He has been a member of the Dexter Bearcats Football team all four years of his high school career. He has also played tennis all four years.
Tyler was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, DECA, Rotary Interact, and Dexter Honor Society.
He was a 2nd team All-Conference football team selection in 2014 and ESPN SEMO Gatorade Player of the Week in 2015. He was also a member of the 2014 Academic All-State Football Team.
His plans are to attend Harding University in the August and major in Engineering.
According to R-I Special Services Director Mindy Garrett, the weighted blankets will be a “huge help in keeping students in need focused and relaxed.” They will be distributed to the Early Childhood Center, Oak Grove and O’Neal elementary schools.
Shown in the photo: (From left) Student helper Julia Chambliss; Lee Hufford of MAFCE; Mindy Garrett of Poplar Bluff Schools; Ruth Knodell, Edna Crain, Shirlene Nelson and June Romine of MAFCE; and student helper Emelia Douglas.
Article and photo submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
