Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri - The American Red Cross issued an emergency request for donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and help save lives. Red Cross blood donations were down by about 10 percent across the country in June, with about 50,000 fewer donations than expected. July and August have also been down.
“We’re asking for the public’s help now to prevent a more serious shortage,” said Stephanie Millian, spokesperson for the Red Cross. “Each day donations come up short, less blood is available for patients in need. It’s the blood products on the shelves today that help save lives in an emergency.”
September is National Preparedness Month, a time for Americans to prepare for emergencies of all types, including ones that require blood transfusions. By giving blood through the American Red Cross, donors help ensure an adequate supply is available. This is the perfect time to give!
The Dexter Rotary Club hosts a Blood Drive four times a year; however during the summer months, blood donations typically decrease and the need for blood increases. On Monday, August 19th, the American Red Cross will be at the Sacred Heart Church from noon - 5 p.m. Please donate!
It can take up to three days for donated blood to be tested, processed and made available for patients, so the blood on the shelves is what saves the day when an emergency strikes.
Currently, eligible donors of all blood types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, are needed for the Red Cross to readily meet patient needs. Donors who gave blood at the start of summer may now be eligible to donate again.
Help the Red Cross be prepared by making an appointment to donate blood. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. If you can't give blood at this drive here are a few upcoming dates.
August 2013
Aug. 23 from 2-6 p.m. at Dexter Church of Christ, 1014 N. One Mile Road in Dexter, Mo.
Aug. 30 from 2-6 p.m. at Life Chapel Assembly of God, 22443 State Highway 51 in Puxico, Mo.
September 2013Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oak Tree Inn, 1608 U.S. 60 Business West in Dexter, Mo.
Sept. 13 from 1-5 p.m. at Bank of Advance, 105 E. Gabriel in Advance, Mo.
Submitted by Jill Temples
SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri- Tuesday, August 20th parents and students will hold a social cookout from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Middle School
Hotdogs, chips, snacks, and sodas outside at 5:30 p.m. There will be a short welcome in the Middle school gymnasium around 5:30 p.m.
Parents will then have the opportunity to walk through the student’s schedule of classes and meet their teachers while the students continue to socialize outside.
This is a meet and greet with our parents and students and a fun way to kick off the school year!
We strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to become familiar with middle school policies, procedures, and staff!
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My American Dream
My American Dream is a simple dream; Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. While it sounds like an easy accomplishment; what an amount of time, hard work, perseverance, and patience it takes to make it occur. Our forefathers knew this, and they assisted a wanting and anxious nation in changing the course of history.
My early poverty was not a deterrent to success. Luckily, my single mother didn’t make my older brother or I aware of it through her loving nature, and selfless parenting. I learned from her stories that life was a challenge, and that taking risks was the catalyst for changing a person’s lot in life. The world was always brand new and offered limitless opportunities and possibilities in our house. Still, I was just a kid wanting what every other kid had. I learned quickly you couldn’t always get what you wanted when you wanted it. So I learned through humor and humility to make what seemed impossible…possible.
I used the education afforded to me to do many things and learned an abundant amount of skills as a young adult. I became a musician and businessman, and an entrepreneur in each role. I was not satisfied with mediocrity. I was always looking to improve by building on my goals and dreams. In doing so, I found myself surrounded by supportive mentors and friends who guided me through the peaks and valleys. All I had to do was listen so I wouldn't recreate the mistakes of their past. I feel the same about my Country. We need to listen to past generations and study the leaders who came before us; for the torch has been past once again.
My goal is to help teach the next generation that the American Dream is living, breathing, and true for those who wish to work diligently for a better life. The Declaration of Independence guaranteed and outlined our rights in accordance with the word of God. I accept that I have but one Life. I accept that Liberty is my birthright. And finally, I cherish Pursuing Happiness.
What is my goal for the future? I wish to leave this Land better than I found it for that next generation of Americans. One day it will be their time to lift our flag with pride; high above our plains, bluffs, and rivers. I wish to see them pledge allegiance to their Country with their hands over their hearts. I pray they find that shining city on a hill that President Reagan once spoke of, and build a home.
May our children never see another Pearl Harbor or 9/11, because we chose to stop evil in its tracks. May we always remember those who gave their lives so we could disagree publicly, yet yield rationally through a peaceful transfer of power. May we foster the goodwill in our citizens who pray beside us on any given Sunday. And may God remain the hallmark of a wanting and anxious nation…for in His strength will come the peace we all seek as Americans. May God bless us all, and May God Bless the United States of America.
Neal E. Boyd
Article Submitted to
news@showmetimes.com
My Mother Was the Best Father in the World
Some people say you never miss what you never had. I grew up without a father, and I have to take issue with the previous statement. There are many children growing up without a father and we hear their futures seem statistically dim. It doesn’t have to be this way.
I never wanted to be a statistic. While others may be filled with anger by the abandonment, my brother and I were taught to persevere in spite of it. I was told I had a lot going against me. I was black and overweight in a small town. But like many children I had a talent that was nurtured by a single mother who wasn’t jaded by her own abandonment…or at least didn’t show it in front of my brother and I. Perhaps my white mother felt our struggles were greater than her own, or that she took responsibility for the circumstances we didn’t choose. Regardless, pain and anger were replaced by hope and determination to buck the statistical odds and make a better life.
We were taught anger leads to fear and fear makes you weak and vulnerable…prone to fall for easy fixes, failure and addiction. We were taught that nothing ever comes easy; in fact, the more difficult the challenge the more satisfaction came along with it. We were taught to set our goals early, which made this Sikeston boy believe he could become Student Body President of his high school if he started campaigning in the sixth grade.
And I do miss my father, though I’ve never really known him. I miss what he could have taught me. Perhaps I could’ve been taught to manage my weight earlier and become a sports star like the rest of the men in my family. Perhaps I could’ve learned to be the father he never was, so when my children come along I won’t be winging it for lack of an example.
It saddens me to see so many children, of all nationalities, struggling with abandonment…the seething anger that seems to overwhelm so many. The loneliness and betrayal that consumes a household, and sometimes leads to all forms of abuse. We see the results in the news every single day, and while we can’t change the past, we have the God-given strength to alter the future.
Nurture your children’s dreams and calm their fears. Tell them you love them as much as possible. For the parents left to raise children alone, you are never truly alone with your children by your side. Instill in them that there are consequences to both action and inaction. And if your children believe in Luck, let them know that Luck is when Preparation meets Opportunity. They must be ready when opportunity comes around. Don’t let society educate your children. The more they learn to articulate their concerns and goals, the sooner success will find them. Remember that children hear and repeat everything we say and repeat everything that we do. God blessed us with this one life and the lives of those dependent on us. And we must be responsible and make the most of it in order to limits regrets.
Neal E. Boyd
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri – Attention all “Gunslingers”! Sawyer Smith would like to invite everyone to an event he is hosting at Dead Fingers Gun Shop in support of our 2nd Amendment. This could be the first of its kind and possibly make history!
The 2nd Amendment Support Photo will be taken on Tuesday, August 6th at 6 p.m. at Dead Fingers Gun Shop on Highway 25, Dexter, Missouri.
"There are so many constituents out there that support the 2nd Amendment, we want to show the NRA and Congress our ongoing gun support in the Dexter area." stated Sawyer. "We may not make a huge impact; however we hope to inspire others to come together to protect our rights and let people know Southeast Missouri shall not be infringed upon."
"As a college student I have advocated a lot of conservative ideals, I also believe we need to focus our needs elsewhere perhaps in our communities, churches, civic organization, and families." continued Sawyer. "There is a significant amount of violence and yes there are tragedies in this world, but it's not the guns"."There is no sense in punishing law abiding citizens and gun owners. The Dexter area has a multitude of duck, deer and turkey hunters as well as competition shooters and gun owners who are are good people, law abiding citizens."
The invitation is extended to everyone. Bring your guns (THEY MUST BE UNLOADED FOR SAFETY) and look the part! You don't have to bring your guns, just show up with your family and be supportive.
Sawyer is sending this photo to the National Rifle Association and other groups/organizations around the country to let everyone know that Southeast Missouri’s gun rights SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED.
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is the part of the United States Bill of Rights that protects the right to keep and bear arms.
It protects us from a Tyrannical government by enabling the people to organize a militia system. It helps us from repelling invasion either home or country and facilitating a natural right of self-defense.
Any and all are welcome to attend. Dead Fingers Gun Shop is located on Highway 25 south of Dexter. Find them on Facebook by clicking here.
Sawyer has set up an event page on Facebook: 2nd Amendment Support Photo. Please invite your friends and let him know if you are attending by clicking here.
Please support the 2nd Amendment by attending August 6th at 6 p.m. at Dead Fingers Gun Shop.
