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Oct. 19, 2007
For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Bonnie J. Prigge, (573) 265-2993
VOLUNTEERS FROM SIX COUNTIES TO BE HONORED
AT MRPC'S ANNUAL DINNER NOV. 8 IN SULLIVAN
ST. JAMES—Ten local leaders—including two youths—and one community organization from around the Meramec Region will be honored for their community service efforts Nov. 8 during Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s 2007 Annual Dinner, to be held at the St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Sullivan. Six volunteers and one community organization will be honored for their outstanding contributions to their communities; one city employee will be recognized for her efforts while two youth will be honored for their volunteer efforts and community involvement.
Those volunteers to be recognized for community contributions and volunteer efforts include:
- Waynesville Downtown Beautification Commission of Waynesville, nominated by Cliff Hammock, mayor of Waynesville;
- Shirley Kaiser of Belle, nominated by Richard Huse, mayor of Belle;
- Sue Marshall of St. Robert, nominated by Theresa Cook, St. Robert city alderperson;
- John R. Taylor of Steelville, nominated by Kathleen McCann, Steelville city alderperson;
- Faye Howard of Cuba, nominated by Franky Todd, Crawford County public administrator and at-large representative for aging;
- Bill and Judy Crede of Westphalia, nominated by Russell Scheulen, Osage County Commissioner.
One local agency representative will be recognized for her local government and community contributions:
- Joyce Peterson, Crocker city administrator, nominated by James Morgan, mayor of Crocker.
Youth to be recognized for their volunteer efforts and community involvement include:
- Tanya Turnbough of Owensville, nominated by Linda Gast, Owensville City administrator; and
- Erin Hamby of Salem, nominated by Gary Brown, mayor of Salem.
The Eugene E. Northern award, the highest honor given by MRPC for volunteerism and community service, will also be named at the dinner.
MRPC will be celebrating 38 years of service with this Annual Dinner, which is hosted by the city of Sullivan.
The public is invited to attend the annual dinner in Sullivan. The evening will begin with a reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring finger food and drinks. Dinner, prepared by Catering Etc. of Sullivan, will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The program and awards presentation will follow the dinner and is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Brad E. Frazier, general manager of the Wal-Mart Distribution Center 6069, will be the guest speaker. Cost of the event is $22.50 per person. Reservations can be made by calling MRPC at (573) 265-2993.
MRPC is a voluntary council of local governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. Officers are Chairman Robert “Bob” Reed of Washington County, Vice Chairman Laura Antolak of Phelps County, Secretary Russell Scheulen of Osage County and Treasurer Gary Brown of Salem. A professional staff, directed by the MRPC board, offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, transportation planning, housing assistance, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans, strategic planning and other services to member communities upon request.
MRPC Annual Dinner Award Recipients
Joyce Peterson
Joyce Peterson began her career with the City of Crocker in 1986 as a city clerk. During her tenure, she has overseen numerous improvements in the community, including updating the sewer treatment plant and walking trail for the community park. She secured grant funding from St. Louis Cardinals Care for improving the community park. In 2002, Joyce served as City Administrator and through her efforts the citizens of Crocker voted a half-cent sales tax for transportation. In return, the city abolished the personal property tax, allowing the city to purchase equipment for the public works department. During the recent ice storm of 2007, Joyce was on duty at the city hall command center assisting residents affected by the storm. Through her efforts, Crocker was the first community in Pulaski County to complete the FEMA paperwork and receive needed funds for clean up. Through the efforts of Joyce, the city received grants to improve crossings at the Crocker School, and MoDOT Enhancement Grant to replace the aging sidewalks. When the city was faced with a 35% increase in contracted trash collection costs, Joyce found a solution. With cooperation from the Bank of Crocker, the city purchased a garbage truck and began servicing the community in 2007, this was accomplished with only a penny raise in customer rates.
Waynesville Downtown Beautification Committee
In 2003, Mayor Cliff Hammock appointed an ad hoc committee dedicated to improving the appearance of the Waynesville downtown area. The Waynesville Downtown Beautification Committee is a perfect example of volunteerism. The impact of this group can be seen throughout the community and involves many people and organizations. Members of the committees are: Nathan Purdome, Mary Miller, Clara Ichord, Charli Hartley, Marilyn Mathews, Laura Miles, Cindy Grizzell, Marge Scott, Beth Deering, Tony Froelich, Margaret Coyne, Christine Reser, Dr. Jerry Brown, Ruth Long, Beth Keith, Diana Davison, Marti Bishop, Liz Rawlings, Jim Finnan, Charlene Semidey, Semidey, Sheila Debo, Council members Luge Hardman and Pat Howe and City Administrator Bruce Harrill. Projects include: purchase and placement of over 30 concrete flowerpots around the square; purchase and placement of 11 benches for the Waynesville Families Memorial Bench Program; Began the Fly the Flag program, placing U.S. flags around the square on holidays; building permanent flower beds; applied for and were awarded grants for community enhancement; supported the designation of Route 66 as a scenic byway; obtained designation from the National Parks Service as a site on the National Historic Trail, Trail of Tears; and many other projects.
Shirley Kaiser, Belle, MO
Shirley has served as volunteer coordinator for the local Food Pantry for three years and donates over 40 hours per month to the Food Pantry. The Food Pantry serves not only Belle, but the surrounding communities. As the Food Pantry has grown, so has its need for community workers to stock shelves, prepare boxes and distribute the food boxes. One volunteer said that when Shirley started as Coordinator, there were few volunteers for many tasks. Her dedication to recruiting more workers lengthened the volunteer call list. Other volunteers talk about her willingness to serve as mentor to those around her, caring for the volunteers, as well as the community members she serves. Shirley is making a difference in the lives of community members, while unselfishly and quietly going about the business of helping others.
Susan Marshall, St. Robert, MO
Susan Marshall has been very active in ministries serving as Pastor’s aide, Sunday School and Bible School teacher, Youth Pastor/Director and Director of Evangelism toward the outreach for the homebound, aged and nursing home residents. She was the founder of The Still Usable Women Conference, an annual gathering for women from across the nation, uniting in St. Robert. The women join to be empowered by religious fellowship. Funds from this event have been donated to the national Breast Cancer Society, Genesis (abused women and children’s shelter), and most recently to Feed the Children Organization. The food and school supplies purchased through Feed the Children Organization will be distributed in August to local needy families. This ministry also provides food for over 800 families locally. Mrs. Marshall is a member of the Greater Missionary Baptist Church of St. Robert and plans to become more involved with worldwide missions.
John R. Taylor, Steelville, MO
John has quietly served this community all of his life - many people have been inspired by him to serve the community and to achieve more than they believed they could. He is the first person to volunteer and the last one to stop work at the end of the day. No job is too small or too large for him. John sometimes gets overlooked for recognition because people just expect John to be there volunteering his time and money. John was a teacher and high school administrator for 30 years in the Cherryville, Cuba, and Steelville school districts. He served on the Crawford County R-3 Board of Education for 12 years and served as treasurer and president of the Board. John served a two year term as Crawford County Commissioner. He is on the Crawford County Senior Tax Board, Community Foundation of Steelville, Elder of the Steelville Presbyterian Church, Trustee of the Gibbs Scholarship Fund, Steelville School Alumni Association, Chairman of the Crawford County Republican Central Committee, and served as President of the Crawford County Missouri Retired Teacher Association. He has served on the Gibbs Care Board, the Golden Echoes Board and does volunteer work at Golden Echoes, Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. John was honored by being chosen Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2000.
Faye Howard, Cuba, MO
Faye Howard volunteers countless hours to the Cuba community serving on the Cuba Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department for many years. She serves as director for the Crawford County Fair Board and a Cuba City Council member. Faye enlists her entire family when a project needs to be completed. She is very thoughtful and dedicated to the community and its betterment.
Bill & Judy Crede, Westphalia, MO
In the fall of 2006, The Good Shepherd Food Pantry in Linn, MO, needed to relocate to a new facility. The old location was scheduled for demolition. Bill and Judy Crede donated $50,000 to the Good Shepherd Food Pantry to purchase a building. Bill also donates much of time to teaching the art of fast pitch softball, giving lessons in a shed built outside his home. He acquired the proper equipment for girls and boys to learn and practice pitching. Bill accepts no fees for his service his reward is watching them pitch for their team and reading about their success in the local newspapers.
Outstanding Youth Volunteer
Tanya Turnbough, Owensville, MO
Miss Tanya Turnbough is an outstanding youth citizen described as humble, down to earth, polite, a leader, and a good student ensuring homework is complete before other activities. Tanya assists the Owensville community by providing lawn care for the homebound elderly, helping move a family from their burned out home, then helped them remodel. She is a county fair volunteer and performs civic activities with Mid Missouri Acro. Tanya is a student council member, class officer, member of the math and science clubs, a cheerleader and homecoming court member. She volunteers for the Adopt-A-Highway program and served at the dinner and show for senior citizens in the community. Tanya also volunteered for a week in Wisconsin helping to build a church. She is a delightful and inspirational young woman.
Erin Hamby, Salem, MO
Erin is an active member of the Future Farmers of America, and has held numerous officer positions and won public speaking awards with the organization. She is involved with the National Honor Society, is a youth board member of the Salem Area Community Betterment Association, and participates with Business Leaders of America, Spanish Club, Salvation Army, Drama Club and Student Council, all while maintaining a high GPA. Erin was awarded a $50,000 ROTC scholarship for her upcoming college career at Missouri State University of Columbia. Applicants for this scholarship are based on merit, drive and motivation. Erin was described in the interview notes as smart, focused, and outstanding, earning extremely high rankings among her fellow applicants.
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