The Cedar County Oats Support Committee met April 19 at the Korth Senior Center in Stockton. The meeting was called to order by our chairperson, Mary Webb, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was said.

Those in attendance were James Finney, Mary Gannaway, Ann Russell, Linda Duerkop, Veda McAnally, Ella Palmer, Shirley Burns, Mary Webb and our driver, Donna Chism. We were also pleased to have Steve Bush from the OATS home office visit with us.

In old business, we discussed a trip to the Fox Community Productions Theatre in Nevada for an upcoming live play. There was discussion about how much the group enjoyed the trip they had taken to visit the Steamboat Arabia Exhibit in Kansas City on April 10. Everyone had a wonderful time at the exhibit and greatly enjoyed the Global Market shopping experience as well as the meal at Ryan’s on the way home.

In new business, we discussed upcoming trips that are planned to Kansas City in May to tour the World War I Museum as well as a trip scheduled for June to visit the new Aquatic Life Aquarium.

Margaret Dixon, Missouri Federation District 4 officer, provided a report on NARFE items that were discussed at the recent Missouri Federation State Conference to the local National Active and Retired Federal Employees 1843 Quad County’s meeting held at the Vernon County Senior Center May 7 with seven members and guests in attendance. Tom Harold, president, presided at the meeting.

The 59th Annual State Convention of the Missouri Federation of Chapters, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association was held at the Sheraton Westport Chalet in Maryland Heights (St. Louis County) between April 19-22, 2012. President Grant “Ron” Peters presided over the conference.

Richard Thissen, NARFE National Treasurer, and former MO NARFE president and Region V VP, gave the keynote address. Thissen stressed the urgent need for new members because over 80% of our members are over 70 and we need younger people to keep the organization viable. The more members we have the more clout we have with Congress. Since 1993 retirees have not lost any benefits. When someone joins NARFE it is the equivalent of buying a $45 insurance policy to protect one’s benefits.

Some of the items Thissen discussed were:

Regarding legislation: Congress will have a Lame Duck session after this November’s election which will be a critical time for NARFE members as the FEHBP will be under threat. Postal workers may be taken out of the FEHBP. Congress has already taken themselves out which means they are not particularly concerned about that program anymore.

National Office: Thissen referred delegates to the June 2012 issue of the NARFE magazine for the Audit report. Thousands were spent on Protect America’s Heartbeat. The National office is reducing its size by attrition; they have also instituted a pay freeze. At present NARFE has 277,423 members.

E-chapters: Chapter 2363 was established in March 2011 as an e-chapter and now has over 3,000 members with about 40% being AFE’s; 2363 is now under the auspices of National. The only Federation e-chapter is in Florida. Federations must have a separate website and blog for the e-chapters in addition to the regular website which creates a burden for most Federations. All Federations get 10% of the e-members’ dues based on the number from that state in the e-chapter. The e-NARFE blog can be seen by all members but only e-members may participate.

Pres. Peters presented Richard Thissen with a plaque for his many years of work and outstanding service on behalf of the MO Federation.

President Ron Peters report to the Federation. MO NARFE now has approximately 6000 members in 41 chapters. Peters specifically addressed three issues: 1. Raise dues in order to have money to work with current members and recruit new ones. 2. Visit Congressional offices as often as possible to plead for support on NARFE issues. 3. Have social programs which will get media publicity and encourage attendance and recruitment. Peters’ advice to the chapter officers was to train successors in order to have up and coming officers and keep chapters alive. Peters recognized Jim Ellis of Sedalia for his efforts at the NARFE booth at the MO State Fair.

Region V VP Carol Ek reported to the Convention stressing recruitment and retention. Ek encouraged all to consider attending not only the National Convention but also the Legislative training conference in VA next March. Ek recognized Linda Kurz for her dedication when working on the revised National Bylaws. Ek presented a Citation for Distinguished Service to Pres. Peters from National President Joseph Beaudoin.

A Memorial Service was conducted by Federation Secretary Judith Smart with music provided by Arthur Lohse and Virginia Horrell. The Federation lost 207 members this past year.

The special committee set up by Pres. Peters to examine the MO NARFE Districts in light of MO losing one Congressional seat recommended a change from Congressional districts to geographical districts for the District Officers’ areas of responsibility. The Committee recommended passage of this amendment with an effective date of Convention 2013.

Missouri Federation Conventions for the next three years are as follows: 2013 – Poplar Bluff (Holiday Inn on April 17-19), 2014 – Springfield (Ramada Inn) and 2015 Kansas City.

The NARFE meeting for Monday, June 4, 2012, will be held at the Vernon County Senior Center at 11:30 a.m. State Representative Barney Fisher will be the speaker. All Active and Retired Federal Employees and their spouses are invited to attend the local NARFE 1843 Quad County’s meeting. Quad County includes Cedar, Dade, Barton and Vernon counties. For additional information, contact Rudy Spann, Secretary/Treasurer, at 417/549-9958.

- Members of the El Dorado Christian Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapter recently attended the 2012 Missouri FBLA Leadership Conference held on April 22 – 24 in Columbia. Winning recognition at the state conference were Toni Hallam (left) – 1st in Word Processing II and Tiffani Hallam – 1st in Computer Applications. Toni and Tiffani will represent Missouri at the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, TX, June 29 – July 2.

FBLA is a career and technical student organization for all high school students participating in business programs. Over 2,750 members and advisers representing 426 chapters throughout the state met to elect state officers, transact business of the state chapter, participate in leadership and career workshops and compete in the state leadership awards program.

- Shelter Insurance® Foundation and Travis Farran announce recipient of local high school scholarship. The Shelter Insurance Foundation awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Christopher Mott, a graduate of El Dorado Springs High School. Shelter Agent Travis Farran sponsors and partially funds this scholarship.

Beginning the fall after high school graduation Christopher can direct the scholarship funds toward tuition, fees or campus housing for any course of study leading to an academic degree at any accredited college or university.

A committee of local high school officials and community leaders selected the local recipient. The committee considered each applicant’s scholastic achievements, educational goals, citizenship, moral character and participation and leadership in school and community activities. The scholarship is given without regard to race, disability, religion, national origin or gender of applicants. The $2,000 scholarship is paid directly to the school the recipient selects. Christopher received a certificate from Travis Farran on behalf of the Shelter Foundation.

The Shelter Insurance Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation for charitable and educational purposes. It is sponsored by the Shelter Insurance Companies – offering auto, home, life, farm and business insurance services to customers in 14 states via a network of local insurance agents and headquartered in Columbia.

– Gladys Tull and her great granddaughter at Ashley’s graduation. Ashley received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from UMKC and asked for Gladys to be there. Ashley wanted her role model to share this milestone with her. Ashley is just one of the many family members who find Gladys, a mere 96 years young, an inspiring and amazing person.

David and Corina Hallam and family from Kansas City spent Saturday visiting John and Patty Hallam.

Chet and Marla Foreman, Regan Kannady, Christine and Corey Graham, Wendy and Brandon Conley and Garrett, Coltin Wilson, Katie and Brice Budd and Charles and I were among those who attended the NEVC Kindergarten and 6th grade graduation ceremonies Tuesday evening at Schell City. A party was held for Corey afterwards in the fellowship hall of the First Baptist Church. He celebrated his 13th birthday along with 6th grade graduation.

Those graduating from Kindergarten were Dominick Thompson, Dusty Dowdell, Samantha Schulp, Abby Sumpter, Ashlee Keith, Sarah Jones Chelsea Cannat, Eva Rose Reese, who was Kindergarten Student of the Year, Gauge Davis, Riley Chapman, Brooklyn Sanderson, Joshua Jeffries, Lakyn Applegate, Nicholas Humphrey, Alexis Amick, Abigail Young and Alexus George.

6th Grade Graduates were: Shawn Linthicum, Payton Brooks, Jacob Davidson, Trever Rader, Crystal Stone, Treyton Pippin, Bryce Applegate, Hannah Giyer, Logan Goodman, Clayton Bogardus, Hayden Brooks, Dylan Eslinger, Corbin Goodwin, Emma Pritchett, Ciarra Alexander, Hayden Harp, Corey Graham, Andrea Halcomb, Quinton Hays, Rhett Govia, Sara Garzee and Joshua Fox, who was 6th Grade Student of the Year.

Charles and I enjoyed the symphony at the First Baptist Church in Nevada Monday evening. It was a rare treat and restored my faith there are still wonderful Christian young people. Wednesday, we went to Kearney and spent the night with our son, Chuck, and helped him celebrate his birthday.

Alberta and Glen Hays went to several graduation parties Saturday along with a baby shower. They went to the one at the Fairhaven Park for Jacob Bell, Tanner Stuzman, Abigail McCubbin, Crystal Bogardus and Cody DeOrnellis before the NEVC graduation, one for Tonya Foreman Smith at the Church of God Holiness in El Dorado Springs celebrating her graduation for Pittsburg State University. Alberta went to a baby shower for Kathryn McConnaughey at Angela Arnold’s house. After graduation we went up to Nick Rapp’s for a graduation party for Layne Rapp, Spencer Hoagland and Grant Davis. That’s what you call party-hardy.

The Commencement ceremony at NEVC High School Saturday evening was attended by an overflow crowd. Mrs. Grace Rhodes played the processional and recessional. The welcome was given by Grant Davis. Crystal Bogardus was Salutatorian. Spencer Hoagland was the Valedictorian. They both gave excellent speeches. Dr. Rick Wagner, gave the address and told the graduates they were special as only 75 percent of Americans graduate from high school. Mrs. Gina Naas presented the scholarship winners of which there were over $86,000 divided among eleven students who plan to further their education.

Robert Fox, NEVC Board of Education, presented the diplomas to the class of 2012. Morgan Haddix gave the closing

Saturday night Rich and Marty Patton took her parents out to dinner at Sister’s in Hume for Mother’s Day. Sunday, Rich took Marty out to dinner at Memphis Barbeque for Mother’s Day.

Jenise Burch attended Cole Burch’s 1st grade Track and Field Day Tuesday and DAR that evening. She made a trip to Joplin Friday.

Friday afternoon, Roberta Wagner visited Bob and Jane Hutchison.

Dennis and Pam Wallace hosted a dinner on Mother’s Day. Guests were Mary and Leslie Wallace, Keatyn and Bridgett Wallace and Mia, Laurie Hicks, Renee and Kurt Ast, Bret, Trey, and Taylor and Billy Bonfield.

There were over 70 women attending the salad supper at the Walker Christian Church Monday evening with Miss Missouri Sydney Friar, as speaker. Mary Wallace, Mildred Hines, Crystal Burch and Kate, and Jenise Burch were among the group. There were women there from Hume, Rich Hill, Nevada, Dederick, Pate Christian Church and El Dorado Springs.

On Mother’s Day, Jerry Burch grilled lunch at their home for Crystal and Jered Burch, Kate and Cole, Helen Kennedy and Jenise Burch.

Bobby and Karen Hutchison and Grant, Willard, and Kent Hutchison, Camdenton, came to the home of Bob and Jane Hutchison Friday and helped Bob get his car ready and they took it to the 54 Crusier’s Car Show in El Dorado Springs Saturday.

Connie Shepley reports the birth of a new grandson to her daughter, Deanna.

Kathryn Phillips attended a graduation party for Tanner Duncan held at the home of Donald and Vernille Cubbage after the NEVC graduation Saturday evening.

Kathy and Mike Newman had lunch with Kayla and Cody Lloyd and Jered Witter on Mother’s Day.

Visiting Bob and Laura Clinton this week were Jeff and Jodee Fanning, Dustin and Jennifer Davidson, Vina and Bob Lee Clinton and James and Tracy Washburn and Declan.

Bob and Linda Majors held a barbecue Sunday evening on Mother’s Day. Attending were Chad and Jenny Majors, Brad and LouAnn Majors, Madyson and Mason and MaryAnn Bell.

On Friday, twin sisters, Lavina Clinton and Laverna Rice, celebrated by eating lunch together in Clinton. Others with them were Bob Lee Clinton and Jeff and Jodee Fanning.

Spending Mother’s Day with Bob and Jane Hutchison were Mandy, Memphis, and Nash Bronson, Lamar, Ryan Wallace, Springfield, Chas Hutchison, Deerfield, Arlene and Rilie Good, Debbie and Denny Wallace and Valorie and Eddie Hardy, Paxton and Jayna, all of Nevada.

Chet and Marla Foreman and Charles and I were guests of Christine and Corey Graham for lunch on Mother’s Day. We all joined Wendy and Brandon Conley and Garrett, and Coltin Wilson for supper at Chicken Annie’s near Pittsburg.

The Walker All-School Reunion will be held the first Saturday in June at the Walker Campus of NEVC.

Festivalgoers enjoy activities, networking opportunities and learning from television and film industry professionals who have been attached to projects youth and adults will recognize.

Last year’s inaugural film festival brought youth from seven states who screened films and attended workshops in such areas as lighting, acting and sound production. In addition to returning favorites, several new workshops are lined up for 2012 on topics such as casting, editing and cinematography. Youth may enter films in the Narrative, Documentary, Animation and 4-H Promotional categories.

Though the objective is fun, it’s the educational value that matters most, according to Bradd Anderson, state 4-H youth specialist.

“Filmmaking is a great way to build skills in things like self-expression, problem-solving and critical thinking,” said Anderson. “If a young person wants to explore a career path in film what better venue is there than a film festivals. Youth will get to meet professionals who work in the industry and ask lots of questions.”

FilmFest 4-H is open to all 4-H youth, ages 11-18, as well as groups from other youth-serving organizations. Information is available online at http://4h.missouri.edu/filmfest, via email at andersonb@missouri.edu or by calling MU Extension’s 4-H Center for Youth Development at 573-882-1024.

- Pictured is 10-year-old Madison Jones, Osceola, striding to the finish line during the Girls on the Run 5K, which was held Saturday, May 5, on the Katy Trail in Clinton. Madison’s finish time of 27:49 earned her a gold medal in her age division. Madison is the daughter of Tim and Angie Jones, Osceola. Maternal grandmother is Diana Quick, El Dorado Springs. Paternal grandparents are Arthur and Margie Jones, Osceola. Maternal great-grandparents are Jim and Betty Crawford, El Dorado Springs.

Entertainment for the evening features the Sacrifices Band featuring Cameron Collins followed by the Rekoil Band featuring Brian Collins.

The trip will consist of a band camp at Fort Leonard Wood followed by a tour with concerts in St. Joseph at the Downtown Association concert; Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron, Rapid City, SD, Mt. Rushmore and Spear Fish, SD; Hot Springs Veterans Home, SD; Air Force Academy and Colorado Springs, CO.

Students will have a band camp beginning on June 24 at Fort Leonard Wood and leave for the tour on June 29.

Thirty-five students will graduate Cum Laude with grade point averages of 3.70 to 3.79. Among them is Jeannie M. Nikodim, BSBA, Accounting.

Four students Associate Degrees will graduate with First Honors, indicating a grade point average of 3.9 – 4.0 . Among them is Emily Drew Leonard, BS, Health Science AS, Radiologic Technology.