Last Thursday night Robyn Wolfe, Bill Ricker, and I joined forty Texas County residents for a meeting at the Texas County Health Department. The Children's Division called us a couple of weeks ago to ask us to facilitate a meeting of community residents to talk about concerns regarding child abuse and neglect in the community. Tragically, Texas County has experienced several child deaths in the past few months. The great turn-out of residents who met for two hours was a real testament to how this caring community is determined to do more to identify and prevent child abuse and neglect in their community. Special thanks to Jackie Smith, Director of the Texas County Health Department and Representative Don Wells for helping us bring everyone together. I will keep you updated on the evolution of this group and what they doing to help children live in a safe and healthy community. 

MS&T Greeks are Awesome

	A Buddy and Friend Share Some Fun!

It's hard to believe that it was a week ago Friday that we welcomed 63 youth in foster care, who are waiting for adoption, to Linking Hearts. The youth came from all over the State of Missouri to celebrate a fun-filled day of crafts and sports at the Centre, a super buddy for the afternoon, and food and games at Lions Club Park. The Greek's were amazing and the weather spectacular. Special thanks to the City of Rolla for allowing us to have such a great time at the Centre; to the Lion's for the use of the Park; and Wal-Mart Distribution Center and noon Kiwanis for the donations; and for all the amazing volunteers. Thanks also to the Children's Division workers and foster parents who brought the kids from far-and-wide and who had to ride home with kids wired on cotton candy and snow-cones! A super special thanks to all of the MS&T Greeks who make this day possible - you are making a tremendous difference in our world and give us all great hope for the future! Please checkout the DSS website or visit the Heart Gallery to learn more about adoption.

Sleeping Pretty

	Napping on a Pretty, New Cot Sheet

Area children are sleeping on pretty, new cot sheets thanks to the work of a group of generous sewers. Sewing Endeavors for the Children is an ecumenical group of women who meet at the Methodist Church every Tuesday to use their sewing talents to help members of the community. The group began in 2005 when Tacony Industries in St. James donated sewing machines to women of the Ecumenical Christian Mission. Some of Sewing Endeavors projects include quilts for foster children, school bags, layette sets, and stockings for GRACE for Christmas. The cot sheets were made for childcare providers who take subsidy payments for children in their care. The incredibly low reimbursement rate for rural childcare providers makes accepting subsidy payments a difficult choice for providers who want to provide quality care for children but also need to make a living and have supplies for their programs. To see a comparison of childcare subsidy payments across the state please take a quick look at the reimbursement schedule. 

Well, I was writing this Note to you when our router died about 2:00 p.m. on Friday so this is a little bit later than I hoped. Even though the first performances were this weekend I did want to let you know that our very own Bruce Wade is playing a part in the latest Rolla production, Twelve Angry Men. You can see the show on Friday October 9th and Saturday October 10th at the Cedar Street Playhouse. Information is available by calling 573.261.0244 or on the web. I hope you are enjoying the cool, crisp fall weather! 

Sincerely yours,