I love November with the cool days and the promise of Thanksgiving. This is great month to count my blessings and remember everyone and everything I am thankful for.

This has been a year with many challenges but also many blessings. Our Annual Luncheon was a wonderful success because our very generous community pledged $92,250 to The Partnership this year. We could not operate without your support, especially this year when funding is being cut, and every dollar counts even more.

Well, if I hope to get this Note out to you today I better get moving and let you read about some of the happenings here at The Partnership. 

Best Place for Bargains!

	Holiday Items Now on Sale!

As many of you may know, the readers of the Rolla Daily News have named The Partnership Resale Shop "The Best Place for Bargains!" Along with great bargains, this Saturday we are participating in the Holiday Open House and will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Bruce just took these pictures earlier today so some featured items may still be at the shop. Come early and often because we have a lot of Christmas (and other) items but once they are gone they are gone.

We have received several great donations recently and are so grateful to everyone who gives us items they no longer need. Sales help keep our programs going and wonderful volunteers keep our costs down.

If you would like to donate, volunteer, or shop please feel free to give us a call (573-426-5923) or e-mail Maria. We would love to have you!

Legislative Day - November 10th!

	Team Brown: Representative Dan Brown, Robyn Wolfe, and Board Members Tom Manion and Tom Thomas

On November 10, 2009 we put together five different teams comprised of two board members, a staff person, and an elected officials from our six-county service area – this region is represented by four State Representatives and one State Senator.       Due to scheduling conflicts only Representatives Dan Brown, Jason Smith, and Don Wells could be with us but we were fortunate to be joined by Darren Lingle, Legislative Aide to Jo Ann Emerson and Celesta Hartgraves from the Department of Social Services.

We spent the day traveling around the region visiting and talking with more than 20 families and programs The Partnership serves.  The teams learned about the issues of Young Parents, Capable Kids and Families, Early Care and Education, Independent Living, and Community Work Support Programs. Finally everyone came together and joined several Community Builders for lunch. The lunch allowed participants to talk about the days experience and enjoy company and great food. Lunch was held at Sybil's thanks to the generous support of Ted Day, MoSci. 

The days are shorter but they have been so bright and sunny that it is hard to complain about their length! We have several great events coming up in the next few weeks: a cooking class for young parents; a Christmas Party for Foster Parents; Family Fun Day; Early Care and Education trainings, and more! I hope to tell you about them and to send you our Annual Report in the next few weeks.

Thank you again for helping us build a healthy and thriving community - we couldn't do it without you! 

Thankfully,