Newsletter Vol. 12

D e l t a T im e s
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Table of Contents
Agency News
Diane Sayre ...............................................Page 1
Board of Directors .................................... Page 2
Welcome to the Agency ........................... Page 2
Central Office Staffing Changes ............. Page 3
Innovated Readiness Training ................. Page 3
Who’s Who in Community Action ........ Page 3
DAEOC’s New Board Members ............. Page 3
Famous Co-Worker ................................. Page 4
Memphis Redbirds ................................... Page 4
2013 Poverty Summit ................................ Page 4
Zumba Fitness .......................................... Page 4
Scholarship Recipient ............................... Page 5
Children’s News
Look Who’s Visited Our Centers ........... Page 5
100th Day of Head Start ............................ Page 6
Family & Community Development News
Step Up to Leadership .............................. Page 6
Employment Readiness ............................ Page 6
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Our mission is to provide appropriate programs and services that empower people
to make positive change in their community, family, and personal lives in order to
maintain and achieve self-sufficiency. DAEOC serves the counties of Dunklin,
Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott, and Stoddard.
Ms. Betsy Diane Sayre
“OBITUARIES.” Democrat Argus, (May 8, 2013). p.2.
Ms. Betsy Diane Sayre passed away
Thursday, May 2, 2013, at her home
in Caruthersville at the age of 65
years, 9 months and 2 days. Diane
was born July 31, 1947, in
Cottonwood Point, MO., to
Tommy Lee Sayre and Betsy Ross
Taylor Sayre.
Diane was a lifetime resident of the
Bootheel areas. She attended R-3
schools and was a 1965 graduate of
Caruthersville High School. She
then attended Arkansas State University where she graduated with a bachelor of
science and a master’s degree in education. While completing her degrees, she also
completed additional coursework to become certified in school administrations. She
was active while at Arkansas State in numerous student activities, including being
elected president of Chi Omega Sorority.
Diane returned home to teach in 1970 and became known as the teacher who carried
the baseball bat and did not mind swinging the paddle. She taught special education
for four years before becoming Director of the first Pemiscot County Special School
District. In 1977, Diane returned to the Caruthersville School District as principal of
Southside Elementary School, where she served for nine years.
Diane achieved numerous accomplishments during her career and has been the
recipient of numerous awards. In 1986, she was promoted to director of Elementary
Education for the Caruthersville School District. She was elected mayor of
Caruthersville, also in 1986 for the first of a 23-year career as mayor, and that was
after she had served eight years on the City Council. She was named the Chamber of
Commerce Educator for the Year in 1977 and Chamber of Commerce Woman of the
Year in 2002 and 2006. She served as chairman of the Administrative Board for
Eastwood Memorial United Methodist Church for many years and was instrumental
in the reopening of the Caruthersville Nursing Center. She worked tirelessly to help
establish the Caruthersville Little Theater group, directing and producing several
performances, and was later instrumental in the reorganization of the group into the
Caruthersville Arts Council.
DELTA AREA ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION
99 Skyview Road
Portageville, Missouri 63873
573.379.3851 office • 573.379.5935 fax
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Sayre (Continued from page 1)
She was currently serving as the chairman of the DAEOC Board
of Directors and as a member of the Bootheel Regional Planning
and Economic Development Commission. She also served on the
Pemiscot County Special School District Board for several years.
In January 2007, she was recognized by the Missouri House of
Representatives as an “Outstanding Missourian.”
Diane led the community through three natural disasters, the
tornado of 2006, the 2009 ice storms and the 2011 record flooding.
At Diane’s 40th high school reunion, she made the remarks that
she was “proud of her community service and proud of the capital
improvements in our little city, such as the Recreation Center and
the new Public Library.” Add to that the new Public Safety
Center, tennis courts and skateboard park. Always looking
forward, learning from the community she loved will be evident
for many future generations.
Diane is survived by her nieces, Tammie Sayre and Amy Sayre
Bishop and husband, Chad; her sister-in-law, Delila Swinger and
husband Terry; a great –niece, Jordan Babcock, daughter of Amy;
a great-nephew, Ross Northcutt, son of Amy; a great-nephew,
Sayre, son of Tammie; and a great-niece, Hannah Bishop,
daughter of Chad; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.
Preceding Diane in death were her parents, Tommy Lee and Betsy
Ross, Taylor Sayre; and a brother, Tommy Ross Sayre.
Visitation for Ms. Sayre was Friday, May 3, at the H.S. Smith
Funeral Home in Caruthersville. Funeral services were Saturday,
May 4, at Eastwood Memorial United Methodist Church, with
the Rev. Jim Coffer officiating. Interment was in Maple
Cemetery in Caruthersville.
Pallbearers for Diane were Baughn Meredith, Kevin Still, John
Ferguson, Eddie Brooks, Ricky Young, Keith Davis, Terry
Rushing and Paul Shaw. Honorary pallbearers were Paul Maclin,
John Clyde Thompson, Melvin Dowling, Jerry Bargery, Bryon
Luber and George Stadler
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Agency News
Board of Directors
Dunklin County
Emily Modlin .............................................................................. Treasurer
Ann Matthews ............................................................................. Secretary
Ronald Dell.....................................................................................Member
Mississippi County
Annette Robinson ..........................................................................Member
Rod Dunlap ....................................................................................Member
New Madrid County
Don Day .........................................................................................Member
Christy Phelps ...............................................................................Member
Dr. Jamie Frakes ............................................................................Member
Pemiscot County
Diane Sayre ............................................................................. Chairperson
John Ferguson ................................................................................Member
Linda Nugent .................................................................................Member
Scott County
Bob Depro.................................................................................. Vice-Chair
Everlean Brown .............................................................................Member
Billy Case .......................................................................................Member
Stoddard County
Clara Green ....................................................................................Member
Julian Steiner .................................................................................Member
Donna Johnson ..............................................................................Member
Welcome to the Agency
Central Office
Brad Kern ....................................................................... Computer Intern
Domestic Violence Shelter
Tabatha Williams......................................................... Victims Advocate
Head Start/ Early Head Start
Corey Davault.......................... New Madrid EHS Home Base Teacher
Betty Eaton .......................................... Sikeston Child Family Advocate
Thomas Harrington .................................... Ross Bus Driver/Custodian
Johnnie Higgerson.................................... New Madrid EHS Custodian
Bracole Mills ....................................... Sikeston Child Family Advocate
Donna Murray ............................................................... Sikeston Teacher
Darla Rogers .......................................... Malden Child Family Advocate
Erin Thompson ...................................... Puxico Child Family Advocate
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Central Office Staffing Changes
Christina Wade has been selected to lead the newly organized
Housing Department. The Housing Department will be made
up of Housing, Weatherization, Homelessness, and Domestic
Violence Services. Christina will gradually assume this role as
contracts renew and fiscal obligations are completed. Christina
will begin to assume these duties Monday, April 1 with the
transition complete by July 1. Congratulations to Christina.
Congratulations to Pam Wilkerson who will step up to fill the
role of Deputy Fiscal Director effective July 1. The gradual
transition for Pam and Christina will allow them to learn the
nuances of their new roles and ensure a smooth transition for the
departments.
Operation Healthy Delta
Innovative Readiness Training will bring an estimated $2 Million
in health services to the Bootheel. This summer, the Delta
Regional Authority (DRA) will coordinate local and Federal
resources to bring free medical, dental, vision, physiological
services to four locations. Innovative Readiness Training (IRT)
provides real world training opportunities for our Armed Service
members and units to prepare them for their wartime missions
while supporting the needs of America's underserved
communities. The IRTs will locate in Hayti, MO, Mayfield KY,
Blytheville, AR, and Dyersburg, TN from August 5-13. Based on
DAEOCs experience working with Delta Regional Authority
(DRA), the agency was asked to help coordinate local support for
the Hayti project and to market the services to the families of
southeast Missouri. Last week, over 20 Officers and Enlisted men
joined area community leaders in laying the ground work for the
project. The IRT will bring over 30 healthcare professionals for
ten consecutive 10 hour work days. The Army doctors will
provide health evaluations and treatments. Dentists will examine,
extract, and perform simple fillings. Army optometrists will
examine and write prescriptions for glasses which a Navy team
will in
turn make
for
the
patient
Military
psychologists, psychiatrists and other health care professionals
will be on hand to address needs including substance abuse and
depression. Local providers and volunteers are currently working
on details of how they can augment the military effort by
providing access to other local services and resources to IRT
participants. Watch for additional details of the project as they
develop.
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Who’s Who in Community Action
The Board of Directors of the
Missouri Association for
Community Action (MACA)
was recently given important
news: Elaine West, executive
director, intends to retire at
the end of the association's
fiscal year in September. She
is a long time advocate for
social justice, poverty issues,
and the need for a strong
social safety net, and has led
the association since 1985.
The MACA Board has
formed a search committee
and will be hard at work
finding the right person to
continue what Elaine West
began. What started as two staff members grew to ten full time staff
and an annual budget of nearly 2 million dollars under West's
leadership.
Elaine West has spent the past 28 years heading efforts to help
Missouri's Community Action Network be the best it can possibly
be. West and the members of the MACA Board have increased the
quality of training for the agencies, led the way in creating a
transformational plan to guide the work of Community Action
statewide, and worked constantly to adapt through the ever-changing
political and social world.
Missouri Association for Community Action aims to not only be an
effective advocate in policy and program development which impacts
low-income families, but also to strengthen the capacity of Missouri's
Community Action Agencies. Today, Missouri is home to 19 of these
agencies, which serve every county in the state and the City of St.
Louis
As part of Lyndon Johnson's "War on Poverty" that began in 1964,
Community Action Agencies provide services ranging from energy
assistance and home weatherization to quality pre-school and job
readiness. Overall, the goal of Community Action is to assess local
communities' needs and help reduce poverty and increase selfsufficiency for low-income people.
Although the Community Action Network is saddened by her
decision to retire, West says she is ready to take on new challenges
and have more time to spend with her extensive family.
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DAEOC’s Newest Board Members
Dr. Jamie Frakes from Portageville is the
Private Sector representative for New
Madrid County. Dr. Frakes is an Economic
and Workforce Development professional
currently working in the field of higher
education as a Dean of an off campus
center.
Mr. Rod Dunlap of Charleston joins the
DAEOC Board of Directors as the private
sector representative of Mississippi
County. Mr. Dunlap is the pastor of
Abundant Life in Christ Missionary
Baptist Church and he operates several
entrepreneurial ventures.
Famous Co-Worker
Head Start’s Shelley
Darnall was recently
featured on KFVS 12
Does
it
Work
Wednesday.
"My
feather pillow loses it
shape."
Shelley
Darnall hopes this
one won't. Makers of
Sobakawa
Cloud
Pillow promises it
will conform to your
head, never losing shape, all thanks to special micro fiber beads
that apparently also keep you cool. Does it work? "When I toss
and turn, like I normally do, it keeps up. It's good." Shelley's been
using this pillow at night for half a month. She said it's making a
difference but it's not a perfect night's sleep. "The box makes it
look bigger than what it is. It appears to be normal-sized." Shelley
even uses another flat pillow under the Sobakawa in order to get
enough height and comfort for her neck. She's ok with this, but
wants others to be aware of the small size. Plus, here's something
else not exactly making for sweet dreams."It doesn't stay cool as
promised."
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Memphis Redbirds
On Saturday April 20th,
nearly
70
DAEOC
employees, family members
and friends enjoyed an
evening of fun, food and
baseball. The trip to see the
Memphis Redbirds included
all-you-can-eat
nachos,
popcorn, hot dogs, sodas, and
more. DAEOC’s presence
was broadcasted on the
JumboTron during the game.
Following the Redbirds win over the Iowa Cubs, the group was
treated to a spectacular fireworks display. “This is the second year we
have attended and it’s a great opportunity for us to get together away from
the demands of our jobs. The
Redbirds are a great value and a super fan-friendly field.” – Joel Evans,
CEO. Watch for additional opportunities to join the members of the
DAEOC family for fun and recreation.
2013 Poverty Summit
On April 9th members of the Missourians to End Poverty gathered at
the Capitol Plaza hotel in Jefferson City for the 2013 Poverty
Summit. Missourians to End Poverty is a group of organizations
statewide that have come together to discuss the issues of poverty
and how we can create change for the benefit of all communities.
The theme for the Summit was “Renewing the War on Poverty”.
Those that attended from DAEOC were Joel Evans, Jeanie
Smallwood, Paula Kinchen, Tara Ruby, Jason Redden and Mona
Walls. Also attending was Margaret Rowe, a Step Up to Leadership
participant from New Madrid County. DAEOC set up an exhibit
which included life size pictures of Sergeant Shriver, President
Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. The exhibit was a big hit.
Shelley was really looking forward to feeling that cooling effect
while she slept. Overall though, Shelley thinks this pillow could
turn her cat naps into deep sleep at night. "I always have had
trouble sleeping at night. I sleep three to four hours, then cat nap
until it's time to get up. This pillow has helped." For $20, Shelley
says she likes it enough to also buy one for her husband. "I think
it's a good pillow people should buy. I think I'll give it a B minus."
The Sobakawa Cloud Pillow rests comfortably, earning a B minus
on this Does it Work test. If you're interested, we bought this at
Bed, Bath and Beyond.
- KFVS12
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Zumba Fitness
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Scholarship Recipient’s
Williams C., Zumba Fitness. Democrat Argus April 24 p. 5.
.
What began as a trip to the YMCA has become part of a major
lifestyle change for one area resident. Two years ago, Christina
Wade’s sister suggested she attend a class with her at the
YMCA in Sikeston. She was hesitant at first, but decided to give
it a go, as her normal treadmill routine had become mundane and
ineffective. After the first class, she was hooked and hasn’t yet
stopped attending.
The class was Zumba, a Latin-inspired fitness program that
incorporates music and movement to make one fun workout.
Wade states, “It is a healthy balance of aerobic, interval and
resistance training. But most of all, it’s fun, original, and I
cannot think of a better way to relieve stress!”
Christina, a native to Caruthersville, attended school here and
then went on to graduate from Mizzou. Today she is married
with several children and is serving as the Housing
Director/Assistant Financial Director for DAEOC in
Portageville.
After getting married, she gained over 20lbs and found herself
becoming less active. “The pounds were harder to lose, and my
energy had vanished. I knew I had to do something different but
wasn’t quite sure where to start. When I incorporated the Zumba
program into my busy schedule, it gave me the boost that I needed
to get over that hump,” she says.
Christina enjoyed it so much that she wanted to move forward in
helping others as well. “I benefited from Zumba in so many ways
that I wanted others to share my experience, so I decided to
become a licensed instructor. Trainings are offered all around the
globe, but finding a training program that fit my busy schedule
was a task. After four months of waiting for a class in my area, I
finally took a weekend and attended training in Decatur, GA. ,
near Atlanta. The training was physically and mentally taxing,
but I am now licensed to teach both Zumba Basic and Zumba
Gold. “She shared.
She goes on to explain that this great workout is something for
everyone, no matter the fitness level. In the Zumba Gold classes,
the high-energy Zumba Basic steps are modified, and the moves
and pace are set to suit the needs of active older participants,
beginners and others who may need modifications to participate.
Both classes offer a great workout; with movements everyone is
capable of doing.
“Zumba is addictive fitness? It’s not your typical mundane
treadmill routine. You will never be bored, and you will actually
look forward to the workout,” says Wade.
Does this sound like something you might be interested in? Then
watch for classes to begin soon, and come out and give it a shake.
You never know what sort of addiction you might shake up!
Each year DAEOC does an annual Scholarship award in the amount
of $500.00 to one High School Senior. The student has to have a
parent employed with our Corporation to be considered for this
award. However, this year we are happy to announce that we will be
awarding THREE Scholarship awards to the High School Seniors of
2013.
The first award of $500.00 will be presented to Morgan Acup, she is
the daughter of Melissa Dickens from our Arbyrd Head Start.
The second award of $300.00 goes to Hannah Cooper, she is the
daughter of Misty Cooper from our Bell City Head Start.
The third award of $200.00 goes to Jonah Hendrix, he is the son of Jill
Hendrix, from our Chaffee Head Start.
Congratulations to this year’s 2013 Recipients!!!
Children’s Services News
100th Day of Head Start
Tuesday, March 19th, was the 100th day of Head Start for the
Charleston Center. The children started their 100th day by walking
through a 100 Day banner with crepe paper streamers.
There were many activities planned for the morning. The children
made necklaces with 100 fruit loops, inserting tabs of 10, 20, 30, etc.
between each 10 pieces of cereal. The tabs helped them realize that by
counting to ten, ten times, it would help them reach their goal of 100.
They also created their own
trail mix with 10 different
ingredients and of course 10
of each ingredient.
The morning continued
with the reading of several
books about 100, such as
“Jake’s 100th Day of School”
by Lester L. Laminack, and
“Fancy
Nancy,
The
100th Day of School” by Jane
O’Connor, Classroom A was fortunate to have the Executive
Director of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce come for
breakfast, as part of the Breakfast Club, and read a 100 th day book to
them. The children had their own book, “100 Animals” to take home
to read with their parents.
Volunteers made the day extra special! The center had the privilege
of having a wonderful group of students from the Charleston High
School helping in the classrooms, along with lots of great parent
support. Dads and other men in the community were in charge of the
outside activity time and they certainly kept the children moving!
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100th Day of Head Start (Continued from page 5)
The morning drew to a close with a parade around the block,
complete with each child wearing their 100 th day crown. Once the
parade ended each classroom released a helium balloon with a note
attached to the lucky finder. The day concluded with lunch and of
course 100 slices of 100th day cake.
Look who’s visited our centers!
Dorothy Blissett NPH, with
the University of Missouri
Extension,
visited
the
Sikeston Head Start Center.
Mrs.Blissett
enjoyed
a
nutritious breakfast and was
given a tour of the building.
During her visit, she was also
able to participate in Big Day
for Pre-K circle time and see
some of the Head Start
Program’s curriculum.
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Family and Community
Development News
Step Up to Leadership
Tri-County's (Scott County) Step Up to Leadership class recently
attended a Sikeston City Council Meeting. It was a wonderful
learning experience for them. The class was recently held on Robert's
Rules of Orders and the rules came to life for them at this particular
meeting. The Step Up classes began on February 11 and they are
looking forward to graduation on May 13th.
Seven participants graduated from the New Madrid County Step Up
to Leadership program on February 14th, 2013. The Step Up to
Leadership program is a 12 session class where participants learn the
skills and develop the confidence required to be leaders in their
communities as well as their own homes, allowing participants to
serve on boards and committees and lead to community based
projects throughout the counties.
Lisa Kirk visited Parma
Head Start. Mrs. Kirk is
the owner of D&L One
stop in Parma and the
District Manager for
AFLAC
Front Row (left to right):
Margaret Rowe, Tameika
Williams, Ashley Richards &
Destiny Farr
Back Row (left to right):
Tenisha Nelson (County
Coordinator), Jermaine Burgess,
Tykeiah Jones & DeMaria
Minner
Employment Readiness
Ann Pounds of New Madrid
visited the New Madrid Early
Head Start. She is a retired
school teacher and currently
works for Missouri First Steps
as a Special Developmental
Milestones.
Left to Right: Tenisha
Nelson (County
Coordinator), Kim
Heathcock, Michael Smith
& Jeff Brady II
Ben Worley, an Investment
Consultant from Edward
Jones, visited Dexter Head
Start
Three participants graduated from the New Madrid county
Employment Readiness program on April 10 th, 2013. The Employment
Readiness curriculum was developed in order to combat lack of work
skills in our low-income area.
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