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Missouri Ag News Headlines |
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Ash Grove Betterment Night Rallies Community
Missouri Ag Connection - 07/16/2018
Greene County MU Extension joined forces with the Ash Grove Sunshine Center to offer a unique event aimed at addressing challenges and improving the sense of community in Ash Grove.
Around 30 individuals attended the event, and all proceeds from the meal stayed with the Sunshine Center to support their building and programs for senior residents of the area.
David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Greene County who grew up in Ash Grove, presented a program entitled, "Working Together to Create a Better Community."
Burton highlighted community organizations that are doing their part to improve Ash Grove: the Nursing Home Auxiliary, Historic Town Committee, Circle of Paws, Care to Learn, the Ash Grove Fire District, and Freeway Ministries at Ash Grove First Baptist Church.
"I can tell you there is no magic wand to be waived that will improve the quality of life or increase community involvement. When a community declines, it is often a slow fade. And the same is true when the community improves," said Burton.
But he also noted that there are ways residents can impact a community and one of the greatest ways is negativity versus a positive focus on what's going on the community
"Negativity is contagious. But so is a positive community attitude," said Burton. "Taking ownership of the community through local leadership, volunteerism and involvement is a key step forward to improvement, but it does require work."
He encouraged attendees to think about what originally attracted them to the community and then rally around that aspect. At the same time, individuals that are local and negative should resolve to turn over a new leaf, forgive and forget, and set some positive goals.
"Connect with positive people around something that you love and focus on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Think on these things," said Burton. "Positive people are healthier, they live longer, and they are happier."
Earlier in the evening, Dr. Amy Patillo, a workforce development specialist with MU Extension, presented "Health Insurance Literacy." Dr. Pam Duitsman, a nutrition and health education specialist with MU Extension, presented "Nutrition for Life-Long Health."
The speaker topics were selected based on local feedback received during the EXCEL leadership program. Enrollment for the leadership program is underway now with 15 seats available.
Local sponsors funded the marketing and promotion of this event. Those sponsors included
Integrity Homecare and Hospice, First Baptist Church of Ash Grove and Freeway Ministries, Wilson-Griffin Funeral Homes, Greene County Farm Bureau, Greene County Commission, and the Greene County Commonwealth.
For more information on how to organize a betterment night in your community, contact Greene County MU Extension by telephone at (417) 881-8909 or online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.
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