Harvesters, Good Samaritan Center serve around 200 families

By KRISTIN RULON
Community Reporter

Close to 200 families with a total of 507 children were represented at the Harvesters annual mass distribution event.
This past weekend, families formed arrived almost an hour before the event began in the Excelsior Springs School District’s parking lot.

Volunteers and various churches helped set up and hand out the various food items Harvesters brought. Churches that provided volunteers, entertainment and refreshments were New Life Family Ministries, Rock Falls Baptist Church and the International Sports Evangelists. The Good Samaritan Center’s Christmas in July month-long drive will wrap up at the end of the month. So far the drive has raised $4,000 of the center’s $10,000 goal. The center is looking for donations of hygienic items such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, tissues, diapers (all sizes), dish soap or monetary donations are also welcome. Good Samaritan’s Executive Director Bob Gerdes mentioned that people can also donate at the upcoming Spirit of Giving luncheon at noon on Wednesday, July 28, at the Elms Resort and Spa. Those wanting to donate can still do so by contacting the center at (816) 630-2718.

Pictured above, in conjuction with Good Samaritan Center’s month-long Christmas in July drive, Harvesters held their mass distribution event this past weekend in the Excelsior Springs School District’s parking lot. Though the event was scheduled to start at 8 a.m., families were lining up shortly after 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 24. Various churches and volunteers helped set up and hand out items. (Photo by Kristin Rulon)

Local boy puts others before himself

By KRISTIN RULON
Community Reporter

Dawson Graham, 7, should be primarily focusing on playing his Wii and soaking up the summer sun before school starts.
Instead, he’s raising funds to donate to Red Cross’s Haiti relief efforts.
Granted, he’s still making time for his Wii but his enthusiam to help shows just how much other people mean to him.
To help raise funds, his family created a video of him singing “Down by the Bay” on YouTube to attract people to his cause.
“We tried to think of a way to reach a bunch of people,” said DaNonne, his mother on the YouTube video.
His idea to help those in need in Haiti came from an article he read in Sports Illustrated for Kids.
“I wanted to help kids in Haiti,” Dawson said, “I wanted to help give them medicine.”
Dawson plans on collecting funds for Haiti for the next few weeks and has already exceeded his goal.
And his charitable efforts continue as he is also growing out his hair to donate to Locks of Love, which is a a public, non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to children in the United States and Canada under the age of 21 suffering a from long-term medical hair loss caused by a diagnosis.
That idea came from his mother, who has donated hair to Locks of Love before. Dawson has been growing his hair out since September of last year.
Dawson’s video can be found on YouTube by searching for “Dawson Donation Singing-Take 2.” It can also be viewed from the Standard’s Facebook page. See the video.
For more information on how to make a Red Cross donation in Dawson’s name e-mail his mother at Danonne76@yahoo.com.
DaNonne said her son has always thought of others before himself.
“It’s really humbling,” she said. “I should have done something (to help Haiti earthquake victims) and instead my 7-year-old son is.”
Anyone who would like to donate to Dawson’s cause can do so at Excelsior Springs Trade Fair and Trade Fair Too for the next three weeks.
The trade fairs are located at 1218 and 1220 N. Jesse James Road.

ESCT’s ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ opens this weekend

Excelsior Springs Community Theatre’s presentation of “Meet Me in St. Louis” will open this weekend at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1, at the Performing Arts Center.
“Meet Me in St. Louis” is a traveling production with performances in Excelsior Springs, Liberty and Richmond.
In Richmond, the play will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6 and Saturday, Aug. 7 at Farris Theatre.
The production, directed by Tanya Duncan, will wrap-up in Liberty with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13, and Saturday, Aug. 14, at the Performing Arts Theatre in Liberty.
General admission is $10; $8 for students and seniors.
To purchase tickets call (816) 824-6177.

Locally made quilts bring security to Haitian children


Pictured above, Rita Robertson, right, gives Princess, left, one of the quilts she brought that was made locally for a Haitian child during her 45-day trip to Haiti earlier this year. (Submitted photo)

By KRISTIN RULON
Community Reporter

What started as a way for a local woman to do her part in relieving Haitian children has woven a ‘quilt’ of friendship between the people of Haiti and Excelsior Springs
Sherry Wollard came up with the idea to create quilts for children in Haiti when local Rita Robertson and her daughter Daina Kennedy were preparing for their 45-day trip to Gressier, Haiti.
Word has continued to spread as Robertson and Kennedy will return to Haiti this Saturday, July 31, for one week.
Robertson typically has being going to Haiti for the past four years in July through JoyHouse Christian Ministry, a non-denominational organization, assisting those in need.
But this year due to the devastating earthquake, Robertson and Kennedy went in February.
This trip, though it won’t be nearly as long, will have some limitations.
The two won’t be able to take as many supplies with them but will still able to take 25 or 30 quilts.
“I can only take what I can carry on my back,” Robertson said. “I’ve learned to pack very light.”
Robertson and Kennedy will be working on temporary housing and giving quilting classes.
“The women down there are already asking how to quilt,” Robertson added. “That’s a good sign that despite everything they are going through, they are wanting to decorate.”
Wollard has been giving quilting classes here in Excelsior for people to create quilts to send with Robertson.
“This has really taken off,” Robertson said.
Wollard’s idea has taken off so well that Pastor Benito, who Robertson and Kennedy work with to deliver supplies, items to the Haitians, wrote a letter to Wollard thanking her.
Robertson will be taking Wollard’s letter to Pastor Benito this upcoming trip.
“In a way this has created a quilt between the two (Haiti and those who have created the quilts), she added.
Those that would like to contribute are asked to make monetary donations to JoyHouse Ministeries, since now the Haitian government will no longer be allowing temporary housing at the first of the year, according to Robertson, by going to www.haitijoyhouse.org.
Robertson said they will be trying to figure out a way to “bolt” down the housing to make it permanent, which will have its costs.
Robertson’s daughter Kay will also be traveling to Haiti and will updating the blog on the team’s progress.
Follow the mission team’s blog.

Searching local history?

The Excelsior Springs Standard receives many requests for information from past issues. The news staff is not able to do research for individuals, however, the Excelsior Springs Historical Museum has an extensive collection of newspapers and newspaper clippings for local research. The Museum is located at 101 E. Broadway in the old Clay County State Bank building. For the cost of a $10.00 membership, persons can use the archives for their research needs. Not able to visit the Museum? Museum volunteers are available to help with research for a small fee. Call 816-630-0101 or visit the Museum web site for more information.

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Send Calendar information to:
Excelsior Springs Standard Calendar, P.O. Box 70, Excelsior Springs, Mo. 64024 or email Kristin Rulon

Tuesday, July 27 • 10 a.m. – Kids Incorporated meets at the First Baptist Church in Kearney. All young children and their parents are invited to attend. This not-for-profit activity/support group is open to all parents and their children ages birth to 5. For more information call (816) 903-0188 or kckidsinc@yahoo.com. • 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. – Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives is open, 101 E. Broadway. • 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. – Excelsior Springs Visitor Center, located in the Hall of Waters, is open. •1-4 p.m. – Health Clinic, Good Samaritan Center, Thompson and Broadway, downtown Excelsior Springs • 6:30 p.m. – The Developmental Disabilities Resource Board of Clay County will meet in the DDRG multipurpose room, 920 S. Kent in Liberty. • 7 p.m. – Quarterback Club meets at 1219A N. Jesse James Road • 7 p.m. – Elks meet at the Elks Lodge, 421 S. Titus, Excelsior Springs • 7:30 p.m. – Celebrate Recovery meetings at the Good Samaritan Center, lower level room 126. All are welcome. For more information contact a case worker at (816) 630-2718, ext. 23. Wednesday, July 28 • 46th Annual Lathrop Friendship Festival in downtown Lathrop. For more information go to www.lathropfestival.com. • 6:30 a.m.- Optimist Club meets at the Excelsior Springs Medical Center dining room • 8-11:30 a.m. – Free Medical Clinic on the lower level of the Good Samaritan Center. Those without insurance and walk-ins are welcome. • 9:15 a.m. - MOPS meets at New Life Family Ministries on 1325 Italian Way in Excelsior Springs. Call Misty at (816) 309-0060 for more information. • 10 a.m.- 4p.m. – Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives is open, 101 E. Broadway. • 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. – Excelsior Springs Visitor Center, located in the Hall of Waters, is open. •10:30 a.m. - Story Hour, Mid-Continent Public Library, Excelsior Springs •11:30 a.m. – Northland Coalition, with support of Tri-County Mental Health Services, will host a luncheon/forum for the community. Candidates and incumbents running for state offices will participate in the forum. The event will be at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 N. 291 Hwy. in Liberty. To make reservations contant Anh Nguyen at (816) 877-0401. • 6:30 p.m. – Kiwanis Club will meet at the Excelsior Springs Hospital dining room Thursday, July 29 • 46th Annual Lathrop Friendship Festival in downtown Lathrop. For more information go to www.lathropfestival.com. • 7:30 a.m. – Rotary Club meets on the lower level of the Good Samaritan Center

Thursday, July 29 continued • 10 a.m.- 4p.m. – Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives is open, 101 E. Broadway. • 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. – Excelsior Springs Visitor Center, located in the Hall of Waters, is open. • 6-9 p.m. – Rainbow Swim Club pool party. Admission is one-perishable item that will be donated to the Good Samaritan’s food pantry. Enjoy music, games and prizes. • 7 p.m. – GriefShare recovery seminar and support group meets at the Old Union Church in Lawson, 17990 N. Union Road. For more information call Nada Austin at (816) 296-3854. Friday, July 30 • SkeeterFest 2010 in Hardin. For a list of events go to www.hardinbetterment.org/skeeterfest. • 46th Annual Lathrop Friendship Festival in downtown Lathrop. For more information go to www.lathropfestival.com. • 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. – Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives is open, 101 E. Broadway. • 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. – Excelsior Springs Visitor Center, located in the Hall of Waters, is open. • 2-7 p.m. – First Assembly of God Church’s summer Farmer’s Market at the church. • 5:45 p.m. – Early Bird Bingo and regular Bingo at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post #236 every Friday night. • 7:30 p.m. – The Excelsior Springs Community Theatre presents “Meet Me in St. Louis” at the Performing Arts Center. For ticket information contact (816) 824-6177 or go to www.esctheatre.org. • 9 p.m. – Movies on the Lawn presents “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” on the back lawn of the Elms. Gates open at 8:30 p.m. There is a $1 grounds fee. Sunday, August 1 • 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. – Excelsior Springs Visitor Center, located in the Hall of Waters, is open. • 12:30 p.m. – 72nd Annual Isenhour family reunion at Shelter House #2 at the Liberty City Park. Those attending should bring a dish and their own table servive. Monday, August 2 • 6 p.m. – City Council meets in the council chambers at the Hall of Waters • 7 p.m. – Texas hold’em at the Clay-Ray Vets Club, 208 Veterans Memorial Drive. For more information call (816) 630-7711. • 7-8:30 p.m. – Boy Scout Troop 313 meets at Barbee Memorial Presbyterian Church • 7-8:30 p.m. – Boy Scout Troop 309 meets at First United Methodist Church • 7:30 p.m. - Clay Lodge #207, AF & AM • 7:30 p.m. - Xi Beta Omicron

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