Calling Residents of Ash Grove School District: 1st Annual Ash Grove Betterment Night July 12 at Sunshine Center

From David Burton

Civic Communications Specialist

MU Extension

Greene County MU Extension has 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.

The Ash Grove Betterment Night will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 12 at the Ash Grove Sunshine Center, 310 N Perryman Ave, Ash Grove.

All proceeds from the meal will stay with the Sunshine Center to support their building and programs for senior residents of the area. Admission is $8 per for a barbeque meal with sides and homemade cobbler and ice cream.

"With a quality turnout we hope to make this an annual event for residents of the 65604 zip code," said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Greene County.

Community organizations will be highlighted at the event and Greene County MU Extension will provide three professional educators. The speaker topics have been selected based on local feedback received during the EXCEL leadership program.

Dr. Amy Patillo, a workforce development specialist with MU Extension, will present "Health Insurance Literacy." Dr. Pam Duitsman, a nutrition and health education specialist with MU Extension will present "Nutrition for Life-Long Health."

"Working Together to Create a Better Community" will be presented by David Burton, a community development specialist with MU Extension. "My presentation will focus on volunteerism and examples of ways for people in Ash Grove to connect with a non-profit with the goal of improving the local quality of life," said Burton. "By working together, we can motivate a community toward betterment and that is good for everyone."

Local sponsors have funded the marketing and promotion of this event. Those sponsors include

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 or to register for this event, contact Greene County MU Extension by telephone at (417) 881-8909 or online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.