Today’s program was presented by Mike and Jerre Robertson from the Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution.

The DAR and SAR provide programming and eduction to preserve history, support and encourage patriotism, and be a presence in our communities. We learned about the DAR museum in the former Grand Masonic Lodge building in Louisville, KY. Of particular interest are the youth contests and scholarships that are available to local students.

Club members appreciated learning about their organizations.

Today’s program was presented by Melissa Frakes, along with a couple of her staff as well as a program participant, about the new Pivotal Point Transitional Housing youth center.

Construction will begin soon (next month!) on this facility, that will house 24-28 youth upon completion. In addition to housing, there will be an emphasis on education, skills training, budgeting, and social development for those who live there.

To support the mission of Pivotal Point, the organization is holding a fall fund-raiser on 9/15.

For more information, please visit http://pivotalpointstjoseph.org/youth-capital-campaign.html

Today’s program was presented by Brett Esely, Director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission.

Brett shared exciting updates about upcoming sporting events taking place in St. Joseph, including the MIAA volleyball tournament.

Another notable event to add to your calendar is on 9/18 with the 2nd class in-duction into the St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame. For more information or to purchase tickets for this event, please visit https://checkout.square.site/buy/TCDZEC6OFPI5A2MNA2W6DFQ2.

One ongoing opportunity that Brett was candid about was the need for a quality downtown hotel to support events. There are currently more hotel rooms in Hays, KS than in our fair city. Yes, that includes counting the places nobody would want to stay.

Today’s program was presented by Chad Higdon, the Executive Director of Second Harvest Community Food Bank. Second Harvest provides nourishment and hope to the hungry in NW MO and NE KS. Families have experienced increased food costs over the past year, and this continues to have an impact locally.

Second Harvest currently operates 24 mobile food distribution sites and supports the local pantries throughout their 19 county territory. Some upcoming events are the 9/23-24 Bluegrass Battles Hunger and a Fill the Van Citywide food drive on 10/8 (volunteers can help with this).

For more information, please visit https://www.shcfb.org/

MERIL works to create a barrier-free Northwest Mis-souri for individuals with disabilities. The main programs MERIL currently offers are Consumer Di-rected Services, Assistive Technology, and in-home nursing services. MERIL is holding a community trunk or treat event on October 20. Youth of all agencies are invited for free snacks, fun and games, and a costume contest. Agencies are also invited to have a presence there.

MERIL is currently hiring nursing professionals as well as Consumer Directed Services care attendants.

For more information, please visit https:// meril.org/