Monthly Archives: September 2022

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Gordon Parks Celebration Schedule of Events, Oct. 6-8

Leave a comment
The Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

2022 Gordon Parks Celebration – Schedule of Events


Thursday, October 6th


PHOTO EXHIBIT – In the Lunt Lobby of the Fine Arts Center. The photo contest sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography will be on display with the theme of “I Am Driven By”. Winners will be announced at the Chamber Coffee, 8 a.m.


PHOTO EXHIBIT – In the Gordon Parks Museum and Lobby of the Fine Arts Center. The Gordon Parks Mercy Foundation Collection, with some of Gordon’s photos and poems.


SIGN DISPLAY & MURAL DISPLAY – Visit the Lowell Milken Center Unsung Heroes Park, 1 S. Main St., Gordon Parks is one of the featured signs. View also the mural of Gordon Parks, by local artist Stephen Toal, at Riverfront Park, 400 N. National.


8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee at the Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Showing of the film Criterion Collection The Learning Tree in FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Registration open outside of Museum.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – (Lunch and Learn) “In the Shadow of Obscurity: Tolling in a Reluctant Society” Arif Khatib, Filmmaker, Author, and
Founder/President at the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame. Arif will present his book that not only tells the stories of many of our great
sports figures in history, but also addresses their pain on the road to greatness. “It is a must read” to understand why we must stay focused and make this society understand that we must all commit to a just society and make things better for generations to come. FREE to Attend.
Chicken Caesar & Club wrap lunches are available in the lobby ($8-purchase that day) or bring your own lunch and join us. Dessert and
drinks also available in the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE.


1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott & The Learning Tree Film Scene Locations. Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history. Fee: $7.
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Showing of the film Leadbelly in the Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – “Fort Scott Book Club Presentation,” “A Choice of Weapons Revisited”, Hosted by Park Rangers from Fort Scott
National Historic Site. (Social Hour starts at 5:30 p.m. Wine and Refreshments). FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE.
7:00 p.m. – “Photography Techniques: Jim Richardson on Gordon Parks Photos” National Geographic Magazine Photographer Jim
Richardson will discuss and explore the photographic techniques Parks used to create his signature images, which reflect the documentary esthetic of LIFE magazine in its heyday era. This freewheeling discussion will honor Parks as a master technician, part of his huge talent that is often neglected. Gordon Parks made iconic photographs (Social Hour starts at 5:30 p.m. Wine and Refreshments) FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.


Friday, October 7th
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Registration open outside of Museum.
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. – “Video Production Seminar: Fort Scott African American Experience Grant Project” This video seminar/presentation will show and discuss what video and movie making is about and how to find inspiration and some insight of the technical aspects. Students will then be creating videos and social media posts of their findings or to tell the stories they uncover. This is open to the community to attend.

This is part of a grant project collaboration with the Fort Scott National Historic Site where H.S. & college students from the Fort Scott area will conduct research of unsung African Americans or events they are associated with from the Fort Scott area. Moderated by Carl Brenner, Project Grant Director & Acting Superintendent at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, with featured panelist; David Parks, photographer, filmmaker, author, and son of Gordon Parks, Robin Hickman-Winfield, Executive Producer of SoulTouch Productions and great-niece of Gordon Parks, along with Eli Reed, acclaimed photographer and author. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Theater. This project is funded by a federal grant. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.


10:05 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – “A Conversation with Choice of Weapon Honorees.” The 2022 “Choice of Weapons Award” honorees, Adger
Cowans, and William C. Rhoden. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.


11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – (Lunch and Learn Event) “Gordon Parks and Kansas: New Open Access Digital Resources” Aileen June Wang,
Curator, and Sarah Price, Collections Manager, at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art along with Katherine Karlin, Professor, English Department, Kansas State University will introduce new findings about Gordon Parks from their research for a virtual exhibition of Gordon Parks photographs, an open access digital exhibition catalog, and the website The Learning Tree: A Gordon Parks Digital Archive. FREE to Attend. Sack lunches are available in the lobby ($8-purchase that day) or bring your own lunch and join us. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.


12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – (Lunch and Learn Event) “I Needed Paris Project Update” with Michael Cheers, Associate Professor,
Photojournalism, School of Journalism and Mass Communications, San Jose State University. This will be an update on the “I Needed Paris” project that will take a group of diverse American student photographers through Paris, traversing the same streets and neighborhoods as Gordon Parks, when he worked in the Paris Bureau of Life magazine 1949-1951. This session reimagines Gordon’s iconic fashion, portrait, and documentary photo essay work. The session peeks inside some of the book chapters – portraits of African American expats, trendy black fashion designers, and an intimate look at the homeless, migrant, and refugee communities – that will be published to document this project in 2023. FREE to Attend. Sack lunches are available in the lobby ($8-purchase that day) or bring your own lunch and join us. FSCC Ellis Fine
Arts Center/Auditorium. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Auditorium. FREE.


1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – “Choice of Weapon Honorees Presentation” The 2022 “Choice of Weapons Award” honorees, Adger Cowans and
William C. Rhoden, will each share their perspective works in photography, art, books, videos, etc…. Adger Cowans, Photographer, Author, painter will present some of his photography. Mr. Cowans will show photos from his personal collection and of Gordon Parks, who was a longtime friend. William C. Rhoden, Documentary Award winning sports columnist and author for the New York Times, Author of Forty Million Dollars Slaves, and a writer at large for Andscape, will share some of his video stories, columns, and information from his books. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE.

Schedule subject to change. Please check at www.gordonparkscenter.org for any updates


3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Film Screening Presentation: “Presence of Absence: Gordon Parks Through an Empathic Lens” Multimedia artist, Andrew F. Scott will present his video with Six-time Grammy winner Terence Blanchard and the E-Collective in Concert, and will discuss the process of putting this project together and creating it with Professor Matthew Gainer, Professor of Graphic Design, Department of Art at Kansas State University along with his students. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.
7:30 p.m. – “Hot Jazz & R&B” (Social Hour at 6:30 p.m.) Featuring, Paula Sanders & Derick Cunigan, Multi-talented Jazz & R&B Vocalists, performing the very best in Jazz & R&B. Cash bar available. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton St. Fee: $25.00. Reserve Tickets by Wed, Oct, 5.


Saturday, October 8th


9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Registration open outside of Museum.
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Panel Discussion “Taking the Shot” Join us for a panel discussion on photography and how to take or create great
photographic images. Some discussion will include: techniques, lighting, depth, inspiration, and impact. Moderated by John Mason,
Associate Professor, University of Virginia Department of History with featured panelist; Adger Cowans, 2022 Choice of Weapons Honoree, Michael Cheers, Associate Professor, San Jose State University, Eli Reed, Photographer & 2021 Choice of Weapons Honoree, Veretta Cobler,
Photographer, and Don Thompson, Photographer. Coffee, water, juice, and light refreshments will be available. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts
Center/Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.


10:15 a.m. – 11:15 p.m. – “Open Mic Poetry” This open mic is for any poets, rappers, musicians, or artists of all ages to read their work. Bring your friends, your poetry, your instruments, your beats, your inspirations, your creativity, and your talent! No sign-up necessary, just hop on the mic when you’re ready! Hosted by poet, Barbara L. Eikner. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.


11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – (Lunch and Learn Event) “Buffalo Soldiers Presentation” The Alexander/Madison Chapter – Greater Kansas
City/Leavenworth Area 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association will be in full authentic Buffalo Soldier uniforms. The troopers will provide a moving presentation on the great legacy and rich background of the historic Buffalo Soldiers from the years 1866 to 1944. Original Buffalo Soldier artifacts will be on display during the presentation. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum. FREE “BBQ on the Patio”
Come and join us for some great barbeque, potato salad, chips, drinks, etc. Sponsored by Dunks BBQ. (Visitors may bring their own lunch.)
Drinks will be provided. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. FREE.


1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – “Film Screening Presentation: Many Fires This Time: We the 100 Million” This is an award-winning documentary film that received the Gordon Parks Black Film Excellence Honorable Mention Award (2021) at the Tallgrass Film Festival in Wichita, KS. Directed by Jason R.A. Foster, and produced by Michael “Quess?” Moore and Jeremy Liu, Many Fires This Time: We the 100 Million is a poetic documentary about the 1 in 3 Americans and counting, living in economic insecurity. FREE.


2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott & The Learning Tree Film Scene Locations. Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history. Fee: $7.
7:00 p.m. – “Celebration Tribute Dinner” (Social Hour starts at 6:00 p.m.) Join us for an evening of celebration and dinner, with music,
tribute, and presentation of the 2022 “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” to Adger Cowans and William C. Rhoden. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center. 2108 S. Horton St. All seats reserved. Fee: $30.00. (Reserve by Wed, Oct. 5)


Sunday, October 9th


9:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Crooner’s Lounge. Enjoy a breakfast buffet at one of Fort Scott’s finest! Located at 117 S. Main Street, Downtown Fort Scott. You are sure to find something on the buffet that will please your appetite. Check it out at: fscrooners.com.
(No ticket required-everyone pays for their own)


TICKET PURCHASE FOR THE 2022 CELEBRATION:
Friday, October 7th Hot Jazz and R&B – Reserve Only. (all other tickets may be purchased on site). Please reserve by Wed., Oct. 5th
Questions? Call us at 620.223.2700 ext. 5850
email: [email protected]
Gordon Parks Museum
2108 S. Horton St. Fort Scott, KS 66701
Or register online at:
www.gordonparkscenter.org


Saturday, October 8th BBQ on the Patio – Reservation Only. (all other tickets may be purchased on site). Please reserve by Fri., Oct. 7th


Saturday, October 8th Tribute Dinner – Reservation Only. (all other tickets may be purchased on site). Please reserve by Wed., Oct. 5th
(Lunch & Learn) Friday “Exhibition Catalog/E-book: Homeward to the Prairie I come.” ______tickets at $8 each for a total of $_______.
(Lunch & Learn) Thursday “In the Shadow of Obscurity: Tolling in a Reluctant Society.” ______tickets at $8 each for a total of $_______.
Name, Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number & Email: ____________________________________________________________________
___________ CHECK ENCLOSED payable to the Gordon Parks Museum
Hot Jazz R&B Friday ______tickets at $25 each for a total of $_______.
BBQ on the Patio Saturday ______ FREE Tickets.
Celebration Tribute Dinner Saturday ______tickets at $30 each for a total of $_______.
Total Registration Cost…………………….$_________.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

###

 

Art, Gordon Parks Museum

The 2022 Gordon Parks Museum to feature Photo Contest: “I Am Driven By”

Leave a comment
Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a photo contest sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography.  This event is inspired by a quote from Gordon Parks and his incredible drive.  “Driven by an insatiable hunger, I still search for those things that inspire me–beautiful imagery, music, and literature.”

 

The theme of the contest is “I Am Driven By…” This is open to any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of this quote and what they are driven by?

 

Non-professional photographers of any age and skill level are invited to take pictures for the project and may enter up to two photos in JPEG format with less than 2MB. There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions.  All photos submitted will be on exhibit at The Gordon Parks Museum and in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center Oct. 6 – 8, 2022.  All photos will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Museum website and Facebook page. Judges for the photo contest will be professional photographer, Veretta Cobler and established make-up artist and hair stylist, Donna Fumoso based in New York City.

 

Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All photos must be attached in JPEG format and limit file size to less than 2 MB.  All entries will be confirmed via email.  Photographers should submit (in their email) a title, along with their name, address, email, phone number and share a one or two sentence on what inspired the photo.  If under 10 years old, please include parent’s information. Photos should be received via email by Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at the latest.

 

For more information, email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

###

 

Area News, Health Care

10 Warning Signs that Your Loved One is Considering Suicide

Leave a comment

 

Sept. 11, 2022 (IOLA, Kan.) – Throughout September, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is observing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Nearly everyone will feel the ripple effects of suicide in their lifetime. Those left behind experience grief, sorry and, often, regret. But, repeatedly, experiences show that suicide is preventable when caught in time to help. To build awareness about suicide prevention, it’s essential to know the warning signs and risk factors.

10 Warning Signs

  1. Depression: Frequently, suicide is accompanied by long-lasting sadness, despair and a feeling of hopelessness. People who seem to withdraw from family and friends or isolate themselves from usual social activities may be exhibiting signs they are thinking about ending their lives.
  2. Untreated mental health condition: It’s common for people with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders or mood disorders (along with other mental health conditions) to experience thoughts of suicide. It’s even more likely that people with undiagnosed or untreated issues may consider suicide.
  3. Substance use: Any kind of substance abuse can increase the likelihood that a person may consider ending his/her life. When a person’s substance use increases or escalates in severity, it’s a strong warning sign that something is amiss and needs attention.
  4. Reckless behavior: It’s a warning sign that someone may be having thoughts of ending their life when they begin engaging in reckless behavior or taking unnecessary and excessive risks, such as participating in unsafe sex or driving while under the influence. It’s especially worrisome when someone who normally acts with caution and care acts with reckless abandon without caring about the consequences.
  5. Statements about suicide: People who say they want to die usually mean it. Anyone who says they are considering killing themselves is definitely at risk. Suicidal people may say they feel hopeless or they have no reason to live. Searching online for suicide methods or buying a gun can also indicate someone is a serious threat to themselves.
  6. Final preparations: Making a will or setting up life insurance policies is responsible adulting. However, when someone sets about to making final preparations it may, also, be a sign they are planning to hurt themselves. Other indicators of final preparations might include: giving away prized belongings and informing others about their life insurance policies, will, burial arrangements or who will get their assets. Another sign can be making it a point to clean their house or garage, being sure to not leave any loose ends to burden their loved ones.
  7. Unusual display of emotion/affection: A person who suddenly makes it a point to share their love and affection for a friend or family member may be showing a sign that they are considering suicide. Many times, people who are thinking of ending their lives will unexpectedly visit family members and friends and deliver an exaggerated goodbye when they see someone they care about. These behaviors can be signs they are in severe distress.
  8. Trauma/life crisis: Many people who think about committing suicide have a history of serious childhood trauma; physical, emotional or sexual abuse; neglect; or bullying in their lives. It’s also common for those on the verge of ending their lives to have recently experienced some other circumstances that makes them especially vulnerable: the loss of a loved one; unemployment; money crisis; or a relationship break up.
  9. Chronic/fatal health condition: Anytime someone is diagnosed with a severe health condition, it can impact their mental health. If they are in constant pain or discomfort, it increases the chances they’ve considered suicide. Many people worry about how their health condition will continue to affect them, fearing they will be/are a burden to their loved ones.
  10. Sudden calm or cheer: It’s relatively common for someone contemplating suicide to seem suddenly calm, at peace and, maybe, in good cheer. But it can be a warning sign of suicide that someone who is usually anxious, depressed or upset is relaxed and good with the world. It’s extremely possible they are no longer at war with themselves and have settled on their decision to end their life.

There is not just one single warning sign that can help prevent suicide. But, by being aware and making connections with others, it’s possible to notice the signs that are very clear indicators that someone is not ok.

 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs of ending their life, encourage them to reach out for help. One resource is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline3, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is now an easy-to-remember 24/7 resource for reaching trained crisis counselors who can help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises. (988 replaces a longer and harder to remember 10-digit phone number.) Much like calling 911 in an emergency, people in crisis or those having thoughts of suicide may call or text 988 for immediate assistance during anytime of the day or night.

About Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center

The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the qualify of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination and 24/7 crisis intervention services. For more information, visit www.sekmhc.org.

 

###

 

Obituary

Obituary of Larry Denton

1 Comment

Larry David Denton, age 81, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at his home.  He was born August 8, 1941, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Robert Denton and Effie Thompson Denton.

Larry graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and Ft. Scott Junior College.  Larry became interested in pharmacology and worked for a time at Hurst Drug Store in Ft. Scott.  He went on to graduate from UMKC School of Pharmacy. While in pharmacy school, Larry caught the attention of fellow pharmacy student, Brenda Dull.  Larry and Brenda were married on July 4, 1964, at Humansville, Missouri.  Together, Larry and Brenda owned and operated Ft. Scott Drug Store located on Ft. Scott’s Main Street.

They later found it necessary to relocate and built a new pharmacy on the corner of First and National and renamed the business, Denton’s Pharmacy.  When it was built it was only the second pharmacy in the state of Kansas with a drive through window.  The Denton’s later sold their business; however, Larry remained active in pharmacy work.

At the time of his death, Larry was still working part-time at the Auburn Long-Term Care Pharmacy in Nevada, Missouri. Larry loved the Ft. Scott Community and had served for twenty-four years on the USD #234 School Board and in earlier years was active with the Ft. Scott Rotary Club.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Scott.

 

Survivors include his wife, Brenda, of the home; three sons, David Denton (Nancy) of New York, New York, Mark Denton (Sarah) of Frontenac, Kansas and Steve Denton (Stephanie) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and seven grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Robert Denton of Topeka, Kansas

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Leland and Elmer Denton.

 

There was cremation.

A private gathering to celebrate Larry’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ft. Scott Community Foundation and left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Do You Know A Health Champion?

Leave a comment
Jody Hoener. Submitted photo.

The Governor’s Council on Fitness is seeking nominations for its annual Health Champion Award program.  This recognizes those community champions across the state who work hard to improve the health and wellness of your community.

“We are seeking individuals AND organizations that go above and beyond for the health and well-being of communities, residents or worksites,” Jody Hoener, said. “Please consider nominating today!”

Hoener was appointed by the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to serve on the Governor’s Council on Fitness board.

“This year I am the chair for the awards committee,” she said. “I am a previous honoree of this award as well.”

 

What does this champion look like?

 

Any Organization or Business: Anything from a company that takes pride in its robust workplace wellness program to a city municipality that prioritizes complete streets and active infrastructure.  We want to hear about that non-profit who feeds the hungry, or the school who implements a vaping prevention program.

 

Anyone: A public official, a community leader, a concerned citizen, a health or human serve worker, or a volunteer who works hard to improve the quality of life for residents.

 

Community First: Whether it’s an organization or an individual, these champions think of the greater good first; they’re committed to making things better for everyone.

 

Candidates will be selected based on their exemplary work to promote the health and wellness of Kansans. Individual and organizational awards will be presented at the Community Health Promotion Summit held on January 26, 2023, in Wichita, KS.

 

 

There is a champion in all of us, nominate an individual or an organization today! Deadline for submissions is September 30, 2022.

For easier access to the form, here is a direct link: http://www.getactivekansas.org/Documents/Health_Champion_Nomination_Form_2023.pdf

or visit http://www.getactivekansas.org/gcof.html or contact Alyssa Nava at [email protected].

 

 

 

or contact Jody Hoener
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc.
President and CEO

104 North National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
1-620-215-2892 Mobile
[email protected]

HBCAT.org

 

Church news, Fort Scott

Upcoming Fundraisers for Catholic Church Building Fund

Leave a comment
Inside structure damage from the fire. Courtesy of Shane Walker.
The Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church fire took place Monday August 29 about 9:10 p.m. and destroyed the roof, the majority of the pews, the floor and all heating, ventilation and air-conditioning in the church, according to spokesman Mark McCoy.
“Some of the stained-glass windows were damaged,” he said.
The pipe organ was destroyed.”
However the statutes, the main crucifix and the altar used for saying Mass, were saved, he said.
Church is being held in Kennedy Gym until the building is rebuilt.
“We are consulting with construction experts to evaluate our options, no decision either way has been made yet,” McCoy said.
Parishioners have begun fundraisers to help with the rebuild/reconstruction of the church.
Fundraisers
Spaghetti Dinner by Knights of Columbus
“We encourage the people of our parish family and the community to come enjoy food prepared by our brother Knights and at the same time support our fundraiser,” Calvin Barr said on his Facebook page. 
A spaghetti and meat sauce, salad, garlic bread, dessert and drink meal will be offered for a free-will donation this Friday, Sept. 16 from 5-7 p.m. in Kennedy Gym, 604 S. Holbrook.
Hand Made Rosary To Be Auctioned for Fire Rebuild
Jana Walker is putting up for auction a rosary that she made. It can be viewed on her Facebook page.
Jana Walker is having a fundraiser for the church building fund. Submitted.

“I made the rosary,” Walker said. “People are welcome to share the Facebook post, although, they must click on my original post. I circled the example in red. Once they are on the original post they can comment with their bid.”

Submitted photo.
Mary Queen of Angels Church fire on August 29. Submitted by Stephen Toal.
Bourbon County, K-State Extension, Kansas

Heart of FCE Award: Doris Ericson

2 Comments

Heart of FCE Award


Doris Ericson, rural Hiattville, has been notified that she is the State winner of the Heart of FCE Award for 2021.

She was nominated by the Starlite FCE (Family and
Community Education) and represented Bourbon County.

After winning the District level, Doris was then declared winner at the State level. She will receive the state award for the
Heart of FCE at the October KAFCE State Conference in Newton, Kansas, October 3-5, 2022.

Doris Ericson has lived in Bourbon County since 1957. In 1962 she and her late husband Henry bought a farm, Cloverdale Angus, at Hiattville. Doris and Henry have six children who were members of the Hiattville 4-H Club. The first one entered 4-H in 1964
with the last child entering in 1980. 4-H was a major part of the children’s upbringing.


Their projects were livestock, cooking and sewing. Mom and dad were involved supporters of the 4-H program. Doris was a sheep leader for many years. If there was a 4-H event in the county the Ericson family was represented.


In 1990 Doris and Henry were inducted into the Kansas Master Farmer Homemaker group for their Extension, Agriculture and Community involvement.

In 2007 the Ericsons were awarded the title of “4-H Family of the Year”, in the State of Kansas.


Whatever happens in Hiattville, Doris is always ready to help. Building a fire station was one of the biggest projects. They provided food and labor. Doris and Henry were honored for their community service by being selected to be parade marshals for
the Hiattville Homecoming.


Doris joined the Bourbon County Garden Club after she became a Master Gardener. She says she has weeded, watered, and planted all around the pool of Fort Scott. She has helped beautify Heritage Park and downtown Fort Scott, filling planters and hanging baskets and taking her turn at weeding and deadheading the plants to make
sure they stayed healthy.


Doris volunteered to manage the dining room at the Bourbon County Fair. She bought supplies and ran errands. Cooking, making the early coffee and setting out things for the 4-H club that had breakfast duty; she was always busy. She held this
position for over 20 years. As a member of the Starlite FCE, Doris helps to clean and set up before the Fair. She has worked in the Prepared Foods Division for over 30 years,
entering exhibits and assisting the judge. She represents the FCE at the baked goods sale. This money funds the County FCE scholarship. For over 40 years Doris has taken entries to the Bourbon County Fair. She has collected many top ribbons and awards.
When the Fair closes Doris can be found helping to clean and put things up for next year.


Doris joined the Hiatville EHU in 1967. She was President and Secretary and then back to President when it dissolved in 1981. Joining The Starlite FCE in Fort Scott, she has been president twice , and in her words, “treasurer forever.” She is currently the
County Council representative and treasurer. For more than 45 years she has presented a lesson at the meetings. Doris takes an active part in the projects and meetings of the Starlite FCE donating her time and talents. She never misses an FCE gathering and
especially enjoys attending the Fall Follies and Spring Tea.
Doris is a member of the Friends Home Lutheran Church of Savonburg. She has served on the church board two times, and belongs to the womens’ organization,

 Doris is an active member and helps make quilt tops and tie quilts for the Lutheran World Relief. Her group of 4 women made and sent 15-20 quilts last year.


I am proud to present Doris Ericson, my neighbor of 53 years, for the Heart of FCE Award. She is a full time mother, farmer’s wife, and helper to anyone in need. She has done house and farm chores, raised children, and worked livestock, worked in the fields,
and then fed the harvest crews. Doris is always working. She is dedicated to her church ,family and community. She is a woman worthy of the Heart of FCE Award.


Submitted by :
Glenda Miller
President
Starlite FCE
1236 Fern Rd.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
[email protected]
620-547-2401

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, K-State Extension, Kansas

Family and Consumer Week is Oct. 13-19

Leave a comment

KAFCE WEEK – October 13-19, 2022


What is KAFCE you ask ? Kansas Association for Family and
Community Education. FCE was founded in 1936 under the name of
National Home Demonstration Council (HDU) during an international women’s conference held in Washington D.C. It became the driving force in providing rural women with education in basic life skills.


Today FCE continues to stress education, concerns of family and
communities.


This organization worked to promote public opinion for investing
funds to establish public health services, County Health Departments.

In the 1940s members prepared hot meals and took them to local classrooms.


They worked to raise public awareness to establish a school lunch
program.

Fostering rural reading programs, members took carloads of books into rural communities and supported bookmobiles.
Using easy to understand and easy to teach lessons named , “The
Hearth Fire Series,” rural women learned about a variety of topics ranging from consumer issues such as buying safe food, to health lessons, learning about mammograms and the pap test, to public policy areas, the Judicial System, to media awareness topics.


FCE is a recognized leader in the areas of children. The
organization was a force in getting rating symbols displayed at the
beginning of television programs. Addressing media sources – video
games, the internet, music, books, magazines, etc. – FCE tries to help
parents make purchasing and viewing choices appropriate for
their children by educating adults and youth to the pros and cons of
various media sources that the youth are exposed to in the 21st
Century – books, video games, cyberspace, music, movies, cell
phones and sexting.


FCE also works to instill values in elementary children to
build and promote character using storybooks to teach children
character values. Volunteers present these lessons in the schools at
the fourth grade level.

Leadership through education is the key, volunteerism is the
means. The mission of the FCE – past, present and future – connects
with families. FCE looks to the future to empower women to change
their lives, their families and their communities for the better with
three main goals in mind:
CONTINUING EDUCATION
DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP
COMMUNITY ACTION


Kansas FCE Creed


I believe in the principles of the Kansas Association for Family
and Community. Education which strives to promote a better way of
life for all families and communities in making the world a better place in which to live. Through leadership, may we have pride in our role as volunteer educators, be conscious of the needs of others, and be strengthened by our unity.


There are 82 Family and Community Units in the Southwind
District. Two of these units are in Bourbon County – Starlite FCE,
which meets at 2:00 on the third Thursday of each month in the
Yeager Building at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds (for more
information call Glenda Miller 620-547-2401) and Thursday Night Live FCE, which meets at 5:30 on the third Thursday of the month at
various locations (for more information call Lori Nelson
620-215-9373.) An educational lesson is presented at each meeting,
with refreshments and lots of good fellowship.


Come join us! Consider this your invitation to drop in and find
out for yourself what FCE is all about. Join with us as we strive to
strengthen families, through continuing education, leadership
development and community action. We welcome you !

Business, Clothing, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee, Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at Varia

Leave a comment

Chamber Coffee, Grand Opening, & Ribbon Cutting hosted by Varia Quality Resale Clothing & Accessories

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee, Grand Re-Opening, & Ribbon Cutting hosted by Varia Quality Resale Clothing & Accessories, Thursday, September 15th at 8 a.m. at 114 E. 23rd St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing. Ribbon cutting will immediately follow.

Varia just moved to a new and expanded location and has over 4,000 items in stock! They are open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.