Gordon Parks Museum Newsletter
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NO MADR WUT by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
My six-year-old granddaughter came to spend two days and a night with me. Prior to her arrival, Felicity had made a lovely card for me. My grandma name is “Mammy,” so here’s what she wrote with her pink ink pen on the outside of the card: “I love you Mamee.” The inside message was: “I love you Mamee. I will love you no madr wut. I love evreebudee in the hol intiure wrld. Frum Felicity.” I was astounded that this young child had actually written the main theme of the Bible in her simple handmade card.
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, we’re told that the more excellent way to live is by practicing a life of love. In regard to the spiritual gifts of faith, hope, and love, God tells us that the greatest of these is love. Felicity wrote that she would love me no matter what. That means she would love me even when she is required to put away the toys, try new food, and obey instructions. Love is not a feeling; it’s our attitude and actions. In childlike faith, my granddaughter expressed that she will love not only those who love her, but everybody in the whole entire world. That reminds me of John 3:16.
If I had to name one earthly person in the whole entire Bible that best expressed his love for Jesus, I would choose John. This disciple authored the fourth New Testament Gospel, three Johns, and the book of Revelation. We often refer to him as John the Revelator. But as the writer of the Gospel of John, he refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.“ Jesus loved everyone in the whole entire world, but not everyone totally grasped that concept. But John clearly accepted Jesus’ love for him personally. “Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23 NKJV). Feeling confident in the Savior’s love, John was completely at ease resting his head on Jesus’ chest while at the table of fellowship. He was not afraid to demonstrate solid devotion for his Messiah, Master, and Lord. John recognized that Jesus was real love in human form and that He could be fully trusted in all things.
Believers have the ability to love one another because the Holy Spirit lives inside us and helps us to do the right thing. By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, John was certainly qualified to write about love. He had experienced it, seen it in action on the cross, and practiced it. “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion — how can God’s love be in that person?” (1 John 3:16,17 NLT). Jesus is our source and motivation to practice loving others. His atoning sacrifice calls us to perpetual responsibility to actively love others. When we claim to be Christians, we are beholden to live like Christ.
Love is God’s idea, so it’s a big deal to Him. We learn the importance of love all the way from Genesis to Revelation. God said, “I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love Me and obey My commands” (Exodus 20:6 NLT). In the last book of the Bible, God is still talking about love. John the Beloved pens, “Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten [I discipline and instruct them]. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude]” (Revelation 3:19 AMP).
The Key: Love God and evree budee no madr wut.
Lowell Milken Fellows: Week Two
The Lowell Milken Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning, according to a press release from the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning through the creation of projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history
Week Two of the fellows welcomes the following educators, who will be here from June 25 – 30.
Victoria Lightfoot, most recently a 3rd grade teacher and currently an instructional coach in Raleigh, NC, received the honor of being a 2021 North Carolina Milken Educator. Devoted to education, Victoria’s powerful teaching skills made a significant and measurable difference in her students’ learning, and also empowered other teachers. Her outstanding work with students on projects has encouraged her colleagues to follow her lead.
After eleven years in the classroom, Victoria’s transition to instructional coach has enabled her to share the successes she had with her students to help increase achievement throughout the school. The creative and engaging activities that motivated her students to high levels of learning are now shared with other educators while Victoria models, co-teaches, and collaborates with them. She observes lessons, and provides feedback focused on success for all.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Victoria’s excellent skills in the classroom, along with her innovative and creative ideas, motivated her students to high levels of learning. With her experience as an instructional coach, Victoria will bring much collaborative expertise to the LMC Fellowship. We know she will be a great resource for all of us.”
Michelle Wolfe, an English teacher at East Hardy High School in Baker, WV, is the 2021 West Virginia Milken Award recipient. She is also a nationally board-certified educator, an outstanding accomplishment in her career.
Michelle has shared her personal love of writing, literature and poetry with her students. Helping them to understand the importance of what they have to say and the relevance of their experiences makes it possible for them to relate to the world outside of the classroom. Michelle’s students not only excel in writing, but learn to visualize the opportunities possible for their future.
“Michelle’s enthusiasm for providing meaningful learning experiences for her students is a great model for other educators,” Conard said. “We know that she will have much to share with this year’s team of Fellows.”
Lesley Snyder received the 2021 South Carolina Milken Educator while she was teaching English at Dutch Fork Middle School in Irmo, SC. This past school year she was on sabbatical, working as a Teacher Leader in Residence for special grant projects and research with the University of South Carolina.
As a middle school teacher, Lesley created innovative, purposeful learning experiences that motivated and engaged her students. Incorporating Project Based Learning was important to her success in providing real-world connections and “passion projects” for her students. Her zeal for diverse instruction motivated all learners to reach their potential and contributed to high levels of achievement at Dutch Fork Middle School. With her love of education, Lesley also takes advantage of opportunities to share her skills with fellow educators.
“We anticipate that our Fellows group will learn much from Lesley’s wide range of experience with Project Based Learning,” Conard said. “We know she can provide many new insights to its use in developing projects that uncover the stories of unsung heroes. What a great asset to our team!”
Kateryna Molodyk was a Global Teacher Award finalist in 2021, with the outstanding distinction of being the youngest teacher ever chosen for this prestigious award. She currently serves as Assistant Director of Ukrainian Languages and Literature for students in Cherkasy, Ukraine.
Her creativity and ingenuity in planning educational activities for her 5th-12th grade students is of prime importance to her, as she believes her students need education now, more than ever. While continuing to teach under much duress at this time of war in her country can be challenging, Kateryna perseveres with compassion and understanding for her students.
“Kateryna is an outstanding young woman and truly dedicated educator,” Conard said. “To be named as a Global Award Finalist at such a young age and to tirelessly work for her students under such difficult circumstances make her an incredible role model and advocate for her students. We are incredibly blessed to have Kateryna on our LMC team of Fellows and look forward to all that we can learn from her.”
Jennifer Farr, a 5th Grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary in Junction City, KS, is a 2017 Kansas Teacher of the Year Finalist. As an ambassador on the team of TOY finalists, Jennifer has been able to learn from and share with other outstanding teachers. She is passionate about celebrating educators and serves on the Kansas LEADS and regional KTOY executive teams, which both allow her the opportunity to elevate the profession.
Jennifer’s passion for education is clearly visible in her elementary classroom. Her many years of experience in 4th and 5th grade classrooms have only strengthened her compassion for her students. Knowing that the relationships she builds with the children in her classes can help to change their lives emotionally and socially, as well as academically, is an extremely gratifying and humbling experience for her.
“Jennifer has been highly recommended by past Fellows,” Conard said. “Through her past visits to the LMC and her work on numerous projects, we know she will be a valuable asset to our 2023 team. We look forward to furthering our relationship with Jennifer.”
Ali Jun, a music specialist at Tyrone Thompson Elementary School in Las Vegas, NV, was a 2021 Nevada Milken Educator. Ali’s award recognized her excellence in arts education and her enthusiasm for learning, which is shared, not only with her students, but with her colleagues and the community. Ali also serves on the “Portrait of a Nevada Learner” Committee, as well as the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Cabinet.
Ali’s positivity and uplifting spirit provide a safe and caring learning environment for her students. It is within that environment that students gain self-confidence and learn to use their creative abilities, whether it be trying new instruments for the first time or singing beyond what they thought possible. The critical thinking skills they develop, as well as emotional expression, benefit their learning in every area of the curriculum.
“Ali’s passion for helping her students succeed is contagious,” Conard said. “We are excited to learn more about her innovative and original approaches to student projects, adding a spark of creative thought to our 2023 Fellowship.”
Storyteller Jo Ho to Perform for Summer Reading on June 27
Storyteller Jo Ho will return to Fort Scott on June 27 at 10 a.m. at Memorial Hall.
Enjoy the interactive genius of her customized summer reading storytelling presentation called “I Scream for Ice Cream!” After the performance, come to the library for ice cream in the event room.
Library performances are free and open to the public. This event is part of the library’s summer reading program. Learn more about and register for the program at: https://forms.gle/suanVpb2pYH3PwyX8
This performance is made possible by a partnership with USD 234.
Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission Meeting on June 26
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Redfield Community Center
June 26, 2023, 5:30 PM
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute and Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 6/19/2023
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk
- Fireworks Permits
- Sheriff Bill Martin
- Budget Review-Sheriff’s Office and Jail
- Union State Bank Loan Documents
- Return of Employee-Vacation Request
- Public Comments
- Commission Comments
- Meeting Adjourn
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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Death Notice for Neranjan “CU” Ramdial
Neranjan “CU” Ramdial, age 60, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at his residence. There was cremation. Graveside service details will be announced later by the Cheney Witt Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Resurfacing work to start on K-39 and U.S. 59
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin mill and overlay projects on K-39 and U.S. 59 in Neosho County the week of June 26.
The adjoining projects start on K-39 east of Chanute and continue east and north for 15 miles, ending at the Neosho-Allen county line. The contractor plans to begin at the county line and work westward.
Flaggers and a pilot car operation will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours. Expect delays of 15 minutes or less. The road work should be finished by August, weather permitting.
KDOT awarded the construction contract of $4.6 million to Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka. Check KDOT’s traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Doug Pulliam at KDOT-Pittsburg, (620) 235-9523, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
Obituary of Lisa Larkin
Lisa Jo Larkin, age 56, resident of Las Vegas, NV, died Monday, June 19, 2023, at the Nathan Adelson Hospice following a lengthy illness. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 PM Friday, July 14th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel in Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Patricia Bolton
Patricia A. Bolton, 83, former resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday morning, June 20, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born March 18, 1940, in Muscotah, Kansas, the daughter of Floyd Harold Tipling and Anna Belle (Woodward) Tipling. She married William Gary “Bill” Bolton on August 23, 1959, in Muscotah, Kansas, and he preceded her in death on September 8, 2007.
Pat received her BA in Biology and Home Economics from Emporia State University. She was a homemaker and part-time college professor.
Survivors include her daughters, Kathryn Renee Bradford and husband Merl, of Minden, Nebraska, and Constance Zoe Townzen and husband Darren, of Rogers, Arkansas; a brother, Paul A. Tipling and wife Dixie, of Salina, Kansas; four grandchildren, Andrew Bradford, Emily Kennedy and husband Kyle, Daniel Townzen, and Laura Stephens and husband Sam; three great-grandchildren, Leif, Anders, and Finn.
In addition to her husband, Bill, she was also preceded in death by her parents.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 26, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Get Kids in the Kitchen This Summer!
By Clara Wicoff
Southwind Extension District
The month of June has been a blur as we have been hosting youth cooking classes throughout the Southwind Extension District (which covers Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties). These classes provide an excellent hands-on opportunity for youth to build their confidence in the kitchen. The summer is a great time for you to invite kids into the kitchen to cook healthy meals together at home!
The benefits of cooking together include building children’s self-esteem, helping them develop small muscle skills as they complete kitchen tasks, and creating time for bonding with your children. Cooking together also helps children practice math and reading skills as they read and interpret recipes, work with fractions, and measure ingredients. Research also suggests that youth who cook have healthier dietary habits.
So, how can you get your kids in the kitchen this summer to experience some of these same benefits? Keep these tips in mind:
- Remember that meals will likely take longer to prepare. Do not try to cook together when you are in a hurry.
- Teach children about handwashing. Before cooking, you should always wash your hands with clean water and soap for at least 20 seconds. This is roughly the same amount of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
- Have children complete age-appropriate tasks. For example, tasks for 2-4 year old children could include using measuring spoons or pouring liquids, while tasks for 8-11 year old children could include using a vegetable peeler or whisking. To find a more complete list of age-appropriate tasks from Illinois Extension, visit bit.ly/Cooking-With-Children.
For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.