Getting to know you
Skye Pournazari Managing Editor
I know I’m just beginning, but getting to know Maryville has been nothing short of a dream.
This town is fantastically welcoming. If no one has ever told you that Maryville residents, please take it from me, this might just be the best place I’ve ever worked. (I would have said lived, but alas, my husband and I still are trying to sell a house and move this way!)
I hope to know all about the town and meet as many people as possible, but it’s a work in progress.
In hopes of making that progress, I joined the 32nd class of the Leadership Maryville program. It didn’t take long — in fact, it was just my first class — to see there are a lot of people who care deeply for this community and its residents.
One of the programs I learned about in that first class was The Ministry Center, I was struck by how intensely Merlin Atkins spoke about the organization and its mission. From giving out as much food as they could in 1992, to last year handing out 425,815 pounds of food, the nonprofit organization continues to help those in need in the Nodaway County area.
“We’ve been very blessed since we opened the doors,” he said.
Working from government funds and commodities as well as donated food from local businesses, the center serves around 200 families per month.
Last year alone, the center served 6,738 individuals in the food pantry and 5,805 people in The Clothes Room. Atkins said they’ll accept any volunteers and they should feel free to stop in anytime the center’s open.
“You see that kid come in and get that big box of Tony the Tiger and you’re real glad you’re there,” he said. Just as a note to the public, there are a couple items Atkins said they always seem to be short of, crackers and laundry soap.
The Clothes Room is open from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. The Food Pantry is open from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For an appointment, call 660-582-6649 or email [email protected]. For more information visit www.nodawayministrycenter.org.
I heard Wendy Combs, manager of The New Nodaway County Humane Society, speak with such passion about the 600 to 800 animals they see per year at The New Nodaway County Humane Society. I very nearly offered to adopt all the new kittens she said had just arrived. (Of course, I already have three cats and my husband might not enjoy new kittens as much as I would.)
Combs spoke animatedly about the need for volunteers and the fundraising the organization does in order to keep the organization afloat.
“We’re always looking for volunteers,” she said. “You have to have a huge heart to do the things we do.” She spoke of a gentleman who just had to relinquish two of his dogs, because his job didn’t allow him to give them the time they deserve. She said he was crying, but that “he knew he had to do right by them.”
Not only does shelter staff adopt out animals, but also handle city licensing of dogs and help with Animal Control in Maryville, Hopkins, Pickering, Burlington Junction, Barnard, Graham, Skidmore and Ravenwood.
Combs said the shelter did just purchase a vehicle to help transport animals when they’re picked up. Though she was very willing to do it, “I’m just glad I’m not having to use my car anymore,” she said.
For more information about how anyone can help The New Nodaway Humane Society, call 660-562-3333, email [email protected] or visit nodawayhumanesociety.wordpress.com.
“Visit,” said Combs. “Take a tour.”
Stephanie Patterson spoke on behalf of the Maryville Public Library. She explained all that is available for the residents of Maryville and the surrounding area. She said the library still sees high use and it’s not dropping like many might think.
“We want to support a culture of reading and learning in Maryville,” she said.
The library is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
Matt Gaarder, president of Downtown Maryville spoke to the class about the organization and the level of cooperation its seeing from downtown businesses.
“Everyone is coming together because they understand the importance of downtown,” he said. “It does help the community and I think a lot of people recognize that.”
Visit downtownmaryvillemo.org for more information about the group’s goals.
Shelby Eitel, case manager with Big Brothers Big Sisters spoke about the organization’s need for “Bigs,” to help area “Littles.” She said they are always looking for “Bigs,” but this it seems to be men they need most, because they have a lot off boys looking for mentors in outlying areas.
“We’re in desperate need of male ‘Bigs,’” she said. To help visit the organization’s new website at www.bbbsnodaway.org.
Brandon Stanley told the group about the Rotary Club of Maryville and how the organization focused on fundraising to help eradicate Polio. Globally, Rotary has 1.2 million members he said. The organization’s motto is “Service Above Self.” Its mission is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. For more information about the Club, visit the group’s Facebook page.
Jackie Ross energetically introduced the Commit to Be Fit program at SSM Health St. Francis Hospital. The weight loss program focuses on the serious health problems associated with obesity of members in the community. For more information about the program and contact Ross at 660-562-7945 or [email protected].
Host Lions Club member, Al Orgeron told the 32nd class of Leadership Maryville about the club’s involvement in the Maryville Farmers’ Market, the Freedom Rock at Franklin Park, scholarships to high school students, the Senior Center, Meals on Wheels as well as hearing and vision screenings for kids.
“So many people in your community are in Lions Club,” he said. “We’re very active in the community because that’s who we are and what we are.”
Take it from a newcomer’s perspective, that’s what Maryville is — a community actively helping to better its town and its residents. It’s been a great experience getting to know you, Maryville. I look forward to getting to know all about you.Skye Pournazari is the Managing Editor for the Maryville Daily Forum.
