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Showing posts from February, 2025

Yes Virginia, We Can Still Dream!

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  In 1975, Sylvester Stallone wrote the screenplay for "Rocky." He shopped the script to every producer and studio in Hollywood, but he was repeatedly rejected. Eventually, one production company, Chartoff-Winkler Productions, expressed interest. But there was one condition.  They didn't want Stallone to play Rocky. They wanted a "more marketable actor" for the leading role. In fact, they were so desperate for Stallone to *not* play Rocky that they kept offering him increasingly large sums of money to go away. "It went up to $360,000," Stallone said, "to go away, to 'get off my lawn boy.'" Stallone didn't take the money for two reasons. 1) "I had about $106 in the bank," Stallone said. "But I had managed poverty very well. I had it down to a science. I really didn't need much to live on." "But more than that..." 2) "There was something about the idea of unrealized dreams,...

Tell About Your Neighborhood in a Six Word Story

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Six-word stories are a fascinating form of storytelling. They pack a complete narrative into just six words, forcing writers to be creative and concise.  The origins of this storytelling style can be traced back to a challenge posed to Ernest Hemingway, a famous American author. The story goes that Hemingway was once asked to write a story in just six words. His response? "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." This tiny story became famous for its emotional depth and its ability to convey an entire narrative in so few words. The power of Hemingway’s six words lies in what they don’t say. While it doesn’t explain what happened to the baby or why the shoes were never worn, it hints at a tragic situation, leaving readers to fill in the blanks. This ability to suggest so much with so little is the essence of six-word stories. In the years since Hemingway’s time, six-word stories have gained popularity, especially in writing challenges and creative exercises. Many writers enjoy the c...

Doug's Winter Party is a Neighborhood Sensation with Lessons for us All!

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Doug's Winter Party , hosted by 85-year-old Doug Thompson, became a viral sensation on TikTok in February 2025, capturing the hearts of millions. The event's widespread attention offers several valuable lessons about community, the power of social media, and the timeless human desire for connection. The Power of Community Engagement Doug's initial intention was to gather his neighbors for a simple winter celebration. However, when his granddaughter shared his heartfelt invitation on TikTok, the response was overwhelming. People from various backgrounds expressed their support, with many offering to attend or contribute to the event. This underscores the innate human desire to be part of communal experiences and the importance of fostering such connections, regardless of age. Social Media's Role in Bridging Generations The viral spread of Doug's invitation highlights how platforms like TikTok can bridge generational gaps. An octogenarian's simple wish resonated w...

Drumbeat of Polarization is an Excuse for Not Engaging

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Many people believe that Americans are too divided to work together and solve problems. It is true that our politics often seem highly polarized. People argue on social media, politicians refuse to compromise, and news outlets focus on conflict.  However, it is time to rethink the idea that Americans are too divided to make progress. This belief has become an excuse for not engaging with others and, in some cases, a way for some people to justify their actions. Instead of accepting polarization as a barrier, we must recognize what is truly holding us back and find ways to move forward together. One of the biggest problems is that political leaders and media outlets benefit from division.  Many politicians build their careers by appealing to extreme viewpoints rather than seeking common ground. Some news channels and social media platforms profit from spreading anger and fear because it keeps people watching, clicking, and sharing. When people hear constant messages about how d...

Local Agriculture Groups Join Forces Feb. 17 with Project to Combat Food Insecurity

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WEBSTER COUNTY, MO – The Webster County Farm Bureau Board will host a collaborative leadership and food security project in partnership with Fordland FFA, Glendale FFA, Logan-Rogersville FFA, Mansfield FFA, Mighty Eagles 4-H Club and Seymour FFA, starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 17, at the Fordland High School, 1230 School Street, Fordland, Mo. More than 60 youth and adults will work elbow to elbow to pack 10,000 meals that will be distributed to local food pantries and food security projects. This event will demonstrate and lead youth in community service while training them to recognize local needs and embolden youth to participate in collaborative neighborhood leadership. This event was inspired by the University of Missouri Extension’s Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA) and will serve as a Special Project for the county Farm Bureau Board this year. This event celebrates National FFA Week, #4-H Feeding Missouri, and Thank a Farmer Week and is a part of the Missour...

Rebuilding Civic Membership Requires Effort From Everyone

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For much of American history, a strong sense of civic membership has been a defining feature of life in towns and cities. People did not just live in a place; they were active participants in their communities. They attended town meetings, joined local groups, and worked together to make their neighborhoods better. Civic membership meant being part of something larger than oneself—a shared responsibility for the well-being of the community. However, in today’s America, this sense of membership has weakened. Many people have become more isolated in their private lives, disengaged from their local communities, and detached from civic participation. While families, houses of worship, and community groups still provide a sense of belonging, civic membership—our connection to our towns and cities—has largely faded. This loss has significant consequences, as it affects how engaged people feel in shaping the places they live. French writer Alexis de Tocqueville once observed that civic member...

You are Invited to Become a Charter Member of RepMo Rotary Club

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  I was inspired by the documentary "Join or Die" to join something and serve in my community, but my options were limited. The formation of the RepMo Rotary Club is in response to that desire and an expressed community need. I am excited to announce the first meeting of the RepMo Rotary Club, and I would love for you to join us! This is an incredible opportunity to become part of a dynamic group dedicated to service, community, and making a positive impact both locally and globally. Here are the details on our information kick-off meeting: Date: Monday, March 10 (meetings are 2nd Monday of the month) Time: 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Location: Community Room at Republic Library, 921 North Lindsey Ave. Food: This club is starting as a Brown Bag club (bring your own) In addition, we will have a monthly social meeting (at various times and locations) or a monthly service project (at various times and locations) to involve as many members as possible. At this inaugural meeting, we’...