My name is Robin Scott and I have lived in Jefferson County since 1998.  In 2008, I attended the Experience Jefferson County (EJC) program.  Earlier in 2008, a newspaper article caught my attention about David Kennedy, an Ohio transplant who “experienced Jefferson County” up close when he attended the program.  You see I am also originally from Ohio so I could relate to David.  Since then, I have been active and on the board of directors for Jefferson County Online Information Network (JOIN-N), a non-profit that provides a community information network.  This year, I have accepted the offer to be on the EJC board of directors.  I would like to describe this year’s EJC program and invite you to attend.

It will be held the evening of Thursday, October 21st (6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Jefferson College-Imperial) and all day Friday, October 22nd (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at COMTREA in Festus).  The theme is Meeting Citizen’s Needs – Economic and Public Safety.  Components of the program include county governance, education and social.  Thursday evening will kick-off with Linda Bigelow, Jefferson College-Imperial, speaking about EJC followed by a tour of the facility as it has undergone major renovation.  Ice breaking activities, hors d’oeuvres and an opportunity to mingle with the EJC board and its members are also planned for Thursday evening.  Friday’s agenda includes explaining the day’s activities at COMTREA in Festus; Sarah Davis speaking to the group about a broadband initiative; visiting Northwest Alternative High School in Cedar Hill and the Juvenile Detention Center in Hillsboro; lunch at the Villa Antonio Winery; visiting PonyBird in De Soto and closing the day back at COMTREA in Festus.  The program is guaranteed to inform, excite and encourage participants to be involved in Jefferson County!

This program is for citizens who want to make a difference in Jefferson County.  Participants are exposed to people, businesses and government leaders, and the problems and issues that impact their daily lives.  The valuable information received through class participation can be used to suggest solutions, identify new opportunities and help participants play a larger role in the success of their county.  Who should attend?  Those wishing to build strong networks; persons with a desire to learn about their county; citizens wanting to get involved in their community; those wanting to build or strengthen their leadership skills; new residents; business people, and seniors and young people wanting to learn more about their community.  Outcomes of the program include:  sharpening leadership skills, understanding the social and physical resources of Jefferson County, be more aware of issues facing the county, promoting a positive image of Jefferson County, getting involved in your county and addressing issues and creating positive change within the county.  Anyone may attend; feel free to contact EJC using this email address – ejc1998@live.com.  Hurry; class size is limited!

Cost for this EJC program is $25; mail this check (made payable to EJC) to: Jefferson County Library, 7479 Metropolitan Blvd., Barnhart, MO 63012, Attention: Karen Duree.  To learn more about EJC, visit their web site at www.experiencejeffco.org.  I hope to see you there!