West Point Rodeo scheduled for August 13-14

Junior Auxiliary members are looking forward to one of their favorite events of the

year -- the West Point Rodeo, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 13, and Saturday, Aug. 14. The

annual rodeo is hosted by the West Point Fire Department.

For the third year, the fire department is generously donating the proceeds of the rodeo

to the Junior Auxiliary of West Point. This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year and

we are continuously overwhelmed by what huge hearts Fire Chief Johnny Littlefield and his

men have. They truly make what we do possible.

Cowboys and cowgirls will flock to West Point to compete and thoroughly entertain their

audience and for those two nights, JA will be right there proudly serving in the concession stand!

What can you do to help make this year's rodeo a smashing success? Buy an ad in the rodeo's

program from any JA member or by calling the fire department at (662) 494-2105. And, of

course, put your boots on and come join the fun on Aug. 13 and 14!

2010-2011 Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs

Junior Auxiliary of West Point has announced its committee chairs and co-chairs for

the 2010- 2011 year. They are:

Child Welfare

Jessica Lewis, Chair

Jeana Whitacre, Co-Chair

Sally Kate Winters

Allison Hinnant, Chair

Jackie White, Co-Chair

Schools

Ashley Baker, Chair

Jennifer Swoope, Co-Chair

Reading is Fun!

Allison Trolio, Chair

Jennifer Flannagan, Co-Chair

Community Outreach

Jessica Glusenkamp, Chair

Martha Allen, Co-Chair

Partners in Parenting

Shannon Wallace, Chair

Allison Carter, Co-Chair

Chapter Self-Evaluations

Shannon Coker, Chair

Nominations

Ginny Zepponi, Chair

"Light Up The Night"

Honorariums bearing children’s names will “Light Up the Night” in Sally Kate Winters Park on Saturday, April 10. The event brings awareness to Child Abuse Prevention month, however the children do not have to have been affected by child abuse to have candle placed in the park in their honor. Parents, grandparents, friends and family are asked to donate an honorarium for any child in their lives who are loved and treasured.

Members of the Junior Auxiliary of West Point tied blue ribbons on the doors of businesses downtown Wednesday in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month and in conjunction with the Sally Kate Winters Memorial Children’s Home.

JA, SKW to "Light Up The Night" for Child Abuse Prevention Month

Members of the Junior Auxiliary of West Point work hard year-round, but the organization pauses during the first week of April to say thanks to their community for another great year.

The National Association of Junior Auxiliaries observes the first week of April as National Junior Auxiliary Week and, on March 26, Sponsor Arkansas Sen. Blanche L. Lincoln and Co-Sponsor Mississippi Sen. Roger F. Wicker introduced a resolution designating April 4, 2010 as National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Day. This resolution was passed/agreed to in the Senate the same day.

WPJA has 26 members who each donate 56 hours of service every year to the chapter’s various projects – from making sure every child in Clay County goes home from school with a free book to providing school uniforms and supplies to child in need to throwing a summer celebration for terminally ill young people.

“This is such an exciting week for us because it gives us a chance to thank all of the citizens of West Point for supporting us in our work,” stated WPJA President Allison Trolio. “The families and children we assist are so deserving and thankful, and none of it would be possible without the support of the entire community.”

JA members, along with the staff of Sally Kate Winters Memorial Children’s Home, are also asking the community to get involved in their next event “Light Up the Night.” To be held April 10, “Light Up the Night” will include a 5K, a kid’s run and a “Family Fun Night,” all in Sally Kate Winters Park downtown. Organizers hope the event will put focus on April being Child Abuse Prevention Month.

SKW Executive Director Sheila Brand explained, “As an agency, we have provided awareness activities for Child Abuse Prevention Month for several years. Adding the 5k run and Family Fun Night seemed liked the perfect fit for increased awareness this year.”

On the night of April 10, the park will glow with candle-lit honorariums and glow bracelets will be available as well to those in attendance. In addition to the runs, there will be jumpers for the kids and food and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

“We are so excited about hosting our first ‘Light Up the Night’ and partnering with Sally Kate Winters in this event,” Trolio stated. “Although we are bringing awareness to a very serious problem, we really want to have a fun night for everyone in the community to enjoy.”

Brand added, “JA’s idea to sponsor the ‘Light Up the Night’ in conjunction with the Sally Kate Winters’ runs highlights the support they offer our program throughout the year. This will be a great event for all families in our community.”

Honorariums may be purchased for $10 each. For more information on “Light Up the Night,” please contact Jeana Whitacre at 456-6095 or the Sally Kate Winters Memorial Children’s Home at 494-4867.

South Side Elementary RIF distribution

Partners in Parenting Chair Bonnie Rogers, left, and RIF Chair Julie Hill, right, distributed books to the students of South Side Elementary January 22. Throughout each year, Junior Auxiliary sends every elementary school student in West Point and Clay County home with a free book through the Reading Is Fundamental Program and the generous donations from Mossy Oak.