District Newsletter

Willard R-II Central Office

Recession, Economic Collapse, Lay-offs, Stock Market Down 40%, Housing Crisis, Bankruptcy, Bail-Out, War on two fronts,

Merry Christmas!!!!!

I remember a time back in the mid 80's that Angie and I were trying to get a loan to build our first home. We finally found a loan for 12.5% interest and were thrilled! We finished that home for a total of $32,000 and a mortgage of $250 per month. I was driving a bus for Springfield Schools and working at night and on weekends for Kraft Foods, while finishing my bachelor's degree. I drove a Ford Fiesta, which is about the size of my recliner at home. We were newly married and on top of the world! I can look back and understand the old saying that your circumstances don't have to dictate your attitude! If any of us have been lulled to sleep thinking that buying "stuff" for our spouses and children will make them happy I have only one further question. What world to do live in??? I will assure you that a deck of cards cost about $1.95 and it can provide hours of fun for your family. Most of our wives would enjoy nothing more than a walk in the park holding hands and simply spending some time talking.

Over 2000 years ago perfection came into our world to find family. It was only here for a short time but changed the world in the process. For all of us perfection is simply out of reach. It's kinda like me dunking a basketball, it just is not going to happen! But that doesn't mean that this old fat man doesn't still jump to touch the bottom of the backboard. (OK would you believe the net?) Each of us has the opportunity for this next two weeks to be a great time. Quit listening to the TV and reading the Newspaper headlines. We live in the greatest country in the world!! All the things that mean the most in our lives don't cost a dime. Make the decision to focus on these things during Christmas.

Thank you to all employees for your efforts during 2008, it was a great year for our district. I am proud of what we have done together for children!

Have an incredible, Top of the World, Christmas! Go for the slam dunk! (even if you can only get the net!)

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities

It is the holiday season and many of us will be spending much needed time with our families and loved ones. It's also a time that our Tigers get a chance to represent our community with pride to everyone in the Ozarks as basketball and wrestling will be competing in holiday tournaments.

The basketball Tigers lost a heartbreaker to Lebanon last Friday and were canceled due to weather this past Tuesday against Camdenton (make-up date to be determined). They will be at Hillcrest tonight with the freshmen starting at 5:00 followed by the JV and then the Varsity. The boys received the 5th seed in the Blue Division of the Blue and Gold Tournament and will open up against Cassville on Friday, Dec. 26th. The game will start at 12:30 and will be played in McDonald Arena.

The Lady Tigers defeated Buffalo last Thursday before falling to Marshfield and Central this week. The girls received the 7th seed in the Pink and White Tournament and will open with Catholic at 6:00pm on Saturday, Dec. 27th in McDonald Arena.

Congratulations to the wrestling Tigers as they defeated Republic and Hillcrest last night! The boys get a break during the holidays before competing in the Springfield Holiday Tournament on January 2nd and 3rd at Parkview.

Congratulations to the Speech and Debate team! Among 31 schools at the Chrisman High School Novice Tournament, Kaelyn Allen and Haiden Bowman advanced in Duo Interpretation and went on to take 5th place. Kaelyn also advanced in poetry reading. Among 41 schools at the Turman High School Varsity Tournament, Brittaney Dunn advanced in Dramatic Interpretation and Tyler Onstott advanced in Student Congress Debate.

It's Good To Be A Tiger! Jeff Staley, Director of Operations

For information on the Willard Children's Charitable Foundation, please contact Judy Craig at 742-2506 or Dr. Kent Medlin at 742-2584.

Willard Parks and Recreation (417)742-2262 

Thank you to everyone who attended our first Christmas in Willard Celebration!! Also thank you to all of the coaches, parents and players of the Willard 2008 Session 1 Basketball & Cheerleading Season. Thank you for your help and participation.

Winter Camp Registration: Are you looking for a place for your child to go during the Winter Break? Sign them up for the Willard Parks and Recreation Winter Camp. Registration will be held November 17th December 12th. The camp days are December 22, 23,26,29,30 2008 & January 2, 2009. Ages accepted will be K 6th grade and the fee is $95.00 for the entire week or $17.50 per day. Campers will need a snack lunch each day. Registration for the camp ends December 12th. For more information please contact (417) 742-2262. Registration packets are available now at the Willard Recreation Center. We still have a few open spots.

New Years Bash: What's New in the New Year: Come to the Willard Recreation Center on Saturday December 27th at 6:30pm for Willard's New Year Bash. We will be serving a full plate of spaghetti for only $4 for adults and $2 for children 12 & under. Bring your entire family and eat for cheap. The food will be cooked by the staff of the Willard Parks and Recreation Department. At 7:15pm, sit back and enjoy a short presentation of City / Parks and Recreation News and Events of 2009 entitled What's New in the New Year for Willard? The dinner and presentation will take place at the Willard Recreation Center. Get your advance tickets at the Recreation Center or just show up the night of the event.

Current Sports Registrations: Don't miss these exciting sports seasons!!

Session 2 Recreational Basketball / Cheerleading: Register now for the Willard Parks and Recreation Session 2 Basketball/ Cheerleading Season. The cost to participate is $35 which includes a uniform and trophy. All games for the season will be played on Saturdays beginning in January. The deadline to register is December 31st.

Competitive Basketball Registration: Register now for Willard's Competitive Basketball League. This league is for grades 3rd 8th. Fees are $200 for in town teams and $225 for out of town teams. The deadline to register is December 31st.

Adult Basketball League: Register now for Willard's Adult Basketball League. Fees are $200 per team. The deadline to register is December 31st.

Registration forms for these sports are available now at the Willard Recreation Center.

Sign up now!

Willard Senior Citizens: Willard Parks and Recreation will be offering games on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at the Recreation Center beginning January 6th for seniors. All seniors are invited to attend. Games include bingo, cards, dominos and much more. The game days are free to attend.

Willard Basketball Camp: January 10th Don't miss the first ever Willard Parks and Recreation / Willard High School Basketball Camp. The Willard High School Basketball Team will be hosting the camp. Fees are $25 per participant. Camp times are 9:00am -12:00pm for ages K -2nd and 1:00pm 4:00pm for ages 3rd- 6th. The camp will be held at the Willard Recreation Center. Enjoy a great camp hosted by local athletes. Proceeds will benefit Willard High School Sports Department & Willard Parks and Recreation. The deadline to register is Monday January 5th, 2009. For more information please contact (417)742-2262.

A Healthy You in 2009 Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting a free Health Fair entitled A Healthy You in 2009. The Health Fair will take place on Saturday January 17th from 10:00am 1:00pm at the Willard Recreation Center. All ages are welcome to come. Booths include Sanders Chiropractic, Preferred Hearing Care, Missouri Extension Office, Cox Fitness, Humana and many more. Kick off the New Year the Healthy way. Come to A Healthy You in 2009. For more information please contact (417)742-2262.

Valentine Dance: Come to the Willard Recreation Center on Saturday February 7th for the 2009 Valentine Day Dance. The dance will be held from 7:00pm 10:00pm. Adults and children of all ages can attend. Music played will be everything from 50s music to modern music. The dance is free to attend and concessions will be available.

Out of School Camp: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting an out of school camp on Monday January 19th from 7:00am 6:00pm. The entire days camp will be held at the Recreation Center. The fee to attend is $17.50. The camp is open for grades K- 6th. A snack lunch must be brought to the camp. Registration for the camp ends Thursday January 15th.

Willards 2009 First Movie in the Park: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting its first Movie in the Park night of 2009 on Saturday March 28th. The movie will be showing at Jackson Street Park at 8:00pm. The event is free to attend and hamburgers and hotdogs will be available.

Baseball/Softball Field Renovations: Through a grant from the Kansas City Royals, Willard Parks and Recreation will be renovating the Willard Baseball/Softball Complex. The renovation is expected to begin in February 2009. For official plans please visit the Willard Recreation Center in January 2009.

New Parks and Recreation Program Guide: Willard Parks and Recreation is in the process of putting together our spring program guide. This guide will be filled with news and events of 2009. Stop by the Recreation Center in late December to pick up a copy. Use this guide to keep up with everything that Willard Parks and Recreation is offering from January - June 2009.

Drury University Park Master Plan Meeting Come to City Hall on Thursday December 18th at 5:00pm and hear the final presentation from the students of Drury University. Drury University has been preparing the Master Planning for the Willard Parks and Recreation Department. Come and see their findings, listen to their ideas and see the goals for the future of the Willard Parks and Recreation Department. This presentation will be held at the regularly scheduled Park Meeting at City Hall, December 18, 2008 5:00pm.

Basketball Camp: Lady Bear Legend and WNBA Star Jackie Stiles will be running a girls basketball camp at the Willard Recreation Center. 3rd 8th grade girls are invited to attend. The camp will be held from 1-5pm Saturday January 3rd. Cost of this camp is $50. Do not miss this one of a kind opportunity to learn from the best! Registration forms are available at the Willard Recreation Center.

Project Playground: Willard Parks & Recreation is under taking a project for 2009. The project is entitled Project Playground. The goal of this project is to raise $12,000. The raised money will be used to purchase and install a new playground at the Highline Soccer Park (home of the Willard Soccer & Flag Football league). Events will be planned throughout 2009 to raise funds.

1st Event: Silent Auction Information: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting a Silent Auction on Saturday February 28th, 2009 to raise funds for Project Playground. The Silent Auction will be held in the community room at the Willard Recreation Center from 1:00pm 8:00pm. Auction items include sports memorabilia, tickets to area attractions, gift cards and much more. We encourage everyone to come and support Project Playground.

Mark Your Calendar: Willard Golf Scramble at Green Hills Country Club: Friday May 8th

Willard Outing to the Springfield Cardinals Game: June 4th

If you have questions about any of these activities please contact us at (417)742-2262.

Thanks,

Kevin McDonald Parks and Recreation Director City of Willard 417-742-2262 <mailto:parkdir@cityofwillard.org>parkdir@cityofwillard.org

+++++++++++++++++++ + Bob Andrus + + Technology Director + + Willard R-2 Schools + + Willard, MO + +++++++++++++++++++