View From the Capitol - Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler's Newsletter for the Week of Thanksgiving, 2014

Nov 25, 2014

Good Day,

This week, I visited the University of Missouri-Columbia to present Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin and Deputy Chancellor Mike Middleton with a framed copy of my recent House floor speech honoring the 175th anniversary of my alma mater, the University of Missouri. In that speech, I spoke of the quality education, cutting-edge research, and practical services provided to Missourians by the first state university established west of the Mississippi River. MU is a school rich with tradition, and I am humbled to be a graduate of such an esteemed institution. Happy birthday to Mizzou!

I met students and staff at Versailles High School, this week, talking to students enrolled in government classes. I am always pleased to see young people taking an interest in our government, how it functions, and how ideas become bills that become laws.

A trip to Boonville provided an opportunity to visit with a number of small downtown retailers. The Christmas shopping season is just around the corner and I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of the wonderful treasures at our hometown businesses by shopping locally. One-of-a-kind items can be found in our local shops and these business owners are the ones who support our local schools, little league teams, and causes. Let’s remember them and support those who invest in our communities.

I also visited with county and local officials at a reception held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Missouri Association of Counties, which took place at the Lake of the Ozarks. This visit gave me the chance to meet with many county leaders who share the privilege I have of representing the citizens of our district and to express my appreciation to these dedicated officials for the hard work they do. I look forward to joining them in serving the good people of MO-4 over the next two years.

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to shine a spotlight on a Missouri non-profit agency that is making a difference in the lives of Missourians. Alphapointe is a private, not for profit organization that currently employs 176 visually impaired citizens, making it the largest employer of visually impaired citizens in our state.

While Alphapointe is headquartered in Kansas City, it operates a store to service the needs of our men and women in uniform at Fort Leonard Wood. I recently had the pleasure of visiting with the staff of the Fort Leonard Wood facility. Having this operation in our district is yet another reason to be grateful this Thanksgiving.

Finally, Thanksgiving is, of course, upon us – the traditional start of the holiday season. I’m thankful for each of you and the privilege of serving you in Congress. This week, as we gather with family and friends, let us thank God for all He has given us and for the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces as they fight to preserve our freedoms here and abroad.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving weekend.

Vicky