Board of Directors Candidates
Presented in alphabetical order by last name
SHERRY GOLDEN, Daviess County
Running Unopposed & Representing ABCD Region (Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb Counties)
I am Sherry Golden and I’m running for reelection to the YAHR Board of Directors. This would be my third term and I think that gives me valuable experience.
After teaching for 30 years in Gallatin I retired in 2011. I currently volunteer at the school and help with Bright Futures.
I am running because I feel we need to always be improving senior services.
Thank you for your consideration.
STEVE JOHNSON, Livingston County
Running Unopposed & Representing Green Hills Region (Grundy, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Putnam, Sullivan Counties)
My name is Steve Johnson, I am 70 years young, from Chillicothe MO. I attended high school at Gilliam City and obtained an Associates Degree at North Central Missouri College.
In 1971 I began my career at Modine Manufacturing Company, where I worked for 46 years. I had various positions there to include lead man, inspector, quality assurance, and safety team member.
I retired in 2017 and began frequenting the Grand River Multipurpose Center. I volunteered for a position on the advisory council and currently hold the chairperson position. I work with the center’s staff on many projects, volunteering at the front desk, training volunteers, fundraising. I have a strong passion for our elderly and the challenges that we face in funding.
My wife Dee Johnson served on the Young at Heart Board until she passed on December 28, 2020.
One of the main reasons I would like to serve on this board is due to my concern that the senior centers will not be able to stay open without the funding we receive from the state and I want to stay on the for front [sic] of this challenge as funding continues to decrease.
DIXIE (EITEL) McGARY, Nodaway County
**Running Against Paula York & Representing Northwest Region (Atchison, Gentry, Harrison, Holt, Nodaway, Worth Counties)
As a lifelong resident of Nodaway County, I’m passionate about recognizing and serving the needs of the disabled and elderly. Nationally there are 76 million baby boomers already beginning retirement. They bring opportunities and also new challenges in identifying changing needs of the aging, as well as management of the resource/funding. The population served by Young at Heart will continue to increase over the next generation. Those who serve must be prepared to foresee and manage these challenges.
I hold a Master’s degree from NWMSU, focusing in Gerontology. I am a Nationally Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
I’ve been an active volunteer in the community; serving in various leadership roles: Optimist Club, United Methodist Church, Today’s Civic Women, New Nodaway Humane Society, Nodaway County Fair BOD, Food Pantry, and Sigma Kappa BOD. I served as a community liaison over 15 years working to continue a cohesive relationship and support between the Humane Society, Nodaway County officials, and the City of Maryville. I have been heavily involved in organizational fund raising. I have successful experience writing grant proposals.
I have worked in higher education, Missouri Veteran’s Homes, and the gerontology field. All demand confidentiality, professional ethics, and standards of practice. I believe in the importance of knowledge of services available, and in the quality of care of aging adults. I feel my background, knowledge base, and integrity would support a unified Board of Directors. It would be an honor to serve the residents of Northwest Missouri.
PAULA YORK, Harrison County
**Running Against Dixie McGary & Representing Northwest Region (Atchison, Gentry, Harrison, Holt, Nodaway, Worth Counties)
My name is Paula York and I live in Bethany, Missouri in Harrison County. I graduated from South Harrison High School and attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. I was recruited by White Auto Supply, and was a purchasing agent for them for several years. I started working for Pettijohn Auto Center in Bethany in 1987 and have been a part of that organization for 34 years. It has been my honor to see its growth, commitment to community and taking care of its customers’ needs.
I also run a business that my husband and I enjoy together. For the past 25 years, we have been giving back life to well-worn houses. It started as a hobby, and became a passion! I love fixing houses that people want to make their home! Home – after all – is where life happens.
I hope that I can be a benefit to Young at Heart Resources. We all must plan for the future and make it the best it can be. It takes a village working together to accomplish that. We are all growing older each day, but should always desire to be young at heart!
Sincerely,
Paula York
Silver Haired Legislature Candidates, Delegates
Presented in alphabetical order by last name
WALTER BURNETT, Daviess County
**Running Against Deb Snider & Representing ABCD Region (Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb Counties)
I was born in Boone County, Missouri. I graduated from Hickman High School and had four years of apprenticeship school and some college. Peggy and I have been married for 56 years. We have two sons, four grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. I’m a retired sheet metal worker (40 years) and a semi-retired farmer (55 years).
I was a member and president of the Boone County Pork Producers, a Member of the Columbia Young Farmers, treasurer of the Columbia Labor Council, and I’m a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 for 57 years. I served one year as a member of the Daviess County senior tax board. I am a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the American Legion. I’m also a member of the American Legion. I’m also a member of Perche Baptist Church.
I volunteered at the Pattonsburg Senior Center—collected many donations and worked at the fish fry, delivered meals, washed dishes, maintained water heater, furnace, air conditioner, cook stove, helped paint inside of the center, and blew insulation in the attic.
As a Silver Haired Legislator, I connect with the state legislators by telephone to let them know what issues seniors are concerned about. If I’m elected again as a delegate, I will enjoy going to the meetings, talking with the other legislators, and working for the benefit of all Missouri senior citizens.
JOHNNIE HERNDON, Linn County
Running Unopposed & Representing Green Hills Region (Grundy, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Putnam, Sullivan Counties)
I Johnnie Herndon am running for election to SHL. I have served on the SHL for the last 6 years. I also serve on the Young at Heart Board of Directors and have for 6 years. I retired from the Department of Corrections in 2014 where I taught basic electricity. Before this I worked 26 years in the telephone industry. I work three days a week at the Marceline Nutrition Center.
JOHN MURPHY, DeKalb County
Running Unopposed & Representing ABCD Region (Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb Counties)
I humbly ask for your support as I am a candidate for Silver Haired Legislature delegate. Representing you as SHL Senator advocating for seniors and our senior issues is a responsibility and challenge I appreciate and thank you for your support.
Currently serving as chair of the 18 county Young at Heart (Northwest) area and as a member on the Mo. Silver Haired Legislative Board.
2020 has been a challenge because of Covid-19 as much communication has been electronic, zoom, and webex meetings but SHL is still a voice for Seniors on Senior issues.
I would appreciate your support returning to the Silver Haired Legislature and continuing to advocate for our Senior citizens as we struggle with economic problems and above all the desire to remain in our own homes.
Thank you,
John Murphy
KATHY ROACH, Andrew County
Running Unopposed & Representing ABCD Region (Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb Counties)
I am declaring my candidacy to be the Andrew County Silver Haired Legislator.
I have been the legislator for this area for 6 years and would like to continue with this to help advocate for changes for Senior citizens.
I work part time at the Retired and Volunteer program in Savannah, MO. I am a member of the Board of Directors for Young at Heart Resources for healthy aging.
I have 5 children, 7 step kids and a passel of grandkids and great grandkids!
I am particularly interested in helping the Senior Citizens get affordable medical treatment, affordable transportation and let them know they aren’t forgotten. This population have paid taxes longest and need to be given a little help in the golden years. This is something the Silver Haired Legislature works very hard to get all the help these people can get.
Kathy Roach
DEB SNIDER, Daviess County
**Running Against Walter Burnett & Representing ABCD Region (Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb Counties)
As a tenacious truth seeker, I hope to utilize my love of seniors to find unique solutions for their difficult situations. Through my regular interaction with seniors at our senior center and community, I hear a lot about their needs and concerns.
I feel that with my credentials that I will be a great asset to the Silver Haired Legislature. I would like to have the opportunity to serve with this organization. I would love to be able to use my lifelong experiences to represent the seniors in my area. I feel there are a lot of needs and concerns that could use my representation.
I would like to use the experiences I have learned from 45 years of in-home day care. Extensive experience with schedules, making healthy meals and providing proper activities should be an asset. While volunteering with the local elections it has helped me to interact with many types of people.
Currently serving as Board Chairperson with the Daviess County Senior Tax Board. I served as a Board member with the Public Water Supply District #1 of Daviess County for 6 years.
As an active community member, I would love the chance to give back by lending my advisory skills to an organization such as Silver Haired Legislator.
Biography: North Central Missouri College, Trenton, MO, graduate with AA accounting degree; Shawnee Mission North High School, Shawnee Mission, Kansas graduate; Retired in 2020 from 45 years of in-home childcare provider; Currently and have for the past 5 years volunteered with my local senior center; Currently and have for the last 15 years volunteered with Daviess County Primary and General Elections; Bethany Township Board, Bethany, MO, volunteered for 4 years as clerk; Food Pantry, Maysville, MO, volunteered; Little Boys Wrestling Team, Bethany, MO, volunteered 5 years.
Silver Haired Legislature Candidates, Alternates
SHARON MURPHY, DeKalb County
Running Unopposed & Representing ABCD Region (Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb Counties)
I am Sharon Murphy. I have lived in DeKalb County for all but eight years of my life. My Welfare job (focusing on children) brought me to Maysville in 1968. In 1969 I met John Murphy and we married in 1971. We had four children who helped us with the hogs, sheep, and cattle. Plus we had a lawn-mowing business. When all our children had started school, I began substituting at Maysville and other schools in the county. Then I completed 19 years with Parents As Teachers through the schools.
I have enjoyed serving as your “Alternate” on the Silver Haired Legislature for the past several years. Usually I am privileged to be at the Capitol voting for bills that will help our friends and neighbors have a better life while remaining in their own home. But once in a while I sit on the side and watch because the Alternates are not needed each year.
The pandemic has decreased our face-to-face contact with the Representatives and Senators. Regardless of this bump in the regular routine SHL continues to let your wishes be known to those in Jefferson City through the year.
I would appreciate being your Alternate. Your vote is appreciated.
Sharon Murphy
The Young at Heart Resources Board of Directors and Silver Haired Legislature Elections will be held together on Tuesday, May 4th.
View the list of polling sites by region HERE.