This year’s elections will be held May 3rd.
Candidates with no opponents require no election, therefore polling locations will be established for only the regions where applicable. You can find that list here:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES
Presented in alphabetical order by last name
CARMA EAGANS, Atchison County resident
Current Vice-Chair
**Running for Re-election Against Newcomer Sandra Sorenson & Representing Northwest Region (Atchison, Gentry, Harrison, Holt, Nodaway, Worth counties)
I have served on the Young at Heart Resources Board of Directors for Atchison County for the past 3 years. I am once again asking for your support and vote so that I may continue working for the betterment of the seniors in our community. These past 3 years of serving on the board, while a blessing, has not come without challenges. When Covid-19 arrived in 2020 it caused such a hardship for our seniors and communities. We, on the board, had to change direction to address those hardships and needs. Now, as covid settles down we are able to refocus on prior goals and I would like to be able to continue working on those goals. It is important that seniors have advocates and individuals who are working on their behalf. That is why I am once again requesting your vote so that I can be that advocate and voice.
Many of you know my husband and I, as we are lifelong residents of Atchison County. We began our concrete construction company in Rock Port over 45 years ago. I have worked with many seniors over the years, providing care so that they were able to remain in their homes. We are active members of Grace Community Church & Heartland Riders Motorcycle Association as well as, volunteering for other events in our communities. For many years, I have led the efforts to provide food boxes during the holidays for our seniors and volunteer at the food pantry. I also teach Sunday school, lead vacation bible school when at our church and other volunteer opportunities. Taking care of our seniors and our children is very important to me.
I would be honored and so appreciative of your vote to allow me to serve another term on the Young at Heart Resources Board of Directors.
Thank you.
Carma Eagans
MICHELLE FAGERSTONE, DeKalb County resident
Running Unopposed & Representing ABCD Region (Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb counties)
As the Chief Development Officer at Second Harvest Community Food Bank, I see firsthand, through several of our programs, the struggles the senior population encounters daily. I believe that by serving on the Young at Heart Board of Directors I can assist the organization in its mission to provide area seniors with a higher quality of life.
After I completed my bachelor’s degree in finance, I took my first job at a non-profit public library as Executive Director. For over 30 years I have worked for non-profit organizations in various leadership capacities. I have served as program director to CEO. These positions have allowed me to build my understanding of the financial, work force, marketing, strategic planning, grant writing, and advocacy needs non-profits face in today’s environment.
After spending some time with the Young at Heart CEO and getting to know more about what the organization does for the region, I felt my experience and current knowledge offered itself to supporting the board of directors in its vision of empowering and providing older adults a safe, healthy, and independent living in the home of their choice. As Anne Frank said, “No one has ever become poor by giving.” I am excited to give of my time and talent to build Young at Heart up and address the needs of today’s senior population.
Sincerely,
Michelle Fagerstone
SANDRA “SANDY” SORENSON, Nodaway County resident
**Running Against Current Vice-Chair Carma Eagans & Representing Northwest Region (Atchison, Gentry, Harrison, Holt, Nodaway, Worth counties)
My name is Sandra Sorensen. I live in Maryville, Missouri, in Nodaway County. After attending seven different colleges and universities, following my husband, I managed to obtain a BA in English literature from Central Missouri in Warrensburg, all the while raising two young sons. They are Eric, who is deceased, and Matt, who lives in Savannah and works in Maryville. I have four granddaughters and three great-grandsons. I spent the last two years being a caregiver to my husband, who passed away in December 2021.
I have lived in Nodaway County for 41 years and appreciate the people in our community. We owned and operated the Dairy Queen in Maryville. I was the president of the Pride Lions Club. Being a business owner of an operation open 7 days a week it didn’t leave a lot of time for outside activities. I am a current member of the United Methodist Church in Maryville.
I am running for YAHR Board of Directors because I feel we need to stay on top of and improve senior services. The senior population is growing exponentially, outpacing the available resources, putting their health and well-being at risk. We must prepare to manage these challenges of the needs of the aging as well as securing resources to keep our seniors healthy and independent at home, where they want to be. This because a realization while caring for my husband.
I am committed to helping YAHR empower our seniors in Northwest Missouri. We need to focus on affordable resources for social interaction, healthcare, transportation and nutrition. Our seniors are an important part of our community. I feel with my experience and knowledge I would be a great asset to the senior citizens of Northwest Missouri.
We have no candidates for the Green Hills Region (Grundy, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Putnam, Sullivan Counties).
SILVER HAIRED LEGISLATURE CANDIDATES, DELEGATES
Presented in alphabetical order by last name
EDNA FOSTER, Grundy County resident
Running Unopposed & Representing Green Hills Region (Grundy, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Putnam, and Sullivan counties)
W.A. “BILL” HEDGE, Buchanan County resident
Running Unopposed & Representing ABCD Region (Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb counties)
SILVER HAIRED LEGISLATURE CANDIDATES, ALTERNATES
ELLEN L. BALL, Mercer County resident
Running Unopposed & Representing Green Hills Region (Grundy, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Putnam, and Sullivan counties)
SHARON MURPHY, DeKalb County resident
Running Unopposed & Representing ABCD Region (Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb counties)