Creating Connections - November

By Barb Byerly, BJB Creative Services

We couldn't believe it either, but it's true! Kirkwood's Franklin and Tresa McCallie have decided to return to their roots and will be boarding the Chattanooga Choo Choo in early summer. That's right, this dynamic duo, Franklin, a former KHS principal and amazing Tresa, first Parents as Teachers Program Coordinator at the R-7 Early Childhood Center, are moving back home to Tennessee. He has 35 relatives living in Chattanooga and Tresa has 11 in the area. "After 40 years, 32 of them in Kirkwood, we're going back home," he reports. The two met at a church camp when he was 13 and she was 12. "When I first saw her, I said ‘that's the girl I'm going to marry.'" And marry her he did, in July, 1963. They have two daughters, Ellen and Rachel, plus another "who is like our adopted daughter," Reine, and five grandchildren. Rachel and her hub, Jason Tatum, are parents of Eva Louise, 6, and Park McCallie, 4, Reine and her hub, Cbabi Bayoc are the parents of Jurni Moon, 11, Ajani Day, 8, and Birago Soul, 6. Between now and spring the McCallie's are making frequent trips to the house they have purchased and are renovating in Chattanooga. They are particularly excited about moving to their new, fully integrated, multi-cultural neighborhood. Franklin and Tresa report the area has gone through a difficult time but is now experiencing a renaissance, brimming with community pride. With Chattanooga being a city filled with rich history, arts, festivals, gorgeous gardens and beautiful trees, they should feel right at home. Best wishes to Franklin and Tresa as they enjoy this next chapter of their lives!

Just when we thought Dwight Bitikofer's office wall couldn't possibly hold another award, the talented publisher of the Webster Kirkwood Times somehow managed to find a spot to display yet one more well-deserved recognition. And it is very prestigious, especially since it is from the Independent Free Papers of America Association (IFPA) naming Dwight the 2011 Distinguished Service Award winner in recognition of his longtime volunteer services to IFPA. Dwight, you make us proud - congratulations!

What do you give a person who seems to have everything? Well, the Eastern MO Chapter of the FBI National Academy came up with the perfect surprise for one such fellow, past Chamber prez and former Kirkwood Police Chief Dan Linza. It all started in 2007 when the chapter named him the first recipient of "The Dan Linza Eagle Award, recognizing the Academy Member from the chapter who has, during the past year, exhibited excellence in furthering its law enforcement mission to serve and protect US citizens." And each year since Dan has been the presenter of this Eagle Award to an individual exemplifying the motto of the National Academy, which is to serve with Knowledge - Courage - Integrity. It's not just based on individual acts, but also the spirit of dedication to work cooperatively with one's fellow law enforcement officers in serving the people. It's easy to see why this award was named for Dan and why the lovely Zoe is his number one fan!