2nd annual Poverty Walk takes its first steps Sept. 17

from The Marshall Democrat News

By KATHY FAIRCHILD

"Because it is right, because it is wise, and because . . . it is possible to conquer poverty."

Ann Graff, executive director of Missouri Valley Community Action Agency, kicked off the 2nd Annual Poverty Walk on Monday, Sept. 17, at the Saline County Courthouse with Lyndon B. Johnson's words from his speech to Congress introducing the Economic Opportunity of 1964.

Graff said, "This way of life (in poverty) does not have to be permanent. When people combine their energies in a single purpose of breaking the cycle of poverty for good, we can begin to transform lives."

"The total cost of poverty in our nation is roughly $500 billion dollars a year, with 38 million people living in poverty, 1.7 million in Missouri alone," Graff said. That includes increased health care expenses, the increased cost of crime and the reduction in productivity and economic output.

Joining Graff, Marshall Mayor Connie Latimer pointed out that often people living in poverty must choose between purchasing medicines they need and food. "In this day and age it's just not right," she said. "Poverty is here, it's ugly, we don't like it, but we can fix it," by working together in common purpose.

State representative Joe Aull, who, with his wife, joined the walkers for seven miles this morning, said he appreciated seeing the younger people at the event. "Our economy in the state is not what it should be," he said, "but we are working on legislation to provide incentives to businesses for providing health insurance to their employees," a statement which drew applause from the crowd. Aull said he appreciated the willingness of all those taking part in the event today because "you're not just talking the talk, you're walking the walk."

Saline County Commissioner Becky Plattner said the time for treating poverty as a "hush-hush" issue has passed. "Public awareness," she added, "is needed to stamp out poverty."

Bill Orendorf, president of the Marshall Chamber of Commerce, and Bill Nichols, community leadership coordinator for MVCAA, presented donated cars to three members of Circles of Support -- Marie and Curtis Wagoner, who received a 1981 Chevy Citation, and Sherri Calamar, who received a 1990 Cadillac.

The Marshall High School marching band was on hand to open the program with "The Star-Spangled Banner," along with youngsters from the Head Start program, who entertained the audience with "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider," "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and "No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed."

The walk continues through Friday, Sept. 21. For more information on MVCAA and the Poverty Walk, visit www.mvcaa.net.