Volunteer Extraordinaire Recognized in Eureka

Dec. 21, 2010, was proclaimed as "Dee Savory Day," however Dorothy "Dee" Savory did not know that until Tuesday evening's Eureka board of aldermen meeting.  Savory said she thought the city was recognizing something about one of her favorite organizations, the Eureka Historical Society.  Instead, she found the spotlight turned toward herself.

This surprise proclamation caught the Eureka native unaware, which friends say is a rare occasion.

"Eureka has a core of people who are very active and who have devoted a great part of their lives to the city," said Mayor Kevin Coffey.  "We wanted them to know we really care about them.  Dee is one of those volunteers who deserve to be recognized for her extraordinary efforts."

Savory has been active in the Eureka Senior Center and Meals on Wheels program. She has volunteered at the nursing home facility, and was instrumental in obtaining Christmas street banners for the city.

She has sold items for the Wednesday Club Scholarship fund, and has been a member of the Eureka Historical Society since its inception.

Additionally, she has been active in numerous civic and charitable organizations over the years, such as American Legion Auxiliary, Southwestern Bell Retirees Group, and Sacred Heart Church.

When Rep. Tim Jones (R-Eureka) announced that a second proclamation for Savory soon would be coming from the Missouri House of Representatives, she said, "I'm 88; you better hurry!"

Jones said, "For a little city, it's great to see we have large individuals like Dee, who have given so much of their time and talents.  We are proud of her."

"Dee, we hope you keep volunteering and doing what you do best for another 20 years," said Coffey.