Jackson resident honored by House of Representatives

Southeast Missourian

Often a lifetime of commitment to church and communit can go unrecognized, but Missouri Speaker of the House Katherine Hanaway, R-Warson Woods, tried to make amends for one Jackson resident.

In a resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives, Aleene Sander was recently presented a civic award for her contributions to New McKendree United Methodist Church and her exemplary reputation for community betterment.

"I'm not over the shock of it yet," Sander said a few days after the award was presented.

Sander has been active in her church, teaching Sunday school and serving on committees including the the United Methodist Church board of trustees, Naomi Circle and the benevolent PEO sisterhood.

In the community, Sander has supported the American Heart Association and the American Diabetics Association and led the first community-wide cancer crusade in Jackson. She also served a president and secretary of the Suburban Garden Club and personally provides meals to families who are dealing with an illness or death of a loved one.

In 2002 Sander received the Unsung Hero Award from the Jackson Heritage Association. But perhaps most poignant in this election year, Sander is a co-founder of the Cape Girardeau Republican Women organization.

"Aleene is my mentor," said Cape Girardeau County Republican Women vice chair Donna Lichtenegger. "She taight me everything I needed to know about voter registration, helping people get rides to polls and filling out absentee ballots."