NOON OPTIMISTS ABC PROGRAM ALSO A WINNER

JACKSON -- The Jackson Noon Optimist Club wants parents to know that driving safely with children is as simple as A-B-C.

Dixie Moore, a member of the organization, was recently recognized in an international Optimist competition held in Detroit, Mich., for her work with the ABC -- Always Buckle Children in the back seat -- program.

Moore was one of the world's top three collectors of local support for the program. She also won awards in the eastern Missouri Optimist district this year for outstanding club member trendsetter and outstanding club chairperson overall.

"I was very honored by the award, but the attention belongs on what I'm telling people about: Keeping their children safe while they're in the car," said Moore. "Being a trendsetter means I was at the head of the pack and hopefully that other people will pick up this trend and develop their own programs."

Moore has been chairperson of the ABC program locally since its inception in November 1996, She said her role is mainly to give presentations about the dangers of allowing children to sit in the front seat of a car.