All those interested in participating in or getting additional information on Branson’s first “Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” event, to be held on April 24-25, are invited to attend a press conference/meeting at the Hamner Barber Theatre at 2:00 p.m. on March 3. Marlyce Stockinger, Special Veteran Events Coordinator for the event’s sponsor, Branson.Com, said the primary purpose of the press conference is to outline the activities of the two day event, introduce key event participants, and answer any questions about the event the public press may have.

Another purpose Stockinger said, was to let the public know how they can participate in remembering and honoring the sacrifices of those who have been wounded in action in the defense of our country and have received the Purple Heart. She points out that this event is a first of its kind in the nation and that although none of the event’s activities will cost the Purple Heart recipients anything, the active participation of the community in attending and participating in the activities will be a vital element in honoring them.

She particularly encourages public participation in the Opening Ceremony at the Hamner Barber Theatre at 2:00 p.m. on April 24, the Entertainment Show at the Hamner Barber theatre at 2:00 p.m. on April 25 and, especially at the special “Mountain Majesty Twilight Ceremony,” to be held at Branson Landing at 6:00 p.m. on April 25.

Ozark Mountain Legacy Town Hall Meeting on March 6th, “The Most Impacting Town Hall Meeting Our Area Has Ever Experienced!”

All residents of Stone and Taney County are invited to come and let their voice be heard at this very important and defining Ozark Mountain Community Town Hall meeting.

“What will be our Legacy in Ozark Mountain Country?” If you have ever asked yourself this question, then now is the time for you to come and speak into our area’s core values and future together as we move forward in these uncertain times.

Jory Rolf, who helped to initiate this citizen-led Legacy Initiative believes, “With so much that is changing in our world around us, it is vital that we know who we are and what we want to be when we grow up. Then, we need to be intentional about every decision we make. This Ozark Mountain Legacy Initiative will help us define our preferred future and course for our Ozark Mountain Country for generations to come.”

Citizens from all across Stone and Taney County are invited to gather at the Tri-Lakes Center, located on Hwy 248, March 6th, from 5:00-7:00pm for a Community-wide Town Hall Meeting, as we “Discover the Diamonds Together”. Attendees will hear the vision for the Ozark Mountain Legacy Initiative and will be invited to actively join in the “Legacy” process by answering survey questions and participating in small group discussions. Community Leaders from across the Ozarks will be present to speak and to “hear” what the citizens of Ozark Mountain Country have to say.

Local area citizens initially invited community leaders from several Ozark Mountain cities to help develop and lead this cooperative effort in our region. These leaders include: John Baltes (Silver Dollar City Foundation), Howard Boyd (Branson Hills Pastor), Larry Cline (Rockaway Beach Mayor), Steve Erixon (Skaggs Hospital CEO), Doug Hayter (Branson City School Superintendent), Sue Head (College of the Ozarks – First Place), Jack Herschend (Herschend Family Entertainment), Dean Kruithof (Branson City Administrator), Mike Mason (Reeds Spring Superintendent), Gail Myer (Myer Hotels), David Oliphant (Forsyth Mayor), Chuck Pennel (Taney County Commissioner), Raeanne Presley (Branson Mayor), Jory Rolf (AIM International/Make Believers), Ross Summers (Branson Chamber President) and Rick Ziegenfuss (Hollister City Administrator).

Rolf said, “Whether you’re a frontline employee or employer, a grandparent or a student, or simply a concerned citizen…your voice can be heard! We live in one of the greatest places on earth and we have to be great stewards of the greater gift that has been given to us here in Ozark Mountain Country. Come let your voice be heard!”

For more information go online to: www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org. Please RSVP for the March 6th Legacy Town Hall Meeting by contacting Jory Rolf at: 334-8001 or email us at: [email protected].