Can’t Sit Still – Help for Joplin

For many of us who have seen the devastation in Joplin and felt horrible for them, here is an opportunity to convert our feelings to actions.
Saturday, the RivR is taking a large group to help people dig out and get their homes in a livable condition. We have people who have gone on a scouting mission and now we need all hands on deck. Obviously there is no way to be sure of exactly what we will do on Saturday, but there are whole neighborhoods that are damaged but not destroyed. Our goal will be to assist residents in clearing debris and getting their homes in a condition so they can stay in them. This seems to be one of the greatest needs right now.

When:
Meet at the RivR @ 5:45 A.M. on Saturday.
Meet at 65 & 160 @ 6:20 A.M.
(It is really important that we travel together. We will be taking buses. Traffic is a huge problem in Joplin and we don’t want to compound their problems even more. So jump in with us.)

Who:
People who care a lot and are flexible enough to do whatever will help.
Skill is not a requirement – desire is.
This trip is for teens going into 9th grade – adults. (not advisable for younger kids)

What to bring:
Lunch
Change of clothes (optional – in case of rain)
Light tools – hammer, prybar, etc. (not necessary, but maybe helpful)
Work Gloves
Chainsaw – (again, not necessary, but we don’t know what we will need)
Heavy Machinery – tractors and trailers – (if you want to consider this, we will put
you in touch with appropriate people to help plan it’s use)

Return:
We will quit work around 5:00. We will stop in Springfield for a quick dinner on the way home.
Thanks for adjusting your plans and joining us on this really important trip. We have to continue care for others in significant ways. Please let us know if you are planning to go. Call the church office at 417-546-7487 and tell Lynn or send an email to [email protected]. The sooner you can let us know, the better we can plan the trip.

Our promise is that we will do everything possible to accomplish as much as we can. We won’t waste your time. Pray for the people in Joplin. Pray for the trip. Help us love with our hands, not just our thoughts.

Join the relief effort for Joplin tornado victims
Choose from a number of ways to reach out to our
Missouri neighbors and businesses

Following the devastating storms in southwest Missouri on Sunday evening, your immediate action is requested to assist in the Joplin recovery efforts. Many members of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry have already contributed to this recovery, but vital resources are still in need. Donate money, items or your time through a variety of organizations that are on the ground serving in the Joplin area.

Monetary Donations
Joplin-native Sen. Ron Richard is encouraging Missouri businesses that are looking to help to call the donation desk at the State Emergency Management Agency command center in Joplin at 573.526.9364. The line is being used to coordinate large shipments of supplies and monetary donations from individual and corporate donors.

You can help immediately by texting the word “Redcross” to 90999 or by donating online on the American Red Cross website by clicking here. Donations will go toward the purchase of medical supplies, food and other basic necessities that families are in desperate need of right now.

Recovery Items
A number of items are also in demand, specifically bottled water, non-perishable food, can openers, toiletries, clothing (please have boxed and labeled), work gloves, and construction-grade trash bags. To locate a fundraiser near you, please visit the Joplin, Mo.,Tornado Recovery Facebook page.

Blood Donations
The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has issued a Code Red Alert for Type “O Negative” blood. Please consider making a blood donation at a center near you, if you are able.

Volunteer Your Time
Officials are asking for volunteers with medical skills to register at the Show-Me Response website or by calling 417-832-9500. All others are asked to wait 3 to 5 days to sign up by calling 800.427.4626 or 211.
If you have relatives or friends in the Joplin area that you have not been able to contact, please visit the Red Cross’s Safe and Well registry. Authorities are asking that you keep the phone lines clear by using text messaging and social networks on the Internet.

And to keep up-to-date on the latest news and aid requests, visit the KY3 News website.
Thanks in advance for stepping up to support Joplin as the community recovers from the tragic natural disaster. Please contact the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s office if you need further assistance as to how to make a contribution: 573.634.3511.

If you love Bluegrass Music, and you’d like to hear some great bands, join us at the Kimberling City, MO Shopping Center Saturday, May 28th 7-10 p.m. The event is hosted by Missouri Boat Ride, & many bands will be performing throughout the evening.

There is going to be 5 different bands from the surrounding areas, including Arkansas that are going to perform free and all donations will be given to the Convoy of Hope out of Springfield that will only go to Joplin Missouri.
Cash or Check made to Convoy of Hope will be so appreciated.

Come enjoy Country and Bluegrass music and donate $1.00 or even $100.00. We all know the Joplin area will be recovering for a long time and the Ozarks always takes care of our neighbors.

Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the fun.

As most are aware, our friends and neighbors in Joplin, located about 100 miles from Branson, were devastated by a Category F5 Tornado on Sunday May 22. Although the horrific storms did not affect the Branson area physically, the impact of what has happened to our friends and neighbors in Joplin is heavy on our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

In addition, however, they need assistance and help in rebuilding their community and recovering their personal lives from the total devastation they have faced. The information on this page is intended to provide guidance on how you can assist in that effort in a manner that will get the most help to those that need it as quickly as possible.

JOPLIN, MO TORNADO INFORMATION

The outpouring of support from Hollister and Branson citizens and businesses continues. See below for opportunities and drop off sites in Hollister and the surrounding areas:

HOLLISTER DROP SITES:

• MEMCO, INC in Hollister (off the intersection of Hwy 65 & Hwy 86) have cleared out space in their warehouse, donated use of trucks and have coordinated to make deliveries to Convoy of Hope in Springfield. If you cannot make it to Memco, you may also drop off at the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce Office inside the Taney County Airport behind Herrman Lumber. Contact Kim Crosby at Memco for additional information (417-297-0611). The following items have been approved and are needed:

Blankets (new or gently used/clean)
Pillows (new or gently used/clean)
Towels (new or gently used/clean)
Clothing & shoes (only NEW items accepted)
Socks and work gloves
Non-Perishable Foods
Pre-packaged (ready-to-eat) snacks
Bottled Water
Personal Care Items
Toiletry Items (shampoo, soap, etc.)
Baby Care Items (diapers, wipes, etc)
Laundry Detergent
Cleaning Supplies
Trash Bags (large, sturdy)
Paper Products
First Aid Supplies
Pet Food & Pet Supplies

• COUNTRY MART in Hollister. Customers who wish to participate may have $1, $3 or $5 added to their total at checkout. All 48 Pyramid Foods Stores will be participating in this program. The money raised will be given to the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter, specifically designated for relief in Joplin. For more information, please visit www.countrymartgrocery.com

• ARROWHEAD BUILDING SUPPLY in Hollister is collecting non-perishable food items to aid families in Joplin. Please drop off food items or first aid items to help get these families through this devastating time… Thank you for your support and contact us with any questions-

Hollister Location
181 Hollister Pointe Drive (Behind Lowe’s on Birch Rd)
Hollister MO. 65672
417-690-4733

Additional Contact Information:

Red Cross of the Greater Ozarks www.redcross-ozarks.org

United Way Dial 2-1-1 (seeking volunteers and donations) If the number is not operational, please call 800-427-4626.

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks www.cbco.org or 800-280-5337 (all types needed)

To check on loved ones, view the “Safe and Sound” registry of the Red Cross at www.safeandsound.org

Follow on Facebook – “Joplin, Mo Tornado Recovery” – find the page at http://www.facebook.com/joplinmo?ref=ts&sk=wall#!/joplinmo

Branson/Lakes Area Website – Online Directory of Resources http://www.explorebranson.com/spring/2011-tornado-donations.php

Nearly 100 flags wave in a gentle breeze as residents and visitors drive along the Avenue of Freedom on Gretna Road. For more than ten years, the flags have welcomed veterans and reminded all Americans of the sacrifices of those who protected our freedoms. If you ever took a moment to reflect on the beauty and symbolism of the Avenue of Freedom, I’m sure you mentally said a “thank you” to our active duty military and a “welcome home” to our veterans.

Today the Avenue of Freedom needs your help. Recent storms have destroyed most of the flags and poles, leaving the beautiful drive bare. Our visitors miss the outward proof that Branson is a town committed to America and those who have so proudly served.

The Branson Veterans Task Force no longer has the funding to revive this meaningful tradition. We’re asking for your help – our residents, businesses and visitors. We would love to have new flags in place for the summer season – in time for Flag Day (June 14) and the 4th of July. We’d even rush to get them up for part of Memorial Day weekend if we have the funds.

Please help us! Donations may be made to the Avenue of Freedom at the Branson Veterans Task Force office, the Flag Store or the Veterans Museum, or mail to PO Box 128, Branson, MO 65615. Please make checks payable to “Avenue of Freedom.”

Make a donation, take up a collection at the office or talk to your friends and family. If someone would like to make a donation but can’t take it to one of the above locations, call the Branson Veterans Task Force office at 417-337-8387.

Together let’s beautify our city, welcome our military and veterans, and promote our American patriotism!

The Missouri Women’s Golf Association is pleased to announce the Inaugural Mid Amateur Championship, hosted by Payne Stewart Golf Club, a Troon course, in Branson, MO during July 25-27th, 2011. Golfers, volunteers, spotters and businesses are invited to participate in this event. Amateur women 25 years and older who are residents of Missouri or Johnson County, KS will compete for the first Missouri women’s Mid Amateur title in a 36 hole stroke play competition. The competition will play approximately 5300-5500 yards in length and flights will be determined after the first round. Entries will be accepted between May 30 and July 2, 2011.

Volunteers are needed to spot golf balls or help with logistics. Local merchants are invited to submit marketing materials, token gifts and/or coupons for the Registrants’ package. Donations will be accepted to provide golfers with health-related essentials (e.g., water, sunscreen) and recognition will be in the event program.

We are proud to begin the championship on this challenging course that honors the legacy of one of Missouri’s favorite sons. The player holding the first Mid Amateur Trophy will do so in the shadow of Payne Stewart’s memory as each hole has been designed as a tribute to the legendary Missourian. The local committee is encouraging golfers to bring their families and extend their visit to see all that the area has to offer. The Branson area is an excellent destination to play golf and enjoy the attractions, shows and shopping with family members.

The MWGA promotes women’s golf in Missouri and its competitions are open to all amateur females in Missouri and Johnson County, Kansas. Through the support of MWGA’s members and friends, the Missouri Women’s Golf Education Association annually grants scholarships to deserving high school junior golfers in pursuit of higher education.

Entry fee for contestants is $150.00. Membership in the MWGA is required at $30.00 annual dues. For those interested in golfing, visit the website for tournament entry forms and further details at www.mowomensga.org.

We hope that you will be able to join us and participate in this unique event in some way. If you are interested or have any questions or require additional information, please call the Payne Stewart Pro Shop at 877 337-2963 or email [email protected].

Vietnam Veterans of America Branson Chapter 913 Veteran Assistance Fundraiser will be held on May 23 at the Hamner Barber Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. A pre-show will begin at 5:30 and main show at 6:30. Entertainers from the Branson area volunteer their time to present a great show for a good cause., All profits from this show go to help veterans in the Branson area. There is also a silent auction going on concurrently where items donated by area businesses can be purchased. Tickets can be purchased by caling the Hamner Barber Theater Box Office. Corporate Sponsorship is also available by contacting Bob Sarver, President, VVA Chapter 913 @ 417-294-0728.

Special “Relay for Life” events scheduled for this week  include:

Yard Sale
May 12, 13, 14th
By Poverty Point near State Park Marina.
For additional info please email: Kenny at [email protected].

Car Wash
Thursday, May 12th from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Clay Cooper Theatre
$5 minimum donation – Watch an entertainer wash your car!

Bake Sale
Saturday, May 14th 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Clay Cooper Theatre – In theatre lobby

Pot Luck Dinner
Saturday, May 14th 6 p.m.
VFW Post 5168, Forsyth
Pot luck dinner, sides and dessert $6.
There will be a basket raffle, Relay items for sale, handmade items for sale.
For additional info, please contact Terri at 417-230-6200 or [email protected].

Mel’s Hard Luck Diner Late Night
Saturday, May 14th 8 p.m. – midnight
Grand Village Shops
Staying open and serving dessert! (ice cream, pies, cakes, shakes, malts, floats, old fashioned sodas, banana splits, rock around chocolates, and Krazy Kringle Kritter Kookies.) The singing servers will be entertaining all night.
For additional info, please email: Jason at [email protected].

Runway For Life
Saturday, May 14th 11 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Lodge of the Ozarks, 76 Country Boulevard
Featuring fashions from Maurices, Banana Republic, and Touch of Class. Surprise Entertainment! Amazing Raffles! Signature Drinks! Tickets in advance $5 or at the door $7.
Gift bags provided by Skaggs Cancer Center and Wild Hair Salon.
For additional info, please contact: Larry Foster at 417-593-4145.

U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN JO ANN EMERSON RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE FROM COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

For her public service to Missouri and the nation United States, Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (Missouri, 8th District) received an honorary Doctor of Public Service from College of the Ozarks during its 104th Commencement. Congresswoman Emerson gave the Commencement address at the ceremony, sharing with students the importance of preparation and hard work for leadership in the 21st century.

“We have the ability to work as hard as we want—funny how no one factors that into the pursuit of happiness,” she said. “But, the truth is that they are inseparable.”

Since becoming the first Republican woman to represent Missouri in Congress, the Honorable Jo Ann Emerson is currently serving her eighth term in the United States House of Representatives. She has been a leading advocate for farm families and the promotion of America’s agriculture, hunger relief, pro-life issues, and access to safe, affordable prescription drugs.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Emerson is the Chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee and also sits on the Agriculture Subcommittee and Legislative Branch Subcommittee.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1972 from Ohio Wesleyan University.

At the College of the Ozarks 104th Commencement, a record number of 338 graduates received their degrees. Commencement was held on the afternoon of May 8.

College of the Ozarks is a fully-accredited, four-year Christian liberal arts college where students work campus jobs for their college education, allowing them the opportunity to graduate debt free. Approximately one-fourth of the College’s students come from Missouri’s 8th congressional district.

Branson Junior High Students of the Month are Hailey LaCroix and Montana Myer.  LaCroix was selected to represent the seventh grade and Myer was chosen as the eighth grade representative. The students were selected for the honor based on outstanding citizenship characteristics and academic
achievement.