Ozzie finalists announced
The Springfield Regional Arts Council has announced the finalists for the 2024 Ozzie Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to the arts in Springfield. Winners will be announced at the 39th annual Ozzie Awards ceremony on October 19.
The finalists in each category are:
- Arts Ambassador Award – Blake Haynes, Molly Healey and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra
- Arts Champion Award – Art Inspired Academy from Abilities First, Hatch Foundation and Springfield-Branson National Airport
- Volunteer of the Year – Nicole Brownsworth, Janet Hopkins and Sonya Wise
- Award for Excellence in Arts Education – Kat Allie, Taylor Bryson and Allison Fleetwood
Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased at https://www.springfieldarts.org/ozzie-awards/ or by calling SRAC at 417-862-2787. Individual tickets are $75 for SRAC members ($100 for non-members) and tables for 10 are available for $750. Sponsorships start at $1,000.
For more information, visit springfieldarts.org/ozzieawards.
Bad art, but good people
The Springfield Regional Arts Council announced the inaugural edition of “Bad Art by Good People,” in conjunction with the opening reception of the “Ozarks Icons” exhibit at the Creamery Arts Center during the First Friday Art Walk on September 6.
Bad Art by Good People brought together community leaders with local artists to create artwork inspired by their love of Springfield. The event aims to demonstrate that artistic expression goes beyond skills and brings people together through the shared joy of creativity.
Participants include:
- Callie Carroll, Springfield City Councilwoman and Vice President of OMB Bank, creates an abstract painting with texture under the guidance of Colby Kern;
- Erin Danastasio, executive director of the Hatch Foundation, created an encaustic artwork with Heidi Herrman;
- Brandy Harris, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, works with Madeline Smith to create ceramic miniatures;
- Maurice Jones, deputy city manager of Springfield, tries his hand at photography under the guidance of Britt Mayse;
- Matt Morrow, President and CEO of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, works with Kevin Richardson to learn multimedia and abstract painting;
- Danny Perches, Springfield’s deputy director of economic vitality, teamed up with Linda Passeri to learn the craft of sculpture.
- Aaron Schekorra, executive director of the GLO Center, has teamed up with Mari Moore-Mosby to create pottery.
Plugged-In receives $50,000 grant
White River Valley Electric Cooperative has received $50,000 in funding for its “Plugged-In” community improvement program, which distributes grants and volunteers to organizations seeking support for community-focused projects in Taney, Stone, Christian, Douglas and Ozark counties.
The money will be used for a variety of projects throughout the service area, including improving community gardens, the arena, upgrading lighting, new welcome signs, human trafficking education and a cooking program for children.
For more information about Plugged-In and to apply for next year, visit whiteriver.org/community/plugged-in/.
Arc of Ozarks celebrates 60th anniversary
The Arc of the Ozarks celebrated its 60th anniversary on August 8 and honored its history at a special celebration. In 1959, in response to the lack of resources and services for the disabled in the Springfield area, Carolyn Newport and several other parents joined forces to meet their needs and those of their children. Driven by a desire to provide better opportunities for her child with Down syndrome, Newport played a pivotal role in the creation of The Arc of the Ozarks, which was incorporated in 1964.
“We are thrilled to share this milestone with our community,” said Mike Powers, President/CEO of The Arc of the Ozarks. “This 60th anniversary celebration is a testament to our organization’s tireless commitment and dedication to empowering people with disabilities and their families and creating a more inclusive community.”
For more information, visit thearcoftheozarks.org.
Local students visit CYCLE
High school students from the Ozarks met with other Missouri high school students at the Missouri State Capitol to participate in the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experienced – CYCLE.
The White River Valley Electric Cooperative sponsored the participation of four local delegates in the conference: Miles Bacon, Cayden Irons and Brett Roussell of Ozark and Nora Palmer of Nixa.
The four-day event in July, hosted by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, offers Missouri’s second- and third-year students the opportunity to learn what it’s like to serve in political leadership roles and engage in community service, as well as provide insight into the cooperative business model.
For more information about CYCLE, visit www.whiteriver.org/community/youth-programs/cycle/.
RangeGoats visit Convoy facilities
The RangeGoats toured the Convoy of Hope facilities on August 12 as they packed hygiene kits with local golfers. Two-time Masters champion and RangeGoats captain Bubba Watson and RangeGoats team member Matthew Wolff were among the visitors.
The kits will be distributed to disaster survivors and others.
The RangeGoats hosted a golf exhibition for local golfers from regional high schools as well as golfers from the PGA Jr. League.
The RangeGoats are supporters of Convoy and donate a goat to the farming program for each team that beats Convoy in the LIV competition each week.
Convoy of Hope is a global faith-based organization that supports vulnerable communities. By partnering with local churches, businesses, civic organizations and government agencies, Convoy has provided targeted assistance in over 130 countries worldwide. Since its founding in 1994, Convoy of Hope has served 250 million people. For more information, visit convoyofhope.org.
TangerKids scholarships available until October 18
Tanger Outlets Branson has launched its 2024 TangerKids Grant Program. Applications are open through October 18. Missouri educators are encouraged to apply at grants.tanger.com.
The platform invites teachers and leaders within the community to identify their needs and request funding to improve programs and better support students in creating a more productive and inclusive learning environment.
Over the course of the program’s nearly 30-year history, Tanger has donated more than $3.4 million to school-focused initiatives in the communities it serves.
This year, Tanger has earmarked 70% of total grant funding to support underserved schools, accessibility programs and student needs. Teachers in public and private schools from pre-K through 12th grade are eligible to participate in the annual program.
Tanger Branson clients will once again have a say in choosing the scholarship recipients in the community. Voting will take place from December 2-13 through the Member’s Choice program. Award winners will be announced in January 2025 and celebrated at the center’s annual TangerKids Day.
