Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. – Psalm 51:10
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August 30, 2024 • Volume 5, Issue #35
INSIDE:
Relax and remember at Veterans Memorial Garden
• Around Town...... 8B • Churches............ 7B • Classifieds......... 10C • Food.................. 8C • Fun & Games.... 12C • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 11A • Voices................. 1B • Weather........... 11A
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer It’s been hot outside, but it’s still a great time to visit the Veterans Memorial Garden, located at the intersection of 76 Country Blvd. and Roark Valley Rd. in Branson. Visitors can relax in the shade or stroll paths bordered by beautifully colored flowers while being inspired to honor and remember our country’s military veterans. The summer color is spectacular right now, with both shady and sunny garden beds and containers interspersed with memorial statues, signage and of course, the Wall of Honor and the Flag Plaza. “We hope folks cannot just drive by, but will stop and visit and walk through the garden,” said director Jana Evans. “They can see the hundreds of varieties of plants, but also pause to remember our vet-
PLUS:
Be still and know... – SEE PAGE 1B.
erans for their service.” Plenty of benches are available for that relaxing break. The Garden is also a wonderful place to take pictures. This is particularly appropriate if your family or group includes a veteran, of course, but the beautiful colors are a fitting background for many other occasions or that souvenir photo of your Branson visit. The beauty won’t end with summer—many fall perennials are just waiting for the new season, as well. Founded in 2008, the Veterans Memorial Garden represents the vision of the late Ben Kinel, a U.S. Marine veteran and Master Gardener who worked tirelessly to coordinate community volunteers and donations, including a favorable longterm lease arrangement from the Herschend family, to transform the rocky hillSEE GARDEN, PAGE 3A
The beautiful garden (Photo by Jana Evans) SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS WITH THIS STORY AT BRANSONGLOBE.COM
Branson Board of Aldermen act for affordable housing
Sweet escape at Silver Dollar City – SEE PAGE 1C.
BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist The Branson Board of Aldermen took some initial steps supporting additional affordable housing in Branson at their August 27, 2024, meeting. They passed Resolutions of Support for two developments by Ring Property Company LLC, Donnelley Crossing and 42-unit development located at the NW corner of Frank Rea Blvd./Garges Way and Fall
Creek Ridge, a 48-unit development along South Falls Avenue. The staff report for Donnelly Crossing said it’s a “Proposed 42-unit, elevatored building with interior apartment entrances. The building will be linear in design, and its elevation is proposed to be a 2/3 split to best conform to existing topography. “If awarded, the project would be marketed to seniors over 55 years of
age, representing an influx of affordable housing in response to an underserved market. The project is expected to consist of 37 two-bedroom, onebath low to moderate income apartments, and five two-bedroom, one-bath market rate apartments. Monthly rental rates will be established when the updated market study is available, and will be shared with the City as soon as they are available.
“For perspective, the 2023 submission to MHDC called for seven apartments rented to occupants whose incomes were at or less than 30% of area median income, at a rental rate of $390; 30 apartments rented to occupants whose incomes were at or less than 60% of area median income, at a rental rate of $615; and five apartments with no income restrictions, at a rental rate of $745. Apartment sizes
were 825 square feet. It is anticipated that the rent levels in the 2024 submission will be higher in order to help offset rising development and construction costs.” The Fall Creek Ridge Staff Report said it’s a “Proposed 48-unit apartment community, comprised of two 24-unit buildings plus one community building. The design and site plan will essentially SEE HOUSING, PAGE 2A
National Nonprofit Day: A look at local nonprofits NOW – AUG. 31ST
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer August 17 was National Nonprofit Day—a day to acknowledge, appreciate and exemplify the impact these organizations have on the community. In honor of Nonprofit Day, the Branson Globe asked readers to give a shout out to their favorite local nonprofit. Jodi said she is a supporter of the Branson Humane
Society. Said Jodi, “I began volunteering there a few months ago. The dedication of not only the managers but also the employees and volunteers who work there is top notch. I have noticed in my short three hours a week being there the love, the heartache, the concern and the knowledge for the animals, as well as humans I see who come through their doors. Add to that their net-
working with so many other humane societies, police departments, Mochas and Meows, Cox Hospital, local stores, etc., and you have a well-oiled machine that maybe, at times, operates on a shoestring. They truly make a difference.” Elizabeth gave kudos to Christian Action Ministries. “It is a stable nonprofit in Taney and Stone County,” Elizabeth noted.
“They have been in Taney County for 40 years. They help so many people and other organizations in our county.” Of CAM, Kristen added, “As a single mom who has periodically needed help, CAM has always been reliable and helped me the most.” Said Lisa, “Developmental Connections provides services for adults with developmental disabilities.
They have a day service center, retirement department, life skills and residential services.” Tyler shared, “Ipourlife is helping at risk youth and older foster youth learn life skills. Not just inspiring, but giving the youth tools to reach their potential and achieve their goals.” “Gift of Hope is a great nonprofit that isn’t as well SEE NONPROFITS, PAGE 4A
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...