For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. – Hosea 6:6
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June 20, 2025 • Volume 6, Issue #24
INSIDE: • Around Town.... 12A • Churches.......... 11A • Classifieds......... 10B • Food.................. 8B • Fun & Games.... 12B • Pets for Adoption �� 3A • Obituaries........ 10A • Weather........... 10A
PLUS:
Quilts of Valor volunteers hard at work (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)
Fundraiser helps provide future Quilts of Valor
Health dept. warns about pertussis – SEE PAGE 2A
Area Entertainment: John Ford Coley – SEE PAGE 6B.
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer On Friday, June 13, members of Quilts of Valor of the Ozarks (QOVO) gathered at the American Legion Post in Kimberling City for a day of sewing to raise funds for future veteran quilts. In collaboration with the national Quilts of Valor
Foundation, the Kimberling City event was a designated Take Five event. Each year during the week culminating in Flag Day, groups across the United States walk or run a 5K race and/or gather for a “Block Party” to make quilt blocks, asking family and friends to pledge a donation for the race or for
The
Freedom
Globe’s
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Freedom from Hunger. It is just a couple of weeks away and it’s your chance to help your neighbors in need. Freedom from Hunger, set for July 4, 5 and 6, is an initiative to help the area nonprofits provide food for those suffering from food insecurity. Created by the Branson Globe, Freedom
each block created during the sewing marathon. The local QOVO group created 252 blocks that day, with proceeds going toward purchase of fabric for quilts to be presented locally. Persons stopping by during the quilting event also had the opportunity to give a donation and sign a block
from
from Hunger is a community wide movement to provide financial support and nonperishable food items to our local food pantries to help out those who need it most this summer season. Local businesses are encouraged to hold food drives and collect monetary donations from customers, with all donations being divided between the Sal-
Hunger
vation Army and Christian Action Ministries. Both entities operate food pantries to help those in need. Businesses who do not come in contact with customers, as well as organizations and churches, are encouraged to hold fundraisers for Freedom from Hunger with the proceeds also being given to the two nonprofit organizations.
expressing their thanks and honoring a veteran. A Quilt of Valor is a quality, handmade quilt awarded to a service member or veteran as an expression of deep gratitude for their service to our nation. Quilts are an award, not a gift, and registered with the Quilts of Valor Foundation.
helps
QOVO appreciates the support for the Block Party and thanks the American Legion Post #637 for the use of their facility. For more information about QOVO and to nominate someone for a quilt, visit the Facebook page or email quiltsofvalorozarks@ gmail.com.
neighbors
Food insecurity affects many of our neighbors. The lack of food is often a more serious issue among families during the summer months, when children are not in school. This year, with nonprofit agencies facing funding cuts, the needs at these organizations is greater than ever. This is the way that we can help make the summer a little bit
in
need
better for those in need. We encourage each area business, organization and church to participate in Freedom from Hunger during the upcoming Independence Day weekend. If you have any questions or need ideas on how to make Freedom from Hunger work in your business or organization, please contact the Branson Globe.
Cooper honored at Branson City Council meeting BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Clay Cooper is the latest recipient of the Song of Hope Award. Cooper, a headline entertainer at his own popular Branson theater and a member of the Branson Board of Aldermen, was presented the award at the most recent city council meeting by fellow alderman Marshall Howden, founder of the Song of Hope movement.
“About 10 years ago when I became involved in local politics, I created an organization called Branson’s Song of Hope,” said Howden. “In that time, we’ve embarked on many initiatives to preserve the history of the live music shows in our community including the creation of a museum and neon sign graveyard. But one of the most lasting and important initiatives has been the annu-
al presentation of our Song of Hope Award, given every year to an individual or family who has spent a career advocating for Branson’s entertainment industry.” Previous recipients of the Song of Hope Award have been the Hughes Family and Jim Barber, among others. “Sometimes the inspiration for that year’s winner comes at unexpected times,” Howden continued. “Last month,
one of our aldermen gave a report about all he’s doing to bring some incredible names back to the Branson stage. And, sometimes the person you should honor with a recognition such as this is just pretty darn obvious.” Clay Cooper headlines the Clay Cooper Country Express Show at his own Branson theatre. Congratulations, Clay Cooper!
Cooper (FILE)
The Beck Museums of Branson Welcome You to...