Go fishing with Bass Pro, Cabela's
Johnny Morris, angler, conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops, is challenging families everywhere to get outside and enjoy the wonders of fishing and the great outdoors this summer with the Gone Fishing event.
To kick off the event, Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are donating more than 50,000 rods and reels to not-for-profit partners that help kids of all backgrounds connect to the great outdoors.
The ninth annual Gone Fishing event activities include gear donations, dozens of nonprofit partnerships and a variety of free in-store fishing and casting activities at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations on Sunday, June 16.
Since the program’s inception in 2015, Johnny, Bass Pro Shops andCabela’s have donated nearly 450,000 rods and reels to youth-focused nonprofit organizations across North America.
Families can share their kids’ favorite fishing photos for a chance to be featured on Bass Pro’s new Braggin’ Board. For more details, visit basspro.com/bragginboard.
Drury honors Distinguished Alumni
On May 11, Drury University hosted the 72nd Annual Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony for Alumni Weekend.
Founded in 1951, the Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize individuals who have achieved professional and personal successes and demonstrated exemplary service to their community.
Each alumni selected becomes a recipient for the Distinguished Alumni Awards under one of several categories:
The Lifetime Achievement, to the alumnus whose life and accomplishments have earned the respect of their industry, profession or community, went to Edwin “Cookie” Rice, class of 1952 and Wes Pratt, 1973.
Basil “Trent” Webb, 1989, was given the Career Achievement exceptional achievements in his professional endeavors, reflecting honor on the University and its alumni.
Michael “Mike” White, 1961, was given the Community Service award for serving his community in an exemplary way, sustaining a record of leadership and dedicated service.
Kelly Sitzman, 2010, was named the Young Alumni for accomplishments that set a standard for life-long excellence.
Lynn Chipperfield, 1973, was given the University Engagement award for extraordinary achievement in his personal and professional endeavors, with special attention to his exceptional service to the University.
Rita Baron, 1999, earned the Special Merit award for distinctive contributions to support the University, Alumni, and the Drury family in the preceding year.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards. Nominations received after March 1 will be considered for the following year.
LFCS seeks diaper donations
Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS),with offices in Springfield and elsewhere in Missouri, is seeking diaper donations amid a critical shortage depleting diaper banks across the state.
“In Missouri, rising diaper costs — often exceeding $100 a month — are forcing families to make a heartbreaking choice: buy diapers or put food on the table,” said Krista Adams, Regional Development Officer for LFCS in Springfield. "Diapers are not a luxury. They are essential for a child’s health and development.”
LFCS offices throughout Missouri are actively seeking diaper donations of all sizes and brands, including those your child no longer needs after outgrowing a size or potty training. LFCS is a partner in the Missouri Coalition of Diaper Banks, a statewide network that fights for diaper access for Missouri families. To make a donation, please contact Krista.Adams@lfcs.org or 417-427-6473. For more information, visit the LFCS website.
Branson church hosts VBS
Faith Lutheran Church in Branson is hosting a vacation Bible school June 28-30.
Outback Rock will include Bible-learning experiences that kids see, hear and touch, as well as team-building games, Bible songs and multisensory Bible adventures.
Free t-shirts for all and a light meal will be available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
VBS is for children entering re-K through 6th grade, with 7th-12th-grade students invited to serve as volunteers.
The program will be held 5:30-8:15 p.m. June 28,8:30-11:15 June 29, and 9-11:30 a.m. June 30. After breakfast on Sunday everyone is encouraged to stay for the final VBS program.
Register early atwww.faithbranson.orgor call 417-334-2469.
Faith Lutheran Church is located off the Cox Branson Hospital roundabout at 221 Malone Drive.
Elevate Life Thursday evenings
Elevate Branson invites the public to “discover the path to a more fulfilling life” by joining itsr Elevate Life program 6-8 p.m. Thursdays.
The first Thursday of each month participants will pack and deliver meals to weekly and extended stay motels. The rest of the Thursdays of each month Elevate Life offers a welcoming and inclusive environment. To explore life’s deeper questions and empowering each other to navigate through life’s challenges and joys.
A free meal and childcare provided. Call 417-239-7818 before 4 p.m. on Thursday to arrange transportation.
