Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce gathered for their monthly luncheon on Tuesday, September 10, at the Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge on Hwy. 160 east of Forsyth.
Following the opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, Chamber President Rose Backlin introduced guest speaker, Dr. Jeff Mingus, superintendent for the Forsyth RIII school district.
Dr. Mingus thanked the business community for their support of local schools, including facility improvements thanks to a recently-passed bond issue. The district’s size, and growing numbers of students, have meant increased need for a dedicated early childhood center to help ease the childcare burden for working parents; and construction is scheduled to start in November. The bond issue will also help provide an indoor multi-purpose facility, utilizing an existing concrete foundation. This building will alleviate frustrations for teachers and students alike when outdoor exercise is hampered by weather, and will allow the band, sports and JROTC to practice during inclement weather. The facility will also provide a much-needed community resource for large gatherings.
Other recent improvements include dedicated parking for high school students, helping relieve traffic congestion along Coy Blvd. into the main parking area.
Dr. Mingus thanked the Boys & Girls Club for stepping up their availability when the district adopted a four-day school week. That schedule helps with hiring and retention of qualified, experienced teachers, since it allows more time with their own families, and students themselves often seem more engaged after the longer weekends, especially if the weekend includes sports or other travel. He then highlighted recent student accomplishments, including those of Charleigh, a guest at the meeting along with her mom, Jayme.
Charleigh, a first grader at Forsyth Elementary, participated in the National American Miss competitions for Missouri in July 2023. NAM is a pageant system emphasizing development of real-world and leadership skills in young ladies. Luncheon attendees enjoyed hearing Charleigh present her personal introduction and a portion of her Target commercial, which earned her the Missouri prize for the Actress Competition. After also placing in Casual Wear and Heart of Service competitions, she advanced to national competition for 2023. As a service project, Charleigh volunteered with the Branson Veterans Task Force in honor of her late grandfather.
Chamber members enjoyed interacting with this amazing young lady, just one example of the potential of our area students.
Attendees also heard from last month’s luncheon sponsor, Cindy Kelly of Alive & Well Holistic Wellness Center, and dessert sponsor Grandpa’s Toolbox, whose owner Jeff McCotter is active in bringing the Highland Games and StrongMan competitions to Forsyth’s fall and spring festivals.
Rosie Robinson, director of September luncheon sponsor The Brook Wellness Center, then spoke to the group about the seriousness of drug and mental health problems even among children. She shared about the Marijuana Brief Intervention program, including the success story of a teen client who now helps other teens struggling with such issues.
The day’s final speaker was a representative of Cedar Creek Coffee, selected as Business of the Month in August, which supports people with developmental disabilities in Taney and Stone County. The meeting wrapped up with raffle items and a reminder to come out and enjoy the Harvest Moon Festival at Shoals Bend Park, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 5.
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