Celebrating a Year of Community, Planning, and Action
This September, Our Stone County hosted its first annual Community Shindig at New Testament Christian Church, a celebration of the people in Stone County and the collective work we all do to make the county a great place to live. More than 300 family members, neighbors, community organizations, businesses, and local leaders came from across the county for an evening of food, fun, and conversation.
Welcoming one of the newest members of Stone County Community to the Shindig.
Ronzo the Clown entertained families, the Kidz Zone featured a giant bounce house and slide, and guests stopped by the photo booth for a keepsake. Ma’s Place served up plenty of food, making sure no one went home hungry.
Ronzo the clown and an eager fan.
The Shindig was also an opportunity to connect residents with the people and organizations working to strengthen Stone County. Fifteen local governments, schools, nonprofits, health organizations, community groups, and public agencies hosted tables with resources, services, and ways for residents to get involved.
Guests gather information from the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Local elected officials also joined the festivities. Stone County Commissioner Hank Smythe, Branson West Mayor Nita Jane Ayres, Kimberling City Mayor Bob Fritz, Reeds Spring Mayor Barbara Hoke, Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader, and incoming Stone County Commissioner Kelly Power all joined in on the fun.
Bingo!
The Shindig also gave residents a chance to shape what comes next. After 18 months of community engagement, Our Stone County shared a sneak peek at the 204 potential project ideas residents have proposed to improve access to attainable housing, protect water quality and natural resources, and create more places to gather and connect. Participants then voted on their favorite short-term project in each area, helping turn community priorities into action.
Voting is underway.
And the winners are:
Stone County Water Festival: Annual one-day festival teaching youth about water, watersheds, water quality, and conservation through games, demonstrations, and experiments led by local water professionals and educators.
Free Well Testing and Water Safety Days: Convenient and free well testing for private well owners, in partnership with the Stone County Health Department.
Stone County Parks and Gathering Spaces Website and Map: An online resource and paper maps with parks, trails, waterfront access, recreation areas, events, community facilities, and other places to gather.
Home Help Repair Program: Annual one-day event offering free consultations with housing professionals, information from local housing organizations, and small grants for home repairs.
Our Stone County giveaways.
The Community Shindig marked an important milestone, but the work continues. Our Stone County will now work with the community to prepare for action. The full Action Plan will be published in November, bringing together near-term projects and longer-term investments in housing, water, and community spaces, along with a roadmap for moving them forward.
Learning more about proposed projects related to water in Stone County.
Thank you to everyone who came to the Shindig and to everyone who has completed a survey, attended an event, joined an Action Team, shared an idea, or helped a neighbor get involved. Together, we’re working to preserve what makes Stone County special while preparing for what comes next.
