Veterans' Day Ceremony & Parade Recap

The Waynesville-St. Robert Area Chamber of Commerce and the cities of Waynesville and St. Robert hosted the 2024 Veterans' Day Ceremony and Parade on Monday, November 11th in Waynesville.
The Ceremony honored Robert Duke, the 2024 Veteran of the Year as well as all Veterans; the speakers were Senator Justin Brown, State Representative Bill Hardwick, Gene Newkirk, Pulaski County Presiding Commissioner, Sean Wilson, City of Waynesville Mayor, John Moore, City of St. Robert Mayor Pro Tem, and MG Christopher Beck, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood Commanding General. Mr. Duke was presented with a Proclamation from the Missouri Senate, a Resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives, and a flag that was flown over the State Capital Building. The Parade followed the ceremony starting at the Waynesville Middle School, turning right on Old Route 66, and ending in Downtown Waynesville.

Chamber Luncheon Sponsorship Lottery

At the November 13th luncheon, at the Ark Community & Sports Center, the drawing was held and sponsors assigned for the next calendar year.

The following businesses will sponsor 2025 Chamber Luncheons:

January - OTC Waynesville/FLW
Feburary - NextHome Team Ellis
March - Infuze Credit Union
April - Pulaski County Health Center
May - Waypoint United Methodist Church
June - Waynesville R-VI School District
July - Lowe Dreesen Miller, LLC.
August - Security Bank of Pulaski County
September - Waynesville-St. Robert Senior Center
October - Good Samaritan of the Ozarks
November - Paradise Deli & Ursula's Schnitzelhaus
December - CASA of South Central Missouri

November Quarterly +1 Chamber Luncheon

*Please remember to RSVP to help us plan effectively with our sponsors, caterers and hosts. If you do not receive a reminder email the Monday before the luncheon, you have not RSVP'd.

November 13th at 11:45 a.m., at The ARK Community Sports Center, catered by Vidies Catering. Our sponsor will be Compass Health Network. Bring business cards! RSVPs are required to attend. Please contact the Chamber Office to RSVP before 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 12th. Cost for luncheon is $20. Click Here to Register.

**Please note** The Chamber of Commerce is excited to have such a large number of its members attend monthly luncheons. Due to the large number of last minute Chamber luncheon attendees, a policy has been put into place by the Chamber Board of Directors. Anyone who responds after the RSVP cut-off time of 9:00 a.m. the Tuesday before the luncheon will be placed on a waiting list and notified if a seat becomes available.

Citizen of the Year Award Nominations being Accepted! Deadline Today

The Waynesville - St. Robert Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its annual Citizen of the Year Award to be presented at our Community Leadership Awards Banquet. From now until November 15, 2024 the Chamber of Commerce will be accepting nominations from Chamber members. A one page letter outlining the candidate’s qualifications and experience will comprise the formal nomination form, as well as a cover sheet including the following information: nominee’s name, home address, office address, home phone number, office phone number, sponsor, point of contact, day phone number, and a 150 word summary of the nominee with his/her photo.

The Citizen of the Year Award is meant to recognize a person who has performed outstanding and dedicated service to the community and/or towards helping others over time not for a particular year of service.

The individual nominated must have provided such service in the Waynesville-St. Robert area. Please mail your nominations to:

Waynesville-St. Robert Area Chamber of Commerce
137 St. Robert Boulevard Ste. B
St. Robert, MO 65584

Nomination Forms are available at the Chamber office and through the Chamber web site. If you have any questions contact the Chamber office at (573) 336-5121, or e-mail at chamber@wsrchamber.com.

Tell Your Story Thursday Coffee

Join the Chamber for Shop Small Business Saturday® on November 30th

Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Local Small Businesses by Hosting Small Business Saturday® Event in Waynesville and St. Robert with its endorsement of and participation in the eighth annual Small Business Saturday on November 30th. Created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide.

Celebrated every year, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the day has given small businesses across the country a huge boost. Recognizing the importance of supporting small independently-owned businesses in our community, the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce our support for Small Business Saturday. The community is encouraged to take part in our Small Business Saturday on November 25th. Stop by participating businesses to show your support of small businesses and pick up some Shop Small giveaways.

How to get involved:

Small Business Owners: Click Here to register or verify your business listing if you have participated before.

-Promote your business with free in-store signage,
sample social media posts and other marketing
assets from American Express
-Maximize your small business' exposure with free, personalized online advertising.
-Use our interactive map to find and rally other local small businesses in your area
-Learn more about how other small business owners have made the most of the day

Tell the Chamber! If your business is participating in Shop Small Business Saturday contact the Chamber and share what your business is doing and receive FREE promotional items (while supplies last). Deadline to sign up, and be listed on the Its All Here Local web site, is November 22nd.

The Chamber will promote all participating local businesses as well as list all special Small Business Saturday deals on www.itsallherelocal.com at no cost.

You will find the 2024 sponsorship opportunities link by selecting the icon above, please take a moment to review. There are many events/programs that can provide your business with advertising and promotional benefits. Submit your completed form to insure your investment with the Chamber. In the event we don’t receive your form we will be calling to verify your participation for the coming year.

Click Here for a schedule of 2024 Chamber events.

We understand that there are many ways to spend your advertising dollars; we hope you consider the Chamber when making your annual budgets. If you have any questions please give us a call at 573-336-5121 or send us an email to chamber@wsrchamber.com.

Submissions for Weekly Update

All submissions for the weekly update need to be sent in written format with a summary of information to include contact information (no flyers or PDF) by Thursdays at 3 p.m. Email information to chamber@wsrchamber.com. If you are interested in advertising with a PDF click here for additional advertising opportunities.

Request for Door Prize Items to be given at Command Orientation

The Chamber is represented every Thursday at Fort Leonard Wood's Command Orientation and gives welcome bags to all new incoming families. Organizations that participate give a door prize in the form of a gift certificate or goodie bag. We are requesting some gift certificates or promotional items that could be used to donate as the door prize. Please bring by your donation to the Chamber during business hours. We thank you for your continued support.

November Newcomer Spotlight

The Carey Heitman State Farm Insurance office is proud to serve St Robert, Waynesville, Fort Leonard Wood, and the surrounding Missouri areas with Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, Condo Insurance, Renter’s Insurance, Business Insurance, Boat Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, ATV Insurance, RV Insurance, Life Insurance and Financial Services, with a focus on resident relocations to Pulaski, Phelps, Texas and Laclede County area.

My team of licensed Insurance Professionals is here to help get you Insurance coverage for your specific needs. We are also able to assist small business owners with their Commercial lines of Insurance.

Give us a call at (573) 336-3990 today for a free Car Insurance, Home Insurance or Life Insurance Quote!

Visit www.careyheitman.com for more information.

Fort Leonard Wood Command Orientation
112 bags were handed out in October 2024.

If you haven't had a chance to bring promotional items to the Chamber to be put in Newcomer Bags, don't miss out! Newcomer bags are handed out every week to incoming permanent party service members arriving to Fort Leonard Wood. Bags are packed every Wednesday. Chamber members, take advantage of this free opportunity!

The Chamber volunteers hand out bags each Thursday to all new permanent party and families arriving. Newcomer Materials can be brought to the Chamber Office every Tuesday to be included. We are handing out between 30-40 bags a week. This is an exclusive benefit to Chamber members only.

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

Ribbon Cutting for Bomgaars - November 15th at 10 a.m. for their re-grand opening at 110 CW Parker Ave. in Waynesville.

Ribbon Cutting for Pulaski County Group Home - November 22nd at Noon at 307 Keeth Rd. in Crocker.

Ribbon Cutting for The Place for You - December 10th at 1 p.m. at 25330 Republic Rd. in Waynesville.

Second round of applications opens for the National Trust's grants for Route 66 businesses

Please find information below and at this link https://savingplaces.org/preserve-route-66-legacy-business-grant-fund, regarding the 2nd round of Route 66 grants available through the National Trust for Preservation. Application deadline is January 9, 2025.

Pulaski County Tourism Bureau Wins 2024 Marketing Campaign Award

Kansas City - During the 2024 Missouri Governor's Conference on Tourism, the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau was honored with the 2024 Marketing Campaign Award for its successful integrated marketing campaign, which led to increased tourism and economic benefits for the region.

The Pulaski County Tourism Bureau was recognized for employing innovative marketing strategies and reaching out to promising new markets. This approach allowed them to promote their destination to a much wider audience. The campaign highlighted the county's scenic river ways, shopping, dining, history, events, and its connection to Route 66, in anticipation of the iconic highway's centennial anniversary in 2026. As a result, the bureau experienced significant increases across all key metrics....Learn More

View video regarding Marketing Campaign

eGuidon

More stories are at https://www.army.mil/paowood.

Past issues of the eGuidon can be found at https://home.army.mil/wood/index.php/Garrison/pao/eguidon.

WCC culinary arts team takes 3rd at World Food Championships

Waynesville Career Center culinary arts students received 3rd place in the bacon category in the World Food Championships - the highest a WCC team has ever placed in the international professional food competition.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at the event in Indiana.
Led by the Culinary Arts Instructor Jon Dye, Waynesville High School students Antonio Villalobos, Emily Shempert and Alex Allen took 3rd with their dish American Bacon Bombs, which is described as a celebration of all things American: bacon, steak, habanero and jalapeño peppers, horseradish and American honey topped with fried onions.
"They had some big obstacles and worked as an amazing team. I am so proud of not only how our students placed, but how they represented our community," said Chef Dye. "They met professional chefs from around the world and had a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity."

Morse named delegate to Congress of Future Medical Leaders

Andre Morse, a sophomore at Waynesville High School, has been selected as a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders to be held on June 25-27, 2025, just outside Boston, on the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus.

The congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. The purpose of this program is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country interested in medical careers to stay true to their dream and, after the congress, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.

Morse's nomination was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists to represent Missouri, based on his academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.

During the three-day congress, Morse will join students from across the country to
" hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science recipients discuss leading medical research
" be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school
" witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles
" be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies
" learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology

"This is a crucial time in America when we need more doctors and medical scientists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially," according to the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. "Focused, bright and determined students like Andre Morse are our future and he deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give him."

The academy offers free services and programs to students who want to become physicians or go into medical science. Some of the services and programs the Academy offers are online social networks through which future doctors and medical scientists can communicate; opportunities for students to be guided and mentored by physicians and medical students; and communications for parents and students on college acceptance and finances, skills acquisition, internships, career guidance and much more.

Based in Washington, D.C., and with offices in Boston, Mass., the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists was chartered as a nonpartisan, taxpaying institution to help identify, encourage and mentor students who wish to devote their lives to the service of humanity as physicians and medical scientists. For more information visit www.FutureDocs.com.

Seeger Toyota donates to Snack in a Pack

Seeger Toyota of St. Robert donated $1,700 to Snack in a Pack on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Members of the community were able to test drive a vehicle during a promotional event in September, resulting in donations being made toward the Snack in a Pack program.

Volunteers wanted for Partners on Patrol at 6-12th grades

The Waynesville R-VI School District is seeking volunteers for its Partners on Patrol program, which is modeled after "Dads on Duty" programs.

"It makes me feel better to know that while I'm in class learning, someone is walking in the hallway and looking around, keeping an eye on things," said one sixth grader on Nov. 4, 2024.

A partner on patrol is an adult community member who:

• provides a positive influence to help create a safe school environment
• increases visibility and adult presence
• provides encouragement while assisting with supervising students

"Partners on Patrol also serve as positive role models who help promote the growth, well-being, and academic success of our students, while adding one more layer of safety for our students," said Superintendent Hilary Bales. "Parents and community members are invited to become Partners on Patrol."

A Partner on Patrol spends at least one hour each week being a positive presence in the hallways at Waynesville Sixth Grade Center, Waynesville Middle School, and/or Waynesville High School while assisting with supervising 6th - 12th grade students between classes. Partners on Patrol do not replace principals or school resources officers, but instead deliver big smiles, dispense positive affirmations, and perhaps share a few corny jokes while increasing adult visibility and presence.

Volunteers who are interested in becoming a Partner on Patrol should complete the Google Form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/.

Partners on Patrol volunteers must complete a background check (the form is available for download at https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/f. Background check forms are also available at schools and at the Administration Building. Once approved, partners on patrol will attend a brief training session and then pick a time to be present for at least one hour each week.

For more information about the program, please email community@waynesville.k12.mo.us or call 573-842-2250.

Preschool screenings to be held Nov. 19

Screenings for preschool children ages 3, 4 and 5 (not in kindergarten) who live in the Waynesville R-VI School District are now being scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Williams Early Childhood Center, 12225 Pulaski Avenue, Fort Leonard Wood. To schedule a screening, please call 573-842-2650.

Williams Early Childhood Center's preschool program consists of PACE and ECSE. Both are free for Waynesville R-VI residents who are admitted to the program. A student may be selected to attend either a morning (AM) or afternoon (PM) session.

For more information about the PACE program, please go to https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/wecc/page/pace-preschool.

For more information about the ECSE program, please go to https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/wecc/page/early-childhood-special-education.

Weigelt named WHS Rotary Student of the Month for November

Brayden Weigelt, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for November 2024. He is the son of Zachary and Amy Weigelt.

Weigelt is involved in soccer, track, cross country, theatre, Beta Club, National Honor Society, Freshman Mentor Program and Student Government Association.

His nominator stated, "Brayden is a hard-working student. He is involved in soccer, cross country, theatre, outside activities, and taking a full load of courses. He puts forth 100% into each and every thing he does. He is always smiling and encourages others around him. He is very respectful and does everything asked of him. He doesn't ask for any recognition and yet deserves so much for how hard he works. As a lead in our fall production, he was able to balance everything and still shine. I appreciate everything he has done."

Weigelt carries a rigorous academic load. He has taken nine Advanced Placement courses, so far scoring a qualifying score on all of his assessments. He has a SAT score of 1470 and a GPA of 4.234. He plans on pursuing a career in civil engineering. As of today, Purdue University is the front runner for him to attend.

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Salvation Army Bell Ringing

We are reaching out to our valuable community partners as bell-ringing season will be starting soon! We are inquiring if you, your family, or group are still interested and available to help with this season's bell-ringing? We are coordinating once again for Walmart, PriceCutter, Richland and Dixon locations. The hours for bell-ringing are 9am till 8pm at the Wal-Mart and PriceCutter locations with the last open shift being at 7pm. Country Mart in Dixon and Town and County in Richland is 9am-8pm. The first day of bell-ringing is Saturday November 16th and the last day is December 24th at Wal-Mart. Bell-Ringing is open Monday- Saturday at Walmart. Bell-ringing at PriceCutter is Thursday November 28th till Saturday December 21st. Thursday and Friday November 28th and 29th as well as Saturday the 30th, 7th and the 21st have already been filled. County Mart and Town and Country start on Saturday November 23 and end on Tuesday December 24th. Bell ringing is open Monday-Saturday in these locations.

Let us know if you are interested in ringing on any of these days the times and we will be glad to schedule you! You can also register and sign up thru the updated Pulaski County Salvation Army website Pulaski County Salvation Army - Doing the Most Good for 50 Years
under the Volunteer Tab. This is new this year and allows you to see in real time what spots are still open at all locations. You are also still welcome to contact us back and we are happy to assist you! Our local chapter is celebrating 50 years of doing the Most Good in Pulaski County!

We thank you so much for partnering with us to help our friends and neighbors throughout the year and the Holiday Season.

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Pulaski County Flood Damage Assessments

Damage assessments are currently underway in response to the recent flooding in Pulaski County. If your residence or business sustained damage during the November 2024 flood, complete the Pulaski County COAD online damage assessment form by clicking the link at https://forms.gle/CtT9r9psBsWpXSCN6. For a printable form, or to submit photos of flood damage, please email the Pulaski County COAD at Pulaskicoad@gmail.com.

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Nonprofit Security Grant Program National Security Supplemental NOFO

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program – National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS) supplements one of three grant programs that support DHS/FEMA’s focus on enhancing the ability of state, local, tribal,
and territorial governments, as well as nonprofits, to prevent, protect against, prepare for, and respond to terrorist or other extremist attacks.

There are two funding sources appropriated for nonprofit organizations:

1) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) - Urban Area (NSGP-UA): NSGP-UA funds nonprofit organizations located within FY 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)-designated high-risk urban areas. Eligible applicant criteria is listed here.

2) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) - State (NSGP-S): NSGP-S funds nonprofit organizations located outside of a FY 2024 UASI-designated high-risk urban area. Under NSGP-S, each state will receive a target allocation for nonprofit organizations located outside of FY 2024 UASI-designated urban areas. Eligible applicant criteria is listed here.

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Waynesville-St. Robert Senior Center Weekly Menu November 18-22

All are welcome to join us for lunch!

Weather may make changes to menu, please call if you are not sure we are open or if you have questions (573) 774-2668. You can also tune into to KJPW 102.3 FM for updates.

Lunch served Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

November 18 - Fish Patty, Bun, Baked Potato, Garden Salad

November 19 - Baked Ham, Roll, Scalloped Potatoes, Coleslaw

November 20 - Meatloaf, Roll, Mashed Potatp w/ Gravy, Peas, Salad

November 21 - Baked Chicken, Stuffing, Mac & Cheese, Green Beans

November 22 - Ham & Beans, Cornbread, Spinach, Diced Onions, Fruit Cocktails

**All meals served with Milk & Dessert

Join us for Trivia every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. and/or BINGO every third Thursday at 12:30.

We also offer cards, games and crafts.

We are always looking for volunteers!

Breathe Big! A Lung Cancer Prevention Event

Phelps Health and the Siteman Cancer Network are hosting a lung cancer prevention event. Walk through giant inflatable lungs, learn about lung cancer prevention and early detection, grab coffee and a giveaway item!

When: Wednesday, November 20: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Where: Phelps Health Waynesville Medical Plaza, 1000 GW Lane Street, Waynesville

(The event will be held outside. In case of bad weather, check Phelps Health's Facebook page for an inside location.)

For questions, please call (573) 458-7469. We hope to see you there!

COMC Dental Expansion Open House

On November 22nd from 11am - 1 pm, tour their new facility & learn about new Detal Urgent Care! No RSVP is required. Located at 1652 N Business Hwy 5, in Camdenton. Conatct blinch@centralozarks.org.

Still Useable Ministries Grocery Giveaway

Saturday, November 23rd at 8 am, Still Useable Ministries will be holding a grocery giveaway at 956 Old Route 66 in St. Robert. A max of two families per car, enough for 150 families!

For more information, please call Youth Pastor Toni Shoulders at (254) 383-1482.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner at The ARK

This Thanksgiving dinner is free and open to the entire community! On November 28th from 12-2 pm at 25625 Hwy 17 in Waynesville.

CASA of South Central Missouri's 8th Annual Festival of Trees; A Cozy CASA Christmas

December 7th at 5:30 pm, located at the Innovation Lab in Missouri S & T, 650 Tim Bradley Way, in Rolla. Join them for drinks, tasty eats, live entertainment, an auction, and more!