Newsmakers

Angela D. Smith, president and CEO of Adsmith Communications, attended a media conference in Louisiana held by the American Association of Advertising Agencies. Seminar topics included marketing to youth, targeting multicultural customers and improving communications planning.

Community

The National Arbor Day Foundation named Branson a Tree City USA for its 10th consecutive year. The city also was given the Tree City USA Growth Award, marking the seventh year in a row for progress in its community forestry program.

Springfield firefighter Julie Williams received the Robert E. Palmer Outstanding Service Award April 15. Williams, an 11-year veteran, was recognized for her efforts on behalf of the Greater Ozarks Area Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Missouri received a $3,751 grant from the Ozarks Health Advocacy Foundation, formerly known as Visiting Nurse Association. The grant funds will provide CASA staff time for ongoing training and volunteer support for Greene County’s Family Dependency Treatment Court.

Springfield Little Theatre received a $30,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to leverage an existing grant obtained by Congressman Roy Blunt for physical improvements to the Landers Theatre. The matching grant of $248,000 will be used to install an elevator and handicap-accessible restrooms on the third and fourth floors.

Developmental Center of the Ozarks received several grants to fund its therapy and early child care and education programs. McKesson Corp. gave $7,200 for the purchase of classroom chairs and playground and classroom equipment. BKD Foundation donated $10,481 to purchase new equipment, including therapy toys and medical supplies. Ozarks Health Advocacy Foundation provided DCO $2,605 to purchase therapeutic items.

Dentistry

Kelly Tillery and Janet Sell, two instructors from the Ozarks Technical Community College dental programs, were chosen to present continuing education courses at the Missouri Dental Assistants Association and the Kansas Dental Assistants Association Heart of America Dental Symposium July 28–31 at Chateau on the Lake Resort in Branson. Along with the education courses, the symposium will feature special events, vendor exhibits and meetings of the Missouri and Kansas dental foundation and the Missouri Dental Insurance Services Board.

Design

Buxton-Kubik-Dodd Inc. Interior Design and Architecture added two members to its staff. Jonathan Dodd joined the company as a partner and principal architect. Dodd has six years of experience in designing and planning for corporate offices, retail, industrial, recreation and higher education settings. Erin Cox, a magna cum laude graduate of Western Michigan University with experience in interior and exterior design, was named an interior designer.

Education

Myra Miller, a part-time faculty member at Drury University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Studies, received the Sue Rollins Educator of the Year Award. The award honors one graduate and continuing studies professor each year for outstanding service.

Evangel University Students In Free Enterprise was named a SIFE USA Regional Champion April 15 and was a finalist in the SIFE USA National Free Market Economics Competition. Evangel’s SIFE team will participate in the SIFE USA National Exposition May 22–24 in Kansas City.

Rhythm McCarthy, professor of theater and dance at Southwest Missouri State University, received an $8,000 award from Dance USA for the Ha’Shoa Dance Initiative Project. Ha’Shoa is a dramatic dance about the Holocaust.

Mehrdad Haghayeghi, SMSU professor of political science, will serve a three-year term on the Fulbright National Selection Committee on Islamic Civilization. Haghayeghi will evaluate applicants funded through Fulbright to study in Muslim countries for one year.

Springfield poet and author David Harrison will receive SMSU’s third honorary doctorate May 13. Harrison, who holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science, is a well-known advocate for children’s literacy, having developed and initiated several area programs to raise literacy awareness.

Insurance

Webb Edwards of AAA Insurance in Hollister received AAA’s 2005 Auto and Home Gold Seal Award. Webb was recognized for his consistent performance standards in property and casualty insurance services.

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