Joe Roeger, representing the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, showed praise and appreciation to all of the monetary contributors and the local businesses donating materials and labor to make the project come to fruition.
“The Chamber is taking this opportunity to formally dedicate the Lake’s newest landmark to the people of the great state of Missouri and the millions of out-of-state visitors that will view our iconic monument each and every year,” Roeger said. “Everyone involved in this project should be proud of their participation. It is our belief that the welcoming monument will be a must-see landmark and create quite an interest in Lake of the Ozarks.”
Roeger stresses that the project is not yet complete. So far, 49 donors have contributed $42,000 to get the sign erected. However, another $8,000-$10,000 is needed to finish the multi-colored LED lighting to illuminate the sign in the evening – “possibly even red, white and blue for the Fourth of July,” Roeger said.
A local Boy Scout, Garrett Lynch, has taken on the responsibility of erecting a 40-foot flag pole and flag to accompany the landmark as part of his Eagle Scout project. He will handle the fundraising for the flag pole and see the project to completion.
Garrett stepped to the podium during the dedication ceremony. “For the past seven years I have been with the Scouting organization in Lake Ozark and over the last three years have been a Boy Scout with Troop 21,” Lynch said. “I selected this flag pole as my project to assist the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and provide an enhanced feature for the welcome sign. I believe this flag will convey our community support of our Veterans and those who are currently serving in the military, as well as symbolize our patriotic spirit.”
Lynch’s Eagle project will also include a time capsule to be opened in the year 2081 to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the Bagnell Dam.
Contributors to the flag-pole project will be allowed to designate an item to be included in the time capsule. If you would like to donate to Lynch’s project, call 573-365-5548.
If fundraising and progress allow, Roeger would like to see a lighting and flag-raising ceremony by the Labor Day Weekend.
The following contributors have already embraced the welcome-sign vision, stepping forward with cash, materials and labor:
No comments:
Post a Comment