MAIN EVENT — Send off August by celebrating Difference Makers

As we wind down the month of August, school is back in session and there are some days that actually feel like fall.

In this week’s MAIN EVENT our big news is, of course, the Daily American Republic’s Difference Makers banquet.

This event is Aug. 29 at the Black River Coliseum. To date, we have honored more than 50 groups and individuals who make a difference every day in our communities.

We know that we’ve barely scratched the surface of all the good that is being done and are excited to honor a new group of 10 indivduals.

We will also name a Difference Maker of the Year on Aug. 29 from that group.

Our finalists are, in alphabetical order: Dr. John Blaich, Corretta Bishop, Amber Brown, Mike Fleetwood, Gina Ginocchio, Travis and Amanda Gowen, Laura McElroy, Michael “Mikey” McKuin, Rev. Sandra Mick-Shockey, and Chris Waite.

We have given away 400 free tickets for this event. We have a limited number of tickets remaining at a cost of $15 each. Tickets can be reserved by calling our office at 573-785-1414.

The evening will include speakers, a meal, recognition of our Difference Makers, and the donation of money raised for this year’s charity, Sleep in Heavenly Peace. To date, more than $50,000 has been given to local charities through Difference Makers.

We will also livestream our event that evening and have coverage in our Aug. 30 print edition.

Other events that will close out August include:

— Grand re-opening of Redman East Campground, 9 a.m. Aug. 28 WHERE Redman East Campground WHAT Following renovations, a grand re-opening ceremony will be held.

— Difference Makers Banquet, 6 p.m. Aug. 29 WHERE Black River Coliseum WHAT The Daily American Republic will host its sixth annual event honoring those who make a difference in their communities.

— Dala Horse Painting, 1 p.m. Aug. 31 WHERE Poplar Bluff Library, main branch WHAT Participants can paint their own Dala horse, a painted wooden horse originating in Sweden.

— Recovery Reunion Potluck Dinner, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 WHERE Westwide Church WHAT This Thanksgiving style meal celebrates faith and sobriety.

— Lively Stone Choir reunion and concert, 6 p.m. Aug. 31 WHERE Westwood Center WHAT Concert will be held at the Westwood Center, with a barbecue and rehearsal at 6 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Wheatley Pavilion.