A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you. I hope your holidays were uneventful and rewarding for you and your families. I am excited about the possibilities for 2015. First, because of the opportunity we will have to share our message about ffam and the museum project at the grand opening of Fireman’s Landing at Silver Dollar City in Branson. It is going to be a wonderful and fun filled weekend, the grand opening is April 11. I still need letters of recommendation from your supervisor if you want to win a 2-night, 3-day trip to Silver Dollar City that includes 2 nights at a condo for you and your family near Silver Dollar City and meal vouchers for your time there as well as passes and recognition at the park.
Please mail your letter to: Ron Baker, ffam Museum Project, P.O. Box 245, Fulton, MO 65251. If you need more information, email me at ffammuseum@gmail.com or call me at 573-220-8344. Recommendation letters need to be to me by March 1.
See the insert in this newsletter for more information. We want a firefighter family from each of our 13 districts.
Some of the events occurring as a part of the grand opening include: a parade from the entrance to Fireman’s Landing led by the 1929 fire truck from the state fair; a see of blue at the church area; a honor guard of 20/colors; bagpipes and drums; the ringing of the bell with an explanation; a ribbon cutting for Fireman’s Landing with a fire axe; and much more.
You will also note in this newsletter an order form for purchasing a flag for the Firefighters’ Field of Flags at the memorial. I would like to challenge each department to purchase a flag to be posted with the others. Last year we had just over 50 flags posted, but would like to more than double that number this year. It really draws attention as people drive by on I-70, let your colors be seen!
For those in Mid-Missouri, we are scheduled to have a fund raising event at Texas Roadhouse in Columbia, Thursday, January 29. Individuals mentioning support for firefighters will qualify and 10% of their purchase will go to the museum project. If you live in the area, plan to come and be sure and tell your friends. Would be nice to pack that restaurant, and I’m sure they would like it too. We will be reaching out to other Texas Roadhouse locations during the year. If there is one in your area and you can help me, call or email me.
I am in the process of applying for some grants and renewing our participation with Missouri State Employee’s Charitable Campaign. If you know of corporations or groups we might talk to, contact me.
It is a privilege to be associated with firefighters all across Missouri. If you have suggestions, I am willing to listen. I need all of you to ‘get on board’ and help us raise the necessary funding to build our educational and preservation center.
Dr. Ron Baker
Director of Development/Public Relations
FFAM
