Ozark Area Community Congress holds 39th session Sept. 28-30

The 39th annual Ozark Area Community Congress will meet Sept. 28-30 at Hammond Mill Camp, off Highway CC southeast of Dora. The event is described as “the first and longest-standing bioregional congression” for “all those who love and care about the Ozarks.”

The gathering includes workshops and presentations on ecologically related subjects plus campfires, music, poetry and readings, and homegrown Ozarks culture aimed at celebrating, appreciating and learning from “this phenomenal part of the Earth and each other,” according to a promotional brochure.

Registration fees of $50 for adults age 17 and older and $25 for those age 5 to 16 cover food, lodging and programs for all three days. Day rates may also be pro-rated for shorter stays. Pre-registration can be done at the OACC website: ozarkareacommunitycongress.org/event-registration 

The program includes both scheduled and spontaneous presentations. Scheduled topics include an Ozark healers panel,  a “Wellness in the Woods” talk by forest ecologist Rose-Marie Muzika and a kombucha-making demonstration by Mike Powers. OACC co-founder David Haenke of Brixey will share his vision of the ecological foundations for health. Attendees are invited to share updates about their work or ideas in a “state of the Ozarks” session. Tami Hale and Rickie Maples will talk about ecotourism and disaster recovery, and Gene Dunaway will lead a discussion about “preparing for illness and end-of-life caretaking of ourselves and each other.”

Joe Marschall will discuss fire’s historical and modern role in the Ozarks, Jamie Jackson will talk about using wild plants for health, and Mary Mike Taylor will talk about “green homes as healthy homes.”

Trish Mikkelson “seeks to inspire a vegan lifestyle,” and Richard Herman will speak on “his 18-year experience of forest gardening.” Caller Jim Hawkins will guide participants in “an energetic contra dance.” 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423