Public Communications serves as a communications link between the city of Columbia’s municipal government and the citizens. The Public Communications Office coordinates several programs that are designed to link citizens with their city government.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Paula Hertwig Hopkins, Assistant City Manager - (573) 874-7214

Vision ‘connecting event’ coincides with First Night Columbia celebration

COLUMBIA, MO (December 30, 2008) - Sustaining and preserving cultural heritage will be the theme of the next “connecting event" for Columbia's Visioning process. The event will be held in conjunction with the First Night Columbia celebration, Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. near the First Night food court in the lower level of Stamper Commons on the Stephens College campus.

According to Assistant City Manager Paula Hertwig Hopkins, connecting events can illustrate how the Vision plan touches every aspect of the community. According to Hertwig Hopkins, the “Visions of Ragtime” display will feature Vision updates with emphasis on community efforts to preserve the home and Ragtime musical legacy of John W. "Blind" Boone. Local pianist Bob Ault will be playing live Ragtime music.

“Preserving, honoring and celebrating the cultural aspects of the community were important themes in the Vision plan, so it seemed fitting to have a Vision connecting event during First Night,” explains Hertwig Hopkins. “It is a great opportunity for people to learn about Vision goals and community actions, listen to great Ragtime music and still have plenty of time to enjoy First Night activities and entertainment.”

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