Guitarist and Songwriter Tony Melendez to Perform
By: Ashley Bench

Tony Melendez, Christian guitarist/songwriter, will perform at College of the Ozarks on Tuesday, March 27, at 7 p.m., in the Jones Auditorium. Melendez composes and performs a variety of contemporary and traditional, instrumental and vocal pieces.

Melendez, known worldwide for his amazing talents, began composing music and playing the guitar at a young age. Born without arms, he taught himself to play the guitar with his feet and overcame all the odds. “His talent speaks to the glory of God,” says C of O sophomore Kait Varghese. “The fact that he is using his incredible talents as a witness shows that Christ truly gives us strength to accomplish the impossible.”

Melendez’s talents caught the attention of many, which gave him the opportunity to perform in various avenues, including two performances for Pope John Paul II. He became highly involved with the Church and thrives on sharing his faith with others through music ministry. Today he still composes and produces with his company “Toe Jam Music,” giving all the glory to God.

Students will be allowed priority seating for the event, but any seats left open will be available to the public free of charge. For more information, please call the Christian Ministries office at (417) 690-3446.

The Branson Arts Council Announces their Spring Art Camp for Kids

Calling all young artists, ages 5-12 years old, come join us for a half day Spring Art festival.
It will be Saturday March 31st 2012 from 1pm to 3pm. The cost will be only $15.00 per Artist.
We will be making lots of crafts and enjoying creating Art together!!! You can either stay with your child, or have 2 hours to spend to yourself! As always, we will be holding our classes at the Branson Community Center, 201 Compton Drive. Branson Missouri 65616
For more information call Bonnie at the Arts Council 417 336-2554.
The Branson Arts council is funded by the City of Branson and the Missouri Arts Council.

The Branson Arts Council presents their annual Fashion Show. This year it “Spring Fashion Show–celebrating 100 years of fashion”. There will vintage clothing as well as fabulous fashions from local shops and boutiques. As always there will be light finger foods and a cash wine bar. At the conclusion of the style show there will be a “live” auction for purses and baskets will with goodies (scarfs to jewelry to gift certificates). Be sure to bring a little extra spending money.

The Branson Arts Council presents “Spring Fashion Show–celebrating 100 years of Fashion
This Fundraiser is Sunday, March 25th, 2-4 pm at the Stone Bridge Village Clubhouse
Cost is $25
For more information or tickets: Touch of Class (417)334-0303 or the Branson Arts Council (417)336-4255.

College of the Ozarks Associates Luncheon
By: Chelsea Kliethermes

College of the Ozarks invites current Associates and those interested in becoming Associates to attend the next Associates Luncheon on Monday, March 26, at 11:30 a.m., in the Silver Dollar City Parlor of The Keeter Center.

The luncheon will include a buffet beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by a program at noon. During the program, the C of O landscaping department will share spring planting and lawn care tips.

College of the Ozarks Associates is an organization comprised of over 350 individuals and businesses committed to the furtherance of the College’s interests and its efforts to provide higher education for deserving young men and women.

The Associates seeks to advance the objectives of the College through friends and corporate relationships. The Associates not only recognizes the College’s unique contribution to higher education in the United States, but also the tremendous impact it has economically and culturally in the Ozarks area of southwest Missouri.

Luncheon cost is $15 per person. Please RSVP by Thursday, March 22, to the Development Office at 417-690-2209 or e-mail [email protected].

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES EXPANDS SERVICE IN BRANSON
AirTran Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines, will fly daily with non-stop service from Branson to Chicago and Houston with service beginning in 30 days.

BRANSON, MISSOURI (March 14, 2012) – AirTran Airways, which will be converted to Southwest Airlines over time, will begin daily nonstop service from Branson to Chicago and Houston starting April 16, 2012.

Chicago and Houston are major Southwest markets with connecting service to many great destinations. While the airlines’ networks are not connected at this point, both carriers are working together to publish the best flight schedule to places customers want to go. When the networks are connected, people traveling to and from these areas will have access to many more cities.

“These new daily flights to Chicago and Houston are very exciting because Chicago and Houston are large visitation markets for Branson” stated Executive Director, Jeff Bourk. “The great low fares that AirTran is offering on the Chicago and Houston routes, make getting to these cities easier and more affordable than ever.”
On January 20th, Southwest Airlines committed to serve Branson, Missouri. Southwest Airlines made the decision to serve Branson, Missouri and to convert AirTran Airways at Branson Airport to Southwest Airlines operations over time.
“We are committed to continuing to serve these communities—at first via AirTran, and eventually as Southwest. We know there are Southwest Customers who want access to these cities, but have never before had the opportunity, and the markets have long desired Southwest service,” said Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and AirTran Airways President Bob Jordan. “We are excited about the cities we have chosen to keep in our combined network.”

Branson Airport now has 9 non-stop destinations and one stop connecting service to most major cities in the United States. For a complete list of destinations available at the Branson Airport, visit www.FlyBranson.com.

About Branson Airport: Opening its doors May of 2009, Branson Airport LLC is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States. Branson Airport is currently serviced by Southwest Airlines/AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines. Located in the heart of the Ozarks and centrally located in the Midwest, the airport also boasts a state of the art FBO, Branson JetCenter and a full service travel agency, FlyBranson Travel. The Airport offers low cost service to over 100 destinations. For more information visit www.FlyBranson.com or call toll free 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541).

Correction from College of the Ozarks On Jazz Band Date
The Army Jazz Band from Fort Bragg, N.C., will perform at College of the Ozarks TODAY, Tuesday, March 13, at 7 p.m., in the Royal Oak Forum of The Keeter Center. At 11 a.m. today, the band will host a free jazz clinic open to the public in the Gittinger Music Center.

Help Still Available
Despite significant tornado damage to the building’s roof and windows, the Salvation Army’s Branson Corps at 1114 Stanley Blvd. is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to help those in need. The emergency food pantry is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The storm also destroyed their passenger van. If you need help, call 417-339-4434 or Maj. Robert Meyer at 417-331-0280. If you can provide help, call 800-725-2769.

Christian Press Donates Book Profits to Damaged Library
Sheaf House, a Nashville, Tenn. small press that publishes Christian titles, announced that through April 5, Oak Ridge Boys’ vocalist and author Joe Bonsall is donating royalties from direct sales of his book, “From My Perspective,” to the Taneyhills Community Library, which was damaged by the recent tornado. The library will receive $6.54 for each book sold directly. Books sold through retailers are not part of the program. Go to http://www.sheafhousedirect.com/inspirational.html.

Veterans Memorial Museum Open
Although the tornado lifted the P-1 airplane off the roof, the museum is open for business with no damages to the building and its collection of artifacts. It’s open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. They’re now working to restore the airplane. www.VeteransMemorialBranson.com. 417-336-2300.

Art Demonstration at Mount Pleasant Winery Saturday
Mount Pleasant Winery will host a live art demonstration from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 17. Watch Denver artist Don Barnes demonstrate his technique with palette knives to create stunning artistic effects in a work titled “Beautiful Sunrise.” Barnes’ work has been shown at galleries in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Texas. Wine will be sold by the glass. The Winery is at 3125 Green Mountain Dr. 417-336-9463. www.MountPleasant.com.

Storm Chasers Star at The IMAX
Sean Casey, popular star of The Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers, will make a special appearance with the Tornado Intercept Vehicle from 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 16, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, and Sunday, March 18. For each ticket sold to “Tornado Alley” during the three-day event, the IMAX Entertainment Complex will make a donation to Convoy of Hope. 417-335-4832. www.bransonimax.com.

Junior Auxiliary Trivia Event
Reserve a table now for this popular fund-raiser scheduled for 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, at the Pointe Royale Clubhouse. This year’s theme is “Guess Who’s Turning 100?” There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts including birthday cake and a cash bar.
Trivia consists of ten rounds of ten questions each with prizes for the top three table scores. Tables seat eight. Entry fee is $50 per person. JA’s services include scholarships for Taney County high school seniors, Santa’s Gift House, Prom Dress, Family Fun Walk and other projects to benefit children and families.
There will be door prizes, a silent auction and a raffle including two round-trip tickets on Air Tran and a $750 gift card. There also will be a “Wine Pull.” For $10 “pull” a bottle of wine from a selection ranging from $6 to $40 per bottle values. For reservations, contact Linda Lewis at 417-527-3963 or [email protected].

YMCA Weight Loss Challenge
Register before March 23 at the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA for the 12-week Weight Loss Challenge, and get a free t-shirt. Winners will be announced on June 22. Register at the Y or contact Monica Morris at [email protected] 417-337-9622.

Ride The Train
The Branson Scenic Railway has opened for the season with rides at 9 and 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dinner rides on Saturdays begin April 7. Trains leave from the 1905 depot in downtown Branson. Each restored car has a lot of history including the 60-seat “Silver Eagle” from the 1949 Texas Pacific Railway. The Railway also offers a 10-percent discount for AAA members. 417-334-6110. www.BransonTrain.com.

Easter Bunny Photos
Lori Larrimore with Branson Photo has a unique offer for Easter photos. Call for an appointment through April 7, and she’ll take a photo of your child with one of her pet bunnies, and the photos may be purchased in time to give at Easter, April 8. Cost is a $10 donation to Mothers of Preschoolers, an organization of the Branson First Baptist Church in Branson. 417-337-5747. www.BransonPhoto.com

Register To Win At Live Radio Broadcast from IMAX
Join KRZK 106.3 from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 17, as they broadcast live from the IMAX Entertainment Complex. From 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, register in person to win the “Dream Trip of a Lifetime” to the Academy of Country Music awards in Las Vegas on April 1. You also may register by listening to 106.3 for an invitation to call during a certain qualifying time period. 417-334-6003. www.KRZK.com.

19th Annual IMAX FilmFest
Through May 10, the 2012 FilmFest includes “To The Arctic,” “Rescue,” “Titanic – Ghosts of the Abyss,” “Tornado Alley” and “The Living Sea.” A different film shows every hour from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 417-335-4832. www.bransonimax.com.

Fund-raisers Planned
The Vietnam Veterans of America Ch. 913 of Branson plans two fund-raisers this year. The first is a Pig Roast on May 19 at the Lions Club Community Building on Mount Branson. The second is the Benefit Show on May 21 at the Hamner Barber Theater. For more information or to reserve tickets, call Ron Simmons at 417-251-0174 or President Bob Sarver at 417-294-0728.

Zumba And Swim Programs at the YMCA
The Ozark Mountain Family YMCA will host a Zumbathon from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on March 24. Cost is $10 with funds going to find a cure for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease.) Contact Janice at [email protected].
Also, register now for group and private swim lessons. Group lessons will be March 20 through May 8. Private 30-minute lessons also are offered for ages three through adults. Lessons are held at Oakmount Community Pool. Register at the YMCA or contact Monica Morris at [email protected] 417-337-9622.

Branson Community Connection
The local talk show about what’s going on in Branson airs at 6:30 p.m. on The Vacation Channel, Ch. 6 on the local cable network. March 15 through 28, guests include Ross Summers, President of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau; Peggy Golden, Ozarks Area Community Action Corp.; Nancy Town, Branson Professional Tour Guide Association and First Class Maid Jaynee of the Titanic Museum Attraction, previewing the new Unsinkable Molly Brown Gallery.

Branson Chamber Chatter is a free news service for members of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Email news to Kathryn Buckstaff, membership public relations manager. [email protected]. www.ExploreBranson.com. 417-334-4084.

BRANSON AIRPORT PREPARES FOR STORM SEASON WITH STATE WIDE TORNADO DRILL

BRANSON, MISSOURI (March 12, 2012) – In light of the recent tornado that swept through the Branson area on February 29th, the Branson Airport is now, more than ever, prepared for future severe storms. On Tuesday, March 13th at 1:30pm, tornado sirens will sound all across Missouri for the state wide tornado drill. At that time, Airport staff will participate in taking cover in the designated shelters and practice proper procedure for storm safety with airport passengers.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) explain that “Severe weather can strike at any time in Missouri, making it important for our communities to be prepared to take shelter in any location. The Statewide Tornado Drill is an excellent opportunity for Missourians to practice their sheltering plans and ensure readiness in the case of a severe weather emergency. The statewide drill allows schools, businesses and families to be assured that they are able to seek appropriate shelter quickly and safely prior to an actual severe weather emergency. By practicing and increasing readiness across the state, Missourians will feel confident and prepared in the event of actual severe weather emergencies.”

Branson Airport is proud to be a StormReady Supporter among others in Missouri including: Bush Stadium/ St. Louis Cardinals, FEMA Region VII Headquarters, KCTV5 (Kansas City), SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, and the St. Louis Zoo. “StormReady Supporters and StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through advanced planning, education and awareness. No community is storm proof, but StormReady can help communities save lives.”

Jeff Bourk, Executive Director of Branson Airport, stated “With the recent announcement on January 20th of Southwest Airlines committing to serve Branson, Missouri and to convert AirTran Airways at Branson Airport to Southwest Airlines operations over time; it will mean that more people will be using the airport for both business and leisure travel. This makes being prepared for a large scale disaster at the airport more important than ever.”

Branson Airport now has 9 non-stop destinations, including its newest daily service to Chicago and Houston. The airport also has one stop connecting service to most major cities in the United States via AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines. For a complete list of destinations available at the Branson Airport, visit www.FlyBranson.com.

About Branson Airport:
Opening its doors May of 2009, Branson Airport LLC is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States. The airport is served by AirTran Airways (a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines), Frontier Airlines and Branson AirExpress. Located in the heart of the Ozarks and centrally located in the Midwest, the airport also boasts a state of the art FBO, Branson JetCenter and a full service travel agency and public charter operator, FlyBranson Travel LLC d/b/a Branson AirExpress. For more information on Branson Airport LLC and any of its subsidiaries please visit FlyBranson.com.

ANDY WILLIAMS MOON RIVER THEATRE welcomes The Cat’s Pajamas

BRANSON, MO—Feb 2012—“The Cats Pajamas”, the high-energy vocal band begin their 2012 Branson season at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre on March 14th. “The Cats Pajamas” a cappella group returns after appearing on the national NBC show “The Sing Off” and being voted “Top Vocal Group In Branson” last Fall. The Cats have also appeared on “Oprah” and “America’s Got Talent” and head back to Branson after touring the country this Winter.

“The Cats Pajamas” Show includes many of their most popular songs from last season, plus much new material and some medlys that will definitely entertain! If you haven’t seen the show, imagine a group of guys using nothing but their voices, but sounding as though there is a complete band accompanying them! This is one show that you will not want to miss.

“The Cats Pajamas” opens their show on Wednesday, March 14th at 7:30pm. Their March schedule includes seven total shows March 14-23 all at 7:30pm. Starting in April, they will perform Wednesdays and Fridays at 2:00pm and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30pm at the Andy Williams Moon River Theater in Branson, Missouri. You can get more information at www.andywilliams.com

For more information, contact Morgan Manley at 417-334-1800 or [email protected]