By: Chelsea Kliethermes

College of the Ozarks will kick off its 2012 Homecoming celebration, themed “Focused on Opportunity,” Thursday, November 1. Events run through Sunday, November 4. Alumni and the public are invited to participate in and/or observe many activities, including a 5K run/walk, basketball games, student activity booths and the C of O Homecoming Parade.

“The concept behind ‘Focused on Opportunity’ is to remind alumni of the wonderful opportunities they had as students,” said Director of Alumni Affairs Angela Williamson. “Through the work program, classes, and all of the opportunities the college offers, students are better equipped to face the world outside the campus Gates of Opportunity.”

The C of O Lady Bobcats will take on Baker University, Fri. Nov. 2, at 7 p.m., in the Keeter Gymnasium. The C of O Men’s Basketball Team will play Graceland University, Saturday Nov. 3, at 3:15 p.m., in the Keeter Gymnasium. The public is invited to attend both of these games; tickets may be purchased at the box office.

Events on Saturday, Nov. 3, such as the 5K Run/Walk at 7 a.m. and the student activity booths open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., are open to the public. The 5K entry fee is $20, and applications are available at www.cofo.edu/alumni. For questions on the run/walk, please contact Assistant Professor of Physical Education Don Hoeck at (417) 690-2571.

Those who cannot attend the morning Homecoming events are welcome to come to the Homecoming Parade. The parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, and will take place along Opportunity Ave.

“We look forward to the homecoming activities each year,” said sophomore business major Nicole Dilg. “Not only does it allow us to spend time with friends, but is an opportunity to reminisce with C of O Alumni.”

For more information regarding the Homecoming 2012 events, please contact the College of the Ozarks Alumni Office at (417) 690-2208. To see a complete list of events for Alumni, visit www.cofo.edu/alumni

2012 Homecoming Schedule of Events
“Focused on Opportunity”

Thursday, November 1
6 p.m. Bobcats vs. University of Saint Mary, Keeter Gymnasium
8 p.m. Homecoming Queen Coronation, Jones Auditorium

Friday, November 2
7 p.m. Lady Bobcats vs. Baker University, Keeter Gymnasium

Saturday, November 3
7 a.m. 5K Run/Walk, Keeter Gymnasium
10 a.m. Student Activity Booths Open, Activities Field
1 p.m. Alumni Memorial Service, Williams memorial Chapel
2 p.m. C of O Parade, Opportunity Ave.
3:15 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Graceland University, Keeter Gymnasium

Sunday, November 6
11 a.m. Chapel Service, Williams Memorial Chapel

Branson, MO – Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex will kick off “Think Pink”, a fundraiser and series of events in conjunction with the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO), on Saturday, October 20th, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.

“October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in addition to awareness, IMAX wanted to help raise funds that would directly benefit breast cancer survivors of the Ozarks. We’re inviting everyone out to the Complex for a special ‘Pink Ribbon Cutting’ at noon on Saturday,” says Tom Forster, Director of Marketing for Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex. “We’ll be debuting our ‘Think Pink – Discounts for Donations’ fundraiser card and be making a few special announcements about an exciting partnership with BCFO.”

Starting on Saturday, visitors of the IMAX Complex will be able to make a $2 donation to BCFO in return for a pink BCFO bracelet and a “Think Pink – Discounts for Donations” fundraiser card allowing the bearer numerous discounts throughout the IMAX Complex and other Branson businesses through November 4th.

The “Think Pink – Discounts for Donations” fundraiser card will include the following discounts:

15% Off Food at:
• McFarlain’s Family Restaurant
• The IMAX Food Court
• Montana Mike’s Steakhouse, 76 & 248 locations
• Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano

15% Off Shopping inside the IMAX Complex at:
• Legacy & Legend Gifts
• The Shadow Box
• Fabulous Finds Jewelry
• Ozark Mountain Clock Shop

Free Small Popcorn with the Purchase of a Drink at:
• The IMAX Concessions
• Branson Meadows Concessions

Buy ONE, Get ONE 1/2 Price on:
• Giant Screen IMAX Adventures
• Live Shows in the Little Opry Theatre

“BCFO is excited to partner with IMAX to reduce the burden of breast cancer on families in the Ozarks,” says Crystal Webster, Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. “The proceeds raised will stay in Stone and Taney county to pay household bills for those in treatment for breast cancer and to provide free screening mammograms for the uninsured.”

Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks is a local 501(c) 3 not-for-profit. BCFO is an organization of people reaching out to friends and neighbors who have been affected by breast cancer. BCFO offers personal support and comfort in real and practical ways. For more information regarding BCFO please contact (417) 862-3838 or online at www.bcfo.org.

For more information about Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex go online to www.bransonimax.com, for more information about Branson IMAX Events, visit IMAX’s Facebook Events Page!

School and community leaders, student volunteers, and local recyclers celebrated the Grand Opening of the EarthWise Recycling Center, a community-supported non-profit organization, at their location on the Reeds Spring High School campus. In addition, representatives from the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce performed a ceremonial ribbon cutting to commemorate the occasion.

The EarthWise Recycling Center was developed by the Stone County Legacy Catalyst Team, a group of local citizens who are passionate about finding creative ways to pass on the core values of the area—our “Ozark Mountain Spirit.” One of those deeply-held values is the desire to ensure a preferred future for the next generations, which includes a commitment to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

“I believe that people in general have become more environmentally conscious. They see the benefit of protecting the environment and realize the economic benefits that result from recycling programs,” said Sue Noel, Legacy Catalyst Team member. “The EarthWise Recycling Center is a wonderful learning facility right here in our community that will allow us to pass on the area’s legacy of natural beauty and environmental sustainability to the next generations.”

Community partners, including the Reeds Spring School District, are excited about the opportunity EarthWise will allow for educating and training area youth about the benefits of recycling. Reeds Spring High School students will be involved in EarthWise in a variety of ways including designing the logo and promotional posters, as well as volunteering at the center. On Saturday, a group of students from the Book Club donated their time.

Students at Reeds Spring High School are already familiar with recycling efforts within their school building, such as paper and plastic bottle collection, but school officials hope that the presence of EarthWise on their campus will increase awareness of and participation in recycling. “Ultimately, we’d like to see students not only participating in our in-school recycling programs, but also encouraging their families to bring recyclable products to EarthWise on our high school campus on Saturday mornings,” said Steve Levingston, Reeds Spring High School principal.

Brent Wolff, who recently moved to the area, has brought a load of recycling to EarthWise on each Saturday since its soft opening on September 22, and Saturday’s Grand Opening was no exception. “Recycling is a way of life for me. I believe that I’ve got to do my part to keep recyclable trash out of landfills,” said Wolff.

Also in attendance at Saturday’s Grand Opening was Northern Commissioner, Jim Huy, who is a passionate advocate for recycling programs elsewhere in the county, including those in Cape Fair, Kimberling City, and Galena. “I am really happy to see EarthWise open in Reeds Spring, and I encourage our citizens to utilize the facility,” said Huy. “This is a real resource for the area and illustrates the larger commitment to recycling we are seeing throughout the county.”

Stone County Presiding Commissioner Dennis Wood, who is also an Ozark Mountain Legacy Board member, attended the Grand Opening as well. “It has been great to watch the folks work together for a common cause,” said Wood. “Stone County people have always shown concern for the environment, and EarthWise is a continuation of that priority. I am proud to be a part of this effort.”

EarthWise will be open on Saturday mornings from 8:00 a.m. until noon and will accept all standard recycling items including cardboard, plastics #1-5, steel or tin cans, mixed paper, and magazines.

“Now that we’re up and running, we want to encourage more people to get involved,” said Korina Branson, Legacy Catalyst Team member. “The fact that EarthWise is in the center of the county makes it even easier for Stone County residents to start recycling.”

For more information about the Ozark Mountain Legacy initiative, contact Ozark Mountain Legacy at (417) 598-1314, or visit www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org.

You love The Texas Tenors. You love to shop. Combine your love and get a FREE Tanger Club One-Day Shopping Pass.

Purchase an adult ticket to any Starlite Theatre show and receive a Tanger Club One-Day Shopping
Pass good for a free coupon book that includes several of the brands and designers at Tanger Outlets Branson.

3115 W Hwy 76 Branson, MO 65616
866-991-8445
www.starlitetheatre.com

The convocation featuring author and co-founder of Wellspring International Naomi Zacharias scheduled for October 22, at 7 p.m. has been canceled, due to unforeseen circumstances.

Instead, the Christian convocation that evening will feature C of O students leading a worship service to kick-off the campus “Mission Emphasis Week.” The worship service, which is open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. on October 22, and will be held in Jones Auditorium.

C of O alumnus and Bridge of Faith Church Pastor John McGwire also will share during the worship service.

For more information, please contact the Christian Ministries Department at (417) 690-3446.

Branson Country USA with Special Guest Kathy Eckhert – October 12, 2012

Branson Country USA is co-hosted by Grand Country nuts, Jamie Haage, as Jim Dandy, and Mike Patrick! With a rotating roster of talent, the show features special guest stars from the rich Branson entertainment industry. From celebrities such as Mickey Gilley and Roy Clark to the up-and-coming stars of tomorrow, the weekly line-up is always a hit!

Audiences also enjoy the incredible voices of Jackie Brown, Melody Hart and the power harmonies of New South, both weekly regulars on the show. The entire show is backed by the dynamic Grand Band.

Recorded LIVE on Friday night at 10:30 PM
This show is broadcast on radio stations around the country.
Airing Saturday nights at 7:00 PM on KRZK – 106.3 in Branson, MO.
And Sunday nights at 9:00 PM. on KHOZ – 102.9 in Harrison, AR.

You can also listen via the internet. www.bransoncountryusa.net
Show airs at 7:00 PM (cst.) – Every Saturday Night

Grand Country Music Hall
1945 W. 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65616
417-335-2484 – Reservations
417-336-5829 – Fax

Branson, MO ~ Award-winning actor Muse Watson, also known as “Mike Franks” to his thousands of fans, will take the stage at the Starlite Theatre on November 5th to perform an all-inspiring rendition of The Battle Hymn of the Republic, accompanied by the Jerry Ford Big Band Orchestra. As part of the citywide Veterans Day celebrations, the Starlite Theatre will host the USO-canteen-style show, produced by Brenda Meadows, an Army veteran who toured Vietnam in 1968 as an USO performer, and sponsored by Branson Veterans Task Force. Watson will join an all-star lineup in Vets for Vets that will feature many of Branson’s top performers, including Jeanna Kilbane, Army veteran Eddie Stovall and The Platters, award-winning pianist Dino , special guest Eddie Beesley, who lost his legs in 1965 while serving in Chu Lai, Vietnam and many more. Watson’s two brothers served in the Air Force.

This is Watson’s second-year to be in Branson during Veterans week. Last year, Watson spoke at the unveiling ceremony for The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at The Welk Theatre and dedicated an American flag to the Branson Veteran’s Task Force. Watson will again be riding alongside Branson Veteran’s Task Force Chairman Ernie Bradley in the 79th annual Veterans Day Parade.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Veterans’ week than with the men and women whose sacrifices make it possible for the rest of us to have the freedom to live our lives….. states Watson ——- ”

Vets for Vets producer Brenda Meadows remembers how important these shows were to men and women during active duty.

“Muse has two brothers who served in Vietnam, so he knows how important entertainment from “home” was to them”, states Meadows. “We are so excited about Muse joining us. He’s so talented vocally as well as has a great deal of heart and gratitude for those who served in the U.S. military. We have adopted him as an honorary vet!”

Vets for Vets is free to veterans and immediate family members.
@ The Starlite Theatre on November 5th, 5-7:15pm. For more information call 866-991-1982

Watson will open his second-year engagement at the Starlite Theatre, starring in A Christmas Snow LIVE November 1st through December 8th.

About Muse Watson: Equally comfortable on the theater stage as he is in front of the camera, Muse Watson first gained notice with several strong performances on stage that helped pave the way for a feature film and television career. His diverse roles in Sommersby, Something to Talk About, Assassins, & Rosewood brought him mainstream recognition but it was the villainous “Ben Willis” in the trendy thriller I Know What You Did Last Summer films and From Dusk Till Dawn 2 that propelled him in the limelight as a chameleonic actor. He made equally impressionable appearances in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Sundance Film-Festival award-winner Songcatcher, challenging himself by playing unique characters. He co-starred with Samuel L. Jackson in the recently released Meeting Evil and in the soon to be released horror film, Compound Fracture, that stars three of that genre’s most iconic characters, Watson (Ben Willis in I Know What You Did Last Summer), Tyler Mane (Michael Myers in Rob Zombie’s Halloween), Derek Mears (Jason Vorhees in Friday the 13th).

Transitioning to the small screen, Watson delivered stellar performances in several made-for-television movies including Blind Vengeance and Justice in a Small Town; and the television series, American Gothic, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, Matlock, The Lazarus Man, JAG, Walker Texas Ranger, Ghost Whisperer, CSI, and The Mentalist. Going on to land his most notorious TV roles as “Mike Franks” in the award winning drama NCIS and Charles Westmoreland in the Emmy & Golden Globes nominated & People’s Choice Awards – winner Prison Break. www.MuseWatson.com

About the Starlite Theatre: The 880-seat Starlite Theatre is conveniently located on Highway 76 near the Titanic and features Branson’s only five-story glass atrium with 19,560 feet of glass. Inside, Starlite’s state-of-the-art stage is the perfect venue for some of Branson’s most popular and interactive shows. For ticket information call the Starlite Theater at 866-991-1982 or visit www.StarliteTheatre.com

Branson, MO – October 9, 2012 – Thirty student leaders from across Stone and Taney Counties convened last week at Silver Dollar City for the second session of the new Legacy Youth Institute (LYI), a leadership and mentoring program designed to equip young leaders to pass on the area’s “Ozark Mountain Spirit” to future generations.

Each of the Legacy Youth Institute’s six sessions explores a different core value of Ozark Mountain Country—Faith, Family, Friends, Flag, and ensuring a preferred Future. In last week’s session, the focus was on Family. Jim Brawner, President of Team Barnabas, equipped students with tools to build their own healthy family relationships. Sue Head, Dean of Character Education at College of the Ozarks, challenged students to consider their current and future roles in shaping a culture of character in Ozark Mountain Country.

“I never realized until now that you could create your own culture,” said Galena High School student Parris Mayhood. “I always thought you just had to deal with what you had.” Encouraging students to believe in the power of their own influence in the community is one of the primary goals of the Legacy Youth Institute.

Students also heard from Silver Dollar City’s co-founder, Peter Herschend, whose story is characterized by a passion for and commitment to promoting a family-friendly culture of entertainment in Ozark Mountain Country. Over the years, Herschend has preserved the family-friendly culture of the area even as his company’s entertainment offerings have expanded. He has also actively encouraged others to commit to do the same. Today, hundreds of area businesses and organizations consistently provide a family-friendly experience for both local residents and the millions of tourists who visit the area each year.

“The legacy of the Herschend family, and other passionate community leaders, reflects an Ozark Mountain Country that works together to intentionally preserve the family-friendly values of our area,” said Jory Rolf, Executive Director of Ozark Mountain Legacy. “We hope that LYI students will realize that as future leaders of the community, they can choose to continue to preserve and influence our family-friendly culture.”

Legacy Youth Institute students were greatly encouraged by what they heard. “It’s cool how regular people can do really great things,” said Hurley High School student Jacob Ray. Fellow student Alie Lawrence said, “I’ve liked hearing about how people are so interested in the community. It makes me want to be the same way.” And, like so many students’ impressions of their experiences with LYI so far, Lawrence concludes, “Being a part of the Legacy Youth Institute has made me feel honored to be a part of this community.”

The next session of the Legacy Youth Institute, which will focus on the area’s commitment to “Champion Friends,” will be held on Wednesday, November 7. For more information about the Legacy Youth Institute, please contact Ozark Mountain Legacy at (417) 598-1314, or visit www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org.

The Bretts Show – SUPER Area Appreciation: October 15th – 19th, 2012 The Bretts, Branson’s Best Morning Show (BransonCritic.com & BransonShowAwards.com), is holding an area appreciation week. From October 15th to the 19th, 2012 admission is only $5 plus tax per person for the following 22 counties:
Taney, Ozark, Stone, Christian, Barry, Douglas, Greene, Webster, Wright, Lawrence, Jasper, Newton, McDonald (MO). Boone, Newton, Searcy, Marion, Benton, Carroll, Madison, Baxter, Washington (AR). Reserve tickets by calling 417-336-3100. Showtime: 10 a.m. at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. 1600 W. Hwy 76, Branson, MO 65616.

Nashville, TN (October 8, 2012) – Larry Black, host and creator of TV’s programs “Larry’s Country Diner” and “Country’s Family Reunion” is pleased to announce he will extend his stay in Branson, MO with a series of Christmas shows to be held December 12-16 and December 18-23 at The Starlite Theatre (located at 3115 W. Hwy 76). The Christmas series, to be emceed by lovable host Larry Black, will feature Joey + Rory and The Bellamy Brothers. Tickets can be purchased by calling The Starlite Theatre at 417-337-9333 or visiting starlitetheatre.com.

Black’s highly popular shows, which air weekly on RFD-TV, pull an estimated 1.4 million viewers each and every month and continue to grow in popularity, giving rise to a successful line of “Larry’s Country Diner” merchandise and an annual cruise that has sold out for the second consecutive year. For more information on “Larry’s Country Diner,” or “Country’s Family Reunion,” please visit larryscountrydiner.com or www.cfrvideos.com.

Joey+Rory took third place in CMT’s “Duets” competition and were immediately signed to Sugar Hill/Vanguard records. Their 2008 debut “The Life of the Song” featured the hit single “Cheater Cheater.” They followed up in 2010 with “Album Number Two” and “His and Hers” was released in July of this year. The duo hosts a weekly variety show on RFD_TV, “The Joey+Rory Show” filmed entirely on their Pottsville, Tennessee farm and community including their family-owned café Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse. “Joey and Rory’s A Farmhouse Christmas” was filmed on a set built in their barn and was a featured holiday show on RFD_TV last year. The show was so popular a DVD was released and a Christmas tour followed. Joey and Rory will re-create “A Farmhouse Christmas” for Starlite Theatre audiences this December.
 

With a career that spans well over 30 years, The Bellamy Brothers have charted twenty Number-One country hits and more than fifty hit singles, starting with their first big hit, “Let Your Love Flow,” which topped the charts in 1975. Other notable hits include “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me,” “You Ain’t Just Whistlin’ Dixie,” “Sugar Daddy,” “Dancin’ Cowboy,” “Do You Love as Good as You Look, “They Could Put Me in Jail,” “For All the Wrong Reasons,” “Get into Reggae Cowboy,” “Old Hippie, “Kids of the Baby Boom,” and “Cowboy Beat.” Raised in Florida, The Bellamy Brothers incorporated the sounds of their environment into their music, adding strong elements of rock, reggae and even rap. While the brothers both graduated from the University of Florida (David with a degree in psychology and Howard with a degree in veterinary medicine), they played their first paying gigs for fraternity parties and decided to pursue music as a career. David enjoyed early songwriting success when he met Jim Stafford, who recorded David’s “Spiders and Snakes,” which sold over three million copies providing enough money for the duo to move to Los Angeles and concentrate on their careers. The rest is history…and today, the successful duo is still going strong, with over 200 tour dates a year and millions of fans across the globe.

Starlite Theatre Managing partner John Ghirardelli said, “The Starlite Theatre is pleased to continue its successful partnership with Larry Black of Larry’s Country Diner/Country’s Family Reunion fame. Fans are packing the theatre for these shows and we are delighted to extend this series for the holiday season.”

ABOUT GABRIEL COMMUNICATIONS:
Larry’s Country Diner and Country’s Family Reunion are both products of Gabriel Communications started in 1996. Owned and operated by long-time disc jockey, Larry Black, the company specializes in reunion videos, including the popular Country’s Family Reunion. The success of this series spurred the creation of more than a dozen more projects featuring hundreds of songs and stories as well as Country’s Family Reunion News, a monthly newspaper which highlights the music of yesteryear. For more information, please visit www.cfrvideos.com.

Since its initial airing on August 3, 2009, Larry’s Country Diner has produced over 100 episodes and has become one of the most popular shows on RFD-TV, garnering 1.4 million viewers monthly. Larry’s Country Diner is a unique down-home variety show which integrates entertainment, interviews and music in a weekly format. The show is taped LIVE in front of a studio audience in a country diner setting. The show features regular characters including Black, Keith Bilbrey, Sheriff Jimmy Capps, waitress Renae and avid church lady Nadine, along with special guest appearances by country music artists of yesterday and today. For more information, please visit www.larryscountrydiner.com.