On February 28, 2010, at 6:00pm, at the Skyline Baptist Church, 949 State Highway 165 in Branson, will host an event honoring the Four Chaplains who gave their lives for their men in WWII.  Pastor Norm Howell will host the program and introduce the guest speaker, Chaplain (Colonel) Paul Vicalvi, US Army, Retired. Chaplain Vicalvi is the Executive Director of the National Association of Evangelicals Chaplain Commission.

George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, Clark V. Poling and John P. Washington each answered the call of their country in 1942.  Their story is one of diversity, unity, strength, courage and love.

In November, 1942, four young men, bound by their common faith in God their Father, met and became friends at Chaplains’ School at Harvard University.
In January 1943, 920 men, including the four Army Chaplains, boarded the USAT Dorchester, an aging coastal liner pressed into service as a transport ship.  Bound for an Army base in Greenland and filled to capacity with young soldiers on their way to battle, the men faced crowded conditions, rough seas and the knowledge of foreign battlefields in their future.  The four Army chaplains calmed their fears and did their best to offer hope.

On February 2, within 150 miles of Greenland, Hans Danielson, the Dorchester’s captain, listened as his three Coast Guard escorts informed him of sonar readings that indicated an enemy submarine in “Torpedo Junction.”  Already fighting Arctic winds and a deck covered with ice, the news was not good.  Danielson instructed the soldiers to sleep in their clothes and life jackets.  But hot and crowded conditions below deck led many of the men to ignore the warning and sleep in their underwear.
Shortly before 1:00am on February 3, a German U-Boat fired on the passing transport ship.  The first torpedo hit “dead-on,” throwing men around like rag dolls.  The second torpedo instantly killed 100 men in the hull of the ship.  The ship tilted and life jackets slid into the icy winter water.

As men cried out, the four Chaplains answered their call.  A survivor, Petty Officer John J. Mahoney, headed back towards his cabin.  “Where are you going?” a voice asked.

“To get my gloves,” Mahoney replied.

“Here, take these,” said Rabbi Goode as he handed a pair of gloves to the young officer who would never have survived the trip back to his cabin.
Although the Rabbi told him he had two pair, Mahoney later realized that Rabbi Goode would never have carried a spare pair of gloves.

The Chaplains took charge and organized rescue attempts.  They directed men to life boats, helped them find life jackets and bestowed a little calm in all the chaos.  In a very short time, water started flowing across the deck of the sinking ship.  When the life jackets were gone, the four Chaplains took off their own life jackets and put them on the men around them.

With all hope gone and death certain, the survivors in the lifeboats heard, among the screams of horror, the voices of their Chaplains, raised in prayer.
The last sight of their ship included the four Chaplains, arms linked together and braced against the railings of the sinking ship, still praying, singing and giving strength to others.

“It was the finest thing I have ever seen this side of heaven,” said one of the survivors.

Twenty-seven minutes after the first torpedo struck, the USAT Dorchester disappeared from sight into the icy waters.  Of the 920 men, only 230 survived.  Six hundred seventy-two men, including the four Chaplains and crewmembers, went down with the ship.

George Fox was a Methodist minister, Clark Polling a Dutch Reformed minister, John Washington a Catholic priest and Alexander Goode a Jewish rabbi.  Brothers in faith and the service of their fellowman, they will forever be American heroes.

The Branson Veterans Task Force is pleased to honor these men.  Chaplains give so much of themselves and these four men made the ultimate sacrifice.  Whatever our denomination, we all recognize faith, hope and love,” said Ernie Bradley, event coordinator and Vice-Chair of the Task Force. The Branson Veterans Task force may be contacted at 1-417.337.8387 (417.337.VETS) or by visiting www.bransonveterans.com.

The Branson Veterans Task Force, Branson Tourism Center, and the entire Branson entertainment industry honors veterans every day of the year.  For more information about this and other veteran-related events contact the Branson Veterans Task Force or the Branson Tourism Center ( BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show tickets, attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

51 HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS COMPETE FOR THE TITLE OF
MISS HIGH SCHOOL AMERICA 2010

March 3-6, 2010 – Branson, Missouri – 51 Outstanding high school girls, from across the Unites States, will travel to Branson, Missouri to compete for the title of Miss High School America at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater.

These 51 beautiful young women will be representing their high school and state as they compete in three phases of competition. They will all have a five minute interview with the judges and compete onstage in both the Fashion and Evening Gown portion of the competition.

The new 2010 Miss High School America will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship, a photo shoot with designer Tony Bowls, a photo shoot with the leading prom and pageant manufacturer Jaszy Couture along side a prize package totaling over $20,000. The Top 5 contestants will be chosen to be the lead fashion models for the 2011 Cool Book. This publications is distributed to every junior and senior girl in high school. Over a million people will see the face of the Top 5 contestants of the Miss High School America Pageant.

During their stay in Branson, the delegates will attend an array of activities that will make their week more than a pageant – it will be a family vacation of a lifetime. One of the week’s highlights will be the contestants being special guests at Legends in Concert – the best show in Branson. The Miss High School America Pageant will set the stage for an exciting week to remember, as a true example of the best in pageantry. The Miss High School America production will also include some of the best entertainment that Branson has to offer.

Come join us in Branson, Missouri as we crown our very first Miss High School America.

For ticket information or more information about the Miss High School America Pageant, please visit www.AmericasHighSchoolPageant.com

Auntie Anne’s, at 203 Branson Landing Blvd, is offering consumers the opportunity to taste a freshly baked hand-rolled soft pretzel on Saturday February 20th, 2010 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Consumers can visit the local Auntie Anne’s store for one complimentary Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel.

A literal snacking wake-up call can be delivered to consumers via text message on the morning of Free Pretzel Day by texting WAKEUP to 80565. The text message will remind consumers to visit Auntie Anne’s for their free pretzel.

Auntie Anne’s is also encouraging loyal consumers to introduce others to the signature taste of its pretzels. Consumers can take a photo of their group at the Free Pretzel Day event and e -mail it to [email protected]. One hundred winners will be randomly selected to win a special edition T-shirt.

For additional information about Free Pretzel Day, visit:

www.freepretzelday.com, www.facebook.com/auntieannespretzels or www.twiter.com/auntieannes

About Auntie Anne’s, INC.

Auntie Anne’s Inc. is the world’s largest franchiser of hand-rolled soft pretzels, supporting more than 1,050 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels locations worldwide. The concept mixes, twists, and bakes pretzels to golden brown perfection in full view of customers. On the company’s last Free Pretzel Day in 2008, Auntie Anne’s gave away more than one million pretzels. Fore more information about the company visit www.auntieannes.com

Legends In Concert, the world’s greatest tribute show, opens February 11th, 2010 for the second year at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater!

Check out the exciting star-studded line up for the 2010 season along with the famous Legends In Concert band and fabulous Legends In Concert singers/dancers.

Spring – February 11th – May 18th:

Buddy Holly
Whitney Houston
Tim McGraw
The Blues Brothers
Elvis

Summer – May 20th – September 7th:

Little Richard
Britney Spears
Alan Jackson
The Blues Brothers
Elvis
And special appearance by Michael Jackson for the month of August only.

Fall – September 9th – October 31st

The Blues Brothers
George Strait
Marilyn Monroe
The Temptations
Elvis

Winter – November 1st – January 1st, 2011

The Blues Brothers
George Strait
The Temptations
Patsy Cline
Elvis

Legends In Concert is also excited to announce the return of the Branson Elvis Festival April 16th – 18th, 2010 which will include an Elvis vendor village located in the lobby of Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. During the Branson Elvis Festival, Legends In Concert will again be hosting the 4th annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest April 17th, 2010. Book your reservation now for best seating.

Back by popular demand this year, with limited show dates, Rock U Mentally will be returning to Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater March 19, 20, 26 and 27, as well as July 17th – September 4th; Thursday – Saturday at 10:00 AM. This show has creative original music, energizing choreography, “larger than life” costumed characters, innovative music videos, a mind blowing magician, two zany mad scientists, a chorus of harmonizing birds and a powerful educational message – a musical adventure for kids of all ages!!

December 31st, 2010 at 9:30 pm will be the Legends In Concert rocking New Year’s Eve show with special dinners and party favors and as always, enjoying your favorite Legends In Concert stars.

There has also been a special 8PM performance of Legends In Concert added January 1st, 2011.

Don’t miss all the fun at Legends In Concert this year! For reservations and more information please call 417-335-STAR!

Branson, MO – Branson area residents and visitors will have the opportunity to spend an evening with several FLW fishing pros in Branson. The dinner event is called “Meet The Pros” and will be held in the Life Center of First Baptist Church in Branson on Friday, February 26th at 6:00 pm. This event will take place prior to the FLW Tour on Table Rock Lake scheduled for March 3-6th, 2010.

The event will feature fishing tips and life stories from five pro fishermen which include: Jay Yelas, Mark Rose, Scott Martin, Clarke Wendlandt and Glenn Chappelear. Numerous door prizes will be given away.

Jay Yelas has fished 201 events with 141 money finishes and ranks 6th in all-time money winnings. Yelas has 52 top 10 finishes. He currently is ranked 17th place on the FLW Tour.

Mark Rose is a 9 year pro. He has had one tournament win with 17 Top 10 finishes.

Scott Martin was the youngest pro-angler in history to win an FLW Tour Event. He has been a Top 10 tournament winner seventeen times.

Clark Wendlandt is a seventeen year professional fisherman. He has had 31 top ten finishes and over $1,000,000 in career earnings. He was the 2008 FLW Tour Angler of the Year and has had 31 top ten finishes.

Glenn Chappelear is a professional fisherman and inspirational speaker. He is the founder of Sportsmen’s Outreach. Glen speaks at sportsmen banquets and participates in at least 11 professional tournaments each year.

“This will be one event outdoor enthusiasts will not want to miss. We are extremely fortunate to have these men here for the banquet and the FLW tournament,” said Grant Woods, one of the event organizers. “Due to the popularity of this event we have expanded the number of people who can attend by moving the dinner to the Life Center.”

Outdoor enthusiasts will also find outdoor booths added to the event this year showcasing products and services geared to the outdoorsmen. Any fishing or outdoors related business can stil lget booth space for the event.

Due to the limited seating, reservations are required and should be made as soon as possible. The dinner will cost only $8.00 for adults. Tables of 8 can be purchased for $60.00. Reservations can be made by calling 417-334-7437.

16th Annual HOT WINTER FUN BIG SHOW
*HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED*

Due to the forecast, the Hot Winter Fun Big Show has been rescheduled for:
Wednesday, February 17th
Showtime: 7pm
at the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre.

As the weather starts to heat up so does the stage at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater with Branson’s 16th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show! Branson, dubbed the “live music show capital of the world”, is the perfect place to escape the winter blues during January and February and Branson’s Hot Winter Fun Big Show is the perfect event to sample a wide variety of shows and performers jam-packed into one exciting show.

The Hot Winter Fun Big Show provides the audience an opportunity to see portions of several shows that are open during the winter months of January, February and March. The Big Show will be emceed by popular Branson entertainer, Bob Leftridge of the Baldknobbers Jamboree. Shows on stage include Jim Stafford, Legends In Concert, Hughes Brothers Show, Pierce Arrow, Kirby Van Burch, Cassandre’- the Voice of an Angel, Circle B Supper Show, Grand Jubilee, Keith “Red” Allen, Ricky Boen & Texas Mud, Tony Roi, Smoke On The Mountain, Absolutely…Patsy!!, Buckets N Boards, Comedy Jamboree, Red, Hot, & Blue, Rock N Roll is Here to Stay, Rock U Mentally, Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue, and more.

“The Big Show has become a tradition for many visitors who plan their trip to Branson around the event. It’s also something local residents enjoy because they get to see some of the new shows opening for the season and some of their long time favorites debuting new songs and acts,” says Jeannie Horton, President of The League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers (The Branson Show League) and General Manager for Legends In Concert.

“Marketing the months of January, February, and March as Hot Winter Fun started in 1994 as a way to let our guests know they could enjoy the Branson experience year ‘round,” says Cindy Merry, marketing chair for The Branson Show League. “The Hot Winter Fun Big Show was created to raise funds to market Branson. Last year the funds were used to help run a $300,000 television campaign in Dallas that featured over 50 Branson stars inviting visitors Branson. We hope to be able to recreate a similar program in 2010.”

The Branson Show League sponsors the annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show. All of the entertainers donate their performances and many volunteers and local businesses help produce and market the show.

For tickets call 417-339-3003 or 417-335-STAR today. Tickets are $30 plus tax and service charge for adults, $ 9.95 plus tax and service charge for children ages 4 through 12. All purchased tickets will be honored and seating will remain the same, so don’t get rid those tickets!

We look forward to seeing you for all of the Hot Winter fun and excitement next Wednesday!

Taney County, Missouri, February 11, 2010:   On February 8, 2010 the Taney County Commission adopted the following proclamation:

PROCLAMATION IN SUPPORT OF CENSUS EFFORT

WHEREAS, an accurate census count is vital to our community and resident’s well-being by helping planners determine where to locate schools, day-care centers, roads and public transportation, hospitals and other facilities, and is used to make decisions concerning business growth and housing needs; and,
WHEREAS, more than $400 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to states and communities based on census data; and,
WHEREAS, census data ensures fair congressional representation by determining how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the redistricting of state legislatures, county and city councils, and voting districts; and,
WHEREAS, the 2010 Census creates jobs that stimulate growth and increased employment opportunities in our community; and,
WHEREAS, the information collected by the census is protected by law and remains confidential for 72 years; and,
WHEREAS, it is important to support census takers as they help our community complete an accurate count;
NOW, THEREFORE, we PROCLAIM that the County of Taney is committed to partnering with the U.S. Census to help ensure a full and accurate census count.

The State of Missouri will lose 1.3 million dollars in the next decade for every 100 people who choose not to complete the census form.  That’s $1,300 per person per year.  In 2000, Taney County had a return rate of only 60%.  We strongly encourage all citizens in Taney County to participate in the census because “it is the best thing you can do for your family and your community.”

We at Country Sunshine Dinner Show are excited to announce this year’s “Special Charity Shows” taking place one Saturday per month in 2010.

See the show in 2010 in Historic Downtown Branson and eat a delicious dinner too! The show happens Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and one “Special Charity Saturday” per month. Show time is 4:30PM and runs from February to December 4th so come hungry and leave happy!

The show is a variety classic country show with Lallie Bridges (in costume) doing impersonations of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette along with your favorite traditional country standards. It is definitely a must see for all who truly love country music the way it used to be. Seeing the show is like taking a walk down Nashville’s Music Row in the 60’s and 70’s!

Country Sunshine is named after the 70’s hit song, “Country Sunshine” which was recorded by Dottie West and written by Lallie’s mother.

*This is how the show works: Come to the show and all your ticket sale available funds will be donated directly to the charities! On the dates that there are more than one charity, simply deposit you ticket stub in the appropriate charity box with your favorite charity’s name on it. Additional donations are encouraged but not required.

**Dinner Menu: Delicious Marinated Chicken Brest, Choice of Hot Vegetable, Salad with Your Choice of Dressing, Choice of Coffee, Hot or Iced Tea or Soft Drink, Special Country Sunshine Dessert

*** Box Office Prices:
VIP seating with autographed souvenir: $36
Regular Adult Ticket: $29
Call for special group rates!

Tickets may be purchased through participating ticket agencies or at the Box Office. Local tickets available through the Box Office.
For reservations or more information call: 417-559-5980

***Taney, Stone, Christian and Greene County residents will be considered “Locals” on “Special Charity Saturdays” and will receive local rates of just $12 for dinner, dessert, beverage, tip and the show. What a bargain for a great cause so please come and join the fun and lets get blessed helping our neighbors!

Special Charity Saturdays:

February 27th, 2010: Humane Societies of Taney, Stone & Greene Counties

March 20th, 2010: American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association & American Cancer Society

April 10th, 2010: Campus Crusades, Free Medical Clinic of the Ozarks & Save A Smile

May 1st, 2010: Project Graduation for Branson, Forsyth & Hollister High Schools

June 26th, 2010: Disaster Relief, Ozark Food Harvest & Christian Action Ministries (CAM) **Bring a non-perishable food item and be an extra blessing!

July 17th, 2010: Boys and Girls Club of the Ozarks & Boys and Girls Club of Springfield

August 21st, 2010: School District Support For Branson, Forsyth & Hollister ISD **Bring a school supply and be an extra blessing!

September 18th, 2010: Ronald McDonald House

October 23rd, 2010: Make-A-Wish of Missouri

November 20th, 2010: Domestic Violence Shelters of Taney, Stone & Greene Counties

December 4th, 2010: Toys For Tots **Bring a toy and be an extra blessing!

Recording artist Jimmy Doyle from Little Rock returns as the next guest on the “Gene Williams Country Music Television Show,” Feb. 13 and 14.

Doyle is not only a recording artist, country performer and owner of Jimmy Doyle’s Country Club in North Little Rock, he is now also a published author. He stops by our show to give us some great country music and to talk about his new book, ‘If the Whole World was Blind.’ My friend Jimmy is a remarkable entertainer and a remarkable author,” said Williams who is the star, producer and creator of the “Gene Williams Country Television Show.”

Doyle’s book was inspired by an original song he wrote called “No Difference in Color” about which comments by Mel Tillis inspired Doyle to write the story. The book comes with a CD of original music by Doyle, his wife, Patsy Gayle, and the Arkansas River Bottom Band.

The “Gene Williams Country TV Show” features the shows and stars from Branson and country music and is taped live in the NBC affiliate KY3 Studios in Springfield, Mo. Guest audience members are welcome and should arrive at the studio at 1 p.m. The next taping is Feb. 24 with Keith “Red” Allen scheduled.

Snow has caused us to miss six days of class – so far – this school year.  The following days have been designated as make up days [As of Feb. 4]:

Monday, February 15; Presidents’ Day
Monday, May 24; make up day
Tuesday, May 25; make up day
Wednesday, May 26; make up day
Thursday, May 27; make up day