U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN JO ANN EMERSON RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE FROM COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

For her public service to Missouri and the nation United States, Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (Missouri, 8th District) received an honorary Doctor of Public Service from College of the Ozarks during its 104th Commencement. Congresswoman Emerson gave the Commencement address at the ceremony, sharing with students the importance of preparation and hard work for leadership in the 21st century.

“We have the ability to work as hard as we want—funny how no one factors that into the pursuit of happiness,” she said. “But, the truth is that they are inseparable.”

Since becoming the first Republican woman to represent Missouri in Congress, the Honorable Jo Ann Emerson is currently serving her eighth term in the United States House of Representatives. She has been a leading advocate for farm families and the promotion of America’s agriculture, hunger relief, pro-life issues, and access to safe, affordable prescription drugs.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Emerson is the Chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee and also sits on the Agriculture Subcommittee and Legislative Branch Subcommittee.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1972 from Ohio Wesleyan University.

At the College of the Ozarks 104th Commencement, a record number of 338 graduates received their degrees. Commencement was held on the afternoon of May 8.

College of the Ozarks is a fully-accredited, four-year Christian liberal arts college where students work campus jobs for their college education, allowing them the opportunity to graduate debt free. Approximately one-fourth of the College’s students come from Missouri’s 8th congressional district.

Marty Haggard: A Tribute to Merle Haggard, “My Dad’ definitely blends with the other shows at the Clay Cooper Theatre because it is based on God, Family, and Country. Marty is proud of his dad, Merle Haggard, and the accomplishments he has achieved as an entertainer and now plans to perform a tribute to his dad in this two hour performance. Marty understands the powerful songwriting of his father and does an amazing job capturing the lyrics and interpreting his dad’s heartfelt songs.

Of course, while thankful for the music that runs in his family, he has many accomplishments of his own having appeared on Nashville Now, The Grand Ole Opry, The Academy of Country Music Awards, The Today Show, and Music City Tonight, just to name a few. Marty came to Branson in 2010 hoping to stop travelling so much and finish raising his family. Marty will be joined on stage by his lovely wife, Tessa, singing backup vocals and a live band made up of seven incredible musicians.

On Saturday, April 30th Seishin Ryu Karate students from the Branson Sports Club participated in a National karate tournament in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Seishin Ryu Martial Arts Association (S.R.M.A.A.) offers a National tournament each year that brings in students and branch schools from across the U.S. and Canada. Cole Crabtree, 9th kyu white belt, participated in the Youth White Belt division for Kata and earned the first place championship trophy for junior white belts. Kennedy Mattox, 9th kyu white belt, participated in the Adult White Belt division for Kata and earned the first place championship trophy for adult white belts. They each had some very tough competition in their divisions. They persevered and performed their techniques perfectly. We congratulate them on their accomplishment!

Their instructor, Sempai Vashon Borich, 2nd dan black belt, competed in the men’s and women’s black belt divisions. In the first two events, empty hand kata and weapons kata, she placed 3rd and received bronze medals for each. For sparring she placed 2nd and received the silver medal. By medaling in all three events her overall point standings earned her the 2011 S.R.M.A.A. Grand Championship trophy for male and female black belts.

The Branson branch of Seishin Ryu Karate, taught by Sempai Vashon Borich, has been active at the Branson Sports Club since August 2010. Seishin Ryu Karate is a traditional Japanese-style martial art founded in 1970 by Soshu Lee Dawson, 9th Dan. New students are always welcome. For more information, please visit http://bransonsportsclub.com/ or call 417-334-5927.

BRANSON, Mo. Andy Williams Moon River Grill is hosting a summer-long fundraiser to help provide supplemental food for hungry school children in Taney County.  All summer, kids ten and under can eat for only $1 and all proceeds will be donated to Gift of Hope’s Backpack Club.
Andy Williams and his wife Debbie recognize the need for supplemental weekend food and are thrilled to take part in this fundraiser.

“The Backpack Club provides an eligible child with supplemental food to eat outside of the school meal program.  Many children rely on this food to get them through the weekend. Children are added each month to the Backpack Club, so we are grateful to have the assistance of Andy Williams Moon River Grill summer promotion.  The funds collected will make a difference in many children’s lives, right here in our community. We are blessed to be a part of this incredible fundraiser.” –Meghan Connell, Director of Gift of Hope.

By eating at the Moon River Grill this summer, you can help Gift of Hope provide backpacks to hungry children.

For more information about Gift of Hope’s Backpack Club, contact Meghan Connell at 1-417-546-8062, [email protected], or go to www.giftofhopeinc.org.

Record rainfalls in Branson, Missouri in the past 10 days have contributed to a state of flooding that has driven many from their homes. Many others have lost everything that they have. There are an estimated 300 families in the Branson area and its environs that have been adversely affected.

Although a small community, with only approximately 6,000 year-round residents, Branson citizens want to help their neighbors. Branson’s only Irish pub, Waxy O’Shea’s, is spearheading a benefit show, silent auction, and clothing drive to try to help.

“Heads Above Water, Jam Below the Dam” is a benefit show sponsored by The Skillet Licker Songwriter Review, Stolen Windows, Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub, and the God and Country Theatre. The Jam is scheduled to begin at Noon on Wednesday May 11, 2011, and will last until 1AM on May 12 at Waxy O’Shea’s on Branson Landing. Matthew Stoll, Waxy O’Shea’s manager, says, “We are a community, let’s show the survivors what a community does for its members.”

Many local entertainers have already committed to performing at the event, including headliners from the God and Country Theatre, homespun bluegrassers The Skillet Lickers, local jam-band favorites Stolen Windows, and Celtic rockers Eire & Brimstone. All are donating their time, and hope that the entire community will join them for a time of encouragement, good music and hope. Sarah Tweed, star of the Tweed Show at the God and Country Theatre says, “This jam has easily brought together both people of faith and freethinkers for a truly worthy charitable event.”

The performances and entertainment are only one facet of the event. Donations are being accepted by Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub on an ongoing basis for a silent auction to be held throughout the day on May 11. Monetary donations will also be collected at all area Ozark Mountain Bank branches and at Waxy’s; donees should simply make checks payable to “Heads Above Water”. Donations of clean clothing, in good condition, and non-perishable food items may also be delivered to Waxy O’Shea’s for later distribution. Proceeds of the events will be allocated to Salvation Army, K-Life and Christian Action Ministries, as well as handed out directly by the organizers, to stay in the community and be given to families affected by the flood.

The entire Branson community is invited to enjoy “Heads Above Water, Jam Below the Dam” at Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub. For further information, contact Zach and Dee McGrath at 417-230-1595 Or Matthew Stoll at 417-335-1799 or by email at [email protected] .

Long time Seattle musician Dave Raynor has been awarded the guitar chair
for music legend Andy Williams. Dave traveled to Branson in May 2010 to
play guitar and sing for Bill (The Righteous Brothers) Medley. After the season
Dave was called by Andy Williams music director and asked if he could
audition for the Andy Williams band in Branson MO. On April 20th, 2011
Dave was informed that he had been given the gig. Dave will be at the Moon
River Theater and play Andy Williams world renown Christmas Show until
the end of 2011. The Andy Williams Christmas show will also perform at the
Royal Albert Hall in London in December 2011. Dave says…’It’s a great
honor to have the chance to play with such a legend as Andy Williams.”