Springfield Business Journal Names College of the Ozarks Professor One of 2011’s Most Influential Women
By: Sarah Unruh

The Springfield Business Journal (SBJ) will honor 2011’s Most Influential Women of southwest Missouri at a luncheon on Oct. 21, at the University Plaza in Springfield, Mo. SBJ named College of the Ozarks Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Kara Swofford one of the 20 Most Influential Women.

Dr. Swofford was selected out of a group of 200 women who were nominated for recognition based on their contributions to improving southwest Missouri business, civic and charitable communities. She was anonymously nominated for the honor. “Upon receiving the congratulatory letter, I was most humbled by the honor,” said Dr. Swofford. Nominees submitted a questionnaire, resume and a letter of recommendation to a panel of independent judges who determined the top 20.

Dr. Swofford’s selection was based on her dedication to go above and beyond the normal expectations of a college professor. She possesses a natural ability to motivate her students to “get involved” in classroom activities and discussions. As part of her curriculum, she collaborates with public school employees to visit her classes, allowing her students to hear about authentic teaching experiences. Dr. Swofford also spends much of her time and effort mentoring young women who are preparing to enter the teaching field. She has helped raise funds to provide appropriate clothes, eye glasses and even hair appointments to prepare young women for the professional world.

Dr. Swofford began her career as an elementary school teacher in the Republic R-III school district. She taught third and fourth grade for six years before moving up to an administration role for a year. She spent four years as an elementary school principal and is now in her fourth year of teaching at College of the Ozarks.

The luncheon honoring this year’s Most Influential Women will include a silent auction to benefit women in need. Cost for the event is $35 a ticket; for more information go to www.SBJ.net.

The Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to our Inaugural Chamber Eggs & Issues Breakfast!

Please RSVP to the Chamber no later than Thursday, September 29th to 739-2564 or [email protected].

Sports & Spa Night at Murder Rock – September 17, 2011

The Communities at Branson Creek would like to invite you to attend our Sports & Spa night at the Murder Rock Golf & Country Club club house this Saturday, September 17 from 5:30 to 9:00pm.
To cover the Sports side….we will have three screens of College Football, Oklahoma vs. Florida State, a Wings & Things buffet with Bud Light on tap and more for ONLY $10 per person!
For the Spa side….we feature fruit and cheese and champaign and 15 minute sessions of nail polish change, shoulder massage, foot reflexology and aromatherapy scalp massage, all for only $10 per 15 minute session!

This is an RSVP event and space is limited – you must call by Friday, September, 16 to attend. Call 417-334-7818 for more information or to reserve your spot at the Sports & Spa Night at Murder Rock!

The Tea Party Patriot HQ, Andy Williams Moon River Theater and Veritas Communications Inc. are pleased to bring the Directors Cut Movie Premiere to The Moon River Theater in honor of all those families who have sacrificed for freedom for our nation.

On Sunday September 18 at 4:00 pm, the LAST OUNCE OF COURAGE will be shown in the Moon River Theater 2500 W 76 Country Blvd Branson, MO 65616 (417) 334 4500. Tickets are $5.00 and you can receive a $1.00 off coupon by visiting the Tea Party Patriot HQ located at 302 Veterans Blvd Branson, MO 65616 (417) 973 0034. The movie has been endorsed by Tony Orlando, Chuck Norris and many military generals partnering with FOLDS OF HONOR and WARRIORS OF FREEDOM with Major Ed Pulido. VERITAS, is unique in the film industry creating films for family, faith and freedom. The company focusing on family friendly entertainment with “God and Country” messages of patriotism and is now in pre-production for a Civil War historical fiction movie, SWORDS OF FIRE about the Battle of Franklin in November 1864.

This film was shot in partnership with Eastern Gate Films in Kansas and Colorado. “LAST OUNCE” is an emotionally powerful story of a Veteran Medal of Honor winner, Bob Revere who becomes Mayor and is fed up with the political correctness being forced on his small town. The Mayor is played by renowned actor Marshall Teague – starring in such movies as ROAD HOUSE, THE ROCK and ARMAGEDDON as well as appearing in many popular television series and Jennifer O’Neil of SUMMER OF 42 co-stars with Jenna Boyd from SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS in the movie.

Participants Sought For Survey Regarding Area Interest In Proposed Lab School

College of the Ozarks is determining the feasibility of opening a college preparatory lab school on campus. As part of the feasibility study, the College is asking interested individuals who have school aged children to take part in a brief survey that will be accessible September 14-30. Individuals willing to take part in the brief survey, which should take less than ten minutes to complete, may go to www.cofo.edu and click on the survey link.

“Input regarding interest in the school is vital to determining feasibility,” said Dr. Sue Head, study coordinator. “Participation will be greatly appreciated.”

The new secondary level school would reflect the College’s philosophical views by interweaving a biblical worldview, character education, and patriotism into rigorous academic curriculum grounded in the Great Books.

“In keeping with the College’s mission and vision, we hope to serve students in our area who seek a challenging curriculum with an intentional threading of service learning and work,” Dr. Head said. “The College was founded as a work school over one hundred years ago, and the new school would reflect the values of the founders.”

The proposed lab school would offer area youth the opportunity of an affordable, quality, Christian education with innovative programming, service learning, and small class sizes.

The feasibility study, which began in April, will conclude in October with a presentation to the College’s Board of Trustees.

For more information about the online survey, please contact The Keeter Center for Character Education at (417) 690-2242.

DO YOU WANT TO WIN A FREE DECK MAKEOVER WORTH UP TO $1,200?!

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Post a picture of your ugly deck on Wood Re New-Branson/Tri-Lakes page.
2. Post a link of the Wood Re New-Branson/Tri-Lakes page and tell your friends to vote for your picture.
2. Have your friends vote for your picture by clicking “like” on the picture…they must “like” Wood Re New- Branson/Tri-Lakes page to vote.
3. Winner of the deck makeover will be announced September 30th.
4. One vote per person.

ELIGIBILITY:
*Must be a deck in Stone or Taney County
*No previous stain or paint, structurally sound
*Only one entry per deck address

VOTING:
Voting will open online on September 12, 2011 thru September 30, 2011.

WINNER/PRIZE:
Winner will be notified September 30th. The grand prize will be restoring a deck (cleaning and sealing) worth up to $1,200.

GOOD LUCK and get those UGLY DECK pictures posted!!!

More info on Wood Re New-Branson/Tri-Lakes facebook page!

Branson Country USA Special Guest is John Sager – September 16, 2011
1945 W. 76 Country Blvd. • Branson, MO 65616
417-335-2484/Reservations • 417-336-5829/Fax

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.
Show airs at 7:00 PM (cst.) – Every Saturday Night

Instructions for Internet Connection
1. Type the following into your web browser: www.BransonCountryUSA.net.
2. After page loads, click the “On Air” button.
3. Enjoy the show!