College of the Ozarks to Celebrate Homecoming 2011
By: Sarah Unruh

College of the Ozarks will kick off its 2011 Homecoming celebration, themed “Life is Good…to be continued,” Thursday, November 3. Events run through Sunday, November 6. 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 “Life is Good…to be continued” is that life is good here at College of the Ozarks, and life is good after graduation,” said C of O Alumni Director Angela Williamson. “We have much to be thankful for and we want this year’s theme to reflect an optimistic outlook on life in general.”

The C of O Lady Bobcats will take on Lindenwood University, Fri. Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. in the Keeter Gymnasium. The C of O Men’s Basketball Team will play Hannibal-LaGrange University, Saturday Nov. 5, 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. 5, 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. 5, and will take place along Opportunity Ave.

“Homecoming is a wonderful time to unite past and present students,” says senior English major Lindsey Hardin. “It celebrates C of O’s history, and I love getting to hear the alumni stories from when they went to college here.”

For more information regarding the Homecoming 2011 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.

2011 Homecoming Schedule of Events
“Life is Good… to be continued”

Thursday, November 3
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Alumni Registration, Alumni Center
8 p.m. Homecoming Queen Coronation, Jones Auditorium

Friday, November 4
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Alumni Registration, Alumni Center
10 a.m. Alumni Golf Game – Murder Rock Golf Course
7 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Lindenwood University, Keeter Gymnasium

Saturday, November 5
7 a.m. 5K Run/Walk, Keeter Gymnasium
8 a.m. Alumni Breakfast, Dobyns Dining Room, The Keeter Center (tickets required)
9 a.m. Alumni Association Annual Meeting, Royal Oak Forum, The Keeter Center
9 a.m.-noon Alumni Registration, Good Memorial Center & Alumni Center
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 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Hannibal-LaGrange University, Keeter Gymnasium
6 p.m. Alumni Banquet and Meritorious Awards Recognition, Youngman
Agricultural Center (tickets required)

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

The Biggest Loser Contestant Abby Rike to Speak at College of the Ozarks – November 8, 2011
By: Chelsea Kliethermes

“The Biggest Loser” contestant Abby Rike will share her inspirational story at College of the Ozarks on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, at 7 p.m., in Jones Auditorium.

Rike faced an unfathomable tragedy in October 2006. She lost her beloved husband, five-year- old daughter, and two-week-old son in a fatal car crash, but chose to forge ahead in life, realizing there was more living to do.

In 2009, Rike began her journey on NBC’s hit reality series “The Biggest Loser,” weighing in at 247 pounds. She lost a total of 100 pounds, weighting in at 147 pounds at the show’s finale.

Rike says she feels compelled to share with others her experience. She continues her healthy lifestyle and serves as a living example that even in your darkest hour, there is always hope.

For further information, please contact the Public Relations office at (417) 690-2212 or e-mail [email protected].

Veterans Grove Plaza Dedication Rescheduled for 3:30 pm on November 10, 2011

Veterans Grove Plaza Dedication has been rescheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10.

The Veterans Grove Plaza is an expansion of Veterans Grove that displays flags representing each branch of the military, as well as the American Flag.

Veterans Grove honors World War II veterans who have participated in Patriotic Travel with C of O students. Each Veteran is honored with the planting of a Sugar Maple, which is aligned with others to create the same unique pattern of the marble crosses at the American cemeteries in Europe. Next to each Sugar Maple is a bronze marker with a Veteran’s name.

Veterans Mr. Andy Anderson, Mr. John Primerano and Mr. Louis Rabesa, who traveled with C of O students to Europe this summer with the Patriotic Education Travel Program, will have trees dedicated in their honor, during the Veterans Grove Plaza Dedication on Thursday.

Bee Creek Apartment Homes offers “FREE RENT FOR A YEAR GIVEAWAY!”

Branson, Missouri – October 25, 2011
Owning a home has long been considered a part of the ultimate American Dream, but a record number of foreclosures and the resultant devastation to the economy have caused many Americans to rethink this concept. According to a recent Rent.com survey, a whopping 87 percent of U.S. adults don’t consider owning a home to be the most essential aspect of their American Dream anymore. In light of this, Bee Creek Apartment Homes, http://www.mybeecreek.com, today announced its “FREE RENT FOR A YEAR GIVEAWAY”, which provides prospective residents an opportunity to win one (1) year of free rent. “This is HUGE and we are so excited to be the first in Branson to giveaway a luxury apartment free for one year!” says, Jim Walker (Owner). Located in the heart of the Branson near Branson Landing, Super Wal‐Mart, Target, Home Depot, and easy access to Highway 65. Bee Creek Apartment Homes is a luxury apartment rental community that offers many resort style amenities, including a Community Clubhouse, 24‐Hour Fitness Center, Resort‐Style Salt Water Pool, Playground, State‐of‐the Art Movie Theatre and 24‐hour emergency maintenance.

Bee Creek Apartment Homes offer spacious two (2) and three (3) bedroom homes to accommodate singles, couples and families. These luxury homes include designer coordinated interiors, granite countertops, upscale cabinetry, ceramic tiled floors, Berber carpet, full‐size washer and dryer in every apartment and private balcony or patio. Bee Creek is also a pet friendly community!

ENTER TO WIN A LUXURY APARTMENT “RENT FREE” FOR ONE (1) YEAR! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER, SOME CONDITIONS DO APPLY.

HOW TO ENTER:
Submit official “ENTRY FORM” in person at Bee Creek Apartment Homes between October 24‐December 15, 2011 and pick up the official rules of the
giveaway. Deadline to enter is December 15, 2011.
“LIKE US” on Facebook
Preview Branson’s Newest Luxury Apartment Community.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:
1 (one) year Free Rent in a 3 bedroom/2 bathroom apartment at BEE CREEK
APARTMENT HOMES IN BRANSON, MO (Value: $10,740)
Free High Speed Internet for one year (Value: $480)
Free Cable with HBO for one year (Value: $936)
Free Water Service for one year (Value: $240)
Free Sewer Service for one year (Value: $120)
Free Trash Service for one year (Value: $120)
TOTAL VALUE: $12,636.00
Winner will be announced January 05, 2012 5:00PM to 5:30PM
**Must be present to win**

Contact:
Krystal Howell
Bee Creek Apartment Homes
417-243-0233
[email protected]

Welcome to Veterans Homecoming Week
Nov 5 – 11, 2011 “An American tribute to ALL Veterans and First Responders”

Saturday, Nov 5:
Flag Retreat: 5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans Registry, Tactical Operations & Veterans Village: 9am-5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Day Room: 9am-6pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: 8am-6pm at Welk Resort Branson – free
Tribute to Bob Hope and the USO performance & concert: 2pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
571st Air Force Band Concert: 2pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veteran Walls of Heroes Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
KISS Statue on Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
2nd Annual Branson West Veterans Parade and Flag Lighting Ceremony: 5:30pm in Branson West – free
Veterans History Project: Stories needed for Library of Congress – call Dick Erickson 417-231-3866
General Tommy Franks Traveling Road Show and Classroom: located at Branson Mall – free
Candlelight Memorial Service: 6pm at Branson Landing sponsored by Submarine Association – free
Sail the USS Branson Belle “Troop Ship”: 8pm at Showboat Branson Belle – 417-338-3911 – $44 per
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free
Book signing: Dick Hrebik with: Corps Vet and The Warrior Among Us, Veterans Museum. Call 336-2300

Sunday, Nov 6:
Reveille and Retreat: 7am & 5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans Registry, Tactical Operations & Veterans Village: 9am-5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Day Room: 9am-6pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: 8am-6pm at Welk Resort Branson – free
Veterans Museum serving Hot Dogs: 11:30am – 2:00pm. Donations accepted for Ave of Freedom – free
Veteran Walls of Heroes Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
KISS Statue on Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans History Project: Stories needed for Library of Congress – call Dick Erickson 417-231-3866
General Tommy Franks Traveling Road Show and Classroom: located at Branson Mall – free
Veterans Sporting Clays Shoot: 9am at Ozark Shooters Sports Complex – $75 per person
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free
Book signing: Denzil Batson with: Korea We Called It War. Veterans Museum. Call 336-2300

Monday, Nov 7:
Reveille and Retreat: 7am & 5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans Registry, Tactical Operations & Veterans Village: 9am-5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Day Room: 9am-6pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Army Special Forces “A” Team from Ft. Campbell KY: 9am-5pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veteran Walls of Heroes Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
KISS Statue on Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans History Project: Stories needed for Library of Congress – call Dick Erickson 417-231-3866
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: 8am-6pm at Welk Resort Branson – free
All-American Lunch: 11:30-1:00 at Factory Merchants Branson sponsored by Steve’s Treehouse – free for all veterans and active duty personnel, $4 donation for all others.
Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini-Reunion: 9am-noon at Golden Corral – free
Flag Retiring Ceremony performed by local Boy Scout Troop 2001: 7pm at Veterans Museum – free
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free

Tuesday, Nov 8:
Reveille and Retreat: 7am & 5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans Registry, Tactical Operations & Veterans Village: 9am-5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Day Room: 9am-6pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
USAF Band of Mid-American “Shade of Blue” Concert: 2pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Army Special Forces “A” Team from Ft. Campbell KY: 9am-4pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans History Project: Stories needed for Library of Congress – call Dick Erickson 417-231-3866
Veteran Walls of Heroes Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
KISS Statue on Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: 8am-6pm at Welk Resort Branson – free
Gold Star Mother and Blue Star Mother Brunch: Steve’s Treehouse hosted by Ozark Mountain Blue Star Mothers. Free 417-272-0630
Korean War Mini-Reunion: 2pm-5pm Stone Castle Inn, 3050 Green Mountain Dr. 417-230-2278
POW/MIA Service of Remembrance: Welk Resort Theatre, 8am, 417-336-4232
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free

Wednesday, Nov 9:
Reveille and Retreat: 7am & 5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans Registry, Tactical Operations & Veterans Village: 9am-5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Day Room: 9am-6pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans History Project: Stories needed for Library of Congress – call Dick Erickson 417-231-3866
Veteran Walls of Heroes Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
KISS Statue on Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: 8am-6pm at Welk Resort Branson – free
Rose Petal Ceremony and Women Veterans Appreciation Luncheon: 11am-1pm, Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center, $20 for lunch and ceremony. 417-339-6823 for reservations
15th Annual Military Gala & Banquet Saluting Strategic Air Command: 5pm, Chateau on the lake. $51 per person 866-481-GALA
4TH Infantry Division Special Hospitality Room: 4pm-10pm, Savannah House. 920-684-0147
Women Veterans Mini-Reunion: 5pm-8pm, Golden Corral. Free for women veterans/spouse $15 for others 417-230-2278 (RSVP)
Army Special Forces “A” Team from Ft. Campbell KY: 8am-11:30am The Keeter Center College of the Ozarks
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free

Thursday, Nov 10:
Reveille and Retreat: 7am & 5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans Registry, Tactical Operations & Veterans Village: 9am-5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Day Room: 9am-6pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans History Project: Stories needed for Library of Congress – call Dick Erickson 417-231-3866
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: 8am-6pm at Welk Resort Branson – free
Veteran Walls of Heroes Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
KISS Statue on Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
WWII Mini-Reunion: 4pm-6pm, College of the Ozarks Reunion and Taps Ceremony –Free
236th Marine Corps Birthday Ball: 5pm -12midnight, The Hilton-Branson Convention Center 417-334-2360
Wal-Mart Tribute to Veterans: 9am Wal-Mart Super Center Ceremony, entertainment – Free to Veterans
Vietnam Veterans Mini-Reunion: 2pm-5pm Camden Hotel and Conference Center 417-338-4048
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free
Book signing – Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge boys to sign: G.I. Joe & Lillie. Veterans Museum – free

Friday, Nov 11:
78th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade Historic Downtown Branson: 11am, 417-779-3602 or 334-2296
The Tony Orlando Salute to the Veterans: 2pm, Welk Resort Theatre, 1984 St Hwy 165, A Branson tradition and a chance for Tony to say “Thanks to all our veterans. Free seating in limited call for reservations 800-808-9355.
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free
The Day Room and Vendor Village will be Closed at Factory Merchants Branson
Book signing: Tom Van Hees with: Life Interrupted by War and Disability Compensation guide. Veterans Museum. Call 336-2300

Saturday, Nov 12:

Book Signing and Lecture by Dr. Todd Baker at 9am IMAX Entertainment Complex 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Dr Baker is the author of “Baghdad ER” free and open to the public 417-335-3533.
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free

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 7:00pm (CST) every Saturday night.
www.BransonCountryUSA.net

The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination will need numerous volunteers to help with its 2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign in Branson, Mo.
Volunteers will be needed at various times throughout November & December to help with volunteer bellringing, sorting toys & packing gift bags.

For more information or to sign-up to volunteer pelase call The Salvation Army in Branson at (417) 339-4434 or email [email protected].

Volunteer Bellringing
Volunteer bellringers will be needed from November 11th until December 24th to bellring at locations throughout Taney & Stone counties including Walmart, Walgreens, Branson Landing…and many more! Bellringing hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. & on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. For more information please call (417) 339-4434 or email [email protected].

Toy Sorters & Angel Tree Volunteers
Volunteers will be needed throughout November & December to sort toys and package gift bags for families receiving Christmas Assistance from The Salvation Army. To sign-up to volunteer please call The Salvation Army in Branson at (417) 339-4434 email [email protected].

For more information about The Salvation Army’s other holiday volunteer opportunities in Greene & Christian counties please visit our website.