VeggieTales Live! “God Made You Special” at The Mansion Theatre

AREA APPRECIATION: $15.00 plus tax ticket for residents of Stone & Taney Counties with a donation of a “New” Baby Item.
Donation Examples: Diapers, Baby Wipes, Bottles, Clothes, Burp Rags, Blankets, Toys, etc. Standard Proof of Residency applies. Advance reservations are available, ticket pick-up is 30 minutes prior to showtime. Call our Box Office for additional questions (417) 239-1333.

Kids of all ages will love this show filled with silly song favorites like “Love My Lips,” “The Hairbrush Song,” “His Cheeseburger,” and many, many more! Join the God Made You Special LIVE tour for an unforgettable time of fun and silliness from the VeggieTales crew!

Schedule Subject to Change
June: 20, 23, 27, 30 (3 pm & 8 pm)
July: 4 & 7 (3 pm and 8 pm)

June: 21, 22, 28, 28 (8 pm)
July: 5 & 6 (8 pm)

Branson, MO – Myer Hotels, Branson’s Award-Winning Hotel Company, is pleased to announce that the Best Western Center Pointe Inn has reopened better then ever since the February 29 tornado damage.

The Best Western Center Pointe Inn located on Highway 76 next to the Titanic Museum received moderate damage to one building and light impairment to two other buildings. This is one of the first hotels to reopen that was harmed during the storm. “We are excited about the enhancements of the hotel,” said Chris Myer, Vice President of Marketing for Myer Hotels. “ Nobody likes to go through a disaster but this has allowed us to do some things we wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. The hotel will have a much more upscale and modern feel to it. Guests will immediately notice the new copper roofing.”

The cleanup process and assessment began immediately after the tornado. “Local contractor G. Oney and Associates has done an excellent job helping us open as soon as possible. We are also thankful for the Fireman Fund Insurance Company for their responsive and cooperative approach. Our staff also stepped up during this time, as we were able to keep them employed during the clean-up and rebuilding process,” said Gail Myer, Vice President of Operations.

Prior to reopening it was important from a service standpoint that hotel services be available for guests. All amenities are open and available including indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs. The property will continue a phased reopening of some rooms as they continue work on a portion of the rooms. “In many ways this will be like a brand new hotel when we are completely finished,” said Myer.

The Best Western Center Pointe Inn has long been a favorite of Branson visitors due to its outstanding location right in the heart of Branson’s entertainment and excellent service. You can visit Myer Hotels at www.myerhotels.com.

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College of the Ozarks invites the public to attend the 23rd annual Honor America on Sunday, June 24. The event will begin with a picnic at 4:30 p.m. where attendees can purchase barbecue items, followed by a musical entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. and a patriotic program and concert at 8 p.m.

“Honor America has become a tradition that people of all ages can enjoy,” said Elizabeth Hughes, College of the Ozarks public relations director. “Kids can play with tinker toys, make bubbles and much more, while parents and grandparents can enjoy great music, barbecue and relax. Folks who attend will experience an atmosphere reminiscent of an old-fashioned patriotic celebration.”

This year’s event will feature several musical favorites, including bluegrass by Copper Fox, the Downing Street Boys who will entertain with traditional southern gospel music and the cast from Red, Hot… and Blue!, who will perform American classics from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Before the sky lights up with fireworks, attendees will hear a patriotic concert and witness more than 200 years of tradition with the West Point drum and bugle corps, The Hellcats, as they perform a fantastic display of bugling and drumming.

“Patriotism is a main focus at College of the Ozarks, and Honor America is a great way to celebrate that,” said Hughes. “I can’t think of a better way to begin your Independence Day festivities than by coming to the College’s beautiful campus to listen to music that encompasses the American spirit and to pay tribute to our nation.”

After dark, an elaborate fireworks display will conclude the event. Honor America is free and is open to the public, but don’t forget your lawn chairs. Alcohol, tobacco products, fireworks and pets are strictly prohibited. For more information, please call the Public Relations office at (417) 690-2212.

West Point Bugle and Drum Corps Hellcats

Students Travel with Holocaust Survivors and WWII Veteran Liberators to Concentration Camps to Learn About Holocaust

Seventeen College of the Ozarks students will accompany four WWII veteran liberators and three Holocaust survivors to Dachau, Mauthausen-Gusen, Gunskirchen and Auschwitz in an educational trip unlike any other. The students will witness the veterans and Holocaust survivors reunite to visit places they haven’t seen in decades.

They will hear stories, first-hand, from the survivors at the prison sites where they once were held captive. They will learn from Veteran Mason “Mickey” Dorsey about the moment his unit discovered Gunskirchen only to find the emaciated prisoners imprisoned and left for dead by retreating Germans. The students, veterans and survivors will have the opportunity to ride in what used to be Hitler’s brass elevator at Berchtesgaden and will share many other powerful moments learning from each other during the trip.

Hopefully this trip will provide a chance for veterans and survivors to find closure to one of the most difficult times of their lives. The students will learn what no history book can teach them; they will, no doubt, be forever changed from this experience.

In 2009, College of the Ozarks (a small work college in southwest Missouri) began sending students to accompany WWII Veterans to learn about history and sacrifice from the men who made it, so that their stories do not die with them. Since then, the College has sent several groups to the visit battle sites in the European and Pacific theatres. However, this is the first time for College of the Ozarks (or any college for that matter) to send students with veterans and Holocaust survivors.

During the trip May 31-June 10, the students will journal and post pictures daily on a blog. Visit http://patriotictravel.blogspot.com to see their amazing journey unfold.

Faith Community Health Neighborhood Garage Sale and Block Party

Everyone is welcome to join us at the 3rd annual Neighborhood Garage Sale and Block Party on Saturday June 9 from 8:00AM – 2:00PM in the Faith Community Health parking lot at 610 South Sixth Street in Branson. Admission is free and there will be fun for the whole family – Farmer’s Market, Great Food, Bouncy Houses and other kid-friendly activities, cash & door prizes, and approximately 30 vendors selling retail merchandise like Mary Kay, Scentsy and Tie Dye clothes as well as bargain shopping at the garage sale tables. Sponsored by Faith Community Health, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing Stone and Taney Counties’ working uninsured with quality, affordable healthcare and wellness education based on the individual’s spiritual, physical, mental and emotional needs. For more information, call Erica at 336-9355.

Taney County OACAC Senior Resource Fair

This is the place to be on June 9 from 9:00AM to 2:00PM at Faith Community Health 610 South Sixth Street in Branson if you are looking for information and resources for senior citizens. Admission is free. Approximately 25 vendors will be available to share their knowledge and resources for the health of seniors – including Branson and Forsyth Senior Centers, Alzheimer’s Association, Foster Grandparents, Skaggs Joint & Spine Center and many more. Hosted by Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC), a not-for-profit agency working toward alleviating the causes and conditions of poverty in the Ozarks. For more information, call 239-1882.

Junior Auxiliary of Taney County Family Fun Walk

Come join the fun at the Family Fun Walk on June 9 from 9:00AM to 11:00AM in the Faith Community Health parking lot at 610 South Sixth Street in Branson. Admission is free and the whole family will enjoy various activity stations, which promote movement and healthy activities including a Bouncy House. Each child who completes all the stations will receive a prize. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes. The first group starts at 9:00AM and the last group starts at 10:20AM. Hosted by Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC), a not-for-profit organization of women dedicated to improving the lives of children in Taney County through projects designed to fulfill the virtues of Charity, Youth, Health, Community Service, and Leadership. For more information, call Ronni at 544-1896.