(From L) C of O Rotaract President Paige Wilson, Branson Daybreakers member Gabe Miller, RYLA Scholarship recipient/S of O student McKenna Bliss, Daybreakers President Inez Gibbs, and Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 6080 Shawn Pingleton.

The Branson Daybreakers Rotary Club awarded School of the Ozarks freshman McKenna Bliss with a scholarship to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) at William Woods College. The scholarship will cover expenses associated with attending the summer RYLA academy, Rotary’s leadership training program for young people.

A Daybreakers selection committee chose McKenna based on her demonstrated service to the community.
“Daybreakers wants to recognize Miss Bliss for her commitment to service and honor her publicly in front of her peers,” said Gabe Miller, Daybreakers member who is active in the New Generations Program.

Branson Daybreakers President Inez Gibbs, Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 6080 Shawn Pingleton and Mr. Miller presented the scholarship to McKenna during an S of O morning assembly on Wednesday, April 3. For more information on RYLA, go to www.moryla.org.

As many of you may know, Joey Riley has been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, surgery was inoperable and he is facing chemo treatments in the very near future. Joey does not have medical insurance and we at the Clay Cooper Theatre are having a benefit show and silent auction for him, to help him and his family with his overwhelming medical expenses. We would be grateful for any items that can be auctioned both large and small. Thank you in advance for your support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pat Veach @ (417) 337-7123 or (417) 332-2529.

When: April 20th @ 2pm
Where: The Clay Cooper Theatre
Donation: $25.00 at the door
Details of the show will be announced soon!
Silent Auction: donated items will be auctioned

(All proceeds will go to the “Benefit of Joey Riley”)

Donations may also be made in the name of “Benefit of Joey Riley” at Bank of Missouri, 800 Highway 248, Ste. C, Branson, MO 65616

(Branson, MO) – Joey Riley, a 43-year-old, Wylie native and nationally-known comedian, has been diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer and will soon begin chemotherapy. This devastating news, which has put his career on hold, comes just ten months after his mother lost her long and difficult battle with cancer.
Riley was born and raised in Wylie and got his start in his parents’ music venue, the Wylie Opry, which they built so he and his brother, Scott, could have a family-friendly environment in which to perform.
Riley started high school at Wylie High School and then moved to Nashville where he went to school his junior and senior years.
“I was working in Nashville and going to school at the same time,” he said.
However, he wanted to graduate with his class at Wylie, so his school in Tennessee sent his records to Wylie, and he graduated with the WHS class of 1989.
Riley was successful from a young age. Before he was 17, he toured with Capitol Records artist Gene Stroman and Suzy Bogguss playing the steel guitar and fiddle. He then toured with the Warren Stokes Country Revue out of Eureka Springs, Ark. and added “comedian” to his talents.
After a couple years, he found his way to Branson, Missouri where he joined the Texas Goldminors. Country music legend Mickey Gilley happened to be in the audience one day and asked him to join his show. Riley stayed by Gilley’s side for over 20 years and loved every minute of it.
In 2012, Joey ended his tenure with Gilley and joined up with longtime friend and fellow Wylie native Clay Cooper. He performed nightly as part of “Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express” and in his own show at Music City Centre on Branson’s famed Highway 76 strip. Joey’s tumor was unable to be surgically removed. The new plan is after his recovery from the surgery he will undergo Chemo and Radiation treatments to shrink the tumor. Riley plans to return to Clay Cooper’s show and will open his show in the fall.
Joey, a steel guitarist, fiddle player and comedic sidekick has been sharing laughs and entertaining audiences of all ages with comedy, singing and musical talents for more than 20 years.
Joey does not have health insurance to cover these costs so a benefit show will be held Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m. at Clay Cooper Theatre to help Riley and his wife, Kelli with overwhelming medical expenses. Tickets are $25.
Donations can be made in the name “Benefit of Joey Riley” at Bank of Missouri, 800 Highway 248, Suite C, Branson MO, 65616. Prayers, donations and well wishes are greatly appreciated by the Riley family.
“The music industry has been real good to me throughout the years,” Riley said. “I’ve been blessed. But I’m not ready to give up yet.”
Letters, cards and well wishes for Joey Riley can be sent to Joey Riley, c/o Chuck Landry, 904 Hawthorn, Branson MO 65616.
For ticket information on the Joey Riley Benefit Show, call 417-332-CLAY.

April 2, 2013 (BRANSON, MO)—Think iconic Hollywood actor Steve McQueen, The King of Cool, The Magnificent Seven and car collector enthusiasts immediately think of McQueen?s 1946 Indian Chief motorcycle.
Next Friday and Saturday, they will also think of Branson, MO.
Long known as the live music capital of the world with more shows than Broadway or Nashville, Branson is also widely known as home of one of the top ten car auctions in America.
Friday and Saturday, April 12-13, at the Branson Convention Center, The Branson Auction will feature more than 250 sports, muscle, vintage, classic, custom and antique automobiles.
Jim and Kathy Cox have been presenting this bi-annual event for more than
23 years. Last year 5,000-6,000 collectors, consigners, bidders and car enthusiasts gathered for the live auction.
The Branson Auction will also feature story cars like the 1923 Rolls Royce
20 Roadster and The Gotham Cruiser. In fact, the consignment list is updated daily. Car owners can consign cars up to the day of the sale or can consign in advance by visiting www.bransonauction.com and clicking on the consign tab.
Bidders are encouraged to pre-register by calling in advance on visiting Branson auction?s website.
Starting on Friday at 10 a.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. tickets for preview and the auction may be purchased in the upper level or in atrium of the Convention center for $10 daily or $15 for a two day pass.
Friday evening, bidders and consigners who have registered in advanced along with other special guests are hosted by Jim and Kathy Cox in the Taneycomo Ballroom for a private reception and charity auction to benefit the Autism Society of America.

College of the Ozarks has been named to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.

The Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers the annual Honor Roll award, recognized more than 700 colleges and universities for their impact on issues from poverty and homelessness to environmental justice. On campuses across the country, thousands of students joined their faculty to develop innovative programs and projects to meet local needs using the skills gained in their classrooms. Business students served as consultants to budget-strapped nonprofits and businesses, law students volunteered at legal clinics, and dozens of others organized anti-hunger campaigns.

The Honor Roll includes six colleges and universities that are recognized as Presidential Awardees, with an additional 690 schools named as Honor Roll members. Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors including the scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.

“The Christian and Patriotic aims of the College combine to create students of Christ-like character who are community minded,” said Elizabeth Hughes, C of O public relations director. “Many on campus take a leadership role in coordinating service efforts such Operation Christmas Child and Camp Lookout, a free summer camp for disadvantaged area children.”

“Communities are strengthened when we all come together, and we are encouraged that these institutions and their students have made service a priority,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “Civic engagement should be a key component of every student’s education experience. Through reaching out to meet the needs of their neighbors, these students are deepening their impact, strengthening our democracy and ultimately preparing themselves to be successful citizens.”

College students make a significant contribution to their communities through volunteering and service, according to the most recent Volunteering and Civic Life in America report. In 2012, 3.1 million college students dedicated more than 118 million hours of service across the country — a contribution valued at $2.5 billion.

The Corporation oversees the Honor Roll in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact and the American Council on Education.

Pizza Haus
4800 North Gretna
Branson, Missouri 65616
417-544-1019
LOCATED INSIDE GREATEST ADVENTURES GOLF COURSE

College of the Ozarks culinary art students placed second in the American Culinary Federation Missouri State Student Team Competition. The competition was held at the Culinary Institute of St. Louis at Hickey College in March.

The team, led by Executive Chef and Assistant Professor Robert Stricklin, included five students from College of the Ozarks: junior team captain Joy Hunt, junior Hannah Burke, sophomore Lindsey Whitener, freshman Davina Jutras and freshman Hadassah Hirscher.

Judges evaluated cooking techniques, sanitation, work flow, team work, classical cooking, methodology, plate presentation and taste.

The competition encompassed testing the student’s individual skills, as well as a team preparation of a four-course meal.

All students involved met once week for practice and planning in a hotel and restaurant management/culinary arts competition class.

“Competition helps students practice and improves their skills,” Stricklin said. “It also offers the faculty an excellent opportunity to evaluate culinary arts curriculum content, as well as assess individual student learning.”

Caption: (Picture from L) Executive Chef and Assistant Professor Robert Stricklin, Hannah Burke, Hadassah Hirscher, Joy Hunt, Lindsey Whitener, Davina Jutras

Ozark Mountain Legacy held the first Legacy University workshop—”PARAGON Leadership Training”— last week aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. Over fifty business owners and leaders attended the workshop and learned how to coach employees to deliver values-based behaviors when interacting with guests in order to “make moments matter.”

Ozark Mountain Legacy recognizes that many people come to visit this area year after year because of the legacy of hospitality that characterizes Ozark Mountain Country. However, they also acknowledge that in order to pass on that legacy to the next generation of visitors, business leaders must commit to practices that reflect their core values, and the core values of the community—family, faith, friends, flag, and ensuring a preferred future.

“There are businesses all over Ozark Mountain Country run by passionate owners and management teams who want to deliver an unmatched guest experience,” said facilitator Terri Tucker, owner of Tucker Resources. “But wanting to and knowing how to accomplish that are often two different things. In PARAGON, we teach these leaders practical ways to equip front-line employees to create a positive moment-by-moment experience for each guest who comes through the door.”

Workshop attendees were both affirmed and challenged by the training. Candi Owens, a Showboat Branson Belle employee, said that PARAGON provided “reinforcement of what we do right and new ways to improve the way we do our jobs.” Tom Wood, also a Showboat employee, added that it was a “fresh perspective on guest service.” Jeannie Peninger of Myer Hotels concluded, “This is an awesome, thought-provoking course.”

Legacy University plans to host additional PARAGON workshops in the coming months and encourages all business owners and management teams to plan to attend these future trainings. The next PARAGON workshop will be held on May 6. “If you’re not prepared to lead before, you will be after this class,” said Heather Nickum, a Silver Dollar City employee. “You might be good, but PARAGON helps you become great.”

Business leaders who attended last week’s PARAGON workshop also plan to send their front-line employees to Legacy University’s “FACETS Front Line Associates Training,” which is designed to teach these employees how to deliver a guest experience that exceeds expectations and reflects the “Ozark Mountain Spirit.” FACETS Training will be held Monday, April 15 from 9:00 a.m. until noon aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. All area businesses are encouraged to send front-line associates to this training.

For more information, or to register for the April 15, 2013 FACETS workshop, please visit www.Legacy-U.org or call (417) 598-1314.

College of the Ozark Keeter Center Kitchen Supervisor and adjunct culinary arts instructor Christopher Freeman received the “People’s Choice” award March 11, at the Springfield/Branson Taste of Elegance competition and dinner.

Sponsored by the National Pork Board, the Taste of Elegance inspires different ways to feature pork on the menu.

As one of the major cooking events for professional chefs in the industry since 1987, The Taste of Elegance competition has evolved into more than 20 annual regional competitions, including the Springfield/Branson event.

Ten area chefs competed in this year’s competition which offered pork entrées to 300 invited guests, who then voted on their favorites.

Senior culinary arts majors Chani Bailey and Austin Merath helped Chef Freeman prepare his winning meal.

BRANSON, MISSOURI – March 19, 2013 – The Andy Williams Moon River Theatre announced today another performer in a line of stars to headline this Fall’s “Moon River Weekends”. Moon River Weekends is a concert series featuring national entertainers each weekend in September and October. Country Superstar and Grammy winner, Randy Travis will come to Branson and perform on Friday and Saturday, October 11th and 12th at 8pm. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning March 25th at 9 AM.

“Randy Travis is a country music legend and it’s exciting to have him come to our theatre. Randy’s career is unparalleled in country and gospel music and he brings 25 years of hits and timeless music to Moon River”, stated Lynn Meredith, General Manager of Moon River. “The Moon River Theatre will continue to be a legacy for our founder, Andy Williams and be the home of great singers and entertainers.”

One more performer in this exciting concert series will be announced in the coming days.

About Randy Travis

With lifetime sales in excess of 20 million, Randy Travis is one of the biggest country record sellers of all time. His honors include seven Grammy Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music statuettes, 10 American Music Awards, two People’s Choice awards, seven Music City News awards, eight Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association and five Country Music Association honors. In addition, three of his performances earned CMA Song of the Year honors, “On the Other Hand” (1986), “Forever and Ever Amen” (1987) and “Three Wooden Crosses” (2003).

To date, he has 18 No. 1 singles, 29 top-10 smashes and more than 40 appearances in feature films and television shows to his credit. Ten of his albums are Gold Records. Eight are Platinum. Two have gone Double Platinum. One is Triple Platinum and another is Quintuple Platinum. In 2004, Randy was honored with his own star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He has been a member of the cast of the Grand Ole Opry since 1986.

Currently, Randy Travis is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his award-studded career with a stellar cast of collaborators on a new cd. Joining him on his Anniversary Celebration CD are such members of the Country Music Hall of Fame as Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, George Jones and Ray Price. Current Nashville hit makers Zac Brown Band, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Josh Turner and Brad Paisley are also singing with him on the collection. Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame member Don Henley is on board, as are such up-and-comers as country’s James Otto and Jamey Johnson, pop’s Kristin Chenoweth and Irish tenor Eamonn McCrystal.

Randy’s fellow country superstar Alan Jackson has written several songs with him, so his presence is a natural. Revered vocal stylists such as Shelby Lynne, John Anderson, Gene Watson and Joe Stampley participate, as do Randy’s fellow Grand Ole Opry cast members Lorrie Morgan and Connie Smith.

The event that inspired this gathering of greats is singular and significant. The 1986 release of the Randy Travis LP Storms of Life was a watershed moment in American music history. The album, which has sold nearly four million copies, was a cornerstone of the “new traditionalist” movement in Nashville. Jackson, Paisley, Chesney, McGraw, Turner and Underwood were all inspired by it.

Randy Travis is a country and gospel music singer whose distinctive baritone and traditional style have made him a star since the 1980s. In the late 1970s he began making demo tapes and recorded a few singles, and in 1981 he moved to Nashville, Tennessee. After a few years as a cook and singer at night spot, he released an independently produced live recording to capitalize on his increasing fan base. His first record on a major label, Storms of Life was released in 1986, and Travis toured the United States on the strength of the hits “On the Other Hand” and “1982.” Since then he has sold millions of records and won numerous awards, including Grammys for Best Male Country Vocal Performance (1987 and 1988), Best Country Song (1988’s “Forever and Ever, Amen”) and Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album (2004’s Rise and Shine). Travis is known as a country crooner in the style of Lefty Frizell and George Jones. In recent years he has recorded bluegrass and gospel albums that have had great success, including the hit and 2003 CMA Song of the Year, “Three Wooden Crosses. With lifetime sales in excess of 20 million, Randy Travis is one of the biggest country record sellers of all time.

Andy Williams Moon River Theatre
Kathe Hill, Director of Sales and Marketing
417-334-1800
[email protected]