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.

The newest game in town is the National Safety Forces Motorcycle Rally, it is a rally for those heroes we often forget to thank, our Military, Police Officers, Firefighters and EMS workers. Although we are thanking those heroes with this rally it is open to all who would like to come see it. No need for a motorcycle just come by Area ’57 in beautiful Branson and see what is there June 7th – 10th, 2012.

We have live music, motorcycle stunt shows, lots of national vendors and hundreds of motorcycles. This is the first year for this rally and we are trying not to be confused with the local Branson Motorcycle Rally. Both rallies are on consecutive weekends but are raising funds for different charities. The National Safety Forces Motorcycle Rally is donating money to the Wounded Warrior Project and to the Ghost Rider Foundation that assists Military members who have post-traumatic stress disorder. We are expecting riders from as far away as California and Ontario, Canada and have reservations at the Ramada Branson from people from Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Houston, Daytona and many others.

Admission to the rally is free and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you there.

Dan Luttrell
NSFMR
Director

Gospel Sing-Off Call for Entries

Branson, Mo…Christian Action Ministries (CAM) of Branson, Missouri is seeking contemporary, traditional and southern gospel singing groups that are interested in competing for 10 finalist positions at CAM’s 4th Annual Gospel Sing-Off to be held on September 2, 2012 at the phenomenal Sight & Sound Theatres. Bob Hubbard of the Foggy River Boys and The Jordanaires will emcee the event.

Entries must be received by July 20th in order to be considered for one of the ten finalist positions that will perform in the competition before a panel of celebrity judges. Entry forms are available at www.christianactionministries.org and there is no entry fee for the contestants.

Contestants will compete for $3,000 in cash prizes and trophies. First place winner receives $1,500, second place $1,000, and third place $500. Plus the winner will also receive three performance slots at Silver Dollar City on the following day. Past winners have included Southern Raised, The Petersen Family, and Sons of the Silver Dollar.

Key sponsors for this year’s event include Branson Tourism Center, SIX, and Sight & Sound Theatres, and additional sponsorships are currently being sought for support. Sponsor information and forms are available at the CAM website at www.christianactionministries.org.

Tickets for the event will be available in mid-July through Branson Tourism Center and Sight & Sound Theatres. For more information, contact the CAM offices at 417-334-1157.

CAM operates food pantries in Branson and Forsyth, as well as a monthly mobile outreach to eastern Taney County. The Sing-Off is CAM’s only operational fundraiser to support its efforts in fighting hunger in Taney County.

Contact: Jack Burke, [email protected], 1-800-451-8273

I am writing on behalf of Homes for Our Troops; a non-profit organization that builds specially adapted homes for service members that have been severely injured in combat after September 11, 2001.

We are presently preparing to build a home for Marine Cpl Justin McLoud in Festus, MO. , starting June 15, 16 & 17, 2012.

Marine Cpl. Justin McLoud, deployed with the 3/5 Darkhorse Marines, was on his third deployment when he was left a triple amputee after an IED blast in Sangin, part of the northern Helmand Province of Afghanistan, on December 10, 2010.

We are looking for volunteers to help over the weekend, Meal & Beverage Donations and Volunteers to do some local outreach for us before we come out for the Build brigade. If you can help in any way or have any leads that might help us with our planning please contact me as soon as possible!
Thank you

Doreen Lewis
Community Outreach Coordinator
Homes for our Troops
6 Main Street
Taunton, MA 02780
phone: 508-823-3300
Fax: 508-823-5411
www.homesforourtroops.org

Taste of Home Cooking School Coming to Branson, MO!

Culinary Specialist Jamie Dunn

Drop your whisks, grab your friends, and join us for a night of fun at the Taste of Home Cooking School show, presented live at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson on May 22, 2012 at 7:00pm.

During this interactive event, you’ll watch top culinary expert, Jamie Dunn, demonstrate ten new recipes you can easily recreate in your home. Armed with new culinary tips and techniques, you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends with these sophisticated yet surprisingly easy-to-make dishes.

Not only will you leave the event with new recipe ideas, you’ll also go home with a valuable gift bag. Our ever-popular gift bags include an assortment of products and coupons, including two Taste of Home magazines. And while you’re there, remember to enter for a chance to win one of many exciting door prizes.

Start your evening out right by visiting the expo from 4:00pm-7:00pm. You will have the opportunity to visit with many great businesses and learn more about their products and services.

For more information about the event and how to purchase tickets, visit TasteofHome.com. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

The Taste of Home Cooking School is an event you won’t want to miss. Let’s get
cooking!

Tickets are NOW on sale by calling 1-800-505-9355 or 1-417-337-SHOW (7469) or by logging on to www.welkresortbranson.com.

For information contact:
Cinda Bauer
Event Coordinator
The Caring People
164 Corporate Place
Branson, MO 65616
417-334-0131
[email protected]

Please join Mount Pleasant Winery for their “Friday Wine Down” this Friday, May 11th from 5 – 7pm. This week The New Acoustic Jazz Trio consisting of Dan McMasters, Steve Black and John Raczka will perform a mixture of music from the 1930’s and 40’s to more current music of today. Drawing heavily on the influence of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France and the music they were playing around Europe in the 30’s and 40’s known as Gypsy Jazz. Bring your friends and Wine Down with great wine and music!

It’s time again!. This week at the Mount Pleasant “Friday Wine Down” join us for 2 hours of great jazz with the renown Bogie Bohinc on guitar, along with Marcus Willett on bass. “Come have a glass of wine…..the music be fine”!!!!!! 5 – 7 pm! Beginning June 1st we will be having music every Friday and Saturday nights. We hope you will join us!

BRANSON, MO – The Comfort Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills and the Comfort West of Branson have all been selected as three of the three finalists for Choice Hotels’ International 2012 “Inn of the Year” for the Comfort Inn brand. Two of these Myer Hotel properties were also recognized as finalists for 2011 and 2010 with the Comfort Inn & Suites winning in 2011 and 2009. These hotels represent the “best of the best” among over 1,400 Comfort Inn’s worldwide due to their outstanding guest satisfaction and consistent brand performance.

The Comfort Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills and Comfort Inn West have also been also been recognized as Choice Hotels Platinum properties for 2012. The Choice Hotels Platinum Award exemplifies exceptional service, facilities and hospitality. “Only three percent of properties in the Choice Hotels system reach this standard” stated Gail Myer, Vice President of Operations. Chris Myer, Vice President of Marketing noted, “It’s a huge honor to be finalists for “Inn of the Year”. I don’t think any one company has ever had three properties in the finals at the same time. Our team does an incredible job of taking care of customers. This recognition speaks to their high commitment of providing quality service and product on a consistent basis.”

“These hotels represent the strongest, most consistent performers in our global system,” said Steven Joyce, Chief Executive Officer of Choice Hotels. “To receive this recognition is a great accomplishment and the owners, general managers and staff of these hotels should be proud. I know we certainly are.”

The Comfort Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills and Comfort Inn West are owned by Myer Hotels of Branson. In the lodging business for over 44 years, the Myer family has actively contributed to Branson’s hospitality market for over 28 years and received numerous national awards. Myer Hotels also includes the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn and the Holiday Inn Express Green Mountain. For more information about these hotels please visit www.myerhotels.com.
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American Idol® Finalists will soon be arriving at the Branson Airport. Andy Williams Moon River Theatre will host a total of fifteen entertainers this summer from the popular television show, American Idol®, to perform in “The Finalists Live”. On Monday, May 7th, the first group of five former Idols will step off the plane at Branson Airport to begin the fifteen week tour in Branson, Missouri. The first group includes: Lee DeWyze, Season 9 Winner; Blake Lewis, Season 6 Runner-up; Elliott Yamin,3rd in Season 5; plus Thia Megia, from last year’s show; and Kimberly Caldwell from Season 2, and host on Oxygen and TV Guide network. For additional show information visit www.andywilliams.com.

Branson Airport is holding a Meet the Idols Contest, where customers can enter to win 2 premium VIP seats and full backstage access passes with the Idols. Contest will begin May 7th. Participants can register on Facebook by visiting the Branson Airport Fan Page “FlyBranson” and clicking the contest tab or by visiting www.FlyBranson.com.

In addition to the contest, Branson Airport will also host a “Finalists Live Watch Party” where guests are invited to come out to the airport and meet and greet with their favorite Idols. The Watch Party will begin at 1:30pm. Guests are invited to create posters welcoming each of the artists. A poster contest will be held the same day where the lucky winner will receive a free ticket to The Finalists Live show. All local media is encouraged to attend.

The Branson airport has non-stop service to 9 markets, Chicago, Milwaukee, Houston, Atlanta, Denver, Orlando, Baltimore, Austin, Nashville, and over 100 one stop destinations. To make reservations or for more information regarding Branson Airport call toll free 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541) or 417-334-8857 or visit FlyBranson.com.