A collection of century-old photos of Ozark people and scenes called “Ozark Light”—on loan from the Missouri State Archives—will be displayed through Jan. 22 at the White River Valley Historical Society Museum, 297 Main St. in Forsyth, across from the Taney County Courthouse. The photos were taken by Charles Elliott Gill with a 1906 Sears, Roebuck and Co. camera.

Also, help is needed to identify people in some of the “mystery pictures” on display. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Call 417-546-2210.

The Branson board of education is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy among its seven-member organization.  Mike Booth, who was just four months short of completing his 12th year of service to the district, resigned his seat at the board’s December 10 meeting.  He resigned after accepting an appointment to the Branson City Council.  Applicants are being solicited from those who would like to fulfill the requirements of Booth’s unexpired term which ends April 2010.

As per policy, applicants who wish to fill the remainder of Booth’s term must submit a letter of application and resume’ to the district office.  All applications must be postmarked by December 26.  Applications may be mailed to:  Branson Board of Education; 400 Cedar Ridge Drive; Branson, MO  65616.

The board will meet later in December to review the applications.  A selection of applicants will be scheduled for interviews with the board prior to its January meeting.

To help businesses understand new sales tax rules, the League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers has invited staff from the Missouri Department of Revenue to a meeting at noon Friday (Dec. 18) at the Radisson Hotel on Mo. 76.

The meeting is open to anyone impacted by the new ruling. There will be representatives there from industries including ticket resellers, theaters, hotels and tour operators.

The public is invited to ground-breaking for a new bridge over Lake Taneycomo at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday (Dec. 17) at the south end of the Branson Landing parking lot near the Branson Lakeside RV Park.

Work is already under way on the $12.2 million bridge and a round-about designed to ease congestion for Branson’s workforce, residents and visitors. The first step will be moving in equipment and clearing trees and brush. Demolition of part of the bluff is expected to start in January, said MoDOT Senior Construction Inspector Brett Foster.

Once the new bridge is completed in about a year, work will begin repairing the old bridge, also a year-long project. The new bridge and round-about is being funded by $7.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.

The last day of school in 2009 will be Friday, December 18.  Classes will resume January 4.

The regular Friday dismissal schedule will be in effect December 18.

Pepper Bellies Mexican Restaurant i sback.  Remember that great Mexican food we used to get down at 305 Main St. in Branson before the Landing was built? Well, we’re back and under the same ownership as before.

Our new location is is 5378 State Hwy. 265 (formally, Zoey’s Mediterranean Restaurant).
Open 6 days a week (closed Mondays). 10% discount to Stone & Taney county residents. Phone: 338-1058.

Join your fellow [Branson] Chamber Members to “Meet the Board” at Business After Hours hosted by the Titanic Thursday, December 17th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Enjoy good food, drink & prizes provided by the BLACC & CVB Board of Directors. This will also be one of your last chances to see the Titanic Movie Exhibit before it goes back into storage!

Please RSVP by 12/15/09 to [email protected] or call 417-334-4084, ext. 399. This event is free with donations being taken for Church Army – Branson & Christian Associates.

The Taney County Health Department will offer free H1 N1 vaccinations on Saturday, December 12 at the Junior High School.  Vaccinations will be given from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.

Anyone meeting the following criteria will be vaccinated:
Children age six months to 18 years of age
Parents or caregivers of children under age six months
Pregnant women with a written doctor’s order
Children under age nine who have already received the first dose of the vaccine (please bring records verifying the first dose)

Parents or guardians must be present with children under the age of 18.

Source: email Branson Schools

The 1st annual Christmas Run for CAM (5k or 1 Mile run/walk) is scheduled for Sat., Dec. 12 at 9 a.m.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Dewey Short Visitor Center parking lot, Hwy. 165 near Table Rock Dam. Event will be out & back course on the Lakeshore Trail—-gently winding, asphalt surfaced trail. Entry fee is $25 for adults and $10 for age 18 and under.

Each entrant receives a high-quality long-sleeved t-shirt with Christmas themed design.  Call 417-334-1157 or 294-4775
for further information; online at www. OMRR.org or www.ChristianActionMinistries.org for entry form.

Blue Eye, Missouri.  Vicky Vaughan, accomplished entertainer and singer, will be performing on Friday, November 20, 2009, at Morningside — The Home of the New Jim Bakker Show.  Her one hour concert begins at 7:00pm and will be a night to remember as she captivates her audience with her humor and her music which covers many generations from the oldies to contemporary to Christmas and even some written by her and her very talented family.

Vicky Vaughan is an internationally known recording artist and published author.  She has performed throughout the United States sharing her heart and talents through music, spoken word, teaching, and humor.  She is versatile in her style bringing to life both secular and Christian music.

The Morningside Concert Series is free and open to the public.  Morningside is located on Hwy 86 & 13 near Blue Eye, MO.  Morningside will also be live streaming the concert on the web via www.JimBakkerShow.com.  For information about Morningside call 417-779-9000.  For more information about Vicky Vaughan go to her website at www.Vickyv.com.