By: Morgan Sowell

Students from College of the Ozarks and the Board of Taney County Child Welfare Advisory Committee joined together in a community service project to help foster children of Taney County. College of the Ozarks students Caleb McElvain, Luke Elfrink, Tim Dickenson, Whitney Garrison, Rachel Denny, Morgan Sowell, Assistant Professor Dr. Stephen Bell and adjunct professor Mrs. Tracy Bell comprised the CALL group “Love is Constant.”

The Leadership Development Track (LDT), a student-led program at College of the Ozarks, organizes a retreat in which students learn about leadership. Groups of eight students and two professors from the retreat are paired together for the remainder of the semester. Each group comes up with its own community service project to plan and implement the remainder of the semester.

Members of the CALL group “Love is Constant” share a heart for children, which influenced their idea to give back to the community by providing suitcases to foster children in Taney County. The team came together with the board of six women from Taney County Child Welfare Advisory Committee to put this vision in action. While working together, the two teams provided 24 suitcases for the foster children ages 7 to 13 in Taney County. The suitcases were donated from college students, churches, organization and groups throughout the community. The Board of the Taney County Child Welfare Advisory Committee provided the essentials for inside the suitcases, which ranged from hygiene items to fun things for the kids to play with while making their transition from home-to-home.

“We would like to thank everyone who helped in making our vision possible,” said project participant Morgan Sowell. “We were truly blessed to have community support.”

For more information on how to help the foster children of Taney County, contact Cindy Rains at 417-335-9233 or Joyce Baker at 417-334-8844.

College of the Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis will autograph copies of his latest book, The Four Generals of Hard Work U.: Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary Men, during a book signing/reception event on May 27, 1-3 p.m. in The Keeter Center. The public is welcome to attend the book signing/cake and ice cream reception. Copies of the book will be available for sale on site.
Upon learning the inspirational stories of School of the Ozarks alumni Terrence R. Dake, Gary H. Hughey, Jerry W. Ragsdale, and Tommy I. Bell, Dr. Davis set out to write the book.
Recounting each man’s journey from humble beginnings as teenagers attending the work school located in Point Lookout, MO, to the rank of general in the United States Military, The Four Generals of Hard Work U., as General Peter Pace describes in the book’s foreword, “reveals how the same values led four alumni to the very pinnacle of their success.” General Pace, the 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, served in the U.S. Marine Corps with two of the four general officers, General Dake and General Hughey, profiled in the book.
“The fact that such an Ozarks school provided the gateway to prominence for such a level of leadership has always been intriguing,” explains Davis. “It has been an especially meaningful experience to trace the lives and accomplishments and service of four alumni who rose to such high ranks.”
Generals Dake, Hughey, Ragsdale, and Bell assumed heavy leadership responsibilities. General Dake rose to the position of Assistant Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps in 1998. Lieutenant General Gary H. Hughey served as Deputy Commander, United States Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Major General Jerry W. Ragsdale was named Commander of the Texas Air National Guard, Hensley Field in Dallas, Texas, 1987. The late Brigadier General Tommy I. Bell, who was buried with full military honors at the Arlington National Cemetery in August 2011, started out as a fighter pilot with the 71st Fighter-Inceptor Squadron and eventually served his country in the Headquarters of the U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
Davis tells each general’s life story through either their own words or those of individuals who know them well. “The purpose of this book is to relate the extraordinary lives of a few leaders,” said Davis. “Indeed, one does not have to be a general in the U.S. military to serve with honor. In fact, the four generals of ‘Hard Work U.,’ would be the first to point this out, for they know the sacrifice of alumni such as Roy Hopper (former POW), Earl Woodard (Army Air Corps), Kaney Willbanks (former Japanese POW), and countless others who gave their lives in service to America.”
The 234-page book does more than simply tell a story. It is dedicated to Veterans of the Vietnam Era who answered their country’s call and served with honor. All proceeds from the book go toward the College’s Patriotic Education Travel Program, wherein the College sends students to accompany Veterans back to their fields of battle in order to learn about history and sacrifice from the men and women who lived it.
To purchase a copy of the The Four Generals of Hard Work U.: Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary Men priced at $17.95, including tax and shipping, please go to contact www.cofo.edu or call (417) 690-3395.

About the Author:

Jerry C. Davis is President of College of the Ozarks. After graduating from the Berry Schools in Mount Berry, GA, he attended Truett McConnell College in Cleveland, GA, before receiving his B.S. degree from Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, NC; an M.S. degree from the University of Tennessee; and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University. Prior to coming to College of the Ozarks, Dr. Davis served as President of Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, KY.

BRANSON, MO (May 9, 2013) 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 2013 “Hotel of the Year” for the Comfort Inn brand. All three hotels were “Hotel of the Year” finalist in 2012 with the Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills winning the award in 2012. 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.

In order to be a finalist, The Comfort Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills and Comfort Inn West were recognized as Choice Hotels Platinum properties for 2013. 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 “Hotel of the Year” and to also to earn the Platinum status. Our team members do an incredible job of taking care of customers on a consistent basis. This recognition speaks to their high commitment of providing quality service and a great lodging product. In our eyes each hotel is a winner just to get to this level.”

“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 award will be given at Choice Hotels’ International convention in May in Los Angeles. Staff members from Myer Hotels will be attending the event.

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 45 years, the Myer family has actively contributed to Branson’s hospitality market for over 29 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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By: Turner Brock

School of the Ozarks will hold its first commencement on May 17, at 7 p.m., in the Williams Memorial Chapel, at which time six students will receive their high school diplomas. C of O President Jerry C. Davis will provide the commencement address during the ceremony.

“Being a part of the first graduating class of School of the Ozarks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said S of O senior Halea Gregg. “We have developed as true learners in order to be poured out into the world as godly influences.”

S of O Headmaster Brad Dolloff looks forward to the historic occasion, as well. “I am really looking forward to celebrating with our inaugural class of seniors,” he said. “God’s providence is amazing as this graduation is 100 years after the first graduation at the original School of the Ozarks. I am excited to see how these students go out and impact the world for Christ and feel blessed to be a part of their journey.”

This historic graduation coincides with the 100th anniversary of the institution’s first commencement in 1913, which included one graduate Joseph R. Gideon. Gideon’s granddaughter, Becky Roberts of Forsyth, will be in attendance at the May 17 commencement.
“We will be celebrating a historic event and sending our seniors out into the world, fully equipped for college and beyond,” said Dr. Sue Head, Dean of Character Education. “All six graduates have been prepared to be influencers and producers and have demonstrated leadership and grit during the School’s inaugural year.”

Chartered in 1906, The School of the Ozarks (now College of the Ozarks) began as a grammar school and high school for deserving Ozarks youth. Work-study has been an integral part of the institution, since its humble beginnings.

School of the Ozarks is a college preparatory lab school for grades 9-12 operated by College of the Ozarks. The S of O vision mirrors the College’s vision “to develop citizens of Christ-like character, who are well-educated, hard-working, and patriotic.”

Branson, Missouri – YouTube sensation, Iron Man Michael Haygood, gets his wish to debut his Iron Man light suit and LED guitar performance, with a remix of the movie’s theme song, “Thunderstruck”, before the premiere of Iron Man III at Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex. Michael will be opening for the 11:59pm premiere of Iron Man III inside the IMAX theater for movie goers.

“I’m a huge Iron Man fan and I love the technical side of performing, so I thought it would be fun to build an Iron Man suit for one of the premiere showings. I’m excited to have been invited by Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex for the movie premiere,” says Haygood. “The cool thing is, the video of my performance has just soared on YouTube, so the family and I have
decided to incorporate the performance into our summer show starting June 1st.”

( View Michael’s original video on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5y27pcZfh4 )

The Haygoods have been performing in Branson, Missouri since 1993, and entertaining millions with their Americana country rock pop music.

Tom Forster, Director of Marketing for Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex is excited about Iron Man Mike’s performance, “Micheal Haygood and his family are incredible entertainers, there is no doubt that Michael will rock the house. Movie goers are in for a great show!”

Tickets are still available. Order online at www.bransonimax.com or call 417-335-4832.

The Haygoods are now performing at the RFD TV Theatre, located on Hwy 76, go to www.thehaygoods.com or call 417-339-4663 for more information.

Main Street Lake Cruises will be having Area Appreciation May 1st – May 5th for both the Lake Queen and Landing Princess.

The Lake Queen Beach & Back Sightseeing Cruise – Adults are $10.00 with children 17 & under cruising free with a paid adult.

The Landing Princess Dinner Cruise – Area Appreciation Rate $20.00

Area appreciation is open to residents of Stone, Taney, Christian, & Greene counties as well as Boone and Carroll counties in Arkansas. Photo ID is required. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance and tickets picked up 1 hour prior to cruise time.

For more information or to make your reservation please call (417) 239-3980. Main Street Lake Cruises is located on the waterfront at Branson Landing.

Saturday, May 11th, 2013 from 1 to 3 pm – Reservations are Required.

$25.00 per person – $13 for children (4 years to 12 years)

Traditonal Tea Menu includes Assortment of Sandwiches, Pastries, Fruit Bread, Scones, Little Prince Tea, and Princess Tea. See brochure link below for full event details.

2013 Afternoon Tea Brochure

Reserve Online or Phone 417-690-2122.

Branson Country USA with Special Guest Red Hot & Blue – April 12, 2013

Branson Country USA is co-hosted by Grand Country nuts, Jamie Haage, as Jim Dandy, and Mike Patrick! With a rotating roster of talent, the show features special guest stars from the rich Branson entertainment industry. From celebrities such as Mickey Gilley and Roy Clark to the up-and-coming stars of tomorrow, the weekly line-up is always a hit!

Audiences also enjoy the incredible voices of Jackie Brown, Melody Hart and the power harmonies of New South, both weekly regulars on the show. The entire show is backed by the dynamic Grand Band.

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. www.bransoncountryusa.net
Show airs at 7:00 PM (cst.) – Every Saturday Night

Grand Country Music Hall
1945 W. 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65616
417-335-2484 – Reservations
417-336-5829 – Fax

TOGETHER. SHAPING THE FUTURE. ONE JOB AT A TIME.

What is a champion and what role does a champion play?

A champion is a volunteer mentor who is willing to enter into a relationship with one of the JfL students in which the champion helps the student reach his/her God-given potential. The champion will encourage the student during the class and maintain that support once the student is employed.  Ideally, the champion and the student will develop a lifelong relationship with one another so that each will be blessed by experiencing life’s journey together.

To learn more about becoming a “Champion” please attend our

Jobs for Life orientation/information night Wednesday, April 17th at 7pm.

Jesus Was Homeless is located directly across from Wal-Mart on Hwy 76 in the Vista Plaza shopping center on the backside.

Please bring a friend you would love to co-mentor with or just bring yourself.

Jobs for Life classes begin Wednesday, May 1st.  For more information please visit www.jesuswashomeless.org or contact Ashley Lauer at 417.337.8103 or email [email protected].

The Second Annual Fans for Charity Facebook contest has started!  Liberty Bank will donate a total of $14,000 to local charities!!  Here are the details of this exciting event:

Nominate:
From Monday April 8 – Thursday April 18, anyone can go to the Liberty Bank Facebook page, “Like us” and NOMINATE Jesus Was Homeless as their favorite SOUTHWEST MISSOURI CHARITY.  In 350 characters or less, they can tell Liberty Bank why Jesus Was Homeless charity deserves $10,000!   On April 19, the TOP 10 NOMINATED CHARITIES will be posted on the Liberty Bank Facebook page!

Vote:
From April 19-April 29, anyone can go to the Liberty Bank Facebook page, “Like us” and CAST YOUR VOTE for Jesus Was Homeless to receive the $10,000 grand prize!

Win:
The top 4 charities will receive prizes.  The winners will be posted on Facebook on April 30.
1st place:          $10,000
2nd place:         $2,500
3rd place:          $1,000
4th place:          $500

The person who nominated the Grand Prize winner will receive an iPad mini and get to present the check to the charity!

JESUS WAS HOMELESS
417.335.9915 – BRANSON, MO 65616
[email protected]
www.jesuswashomeless.org

“Changing lives, one meal at a time!”

Reeds Spring, MO – April 9, 2013 – The EarthWise Recycling Center, a community-supported non-profit organization located on the Reeds Spring High School campus, will celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 20 by expanding their standard recycling services to include electronic waste and rechargeable battery disposal, as well as glass recycling.

EarthWise—which was started last fall by the Ozark Mountain Legacy Catalyst team in Stone County—is a single-stream recycling facility, which means that all common recyclables—mixed paper, magazines and phone books, steel/tin/aluminum cans, and plastics #1-7—can be co-mingled in one container. Conveniently, recyclers do not have to sort these items prior to donation. Donated cardboard and paperboard (like cereal boxes) are baled separately and sold to help fund the operation. EarthWise is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until noon.

“Over the past six months, EarthWise has diverted over two tons of recyclable material from our landfill – and that is only being open on Saturday mornings,” said Sue Noel, Legacy Catalyst Team member. “The community has definitely shown its enthusiasm for recycling! We are growing fast and are thrilled that we are able to expand our collection services starting on Earth Day.”

Starting April 20, EarthWise will begin accepting the following recyclable items: electronic waste such as TVs, cell phones, iPods, tape players, radios, computers, copy machines, digital cameras, etc.; media items such as DVDs, CDs, VHS, and cassette tapes; rechargeable batteries (lead-acid batteries not accepted); glass used as food or beverage containers (please rinse). These items must be sorted separately, as they are not accepted in single-stream recycling. Donations are appreciated for handling and recycling rechargeable batteries and electronic waste.

In celebration of Earth Day, all Stone County residents are invited to visit EarthWise on April 20 from 8:00 a.m. until noon and are encouraged to bring their recyclable items. EarthWise volunteers will be on hand to give tours of the facility, and local businesses and student groups will have booths set up for visitors to enjoy.

“Earth Day is a great reminder of the importance of taking care of our planet, and recycling is a simple way that each person can make a difference in our community,” said Korina Branson, Legacy Catalyst Team member. “We hope that this Earth Day, Stone County businesses, schools, city / county offices, not-for-profit organizations, and residents will bring their unwanted electronic or media waste, and other recyclables, to EarthWise Recycling Center. It’s a win-win for the community.”

EarthWise would like to thank their generous sponsors: Brokate Janitorial, GreenStick, Greenway Recycling, Republic Services, Reeds Spring High School, and Silver Dollar City. Please contact Sue Noel at 338-8108 for sponsorship opportunities or exhibitor space at the Earth Day celebration on April 20, or for more information on how to get involved with EarthWise Recycling Center.