Greetings!
The Starlite Theatre and Larry Black continue the fall concert series “Stars of Larry’s Country Diner and Country’s Family Reunion” this week with performances by Linda Davis and T. Graham Brown.
www.starlitetheatre.com
888-991-8445

LINDA DAVIS
The lovely Linda Davis has charted five major-label albums and more than fifteen singles. Her 1993 duet with Reba McEntire “Does He Love You” reached Number One and won both singers the Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. Other hits include “Some Things Are Meant To Be” and “A Love Story In The Making.”

T. GRAHAM BROWN
Country music legend T. Graham Brown has recorded thirteen albums and charted more than twenty hit singles, including eight Top Tens and three Number Ones: “Hell and High Water,” “Don’t Go To Strangers,” and “Darlene.” Other big hits include “I Tell It Like It Used To Be,” “I Wish I Could Hurt That Way Again,” “Last Resort” and “If You Could Only See Me Now.” T. Graham Brown returns to The Starlite Theatre October 19-20-21 with Linda Davis.

The Starlite Theatre is proud to bring these original artists to Branson’s premier live entertainment destination! Watch for upcoming emails about the return of “A Christmas Snow-Live!” starring Muse Watson (Mike Franks on NCIS), The Texas Tenors Christmas, Joey and Rory’s Farmhouse Christmas (as seen on RFD-TV) and The Bellamy Brothers Tropical Christmas. For tickets and information visit www.starlitetheatre.com or call the box office 866-991-8445.

The Track Family Fun Parks Announces Facility Upgrades for 2013

Branson, MO – October 18, 2012 – The Track Family Fun Parks has begun work on facility upgrades at both their Track 4 and Track 5 locations along Highway 76, which will be completed for the 2013 season.

Construction is underway to replace the Track 4 building (3345 W. 76 Country Blvd.), which was destroyed by the “Leap Year” tornado earlier this year. The new building, located across the parking lot from its previous location and close to the popular Heavy Metal High Rise go-kart track, will be approximately 4,300 square feet and will house a new ticketing area and all-new, state-of-the-art arcade.

“We are very excited about the new building at Track 4 and hope that the changes we are making will enhance our guest experience,” said Craig Wescott, President of The Track Family Fun Parks. “We expect that the new ticketing location will be more convenient for our guests, and we’re certain they are going to enjoy the all-new arcade.”

The Track also plans to build an addition onto Pizza World at the Track 4 facility. This added space will serve as both overflow seating for the restaurant, and as the meeting space for Track birthday parties and other group events. In addition, the Gator Golf mini golf course is getting a facelift.

The Track’s range of family-friendly offerings will expand in 2013 to include the area’s only batting cages. The Track 5 (3525 W. 76 Country Blvd.) facility will house four stations of batting cages that are each equipped to throw four different speeds for both baseball and softball.

“We expect that the batting cages will be a big hit with both locals and tourists alike,” said Wescott. “We hope that they will be a source of fun for people of all ages, and that they will be a great resource for local baseball and softball teams, as well as the hundreds of teams who come to the area annually to participate in the many tournaments hosted in Branson.”

Guests of The Track Family Fun Parks will enjoy all of these facility upgrades during the company’s thirty-third season in Branson. For more information about The Track Family Fun Parks, please visit their website at www.bransontracks.com or call (417) 334-1612.

By: Haley Jones

Artists throughout the Ozarks region are invited to submit paintings to the White River Painting Exhibit at College of the Ozarks Oct. 29–Nov. 7. Paintings should reflect the artist’s personal views of what is important to him/her about the Ozarks. Award-winning “plein air” painter Mr. Garry McMichael will serve as this year’s juror. Monetary awards will be awarded for the top three, as well as for honorable mentions.

Paintings may be submitted in most any medium on which there has been “some pigment pushed around.” Entries should be original and completed within the last two years and not the product of a painting workshop. Artists are limited to submitting two entries. Entries must not have been previously exhibited in the Ralph Foster Museum’s past White River Painting exhibits.

The paintings may be delivered to the Ralph Foster Museum between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday–Saturday. The entry fee for each painting is $5. The exhibit will run from Nov. 8–Dec. 15.

Artists interested in learning more may visit www.rfostermuseum.com or contact Museum Curator Jeanelle Ash at (417) 690-2603 or by e-mail, [email protected].

While fall brings focus to football and pumpkins, many C of O students have already set their sights on Christmas by joining Samaritan’s Purse with its annual Operation Christmas Child (OCC) project. This year the organization hopes to distribute its 100 millionth gift-filled shoebox in more than 100 countries.

College of the Ozarks is preparing for the annual Operation Christmas Child party, where the students will wrap and send out hundreds of boxes to children in need. “It’s a really great way to let a kid know that you do care about them even though you are thousands of miles away,” said sophomore Anna Renyer.

Shoe boxes are wrapped and filled with simple items most people take for granted, including toothpaste, toys and school supplies. OCC then hand delivers the shoeboxes to hurting children around the world suffering from poverty, disease, war and natural disaster. For many of these children, the simple shoe box will be the first gift they have ever received.

Anyone can participate in Operation Christmas Child this season. Samaritan’s Purse will collect gift-filled shoe boxes at more than 2,700 drop-off sites in all 50 states during National Collection Week, Nov 12–19.

For many years College of the Ozarks has participated in Operation Christmas Child. “As a relay station for our area, we are looking forward to this year being the best ever in community participation and hope others will join us,” said LeNeve OCC Relay Coordinator at C of O.

The College of the Ozarks Christian Ministries Office is the designated OCC Relay Center in this area. Please bring your shoe boxes to the Williams Memorial Chapel parking lot on the C of O campus from November 12-19, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday and 8 a.m. to noon on Monday.

For more information on packing an OCC shoebox please visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/ or call the C of O Christian Ministries office at 417-690-3446.

Greetings!
The Starlite Theatre and Larry Black continue the fall concert series “Stars of Larry’s Country Diner and Country’s Family Reunion” this week with performances by Rhonda Vincent, Billy Dean, Linda Davis and T. Graham Brown.
www.starlitetheatre.com
888-991-8445

RHONDA VINCENT
The Wall Street journal has called Rhonda Vincent “the new Queen of Bluegrass,” and with good reason. RHonda is a six-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year (00-06) as well as IBMA Entertainer of the Year (01). She is also five-time SPBGMA Entertainer of the year (02-06). IN addition to recording her own hit albums she has appeared on recordings by Dolly Parton, Alan jackson, Tanya Tucker and Joe Diffie.

BILLY DEAN
Florida native Billy Dean has scored four gold albums and more than twenty hit singles including eleven Top Ten hits. He was the 1992 ACM Top New Male Vocalist. His big hits include “Only Here For A Little While,” “Somewhere In My Broken Heart,” “If There Hadn’t Been You,” “Buy Me A Rose” and “Let Them Be Little.” Billy appears with Rhonda Vincent at The Starlite Theatre October 16, 17 and 18.

LINDA DAVIS
The lovely Linda Davis has charted five major-label albums and more than fifteen singles. Her 1993 duet with Reba McEntire “Does He Love You” reached Number One and won both singers the Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. Other hits include “Some Things Are Meant To Be” and “A Love Story In The Making.”

T. GRAHAM BROWN
Country music legend T. Graham Brown has recorded thirteen albums and charted more than twenty hit singles, including eight Top Tens and three Number Ones: “Hell and High Water,” “Don’t Go To Strangers,” and “Darlene.” Other big hits include “I Tell It Like It Used To Be,” “I Wish I Could Hurt That Way Again,” “Last Resort” and “If You Could Only See Me Now.” T. Graham Brown returns to The Starlite Theatre October 19-20-21 with Linda Davis.

The Starlite Theatre is proud to bring these original artists to Branson’s premier live entertainment destination! Watch for upcoming emails about the return of “A Christmas Snow-Live!” starring Muse Watson (Mike Franks on NCIS), The Texas Tenors Christmas, Joey and Rory’s Farmhouse Christmas (as seen on RFD-TV) and The Bellamy Brothers Tropical Christmas. For tickets and information visit www.starlitetheatre.com or call the box office 866-991-8445.

By: Chelsea Kliethermes

College of the Ozarks will kick off its 2012 Homecoming celebration, themed “Focused on Opportunity,” Thursday, November 1. Events run through Sunday, November 4. Alumni and the public are invited to participate in and/or observe many activities, including a 5K run/walk, basketball games, student activity booths and the C of O Homecoming Parade.

“The concept behind ‘Focused on Opportunity’ is to remind alumni of the wonderful opportunities they had as students,” said Director of Alumni Affairs Angela Williamson. “Through the work program, classes, and all of the opportunities the college offers, students are better equipped to face the world outside the campus Gates of Opportunity.”

The C of O Lady Bobcats will take on Baker University, Fri. Nov. 2, at 7 p.m., in the Keeter Gymnasium. The C of O Men’s Basketball Team will play Graceland University, Saturday Nov. 3, at 3:15 p.m., in the Keeter Gymnasium. The public is invited to attend both of these games; tickets may be purchased at the box office.

Events on Saturday, Nov. 3, such as the 5K Run/Walk at 7 a.m. and the student activity booths open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., are open to the public. The 5K entry fee is $20, and applications are available at www.cofo.edu/alumni. For questions on the run/walk, please contact Assistant Professor of Physical Education Don Hoeck at (417) 690-2571.

Those who cannot attend the morning Homecoming events are welcome to come to the Homecoming Parade. The parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, and will take place along Opportunity Ave.

“We look forward to the homecoming activities each year,” said sophomore business major Nicole Dilg. “Not only does it allow us to spend time with friends, but is an opportunity to reminisce with C of O Alumni.”

For more information regarding the Homecoming 2012 events, please contact the College of the Ozarks Alumni Office at (417) 690-2208. To see a complete list of events for Alumni, visit www.cofo.edu/alumni

2012 Homecoming Schedule of Events
“Focused on Opportunity”

Thursday, November 1
6 p.m. Bobcats vs. University of Saint Mary, Keeter Gymnasium
8 p.m. Homecoming Queen Coronation, Jones Auditorium

Friday, November 2
7 p.m. Lady Bobcats vs. Baker University, Keeter Gymnasium

Saturday, November 3
7 a.m. 5K Run/Walk, Keeter Gymnasium
10 a.m. Student Activity Booths Open, Activities Field
1 p.m. Alumni Memorial Service, Williams memorial Chapel
2 p.m. C of O Parade, Opportunity Ave.
3:15 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Graceland University, Keeter Gymnasium

Sunday, November 6
11 a.m. Chapel Service, Williams Memorial Chapel

Branson, MO – Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex will kick off “Think Pink”, a fundraiser and series of events in conjunction with the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO), on Saturday, October 20th, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.

“October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in addition to awareness, IMAX wanted to help raise funds that would directly benefit breast cancer survivors of the Ozarks. We’re inviting everyone out to the Complex for a special ‘Pink Ribbon Cutting’ at noon on Saturday,” says Tom Forster, Director of Marketing for Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex. “We’ll be debuting our ‘Think Pink – Discounts for Donations’ fundraiser card and be making a few special announcements about an exciting partnership with BCFO.”

Starting on Saturday, visitors of the IMAX Complex will be able to make a $2 donation to BCFO in return for a pink BCFO bracelet and a “Think Pink – Discounts for Donations” fundraiser card allowing the bearer numerous discounts throughout the IMAX Complex and other Branson businesses through November 4th.

The “Think Pink – Discounts for Donations” fundraiser card will include the following discounts:

15% Off Food at:
• McFarlain’s Family Restaurant
• The IMAX Food Court
• Montana Mike’s Steakhouse, 76 & 248 locations
• Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano

15% Off Shopping inside the IMAX Complex at:
• Legacy & Legend Gifts
• The Shadow Box
• Fabulous Finds Jewelry
• Ozark Mountain Clock Shop

Free Small Popcorn with the Purchase of a Drink at:
• The IMAX Concessions
• Branson Meadows Concessions

Buy ONE, Get ONE 1/2 Price on:
• Giant Screen IMAX Adventures
• Live Shows in the Little Opry Theatre

“BCFO is excited to partner with IMAX to reduce the burden of breast cancer on families in the Ozarks,” says Crystal Webster, Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. “The proceeds raised will stay in Stone and Taney county to pay household bills for those in treatment for breast cancer and to provide free screening mammograms for the uninsured.”

Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks is a local 501(c) 3 not-for-profit. BCFO is an organization of people reaching out to friends and neighbors who have been affected by breast cancer. BCFO offers personal support and comfort in real and practical ways. For more information regarding BCFO please contact (417) 862-3838 or online at www.bcfo.org.

For more information about Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex go online to www.bransonimax.com, for more information about Branson IMAX Events, visit IMAX’s Facebook Events Page!

School and community leaders, student volunteers, and local recyclers celebrated the Grand Opening of the EarthWise Recycling Center, a community-supported non-profit organization, at their location on the Reeds Spring High School campus. In addition, representatives from the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce performed a ceremonial ribbon cutting to commemorate the occasion.

The EarthWise Recycling Center was developed by the Stone County Legacy Catalyst Team, a group of local citizens who are passionate about finding creative ways to pass on the core values of the area—our “Ozark Mountain Spirit.” One of those deeply-held values is the desire to ensure a preferred future for the next generations, which includes a commitment to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

“I believe that people in general have become more environmentally conscious. They see the benefit of protecting the environment and realize the economic benefits that result from recycling programs,” said Sue Noel, Legacy Catalyst Team member. “The EarthWise Recycling Center is a wonderful learning facility right here in our community that will allow us to pass on the area’s legacy of natural beauty and environmental sustainability to the next generations.”

Community partners, including the Reeds Spring School District, are excited about the opportunity EarthWise will allow for educating and training area youth about the benefits of recycling. Reeds Spring High School students will be involved in EarthWise in a variety of ways including designing the logo and promotional posters, as well as volunteering at the center. On Saturday, a group of students from the Book Club donated their time.

Students at Reeds Spring High School are already familiar with recycling efforts within their school building, such as paper and plastic bottle collection, but school officials hope that the presence of EarthWise on their campus will increase awareness of and participation in recycling. “Ultimately, we’d like to see students not only participating in our in-school recycling programs, but also encouraging their families to bring recyclable products to EarthWise on our high school campus on Saturday mornings,” said Steve Levingston, Reeds Spring High School principal.

Brent Wolff, who recently moved to the area, has brought a load of recycling to EarthWise on each Saturday since its soft opening on September 22, and Saturday’s Grand Opening was no exception. “Recycling is a way of life for me. I believe that I’ve got to do my part to keep recyclable trash out of landfills,” said Wolff.

Also in attendance at Saturday’s Grand Opening was Northern Commissioner, Jim Huy, who is a passionate advocate for recycling programs elsewhere in the county, including those in Cape Fair, Kimberling City, and Galena. “I am really happy to see EarthWise open in Reeds Spring, and I encourage our citizens to utilize the facility,” said Huy. “This is a real resource for the area and illustrates the larger commitment to recycling we are seeing throughout the county.”

Stone County Presiding Commissioner Dennis Wood, who is also an Ozark Mountain Legacy Board member, attended the Grand Opening as well. “It has been great to watch the folks work together for a common cause,” said Wood. “Stone County people have always shown concern for the environment, and EarthWise is a continuation of that priority. I am proud to be a part of this effort.”

EarthWise will be open on Saturday mornings from 8:00 a.m. until noon and will accept all standard recycling items including cardboard, plastics #1-5, steel or tin cans, mixed paper, and magazines.

“Now that we’re up and running, we want to encourage more people to get involved,” said Korina Branson, Legacy Catalyst Team member. “The fact that EarthWise is in the center of the county makes it even easier for Stone County residents to start recycling.”

For more information about the Ozark Mountain Legacy initiative, contact Ozark Mountain Legacy at (417) 598-1314, or visit www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org.

You love The Texas Tenors. You love to shop. Combine your love and get a FREE Tanger Club One-Day Shopping Pass.

Purchase an adult ticket to any Starlite Theatre show and receive a Tanger Club One-Day Shopping
Pass good for a free coupon book that includes several of the brands and designers at Tanger Outlets Branson.

3115 W Hwy 76 Branson, MO 65616
866-991-8445
www.starlitetheatre.com

The convocation featuring author and co-founder of Wellspring International Naomi Zacharias scheduled for October 22, at 7 p.m. has been canceled, due to unforeseen circumstances.

Instead, the Christian convocation that evening will feature C of O students leading a worship service to kick-off the campus “Mission Emphasis Week.” The worship service, which is open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. on October 22, and will be held in Jones Auditorium.

C of O alumnus and Bridge of Faith Church Pastor John McGwire also will share during the worship service.

For more information, please contact the Christian Ministries Department at (417) 690-3446.