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.

Faith Community Health Neighborhood Garage Sale and Block Party

Everyone is welcome to join us at the 3rd annual Neighborhood Garage Sale and Block Party on Saturday June 9 from 8:00AM – 2:00PM in the Faith Community Health parking lot at 610 South Sixth Street in Branson. Admission is free and there will be fun for the whole family – Farmer’s Market, Great Food, Bouncy Houses and other kid-friendly activities, cash & door prizes, and approximately 30 vendors selling retail merchandise like Mary Kay, Scentsy and Tie Dye clothes as well as bargain shopping at the garage sale tables. Sponsored by Faith Community Health, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing Stone and Taney Counties’ working uninsured with quality, affordable healthcare and wellness education based on the individual’s spiritual, physical, mental and emotional needs. For more information, call Erica at 336-9355.

Taney County OACAC Senior Resource Fair

This is the place to be on June 9 from 9:00AM to 2:00PM at Faith Community Health 610 South Sixth Street in Branson if you are looking for information and resources for senior citizens. Admission is free. Approximately 25 vendors will be available to share their knowledge and resources for the health of seniors – including Branson and Forsyth Senior Centers, Alzheimer’s Association, Foster Grandparents, Skaggs Joint & Spine Center and many more. Hosted by Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC), a not-for-profit agency working toward alleviating the causes and conditions of poverty in the Ozarks. For more information, call 239-1882.

Junior Auxiliary of Taney County Family Fun Walk

Come join the fun at the Family Fun Walk on June 9 from 9:00AM to 11:00AM in the Faith Community Health parking lot at 610 South Sixth Street in Branson. Admission is free and the whole family will enjoy various activity stations, which promote movement and healthy activities including a Bouncy House. Each child who completes all the stations will receive a prize. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes. The first group starts at 9:00AM and the last group starts at 10:20AM. Hosted by Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC), a not-for-profit organization of women dedicated to improving the lives of children in Taney County through projects designed to fulfill the virtues of Charity, Youth, Health, Community Service, and Leadership. For more information, call Ronni at 544-1896.

Legends in Concert, The World’s Greatest Live Tribute Show, at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, announces area appreciation to our friends and families who live or work in Stone or Taney County. Tickets will be $5.00 plus tax on June 1, 2 & 3 for both the 3 & 8 p.m. shows. Come see Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Michael Jackson, The Blues Brothers and Elvis in one incredible theatrical production including the Legends in Concert band and fabulous singers and dancers. Enjoy the award-winning country hits of power couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw; experience the excitement as “The King of Pop”, Michael Jackson, takes the stage; clap along with the crazy antics of The Blues Brothers; and “Shake, Rattle & Roll” with Elvis Presley!

Don’t miss this sizzling summer line-up during our area appreciation on June 1, 2 & 3! Proof of residency or employment required at time of purchase. Tickets available day of show only and can be purchased at the Legends Box Office.

Show times are 3 & 8 p.m. For more information, call 417-335-STAR or visit
www.legendsinconcert.com.

Starting this Friday, it’s the new “Weekend Wine Down” at Mount Pleasant Winery. In June and July, they’ll have live music from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. This weekend, it’s Smoooooth Jazz with Bogie Bohinc and Marcus Willett. Come enjoy great wine and wonderful music!. 3125 Green Mountain Dr. 417-336-9463. www.MountPleasant.com.

Herschend Family Entertainment CEO To Speak at Branson Area Business EXPO Breakfast – Booths Still Available

BRANSON, Mo. – Joel Manby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Herschend Family Entertainment, will provide the keynote address at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, at the Branson Business Expo Breakfast at the Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center. Doors open at 8 a.m.
This is a new event to open the Branson Area Business Expo presented by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The Expo is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., also at the Chateau. The breakfast is sponsored by the Taney County Business Development Partnership. General Expo sponsors include Springfield Blue Print, Mercy and North Pole Productions.
“We are so honored to have Mr. Manby as our keynote speaker for the first ever Branson Business Expo Breakfast,” said Ladona Weathers, Director of Tourism & Membership Events. “We sincerely hope this will be the first of what will become an annual event to open the Expo. Mr. Manby’s presentation is an exciting way to begin this new event for the Branson area.”
Manby has been with Herschend Family Entertainment since 1998, and has served as CEO since 2003. During his tenure, two of HFE’s properties have earned the industry’s highest honor, the Applause Award.
An expert on leadership and customer relations, Manby spent 20 years in the auto industry and was a member of the start-up team for Saturn Corporation where he was instrumental in launching Saturn’s innovative marketing and distribution strategy. After a two-year term with GM’s International Division, he was promoted to CEO of Saab Automobile USA.
In 2010, Manby was featured on CBS’s “Undercover Boss” and has recently written the book “Love Works” published by Zondervan. As President and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment, Manby leads a successful enterprise with love. He views love as a mode of thinking—one that has helped him deliver tangible results and position HFE as the ninth-largest themed attractions company in the world including Dollywood, Silver Dollar City and Stone Mountain Park.
A large crowd is expected to hear Manby, so don’t miss the chance to be a vendor at this event, Weathers said.
The Chamber-member Early Bird Price for breakfast is $15, due by June 1. Regular Price $20. Non-members $30. To purchase tickets, call 417-334-4084, ext. 338. Find more information about these events at www.bransonbusinessexpo.com. The deadline to reserve booth space is June 1. Each vendor will receive one ticket to the breakfast featuring Manby.

Public Invited to Ceremony on June 2 That Marks Opening of Missouri’s Remembering our Fallen Traveling Memorial Exhibit

College of the Ozarks invites the public to attend a brief ceremony and reception to mark the opening of Missouri’s “Remembering Our Fallen” traveling memorial exhibit on Saturday, June 2, at 3 p.m. in The Keeter Center. Mr. Bryan Cizek, who served in both Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as a U.S. Army Ranger, will provide brief remarks for the ceremony.

“Remembering Our Fallen, ” a 60-foot wall display featuring the names and pictures of 141 Missouri men and women, was created to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Locally SSG Ronald Blystone, PFC Jesse Givens, SPC Jessy Pollard and SPC Dylan Reid all of Springfield, SFC Robert Pharris of Seymour, SSG James Mowris of Aurora and PFC Matthew Wilson of Cape Fair are honored in the memorial display.

“The College is pleased to host the exhibit June 2-11, before it travels to St. Genevieve, Mo.,” said Elizabeth Hughes, College of the Ozarks public relations director. “It is truly more than an exhibit. It is a reminder of the price of freedom, and ensures that the individuals who paid that price remain in our hearts and minds.”

The display was designed so that it could travel easily to communities throughout the state for a week at a time. It made its first appearance on September 11, 2011, at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, and has made its way to several Missouri cities since.

The public may view the display at the College of the Ozarks Keeter Center June 2-11, anytime Monday-Sunday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. There is no cost to attend the ceremony on June 2 or view the display.

“The College greatly appreciates Branson Veterans Events and Reunions, Branson Bank and Branson-Hollister Lions Club for helping to bring the display to our community,” said Hughes.
One of the College’s fundamental goals is a Patriotic Goal—to encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country, and willingness to defend it.
For more information on the ceremony or display, please contact Public Relations at (417) 690-2212.

BRANSON, Mo., – Highway 165/265 across Table Rock Lake will be reduced to one lane from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday while both spillway bridges undergo inspection.

If you are traveling in this area, please expect delays, obey the flagmen, and operate cautiously around inspection equipment and work crews.

Officials at the Army Corps of Engineers Table Rock Project Office said they regret any inconvenience this may cause, and they ask for public cooperation until the inspection is complete. The officials ask travelers to plan alternate routes and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

For more information about Table Rock Lake, visit the website at www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/tablerock or contact Lake Manager Greg Oller at (501)340-1931.

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

Please join Mount Pleasant Winery for the Friday Wine Down May 18 from 5 – 7pm. This week they are featuring Mary Ann Daversa on keyboard. She was most recently the Musical Director/Keyboardist for The Lennon Sisters Christmas Show. She will be playing the musical arrangements of well-known jazz pianists of the 20th and 21st Century. Come and enjoy great music and great wine!

3125 Green Mtn. Drive
Branson, Mo – 336-9463