Exhibit “Celebrating 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts” to Open at Ralph Foster Museum

By: Turner Brock

The Ralph Foster Museum at College of the Ozarks will feature a special exhibit for the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts beginning March 12, the official Girl Scouts anniversary day. The exhibit will display Girl Scout uniforms, patches and booklets throughout history.

Local Girl Scouts Troop 10244 help put the display together. “This is a great way to remind people that the Girl Scouts have been around [for a while],” said Annette Sain, Ralph Foster Museum director. “This is a way to help enrich the community.”

The exhibit will be on display at the Edwards Art Gallery, located on the first floor of the Ralph Foster Museum.

The Ralph Foster Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission is free for high school and younger, adults are $6, and senior citizens are $5. For more information, please contact Annette Sain at 417-690-3407.

Pictured are Robin Jackson and Nicholas Appleton accepting the Best in Show Award.

Branson-based video production company, jackson+appleton, took home the evening’s Top Award on Saturday night at the 33nd Annual ADDY® Awards in Springfield, Missouri. jackson+appleton won the prestigious BEST IN SHOW Multimedia Award for “We’re Debt Free,” a promotional video produced for College of the Ozarks.
In addition to BEST IN SHOW, the production team won 4 GOLD ADDY Awards and 5 SILVER ADDY Awards.
The ADDY Awards are hosted by the AAF of the Ozarks, an affiliate of the American Advertising Federation. Annually, the American Advertising Federation conducts the world’s largest advertising competition through its 200 member advertising clubs.
The local awards are entered and attended by Advertising Agencies, Television Stations and Production Companies from Southwest Missouri and Northern Arkansas.
In the Video Sales Presentation category, jackson+appleton brought home two GOLD ADDY Awards for videos produced for College of the Ozarks. “We’re Debt Free” showcases the Debt Free Education Program at the College, and “We are College of the Ozarks” is a promotional video produced for the President George W. Bush visit. “We are College of the Ozarks” additionally took home a Gold ADDY for Best Cinematography and a Silver ADDY in the Commercial Category.
Two videos featuring jackson+appleton’s international work were also honored. “Cooperative Spirit Shines in Haiti,” a documentary for White River Valley Electric Cooperative, won a Gold ADDY in the Webisode Category. A Fundraising video campaign for Convoy of Hope was also honored with a Silver ADDY in the Public Service Campaign Category.
An internet commercial promoting the new Aloha River at Silver Dollar City’s White Water won a Silver ADDY. The Showboat Branson Belle’s pre-show Welcome Video also took home a Silver ADDY in the Out-of-Home Advertising Category.
Finally, a commercial for Sight & Sound Theatre’s “Noah” won a Silver ADDY in the Advertising for the Arts Category.
Owned by Robin Jackson and Nicholas Appleton, jackson+appleton is a full service HD production agency serving Branson and beyond. Winning videos projects may be viewed at www.youtube.com/jacksonappleton.

Tony Orlando Receives Prestigious Seven Seals Award

The Department of Defense issued the Seven Seals Award to Branson resident and legendary entertainer Tony Orlando for the work he does in the United States, as well as overseas, in supporting National Guard and Reserve members.
The Seven Seals Award is the highest award given to civilians, and was created to publically recognize Americans who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to those that have been called to serve in the armed forces.

The Seven Seals Award represents the seven military reserve components: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Coast Guard reserves, along with the Army and Air National Guard.

Orlando frequently visits and entertains troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and performs countless shows for military personnel and their families in the United States. For 18 years he has hosted “Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute To the Veterans” in Branson MO on Veteran’s Day: a free show to all veterans who attend the Branson Veterans Homecoming, America’s largest veteran’s day celebration.

New Jersey Air National Guard Chief of Joint Staff, Brigadier General James J. Grant, and Department of Defense State Vice Chair Don Tretola presented Orlando with the award at The Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Tony Orlando will return to Branson November 1, 2012 to star in “Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas” at The Welk Resort Theatre.

Titanic Branson Presents “A Night to Remember: An Original Musical Tribute to Titanic”
Saturday, April 14, 2012 at noon

Titanic Museum Attractions is hosting “A Night to Remember: An Original Musical Tribute to Titanic,” on Saturday, April 14, the 100th anniversary of the night the ship struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage. Musical performances, historic ceremonies and appearances by actual descendants of Titanic’s passengers and crew will highlight the production honoring the 2,208 people aboard the ship. The musical tribute will begin at noon (Central) on April 14 at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson.

Tickets on Sale Now!
Call 800-381-7670.

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

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.
Show airs at 7:00pm (CST) every Saturday night.
www.BransonCountryUSA.net

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 February 24 for the 8 p.m. show and February 25 & 26th for both the 3 & 8 p.m. shows. Come see Shania Twain, Marilyn Monroe, Barry White, The Blues Brothers and Elvis in one incredible theatrical production including the Legends in Concert band and fabulous singers and dancers.
The charisma of two locally known talents, Bucky Heard and Justin Clark, combine for a high-energy, highly entertaining Blues Brothers performance. They are mainstays at the Legends in Concert show along with Elvis Presley. Portrayed by Dean Z, this act is sure to bring you a rock-a-billy good time! Experience the soul and funk of bass vocalist Barry White; let the “First Lady of Country Music”, Shania Twain, capture your heart with her award-winning ballads; and watch the sultry comedy and alluring mannerisms of the super starlet Marilyn Monroe come to life – all in ONE SHOW at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater.
Don’t miss this spectacular spring line-up during our area appreciation on February 24, 25 & 26th! 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.

For more information, call 417-339-3003 or visit www.legendsinconcert.com.

Area young people across Stone and Taney County are invited to a special Town Hall Meeting just for youth. “Ozark Mountain Country’s Youth are our area’s future leaders and we as a community want to encourage our youth to “Champion the Charge” for a better tomorrow,” said Jory Rolf, Ozark Mountain Legacy Director.

“Our goal is to listen to our area youth and equip and empower our future generation to lead toward a positive and preferred future,” Rolf said. The Legacy Youth Initiative Catalyst Team will host this special evening for area youth to participate in round-table discussions, answer questions and share their views on various issues facing our community, our youth culture and our future.

“We want to hear the input on life in the Ozarks, as young people see it,” said Dr. Sue Head, College of the Ozarks Keeter Center for Character Education. “We want to partner with our youth to help them see how they can truly make a difference in Ozark Mountain Country.”

Leaders and youth influencers from various sectors throughout our community will also be on hand to listen, encourage and help facilitate this important community conversation.

This special Youth Town Hall Meeting will be held February 23rd, 6-7:30pm, at the Branson Community Center on Compton Drive. A follow up meeting on March 1st is planned to share the survey results of this meeting with attendees and our community.

The Legacy Youth Catalyst Team is also partnering with community leaders and youth influencers to offer the Legacy Youth Leadership Institute for outstanding area youth, beginning this spring.

For more information about the Legacy Youth Initiative or to RSVP an area youth to participate, please call or text 417/598-1314 or email [email protected].

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

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.
Show airs at 7:00pm (CST) every Saturday night.
www.BransonCountryUSA.net

FFA Workshop Slated for Area High School Students
By: Jacob McCauley

College of the Ozarks Agriculture Department will host a FFA workshop for area high school students on March 3, 2012, in the Youngman Agriculture Center from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The event will include workshops on livestock, dairy products, entomology, meats, dairy cattle, nursery and landscaping, agronomy, forestry, poultry, horses, floriculture and soils. In 2011, the event brought more than 2,500 students from over 90 different schools in the southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas regions, making it one of Missouri’s larger agricultural events.

Registration is for area high school FFA students and sponsors. Registration forms are located on the C of O website and must be completed by February 24, 2012. An additional $15 late fee will be charged for late registration. Workshop participants can pick up their workshop forms beginning at 7:45 a.m. in the Youngman Agriculture Center; contests begin at 8:15 a.m. and workshops at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.cofo.edu, or call Donn Russell, event coordinator, at 417-690-3348.

Mel Tillis Press Release

Clay Cooper is thrilled to announce MEL TILLIS will be performing at the Clay Cooper Theatre September 6-December 6 for the 2012 season. Mel and his cast can be seen primarily Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons at 2 pm. Clay said, “Mel Tillis is a country music legend…an incredible songwriter, singer, and entertainer. I have always enjoyed listening to his music and I admire his talent as a songwriter. I am honored to have him perform at my theatre this year!”

Mel Tillis has been in the music business for over 60 years. He began singing in the early 50’s with a group called “The Westerners” while serving as a baker in the United States Air Force, stationed in Okinawa. Since that time, Mel has recorded over 60 albums with over thirty-six Top Ten Singles, and nine of these songs made it to Number One! Mel and his band, The Statesiders, have had the opportunity to perform in all 50 states, Canada, England, and several other countries during his career.

Mel has received many awards for singing and songwriting including the Nashville Songwriter’s International Hall of Fame Award and CMA Entertainer of the Year Award (both awards received in 1976). He was inducted in the Grand Old Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, and received Comedian of the Year for six years in a row in the 1970’s.

Mel wrote over 1,000 different songs and 600 of these songs were recorded by major artists. His first song, “I’m Tired”, was recorded by Webb Pierce in 1956 and that recording actually launched his musical career! His most famous song, Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town, sung by Kenny Rogers, received over 3 Million broadcast performances.

Along with his musical career, Mel also found a love for acting! He appeared in numerous featured films including Any Which Way but Loose with Clint Eastwood, Cannon Ball Run I and II, and Smokey and the Bandit I and II with Burt Reynolds. He starred in several television shows and acted as the spokesman in many commercials for several companies including Babcock Furniture, Fina Oil Co., and Whataburger.

Tillis first arrived in Branson on a permanent basis in 1990, leased what is now the Yakov Theater for two years, built the Will Rogers Theater in 1992 with partner Melvin Hall, and then eventually built the Mel Tillis Theater, in 1994. He sold his theater to Hobby Lobby, Inc. in 2002, who transformed it into what is now Tri-Lakes Church, where he continued performing until December 2010. Mel has performed over 4,000 shows in Branson for millions of visitors and will continue to be one of Branson’s most successful entertainers!