World Exclusive:Titanic Branson Selected as Sole Exhibitor of Unsinkable Molly Brown’s Privately Held Artifact Collection

Legendary Margaret Tobin Brown’s Great-granddaughter to Dedicate Molly Brown Gallery Thursday, March 22, 2012

Branson, Mo., November, 2011 – Her real name was Margaret “Maggie” Tobin Brown, but the world knew her best as the irascible, indestructible Unsinkable “Molly” Brown. “Beginning January 2012, hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri, will explore the myth, lore and legacy of this larger-than-life Titanic heroine,” announces John Joslyn, owner of the Titanic Museum Attractions and leader of the first private expedition’s dive to the wreck site.

According to Brown’s great-granddaughter, Helen Benziger, “My great-grandmother was born in 1867 in Hannibal, Missouri. She made a name for herself in Denver, Colorado, and around the world, with an indomitable spirit that charmed European society and helped her survive the Titanic disaster.

“I was about 13 years old, sitting in a darkened movie theater watching Debbie Reynolds in The Unsinkable Molly Brown, when my mother finally told me that the fictional Molly Brown on screen was, in reality, based on the life of my great-grandmother, Margaret Tobin Brown. Since that unbelievable moment, I have devoted much of my life to keeping her legacy alive.

“Now, I’m thrilled and excited to know that the extensive Molly Brown Artifact Collection will have a new home at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri, not too far from where my great-grandmother was born,” Benziger adds.

Featured pieces in the collection include furniture, crystal glassware from Ireland, artwork, photographs, Titanic memorabilia and many other treasures gathered from around the world to grace the Denver mansion Maggie shared with her millionaire mining husband, J.J. Brown.

And for the first time anywhere…

Museum attraction guests will see original costumes worn by Debbie Reynolds in the movie The Unsinkable Molly Brown, including the pale-green, elaborately beaded silk gown she wore while celebrating her birthday abroad in Paris.

“Helen Benziger was in Branson to help us launch the museum attraction in 2006. She inspired us all,” says Joslyn, “and we’re honored to welcome her back Thursday, March 22, 2012, to dedicate our new gallery, entirely devoted to her great-grandmother.

The Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, Mo. open daily at 9 a.m. Reservations are strongly suggested, as many dates sell out entirely. Tickets may be purchased online at titanicattraction.com or by phone at 800-381-7670.

Cedar Bay Entertainment owns and operates Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, Mo., and Pigeon Forge, Tenn. A privately owned-and-operated entertainment and development company, Cedar Bay is headquartered in Branson, site of its first Titanic Museum Attraction. Titanic Branson has welcomed aboard more than four million guests, while Titanic Pigeon Forge boards approximately 100,000 “passengers” a month.

Branson Businessman Elected Director to Springfield Chamber

Tim Connell, president of Hollister-based Connell Insurance, has been named to the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors. Tim is the first Branson/Hollister-based director in the chamber’s history since the chamber was founded in 1919. The chamber’s board currently consists of 8 executive committee members and 15 directors.

Connell, a native of the Branson area, commented, “It is a true privilege to have been accepted as a director to this vibrant chamber organization. As the president of a regional insurance agency with clients throughout the states of Missouri and Arkansas, I am dedicated to the continued and sustainable economic development in the area. That’s why we have been involved with the Springfield chamber, as well as others, for many years.”
Connell added that his goals closely match the mission statement of the chamber in serving as an advocate for business in partnership with the community, support and assist existing businesses, act as a primary catalyst in promoting the economic health of the Springfield area, stimulating jobs and improving the quality of life. As an Ozarks Greenscore award recipient, Connell Insurance also reflects the chamber’s economic impact in the Partnership for Sustainability.

In addition to holding the positions of President and Commercial Producer for Connell Insurance, Tim also currently serves on the political action committee for the Missouri Association of Independent Insurance Agents and is a board member of Developmental Connections in Taney County. Tim currently resides in the Branson area with his wife Kim with three sons. Tim and his family all enjoy outdoor activities especially ones that involve boating and hiking on and around the area lakes and rivers.

Connell Insurance, based in Hollister, MO, is one of the largest insurance agencies serving southwestern Missouri. An independent insurance agency, Connell specializes in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, representing numerous insurance companies. For more information, visit www.Connell.com or call (417) 334-2000.

College of the Ozarks and First Place! Invites Community to Hear Dr. Hal Urban Speak on “Old Fashioned Goodness” January 12, 2012
By: Alexis Schields

*****Time Change Update 1/5/2012******

To accommodate more educators, the time for Hal Urban’s presentation on “Old-fashioned Goodness” has been changed to 3:30-5 p.m. on Jan. 12.

College of the Ozarks and First PLACE! invite all area teachers, administrators, support staff and community members to hear from Dr. Hal Urban on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Royal Oak Forum of The Keeter Center. This special event will inspire attendees with what Dr. Urban describes as “old-fashioned goodness.”

“Our community is doing a great job at fostering good character in young people,” said C of O Dean of Character Education Sue Head. “Dr. Urban’s message will resonate with these individuals who are dedicated to making a difference.”

His message focuses on what good character means and on “old-fashioned goodness,” which includes having a positive attitude, respect and kindness, thankfulness, honesty and integrity, life-long learning and hard work. While Dr. Urban says that he may not have a “magic formula” or “quick and easy” way to becoming rich and powerful, he can offer a time-honored formula for living a life of meaning, friendship and joy.

Dr. Urban was a teacher for 36 years and taught full time at Woodside and San Carlos High Schools and part time at the University of San Francisco. In addition to his numerous accolades, he won a “Distinguished Teacher Award” at San Carlos High and was “Teacher of the Year” twice at Woodside High. In October of 2005, Dr. Urban received the “Sanford N. McDonnell Lifetime Achievement Award in Character Education” at the Character Education Partnership annual conference.

Launched in 2005, First PLACE!, is a partnership among The Keeter Center for Character Education at College of the Ozarks and the public schools of Stone and Taney counties to foster a community where character is highly valued and intentionally taught. As part of First PLACE!, The Keeter Center for Character Education offers materials and workshops that aid in character education and breaking the poverty cycle.

This workshop is free of charge and open to the public. To register, please contact The Keeter Center for Character Education, (417) 690-2242.

Over Half Ton of Food from SIX

left to right: (Jak Knudsen, Pat Davis) Jak Knudsen of SIX delivers over a half ton of food to the CAM pantry.

Branson…One of Branson’s top shows, SIX, held a food drive for Christian Action Ministries (CAM) at a recent show. SIX fans came through in a big way with 1,176 pounds of food to help fill the winter shelves at the CAM pantry.

According to Jak Knudsen of SIX, “All of our family members feel strongly about the tremendous job CAM does for the community and we’re proud to be able to help support them, particularly during this time of increasing need.”

Upon taking delivery of the donations, CAM’s executive director Pat Davis commented, “CAM is entirely dependent on the generous charity of the community. SIX, along with so many of the other entertainers and organizations, really enable us to continue to meet the growing needs in Taney County. This contribution will definitely help provide nutritional food supplies for the growing number of people requesting assistance, which is considerably higher than any year in our history. In fact, roughly 25% of the people needing help each month are doing so for the very first time.”

Anyone that would like to help, make a donation, put together a food drive, raise funds, or volunteer time, should contact Pat Davis at 334-1157 or visit www.christianactionministries.org.

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

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

Little Restaurant Gives Big – Table 22 Donates $2,000 to CAM

Pictured left to right, Angie Ann Makuch, Pat Davis, Dr. Richard Makuch

One of Branson’s newest restaurants organized a fundraiser to bring in funds for Christian Action Ministries (CAM) just in time for the Christmas season. Table 22 opened its doors in March 2011 and its owners Dr. Richard Makuch and his wife, Angie Ann, realized the importance of giving, especially during these difficult financial times.

The Makuches, who also own Palate Fine Wine and Provisions, decided a wine tasting dinner would be a fantastic way to raise funds for CAM. Guests were requested to bring a unique bottle of wine from their own wine cellars to share with the other diners and to make a contribution towards CAM.

Manager Stewart Langer organized the dinner and noted that participants were generous with their contribution to CAM, as well as the wines they brought to share: 1988 Mouton Rothschild Magnum, 1998 Clos de Tart Magnum, and a 2003 Leroy were among the gems.

They feasted on a dinner especially created by Chef Matt Middleton of Table 22. Table 22 is located at 114 East Main Street, 417-973-0022, www.Table22Branson.com. The Palate Fine Wine and Provisions is located at 110 East Main Street, 417-335-2675.

When Executive Director of CAM Pat Davis stated that the cost of peanut butter had risen sharply this fall, and is currently one of their greatest needs, Mrs. Makuch replied, “We hope this $2,000 donation will help purchase not only peanut butter, but a whole lot more for the children this Christmas.”

Anyone that would like to help CAM by making a donation, putting together a food drive, raising funds, or volunteering time, should contact Pat Davis at 334-1157 or visit www.christianactionministries.org.

College of the Ozarks Named A Choice Employer
By: Matt Farmer

College of the Ozarks is one of the top baccalaureate colleges in the area; it is also one of the best places to have a job. Springfield Business Journal ranked C of O 3rd among employers with between 100-300 employees in the Springfield-Branson area this year. Springfield Business Journal’s Choice Employers made its debut in 2006 as “Best Places to Work.” The name has changed, but the mission is the same. Its mission is to honor local companies that have exceptional work environments.

“College of the Ozarks has been nominated for the last five years,” says Employee Resources and Insurance Director Vicki Wrosch. “This is the first year we’ve been recognized. It is very exciting. The College has excellent benefits, more than many employers in the area.”

The College offers 100 percent health insurance premiums for full-time employees, tuition reimbursement, on-site childcare, inexpensive on campus dining, free admission to College events, extra paid vacation during the holidays, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

“Our 403(b) is the most celebrated benefit among staff, without a doubt,” says Public Relations Director Elizabeth Hughes. “Employees contribute 5 percent of their salary, and the College double-matches that with 10 percent.”

The Springfield Business Journal used a 32-question online survey to determine how well employers treat employees in five key areas: family friendliness, incentives, people development, corporate culture and civic engagement. College of the Ozarks had the highest possible score for civic engagement and the second highest score for people development, family friendliness and corporate culture as compared to similar-size firms.

For more information, please call the Public Relations office at (417)690-2212.

Hollister, MO…As the leaves changed colors last month, Connell Insurance added yet another employee to their growing company. Lucas “Luke” Logan is the newest addition as a consultant for family and commercial lines.

Luke was born and raised in the Kansas City area and moved to the tri-lakes area in 2003. After nearly a decade working for Premium Home Loans and RE/Max Associated Brokers in the Branson area, Luke is looking forward to applying his experience and his outgoing personality to the building of relationships in the community. He is proud to be part of the Connell team.

Agency president Tim Connell commented, “We are really glad to have Luke become part of our team. His relationships within the community and his dedication to service are a perfect fit for our organization.”

For more information, visit www.ConnellInsurance.com or call (417) 334-2000.

Connell Insurance, based in Hollister, MO, is one of the largest insurance agencies serving southwestern Missouri. An independent insurance agency, Connell specializes in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, representing numerous insurance companies.

From now until the end of the year we would like to offer our local residents 20% off any purchase at our Branson Mount Pleasant Winery location. This applies to anyone living or working in Taney, Stone or Christian counties. Please bring in your proof of residency or your proof of employment. Happy Holidays!