The Biggest Loser Contestant Abby Rike to Speak at College of the Ozarks – November 8, 2011
By: Chelsea Kliethermes

“The Biggest Loser” contestant Abby Rike will share her inspirational story at College of the Ozarks on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, at 7 p.m., in Jones Auditorium.

Rike faced an unfathomable tragedy in October 2006. She lost her beloved husband, five-year- old daughter, and two-week-old son in a fatal car crash, but chose to forge ahead in life, realizing there was more living to do.

In 2009, Rike began her journey on NBC’s hit reality series “The Biggest Loser,” weighing in at 247 pounds. She lost a total of 100 pounds, weighting in at 147 pounds at the show’s finale.

Rike says she feels compelled to share with others her experience. She continues her healthy lifestyle and serves as a living example that even in your darkest hour, there is always hope.

For further information, please contact the Public Relations office at (417) 690-2212 or e-mail [email protected].

Bee Creek Apartment Homes offers “FREE RENT FOR A YEAR GIVEAWAY!”

Branson, Missouri – October 25, 2011
Owning a home has long been considered a part of the ultimate American Dream, but a record number of foreclosures and the resultant devastation to the economy have caused many Americans to rethink this concept. According to a recent Rent.com survey, a whopping 87 percent of U.S. adults don’t consider owning a home to be the most essential aspect of their American Dream anymore. In light of this, Bee Creek Apartment Homes, http://www.mybeecreek.com, today announced its “FREE RENT FOR A YEAR GIVEAWAY”, which provides prospective residents an opportunity to win one (1) year of free rent. “This is HUGE and we are so excited to be the first in Branson to giveaway a luxury apartment free for one year!” says, Jim Walker (Owner). Located in the heart of the Branson near Branson Landing, Super Wal‐Mart, Target, Home Depot, and easy access to Highway 65. Bee Creek Apartment Homes is a luxury apartment rental community that offers many resort style amenities, including a Community Clubhouse, 24‐Hour Fitness Center, Resort‐Style Salt Water Pool, Playground, State‐of‐the Art Movie Theatre and 24‐hour emergency maintenance.

Bee Creek Apartment Homes offer spacious two (2) and three (3) bedroom homes to accommodate singles, couples and families. These luxury homes include designer coordinated interiors, granite countertops, upscale cabinetry, ceramic tiled floors, Berber carpet, full‐size washer and dryer in every apartment and private balcony or patio. Bee Creek is also a pet friendly community!

ENTER TO WIN A LUXURY APARTMENT “RENT FREE” FOR ONE (1) YEAR! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER, SOME CONDITIONS DO APPLY.

HOW TO ENTER:
Submit official “ENTRY FORM” in person at Bee Creek Apartment Homes between October 24‐December 15, 2011 and pick up the official rules of the
giveaway. Deadline to enter is December 15, 2011.
“LIKE US” on Facebook
Preview Branson’s Newest Luxury Apartment Community.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:
1 (one) year Free Rent in a 3 bedroom/2 bathroom apartment at BEE CREEK
APARTMENT HOMES IN BRANSON, MO (Value: $10,740)
Free High Speed Internet for one year (Value: $480)
Free Cable with HBO for one year (Value: $936)
Free Water Service for one year (Value: $240)
Free Sewer Service for one year (Value: $120)
Free Trash Service for one year (Value: $120)
TOTAL VALUE: $12,636.00
Winner will be announced January 05, 2012 5:00PM to 5:30PM
**Must be present to win**

Contact:
Krystal Howell
Bee Creek Apartment Homes
417-243-0233
[email protected]

Welcome to Veterans Homecoming Week
Nov 5 – 11, 2011 “An American tribute to ALL Veterans and First Responders”

Saturday, Nov 5:
Flag Retreat: 5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans Registry, Tactical Operations & Veterans Village: 9am-5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Day Room: 9am-6pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: 8am-6pm at Welk Resort Branson – free
Tribute to Bob Hope and the USO performance & concert: 2pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
571st Air Force Band Concert: 2pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veteran Walls of Heroes Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
KISS Statue on Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
2nd Annual Branson West Veterans Parade and Flag Lighting Ceremony: 5:30pm in Branson West – free
Veterans History Project: Stories needed for Library of Congress – call Dick Erickson 417-231-3866
General Tommy Franks Traveling Road Show and Classroom: located at Branson Mall – free
Candlelight Memorial Service: 6pm at Branson Landing sponsored by Submarine Association – free
Sail the USS Branson Belle “Troop Ship”: 8pm at Showboat Branson Belle – 417-338-3911 – $44 per
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free
Book signing: Dick Hrebik with: Corps Vet and The Warrior Among Us, Veterans Museum. Call 336-2300

Sunday, Nov 6:
Reveille and Retreat: 7am & 5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans Registry, Tactical Operations & Veterans Village: 9am-5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Day Room: 9am-6pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: 8am-6pm at Welk Resort Branson – free
Veterans Museum serving Hot Dogs: 11:30am – 2:00pm. Donations accepted for Ave of Freedom – free
Veteran Walls of Heroes Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
KISS Statue on Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans History Project: Stories needed for Library of Congress – call Dick Erickson 417-231-3866
General Tommy Franks Traveling Road Show and Classroom: located at Branson Mall – free
Veterans Sporting Clays Shoot: 9am at Ozark Shooters Sports Complex – $75 per person
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free
Book signing: Denzil Batson with: Korea We Called It War. Veterans Museum. Call 336-2300

Monday, Nov 7:
Reveille and Retreat: 7am & 5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans Registry, Tactical Operations & Veterans Village: 9am-5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Day Room: 9am-6pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Army Special Forces “A” Team from Ft. Campbell KY: 9am-5pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veteran Walls of Heroes Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
KISS Statue on Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans History Project: Stories needed for Library of Congress – call Dick Erickson 417-231-3866
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: 8am-6pm at Welk Resort Branson – free
All-American Lunch: 11:30-1:00 at Factory Merchants Branson sponsored by Steve’s Treehouse – free for all veterans and active duty personnel, $4 donation for all others.
Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini-Reunion: 9am-noon at Golden Corral – free
Flag Retiring Ceremony performed by local Boy Scout Troop 2001: 7pm at Veterans Museum – free
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free

Tuesday, Nov 8:
Reveille and Retreat: 7am & 5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans Registry, Tactical Operations & Veterans Village: 9am-5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Day Room: 9am-6pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
USAF Band of Mid-American “Shade of Blue” Concert: 2pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Army Special Forces “A” Team from Ft. Campbell KY: 9am-4pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans History Project: Stories needed for Library of Congress – call Dick Erickson 417-231-3866
Veteran Walls of Heroes Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
KISS Statue on Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: 8am-6pm at Welk Resort Branson – free
Gold Star Mother and Blue Star Mother Brunch: Steve’s Treehouse hosted by Ozark Mountain Blue Star Mothers. Free 417-272-0630
Korean War Mini-Reunion: 2pm-5pm Stone Castle Inn, 3050 Green Mountain Dr. 417-230-2278
POW/MIA Service of Remembrance: Welk Resort Theatre, 8am, 417-336-4232
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free

Wednesday, Nov 9:
Reveille and Retreat: 7am & 5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans Registry, Tactical Operations & Veterans Village: 9am-5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Day Room: 9am-6pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans History Project: Stories needed for Library of Congress – call Dick Erickson 417-231-3866
Veteran Walls of Heroes Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
KISS Statue on Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: 8am-6pm at Welk Resort Branson – free
Rose Petal Ceremony and Women Veterans Appreciation Luncheon: 11am-1pm, Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center, $20 for lunch and ceremony. 417-339-6823 for reservations
15th Annual Military Gala & Banquet Saluting Strategic Air Command: 5pm, Chateau on the lake. $51 per person 866-481-GALA
4TH Infantry Division Special Hospitality Room: 4pm-10pm, Savannah House. 920-684-0147
Women Veterans Mini-Reunion: 5pm-8pm, Golden Corral. Free for women veterans/spouse $15 for others 417-230-2278 (RSVP)
Army Special Forces “A” Team from Ft. Campbell KY: 8am-11:30am The Keeter Center College of the Ozarks
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free

Thursday, Nov 10:
Reveille and Retreat: 7am & 5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans Registry, Tactical Operations & Veterans Village: 9am-5pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Day Room: 9am-6pm at Factory Merchants Branson – free
Veterans History Project: Stories needed for Library of Congress – call Dick Erickson 417-231-3866
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: 8am-6pm at Welk Resort Branson – free
Veteran Walls of Heroes Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
KISS Statue on Display: 9am-6pm, Factory Merchants Branson – free
WWII Mini-Reunion: 4pm-6pm, College of the Ozarks Reunion and Taps Ceremony –Free
236th Marine Corps Birthday Ball: 5pm -12midnight, The Hilton-Branson Convention Center 417-334-2360
Wal-Mart Tribute to Veterans: 9am Wal-Mart Super Center Ceremony, entertainment – Free to Veterans
Vietnam Veterans Mini-Reunion: 2pm-5pm Camden Hotel and Conference Center 417-338-4048
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free
Book signing – Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge boys to sign: G.I. Joe & Lillie. Veterans Museum – free

Friday, Nov 11:
78th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade Historic Downtown Branson: 11am, 417-779-3602 or 334-2296
The Tony Orlando Salute to the Veterans: 2pm, Welk Resort Theatre, 1984 St Hwy 165, A Branson tradition and a chance for Tony to say “Thanks to all our veterans. Free seating in limited call for reservations 800-808-9355.
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free
The Day Room and Vendor Village will be Closed at Factory Merchants Branson
Book signing: Tom Van Hees with: Life Interrupted by War and Disability Compensation guide. Veterans Museum. Call 336-2300

Saturday, Nov 12:

Book Signing and Lecture by Dr. Todd Baker at 9am IMAX Entertainment Complex 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Dr Baker is the author of “Baghdad ER” free and open to the public 417-335-3533.
The B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber of the Commemorative Air Force will on display and providing rides at the Branson West Airport. Rides will cost. Display – free

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

Award Winning Actor Muse Watson
Joins The Branson Veterans Task Force
For Unveiling Ceremony In Branson, MO On November 4th
Special Guest In The 78th Veterans Day Parade November 11th

Branson, MO ~ Muse Watson, the actor best known for his role as retired NIS agent Mike Franks, played a former Marine and Vietnam Veteran on the award winning hit drama NCIS. But when it comes to courage under fire Watson knows our veterans and military are the real “stars.” On November 4th Watson will stand together with the Branson Veterans Task Force and veterans from all over the world in Branson, MO to speak at the unveiling ceremony for The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, what has become known as The Moving Wall. Watson will also dedicate an American flag to the Branson Veterans Task Force that was flown over Afghanistan by Master Sergeant, David Keller USAF, in honor of our veterans.

“The men and women who served this country in our military are due our commendation and our respect,” states Watson. “We should cherish and honor the memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and our way of life. I am humbled to be asked to participate in this tribute.”

Watson will speak on November 4th at 10:00 am CST (1000 hrs) followed by the unveiling of The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and a photo opportunity at the Welk Theatre. This is a free ceremony and is open to the public. Additionally, Watson will be riding alongside Veteran Ernie Bradley, Chairman of The Branson Veterans Task Force in the 78th Veterans Parade on November 11th starting at 11:00 am CST in downtown Branson.

Watson is in Branson to perform in the stage version of 2010’s favorite holiday movie, A Christmas Snow, written and directed by award-winning director Tracy J Trost. Trost has brought the original cast together for this holiday run at The Starlite Theatre November 1st – December 30th. Along with Watson, Catherine Mary Stewart (The Last Starfighter, Weekend at Bernie’s, Night of the Comet) and Cameron ten Napel (Cool Dog, The Lamp) will reprise their movie roles for the theatre stage. During Veterans Homecoming Week (November 4th – 11th) Veterans, their spouses or a guest will receive $10.00 off an adult ticket.

For more information on A Christmas Snow LIVE and how to get your tickets visit www.aChristmasSnow.com or call 888-829-5594.

For more information on the Branson Veterans Task Force and other featured events during Veterans Homecoming Week visit: www.BransonVeteransWebsite.com

About Muse Watson:
Equally comfortable on the theater stage as he is in front of the camera, Muse Watson first gained notice with several strong performances on stage that helped pave the way for a feature film and television career. His diverse roles in Sommersby, Something to Talk About, Assassins, & Rosewood brought him mainstream recognition but it was the villainous “Ben Willis” in the trendy thriller I Know What You Did Last Summer films and From Dusk Till Dawn 2 that propelled him in the limelight as a chameleonic actor. He made equally impressionable appearances in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Sundance Film-Festival award-winner Songcatcher, challenging himself by playing unique characters.

Transitioning to the small screen, Watson delivered stellar performances in several made-for-television movies including Blind Vengeance and Justice in a Small Town; and the television series, American Gothic, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, Matlock, The Lazarus Man, JAG, Walker Texas Ranger, Ghost Whisperer, CSI, and The Mentalist. Going on to land his most notorious TV roles as “Mike Franks” in the award winning drama NCIS and “Charles Westmoreland” in the Emmy & Golden Globes nominated & People’s Choice Awards – winner Prison Break. He recently finished filming The Lamp starring Jason London and a feature film with Samuel L. Jackson and Owen Wilson. A Christmas Snow the movie released on dvd can be found in stores everywhere. The Lamp and A Christmas Snow are both Tracy J Trost movies.

Contact: Rhonda Boudreaux
Trost Moving Pictures
Tracy J Trost
Publicist
O – 913-780-4035
M- 510-367-5990
email: [email protected]

###

NEWS FROM HARD WORK U. ® COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
POINT LOOKOUT, MO 65726
(417)690-2212
FOR MORE INFORMATION
ELIZABETH ANDREWS HUGHES
PUBLIC RELATIONS

Date: October 31, 2011

SUBJECT: COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS TO HONOR VETERANS WITH WREATH LAYING AND FLAG CEREMONY

On Friday, November 11, 2011, College of the Ozarks will honor Veterans with a sunrise wreath-laying ceremony, a canon shot with the raising of the flag, “Reveille,” and the playing of “Taps” at the main flagpole on campus next to the Lyons Memorial Library at 7 a.m.

“The Veterans Day observance ceremony is a tribute to all Veterans and the sacrifices they have made. For many veterans it can be a time of reflection on hardships and friendships,” said Sergeant Phillip W. Roberson.

The Veterans Day Wreath Laying and Flag Ceremony is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Military Science Department at (417) 690-2294.

College of the Ozarks Features “Can we be good with out God?” with Dr Paul Chamberlain
By: Matt Farmer

Dr. Paul Chamberlain will present “Can We Be Good Without God” at College of the Ozarks on November 7, at 7 p.m., in Jones Auditorium.

Chamberlain serves as Associate Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy at Trinity Western University and Director of Institute of Christian Apologetics. He has published five books concerning ethics, morality and the Christian faith, including Why People Don’t Believe: Confronting Seven Challenges to Christian Faith and Can We Be Good without God?: A Conversation about Truth, Morality, Culture and a Few Other Things that Matter.

Chamberlain’s book, Can We Be Good without God?, has been used as one of the texts for the College of the Ozarks’ Christian world-view classes.

“Anyone who believes that objective moral good exists must provide some explanation for its existence,” says Professor of Philosophy and Religion Dr. Mark Rapinchuk, “In Can We Be Good without God?, Paul Chamberlain demonstrates that explanations that ignore or eliminate God simply do not work. I am excited that Dr. Chamberlain will be here to discuss this important topic and expect our students to be encouraged and challenged by his presentation.”

Students will receive priority seating for the event; remaining seats will be available to the public free of charge. For more information, please contact Christian Ministries at 417-690-3446.

MoDOT Traffic Alert:

Route 248/65 Interchange Project:
Lane Closings Planned on Northbound
Ramp Sunday and Monday Nights

When: 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday and Monday, Oct. 24-25

Where: Northbound off-ramp from Route 65 to Route 248

What: Left-turn lane and through lane CLOSED on ramp.  Drivers will be able to turn right.  

Details: Contractors crews replacing pavement on closed off areas of ramp.

Guest Speaker – Dale Dye

236th Marine Corps Birthday Ball

What: 236th Annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball
When: November 10, 2011
Location: Branson Convention Center (Hilton)
Cost: $60 per person
Attire: Semi-formal
Speaker: Dale A. Dye
For reservations or information call: (800) 569-3493

After joining the Marine Corps at 18, Dale Dye served in Vietnam in 1965 and 1967 through 1970 surviving 31 major combat operations. He emerged from Southeast Asia highly decorated including three Purple Hearts for wounds suffered in combat. He spent 13 years as an enlisted Marine, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant before he was chosen to attend Officer Candidate School. Appointed a Warrant Officer in 1976, he later converted his commission and was a Captain when he was sent to Beirut with the Multinational Peacekeeping Force in 1982-83. He served in a variety of assignments around the world and along the way managed to graduate with a B.A. in English from the University of Maryland.

He worked for a year at “Soldier of Fortune” Magazine when he finally decided to retire from the Marine Corps in 1984. He spent time in Central America, reporting and training troops in guerrilla warfare techniques in both El Salvador and Nicaragua before leaving the magazine in 1985 and heading for Hollywood.

Starting with the Academy Award-winning Platoon, Dye has matched his mission with Hollywood’s need to look smart. His specialty is training. By putting actors through a week or more of military-like drills—as he did for Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan and Tom Hanks’s Band of Brothers, and most recently in the new HBO maxi-series The Pacific, –he makes them convincing soldiers and better actors. He has worked on more than fifty movies and television shows. He’s also a well-known actor, and can be seen in TNT’s Falling Skies.

He is also an accomplished author, having written six novels including the best-selling novelization of Platoon. His latest book is the gripping Peleliu File, companion to his earlier Laos File. He and his wife Julia also co-wrote the graphic novel Code Word: Geronimo.

Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, USA (Ret.), best-selling author of ‘On Killing’ and ‘On Combat,’ said “Capt. Dale Dye has done more than any other man alive to influence the way that America (and the rest of the world) views the U.S. military.”

For reservations or information call: (800) 569-3493