Coming to Branson, Missouri… The 2011 Hemi Truck Club Rally

June 20th – 24th with the Show and Shine to be held on June 22nd at the Tri-Lakes Dodge dealership from 9:00AM – 1:00PM.

Owners of Hemi Trucks and Hemi SUV’s are welcome to join the club by visiting www.hemitruckclub.com

Donations from the events will be donated to the Christian Action Ministry

www.christianactionministries.com

WELCOME to the 6th annual national Hemi Truck Club Rally.  We are a club of almost 7000 members and are honored to be able to hold our event in Branson, Missouri this year.  A live radio broadcast will cover the event.  We encourage new members, Hemi Truck and SUV owners, and the general public to check out our website and come out and visit with us.  The Show and Shine will be held on June 22nd from 9:00AM – 1:00PM and there will be judging at the event also.

The HTC is proud to be accepting donations for the Christian Action Ministry.  CAM is a large and very respected charity in Branson and Taney County that provides a food pantry and help for children in need of school supplies.  We will have a container present at the Show and Shine for any donations.  They are a wonderful group of people that care very much about their community and are very deserving of any donations we can raise.  Every single dollar counts.  www.christianactionministries.org

We would like to express our gratitude to the Tri-Lakes Dodge dealership for hosting our event.  Come on out and check out our club, it may make you want to go buy yourself a Hemi.  www.trilakesmotors.com

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us through the email links found on the  HTC website or you can send questions to [email protected] with HTC in the subject line.

The International Ozark Steel Guitar Association presents Hot Winter Fun at the Branson Community Center.

Saturday the 26th Show 9:00 til 5:00

Sunday the 27th Jam time 1:00 til 5:00

Sunday Only Free Seminar Mr. Kevin Clemons

Speed Pickin The Easy Way!!!!!!!

201 Compton Drive, Branson, MO

Featuring:

Dean Holman (Baldknobbers Show)

Scotty Henderson (Lake of the Ozarks)

Jerry Roller (Arkansas Opry)

Dave Musgrave (Ricky Boen Show)

Jack Musgrave (Always Patsy Show)

Eddie Lane (Plummers Show)

Keith Hilton (Hilton Volume Pedals)

Jerry Newberry (Arkansas Little Opry)

Gene Crain and Larry Baker & Miss Jean Defore

Mike McGee (Terry’s Favorite Player)

Buck Grantham (MR. Louisiana)

Also Featuring Roy Rogers Jr and the High Riders with Greg Moody on Steel

Mr. Joey Riley

Saturday Show $5.00

Free Jam Sunday

COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

POINT LOOKOUT, MO 65726

(417) 690-2212

FOR MORE INFORMATION

ELIZABETH ANDREWS HUGHES

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

February 2, 2011

SUBJECT: NO REMAINING TICKETS FOR CONVOCATION WITH PRESIDENT BUSH

Tickets for the Character and Leadership Convocation featuring President George W. Bush scheduled for Thursday, April 7, at College of the Ozarks are no longer available.

Because of overwhelming public response, tickets went quickly.

College of the Ozarks deeply regrets that there are some who are interested in attending the convocation but were not able to procure tickets.

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COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

POINT LOOKOUT, MO 65726

(417) 690-2212

FOR MORE INFORMATION

ELIZABETH ANDREWS HUGHES

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

For Release: February 2, 2011

SUBJECT: PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH TO SPEAK AT COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS APRIL 7, 2011

President George W. Bush will speak on “Leadership and Character” at College of the Ozarks on April 7, at 7 p.m. in the Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex.  Tickets are required to this special convocation. There is no cost for the tickets, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.  To obtain tickets, please call (417) 690-2240.

As the 43^rd President of the United States, President Bush served in the Oval Office for eight of the most consequential years in American history.  Faced with challenges from a terrorist attack to a global financial crisis, he made difficult decisions that will shape the nation’s course and world affairs for decades to come.

“The College is honored to welcome President Bush to campus,” said Dr. Sue Head, executive director of The Keeter Center for Character Education.  “It will be a wonderful opportunity for students to hear him speak on leadership and character, which he has consistently demonstrated for the American people.”

President Bush is the eldest son of President George H. W. Bush (the 41^st U. S. President) and Barbara.  He received a BA in history from Yale University in 1968 and an MBA from Harvard University in 1975. Additionally, President Bush served as a First Lieutenant in the Texas Air National Guard and Alabama Air National Guard from 1968-1972.

Following college, he worked in oil business and married Laura Welch in 1977.  They have two daughters, Jenna and Barbara.  An avid baseball fan, Bush co-owned the Texas Rangers baseball team from 1989-1998.

Prior to election of his first presidential term in 2000, he served as the Governor of Texas (1995-2000). In 2004, President Bush was elected to a second presidential term.

Upon retirement from the White House, President Bush and First-Lady Laura returned to Dallas, Texas, where they presently reside.  President Bush published his memoires in the book Decision Points, which was released in November 2010.

The major convocation featuring President Bush is part of The Keeter Center for Character Education Community Convocation Series.  For more information, please contact Character Education Office at (417) 690-2242.

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The Branson Gong Show

Wednesday, February 23rd at 6:49 p.m.

A Benefit for the Branson Senior Center and Meals on Wheels program

Located at the Jim Stafford Theatre – 3440 West Hwy 76

Host:  Jim Barber

Announcer:  Jeff Brandt

Music by Bogie Bohinc & The Gong Show Band

Celebrity Judges:  Dave Hamner, Bob Anderson, George Trullinger & Patty Davidson

Tickets:  General Admission Adult $15.00 and Children $7.00 (Children 3 & under on a lap are free)

Tickets may be purchased  at the Branson Community Center, 201 Compton Drive – 417-335-4801

Historic Downtown Branson Office, 112 W. College Street – 417-334-1548

Jan. 27, 2011

Smithsonian

National Museum of American History

Kenneth E. Behring Center

Baldknobbers to Donate Artifacts to Smithsonian

Pioneering Variety Show from One of America’s Entertainment Capitals –  Branson, MO

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History today received a collection of objects from the Baldknobbers, a variety show based in Branson, Mo.  The donation documents the long and rich history of this variety jamboree show and its place in American entertainment culture.

The group was formed in 1959 when brothers Bill, Jim, Lyle and Bob Mabe began entertaining visitors on the Taneycomo lakefront with “The Baldknobbers Jamboree.”  The Baldknobbers were named after an Ozarks vigilante group from the 1880s and are considered Branson’s first country music-and-comedy show.

The Mabe brothers performed with folklore instruments:  washtub bass, banjo, Dobro guitar, washboard and a mule’s jawbone to provide rhythm.  The performances were an instant hit with visiting tourists and local fishermen.  The band became so popular that it outgrew its original location and moved into an old skating rink, converting it into Branson’s first live-entertainment theater.  The group continued to expand and today The Baldknobbers Jamboree Theatre seats 1,500 people in the heart of Branson’s entertainment district.

“This donation tells an interesting story about a homegrown genre in American entertainment,” said Brent D. Glass, director of the museum.  “The collection expands on the museum’s country-music holdings.”

The donation included Jim “Droopy Drawers” Mabe’s stage costume, hat, washboard and glove; Lyle “George Aggernite” Mabe’s costume and washtub bass; Bill Mabe’s red-and-gold fringe stage shirt and boots; plus brochures, souvenir books and pamphlets.  Ed Snowden donated a Dobro guitar on behalf of the late Dennis Mabe (Bill Mabe’s son).

“It not only means a great deal to our family to have these items included in the Smithsonian collections as a tribute to my dad and uncles who started the show in 1959, but it also is a tribute to all the entertainers who perform here in Branson,” said Tim Mabe of the Baldknobbers.

Although three founding Mabe brothers are now deceased, the Baldknobbers continue to be a family affair and the group has grown to include 16 musicians, vocalists and comedians.

The National Museum of American History collects, preserves and displays American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history.  The museum shines new light on American history after having been dramatically transformed by a tw0-year renovation.  To learn more about the musuem, visit http://americanhistory.si.edu.

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NOTE:  Footage of the donation ceremony can be found at viewpointvideo.com

Smithsonian Institution  MRC 623 PO BOX 37012

Washington DC 20013-7012

Big Cedar Lodge will be holding its next Job Fair Extravaganza on Tuesday, February 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Grandview Conference Center.  Please be prepared to meet team members and to be interviewed.             Call 417-339-5172 to make an appointment for the Job Fair, or stop by human resources to obtain an application.

Free Tax Help

VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Providing A Community Service To Millions

VITA provides FREE tax help in the community.  Volunteers help people with basic tax returns, particularly those with low and limited income, individuals with disabilities, non-English speaking and elderly taxpayers.

THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS SERVICE!

To make an appointment call MU Extension office

417-546-4431 or 888-504-0443

Branson, MO … Despite operating two food pantries, one in Branson and one in Forsyth, Christian Action Ministries (CAM) acknowledges a persistent need to reach people in the more remote areas of Taney County.  To help fight hunger in those areas, CAM has purchased a 16′ x 7′ foot enclosed trailer for their mobile outreach delivery program.

Last October CAM began delivering food to eastern Taney County communities on the first Wednesday of each month, thanks to the efforts of board members Dave Hoy and Larry Johnson.  According to Hoy, “We began an awareness program with flyers distributed through the schools and churches in the area.  Our first delivery saw 28 families seeking help and it has been growing since then.  In January we had 67 families come by to receive food at our stops in Protem, Bradleyville, and Reuter.”

CAM Director Pat Davis explained that hunger is a very real issue in these areas, “Some of these families are unable to get into town for food at our facilities, due to lack of transportation or the cost of fuel.  Since CAM’s mission is to serve all of Taney County, our board felt that a mobile outreach program was a critical issue.  We are experimenting with various drop locations and ways to get the message out to the people who need assistance – and we are expanding the program in accordance with the demand.  If there are any organizations or churches that would like to assist this effort, we’d love to have their help.”

According to Larry Johnson the trailer will be fitted out with shelving for transportation of the food and signage, “This trailer will make the transportation and delivery of food much more manageable an we anticipate a growing demand for this mobile service.  If anyone would like to help sponsor some of our costs, particularly the signage, or assist with our deliveries on the first Wednesday of each month, just give us a call at CAM.  We can always use help with pre-packing the food, loading the trailer, and handing it out at our distribution locations.”

During 2010 Christian Action Ministries received 8,194 requests for food assistance from families in Taney County.  Serving an average of nearly 700 families per month, accounting for approximately 1800 individuals per month, meant that CAM distributed food for about 180,000 meals last year.  CAM provides families with food for 3 days (9 meals) according to the number of people within the family unit.  Additionally, those that qualify can also receive federal commodities.

Anyone wishing to donate cash, food, or time – or register for the mobile delivery – can call Pat Davis at 334-1157 or visit the CAM website at www.christianactionministries.org.

More Families Seek Food Assistance

Food for 180,000 meals distributed in 2010

Branson, MO … During 2010 Christian Action Ministries received 8.194 requests for food assistance from families in Taney County.  CAM’s food distribution takes place at food pantries in both Branson and Forsyth, as well as a mobile outreach to Bradleyville , Protem, and Reuter on the first Wednesday of each month.

According to CAM Executive Director Pat Davis, “This reflects a 9.2% increase over 2009, which had been up nearly 20% over 2008.  The good news is that we have been able to meet this growing demand due to the generous support of our community.  Like many of the non-profits in the area, we experienced a decline in contributions from individuals and churches; however, increased donations from local businesses and foundations, along with higher proceeds from our Gospel Sing-Off, made up the difference.  For that we are extremely grateful.”

Serving an average of nearly 700 families per month, accounting for approximately 1800 individuals per month, meant that CAM distributed food for about 180,000 meals in 2010.  CAM provides families with food for 3 days (9 meals), according to the number of people within the family unit.  Additionally, those that qualify can also receive federal commodities, which are distributed at both locations.

In October, CAM also began a mobile outreach to communities in eastern Taney County on the first Wednesday of each month.  Davis explained that this effort has had increasing results as more people become aware.  “After communicating through the schools and churches in the area, only 28 families took advantage of this service in October.  In November and December it great to over 40 families receiving food.  However this month, 67 families took advantage of our mobile outreach.  So we are looking at this as a growing resource for outlying families in eastern sections of the county.”

People needing assistance can come to the Branson location at 610 South 6th Street, Suite 102 in the lower level, or the Forsyth location at 10275 East Highway 76.  The Branson food pantry is open Monday through Friday from Noon until 4 PM.  The Forsyth location is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 AM until 1 PM.  Although no one is turned away, people should bring photo identification for all adults, a social security card for all family members, and proof of Taney County residency.

Anyone wishing to donate cash, food, or time, can call Pat Davis at 334-1157 or visit the CAM website at www.christianactionministries.org

2010 CAM Statistics

Location                       Families                Individuals                   % First Timers

Branson                        6,368                      15,384                             19.5%

Forsyth                         1,715                       4,110                               26.3%

Mobile                           111                            333                                   N/A

Totals                             8,194                       19,827

% Increase over 2009:  9.2%

% Increase over 2008:  30.9%

Approximate # of meals:  9 x 19,827 = 178,443

CAM provides food for 3 days (9 meals) per individual, in accordance with the federal nutritional pyramid guidelines.  Qualifying families also receive federal commodities that are shipped to CAM pantries through Ozarks Food Harvest.