Press Release
For immediate Release:
Marlyce Stockinger, Special Veteran Events Coordinator
Branson.com
220 Branson Hills Parkway
Branson, MO
www.Branson.com
417-239-4524 [email protected]

Branson, Missouri –A Press Conference on March 3, 2009, 2 p.m. at the Hamner Barber Theatre, Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, MO will be held to outline the first annual Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients. The two day event will be April 24 – 25, 2009 with guest speakers Dr. Hemant Thakur, Col., MD, a world renown PTSD Expert (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and a speaker from the National Military Order of Purple Hearts. Twenty five professional fishermen will provide their time, boats, fuel, tackle, & bait as they take 25 Recipients fishing. The State of Missouri waived the license for these men because of the “emotional healing” that comes from being on the water. The Missouri Wine Festival has invited all Purple Heart Recipients with a guest to their exciting event. Branson entertainers will be there to give an outstanding show full of laughter and music. The event will close with a Purple Mountain Majesty Twilight Ceremony at the Branson Landing, guest speaker, Sergeant Major Tony Rose(ret.), a Pentagon Survivor of 9-11. All events are “FREE” and open to the public.

Mr. Milton, President of Branson.com and Marlyce Stockinger, Special Veteran Events Coordinator for the company, had a meeting and decided to do the first annual, Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients Event. Milton, a Marine, has always supported the veterans in Branson and throughout the United States. Milton wanted to give back to the veteran community and he feels an event such as this will touch the heart of many veterans. We want to begin the healing process by giving them tools to work with and then give them the best healer of all…………. fun and laughter. This is the first event of this kind in the United States and we are listening to the Recipients so we provide them with an event that encompasses their needs Stockinger said.

Present at the Press Conference will be:

Larry Milton, President of Branson.com
Marlyce Stockinger, Event Coordinator
Mike Webb, Co-Host of Bass Edge Television Show on the Outdoor Channel, Founder of K.A.S.T.
Ray Wheeler, Purple Heart Recipient
Aaron Wintterle, Purple Heart Recipient
Bob Nichols, Missouri Wine Festival Coordinator
Members of the Branson Fire Department

MISSOURI WINE FESTIVAL
April 25, 2009 – April 26, 2009
www.MoWineFest.com
phone: 417-699-6199

Branson’s own Missouri Wine Festival is happy to announce that the Sunday, April 26th, Winemaker’s Dinner will be sponsored by Mount Pleasant Winery of Augusta and Branson, Missouri. The Winemakers dinner is just one part of The Missouri Wine Festival, a two day celebration of the National and Inter-National recognition of wines produced in the state of Missouri. Winemaker Mark Baehmann will work with Chef Douglas Knopp, of the Chateau on the Lake Resort, to perfectly pair 5 different varieties of Mt. Pleasant wine with an exclusively created 5 course gourmet meal. This event is being produced by Associated Artists of Branson. Saturday and Sunday, April 25 & 26, at The Chateau on the Lake Resort, the exhibit hall will open for tastings of Missouri Wines from many of the nearly 80 wineries located in the Show Me State. Exhibitors also include artisan cheese makers, chocolatiers, gourmet foods, and fine cigars for the aficionado. Live music will be performed all day, both days. There will be a juried targeted art show sponsored by The Branson Arts Council. The days are filled with samples, seminars and demonstrations. Daily admission includes a tasting journal, to record your favorite labels, and a collector tasting glass for the first 1500 to attend. Tickets are available online or at the door on the day of the festival. Complete details of all the activities are available at www.mowinefest.com .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
David Danford
Director of Development, Faith Community Health Center
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.faithhealthcenter.org

Talbird Lovan
Executive Director, Ozark Mountain Family YMCA
Phone: (417) 332-1909
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.orymca.org

The Faith Community Health Center forms partnership with the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA to meet the “whole-person” health needs of the working uninsured in Stone and Taney Counties.

Branson, MO – February 10, 2009 – The dream of a handful of community-minded citizens to find a way to provide affordable healthcare for the working uninsured in Stone and Taney Counties is now becoming a reality as the Faith Community Health Center, a low-cost health center, expands its collaborative partnership with the YMCA.

For the past 18 months, individuals serving in the Healthcare Catalyst Group have been working behind the scenes to study, organize and implement plans to open a faith-based health center that focuses on the well being of the “whole-person” – spirit, mind and body.

“We recognize Christ as the builder of our community, and our hope is that this Center will improve the overall spiritual, physical, mental and emotional health of the working uninsured in Stone and Taney Counties,” Sue Head, Director of the Keeter Center for Character Education and Healthcare Catalyst Group member said.

With a commitment to address the “whole person” health of these individuals, the Faith Community Health Center has formed a partnership with the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, who will be the primary wellness education and prevention provider for these clients.

“With today’s focus on wellness and disease prevention, it is vital for community health organizations like FCHC to forge strong relationships with the community leaders in wellness services like the YMCA,” said David Danford, Director of Development for the Faith Community Health Center.

When people come into the medical portion of the Faith Community Health Center, they will not only be medically treated for their illness or disease, but will also be “prescribed” wellness and prevention services at the YMCA that address their specific concerns. “It is this whole person approach to health that brings whole person healing. Our hope is that this Center will improve the overall health of not just these individuals, but of the community at large,” Danford said.

Talbird Lovan, Executive Director of the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, is excited about the positive impact that this partnership will have on the community. “The YMCA’s mission – to promote Judeo-Christian values through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all – and its commitment to living out that mission in our community makes the YMCA a perfect fit,” Lovan said.

The YMCA proudly stands on the belief that no one be denied access to membership and services due to financial limitations. “Hundreds of people in our community already benefit from the Y’s commitment to financial assistance,” Lovan said. “We look forward to the opportunity to reach a greater portion of our community through our partnership with the Faith Community Health Center as we seek to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.”

Currently, the YMCA is developing plans for the initial scope of wellness and prevention services that will be offered to Faith Community Health Center clients and YMCA members. In addition to the exercise, fitness training, and educational programs already offered, the YMCA is also considering education and wellness programs centered around diabetes education, smoking cessation, nutrition counseling, family counseling and massage therapy.

In order to maximize on community resources already available, the YMCA is forging partnerships with various local organizations – such as the American Cancer Society, Branson Drug, local Health Departments, and others – to help provide these specialized services at the YMCA. The future scope of prevention and wellness services will expand based on community and client need.

The many people involved in the development of the Faith Community Health Center are resolved to bring hope and healing to the working uninsured in this community. “The Faith Community Health Center – YMCA collaboration is just another example of people working together to improve the lives of those that call Ozark Mountain Country home,” Head said. “The Lord is certainly in this.”

##.

A favorite Branson performer, Joe Wayne Sanders returns to guest star on the Lucas Oil sponsored Gene Williams Country TV Music Show to talk about overcoming health challenges to be on stage again.
“My friend Joe Sanders had quite a scare with his heart right after he was a guest on my show last fall and we are so grateful he is healthy enough now to return.

He is a great country singer, a favorite around Branson and has performed with Shepherd of the Hills and the Baldknobbers,” said Williams whose television show is taped weekly at the 50’s at the Hop Theatre in Branson. Williams is the star, producer and creator of the Telly Award-winning Gene Williams Country Television Show that is seen across the nation.

The TV show with Sanders will be telecast March 7 and 8. The next live taping of the Gene Williams Country TV Show is Sunday, March 8, at 2 p.m. at the 50’s at the Hop Theatre located in The Shoppes at Branson Meadows. Guests include the cast from the 50’s at the Hop show and magician Bart Rockett who also performs at the 50’s at the Hop Theatre and Arkansas State Representative J.R. Rogers. Admission is free and doors open at 1 p.m. For more information go to the website genewilliamscountry.com.

Ozark Mountain Legacy Town Hall Meeting on March 6th, “The Most Impacting Town Hall Meeting Our Area Has Ever Experienced!”

All residents of Stone and Taney County are invited to come and let their voice be heard at this very important and defining Ozark Mountain Community Town Hall meeting.

“What will be our Legacy in Ozark Mountain Country?” If you have ever asked yourself this question, then now is the time for you to come and speak into our area’s core values and future together as we move forward in these uncertain times.

Jory Rolf, who helped to initiate this citizen-led Legacy Initiative believes, “With so much that is changing in our world around us, it is vital that we know who we are and what we want to be when we grow up. Then, we need to be intentional about every decision we make. This Ozark Mountain Legacy Initiative will help us define our preferred future and course for our Ozark Mountain Country for generations to come.”

Citizens from all across Stone and Taney County are invited to gather at the Tri-Lakes Center, located on Hwy 248, March 6th, from 5:00-7:00pm for a Community-wide Town Hall Meeting, as we “Discover the Diamonds Together”. Attendees will hear the vision for the Ozark Mountain Legacy Initiative and will be invited to actively join in the “Legacy” process by answering survey questions and participating in small group discussions. Community Leaders from across the Ozarks will be present to speak and to “hear” what the citizens of Ozark Mountain Country have to say.

Local area citizens initially invited community leaders from several Ozark Mountain cities to help develop and lead this cooperative effort in our region. These leaders include: John Baltes (Silver Dollar City Foundation), Howard Boyd (Branson Hills Pastor), Larry Cline (Rockaway Beach Mayor), Steve Erixon (Skaggs Hospital CEO), Doug Hayter (Branson City School Superintendent), Sue Head (College of the Ozarks – First Place), Jack Herschend (Herschend Family Entertainment), Dean Kruithof (Branson City Administrator), Mike Mason (Reeds Spring Superintendent), Gail Myer (Myer Hotels), David Oliphant (Forsyth Mayor), Chuck Pennel (Taney County Commissioner), Raeanne Presley (Branson Mayor), Jory Rolf (AIM International/Make Believers), Ross Summers (Branson Chamber President) and Rick Ziegenfuss (Hollister City Administrator).

Rolf said, “Whether you’re a frontline employee or employer, a grandparent or a student, or simply a concerned citizen…your voice can be heard! We live in one of the greatest places on earth and we have to be great stewards of the greater gift that has been given to us here in Ozark Mountain Country. Come let your voice be heard!”

For more information go online to: www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org. Please RSVP for the March 6th Legacy Town Hall Meeting by contacting Jory Rolf at: 334-8001 or email us at: [email protected].

Click for larger image

Parents of young children are invited to a FREE infant safety and CPR Class at Skaggs Regional Medical Center. Because CPR is a skill that must be practiced, it’s wise to repeat a course at least every 2 years to maintain your skills. Repeating the course also allows you to learn about any new advances or discoveries in CPR techniques.

According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 850 children died in 2001 from unintentional airway obstruction injuries. Of these children, 87% were ages four and under. Learn how to protect your children, Monday, March 2, in the Redbud Conference Room at Skaggs Regional Medical Center.
If the class is full, call the Family Birthing Place; arrangements to hold an additional class can be made, (417) 335-8995.

Infant Safety and CPR
Monday, March 2, 2009
3:30-4:30 pm
Skaggs Regional Medical Center, Redbud Room

After facing tremendous obstacles in their lives, the women and children of The Hiding Place Ministry will get a fresh look thanks to the generous members of the Tri-Lakes community and Pure Salon and Spa in Branson. Area residents are asked to bring in any unwanted hair care products to be donated to The Hiding Place Ministry, where victims of abusive relationships find refuge and support thanks to the tireless efforts of CEO/Director Carolyn Daniel.

Any person donating used or newly purchased products will receive a $10 gift voucher for Pure Salon, located at 1077 Branson Hills Parkway in front of the Wal-Mart Supercenter. Donations will be accepted from February 16th to March 9th.

Pure Salon owner Rhianna Presley and staff will present the donations in loving memory of Rachel Fair, a friend tragically taken in a January auto accident. Rachel’s open heart and giving spirit lives on through these donations. In addition to the donated hair care products, members of The Hiding Place will enjoy a complete makeover thanks to the stylists at Pure Salon.

Contact:

Rhianna Presley, Owner

Pure Salon and Spa

1077 Branson Hills Parkway, Suite J

Branson, MO 65616

Phone: (417) 239-3010

or

Carolyn Daniel, CEO/Director

The Hiding Place Ministry

P.O. Box 1212

Branson, MO 65616

Phone: (417)-676-0542

Nashville recording artist and Branson entertainer, Bryan Burnett, recently hit the number three spot with his song “Gone” in the United Kingdom, according to the European Country Music Association charts. Burnett, also known as “The Outlaw” has been on the radio in 2008 more than 20 times a day, and in Europe last year, he hit the number nine spot in Italy with his song, “Give Me a Bottle of Whiskey.”

Burnett moved to Branson about four years ago and was in the Hank Williams Revisited Show, moving to his own show entitled Cash and Friends. Not wanting to be pegged as an impersonater, he started doing his own music and traveled across the South playing fairs and theatres. “I don’t want to make my living off of someone else’s songs. I am my own entertainer and apparently, the folks across the ocean agree,” said Burnett. “Twenty times a day for 365 days straight is proof, and it looks as if I’m going overseas this year on an European tour.

Burnett said he is often asked why he is called an outlaw, “I reckon the reason is I make my own path, not surrendering to the Nashville or Branson tyrants who try to make people something they are not.”

Burnett has his own record label entitled AWE STRUCK Records and his wife has a publishing company. Burnett’s new album, “The Money, The Gun, and The Bible” will be released this spring.

“I’d rather sit on my porch and play my music than sing someone else’s songs on a big stage in front of a big crowd,” said Burnett. Burnett is also a singer and songwriter.

Article Source

Mickey Gilley holds the record for the most repeat guest star appearances on the Lucas Oil sponsored Gene Williams Country TV Music Show and was the choice as the guest star to be featured on the ‘Best of…’ wrap-up on the Telly Award-winning show.

“My friend Mickey Gilley has supported me for going on eight years I have been doing my show in Branson, even substituting as a host. He is a welcome guest star on my country show and appears at least twice a year as a guest star.

Because of Gilley, country music joined the mainstream. He has had 17 number-one hits including Stand By Me that he performs on this broadcast,” said Williams who is the star, producer and creator of the Gene Williams Country Television Show that is seen across the nation.

The show with Gilley will be telecast Feb. 21 and 22. In addition to nationwide, the Gene Williams Country Television Show can also be seen in Canada.

The next live taping of the Gene Williams Country TV Show is Sunday, March 8, at 2 p.m. at the 50’s at the Hop Theatre located in The Shoppes at Branson Meadows. Admission is free and the doors open at 1 p.m. For more information go to the website genewilliamscountry.com.

Williams began his country music television show in Arkansas almost 50 years ago and for the past eight years has taped the show in Branson live before a studio audience.

Guests have included Ed McMahon, Mickey Gilley, the Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Johnny Lee, Barbara Fairchild, Sons of the Pioneers, the Osmonds, Johnny Cash’s band The Tennessee Three, the Blackwood Brothers, Helen Cornelius, Leona Williams, Charlie Louvin, Mary Lou Turner, Cal Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Norma Jean, “Diamond” Dave Somerville, Little Jimmy Dickens, Porter Wagoner, Jim Owen, Buck Trent and Wanda Jackson.

Williams’ co-host Katie Lynn has received the Branson Entertainment Awards Best Support Vocalist twice for her work in the “Mickey Gilley Show.” She has worked with Gilley for more than eight years and also worked with Jim Owen for seven years. In addition to her singing career, she is a real estate agent. She and the guest stars perform weekly on the television show with the Country Junction Band.

Williams’ career is filled with milestones:

• A road named after him by his hometown Dyess, Ark., following a 2007 key to the city presentation and a historical marker recognizing for his support to help preserve the town’s history. A historical building in Dyess will be a museum recognizing former residents, Johnny Cash, Tommy Cash and Williams. Grand marshal in the first Dyess Christmas Parade 2008.
• A Gold Record presented by fans for the #1 classic country music show in America.
• Key to the city of Horseshoe Bend, Ark., for his work to bring significant country entertainment to the resort community during its early development and April 11, 2009, is Gene Williams Day.
• Holds a record in Arkansas of having nine days proclaimed Gene Williams Day.
• Presented an honorary doctorate in television and broadcast communications from St. Martins College for his community commitment to the industry.
• Honored by the states of Arkansas and Missouri for his work in tourism, entertainment and community.
• Gene Williams display at the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame Museum.
• Nominated for induction into the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
• Grand Ole Opry DJ of the Year in 1961
• Member of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 1993
• Has worked with such greats as Johnny Cash, the Carter Family, the Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins, Charlie Walker, Charlie Louvin, Del Reeves, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Minnie Pearl and Jack Greene.
• Made two movies: “Country Music Jamboree” and the “Sound of Country Music” that starred more than 39 Grand Ole Opry stars.