(Branson MO ~ Wednesday, October 15, 2008) Kirby & Bambi VanBurch, internationally renowned entertainers and illusionists, were honored with another special award, “Best Illusionist”, at the World Magic Awards 2008 in Santa Monica, California. The annual event was held on October 11 and was filmed for an upcoming TV special on MyNetworkTV.

Awards are something the VanBurch duo knows a lot about. In 2008 Bambi received the Female International Magician of the Year award for the 2nd consecutive year. “That’s never been done by any other female magician,” says Kirby. “And then she was voted one of the top 10 most beautiful women in 417 Land. And now we’ve been honored by the World Magic Awards Show. Hey…the family that wins awards together stays together!” Bambi adds that “the World Magic Awards show was a lot of fun and since it was a benefit for Feed the Children, that made it extra special for Kirby and me.”

The World Magic Awards 2008 will air on Wednesday, November 26 from 7:00 to 9:00p.m. Check www.WorldMagicAwards.com for stations airing in your viewing area. In the Branson Missouri area, viewers will be able to watch thow on My31 (KWMB 31). The World Magic Awards 2008, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, has a variety of guests and performers including Lance Burton, Dan Sperry, The Amazing Johnathan, Ed Alonzo, Kyle Eschen, Greg Gleason, Franz Harary, Hans Klok, Mark Kalin & Jinger, Topas, Sos & Victoria, Jeff McBride, Roxanne, and Florian Zimmer.

Kirby VanBurch is known as the Prince of Magic and has received many awards including Entertainer of the Year from the International Magicians Society as well as Magician of the Year. Kirby & Bambi VanBurch perform live at their theatre in Branson, Missouri. The has been voted Best Branson Show, Best Magic Show, and received numerous other awards and accolades from fans and critics alike. Their show features exotic animals including white tigers, amazing disappearing acts, a helicopter appearing in 3 seconds flat, mind-reading, assistants cut in half, up close and personal illusions, and much more. For their Branson theare show schedule visit www.KirbyVanBurch.com.

Contact:

Lovely Hamilton, 417-337-7140 [email protected]

Cindy Merry, 417-739-4925 [email protected]

Don’t Miss It!

Live Auction – Everyone Welcome!!!

At Celebration City Pavillion on Saturday, October 25, 2008.

Beginning at 12:00 Noon

Benefiting Children and Families in Stone and Taney County at Christmas and through Relational Ministries through Love In The Name of Christ (Love INC).

Auction Items Include:

Tickets to area attractions, hotel accommodations, Lead Crystal Domed Cake Plate, Black and Decker Home Project Kit, Restaurant Gift Cards, Lots of Miscellaneous Baskets, Books, Jewelry Carriers, Vases, Jewelry, Clothing, Hats, Purses, Watches, Yard Decor, Silk Flower Arrangements, Drill Set, Massage, Matted Calligraphies, Discounted Cruise and Air Travel, Lanterns, Breakfast with Branson Mayor Presley, Magazine Subscription, Stained Glass, Cordless Drill, Bed Scarf, Stepping Stone, T-Shirts, Prints, CDs, Throws, DVD Player, Oil Changes, Clock, 4 Rounds of Golf at Murder Rock and MUCH MORE!

(Branson, MO- 10/6/08) The Branson Veterans Task Force, a Branson, Missouri based, not-for-profit organization created to honour and support America’s veterans, announces that its newspaper, The Bugle, will now be available for viewing online at www.BransonVeteransBugle.com.

Traditionally published in the Spring and Fall of each year, The Bugle’s print and online versions will continue to feature editorial and informational items relevant to the dozens of annual veteran’s events presented in Branson each year.

“We are excited that The Bugle, which has a print circulation of roughly 65,000 copies, will now be available for viewing by anyone with Internet access” shared Task Force Vice Chairman Ernie Bradley. “Along with our main website, BransonVeterans.com, the Bugle Online will certainly allow the community of veterans from across the country to keep in touch up with veterans happenings in Branson.”

The 2008 Fall issue of The Bugle lists event details for the week-long Branson Veterans Homecoming slated for November 5-11, 2008. The Branson Veterans Task Force joins with area businesses and community volunteers to present numerous events throughout the week. Some of the highlights are:

• Grand Opening Ceremony at the Mansion Theatre
• Lt. Col. Oliver North (USMC-ret) will sign his new book at several locations and will deliver the keynote address at the 233rd US Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Monday, November 10 at Chateau on the Lake. Visit event sponsor Branson.com for details.
• The annual Veteran’s Day Parade will take place on Tuesday, November 11 in downtown Branson
• Tony Orlando presents his always inspiring Yellow Ribbon Salute on Tuesday, November 11at the Welk Resort and Theatre

For a listing of Veterans Homecoming events, special Homecoming visitor discounts, and Bugle subscription information, please visit www.BransonVeterans.com or www.BransonVeteransBugle.com.

Branson Veterans Task Force Contact Information:

Office: 128 Pointe Royal Drive, Branson, MO 65616
Mailing: P.O. Box 128, Branson, MO 65615

Phone: (417) 337-8387
Website: www.BransonVeterans.com
E-mail: [email protected]

On September 11, in honor of emergency personnel and veterans, the Ulster Band, a group of Canadians who trace their heritage and musical roots back to Ireland and WWI, will perform a benefit concert at Tri-Lakes Center at 7:00 pm.

Area emergency personnel are free with proper identification. All others tickets are $15.00; couples $25.00. All proceeds benefit the Branson Veterans Task Force and their Veterans Week activities.

Each ticket includes a dinner catered by Golden Corral at the Tri-Lakes Center. Doors open at 4:00 with dinner served from 4:30 – 6:30. Theater doors open at 6:00.

For tickets call the Tri-Lakes Center at 417-336-0219 or email [email protected]. For show information visit www.trilakescenter.com. A First Responder will be honored at the concert that evening.

The Band will join area firefighters and emergency personnel in the 8:00 am September 11 Remembrance under the mural on the back wall of the Grand Palace Theater.

They trace their roots to the 36th Ulster Division of the British Army in WWI. Children of these veterans migrated to Canada and formed the band to keep their Irish history and music alive. They are the official band of the 36th Ulster Division Old Comrades Association and Branch 11 of the Royal Canadian Legion, both in Toronto.

They have performed worldwide including celebrations at the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France; anniversary celebrations in France and Holland commemorating the Battle of the Somme; the 500th anniversary of the founding of Newfoundland; and Disney World in Florida.

Fifty members form three sections of the band: accordions, percussion and colour party. Most of the accordionists play the 23-button British Chromatic Accordion, frequently called the Irish accordion.

For more information, contact the Branson Veterans Task Force office. The Branson Veterans Task Force holds activities year-round to commemorate important events in our history and to honor our veterans. The BVTF office is located at 138 Pointe Royale Drive in Branson. To contact the office call 417.337.8387 (417.337.VETS) or visit www.bransonveterans.com.

~Kenneth Hagin Jr. to speak in Branson September 12th~

Chateau on the Lake hosts The Caring People’s Faith Promise Celebration

Reception begins at 6:30pm ; Dinner & Program at 7:00pm,
Friday, September 12, 2008

(Branson, Mo. 10-07) The spectacular Chateau on the Lake will be the site of this year’s Faith Promise Celebration for the Caring People.

Kenneth Hagin, Jr. will be the featured speaker for the evening. Hagin is a well known Pastor, author and sought after speaker. He seizes every ministry opportunity to impart an attitude of “I cannot be defeated, and I will not quit.” Hagin is Pastor of Rhema Bible Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and son of the late Kenneth E. Hagin, Sr. also a well known evangelist.

JoDee & Peter Herschend, founders of the Caring People and co-founders of Herschend Family Entertainment which owns or operates 18 entertainment properties in 7 states including Silver Dollar City here in the Ozarks, will be sharing their hearts on reaching Single Moms with the unconditional love and acceptance of Jesus Christ.

The Caring People currently hosts 17 Care Groups for Single Moms and their kids throughout Southwest Missouri and just celebrated their one year anniversary in El Salvador. Single Moms here and abroad are being impacted by the ministry.

This event is free of charge and open to anyone who has a heart to reach out to Single Moms. Seating is limited. Call the Caring People office at 417.334.0131 to make your reservation today!

Press Notes:
If you would like to schedule an interview with JoDee Herschend, founder of the Caring People, please call 417.334.0131.

This Labor Day weekend Branson shoppers have a new Boutique to talk about…and shop at. Located at The Landing, Mi~La Boutique offers the newest, trendiest styles from the top designers in the industry.

Men, Women and Children can rock the hottest styles from 7 for all Mankind, Sakrid, 7 Diamonds, Voom, Lauren Conrad, Jessica Simpson, Betsey Johnson and Free People, just to name a few.

Coming soon are fabulous clothes from Ed Hardy, Smet, True Religion, Juicy Couture and Miss Sixty.

From Milan to LA, Mi~La has the trendiest styles from the top designers!

Valdor John survived horrific torture, a death march and an execution at the Sunchon Tunnel in North Korea, in 1950. A hero, husband, father and friend passed away on August 19, 2008. His home was in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

His expressive face showed his Oneida Indian heritage. His gentle spirit touched the hearts of all who met him. His story broke our hearts and inspired us.

In 2006, he joined six other survivors of the Sunchon Tunnel Massacre in their first reunion. They met in Branson, Missouri. Seven men who each had been physically, spiritually and emotionally scarred by their experiences came together for healing. They had much in common although they had gone their separate ways after the war. Each had spent a lifetime with the consequences of those few short months in 1950 that forever changed the path of their lives. They were boys then, in their late teens. They came together in their seventies.

Valdor joined the Army at seventeen. He shipped to Japan and was assigned to the Graves Registration recovery team. Transferred to the 11th Airborne, he was sent to Korea where he joined up with the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24st Infantry Division. On July 15, he was sent to Taejon to join General Dean’s forces. A few days later he was captured.

After he was rescued, he spent a couple of years in the hospital before going back on active duty. Valdor served three tours of duty in Vietnam as well as tours in Turkey, France, Germany and Japan. After his retirement, he worked in Dallas. He participated in the PTSD programs in Texas and Florida. He credited these programs, and his wife Linda’s support, with helping him come to terms with his Korean War experiences.

Valdor was active in Indian and veteran affairs throughout his life.

Last November Valdor rode his motorized scooter in the Veterans Day Parade in Branson. When a small boy ran out and handed him an American flag, tears filled Van’s eyes. Then his radiant smile broke out and everyone saw his happiness.

Valdor and the other survivors have been special guests at Veterans Week in Branson for the past two years. He loved meeting Shoji Tabuchi, the Comets, Penny Gilley, Jim Stafford and members of the Branson Veterans Task Force. He loved meeting other veterans and sharing stories. He loved being with the other survivors. His wife, Linda, was always at his side.

He shared his war-time experiences in the book, The Sunchon Tunnel Massacre Survivors by Pat McGrath Avery and Joyce Faulkner.

She’s a wife and mother. She’s a veteran of the US Army. She needs us!

A month ago, two American veterans were living their dream. They met while they were stationed at Hunter Army Air Field in Georgia. After their tour of duty, they married, settled in southwestern Missouri, had a child and were preparing him to start school when disaster struck.

A few weeks ago, Mom had a headache and decided to lie down for a while. When Dad checked on her, she seemed to be asleep. When time passed and she didn’t wake up, he checked on her again. He realized that she was unconscious and called 911.

She’d suffered a brain aneurysm. She’s now in a coma in a hospital in Springfield, Missouri. She beat the odds to survive the medical emergency and the resulting brain surgery. Now, she beats the odds every day that she lives.

A husband longs for his wife. A six-year-old child doesn’t understand what happened to his mommy. A mother and father want to take care of their daughter. A sister wants to be near her and help. Her family fights for her as she fights for life.

She can’t remain in the hospital. The family has a solution but they need our help to accomplish it.
The husband contacted the Branson Veterans Task Force. “Can you help?” Distraught, he told their story. As veterans, they approached a veteran organization dedicated to helping veterans. We can’t let them down.
There’s a bed waiting for her in a long-term care facility, across the street from her parents and her sister – in Washington State. There’s a pilot who has a plane. He is willing to transport her there.
The cost of the fuel for the flight is not covered. The pilot estimates $10,000 for fuel cost.

Surely, we could raise that much money over time. However, the hospital plans on releasing her this week.
The family doesn’t need help with the hospital or care facility – only the flight to take her where her mother, father and sister will be available to take care of her. The husband needs to return to work, start their son in school, and re-establish a routine for a little boy whose world is in turmoil.

They need our prayers on a continuing basis – but sometimes, action is necessary too. They need our dollars to get this American Veteran to where she will receive long-term quality treatment now. One hundred percent of the money will be used to defray the cost of the flight. Please help us help this special family!

For more information, call Tom Goldsworthy at 417-598.0323.

An account has been established at Ozark Mountain Bank. Please make all donations payable to the:
Mary Jane Gibens Endowment Fund: routing number 081518375; account number 8212883.

Ozark Mountain Bank (www.ozkmtnbank.com) 1.417 334.4125
Attn. Mail Clerk
PO Box 130
Branson, MO 65615-0130

July 31, 2008 — For Immediate Release

Doctor Lynda Lynn recently returned with her husband Bud from a week long Country Gospel
Music Association convention in Ottawa, Kansas. Members of CGMA gathered from around the
country to attend the convention. Lynda and Bud were voted by the CGMA membership Media Personalities
of the Year and Lynda was presented Full Time Songwriter of the Year for the Central
United States.

Others from the Branson area receiving awards were Ron and Opal Erickson, Duo of the Year;
Sylvia Fauth, Lyricist of the Year; Steve Anthony, Instrumentalist of the Year and Bluegrass Artist of
the Year; Anita French-Kidd, New Female Artist of the Year; Michael Smith, Teenage Performer of the
Year; Peggy Van Deren, Yodeler of the Year; and Darlene Jones, Promoter of the Year and Producer
of the Year.

All award winners are now eligible to perform at the CGMA International Convention that will
be held October 13 – 18 in Branson, Missouri.

Lynda stated, “CGMA is all about loving our Lord Jesus Christ and singing for Him and sharing
our love for each other. We then try to go out and spread that love to everyone that we meet because
God is Love. Our mission is to raise a praise for Jesus.”

The week long convention consisted of morning worship and prayer and afternoon workshops
which are designed to perfect musical talents including stage presence and how to market music.
There are also performances every night by the members of CGMA, Monday through Friday. Then
on Saturday night, the last night of the convention, The Silver Heart Awards are presented. The Central
Region of CGMA includes members from 13 states of the central region of the Untied States..
CGMA holds conventions world wide. The 2008 season began in May in Ridgway, Colorado,
with the Western Division Convention. In June CGMA held its Canada Convention in Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan. The Eastern Division Convention will be held in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, in August.
CGMA conventions are also held in the Philippines and Australia. There are plans to hold a
convention in Germany. Other regions of the world are also being considered.

The Country Gospel Music Association (CGMA) is dedicated to ministry. Billy Hale, the President
and Founder of CGMA along with his wife Donna reside in Branson, Missouri. Billy states,
“While we appreciate the music business, and for the sake of our members, do all we can to advance
the cause of the Country Gospel genre, we believe every Christian artist should be totally committed
to the Everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (II Peter 1:11). When a song is used
as a vehicle for our Lord it may also achieve success within the industry; but the glitter of the music
business should never be our objective. If you are a career oriented artist, we invite you to consider
the ʻKingdom Alternative.ʼ “

To contact CGMA write to Billy and Donna Hale, P.O. Box 5020, Branson, Missouri, 65615 or
phone 417-336-1919 or contact them at www.countrygospelmusic.com.

Dr. Lynda Lynn publishes all of her music under her publishing company, On Angelʼs Wings
Publishing. Twenty-five per cent of proceeds are given to Christian Associates of Table Rock Lake.
Lynda can be reached by phone at 417-338-2586 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Lyndaʼs web site is ozarktrailsandtreasures.com.