Reeds Spring, MO – April 9, 2013 – The EarthWise Recycling Center, a community-supported non-profit organization located on the Reeds Spring High School campus, will celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 20 by expanding their standard recycling services to include electronic waste and rechargeable battery disposal, as well as glass recycling.

EarthWise—which was started last fall by the Ozark Mountain Legacy Catalyst team in Stone County—is a single-stream recycling facility, which means that all common recyclables—mixed paper, magazines and phone books, steel/tin/aluminum cans, and plastics #1-7—can be co-mingled in one container. Conveniently, recyclers do not have to sort these items prior to donation. Donated cardboard and paperboard (like cereal boxes) are baled separately and sold to help fund the operation. EarthWise is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until noon.

“Over the past six months, EarthWise has diverted over two tons of recyclable material from our landfill – and that is only being open on Saturday mornings,” said Sue Noel, Legacy Catalyst Team member. “The community has definitely shown its enthusiasm for recycling! We are growing fast and are thrilled that we are able to expand our collection services starting on Earth Day.”

Starting April 20, EarthWise will begin accepting the following recyclable items: electronic waste such as TVs, cell phones, iPods, tape players, radios, computers, copy machines, digital cameras, etc.; media items such as DVDs, CDs, VHS, and cassette tapes; rechargeable batteries (lead-acid batteries not accepted); glass used as food or beverage containers (please rinse). These items must be sorted separately, as they are not accepted in single-stream recycling. Donations are appreciated for handling and recycling rechargeable batteries and electronic waste.

In celebration of Earth Day, all Stone County residents are invited to visit EarthWise on April 20 from 8:00 a.m. until noon and are encouraged to bring their recyclable items. EarthWise volunteers will be on hand to give tours of the facility, and local businesses and student groups will have booths set up for visitors to enjoy.

“Earth Day is a great reminder of the importance of taking care of our planet, and recycling is a simple way that each person can make a difference in our community,” said Korina Branson, Legacy Catalyst Team member. “We hope that this Earth Day, Stone County businesses, schools, city / county offices, not-for-profit organizations, and residents will bring their unwanted electronic or media waste, and other recyclables, to EarthWise Recycling Center. It’s a win-win for the community.”

EarthWise would like to thank their generous sponsors: Brokate Janitorial, GreenStick, Greenway Recycling, Republic Services, Reeds Spring High School, and Silver Dollar City. Please contact Sue Noel at 338-8108 for sponsorship opportunities or exhibitor space at the Earth Day celebration on April 20, or for more information on how to get involved with EarthWise Recycling Center.

BRANSON, MO, April 5, 2013 — “There is absolutely nothing trivial or fun about the answer to the question, ‘What is the second leading cause of death in the United States?'” said Tiffany Isnard, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center.”The answer is ‘Cancer,’ a disease that will have an impact on one out of three American families. However, a night of trivia and fun can help fight the battle against this formidable foe,” she continued.

Waxy O’Shea’s, the Branson Tourism Center and Main Street Lake Cruises are teaming up to host “Trivia Night at Waxy O’Shea’s,” 235 Branson Landing Boulevard, on Thursday, April 11th starting at 7:00 PM with the doors opening at 6:00 PM. Isnard points out that the Trivia Night is being held for the benefit of “Relay For Life” in Taney & Stone Counties. Relay For Life “is an American Cancer Society grassroots program designed to empower groups and individuals to participate in the fight against Cancer and represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated.”

She invites everyone to attend and test their knowledge of trivia, while having a great evening of fun and fellowship, in support of a great cause. There will be raffles and prizes throughout the entire evening with a grand prize for the winning team. Participation can be on an individual or team basis with teams limited to a maximum of six members. The charge for the event is $5.00 per person, with all the proceeds going to “Relay for Life.”

For further information on Trivia Night please call at 417-334-4400.

As many of you may know, Joey Riley has been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, surgery was inoperable and he is facing chemo treatments in the very near future. Joey does not have medical insurance and we at the Clay Cooper Theatre are having a benefit show and silent auction for him, to help him and his family with his overwhelming medical expenses. We would be grateful for any items that can be auctioned both large and small. Thank you in advance for your support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pat Veach @ (417) 337-7123 or (417) 332-2529.

When: April 20th @ 2pm
Where: The Clay Cooper Theatre
Donation: $25.00 at the door
Details of the show will be announced soon!
Silent Auction: donated items will be auctioned

(All proceeds will go to the “Benefit of Joey Riley”)

Donations may also be made in the name of “Benefit of Joey Riley” at Bank of Missouri, 800 Highway 248, Ste. C, Branson, MO 65616

Police try to avenge loss to Fire last year

The Branson Police Officers and Firefighters are practicing hard for the fourth annual Guns ‘n Hoses Basketball Game.  This high energy and exciting competition is set for Saturday, February 2 starting at 6:00 p.m. in the Branson High School gymnasium.

Last year the firefighters beat the police officers in a heated shoot out battle as the Guns led almost the entire game with a remarkable comeback from the Hoses to win the game in the last couple of minutes.  The Hoses lead the series 2-1 over the Guns.

All three games in the series have been extremely close in score keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.  “Obviously the Hoses turned on the heat in last year’s game to pull off a last minute win,” said Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin.  Police Chief Kent Crutcher fired back. “We want the game to be as entertaining and competitive as possible for the fans, so I’ve told my guys to pack a little more heat of their own to pull off a win this year.”

Both teams are pumped up and ready for tipoff.  Half time entertainment will even include a “Free Throw Shootout” between the Chiefs and members of the public can participate in a three point with contest several prizes to be awarded.

There is no cost to the public to view the game, but donations will be accepted.   All proceeds from the game will benefit the Branson Police and Fire Associations, which provide financial aid to the families of police officers and firefighters who become disabled through sickness or job injuries and unable to continue working.  The Association also aids families from the community affected by disasters.

Both Chiefs guarantee the basketball game will be fun, family-oriented, entertaining and played for a worthwhile cause.

Firefighter Tom Shaw drives towards the basket with heavy defense from the Guns.

9-1-1 Communications Officer Ken Watson shoots for two defended by Fire Captain Dave Etz.

BRANSON, Mo., November 5, 2012 — Merry Christmas from Main Street Lake Cruises! Create a special Christmas memory for your family on a free “Candy Cane Cruise” aboard the 100 foot luxury yacht, “Landing Princess” on either Saturday December 1st or 8th. After boarding the Landing Princess, at the Main Street Marina in Branson Landing, you will enjoy cookies and milk; a special story time with Mrs. Claus and the Elves as well as writing a letter to Santa, which Mrs. Claus will deliver back to the North Pole.

Reservations for the “Candy Cane Cruises” are subject to availability on a first come first serve basis, should be made as early as possible and must include one adult for every three children. Although the cruise is free for children as well as adults, a donation of a canned food item for the local food pantry would be appreciated. Please call Local at 417.239-3980 or Toll Free at 877-38-BOATS for cruise times and availability.

While fall brings focus to football and pumpkins, many C of O students have already set their sights on Christmas by joining Samaritan’s Purse with its annual Operation Christmas Child (OCC) project. This year the organization hopes to distribute its 100 millionth gift-filled shoebox in more than 100 countries.

College of the Ozarks is preparing for the annual Operation Christmas Child party, where the students will wrap and send out hundreds of boxes to children in need. “It’s a really great way to let a kid know that you do care about them even though you are thousands of miles away,” said sophomore Anna Renyer.

Shoe boxes are wrapped and filled with simple items most people take for granted, including toothpaste, toys and school supplies. OCC then hand delivers the shoeboxes to hurting children around the world suffering from poverty, disease, war and natural disaster. For many of these children, the simple shoe box will be the first gift they have ever received.

Anyone can participate in Operation Christmas Child this season. Samaritan’s Purse will collect gift-filled shoe boxes at more than 2,700 drop-off sites in all 50 states during National Collection Week, Nov 12–19.

For many years College of the Ozarks has participated in Operation Christmas Child. “As a relay station for our area, we are looking forward to this year being the best ever in community participation and hope others will join us,” said LeNeve OCC Relay Coordinator at C of O.

The College of the Ozarks Christian Ministries Office is the designated OCC Relay Center in this area. Please bring your shoe boxes to the Williams Memorial Chapel parking lot on the C of O campus from November 12-19, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday and 8 a.m. to noon on Monday.

For more information on packing an OCC shoebox please visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/ or call the C of O Christian Ministries office at 417-690-3446.

Branson, MO – Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex will kick off “Think Pink”, a fundraiser and series of events in conjunction with the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO), on Saturday, October 20th, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.

“October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in addition to awareness, IMAX wanted to help raise funds that would directly benefit breast cancer survivors of the Ozarks. We’re inviting everyone out to the Complex for a special ‘Pink Ribbon Cutting’ at noon on Saturday,” says Tom Forster, Director of Marketing for Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex. “We’ll be debuting our ‘Think Pink – Discounts for Donations’ fundraiser card and be making a few special announcements about an exciting partnership with BCFO.”

Starting on Saturday, visitors of the IMAX Complex will be able to make a $2 donation to BCFO in return for a pink BCFO bracelet and a “Think Pink – Discounts for Donations” fundraiser card allowing the bearer numerous discounts throughout the IMAX Complex and other Branson businesses through November 4th.

The “Think Pink – Discounts for Donations” fundraiser card will include the following discounts:

15% Off Food at:
• McFarlain’s Family Restaurant
• The IMAX Food Court
• Montana Mike’s Steakhouse, 76 & 248 locations
• Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano

15% Off Shopping inside the IMAX Complex at:
• Legacy & Legend Gifts
• The Shadow Box
• Fabulous Finds Jewelry
• Ozark Mountain Clock Shop

Free Small Popcorn with the Purchase of a Drink at:
• The IMAX Concessions
• Branson Meadows Concessions

Buy ONE, Get ONE 1/2 Price on:
• Giant Screen IMAX Adventures
• Live Shows in the Little Opry Theatre

“BCFO is excited to partner with IMAX to reduce the burden of breast cancer on families in the Ozarks,” says Crystal Webster, Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. “The proceeds raised will stay in Stone and Taney county to pay household bills for those in treatment for breast cancer and to provide free screening mammograms for the uninsured.”

Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks is a local 501(c) 3 not-for-profit. BCFO is an organization of people reaching out to friends and neighbors who have been affected by breast cancer. BCFO offers personal support and comfort in real and practical ways. For more information regarding BCFO please contact (417) 862-3838 or online at www.bcfo.org.

For more information about Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex go online to www.bransonimax.com, for more information about Branson IMAX Events, visit IMAX’s Facebook Events Page!

Branson, MO – October 9, 2012 – Thirty student leaders from across Stone and Taney Counties convened last week at Silver Dollar City for the second session of the new Legacy Youth Institute (LYI), a leadership and mentoring program designed to equip young leaders to pass on the area’s “Ozark Mountain Spirit” to future generations.

Each of the Legacy Youth Institute’s six sessions explores a different core value of Ozark Mountain Country—Faith, Family, Friends, Flag, and ensuring a preferred Future. In last week’s session, the focus was on Family. Jim Brawner, President of Team Barnabas, equipped students with tools to build their own healthy family relationships. Sue Head, Dean of Character Education at College of the Ozarks, challenged students to consider their current and future roles in shaping a culture of character in Ozark Mountain Country.

“I never realized until now that you could create your own culture,” said Galena High School student Parris Mayhood. “I always thought you just had to deal with what you had.” Encouraging students to believe in the power of their own influence in the community is one of the primary goals of the Legacy Youth Institute.

Students also heard from Silver Dollar City’s co-founder, Peter Herschend, whose story is characterized by a passion for and commitment to promoting a family-friendly culture of entertainment in Ozark Mountain Country. Over the years, Herschend has preserved the family-friendly culture of the area even as his company’s entertainment offerings have expanded. He has also actively encouraged others to commit to do the same. Today, hundreds of area businesses and organizations consistently provide a family-friendly experience for both local residents and the millions of tourists who visit the area each year.

“The legacy of the Herschend family, and other passionate community leaders, reflects an Ozark Mountain Country that works together to intentionally preserve the family-friendly values of our area,” said Jory Rolf, Executive Director of Ozark Mountain Legacy. “We hope that LYI students will realize that as future leaders of the community, they can choose to continue to preserve and influence our family-friendly culture.”

Legacy Youth Institute students were greatly encouraged by what they heard. “It’s cool how regular people can do really great things,” said Hurley High School student Jacob Ray. Fellow student Alie Lawrence said, “I’ve liked hearing about how people are so interested in the community. It makes me want to be the same way.” And, like so many students’ impressions of their experiences with LYI so far, Lawrence concludes, “Being a part of the Legacy Youth Institute has made me feel honored to be a part of this community.”

The next session of the Legacy Youth Institute, which will focus on the area’s commitment to “Champion Friends,” will be held on Wednesday, November 7. For more information about the Legacy Youth Institute, please contact Ozark Mountain Legacy at (417) 598-1314, or visit www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org.

By: Morgan Sowell

On Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, College of the Ozarks Christian Ministries will sponsor a blood drive for the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. The drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m., in the Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex in the Keeter Gymnasium at College of the Ozarks.

Each donor will receive a free t-shirt for his/her contribution. Every donation has the potential to make a difference in someone’s life.

For more information please contact the College of the Ozarks Director of the Community Service Program Nancy Finn in Christian Ministries at (417) 690-3454.

(BRANSON, MISSOURI – 4 Oct, 2012) – TIME Magazine’s “Person of the Year” 2001 and the 107th Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani, is designated as guest speaker for the first annual Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ozarks “Thanks4Giving” Gala, scheduled at 7:00pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Hilton Branson Convention Center, Branson, Missouri. Giuliani will speak on Principled Leadership in the Face of Change and Crisis.
“ The opportunity for both the youth and the supporters of the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks to interact and learn from a leader with global recognition is perhaps, a once in a lifetime experience.” said Billy Rader, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks.
CoxHealth has sponsored Giuliani’s appearance. “We are very grateful to CoxHealth for their belief in our mission, and their substantive assistance in making Mr. Giuliani’s visit a reality,” said Rader.
“CoxHealth has a rich tradition of supporting like-minded organizations throughout the area, and we are proud to help the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks bring Rudy Giuliani to Branson. He is an inspiring leader who led our nation’s largest city through its darkest days, and his message of courage and leadership will resonate with residents of the Springfield and Tri-Lakes regions,” said Steve Edwards, CoxHealth president and CEO.
In addition to Giuliani’s speech, the “Thanks4Giving” Gala will include extraordinary cuisine, beverages, entertainment and more. Those interested in securing space for this important experience and supporting the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks should contact Rusty Meyer at 417.335.2089 or visit the Club’s website at www.bgcozarks.org
##
About Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Club provides its services and programs at three locations in Taney and Stone Counties: Branson, Forsyth, and Reeds Spring, and offers a summer program at all three units to boys and girls ages six to eighteen. In 2011, the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks served more than 1000 school-age youth through afterschool, summer and outreach programs at its three locations. In addition to quality programs and activities, Boys & Girls Club members receive nutritious meals, academic assistance, character and leadership programs, recreation and age-appropriate personal growth opportunities for $30 per school year.
About CoxHealth
CoxHealth is a locally owned, not-for-profit health system. It is accredited by The Joint Commission, distinguished as one of the nation’s Top 100 Integrated Healthcare Systems (2006-2012), and recognized as a U.S. News and World Report Best Regional Hospital. Established in 1906, CoxHealth serves more than 900,000 people in a 25-county service area in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Our comprehensive array of primary and specialty care includes three hospitals and more than 55 physician clinics in 20 communities. Our health system includes Oxford HealthCare (a home health agency), Home Parenteral Services (home infusion therapy), CoxHealth Foundation, Cox College, Cox Family Medicine Residency Program and more.