By: Tyler Lopez

Former classmates and choristers of Associate Professor of Music Lynda Jesse are invited to join the 2013 Chorale for an Alumni Reunion Concert Retreat and Performance. “Come join us as we raise our voices in song by singing our favorite repertoire from the early days of Doc John (Mizell) to the recent songs of the last Italian tour and beyond,” said Jesse.

Rehearsals will take place on Friday, April 12, at 7 p.m., and on Saturday, April 13, at 10 a.m., in the Gittinger Music Center. A pre-rehearsal mixer is scheduled to take place in the recital hall lobby at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night.

The concert is free and open to the public and will take place on Sunday, April 14, at 3 p.m., in the Williams Memorial Chapel.

Alumni interested in participating should contact Ms. Jesse at [email protected].

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

April 2, 2013 (BRANSON, MO)—Think iconic Hollywood actor Steve McQueen, The King of Cool, The Magnificent Seven and car collector enthusiasts immediately think of McQueen?s 1946 Indian Chief motorcycle.
Next Friday and Saturday, they will also think of Branson, MO.
Long known as the live music capital of the world with more shows than Broadway or Nashville, Branson is also widely known as home of one of the top ten car auctions in America.
Friday and Saturday, April 12-13, at the Branson Convention Center, The Branson Auction will feature more than 250 sports, muscle, vintage, classic, custom and antique automobiles.
Jim and Kathy Cox have been presenting this bi-annual event for more than
23 years. Last year 5,000-6,000 collectors, consigners, bidders and car enthusiasts gathered for the live auction.
The Branson Auction will also feature story cars like the 1923 Rolls Royce
20 Roadster and The Gotham Cruiser. In fact, the consignment list is updated daily. Car owners can consign cars up to the day of the sale or can consign in advance by visiting www.bransonauction.com and clicking on the consign tab.
Bidders are encouraged to pre-register by calling in advance on visiting Branson auction?s website.
Starting on Friday at 10 a.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. tickets for preview and the auction may be purchased in the upper level or in atrium of the Convention center for $10 daily or $15 for a two day pass.
Friday evening, bidders and consigners who have registered in advanced along with other special guests are hosted by Jim and Kathy Cox in the Taneycomo Ballroom for a private reception and charity auction to benefit the Autism Society of America.

Hospice Compassus and Hamner Barber Theater will host a special screening of Honor Flight, a heartwarming documentary about World War II veterans on a trip of a lifetime, on Sunday, April 28 at 3:00 p.m. at the Hamner Barber Theater in Branson. Tickets are free for veterans and $6 for the general public, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting Honor Flight Network. Purchase tickets online at http://honorflightathamnerbarbertheater.eventbrite.com/ or call the Hamner Barber Theater box office at (417) 334-4363.

Mount Pleasant Winery – Opens Full Time!  We will open again full-time, 7 days a week, this Thursday, February 7^th and thru March 10^th will be open from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.  Our extended hours will begin March 11^th.

We will continue to provide live music for your enjoyment on Saturday evenings from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.  Help us welcome vocalist Kenny Parrot this Saturday, February 9^th.  Remember that our area appreciation continues thru the end of March so come in with your ID and receive 30% discount off your purchases (some restrictions apply).

3125 Green Mtn. Drive
417-336-9463.

February will be month of saying thank you to active duty military and veterans.

(Branson, MO)  The Branson Mill Craft Village will celebrate the men and women who have protected our freedoms by hosting Valentines for Vets during the month of February.

“We are inviting anyone who wants to say thank you to a veteran or active duty military member to come into the Branson Mill during February and write a note that we will then send out,” said Branson Mill General Manager, Myranda Zimmerebner.

An original watercolor painting created by Branson Mill demonstrating crafter, Amy Callaway, has been transformed into the postcard that will be sent to service men and women as well as veterans.  In March all the postcard messages will be sent to a hospital for wounded soldiers in Kuwait, the front lines in Iraq and domestic VA hospitals.

“Also during the month of February the Branson Mill will be taking nominations for a veteran or active duty member of the military to win a weekend in Branson,” said Zimmerebner.  “We have great partners:  Legends In Concert, Extreme Thrill Park, Golden Corral and Branson Best Properties.  Together, a fun getaway is being awarded.”

From February 1^st through the 28^th anyone can go to the Branson Mill Craft Village Facebook page to make a nomination.  The Branson Mill crafters will then vote on the posts and award one winner a weekend for two in Branson.  The winner will be announced on Facebook March 2^nd.

“Our Veteran’s Appreciation month will conclude with a big event,” Zimmerebner said.  “Friday, February 22^nd a restored Huey 369 Vietnam Era helicopter will land in our parking lot for the afternoon.  The helicopter will be flying in from Peru, Indiana on its way to Las Vegas.  Branson is one of four stops during its journey.  While at the Branson Mill it will be available for the public to get up close and hear stories about the importance of the American Huey to the Vietnam War.”

The American Huey 369 Organization is behind this landing.  They are building awareness for an American Huey museum in Indiana and the restoration of more Hueys in the future.  Branson is the first public stop on the trip from Indiana to Nevada.  The helicopter will make two refueling stops before reaching Branson.  Updates will be made on the Branson Mill Craft Village Facebook page on more exact landing times.  It is expected to land in Branson around 5pm on February 22^nd.

Details for February events to celebrate veterans and active duty members of the military can be found at www.bransonmill.com or facebook.com/bransonmill.

 About the Branson Mill Craft Village:

 The Branson Mill Craft Village, located at 3300 North Gretna Road in Branson, Missouri, is a specialty retail shopping center and working craft village combined. The heart of the Branson Mill is a working Craft Village of 40,000 square feet devoted to craftsmen demonstrating their skills in leather carving, wood carving, pottery, loom weaving, pen and ink drawings, wood turned pens made with exotic woods, custom embroidery, mosaic art, hand- made musical instruments and much more. In addition to these fine artists demonstrating their skills, there are 150 showrooms of upscale home furnishings, accessories and crafts, with many one-of-a-kind items and best of all it is open to the public at no charge. The Branson Mill Craft Village is open seven days a week.

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.

Former CIA Agent Jim Olson To Speak At College Of The Ozarks

By:  Turner Brock

Jim Olson, author of Fair Play: The Moral Dilemmas of Spying, is scheduled to speak at College of the Ozarks on January 31, at 7 p.m. in the Jones Auditorium. Olson received a law degree from the University of Iowa and is a senior lecturer at the Bush School of Government and Public service, where he teaches courses on intelligence, national security and international crisis management.

In this patriotic convocation, Mr. Olson will share about his experiences as a CIA agent during the Cold War. He also will talk about the importance of service to one’s country.

He served for over 25 years in the Directorate of Operations of the Central Intelligence Agency, mostly overseas in clandestine operations. In addition to several foreign assignments, he was Chief of Counterintelligence at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. He has been awarded the Intelligence Medal of Merit, the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, the Donovan Award, and several Distinguished Service Citations. Olson is the recipient of awards from the Bush School and the Association of Former Students for excellence in teaching.

Students will be allowed priority seating for the event, but remaining seats will be available to the public free of charge.  For more information, please contact Public Relations at 690-2212.

Pullen Productions is seeking excellent male and female pop singers with movement and acting ability for “Thank You for the Music – A Modern Tribute to ABBA”, a four person, high energy tribute to the Swedish Pop super group. Production will run April 1st – Dec. 6th, 2013 at the God and Country Theatre in Branson. Competitive full time salary offered with additional merch, attendance, and touring bonuses. Open call audition to be held on Saturday, January 26th, 2013 from 10am-5pm at the God and Country Theatre, 1840 W. Highway 76, Branson, MO 65616. Please prepare one brief pop song. Please bring your own tracked accompaniment on CD or MP3 player, (sound system provided). Candidates may be asked to stay for the movement/dance call from 5pm-7pm the same day. Please bring a headshot and resume.

Connell Insurance Employees Donate To Local Charities

Hollister, MO…In a desire to help out our local community, the many employees of Connell Insurance began a weekly donation campaign to support several non-profit charities in the Branson area.  Since starting the program, the employee group has raised over $1,800 for their chosen charities: Gift Of Hope, Christian Associates of Table Rock Lake, Christian Action Ministries, Branson Tri-Lakes Humane Society, and Tantone Industries.

Agency president Tim Connell commented, “I am so proud of the great people here at Connell Insurance and so glad to know them. It really warms my heart to know how much they care for the people in their community.”

Here is a brief description of each charity:

Gift Of Hope: Assisting Taney County disadvantaged families with a nutrition program through their Backpack Club, scholarship program, and help through the holidays.

giftofhopeinc.org

Christian Associates of Table Rock Lake: Demonstrating Christian love through response to those who are in crisis and needful situations.

christian-associates.com

Christian Action Ministries: A non-denominational local organization that is dedicated to providing caring assistance to Taney County residents, in Christ’s name, through food pantries in Branson and Forsyth.

christianactionministries.org

Branson Tri-Lakes Humane Society: Dog and cat adoption saves lives. Adopt a dog or cat and you’ll have a friend for life!

adoptapet.com

Tantone Industries: A sheltered workshop, providing meaningful employment to adults with disabilities in Taney County.

tantone.org

For more information, visit www.ConnellInsurance.com or call (417) 334-2000.

Connell Insurance, based in Hollister, MO, is one of the largest insurance agencies serving southwestern Missouri.  An independent insurance agency, Connell specializes in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, representing numerous insurance companies.