By: Haley Jones

Artists throughout the Ozarks region are invited to submit paintings to the White River Painting Exhibit at College of the Ozarks Oct. 29–Nov. 7. Paintings should reflect the artist’s personal views of what is important to him/her about the Ozarks. Award-winning “plein air” painter Mr. Garry McMichael will serve as this year’s juror. Monetary awards will be awarded for the top three, as well as for honorable mentions.

Paintings may be submitted in most any medium on which there has been “some pigment pushed around.” Entries should be original and completed within the last two years and not the product of a painting workshop. Artists are limited to submitting two entries. Entries must not have been previously exhibited in the Ralph Foster Museum’s past White River Painting exhibits.

The paintings may be delivered to the Ralph Foster Museum between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday–Saturday. The entry fee for each painting is $5. The exhibit will run from Nov. 8–Dec. 15.

Artists interested in learning more may visit www.rfostermuseum.com or contact Museum Curator Jeanelle Ash at (417) 690-2603 or by e-mail, [email protected].

School and community leaders, student volunteers, and local recyclers celebrated the Grand Opening of the EarthWise Recycling Center, a community-supported non-profit organization, at their location on the Reeds Spring High School campus. In addition, representatives from the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce performed a ceremonial ribbon cutting to commemorate the occasion.

The EarthWise Recycling Center was developed by the Stone County Legacy Catalyst Team, a group of local citizens who are passionate about finding creative ways to pass on the core values of the area—our “Ozark Mountain Spirit.” One of those deeply-held values is the desire to ensure a preferred future for the next generations, which includes a commitment to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

“I believe that people in general have become more environmentally conscious. They see the benefit of protecting the environment and realize the economic benefits that result from recycling programs,” said Sue Noel, Legacy Catalyst Team member. “The EarthWise Recycling Center is a wonderful learning facility right here in our community that will allow us to pass on the area’s legacy of natural beauty and environmental sustainability to the next generations.”

Community partners, including the Reeds Spring School District, are excited about the opportunity EarthWise will allow for educating and training area youth about the benefits of recycling. Reeds Spring High School students will be involved in EarthWise in a variety of ways including designing the logo and promotional posters, as well as volunteering at the center. On Saturday, a group of students from the Book Club donated their time.

Students at Reeds Spring High School are already familiar with recycling efforts within their school building, such as paper and plastic bottle collection, but school officials hope that the presence of EarthWise on their campus will increase awareness of and participation in recycling. “Ultimately, we’d like to see students not only participating in our in-school recycling programs, but also encouraging their families to bring recyclable products to EarthWise on our high school campus on Saturday mornings,” said Steve Levingston, Reeds Spring High School principal.

Brent Wolff, who recently moved to the area, has brought a load of recycling to EarthWise on each Saturday since its soft opening on September 22, and Saturday’s Grand Opening was no exception. “Recycling is a way of life for me. I believe that I’ve got to do my part to keep recyclable trash out of landfills,” said Wolff.

Also in attendance at Saturday’s Grand Opening was Northern Commissioner, Jim Huy, who is a passionate advocate for recycling programs elsewhere in the county, including those in Cape Fair, Kimberling City, and Galena. “I am really happy to see EarthWise open in Reeds Spring, and I encourage our citizens to utilize the facility,” said Huy. “This is a real resource for the area and illustrates the larger commitment to recycling we are seeing throughout the county.”

Stone County Presiding Commissioner Dennis Wood, who is also an Ozark Mountain Legacy Board member, attended the Grand Opening as well. “It has been great to watch the folks work together for a common cause,” said Wood. “Stone County people have always shown concern for the environment, and EarthWise is a continuation of that priority. I am proud to be a part of this effort.”

EarthWise will be open on Saturday mornings from 8:00 a.m. until noon and will accept all standard recycling items including cardboard, plastics #1-5, steel or tin cans, mixed paper, and magazines.

“Now that we’re up and running, we want to encourage more people to get involved,” said Korina Branson, Legacy Catalyst Team member. “The fact that EarthWise is in the center of the county makes it even easier for Stone County residents to start recycling.”

For more information about the Ozark Mountain Legacy initiative, contact Ozark Mountain Legacy at (417) 598-1314, or visit www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org.

The convocation featuring author and co-founder of Wellspring International Naomi Zacharias scheduled for October 22, at 7 p.m. has been canceled, due to unforeseen circumstances.

Instead, the Christian convocation that evening will feature C of O students leading a worship service to kick-off the campus “Mission Emphasis Week.” The worship service, which is open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. on October 22, and will be held in Jones Auditorium.

C of O alumnus and Bridge of Faith Church Pastor John McGwire also will share during the worship service.

For more information, please contact the Christian Ministries Department at (417) 690-3446.

By: Turner Brock

Naomi Zacharias, author of The Scent of Water: Grace for Every Kind of Broken, will speak at College of the Ozarks, at 7 p.m. on October 22, 2012, in the Jones Auditorium. She will share how individuals can impact the lives of others in need around the world.

Zacharias graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business/economics. She joined her father, Ravi Zacharias, to launch Wellspring International, an initiative devoted to efforts of helping at-risk women and children. She has ministered to women in the red-light districts of The Netherlands, children affected by HIV/AIDS and living in foster care in Asia and women in prison in South Africa.

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 Christian Ministries at 690-3446.

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
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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.

Gift of Hope, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will host the first annual “Run for Hope” 5k fun run/walk on October 13 at the Branson Landing.
The event is a fundraiser in support of the Gift of Hope programs.
“We want this event to be a good time for everyone,” said Meghan Connell, director of Gift of Hope. “If you want to take it more seriously, we will have a timing company present, or if you want to take a leisurely walk with your friends and family, go for it. We will be giving away prizes for the silliest dressed group and individual because it’s all about having fun and coming out in support of a good cause.”
The event will start and end at the Branson Landing fountain. The post-race awards party will be held at Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar and Grill on the Branson Landing at 9am. The $5,000 “split the pot” with Gift of Hope number will be drawn and announced. Only 200 tickets will sold for $50.00 each, call 417-546-8062 to purchase prior to the event.
Top three male and female runners will receive $100 for 1st place, $75 for 2nd place and $50 for 3rd place. There will be awards for first in each age group and door prizes.
The first 200 pre-registered participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and “goodie bag”.
Registration will begin at 6:45am the day of the event with the 5k fun run/walk and 1 mile walk starting at 8am.
For more information call 417-546-8062 or register online at www.actnowracing.com or visit www.giftofhopeinc.org.
Two Gift of Hope programs will benefit from this fundraiser; the “Backpack Club” which provides supplemental food to 750 children each weekend during the school year because they have shown signs of hunger, especially on Monday mornings. And the “Christmas Share” program which provides assistance to families in need of propane, electric, warm clothes and food through the winter months.

See link below with additional details and registration form. (pdf file)

Gift of Hope 5K Registration Form and Details

See link below for larger view (pdf version)

Marine Corp Ball Service Announcement

We would like to invite all residents of Stone, Taney, Christian, Greene, Webster, Douglas, Ozark, Barry counties in Missouri and Carroll, Boone, Marion and Baxter counties in Arkansas (with valid id) to our Area Appreciation shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 27th, 28th and 29th at 11 am. $12.50 INCLUDES LUNCH: Carolina Pulled Pork, BBQ Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Southern Style Baked Beans, Sweet Corn Muffin, Strawberry Short Cake and a bottle of water (from Table Rock Lake)!! The show is hosted by Barry Williams, the real GREG BRADY and features the NEW Brady Bunch kids. Six young performers that look very much like the original Brady kids, will sing and dance their way into your heart with popular Brady songs and show tunes from the 70’s. Call for reservations 866-328-3733. Only at the Yakov Theatre in Branson.

By: Chelsea Kliethermes

School of the Ozarks volleyball team will play its first home game against Blue Eye on Thursday, September 27, 2012, at 5 p.m. in the Howell W. Keeter Gymnasium on the College of the Ozarks campus.

“I am impressed with our team’s sportsmanship, fighting spirit and the manner in which they represent our school,” said Patriots Head Coach Charlie Warfield. “The future looks bright for our young patriot team!”

In addition to volleyball, School of the Ozarks students compete in track and field, cross country and basketball. The first home game for junior varsity boys and girls basketball is December 6, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. The varsity boys basketball team plays on December 18, 2012, at 6 p.m. and the varsity girls play on January 7, 2012, at 6 p.m. Schedules for track and field and cross country are still pending.

School of the Ozarks, a college preparatory lab school for grades 9-12, provides a unique education by interweaving a biblical worldview, character education and patriotism into rigorous academic curriculum grounded in the Great Books. The School also mirrors College of the Ozarks in that students are not charged tuition, but instead are asked to invest a little sweet equity into their education.

Home games are free of charge. Community members may attend all S of O games. Schedules are available online at www.cofo.edu.