March 19, 2012
Branson, MO

The 4th Annual “Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” will take place April 26 – 28, 2012. This 3 day event is sponsored by Branson.com, Hand in Hand for Veterans and the Branson Community. I would like to say a special thank you to the following businesses and individuals….The “Hamner Barber Theatre” for their continued support of the event by allowing us to use their theatre as the “home” of the Purple Heart Recipients. The “Entertainers” who sing and entertain for those combat wounded, Central Pro – Am Association who create the “fishing contest,” along with Scotties Trout Dock. Branson Landing Shops for opening their doors for a “culinary experience,” Shepherd of the Hills” for sponsoring the “fish fry,” The Titanic for inviting the Purple Heart Recipients to be guests on their ship and Taney County Sheriff Jimmie Russell for coordinating the motorcycle run, Chip & Sandy Milner for coordinating registration, Jim Jewsbury from MODot and to all the volunteers that help throughout the three days. A special “shout out” to the businesses in town who allow our guests to be PROUD they are Veterans.
Our combat wounded comment each year about how wonderful all of the people in the different business are to them and their families. It gives me great pleasure to pass this information on to all of you in our community.
Without the Veteran we cannot be “FREE” and all of you openly share your love and patriotism for these men and women and I wanted to start our year by saying………THANK YOU, Branson.

Marlyce Stockinger, Event Coordinator
“Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients”

Public Invited To Attend Student Music Recital March 28
By: Austin Plummer

The College of the Ozarks Music Department will host a student music recital on March 28, at 4 p.m., in the Newman Recital Hall. The recital will include performances from student soloists and ensembles, instrumental and vocal.

“These recitals are a great way for the students to show their talents,” says C of O music department student worker Amber McDowell. “There will be a variety of pieces performed for everyone to enjoy.”

Students will be allowed priority seating for the event, but any seats left open will be available to the public free of charge. For more information, please call the Music Department at (417) 690-2244.

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast fundraiser for Gift of Hope!

When: Saturday, April 7th – from 7:30am to 9:30am

Where: Applebee’s, 1856 W. Hwy 76, Branson

Why: To benefit the Gift of Hope programs; helping Taney County children and families in need!

How much: Adults: $5.00. Children 4 & Under Free!

Oxford Healthcare, HomeCare and Hospice will be offering NO-COST bone density screenings and vital signs screenings at their presentation booth at the Health and Ministry EXPO being held at the Tri-Lakes Center, 2527 State Hwy 248 in Branson, MO on Friday, March 23, Noon to 8 pm; and, Saturday, March 24, from 10 am to 8 pm.
Scheduled to appear will be 75 area health, wellness and spiritual exhibitors with entertainment provided by SIX, Hughes Brothers, Jarrett Doughtery, Clay Cooper, Buckets N Boards, American Idols’s Jason Yeager, Voices of Glory, Allen Asbury and more!
Admission is $5.00 at the door for a one-day admission, $8.00 for both days, and children 12 and under are FREE! Please bring one non perishable food item for Christian Action Ministries’ Food Bank. FREE and low-cost health screenings, FREE raffles and door prizes, seminars and Zumba classes will also be offered. Mini Golf and Veggie Tale screenings of Robin Good will be on-going during the event. For more information log on to www.HealthandMinistryEXPO.com or call (417) 336-3636

Guitarist and Songwriter Tony Melendez to Perform
By: Ashley Bench

Tony Melendez, Christian guitarist/songwriter, will perform at College of the Ozarks on Tuesday, March 27, at 7 p.m., in the Jones Auditorium. Melendez composes and performs a variety of contemporary and traditional, instrumental and vocal pieces.

Melendez, known worldwide for his amazing talents, began composing music and playing the guitar at a young age. Born without arms, he taught himself to play the guitar with his feet and overcame all the odds. “His talent speaks to the glory of God,” says C of O sophomore Kait Varghese. “The fact that he is using his incredible talents as a witness shows that Christ truly gives us strength to accomplish the impossible.”

Melendez’s talents caught the attention of many, which gave him the opportunity to perform in various avenues, including two performances for Pope John Paul II. He became highly involved with the Church and thrives on sharing his faith with others through music ministry. Today he still composes and produces with his company “Toe Jam Music,” giving all the glory to God.

Students will be allowed priority seating for the event, but any seats left open will be available to the public free of charge. For more information, please call the Christian Ministries office at (417) 690-3446.

Correction from College of the Ozarks On Jazz Band Date
The Army Jazz Band from Fort Bragg, N.C., will perform at College of the Ozarks TODAY, Tuesday, March 13, at 7 p.m., in the Royal Oak Forum of The Keeter Center. At 11 a.m. today, the band will host a free jazz clinic open to the public in the Gittinger Music Center.

Help Still Available
Despite significant tornado damage to the building’s roof and windows, the Salvation Army’s Branson Corps at 1114 Stanley Blvd. is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to help those in need. The emergency food pantry is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The storm also destroyed their passenger van. If you need help, call 417-339-4434 or Maj. Robert Meyer at 417-331-0280. If you can provide help, call 800-725-2769.

Christian Press Donates Book Profits to Damaged Library
Sheaf House, a Nashville, Tenn. small press that publishes Christian titles, announced that through April 5, Oak Ridge Boys’ vocalist and author Joe Bonsall is donating royalties from direct sales of his book, “From My Perspective,” to the Taneyhills Community Library, which was damaged by the recent tornado. The library will receive $6.54 for each book sold directly. Books sold through retailers are not part of the program. Go to http://www.sheafhousedirect.com/inspirational.html.

Veterans Memorial Museum Open
Although the tornado lifted the P-1 airplane off the roof, the museum is open for business with no damages to the building and its collection of artifacts. It’s open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. They’re now working to restore the airplane. www.VeteransMemorialBranson.com. 417-336-2300.

Art Demonstration at Mount Pleasant Winery Saturday
Mount Pleasant Winery will host a live art demonstration from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 17. Watch Denver artist Don Barnes demonstrate his technique with palette knives to create stunning artistic effects in a work titled “Beautiful Sunrise.” Barnes’ work has been shown at galleries in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Texas. Wine will be sold by the glass. The Winery is at 3125 Green Mountain Dr. 417-336-9463. www.MountPleasant.com.

Storm Chasers Star at The IMAX
Sean Casey, popular star of The Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers, will make a special appearance with the Tornado Intercept Vehicle from 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 16, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, and Sunday, March 18. For each ticket sold to “Tornado Alley” during the three-day event, the IMAX Entertainment Complex will make a donation to Convoy of Hope. 417-335-4832. www.bransonimax.com.

Junior Auxiliary Trivia Event
Reserve a table now for this popular fund-raiser scheduled for 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, at the Pointe Royale Clubhouse. This year’s theme is “Guess Who’s Turning 100?” There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts including birthday cake and a cash bar.
Trivia consists of ten rounds of ten questions each with prizes for the top three table scores. Tables seat eight. Entry fee is $50 per person. JA’s services include scholarships for Taney County high school seniors, Santa’s Gift House, Prom Dress, Family Fun Walk and other projects to benefit children and families.
There will be door prizes, a silent auction and a raffle including two round-trip tickets on Air Tran and a $750 gift card. There also will be a “Wine Pull.” For $10 “pull” a bottle of wine from a selection ranging from $6 to $40 per bottle values. For reservations, contact Linda Lewis at 417-527-3963 or [email protected].

YMCA Weight Loss Challenge
Register before March 23 at the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA for the 12-week Weight Loss Challenge, and get a free t-shirt. Winners will be announced on June 22. Register at the Y or contact Monica Morris at [email protected] 417-337-9622.

Ride The Train
The Branson Scenic Railway has opened for the season with rides at 9 and 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dinner rides on Saturdays begin April 7. Trains leave from the 1905 depot in downtown Branson. Each restored car has a lot of history including the 60-seat “Silver Eagle” from the 1949 Texas Pacific Railway. The Railway also offers a 10-percent discount for AAA members. 417-334-6110. www.BransonTrain.com.

Easter Bunny Photos
Lori Larrimore with Branson Photo has a unique offer for Easter photos. Call for an appointment through April 7, and she’ll take a photo of your child with one of her pet bunnies, and the photos may be purchased in time to give at Easter, April 8. Cost is a $10 donation to Mothers of Preschoolers, an organization of the Branson First Baptist Church in Branson. 417-337-5747. www.BransonPhoto.com

Register To Win At Live Radio Broadcast from IMAX
Join KRZK 106.3 from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 17, as they broadcast live from the IMAX Entertainment Complex. From 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, register in person to win the “Dream Trip of a Lifetime” to the Academy of Country Music awards in Las Vegas on April 1. You also may register by listening to 106.3 for an invitation to call during a certain qualifying time period. 417-334-6003. www.KRZK.com.

19th Annual IMAX FilmFest
Through May 10, the 2012 FilmFest includes “To The Arctic,” “Rescue,” “Titanic – Ghosts of the Abyss,” “Tornado Alley” and “The Living Sea.” A different film shows every hour from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 417-335-4832. www.bransonimax.com.

Fund-raisers Planned
The Vietnam Veterans of America Ch. 913 of Branson plans two fund-raisers this year. The first is a Pig Roast on May 19 at the Lions Club Community Building on Mount Branson. The second is the Benefit Show on May 21 at the Hamner Barber Theater. For more information or to reserve tickets, call Ron Simmons at 417-251-0174 or President Bob Sarver at 417-294-0728.

Zumba And Swim Programs at the YMCA
The Ozark Mountain Family YMCA will host a Zumbathon from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on March 24. Cost is $10 with funds going to find a cure for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease.) Contact Janice at [email protected].
Also, register now for group and private swim lessons. Group lessons will be March 20 through May 8. Private 30-minute lessons also are offered for ages three through adults. Lessons are held at Oakmount Community Pool. Register at the YMCA or contact Monica Morris at [email protected] 417-337-9622.

Branson Community Connection
The local talk show about what’s going on in Branson airs at 6:30 p.m. on The Vacation Channel, Ch. 6 on the local cable network. March 15 through 28, guests include Ross Summers, President of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau; Peggy Golden, Ozarks Area Community Action Corp.; Nancy Town, Branson Professional Tour Guide Association and First Class Maid Jaynee of the Titanic Museum Attraction, previewing the new Unsinkable Molly Brown Gallery.

Branson Chamber Chatter is a free news service for members of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Email news to Kathryn Buckstaff, membership public relations manager. [email protected]. www.ExploreBranson.com. 417-334-4084.

A Health and Ministry EXPO will be held at the Tri-Lakes Center, 2527 State Hwy 248 in Branson, MO on Friday, March 23, Noon to 8 pm; and, Saturday, March 24, from 10 am to 8 pm.
Scheduled to appear will be 75 area health, wellness and spiritual exhibitors with entertainment provided by SIX, Hughes Brothers, Jarrett Doughtery, Clay Cooper, Buckets N Boards, American Idols’s Jason Yeager, Voices of Glory, Allen Asbury and more!
Admission is $5.00 at the door for a one-day admission, $8.00 for both days, and children 12 and under are FREE! Please bring one non perishable food item for Christian Action Ministries’ Food Bank. FREE and low-cost health screenings, FREE raffles and door prizes, seminars and Zumba classes will also be offered. Mini Golf and Veggie Tale screenings of Robin Good will be on-going during the event. For more information call (417) 336-3636

For additional information, please contact:
John Sacoulas
149 Grand Avenue
Branson, MO 65616

[email protected]
417-336-3636; or, 417-353-7598

Sean Casey, popular star of the Discovery Channel’s “Storm Chasers” and daring Tornado Alley large-format filmmaker, will make a special appearance with the TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle) March 16, 17 and 18 at Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex.

Over the course of his career, Casey has filmed volcanoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. The depth of his experience working in severe weather, as well as the impressive library of IMAX tornado footage he has amassed leading up to Tornado Alley’s release, served the production well.

“We spent eight years shooting dozens of tornadoes, probably eighteen tornadoes for the film,” says Casey.

Casey currently stars in the Discovery Channel’s “Storm Chasers” reality series, which is the number-one rated Sunday night cable show on television. In addition, Casey is an inventor of sorts, having designed two tornado intercept vehicles, or TIVs. In 2008, Discover magazine named Casey one of the fifty best minds of the year.

The special weekend will begin a series of events scheduled during the 19th Annual IMAX FilmFest highlighting individual films from within the larger celebration.

“I’m really looking forward to coming to Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex with the TIV. They’ve been big supporters of the film, and I greatly appreciate the invitation,” says Casey. “It’s especially meaningful to visit after the recent tornado outbreak. Tornado Alleyis first and foremost about the study of tornado genesis in the hopes of increasing warning times, and when I meet people whose lives have been affected by severe weather, it reinforces to me just how important this research is.”

The weekend will include fundraising efforts to benefit Convoy of Hope, a faith-based organization that has served more than 50 million people throughout the world through international children’s feeding initiatives, community outreaches, and disaster response.

“We’ll have Sean here and Convoy of Hope representatives,” says Tom Forster, Marketing Director for Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex. “We’d like to see the community come out and have a great time, see the TIV, meet Sean, take some pictures…and become more informed about what Convoy of Hope does, what efforts they’re making in response to our recent tornadoes, and of course, donate what they can.”

With each ticket sold to Tornado Alley during the three-day event, Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex will be making a donation to Convoy of Hope.

Sean Casey, the TIV and Convoy of Hope will be available:

• Friday, March 16 – 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 17 – 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 18 – 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The 2012 IMAX FilmFest begins on March 9 and continues through May 10, with a different film showing every hour, on the hour from 9 am to 8 pm. For showtimes or more information, call 417-335-4832 or log on to www.bransonimax.com.