Participants Sought For Survey Regarding Area Interest In Proposed Lab School

College of the Ozarks is determining the feasibility of opening a college preparatory lab school on campus. As part of the feasibility study, the College is asking interested individuals who have school aged children to take part in a brief survey that will be accessible September 14-30. Individuals willing to take part in the brief survey, which should take less than ten minutes to complete, may go to www.cofo.edu and click on the survey link.

“Input regarding interest in the school is vital to determining feasibility,” said Dr. Sue Head, study coordinator. “Participation will be greatly appreciated.”

The new secondary level school would reflect the College’s philosophical views by interweaving a biblical worldview, character education, and patriotism into rigorous academic curriculum grounded in the Great Books.

“In keeping with the College’s mission and vision, we hope to serve students in our area who seek a challenging curriculum with an intentional threading of service learning and work,” Dr. Head said. “The College was founded as a work school over one hundred years ago, and the new school would reflect the values of the founders.”

The proposed lab school would offer area youth the opportunity of an affordable, quality, Christian education with innovative programming, service learning, and small class sizes.

The feasibility study, which began in April, will conclude in October with a presentation to the College’s Board of Trustees.

For more information about the online survey, please contact The Keeter Center for Character Education at (417) 690-2242.

Branson Airport to Honor 9/11 Aviation Industry Heroes

Ceremony will remember the fallen and those who reclaimed the skies over the United States of America

BRANSON, MISSOURI – Branson Airport will hold a brief ceremony to honor the fallen of 9/11 on the 10th anniversary this Sunday at 9:03 a.m. marking the time that United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a Pennsylvania field.
While all who lost their lives that day will be remembered, the ceremony will highlight the 33 crew members who perished on the four fatal flights: American Airlines Flight 77, American Airlines Flight 11, United Airlines Flight 175 and United Airlines Flight 93. The ceremony will also recognize the 84 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey employees who perished that day.
The Ceremony will end by remembering the heroes who got America flying again.
The government re-opened the nation’s airspace on September 13th at 11 am a little more than 48 hours after the attacks. Many employees were scared, some of them lost friends and colleagues just a few days before. They did not know if more attacks were possible. They also knew changes to the security system that were already being discussed would not be implemented for some time.
The Branson Airport Staff will honor the heroes who returned to work on September 13th and reclaimed the skies over the United States of America. Not to be forgotten are the “tens of thousands of aviation personnel who put their uniforms back on and led the way to getting the country moving again despite their fears,” as stated by Tom Murphy, author of Reclaiming the Sky; 9/11 and the Untold Story of the Men and Women Who Kept America Flying.
The public is welcome to attend.

BRANSON, MO – To kick-off Sigma House Recovery Centers’ Road to Recovery Jeep Giveaway, Youngblood Jeep will unveil the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler on Saturday, September 17 at 12:00 pm. Sigma House Recovery Centers will be at Youngblood Auto selling raffle tickets for the chance to win a brand new red 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The Road to Recovery Jeep Giveaway raffle will raise funds for Sigma House Recovery Centers’ addiction recovery services.

“We are thrilled to support Sigma House Recovery Centers and the important services they provide to our community. We are hopeful that our Road to Recovery Jeep Giveaway will successfully raise funds so Sigma House Recovery Centers can help more local folks,” stated John Widiger, Youngblood Auto General Manager.

Tickets are $100 each; a maximum of 1,500 tickets are available. Raffle tickets are for sale at Youngblood Auto (3505 South Campbell), Sigma House Recovery Centers (800 South Park), Larry Simmering Recovery Center (in Branson) and online at www.sigmahouse.org.

The Jeep will be on display during the community open house on September 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Larry Simmering Recovery Center, 360 Rinehart Road in Branson. Members of the community are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The winner’s name will be drawn on October 27 during Sigma House Recovery Centers’ Community Open House in Springfield.

Sigma House Recovery Centers is a nonprofit agency providing addiction recovery services to Southwest Missouri since 1977. With locations in Springfield, Nixa and Branson, Sigma House Recovery Centers offers full-spectrum addiction recovery services including residential and outpatient treatment. For more information about programs, services, eligibility or how you may help further the mission, please visit www.sigmhouse.org.

Legends In Concert announces their fabulous fall line-up of stars! Starting September 8, see Bette Midler, Alan Jackson, Johnny Mathis, The Blues Brothers and Elvis Presley rock the house at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. The lobby of the theater is filled with priceless and unique memorabilia from Dick Clark Productions. Take a step back in time and enjoy pieces from Frankie Avalon to Tina Turner….and much, much more! You receive this added value to your experience at no additional charge.
During the Legends In Concert show, the charisma of two locally known talents, Bucky Heard and Justin Clark, combine for a high energy, highly entertaining Blues Brothers performance. They are mainstays at the Legends In Concert show along with Elvis Presley. Portrayed by Dean Z, this act is sure to bring you a rock-a-billy good time! Experience the energy of sensational showgirl Bette Midler, have a “Good Time” listening to the country classics of Alan Jackson, and relax with the romantic songs of Johnny Mathis. Don’t miss this fabulous fall line-up September 8 – October 31 ONLY! You have to see it to believe it!

CAM’s Gospel Sing-off Winner Southern Raised

Branson, MO…A team of celebrity judges ranked 12 talented finalists performing before a crowd of nearly 1,000 for CAM’s 3rd Annual Gospel Sing-Off at Sight & Sound Theater on Sunday afternoon. Southern Raised, a bluegrass gospel group of three sisters and a brother from Crane, Missouri, took first place. These talented musicians and singers won a prize purse of $1,500 and two performance slots at Silver Dollar City on Labor Day. Placing second with a $1,000 prize purse was Todd Braschler, a minister from Wichita, whose family has roots in Branson’s entertainment history. Taking third place and $500 was Jericho, a quartet from DeSoto, Missouri. Braschler was a third place winner last year and Jericho took second place in 2009.

Attendees raved about the level of talent in this year’s event, which was opened with some powerful gospel singing by SIX. Last year’s winners, the Peterson Family, also made a guest appearance to open the second half of the show. Prior to announcing the winners, local saxophonist Gary Dooms performed Amazing Grace to the delight of the crowd.

For the third straight year, Bob Hubbard of the Jordanaires and the Foggy River Boys kept things on pace as the host emcee. Aside from the opening invocation and introduction of the acts, Bob also traded a few quips with judge Ronnie Page, who sings with the Downing Street Boys and is the entertainment editor for the Independent. Ronnie began his career with the Oak Ridge Boys, later joining the Chuck Wagon Gang.

Judge Bogie Bohinc, one of Branson’s top guitarists, commented, “Every finalist up there was a winner. The talent was exceptional and the judging decisions were tough. However the real winners of this event are the people in our community who will be helped by CAM.”

Pat Davis, CAM’s Executive Director, announced to the crowd that over 1,400 families were helped by CAM in August. “This is a record number for us and is indicative of the ever-increasing need. That’s why CAM needs your support as we begin to prepare for the winter months of traditionally greater need.”

CAM Board Chairman and producer of the event Jack Burke added, “We are particularly grateful to our wonderful and supportive community, along with Sight & Sound for providing this fantastic venue for our annual Sing-Off and Branson Tourism Center for sponsoring the prize purses. We’re blessed to be living in an area where neighbors truly do help neighbors.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation to CAM can call 335-1157 or visit www.christianactionministries.org.

CAM’s Gospel Sing-off 2nd Place – Todd Braschler


CAM’s Gospel Sing-off 3rd Place – Jericho

College of the Ozarks To Hold 9-11 Flag Memorial
By: Ashley Bench

College of the Ozarks will hold a flag display and ceremony Sunday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m. to honor those whose lives were taken during the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The flag display, which consists of nearly 3,000 American flags—one for each person lost in the 9-11 attacks, will be up the entire day of September 11, on the Alumni Center lawn at the campus entrance.

The College welcomes members of the community to visit the memorial during daylight hours, as well as attend a ceremony at 9 a.m. on the Alumni Center parking lot.

“It is vital that we do not forget our fellow Americans whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001,” said Elizabeth Hughes, public relations director. “This year marks the tenth anniversary of the tragedy, but the ninth, eleventh or twelfth anniversaries are as important as the tenth anniversary. The College began holding the memorial several years ago as a reminder. Otherwise, the tragedy might be forgotten. Americans cannot afford to forget such events.”

Every September 11, the College flies an official 9-11 Remembrance Flag on the main flagpole located at the campus. During the ceremony, the 9-11 Remembrance Flag will be raised.

For more information on the 9-11 Memorial, please contact the Public Relations Office at (417) 690-2212.

Statue Based On Iconic Picture “The Kiss” On Display At College Of The Ozarks Beginning September 3

The life-size statue, based on the iconic picture of the legendary photo of a sailor kissing a New York nurse in Times Square following the announcement that WWII had ended, will make its way to College of the Ozarks September 3 for display. The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks will showcase the statue, called “The Kiss,” in its lobby for a limited time.

The public is welcome to visit the statue Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. free of charge and may also visit the “Lest We Forget” exhibit, featuring WWII artifacts and memorabilia and photographs chronicling College of the Ozarks students accompanying WWII veterans to European and Pacific battle sites, in its gallery during the same hours at no cost.

“The Kiss” statue is a project of “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive,” a non-profit organization that seeks to preserve the legacy of men and women of The Greatest Generation and help inspire a renewal of national unity in America.

As part of its five-fold mission, College of the Ozarks has the patriotic goal of encouraging in students an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country and willingness to defend it.

Branson Cares For Joplin Keeps on Raising Funds

“Help our Joplin neighbors” was the message the Branson community wanted delivered during the live Branson Cares For Joplin Benefit Concert & Telethon, and clearly, generous viewers and concert attendees got the message. As of August 19, 2011, The League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers (The Branson Show League) is pleased to announce that $202,732.29 of the pledged monies has been collected and a little over $20,000 in pledges is still outstanding. “To have over 90% of the money collected at this point is amazing,” says Cindy Merry, Branson Show League Marketing Chair, “and we expect to see most of the outstanding pledges collected over the next few weeks. Wouldn’t it be something to be able to say that of the estimated $221,000 pledged on the night of the benefit, we collected a hundred percent? Help us reach that goal – if you’ve pledged a donation, please try and send it in by September 5th as there will be a formal check presentation to St John’s Mercy Hospital/Joplin during that week.”

Renee Johnson, Branson Show League Executive Director adds, “Of the monies already collected the Branson Show League has distributed $45,000 to the Joplin Band Booster account, $5,000 to the St Mary’s Catholic School Music program, and $1,000 dollars each to Palen Music and Hoover Music for instrument repairs. We’re also happy to report that over 300 instruments have been donated for the schools, with an estimated value of roughly $90,000 to $100,000. Funds donated to Joplin Band Booster account will be used for any instruments needing repair. In addition the Joplin High School was given two guitars (valued at approximately $4000) a Taylor provided by Doyle Dykes and a Paul Reed Smith provided by Ricky Skaggs. The balance of the collected funds will go to St John’s Mercy Hospital/Joplin.”

“One hundred percent of all donated monies are going to St John’s Mercy Hospital/Joplin and the Joplin Schools’ music programs,” says Jim Barber, of the Hamner Barber Variety Theatre and President of the Branson Show League. “We’d like to thank the volunteers who have spent an incredible amount of time collecting these donations. As performers, show producers, and those working in the entertainment industry, many of us thought that pulling off a benefit concert and telethon in less then 4 weeks was an amazing feat in and of itself. In reality, to complete the mission means getting the money collected and handed over to the folks in need. From databasing pledges for invoicing to returning hundreds of messages, the volunteers have probably spent more time on this than their full-time jobs. Our volunteers really have shown the Branson spirit of caring both for their neighbors and to make sure the job is done right.”

Timothy Dutton, from the Dutton Family Theatre and Branson Show League Board Member, notes that some of the time intensive process involved deciphering hundreds of different handwriting on pledge forms. “We had somewhere close to 200 calls that we made to verify credit card information as there might be something about the information we couldn’t clearly understand a transposed number or expiration date in most cases.” Timothy adds, “Actually the great thing about this was we talked to quite a lot of nice people who were so happy to be helping Joplin. They were sweet.”

The method of how folks communicated their donation was varied. From the traditional check mailed in to credit cards via phone The Branson Show League tried to accommodate everyone. “Texting a pledge was an interesting new way to get donations,” says Susan Weimar, of the Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus and a Branson Show League Board Member, “and we had approximately 100 of those, and of course, we had to call each of them to get their credit card information.”

Donations are still being collected. There are approximately 70 calls still to be made to donors to answer queries, clear up donation information, and arrange for collection of donations. Mike Hughes, of the Hughes Brothers Theatre and Branson Show League Business Chair says, “We want to make sure that we raise every bit of money we can to help our friends in Joplin who were devastated by the EF5 tornado. This media release is an update of where we are right now with collections; however we plan to have a nice presentation event in Joplin the first week of September. So again, please send in your pledge right away…and even if you haven’t pledged, feel free to donate now at JoplinBenefit.com.”

Hollye Gurley, from the Baldknobbers Theatre and Branson Show League Membership Chair, notes that “you can visit JoplinBenefit.com and still download the heart-touching songs created for Joplin by our local stars. The songs are Just Hold On by Trey Wilson, Jason Robinson, and Michael W. Davis (a.k.a. Fall Creek Road) and the Joplin Song by Doug Gabriel. A hundred percent of those proceeds also go to help St. John’s Mercy Hospital.”

Ann Stafford, of the Jim Stafford Theatre and Branson Show League Vice-President, adds, “We are truly thankful for the blessing of all the folks who helped achieve this resoundingly successful benefit. There’s a vast list of people who deserve a pat on the back for this community effort to help Joplin. While this particular press release doesn’t name all of those who helped, we do want to continually acknowledge the support of so many. On behalf of our Branson Cares For Joplin committee and the Branson Show League we’d like to say to our performers, production crews, writers, technical teams, those in the telephone room, the on-air talent, benefit organizers, promoters, broadcasters, donation collectors; to those who provided transportation, donations, meals, tickets, services, and silent auction items; and to those who donated time and money; and to anyone who has helped raise these monies; job well done!”

Donations to the Joplin relief effort may be made to:
Branson Cares Joplin Benefit
c/o The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers
Post Office Box 5083
Branson, Missouri 65615
Or by visiting www.JoplinBenefit.com

College of the Ozarks Explores Feasibility of Lab School

College of the Ozarks is determining the feasibility of opening a college preparatory lab school. The new secondary level school would reflect the College’s philosophical views by interweaving a biblical worldview, character education, and patriotism into rigorous academic curriculum grounded in the Great Books.

Dean of Character Education Dr. Sue Head has been charged with researching and creating a framework for a secondary level school that could eventually serve as a model to other colleges and communities. She visited several successful private schools over the summer and gathered “best practices” as part of her study.

“In keeping with the College’s mission and vision, we hope to serve students in our area who seek a challenging curriculum with an intentional threading of service learning and work,” Dr. Head said. “The College was founded as a work school over one hundred years ago, and the new school would reflect the values of the founders.”

The proposed lab school would offer area youth the opportunity of an affordable, quality, Christian education with innovative programming, service learning, and small class sizes.

The feasibility study, which began in April, will conclude in October with a presentation to the College’s Board of Trustees.

College of the Ozarks Announces New Deans

College of the Ozarks recently named Dr. Eric Bolger as Dean of the College and Dr. Sue Head as Dean of Character Education.

Dr. Bolger taught philosophy and religion courses at the College as a full-time faculty member from 1992-2010. He served as the Division Chair of Humanities from 2001-2010 and coordinated two Higher Learning Commission self-studies for the College. Additionally, Dr. Bolger has been the College’s Director of Strategic Planning since 2001.

He received his B.A. in chemistry from the University of California, San Diego, M. Div. and Ph.D. (Old Testament) from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Doctor of Worship Studies from The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.

Prior to becoming the academic dean, Dr. Bolger served as Assistant Dean of the College for one year. He officially began his position as Dean of the College on June 1, 2011, replacing long-time Dean, Dr. Marilyn Graves, who now serves as the Special Assistant to the President for Athletics.

Dr. Bolger’s duties include overseeing the College’s academic programming and ongoing strategic planning process, the Registrar’s office, college library, and the Child Development Center.

Dr. Sue Head has served as the Executive Director of The Keeter Center for Character Education since 2004. In that position she spearheaded the character education initiative First PLACE!, developed the S. Truett Cathy Poverty Summit, and helps oversee the Patriotic Education Travel Program. Dr. Head also coordinates the Spring Forum and Community Convocations, as well as The Keeter Report publication.

Dr. Head received a B.A. in communication from Vanderbilt University, an M.A. in organizational leadership from Evangel University, and an Ed.D. in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

As Dean of Character Education, she will continue overseeing her current duties. Additionally, Dr. Head will conduct a feasibility study for a proposed college preparatory lab school.