The Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, MO will be closing on August 21st, 2011 at 5:00pm; and will reopen August 23rd at 9:00am. We will be closed the 22nd in order to move Mr. James Cameron’s Titanic model, which he has so kindly lent to us.

The CAM food pantries in Branson and Forsyth are two of the 300 local food pantries served by our regional food bank, Ozarks Food Harvest. Through this food bank, CAM is able to purchase quantities of food at reduced pricing due to the national corporate donors to the food bank. Additionally the food bank also distributes the monthly federal commodities to the member pantries.

In recent weeks Ozark Food Harvest has sent over 100 semi-truckloads of food to the recovery effort in Joplin, and continue to send 15 truckloads per week. This has obviously put additional stress on the food bank’s ability to service the 300 local food pantries, including CAM. In the interim, these food pantries also continue to experience spikes in demand due to the economy and due to people relocating from the Joplin area. Additionally, according to Ozarks Food Harvest, corporate donations are down as major contributors have earmarked good for Joplin as well.

Taney County residents, businesses, and organizations fully support the efforts to assist our neighbors in Joplin during this time of dire need. However, over 1,000 families per month in Taney County are also turning to CAM for help in keeping food on the table for their families.

According to CAM Director Pat Davis, “Our commodities order for this month has been reduced to three items, and even those are less than normal. With this continuing level of demand and reduced assistance from the food bank, CAM has to spend substantially more money to purchase food to serve the needs of our county residents. This is putting considerably extra stress on our budget and we really need the community to rally around in support of CAM. After all, CAM has always been about neighbors helping neighbors.”

CAM Board Chairman Jack Burke identified several ways that the community can help CAM at this point in time:

• Support CAM’s upcoming 3rd Annual Gospel Sing-Off fundraiser at Sight & Sound Theatre on September 4th by becoming a sponsor for the event and by purchasing tickets to attend the Sing-Off.
• Commit to a regular monthly donation to CAM.
• Make a singular donation to CAM.
• Conduct a food drive for CAM.
• Make a personal food donation.
• Support CAM with your prayers.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 15 percent of American households, or more than 17 million people, didn’t have enough food to eat at some point in 2009. That’s the highest figure since the USDA began gathering data in the 1990s.
Looking at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food insecurity list Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, rank among the top 11. Food insecurity is defined as lacking consistent access to adequate amounts of nutritious food.

People seeking help at CAM are provided a 3-day supply of nutritional food items for each member of their family. Selections are based on the federal nutritional food pyramid and special needs of individuals. In addition to the two food pantries, CAM operates a mobile outreach program to eastern Taney County communities, and due to a grant also operates bi-monthly food drops in Forsyth.

For more information, contact the CAM offices at 417-334-1157 or visit www.christianactionministries.org.

Big Cedar is focusing on fitness and is offering a metabolism makeover class on August 2, 2011.

This interactive class explains how your food choices, hormones, and essential fatty acids affect your energy and your ability to lose or maintain weight. Learn what food combinations can work together to speed metabolism, how your daily activities affect metabolism, how hormonal imbalances can slow your thyroid and how to schedule your meals to boost metabolism.

Taught by Jodelle Fitzwater, a Certified Yoga Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer, and Certified Nutrition Coach.

Ages 18 and up, Cost: $20-

Please call 417-225-6343 for reservations or more information.

FRONTIER AIRLINES INCREASES DENVER NONSTOPS AT BRANSON AIRPORT
Now offering two options on Friday flights

BRANSON, MISSOURI – Frontier Airlines announced today a second nonstop Friday flight to Denver (DEN) at Branson Airport (BKG) beginning September 9, 2011. This is in addition to the recently announced nonstop service to Austin (AUS) and Phoenix (PHX), making a total of four nonstop markets served by Frontier including Milwaukee (MKE).
The new Friday flight will depart Denver at 3:15 PM and arrive in Branson at 6:02 PM, then depart Branson at 6:45 PM and arrive in Denver at 8:01 PM. The existing Denver flight departs daily at 11:20 AM and arrives in Branson at 2:05 PM, then departs Branson at 2:56 PM and arrives in Denver at 3:57 PM.
“We are thrilled that Frontier continues to increase its service in Branson,” stated Jeff Bourk, executive director at the Branson Airport. “Low fares and convenience are important to us, and now we’re able to offer even more options to travel to and from Branson and around the country.”
Along with the additional nonstop Denver flight, nonstop service to Austin begins September 16, 2011 operating Monday, Wednesday and Friday and nonstop Saturday service to Phoenix begins September 17, 2011.
Branson Airport offers a total of 10 nonstop destinations with one stop connections to over 100 destinations; on Frontier Airlines to Austin, Denver, Milwaukee and Phoenix; on AirTran Airways to Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago, Houston and Orlando, and on Branson AirExpress to Dallas.
FlyBranson Travel Services, located in the Branson Airport, can assist with everything Branson and more, including airfare, lodging, shows, attractions, golf with select vacation packages, shows and attractions at up to 50% off. For more information visit FlyBransonTravel.com.

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri is the site chosen to host the 2012 National Ice Carving Competition, a preliminary for competitors to end up in the city of Sochi, Russia, the host city for the XXII Olympic Winter Games in 2014. The two-day event will be held on Sat., Feb. 4, and Sun., Feb. 5, 2012.
“We are very excited to have the Titanic in Branson host the 2012 NICA U.S. Nationals. This two-day ice carving competition brings the nation’s best ice carvers together for a chance at the title of NICA U.S. Nationals Champion. This will be one of our premier stops on NICA’s International Tour Champions Ice Carving Competition Circuit, currently the largest circuit in the world,” said Jeff Petercsak, Executive Director, National Ice Carving Association.

The NICA US National Championship is one of the toughest competitions in the world, crowning three premier champions from this event; Speed Carving Champion, Professional Division US Champion, and US National Champion.

“Since 1991, the National Ice Carving Championships have been the premier event in the United States that crowns NICA’s National Champion. You must qualify at this event by placing first, second, or third at any NICA sanctioned competition or scoring a bronze medal in your lifetime to compete,” remarked Ross Summers, President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB. “This two-day event boasts a large prize purse of $25,000!”

The Master Division will carve three blocks of ice on Saturday and one block of ice on Sunday. The Professional Division will carve one block of ice on Saturday and two blocks of ice on Sunday. Dimensions of each block of ice are 40x20x10 inches and each ice block weighs in at 300 pounds. Carvers will use a large array of tools such as chainsaws, chisels, blowtorches, hot irons, knives, drills, and much more.

Each carver is evaluated by a panel of NICA (National Ice Carving Association) judges on the following categories: First impression; Utilization of ice; Technical skill (features, textures or effects); Attention to detail; Appearance; Structural technique; Proportion and symmetry; Design & composition; Creativity (technique, topic, theme); and Artistic impression.
2010 Nationals were held in Fairbanks, Alaska. In 2008 and 2009, the Nationals were held in Chicago/Downers Grove, Ill. During the 2010 Olympics in Richmond, BC, Canada, the USA NICA carvers won 1st and 5th places in the Ice Division.
“The Titanic Museum has been a great supporter of NICA competitions in the past and we are very excited that the city of Branson was chosen to host our National Championships. It is where the best ice sculptors in the country compete and where one, and only one, competitor will be crowned the 2012 National Champion,” stated Stephan Koch, 2011 NICA President.

In honor of the twelve honeymoon couples – Titanic Branson and Titanic Pigeon Forge will host a Royal Wedding on the $1 million Grand Staircase – potential brides will submit their videos explaining why they would like to be married on the Grand Staircase. Titanic Crew will pick three brides for each location and the web viewer will pick (by voting) which couple will be married on the Grand Staircase. Plus the web viewers will pick her dress, flowers, cake and honeymoon destination. A very active web component to the honor bestowed.

Contest begins August 1st, 2011

Paul Harris Show featuring The Cleverlys – AREA APPRECIATION – One Night Only – $10 per person (tax included)

Date: Saturday, July 23rd
Time: 8 pm

Location: Oak Ridge Boys Theatre
Box Office #: (417) 239-1333

Refreshments will be served.

Valid for residents of:
MO: Taney, Stone, Greene, Christian, Webster, Barry, Douglas, Ozark AR: Boone and Carroll

Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Not valid with any other offer or discount. No cash value. Proof of residency required.

Paul Harris and The Cleverlys will perform at The Grand Ole Opry on July 15th between 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

The Grand Ole Opry
What began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today a live-entertainment phenomenon. Dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history and dynamic present, the Grand Ole Opry showcases a mix of country legends and the contemporary chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps.

The Opry, an American icon and Nashville, Tennessee’s number-one attraction, is world-famous for creating one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences for audiences of all ages.

It’s been called the “home of American music” and “country’s most famous stage.” Every year, hundreds of thousands of people make pilgrimages across town or around the world to the Opry Complex to see the show live. Millions more tune in to Opry broadcasts on television Great American Country (GAC) and CMT Canada, the radio (Nashville’s 650 AM WSM) and the internet (opry.com).

OZARK MOUNTAIN LEGACY LAUNCHES YOUTH CHARTER INITIATIVE

Citizens from across OMC gather to discuss our preferred Youth Culture in OMC

Over twenty passionate individuals from across Ozark Mountain Country gathered last week to discuss our ideal Youth Culture to help our area youth succeed. Teachers, coaches, pastors, police, parents, superintendents, young people and young at heart gathered at the God and Country Welcome Center, in Branson, with one common goal: to deliver our Ozark Mountain Legacy Values to our next generation – in a way that speaks the language of our youth, shows them that we really care and invites our youth to participate in this important community process.

Inspired by the book, The Youth Charter – by William Damon, Jory Rolf, Legacy Administrator, envisioned our community coming together to be more intentional and cooperative in helping our young people: build a stronger sense of purpose, experience a greater sense of community and community values and to become the most effective future leaders of our area and country.

The YOUTH CHARTER is an approach that brings together all adults who are in positions to influence young people – parents, teachers, town officials, police, clergy, sports coaches, club leaders, counselors, news media, employers and our area youth – in a quest to cooperatively define our community’s ideal standards for successful youth development.

The next Legacy Youth Charter Meeting will be July 21 from 6:30-8:00pm at the YMCA in Hollister. The Legacy Youth Charter Catalyst Team invites you to participate in this very important and impactful next step meeting. Young people are invited to attend.

For more information visit www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org

To RSVP, please call 417/598-1314 or email: [email protected].

THE FRANKLIN MINT AND TONY ORLANDO:
A UNIQUE MARRIAGE OF TWO ICONS

TONY ORLANDO JOINS THE FRANKLIN MINT AS A PARTNER AND VICE CHAIRMAN

NEW YORK – June 16, 2011 – Tony Orlando, one of the most beloved and iconic American Entertainers for the past 50 years, has joined forces as a Partner and Vice Chairman with The Franklin Mint, the most trusted brand in the world for Gifts, Heirlooms and Personalized Collectibles.

“No one speaks to America with more passion and credibility than Tony Orlando. He brings a product development and marketing sensibility crafted through his accomplishments. Tony will lead The Franklin Mint’s vigorous efforts to embrace new branding in film, television and music, incorporating all digital and traditional platforms. We are honored to welcome Tony to The Franklin Mint as our Partner, and to our Leadership Team,” said Mr. Robert H. Book, Chairman of the Franklin Mint.

Orlando has also been set for a major role in the next Adam Sandler movie, I HATE YOU DAD!. The film is currently shooting in Cape Cod.

Tony Orlando’s career started at sixteen in 1961. Tony’s commitment to America’s veterans began in 1973 when “Yellow Ribbon” became the anthem for our military. For over three decades Tony was the Vice President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and hosted the New York portion of the MDA Telethon for his friend,

“The Franklin Mint empowers Americans to share in some of the country’s most poignant moments. I have been a Franklin Mint collector since I was a child. The company has touched America’s heart with its integrity, creativity and quality,” said Tony Orlando. “I am going to work very hard with my Franklin Mint partners, and I will continue to perform around the country and the world. I’m most excited about my newest journey with The Franklin Mint.”

Under Tony Orlando’s leadership The Franklin Mint is planning to introduce the Yellow Ribbon Medal of Freedom, Wounded Warrior Sculpture, the Yellow Ribbon of Freedom Sculpture and several more products that honor the men and women of the United States military.

About The Franklin Mint

An American icon, The Franklin Mint was founded in 1964 and is known worldwide for its innovative design, meticulous attention to detail and creation of the highest-quality gifts, heirlooms, and collectibles in the world. The Franklin Mint’s peerless archives contain over 12,000 products, including Limited Edition fine art sculptures, heirloom dolls, fine commemorative coins, designer jewelry, precision die-cast models and historic reproductions.

http://www.franklinmint.com/TonyOrlando

http://www.franklinmint.com/tonyorlando_video

Flood damage along Table Rock Lake in April has many homeowners and businesses cleaning up and rebuilding, but the mops are put away at the Pink Door in Hollister.  The hard work of Skaggs Regional Medical Center volunteers has quickly turned around the Pink Door thrift shop, which is ready to open its door June 28.

The Pink Door is operated by Skaggs Volunteer Services.  It lost everything in the flood.  “Our volunteers worked daily for the past two months to clean up the Pink Door and get it ready to reopen,” says Corene Spilman, President of Skaggs Volunteer Services.  “They went to work immediately after flood waters receded, tearing out sheet rock, pulling up carpet and throwing away all of the merchandise, which was damaged by flood waters.”

The Pink Door uses proceeds from the sales of donated items to help fund various purchases and projects for Skaggs Regional Medical Center.   In addition to the Pink Door thrift shop, Skaggs Volunteer Services generates funds through the Forget-Me-Not Gift Shop in the Skaggs Outpatient Center and various fundraising projects coordinated throughout the year.  In 2010 Skaggs Volunteer Services provided the hospital with more than $68-thousand for various projects and needed equipment.

The Pink Door reopens Tuesday, June 28 with hours of operation 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  A grand re-opening celebration will be Wednesday, July 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with refreshments, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and door prizes.

Donations may be placed in the drop box outside The Pink Door, located at 181 1st Street in Hollister, inside the Turkey Creek Junction Shopping Center.

Skaggs Volunteer Services first began in October 27, 1949 as the Estella Skaggs Auxiliary.  It served the hospital alongside the former Red Cross Volunteers, later known as the Skaggs Volunteers.  As recent as 2008, the auxiliary and volunteers joined forces to create what is now known as Skaggs Regional Medical Center Volunteers.

There are more than 300 Skaggs Volunteers serving in many areas:  hospital, hospice, Mended Hearts and chaplaincy, Forget-Me-Not Gift Shop and Pink Door thrift shop.  For more details on becoming a Skaggs Volunteer visit www.skaggs.net/volunteer or call (417) 335-7114.

Michelle L. Leroux
Media Relations Specialist

Skaggs Regional Medical Center
The Best Place To Get Better.