As most are aware, our friends and neighbors in Joplin, located about 100 miles from Branson, were devastated by a Category F5 Tornado on Sunday May 22. Although the horrific storms did not affect the Branson area physically, the impact of what has happened to our friends and neighbors in Joplin is heavy on our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

In addition, however, they need assistance and help in rebuilding their community and recovering their personal lives from the total devastation they have faced. The information on this page is intended to provide guidance on how you can assist in that effort in a manner that will get the most help to those that need it as quickly as possible.

JOPLIN, MO TORNADO INFORMATION

The outpouring of support from Hollister and Branson citizens and businesses continues. See below for opportunities and drop off sites in Hollister and the surrounding areas:

HOLLISTER DROP SITES:

• MEMCO, INC in Hollister (off the intersection of Hwy 65 & Hwy 86) have cleared out space in their warehouse, donated use of trucks and have coordinated to make deliveries to Convoy of Hope in Springfield. If you cannot make it to Memco, you may also drop off at the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce Office inside the Taney County Airport behind Herrman Lumber. Contact Kim Crosby at Memco for additional information (417-297-0611). The following items have been approved and are needed:

Blankets (new or gently used/clean)
Pillows (new or gently used/clean)
Towels (new or gently used/clean)
Clothing & shoes (only NEW items accepted)
Socks and work gloves
Non-Perishable Foods
Pre-packaged (ready-to-eat) snacks
Bottled Water
Personal Care Items
Toiletry Items (shampoo, soap, etc.)
Baby Care Items (diapers, wipes, etc)
Laundry Detergent
Cleaning Supplies
Trash Bags (large, sturdy)
Paper Products
First Aid Supplies
Pet Food & Pet Supplies

• COUNTRY MART in Hollister. Customers who wish to participate may have $1, $3 or $5 added to their total at checkout. All 48 Pyramid Foods Stores will be participating in this program. The money raised will be given to the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter, specifically designated for relief in Joplin. For more information, please visit www.countrymartgrocery.com

• ARROWHEAD BUILDING SUPPLY in Hollister is collecting non-perishable food items to aid families in Joplin. Please drop off food items or first aid items to help get these families through this devastating time… Thank you for your support and contact us with any questions-

Hollister Location
181 Hollister Pointe Drive (Behind Lowe’s on Birch Rd)
Hollister MO. 65672
417-690-4733

Additional Contact Information:

Red Cross of the Greater Ozarks www.redcross-ozarks.org

United Way Dial 2-1-1 (seeking volunteers and donations) If the number is not operational, please call 800-427-4626.

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks www.cbco.org or 800-280-5337 (all types needed)

To check on loved ones, view the “Safe and Sound” registry of the Red Cross at www.safeandsound.org

Follow on Facebook – “Joplin, Mo Tornado Recovery” – find the page at http://www.facebook.com/joplinmo?ref=ts&sk=wall#!/joplinmo

Branson/Lakes Area Website – Online Directory of Resources http://www.explorebranson.com/spring/2011-tornado-donations.php

Nearly 100 flags wave in a gentle breeze as residents and visitors drive along the Avenue of Freedom on Gretna Road. For more than ten years, the flags have welcomed veterans and reminded all Americans of the sacrifices of those who protected our freedoms. If you ever took a moment to reflect on the beauty and symbolism of the Avenue of Freedom, I’m sure you mentally said a “thank you” to our active duty military and a “welcome home” to our veterans.

Today the Avenue of Freedom needs your help. Recent storms have destroyed most of the flags and poles, leaving the beautiful drive bare. Our visitors miss the outward proof that Branson is a town committed to America and those who have so proudly served.

The Branson Veterans Task Force no longer has the funding to revive this meaningful tradition. We’re asking for your help – our residents, businesses and visitors. We would love to have new flags in place for the summer season – in time for Flag Day (June 14) and the 4th of July. We’d even rush to get them up for part of Memorial Day weekend if we have the funds.

Please help us! Donations may be made to the Avenue of Freedom at the Branson Veterans Task Force office, the Flag Store or the Veterans Museum, or mail to PO Box 128, Branson, MO 65615. Please make checks payable to “Avenue of Freedom.”

Make a donation, take up a collection at the office or talk to your friends and family. If someone would like to make a donation but can’t take it to one of the above locations, call the Branson Veterans Task Force office at 417-337-8387.

Together let’s beautify our city, welcome our military and veterans, and promote our American patriotism!

The Missouri Women’s Golf Association is pleased to announce the Inaugural Mid Amateur Championship, hosted by Payne Stewart Golf Club, a Troon course, in Branson, MO during July 25-27th, 2011. Golfers, volunteers, spotters and businesses are invited to participate in this event. Amateur women 25 years and older who are residents of Missouri or Johnson County, KS will compete for the first Missouri women’s Mid Amateur title in a 36 hole stroke play competition. The competition will play approximately 5300-5500 yards in length and flights will be determined after the first round. Entries will be accepted between May 30 and July 2, 2011.

Volunteers are needed to spot golf balls or help with logistics. Local merchants are invited to submit marketing materials, token gifts and/or coupons for the Registrants’ package. Donations will be accepted to provide golfers with health-related essentials (e.g., water, sunscreen) and recognition will be in the event program.

We are proud to begin the championship on this challenging course that honors the legacy of one of Missouri’s favorite sons. The player holding the first Mid Amateur Trophy will do so in the shadow of Payne Stewart’s memory as each hole has been designed as a tribute to the legendary Missourian. The local committee is encouraging golfers to bring their families and extend their visit to see all that the area has to offer. The Branson area is an excellent destination to play golf and enjoy the attractions, shows and shopping with family members.

The MWGA promotes women’s golf in Missouri and its competitions are open to all amateur females in Missouri and Johnson County, Kansas. Through the support of MWGA’s members and friends, the Missouri Women’s Golf Education Association annually grants scholarships to deserving high school junior golfers in pursuit of higher education.

Entry fee for contestants is $150.00. Membership in the MWGA is required at $30.00 annual dues. For those interested in golfing, visit the website for tournament entry forms and further details at www.mowomensga.org.

We hope that you will be able to join us and participate in this unique event in some way. If you are interested or have any questions or require additional information, please call the Payne Stewart Pro Shop at 877 337-2963 or email [email protected].

Titanic Book Signing Schedule – Author Appearances
Author Lee Merideth, May 28th – June 19th, 2011
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come meet Author Lee Merideth at the Titanic Museum Attraction this May 28 – June 19, 2011. His book, “1912 Facts About Titanic,” is a collection of little- known facts & stories about Titanic, the people who experienced her, and the tragic events comprising her maiden voyage that ended so dramatically early the morning of April 15, 1912. It is not a definitive history of these events, nor is it intended to be. Instead, the book is a collection of some of the most interesting information about the doomed ship.

For more information, please contact us at 800-381-7670.

Kick off summer with fun games, attractions, contests, crafts, entertainment, pony rides and more at the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn on Sunday, May 29th. Enjoy a barbeque menu of mouth watering foods prepared by our Culinary Team (12:00pm-6:00pm .Tickets and all-you-can-play wristbands available at the ticket booth). Stay around for complimentary entertainment by the Clay Self Band and a spectacular fireworks display at dusk weather permitting. For more information call Vacation Planning at 1-800-225-6343.

BRANSON, Mo., – Highway 165/265 across Table Rock Dam will reopen at 6 a.m. Friday, May 20.  The road was scheduled to reopen May 18 but extra time is needed to complete the repairs on the downstream embankment of the dam.

Repairs were necessary because recent heavy rains have caused surface “skin” slides of topsoil that covers the embankment.  The dam is sound, but the slides needed to be repaired.
Officials at the Army Corps of Engineers Table Rock Project Office said they regret any inconvenience this extension may cause, and they ask for public cooperation until the work is complete.  The officials ask travelers to plan alternate routes and allow extra time to reach their destinations.The closure is being coordinated with emergency services and law enforcement agencies.

For more information about Table Rock Lake, visit the website at www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/tablerock or contact Lake Manager Greg Oller at (417) 334-4101 ext. 3006.

BRANSON, MO  The Comfort Inn & Suites and Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills of Branson have again been selected as two of three finalists for Choice Hotels’ International 2011 “Inn of the Year” for the Comfort Inn brand. Both of these Myer Hotel properties were also recognized as finalists for 2010. These hotels represent the “best of the best” among over 1,400 Comfort Inn’s worldwide due to their outstanding guest satisfaction and consistent brand performance.

“These hotels represent the strongest, most consistent performers in our global system,” said Steven Joyce, Chief Executive Officer of Choice Hotels. “To receive this recognition is a great accomplishment and the owners, general managers and staff of these hotels should be proud. I know we certainly are.” The Comfort Inn & Suites and Comfort Inn At Thousand Hills have also been recognized as Choice Hotels Platinum properties for 2011.

The Choice Hotels Platinum Award exemplifies exceptional service, facilities and hospitality. “Only three percent of properties in the Choice Hotels system reach this standard” stated Gail Myer, Vice President of Operations. Chris Myer, Vice President of Marketing noted, “It’s an honor to be finalists for “Inn of the Year” I don’t think any company has ever had two properties in the finals at the same time back to back. Our team does an incredible job of taking care of customers. This recognition speaks to their high commitment to providing quality service and product.” Both hotels have been finalist in past years as well. The Comfort Inn & Suites won in 2009.

The Comfort Inn & Suites and the Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills are owned by Myer Hotels of Branson. In the lodging business for over 43 years, the Myer family has actively contributed to Branson’s hospitality market for over 27 years and received numerous national awards. Myer Hotels also includes the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn, Comfort Inn West and the Holiday Inn Express Green Mountain. For more information about these hotels please visit www.myerhotels.com.

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Vietnam Veterans of America Branson Chapter 913 Veteran Assistance Fundraiser will be held on May 23 at the Hamner Barber Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. A pre-show will begin at 5:30 and main show at 6:30. Entertainers from the Branson area volunteer their time to present a great show for a good cause., All profits from this show go to help veterans in the Branson area. There is also a silent auction going on concurrently where items donated by area businesses can be purchased. Tickets can be purchased by caling the Hamner Barber Theater Box Office. Corporate Sponsorship is also available by contacting Bob Sarver, President, VVA Chapter 913 @ 417-294-0728.

Vietnam Veterans of America Branson Chapter 913 Bar-B-Que and Casino Night on May 21. Come join the at the Lyons Club on East 76 at 5:30 pm for a Bar-B-Que dinner and fun playing blackjack, craps and other games with the play money you receive with your admission ticket. The play money can be used at the auction to purchase items donated by Branson and surrounding area businesses. There is also a silent auction going on concurrently where items can be purchased with real money. All proceeds go to the Honor/Color Guard for item expenses and uniforms. Tickets can be purchased from members or at the door. Corporate Sponsorship is also available by contacting Bob Sarver, President, VVA Chapter 913 @ 417-294-0728.

BRANSON – Legends In Concert announces their sensational summer line-up of stars! Starting May 19, see Martina McBride, The Temptations, Michael Jackson, The Blues Brothers and Elvis Presley rock the house at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. 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! Let Martina McBride melt your heart with her powerful ballads, Michael Jackson mesmerize you with his thrilling tribute to the King of Pop and The Temptations bring you to your feet with their incredible energy and outstanding harmonies!
Special guest George Strait to perform July & August ONLY!
Don’t miss this sizzling summer line-up May 19 – September 6!

Show times are 3 & 8 p.m. For more information, call 417-335-STAR or visit www.legendsinconcert.com.