White River Valley Electric Cooperative’s annual Hooked On Education Fishing Tournament to benefit their Scholarship Trust Fund—planned for Saturday, May 14—has been cancelled due to lake conditions following the recent floods, said spokeswoman Cindy Rains. The event was to begin at 7 a.m. at the Theodosia Marina. For more information, call Rains at 417-335-9335.

Marty Haggard: A Tribute to Merle Haggard, “My Dad’ definitely blends with the other shows at the Clay Cooper Theatre because it is based on God, Family, and Country. Marty is proud of his dad, Merle Haggard, and the accomplishments he has achieved as an entertainer and now plans to perform a tribute to his dad in this two hour performance. Marty understands the powerful songwriting of his father and does an amazing job capturing the lyrics and interpreting his dad’s heartfelt songs.

Of course, while thankful for the music that runs in his family, he has many accomplishments of his own having appeared on Nashville Now, The Grand Ole Opry, The Academy of Country Music Awards, The Today Show, and Music City Tonight, just to name a few. Marty came to Branson in 2010 hoping to stop travelling so much and finish raising his family. Marty will be joined on stage by his lovely wife, Tessa, singing backup vocals and a live band made up of seven incredible musicians.

On Saturday, April 30th Seishin Ryu Karate students from the Branson Sports Club participated in a National karate tournament in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Seishin Ryu Martial Arts Association (S.R.M.A.A.) offers a National tournament each year that brings in students and branch schools from across the U.S. and Canada. Cole Crabtree, 9th kyu white belt, participated in the Youth White Belt division for Kata and earned the first place championship trophy for junior white belts. Kennedy Mattox, 9th kyu white belt, participated in the Adult White Belt division for Kata and earned the first place championship trophy for adult white belts. They each had some very tough competition in their divisions. They persevered and performed their techniques perfectly. We congratulate them on their accomplishment!

Their instructor, Sempai Vashon Borich, 2nd dan black belt, competed in the men’s and women’s black belt divisions. In the first two events, empty hand kata and weapons kata, she placed 3rd and received bronze medals for each. For sparring she placed 2nd and received the silver medal. By medaling in all three events her overall point standings earned her the 2011 S.R.M.A.A. Grand Championship trophy for male and female black belts.

The Branson branch of Seishin Ryu Karate, taught by Sempai Vashon Borich, has been active at the Branson Sports Club since August 2010. Seishin Ryu Karate is a traditional Japanese-style martial art founded in 1970 by Soshu Lee Dawson, 9th Dan. New students are always welcome. For more information, please visit http://bransonsportsclub.com/ or call 417-334-5927.

BRANSON, Mo. Andy Williams Moon River Grill is hosting a summer-long fundraiser to help provide supplemental food for hungry school children in Taney County.  All summer, kids ten and under can eat for only $1 and all proceeds will be donated to Gift of Hope’s Backpack Club.
Andy Williams and his wife Debbie recognize the need for supplemental weekend food and are thrilled to take part in this fundraiser.

“The Backpack Club provides an eligible child with supplemental food to eat outside of the school meal program.  Many children rely on this food to get them through the weekend. Children are added each month to the Backpack Club, so we are grateful to have the assistance of Andy Williams Moon River Grill summer promotion.  The funds collected will make a difference in many children’s lives, right here in our community. We are blessed to be a part of this incredible fundraiser.” –Meghan Connell, Director of Gift of Hope.

By eating at the Moon River Grill this summer, you can help Gift of Hope provide backpacks to hungry children.

For more information about Gift of Hope’s Backpack Club, contact Meghan Connell at 1-417-546-8062, [email protected], or go to www.giftofhopeinc.org.

Record rainfalls in Branson, Missouri in the past 10 days have contributed to a state of flooding that has driven many from their homes. Many others have lost everything that they have. There are an estimated 300 families in the Branson area and its environs that have been adversely affected.

Although a small community, with only approximately 6,000 year-round residents, Branson citizens want to help their neighbors. Branson’s only Irish pub, Waxy O’Shea’s, is spearheading a benefit show, silent auction, and clothing drive to try to help.

“Heads Above Water, Jam Below the Dam” is a benefit show sponsored by The Skillet Licker Songwriter Review, Stolen Windows, Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub, and the God and Country Theatre. The Jam is scheduled to begin at Noon on Wednesday May 11, 2011, and will last until 1AM on May 12 at Waxy O’Shea’s on Branson Landing. Matthew Stoll, Waxy O’Shea’s manager, says, “We are a community, let’s show the survivors what a community does for its members.”

Many local entertainers have already committed to performing at the event, including headliners from the God and Country Theatre, homespun bluegrassers The Skillet Lickers, local jam-band favorites Stolen Windows, and Celtic rockers Eire & Brimstone. All are donating their time, and hope that the entire community will join them for a time of encouragement, good music and hope. Sarah Tweed, star of the Tweed Show at the God and Country Theatre says, “This jam has easily brought together both people of faith and freethinkers for a truly worthy charitable event.”

The performances and entertainment are only one facet of the event. Donations are being accepted by Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub on an ongoing basis for a silent auction to be held throughout the day on May 11. Monetary donations will also be collected at all area Ozark Mountain Bank branches and at Waxy’s; donees should simply make checks payable to “Heads Above Water”. Donations of clean clothing, in good condition, and non-perishable food items may also be delivered to Waxy O’Shea’s for later distribution. Proceeds of the events will be allocated to Salvation Army, K-Life and Christian Action Ministries, as well as handed out directly by the organizers, to stay in the community and be given to families affected by the flood.

The entire Branson community is invited to enjoy “Heads Above Water, Jam Below the Dam” at Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub. For further information, contact Zach and Dee McGrath at 417-230-1595 Or Matthew Stoll at 417-335-1799 or by email at [email protected] .

BRANSON, MO, April 1, 2011 – The owners of Branson Landing announce that menswear retailer, Jos. A. Bank and international candy sensation, IT’SUGAR, will be joining the center in 2011. Jos. A. Bank will occupy 4,000 square-feet in the former Disney Store location and IT’SUGAR will occupy 1,890 square-feet in the Wharf District. This announcement comes on the heels of the recent spring openings of Majestic Gems, Girlie Girl Originals and Pepper Palace at Branson Landing.

About Jos. A. Bank:
Jos. A. Bank, a Hampstead, Maryland based retailer, who for 106 years has attracted customers to their stores by providing a heritage of quality and workmanship, an extensive selection of beautifully made, classically styled tailored and casual clothing, with prices typically 20 to 30 percent below their competitors. At Jos. A. Bank, you’ll find men’s business dress and business casual apparel, including suits, dress shirts, sport coats, pants, ties, golf sportswear and more, as well as their expert staff and sales professionals who pride themselves on service and customer satisfaction.

About IT’SUGAR:
A Boca Raton, Florida chain – IT’SUGAR has other retail locations in tourist destinations, known for taking candy and turning it into an experience. IT’SUGAR is where you’ll find a candy and gift shop filled with novelty items like the World’s Largest Gummy Bear, World’s Largest Box of Nerds, World’s Largest Reese’s Cup, exclusive WONKA items, Nostalgic Candy from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, apparel, accessories and much more. Sweet and sour, rich and creamy – that’s how life should be, and that’s how it is at IT’SUGAR.

About Recent Openings:
Majestic Gems, a family owned fine jewelry store providing quality products and competitive prices for every budget. Girlie Girl Originals, a one-stop shop for original and unique t-shirts, coin purses, hair bows, manicure sets, writing pan and pen holders, hot iron cases, spill proof mugs and Girlie Girl Really Neat Stuff! Pepper Palace, destined to become the Midwest’s Premier Zesty Foods Headquarters with over 2,000 square feet of Tongue Tingling Delicacies.

About Branson Landing:

Bass Pro Shops and BELK anchor the 428,849 square-foot Branson Landing, which features well-known national retailers, including Bath & Body Works, Coldwater Creek, Chico’s and more. Branson Landing is a $435 million public/private project spanning 1.5 miles of waterfront on beautiful Lake Taneycomo, conveniently located in historic downtown Branson, Missouri. For more information, visit www.bransonlanding.com. Branson Landing is an HCW Development Company project, leased and managed by Jones Lang LaSalle.

Hollister, MO – Don’t miss the 26^th Annual Hollister Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday, April 23^rd from 12:30—2:00pm at the Hollister High School Football Field. This is another fantastic FREE community event put on by the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce. Last year almost 2000 people came out to enjoy this Hollister tradition—the 2^nd longest running after Hollister 4^th of July Fireworks!

Children’s activities and games including giant inflatables, clowns, face-painting and more! …plus a visit from the Easter Bunny—all part of the festivities this Saturday. Kids will be divided into age groups (3 & under, 4–5yr, 6–7yr, and 8 & up) as they run around the field collecting the 5,000 candy-filled eggs! All children are encouraged to bring their own Easter basket or bag for collecting—as supplies will be limited. While the event kicks off at 12:30 – the “Hunt” begins promptly at 1:00pm – so don’t be late!

This event would not be possible without the support of our local businesses and Hollister Chamber Members. A special Thank You to our 2011 Sponsors: St. John’s Clinic of Hollister, CenturyLink, The Keeter Center, KOMC/KRZK Hometown Radio, Parade of Homes Magazine, McDonald’s, Perfect Signs and The Spirits Shop. Sponsorship opportunities still available. Call 334-3050 for details.

Jim Stafford Special Show

Thursday April 14th at 3:00 pm

Jim is filming his Thursday 3:00 pm show to be used for television and he needs you to be in the audience! So call you aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa, third cousin, neighbor, or whatever and come for a great show filled with fun and laughter!

Tickets are only $10.00 per person. Make your reservations today by calling the Jim Stafford Theatre at 417-335-8080.

The theatre is located at 3440 West Highway 76, Branson, Missouri.