It’s been hot outside, but it’s still a great time to visit the Veterans Memorial Garden, located at the intersection of 76 Country Blvd. and Roark Valley Rd. in Branson. Visitors can relax in the shade or stroll paths bordered by beautifully colored flowers while being inspired to honor and remember our country’s military veterans.
The summer color is spectacular right now, with both shady and sunny garden beds and containers interspersed with memorial statues, signage and of course, the Wall of Honor and the Flag Plaza. “We hope folks cannot just drive by, but will stop and visit and walk through the garden,” said director Jana Evans. “They can see the hundreds of varieties of plants, but also pause to remember our vet-
erans for their service.” Plenty of benches are available for that relaxing break. The Garden is also a wonderful place to take pictures. This is particularly appropriate if your family or group includes a veteran, of course, but the beautiful colors are a fitting background for many other occasions or that souvenir photo of your Branson visit. The beauty won’t end with summer—many fall perennials are just waiting for the new season, as well.
Founded in 2008, the Veterans Memorial Garden represents the vision of the late Ben Kinel, a U.S. Marine veteran and Master Gardener who worked tirelessly to coordinate community volunteers and donations, including a favorable longterm lease arrangement from the Herschend family, to transform the rocky hill-
The beautiful garden (Photo by Jana Evans) SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS WITH THIS STORY AT BRANSONGLOBE.COM
Branson Board of Aldermen act for affordable housing
BY GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist
Creek Ridge, a 48-unit development along South Falls Avenue.
The Branson Board of Aldermen took some initial steps supporting additional affordable housing in Branson at their August 27, 2024, meeting. They passed Resolutions of Support for two developments by Ring Property Company LLC, Donnelley Crossing and 42-unit development located at the NW corner of Frank Rea Blvd./Garges Way and Fall
The staff report for Donnelly Crossing said it’s a “Proposed 42-unit, elevatored building with interior apartment entrances. The building will be linear in design, and its elevation is proposed to be a 2/3 split to best conform to existing topography.
“If awarded, the project would be marketed to seniors over 55 years of
age, representing an influx of affordable housing in response to an underserved market. The project is expected to consist of 37 two-bedroom, onebath low to moderate income apartments, and five two-bedroom, one-bath market rate apartments. Monthly rental rates will be established when the updated market study is available, and will be shared with the City as soon as they are available.
“For perspective, the 2023 submission to MHDC called for seven apartments rented to occupants whose incomes were at or less than 30% of area median income, at a rental rate of $390; 30 apartments rented to occupants whose incomes were at or less than 60% of area median income, at a rental rate of $615; and five apartments with no income restrictions, at a rental rate of $745. Apartment sizes
were 825 square feet. It is anticipated that the rent levels in the 2024 submission will be higher in order to help offset rising development and construction costs.”
The Fall Creek Ridge Staff Report said it’s a “Proposed 48-unit apartment community, comprised of two 24-unit buildings plus one community building. The design and site plan will essentially
National Nonprofit Day: A look at local nonprofits
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
August 17 was National Nonprofit Day—a day to acknowledge, appreciate and exemplify the impact these organizations have on the community.
In honor of Nonprofit Day, the Branson Globe asked readers to give a shout out to their favorite local nonprofit.
Jodi said she is a supporter of the Branson Humane
Society. Said Jodi, “I began volunteering there a few months ago. The dedication of not only the managers but also the employees and volunteers who work there is top notch. I have noticed in my short three hours a week being there the love, the heartache, the concern and the knowledge for the animals, as well as humans I see who come through their doors. Add to that their net-
working with so many other humane societies, police departments, Mochas and Meows, Cox Hospital, local stores, etc., and you have a well-oiled machine that maybe, at times, operates on a shoestring. They truly make a difference.”
Elizabeth gave kudos to Christian Action Ministries. “It is a stable nonprofit in Taney and Stone County,” Elizabeth noted.
“They have been in Taney County for 40 years. They help so many people and other organizations in our county.” Of CAM, Kristen added, “As a single mom who has periodically needed help, CAM has always been reliable and helped me the most.”
Said Lisa, “Developmental Connections provides services for adults with developmental disabilities.
They have a day service center, retirement department, life skills and residential services.”
Tyler shared, “Ipourlife is helping at risk youth and older foster youth learn life skills. Not just inspiring, but giving the youth tools to reach their potential and achieve their goals.”
“Gift of Hope is a great nonprofit that isn’t as well
Learn Hands-Only CPR for free: Be prepared to save a life
Submitted to Branson Globe
On September 19, Rotary Club of Hollister and Taney County Ambulance District are partnering to
save lives. You are invited to invest one hour to partner with us. Hands-only CPR can buy precious time to save a life until trained
medical personnel arrive. About 40 people each hour have a cardiac arrest while not in the hospital—350,000 people a
year. Nine out of ten of those individuals will not survive.
Class starts at 9 a.m. and will be held at the
Taney County Ambulance District, 106 Industrial Park Drive, Hollister. Please park at the rear of the building. To register:
https://business.hollisterchamber.net/ap/Events/ Register/DgFOW3xu1CQCW or call Alice Yeager at 417-334-3050.
Volunteers sough for Hollister’s biggest celebration: Grape and Fall Festival
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Hollister’s biggest celebration, the annual Grape and Fall Festival is just around the corner.
Set for October 12, the Grape and Fall Festival is a longstanding tradition. The one-day event is full of fun and festivities, including ven-
dors, craft, food, games and exhibitions, live entertainment and—and day’s highlight— the grape stomp. Grape and Fall Festival is a highly antic-
ipated event that offers something for everyone. The Hollister Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers to help with the Grape
and Fall Festival. Volunteers are needed for setup, parking and much more.
To volunteer your services for the Grape and Fall
Festival, please contact the Hollister Chamber of Commerce at 417-334-3050 or via email at info@HollisterChamper.net.
A howling good time: Annual Doggie Swim to be held Labor Day
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
The AquaPlex at Bran-
son’s RecPlex offers some end-of-summer fun for dogs and their owners.
Branson’s annual Doggie
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
musicians and audiences alike. Musicians are invited to
Swim is set for Labor Day weekend.
This is a great opportunity for your dog to cool off and have some fun, swimming, wading and jumping
into the spacious pools at the AquaPlex.
Set for September 2, the event is $8 for one dog and one human companion. A $2 fee will be charged for each
additional human. Pre-register prior to September 2 and pay only $6 for a dog and human duo.
All dogs must have at least one handler. Dogs
must remain on a leash when on the pool deck, and owners are responsible for their own dogs.
The Doggie Swim will be held on Monday, September
2, 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information or to pre-register, please contact the Branson RecPlex at BransonParksInfo@Bransonmo.gov or by phone at 417-335-2368.
Old Time Music Fair set for September 14
participate in workshops where they can learn some new Ozark tunes. Seasoned musicians will be on hand to help those who want to improve or learn some new licks on fiddle, guitar and banjo. Workshops will be held from
10 a.m. to 12 noon. Jam sessions begin at 11 a.m. and will be held throughout the day, with both bluegrass jams and old-time jams being held.
The audience will enjoy live music on stage in the barn from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and
an old-fashioned community square dance begins at 6 p.m., with a brief square dancing lesson prior to each dance.
The Old Time Music Fair, hosted by the Ozark Mountain Music Association, will be held on Saturday,
September 14, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Weddings at the Homestead, a beautiful wedding barn venue, complete with meadows, hayfields, waterfalls and more, located at 262 Collins Road, Branson. Tickets are $5 per
person over five years of age. Admission price includes the workshops. Everyone is invited out to enjoy the stunning views at the venue, as well as some fantastic Ozark Mountain Music.
‘Portrait of a Graduate:’ Reeds Spring School District seeks community feedback
Submitted to Branson Globe
The Reeds Spring School District hopes community members will contribute to a new initiative called Portrait of a Graduate. This program identifies the skills and
mindsets students need by the time they graduate high school.
“Our Portrait of a Graduate will serve as North Star for our schools, helping drive our Strategic Plan and bringing our community
together with a shared vision,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Travis Kite.
The Portrait Design Team will meet four times:
September 18 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• September 19 from 5:30-8 p.m.
• October 17 from 5:308 p.m.
November 7 from 5:30-8 p.m.
All meetings will be held at Reeds Spring Intermedi-
ate School. Dinner will be provided. Anyone in the community can participate. Please RSVP at www.rswolves.com/portrait.
“As a district, we believe collaboration of stakeholders is vital to
the success of every student and we hope you will bring your unique perspective to this collaborative process,” Dr. Kite said. “It is time to reimagine the future for our students.”
Mochas and Meows marks 300 cat adoptions with all-day party
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Mochas and Meows, Branson’s only Cat Cafe, is holding a special celebration on Friday.
Mochas and Meows is throwing an all-day party in celebration of their 300 cat adoptions. The event will include hourly drawings for gift cards and certificates donated by local businesses.
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Tickets for the drawings are just $1 per ticket, with unlimited entries. At 6 p.m., Mary and her crew will draw for the grand prize—a Mochas and Meows mega prize pack of merchandise valued at over $100, including six free half-hour visits to the cat lounge. Following the grand prize drawing, all the winners’ names
will be placed back in the pot as they hold a 50/50 drawing, with half of the money going to the winner and the other half being donated to the Branson Humane Society. Fun and excitement lead up to Mochas and Meows’ newest venture—the launch of cat bingo, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Mochas and Meows serves as a fun attraction for
mirror our current project under development, Donnelly Ridge. “If awarded, the project
cat lovers who can visit the cat lounge and interact with a large selection of felines, most of whom are available for adoption. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mochas and Meows offers delicious baked goods, breakfast and lunch items, and scrumptious beverages, too. With a goal of providing a comfortable en-
would be unrestricted as to age, thereby offering sin-
We can help you with your rent, groceries and gas. Please call to get the details 417-337-3772.
vironment for dozens of cats to live while waiting on their fur-ever home, Mochas and Meows offers affordable fun for the whole family and an animal encounter unlike any you have experienced.
Since their founding in 2019, Mochas and Meows have successfully helped 300 cats find the purr-fect home. Mochas and Meows
gles, couples and families an opportunity to reside in affordable housing in response to an underserved market, particularly with respect to workforce housing.
“The project is expected to consist of 27 two-bedroom, one-bath low to moderate income apartments; three two-bedroom, one-bath market rate apartments; 16 three-bedroom,
partners with the Branson Humane Society, as the two entities work together to find new homes for the many cats in their care. The celebration gets underway on Friday, August 30, beginning at 10 a.m. Mochas and Meows Cat Cafe and Adoption Center is located at 3265 Falls Parkway, Ste. V.
two-bath low to moderate income apartments, and two three-bedroom, twobath market rate apartments. Monthly rental rates will be established when the market study update is available and will be shared with the City as soon as they are available.”
Reeds Spring High School to host community blood drive
Submitted to Branson Globe
The community is invited to participate in a blood drive on Tuesday, Septem-
ber 3, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Reeds Spring High School Auxiliary Gym. Donors will receive a
t-shirt and two free admissions to Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield. Donors should park in
front of the high school and check in at the office. You can reserve a time by visiting the district website,
www.rs-wolves.com, and looking for the blood drive story. Find other area blood
drives on our Around Town page, found on page 8B in this issue of the Branson Globe.
Support first responder families with ‘Birdies Fore Scholarships’
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
The Carter Family Hero Scholarship Fund and The Social Birdy invite you to join them on October 8, 2024, for “Birdies Fore Scholarships,” benefiting children of Taney County law enforcement, EMS and fire department personnel.
available for purchase from The Social Birdy.
The shotgun start will be at 10 a.m. for a day of fun competition to include prizes/ trophies for winning teams, a closest to the pin prize on Hole 15, and a silent auction. Food and drinks will be
The Carter family experienced first-hand the importance of community support when Darin Carter was seriously injured in the line of duty. Now the family wants to give back by helping ease
the financial burden of higher education for the children of those who work hard to keep our communities safe.
The Carters are grateful to the wonderful businesses and organizations in the community who have already stepped up to sponsor
holes and provide prizes.
Visit the Carter Family Hero Scholarship Fund page on Facebook to learn more about these businesses and give them your thanks.
The Social Birdy is located at 1250 Branson Hills Pkwy. in Branson. Registration for a team of four people is $100, or $200 for a team plus hole sponsorship, with just a few remaining holes available. To learn more and register your team, contact Darin Carter at Carter@CarterFamilyHero@gmail.com or call 417-830-8610.
Branson’s House of Hope relaunches unique sponsorship fundraiser
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Branson’s House of Hope is once again offering a special promotion as a way for local residents and businesses to help the nonprofit to help their neighbors in need.
House of Hope is again holding their Sponsor a Cot fundraiser.
“Last year, Sponsor a Cot was such a fun and unique way for the community to
support House of Hope,” explained HOH’s Director Tracy Banks. “The funds collected were utilized to pay for the construction updates that occurred in 2023. This year we are relaunching the Sponsor a Cot fundraiser to cover the cost of Warming Center operations. Current expenses include overnight security, increased electric bills, food costs and addi-
tional client needs.”
House of Hope offers a warming center, open during the colder months, any day the temperature dips below the freezing mark. The warming center can house up to 49 individuals at a time, and has a men’s side, a women’s side, and a family room to accommodate children or special circumstances.
Warming Center hours, on nights the facility is open, are 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Said Tracy, “It’s the Warming Center that allows us the opportunity to meet physical needs while building relationships.”
Guests of the Warming Center are provided with not only a warm place to sleep, but also a warm meal and a sense of community
each night. Access to laundry facilities and showers are also available, as well as resources to help guests that are ready to discuss a more stable living situation.
During the Sponsor a Cot Fundraiser, each cot represents a portion of the Warming Center’s overall cost of operation.
“We have estimated that $500 a cot would cover a large portion of our operating expenses,” noted Tracy. “Would you prayerfully consider donating $500 to the warming center?”
For more information or to make a contribution to the Sponsor a Cot Program, visit House of Hope at 217 Veterans Boulevard in Branson, call them at 417-544-0162 or visit their website, houseofhopebranson.org.
Community Caregiver Conference in Springfield September 19
Submitted to Branson Globe
The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri chapter and AARP Missouri are hosting a Community Caregiver Conference in Springfield from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, September 19.
The event will feature presentations on elder law, including Medicaid and Power of Attorney, along with information on effective communication with loved ones and available
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support for caregivers in Springfield and the surrounding areas. There will also be booths with area resources for participants to visit in the morning and afternoon.
There is no cost to attend. Refreshments and a light lunch will be served, courtesy of AARP Missouri. Register at https:// tinyurl.com/LibraryCenterCGC
Missouri caregivers and those across the country
side into one of Branson’s most beautiful and visible attractions and add to the city’s reputation for hospitality to veterans. The Garden’s year-round beauty is the result of hours invested by dedicated vol-
face significant emotional, physical and health-related challenges as result of caregiving as well, according to the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report:
Dementia caregivers report higher rates of chronic conditions, including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer compared to caregivers of people without dementia or non-caregivers. In Mis-
unteers who want to honor veterans and beautify the community. Whether you already enjoy gardening or would like to learn along-
souri, 60% of caregivers reported at least one chronic condition.
• The prevalence of depression is higher among dementia caregivers when compared to caregivers for other conditions. In Missouri, 28% of caregivers reported depression.
• Seventy-four percent of dementia caregivers report they are “somewhat concerned” to “very concerned” about
side other volunteers, there’s a place for you! Visit www. VeteransMemorialGarden. com for more information.
maintaining their own health since becoming a caregiver. In Missouri, 20% report frequent poor physical health.
Across the country, 59% of dementia caregivers report high to very high emotional stress due to caregiving and 38% report high to very high physical stress due to caregiving.
“Our hope with the conference is for caregivers to discover community resources that can help as they care for a loved one and help to decrease isolation by connecting them with others who share a similar experience,” said Brittany Fletcher, programs manager for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Read carefully and vote: Concerned Women for America meet
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff
Writer
At their monthly meeting on August 20, the local Prayer/Action Chapter of Concerned Women for America (Missouri) focused on the importance of voting, emphasizing the need to read carefully all ballot questions and proposed constitutional amendments, to make sure all the ramifications of a Yes or No vote are understood.
Chapter leader and Area Director Haven Howard shared that the voter turnout in Taney County for the August primary was sadly low, at 28% of registered voters; if this happens in a statewide or Presidential election, it is possible for the state’s two largest urban areas in Kansas City and St. Louis to carry the state outcome without reflecting the concerns and values of southwest Missouri. Meeting handouts illustrated the
importance of every single ballot in several historical elections; a few key votes in just a few precincts in 1960 that made the difference for President John F. Kennedy. Featured speaker for the meeting was District 156 Missouri Rep. Brian Seitz. Echoing the importance of each person’s vote, Seitz spoke to the need to read carefully every question on the ballot. To introduce the discussion, he reviewed the Initiative Petition Reform question from the most recent legislative session, which would have made the Constitutional amendment process in Missouri a more equal representation of all districts in the state rather than just a certain number of signatures and a simple majority. The ease with which the Missouri Constitution can be amended has resulted in a huge and cumbersome volume which most Missourians, including some
legislators by their own admission, have not actually read in its entirety, rather than a simple and functional document.
The petition process has been particularly concerning with regard to Amendment 3, which if passed, would enshrine the right to abortion in Missouri; the amendment landed on the ballot largely by signatures from just a few parts of the state. Hiding behind terms like “healthcare” and “viability,” the proposed amendment ignores science pointing to the personhood of the unborn child and also fails to specify who can be defined as a healthcare professional for purposes of abortion, among other concerns.
“If churches had not gotten involved in politics, we would have lost the Revolutionary War,” said Seitz, emphasizing the need for conservatives, Christians and churches to speak up on
moral issues.
Seitz also spoke to the ballot questions regarding sports gambling (Amendment 2) and a mandated minimum wage (Proposition A), with considerable engagement and discussion from meeting attendees. Many felt that, while the decision to play Fantasy Football or other games online for fun is a personal one, a statewide question must take into consideration the societal ills created when gambling becomes an addiction. Such addictions can easily trap individuals and families in poverty as family funds are spent for gambling rather than food or utilities, or lead to other forms of addiction. Financial interests from outside Missouri were also a concern.
Regarding the minimum wage, main concerns voiced about a “yes” vote included these:
Minimum wage has historically been a training wage or an entry point for persons with low skill, rather than a means to support a family, with the understanding that higher pay accompanies additional training or education. The employer/employee relationship and communication may be hindered. Many employers are small businesses contributing to their communities in meaningful ways.
• Mandating a minimum wage leads to increased inflation as employers must raise prices for goods and services in order to pay overhead expenses, resulting in little or no increase in actual buying power.
In addition to Rep. Seitz, State Senator Mike Moon and several other Missouri legislators have actively
urged their constituents to invest time in research before voting in November. Ballot wording can be found at the Missouri Secretary of State website, https://www. sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2024BallotMeasures. Well-researched and accurate resources and information are also available on the Concerned Women for America website, https:// concernedwomen.org, including a Congressional scorecard, an Action Center, and links to state organizations.
Prior to meeting adjournment, an attendee spoke to the importance of accountability beginning at the local level, with particular mention of upcoming township voting on party committee members; such positions are often the entry rung for continued political involvement. The meeting closed with prayer and a reminder to get out and VOTE!
Highway Commission seeks input on MoDOT Director search
Submitted to Branson Globe
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission is beginning its search for a new director for the Missouri Department of Transportation. Director Patrick McKenna has announced his departure ef-
fective September 20, and the Commission has named MoDOT Deputy Director Ed Hassinger as interim director to lead the organization during the transition.
The Commission intends to launch a national search for its new director follow-
ing its monthly meeting the first week of September.
First, they are seeking public input on important credentials and personal attributes key to the position. A public comment form is available online at www.modot.org/ mhtc, and comments will
be accepted through 8 a.m. Tuesday, September 3.
“The Commission will exercise due diligence by performing a national search open to both external and internal candidates, giving consideration to the extensive network of transpor-
tation professionals who are ready to compete and lead a world class organization,” said Commission Chairman W. Dustin Boatwright. “The MoDOT Director position is critical to the success of transportation in Missouri, and we want to hear from
key stakeholders and the public what leadership qualities are important to them.” The Commission intends to post the MoDOT Director job vacancy announcement in early September with the intent to have a new director in place by the end of the year.
MO Department of Natural Resources: 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant round is now open
dnr.mo.gov
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks is pleased to announce that the 2025 grant round for the Land and Water Conservation Fund is now open. LWCF grants are available to cities, counties and public-school districts to be
Oh my goodness, we weren’t expecting much but this place blew us out of
Food was amazing, the staff was attentive and the atmosphere was perfect.
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Continued from page 1A
known, but does a lot for the students of Taney County,” said Emily. Melony added, “Gift of Hope is an excellent nonprofit, providing for students and their families.
Jennifer is the executive director and cares dearly for
used for outdoor recreation projects. For more information about this program, to download the grant application and to register for a grant application WebEx, visit mostateparks.com/ page/61215/land-and-water-conservation-fund-lwcf-grants. For questions, contact grants management staff at mspgrants@dnr.mo.gov. Deadline to apply is Nov. 15, 2024.
the students and their families. Somehow she seems to find the means when other nonprofits are not able.”
Mike noted, “Ozarks Serenity Club is a nonprofit that provides a space for any 12-Step groups.”
For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks. com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Added Aaron, “Ozarks Serenity Club, because they give people who are trying to stay sober a place for fellowship and to share the message.”
Said Nicole, “Elevate Branson helps so many of our clients in a myriad of ways.” Added Desia, “Elevate Branson gives so much to the community.” Carroll shared, “Elevate Branson, hands down. Loving our neighbors.”
Susan noted, “Junior Auxiliary of Taney County—we put books in the hands of children who don’t have access to them, and help with school supplies and a huge Christmas program.”
Sabrina shared, “Stone County Shoe Ministry provides tennis shoes for all students in need in Stone County for the start of school and those in need through the year.”
Said Maureen, “Unite Table Rock Lake for school readiness and Christmas assistance for Stone County.”
Trisha praised Neighbors Charitable Pharmacy in Branson. “It’s the first charitable pharmacy in the state of Missouri and serves those without health insurance by helping them access much needed prescription medications.”
“Answers to Prayers in Hollister helps with clothes, hygiene items and food,” said Roberta. Cheryl gave a shout-out. CASA of SWMO is a great nonprofit organization,” said Cheryl. “They advocate for children in foster care.”
Zach also spoke of an organization that helps children. Said Zach, “One Less advocates for children, parents and resource providers in Stone and Taney County.” Susan shared, “Branson Hollister Lions Club
Reader’s Corner: Preventing falls with ‘A Matter of Balance’
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS
Some physical concerns and changes may be an inevitable part of aging, but with some education and prevention skills, they can be managed for continued quality of life as we grow older. On Wednesday, Sep-
tember 11, join the Learning on Wednesday session at Kimberling Area Library for “Falls: A Matter of Balance for Well-Being.”
Jenni Nevatt, Community Engagement Specialist for Nutrition and Health, of the University of Mis-
souri Extension, will present important information regarding fall prevention, a common concern as aging may bring loss of body flexibility and awareness. You’ll learn about the impact of falling on families, caregivers and spouses; the
most common reasons why falls occur; and how to prevent them. This emphasis on prevention, along with sharing information about local resources, is part of Fall Prevention Month, observed annually in September.
This educational session will be held in the Kimberling Area Library Community Room at 45 Kimberling Blvd., starting at 10:15 a.m. (to avoid conflicting with the local emergency test siren). Coffee and light snacks will be provided; attendance is free; and pre-registration is not required. See you on September 11 as we learn and improve our quality of life together! For updates on regular learning opportunities at KAL, visit www.kalib.org.
Read all about it: What’s happening at the Library Center of
Submitted to Branson Globe Lots and lots of changes have happened at the library in the last six months! The first thing everyone needs to know is the name has changed from the Taneyhills Library to the Library Center of the Ozarks, which you can check out on Facebook and the www.lcozarks.com. After closing the thrift store, that space was painted, and floor refinished to be used for programs which really came in handy with over 1,000 children attending our summer reading program! A separate large downstairs conference
room was also painted, new carpet installed, shades added, and folding tables and large TV mounted for adult group presentations like Master Gardeners and Tai Chai.
The upstairs children’s department has new carpeting, shelves, furniture, lighting and a children’s librarian desk for the new children’s librarian Lia Hitz, who has added many new programs. Other building improvements include painting the first-
floor lobby and staircase, all windows washed inside and out, roof inspected, and gutters cleaned and repaired. Trees were trimmed, HVAC system inspected, updated signage throughout with new logo, replaced toilets, and furniture and shelves were moved to be more user friendly. Also, the upstairs small conference room was painted and a TV added for presentations and video conferencing. The parking lot was restriped,
ABOVE LEFT: New books on display; LEFT: A large downstairs conference room is available for group presentations. BELOW: New space for large programs (Photos submitted)
and handicap spaces more clearly defined. Over 5,900 new books and items were added to the library collection and the circulation desk checked out over 79,000 items between January and July. Also, eBook and audiobook collections have increased. Plus, Gale Legal Forms are now available— the official forms needed for many legal transactions like divorce or child custody—and these forms are all FREE to library patrons. Seven new employees were hired, and background checks implemented for all employees and volunteers. Staff training is held every month, and an Emergency Action Plan has been put in place. In addition to all of that, many hours have been spent transitioning from a private library to a public library and meeting the Missouri State Standards. If you haven’t stopped in lately, now would be a good time to take a tour, check out the used bookstore downstairs or attend a program.
Emergency blood shortage: Severe weather further strains Red Cross blood supply
Submitted to Branson Globe
The American Red Cross continues to experience a national blood emergency as remnants of Hurricane Debby and other severe weather events across the
country have further complicated efforts to rebuild the nation’s blood supply. Those in unaffected areas are urged to make an appointment to give now.
Weather in recent weeks has added to the summer shortfall in donations by forcing the cancellation of nearly 60 blood drives throughout the country, many of which were caused by Debby, causing approximately 1,500 lifesaving blood products to go uncollected. Annually, severe
weather − such as blizzards, tornadoes, flooding and hurricanes − impacts about 90,000 blood donations made to the Red Cross. In Missouri, 527 blood drives have been canceled due to weather over the last 10 years, including 37 so far this year. This has resulted in about 1,324 donations going uncollected in the Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas region to-date in 2024.
Because blood has a short shelf life and can only come from volunteer blood do-
nors, any disruptions in the ability to collect lifesaving blood can have serious consequences for hospitals and patients. First-time donors and those who give regularly are critical to blood supply recovery. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1800-733-2767). SeeRedCrossBlood.org/ Help for details. Those who come to give Sept. 1-15 will receive an exclusive Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while supplies last. Upcoming blood donation opportunity in Taney County: Forsyth – 9/6/2024: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Elks Lodge, 12951 US-160
Be ready for emergencies September is National Preparedness Month. It’s important to build a customizable disaster plan and stay informed when devastation occurs. Step-by-step resources on how to stay safe and prepare for emergencies are available on redcross. org/gethelp.
The Butterfly Palace unveils new EV chargers powered by solar energy, in major step toward sustainability
Submitted to Branson Globe
In a bold stride towards environmental conservation and community support, The Butterfly Palace is thrilled to announce the installation of brand-new electric vehicle (EV) chargers, now available for public use. These chargers, operational from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, are a testament to the company’s commitment to a greener future, utilizing solar energy to provide an eco-friendly solution for electric vehicle/plug-in hybrid owners.
At The Butterfly Palace,
we believe in leading by example. As a company deeply rooted in the preservation of rainforests across Costa Rica, Malaysia and Australia, we understand the importance of reducing our carbon footprint. By offering eight covered Level two EV charging at a rate of just $0.35 per kilowatt-hour for the first four hours, and $5 per additional hour, we are making it easier for our community to embrace sustainable travel. Make charging more enjoyable! No need to sit in your car while adventure
awaits you inside. While you charge, feel free to check in at the Palace and experience our Butterfly Aviary, 3D Movie, Banyan Tree Maze, Mirror Maze and Rainforest Critter Center allowing your vehicle enough time to be ready for your next adventure. Most people spend one to two hours enjoying all the exhibits making it the perfect fit for your charging experience.
We invite the public to join us in our mission to protect and preserve the beauty of nature, one charge at a time. Visit The Butter-
White River Valley Electric Cooperative announces 85th annual meeting results
Submitted to Branson Globe
White River Valley Electric Cooperative (WRVEC)
hosted its 85th annual meeting on Friday, August 23. The meeting was live streamed and included interactive opportunities for members to participate in.
The meeting highlighted general updates from WRVEC. Election results from the eligible board seats were announced. Additionally, there was a live Q&A session where members provided feedback on topics that were important to them that were answered by a live
panel. Updates were provided about WRVEC’s fiber to the home project as well as the EPA’s new regulations that will have a significant impact on power production.
“A guiding principle of electric cooperatives worldwide is Democratic Member Control,” said Cassie Cunningham, Vice President & Chief Growth Officer. “Members have a say in how the cooperative is run. We are thankful for our members who took the time to lend their voices to White River Valley Electric Cooperative’s 85th annual
meeting elections.”
1,965 White River Valley Electric Cooperative members cast their votes online or through mail-in ballots.
The winners of the 2024 board election are listed below:
James “Jim” Burns (District B - Taney County)
Joey Glenn (District CChristian County)
Neal Crum (District E –Douglas County)
All three candidates have previously served on the WRVEC board and were reelected by their constituents to serve another term
CPR training helps save lives ...as 38,000 German soccer fans witness
BY ANDY CORBLEY, Good News Network
Alongside all the other memories taken home from their stay in Germany this summer to cheer on their national team, 38,000 soccer fans are now certified in CPR.
The ‘Get Trained, Save Lives,’ campaign was a partnership between the EURO Championships and the European Resuscitation Council to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of bystander CPR.
At official CPR booths, fans from all 24 participating countries practiced on mannequins with sensors that measured the depth and rhythm of their compressions. Their results were compared with other participants in the form of a computer game.
In addition to fans, the participating EURO 2024 teams have also received life-saving training at their base camps. The initiative has been extended to match officials, staff and volunteers working at the tournament, to try and ensure that no matter where an event might occur, someone will be around who knows what to do.
The EUROS have a recent and dramatic history in raising awareness for cardiac arrest, more than the council could have ever hoped to generate on their own.
In the European Championships of 2020, the sporting world watched in horror as a dozen paramedics charged onto the field to try and save Denmark’s attacking midfielder.
Christian Erikson had the ball at his feet before collapsing for seemingly no reason.
Simon Kjaer, the captain, ran over and determined
that his colleague’s heart had stopped. In those crucial moments, Kjaer cleared Erikson’s airways before performing the first few chest compressions, alerting the tens of thousands of fans in the stadium, and the millions watching around the world, to what was happening.
The Danish players locked arms around their
teammate to screen the view of what was happening, but the eagle-eyed television cameras still captured footage of Erikson’s limp body twitching on the ground from the compressions. The terrifying ordeal lasted several minutes before he was transported off the pitch in a medical vehicle, after which he made a full recovery.
fly Palace today, experience the wonders of our exhibits, and take pride in knowing that you are contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.
The Butterfly Palace in Branson (FILE)
of three years. Board members, if reelected, may serve up to seven terms.
For those who missed the virtual event, a recording will be housed on the Cooperative’s website, www. whiteriver.org, for viewing later.
Left to right: Burns, Glenn, Crum (Photos submitted)
Grand opening of restored Pine Top Schoolhouse is September 29
Submitted to Branson Globe
The historic Pine Top Schoolhouse has been restored! Everyone is invited to attend the grand opening on Sunday, Sept. 29. The address is 5550 State Highway JJ south of Hollister.
Scheduled events include: 10 a.m.—inaugural church service conducted by the Acts of the Shepherd Gathering, which will begin providing regular services at the location.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—lunch
and live music - Kim’s BBQ Shack will provide food for purchase on site.
1 p.m.—ribbon cutting and special guest speakers.
1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.—live music Parking is free to the
public and will be located across the road from the restored Pine Top Schoolhouse. Transportation will be provided from the parking lot to the event. The restoration project was a cooperative effort of the Acts
Dolly Parton is sending free books to children across 22
BY HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, BRUCE SCHREINER, AP NEWS
Dolly Parton’s father grew up poor and never got the chance to learn to read. Inspired by her upbringing, the 78-year-old country music legend has made it her mission over the past three decades to improve literacy through her Imagination Library book giveaway program. It has expanded statewide in places like Missouri and Kentucky, two of 21 states where all children under
the age of five can enroll to have books mailed to their homes monthly.
To celebrate, she made stops in both states recently to promote the program and tell the story of her father, Robert Lee Parton, who died in 2000.
“In the mountains, a lot of people never had a chance to go to school because they had to work on the farms,” she said at the Folly Theater in Kansas City, Missouri. “They had to do whatever it took to keep the rest of the family going.”
Parton, the fourth of 12 children from a poor Appalachian family, said her father was “one of the smartest people I’ve ever known,” but he was embarrassed that he couldn’t read.
And so she decided to help other kids, initially rolling out the program in a single county in her home state of Tennessee in 1995. It spread quickly from there, and today over 3 million books are sent out each month. Since the program started, books have been sent to more
than 240 million to kids in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.
Missouri covers the full cost of the program, which totaled $11 million in the latest fiscal year. Most of the other states chip in money through a cost-sharing model.
“The kids started calling me the ‘book lady,’” Parton said. “And Daddy was more proud of that than he was that I was a star. But Daddy got to feeling like he had really done something great as well.”
In Kentucky, the Imagination Library reaches children in all 120 counties, Gov. Andy Beshear said at a recent event with Parton. More than 120,000 Kentucky children — nearly half of all preschoolers in the state — are currently enrolled to receive books through the program, first lady Britainy Beshear said. It encourages families to read together, and it allows children to have their own personal library before starting kindergarten, at no cost to their families, the first lady said.
“It’s really a great way to teach children when they’re very young to
of the Shepherd Gathering Church, Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters, and Pine Top Schoolhouse Board of Trustees. The Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters spearheaded the work of restoration. Follow the Society
of Ozarkian Hillcrofters Facebook page or www.societyofozarkianhillcrofters. com for news and information. All involved with the project thank the many volunteers who have made this event possible.
states and around the world
learn to love books and to learn to read,” Parton said during the event in Lexington, Kentucky.
Parton, who earned the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award a decade ago, said she eventually wants to see the program in every state.
While there is a presence in all of them, 21 have legislation ensuring all kids under five can enroll. She said she is proud that her dad lived long enough to see the program get off the ground.
“That was kind of my way to honor my dad, because the Bible says to honor your father and mother,” she said. “And I don’t think that just means, ‘just obey.’ I think it means to bring honor to their name and to them.”
Parton is an author herself whose titles include the 1996 children’s book “Coat of Many Colors,” which is part of the book giveaway program.
As she prepared to sing her famous song by the same name, she explained that it is about a coat her mother made her from a patchwork of mismatched fabric, since the family was too poor to afford a large piece of a single
fabric. Parton was proud of it because her mother likened it to the multicolored coat that is told about in the Bible — a fantastic gift from Jacob to his son Joseph.
Classmates, however, laughed at her. For years, she said the experience was a “deep, deep hurt.” She said that with writing and performing the song, “the hurt just left me.” She received letters over the years from people saying it did the same thing for them.
“The fact,” she explained, “that that little song has just meant so much not only to me, but to so many other people for so many different reasons, makes it my favorite song.”
Asked in Kentucky about her lasting legacy, Parton said she’d like to be remembered as “a good ole girl” who worked hard and tried to make people happy and the world a better place.
“Of course, I want to be known as a songwriter and a singer, but I honestly can say that the Imagination Library has meant as much, if not more, to me than nearly anything that I’ve ever done,” she said.
Dolly Parton addresses attendees at an event celebrating the Missouri statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Aug. 27, in Kansas City. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Governor Parson formally rebukes Secretary of State’s inaction and refusal to protect Missouri children
governor.mo.gov
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft recently refused to sign off on the emergency rulemaking process associated with Governor Mike Parson’s Executive Order 24-10, prohibiting the sale of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products. After Secretary Ashcroft chose to sit idly by and not protect Missouri children from harmful cannabis infused products, Governor Parson penned a letter to express his deep dissatisfaction and provide a formal rebuke.
“Without question, our office and hundreds of thousands of parents and grandparents across the state view the matter of protecting Missouri children as an emergency in need of immediate action,” Governor Parson said. “By refusing to grant emergency rules to ban the sale of unregulat-
ed psychoactive cannabis products, especially to children, Secretary Ashcroft is choosing personal vendetta and unregulated, dangerous products over the health and safety of Missouri kids.”
In Missouri, there has been a 600 percent increase in the number of children five and under experiencing cannabis poisoning that resulted in emergency room visits or hospitalizations since 2018. These products could come from the southern border or adversarial countries like China, and there is no way of knowing what is in them.
Additionally, America’s Poison Control Center has documented that 41 percent of the non-regulated intoxicating cannabinoids - Delta 8 exposures are occurring in children 12 and younger. Unregulated psychoactive cannabinoids are associat-
ed with several significant health risks including risks of poisoning (especially for children), unexpected intoxication, exposure to chemical contaminants, and more.
• There are no safety studies for human consumption and health effects are largely unknown, especially for children.
• Many products include combinations of non-regulated psychoactive cannabinoids, with unknown interactions.
• There are no regulated potency limits or testing, and large doses are often contained in a single package.
• There are no regulations imposing age restrictions.
Many products are mislabeled, with unknown or undisclosed psychoactive potency.
• Some products packag-
ing intentionally mimics commercial food products that appeal to children and has a lack of childproofing. There are no testing requirements for contaminants such as heavy metals or solvents and other byproducts from processing.
Approximately 11 percent of 12th-grade students, or roughly 1 of every 10, across the United States reported past-year use of Delta-8, just one of the available unregulated psychoactive cannabis compounds, according to an analysis of data sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.
These intoxicating compounds are currently untested in humans, unregulated and sold to the public without restriction. Due to lack of regulatory oversight, these products are marketed
aggressively and assertively in eye-catching ways to attract public consumption, particularly that of young consumers. Often times, products resemble that of brand name foods and candies, like LIFE SAVERS.
The Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control’s (ATC) emergency rules associated with Exec-
utive Order 24-10 were set to go in effect on September 1, 2024. Governor Parson is directing ATC to refile the emergency rules for reconsideration, but until such time that Secretary Ashcroft reverses course, ATC must use the regular rulemaking process, which may delay the effective date of the Order by six to eight months.
Booming sport: Does American tennis have a pickleball problem?
By JAMES MARTINEZ, AP NEWS
Even as the U.S. Open opened recently with more than a million fans expected for the sport’s biggest showcase, the game’s leaders are being forced to confront a devastating fact — the nation’s fastest-growing racket sport (or sport of any kind) is not tennis but pickleball, which has seen participation boom 223% in the past three years.
“Quite frankly, it’s obnoxious to hear that pickleball noise,” U.S. Tennis Association President Dr. Brian Hainline grumbled at a recent state-of-thegame news conference, bemoaning the distinctive pock, pock, pock of pickleball points.
Pickleball, an easy-toplay mix of tennis and ping pong using paddles and a wiffleball, has quickly soared from nearly nothing to 13.6 million U.S. players in just a few years, leading tennis purists to fear a day when it could surpass tennis’ 23.8 million players. And most troubling is that pickleball’s rise has often come at the expense of thousands of tennis courts encroached upon or even replaced by smaller pickleball courts
“When you see an explosion of a sport and it starts potentially eroding into your sport, then, yes, you’re concerned,” Hainline said in an interview with The Associated Press. “That erosion has come in our infrastructure. ... A
lot of pickleball advocates just came in and said, ‘We need these tennis courts.’ It was a great, organic grassroots movement but it was a little anti-tennis.”
Some tennis governing bodies in other countries have embraced pickleball and other racket sports under the more-the-merrier belief they could lead more players to the mothership of tennis. France’s tennis federation even set up a few pickleball courts at this year’s French Open to give top players and fans a chance to try it out.
But the USTA has taken a decidedly different approach. Nowhere at the U.S. Open’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is there any such demonstration court, ex-
hibition match or any other nod to pickleball or its possible crossover appeal.
In fact, the USTA is flipping the script on pickleball with an ambitious launch of more than 400 pilot programs across the country to broaden the reach of an easier-to-play, smaller-court version of tennis called “red ball tennis.” Backers say it’s the ideal way for people of all ages to get into tennis and the best place to try it is (wait for it) on pickleball courts.
“You can begin tennis at any age,” USTA’s Hainline said. “We believe that when you do begin this great sport of tennis, it’s probably best to begin it on a shorter court with a larger, low-compression red
ball. What’s an ideal short court? A pickleball court.”
And instead of the plasticky plink of a pickleball against a flat paddle, Hainline said, striking a fuzzy red tennis ball with a stringed racket allows for a greater variety of strokes and “just a beautiful sound.” Players can either stick with red ball tennis or advance through a progression of bouncier balls to full-court tennis.
The initial growth of pickleball was fueled during the coronavirus pandemic by retirees looking for a socially distanced, low-impact way to get some exercise, but the growth now is driven by those ages 18 to 34, with a million new players 17 and younger added last year.
Also, of the current 13.6 million pickleball participants in SFIA’s survey, the core number, those who play eight or more times a year, is a robust 4.8 million. More important than any stat, Cove said, is that pickleball puts up almost no barriers to entry. Equipment is relatively cheap, the game can be played almost anywhere, even on a driveway, and it takes almost no time to start having meaningful games with players of all ages and skill levels. That’s unlike nearly every other sport, including tennis, which can often take months of practice to learn, be physically demanding and require finding players of similar skill level to play competitive matches.
Parson (FILE) Ashcroft (FILE)
BY RACHEL CRUZE, Ramsey
Solutions
Giving is inspiring. When you see people around you being super generous, you want to join in, right? People who give back are not only the happiest people on the planet, but they also truly live more fulfilling lives. If you’ve ever wondered how you can be one of them, keep reading. Why Is Giving Back Important?
When I talk about money, it’s not uncommon for people to get a little disinterested when I start talking about giving back. The plan for
Continued from page 4A
gives everything back to the community. We recently participated in Night of the Tiger for Hollister Schools, donating water bottles; we support the women’s shelter with clothing, food and beds. We recently partnered with Elevate to give free haircuts to the children be-
paying off debt, budgeting, and building wealth makes sense—until I say that giving is equally important. Then I get a head tilt. I mean, why on earth would you work so hard to accumulate wealth if you’re just going to turn around and give some of it away?
Here’s why. In all my years of living and breathing personal finance, I’ve found this to always be true: Real financial peace doesn’t happen until you give back. If you hold everything with a closed fist, believing a bigger bank account will protect you from trouble,
fore school starts. We have a planned trip in September to the Veterans Home to bring gift baskets and lap blankets to those without families, and so much more.”
“Sammy’s Window - Branson.” said Ronda. “They offer support, in so many ways, for foster care parents and children.”
Korina gave a shout out
Get inspired: The importance of giving back
you’ll never know rest. It will never be enough. But when you give generously, you learn that financial security doesn’t come from acquiring dollars and things. True financial peace is about the freedom to live and give like no one else. The Benefits of Giving Back
Please hear my heart on this: I don’t think you’re a bad person if you haven’t been giving. What I want you to understand is that we all have choices in how we spend our money, and giving isn’t only a good choice for the recipient—it’s even better for you!
People who give are generally happier and less stressed because giving actually releases oxytocin in your brain.
“It’s better to give than to receive” isn’t just a nice thought for the holidays— it’s actually in the Bible too (Acts 20:35). And—go
to her favorite animal shelter, “Tri-Lakes Humane Society Missouri in Reeds Spring.”
Said Jennifer, “Open Hearts Open Hands Thrift Store. They care for the community and everything is 25 cents in their thrift store.”
Cheryl noted, “Suitcases for New Beginnings
figure— it turns out Jesus knows what He’s talking about.
For more than 25 years, my dad, Dave Ramsey, has grown his business to be the biggest and best place to come for help with your money. Ramsey Solutions has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Nashville 11 times. He’s in the National Radio Hall of Fame. He’s sold millions of books. He owns a bunch of cool cars. And he can vacation pretty much anywhere he wants. But you know what moment he dreamed of his whole life—that means more to him than all of that?
Giving away one million dollars in a single day.
You can read all about it in his words, but I’ll tell you the short version. For Christmas last year, he gathered our Ramsey Solutions team, our pastor and his wife, and house parents from a local children’s home who serve
is a great nonprofit. They give duffle bags and diaper bags with a book, toy and personal items in every bag (for those going into foster care).”
orphans and foster kids. He gave each of them $1,000 cash for a shopping spree! There wasn’t a dry eye or empty heart in the building. After all his successes (and failures), he said there’s still nothing like the feeling you get when you give back. Generosity never disappoints.
I’m not sure about you, but I can’t give away that much money right now. However, I can still make a difference in the life of someone else—and in my own life—by giving back today. And you can too! Let’s talk about how to get started.
5 Ways to Give Back
There are many different ways you can practice giving to others. But no matter what other ways you choose to give, I recommend giving 10% of your income. We need to be intentional with our giving, just like we are with any area we want to
succeed in. Here are the five main ways you can give:
1. Give your money to an organization.
Giving is the most fun you can have with money. I personally give 10% to my church before I give to any other organizations. But the key is to just give somewhere.
Every year when I sit down and look at how my money was used in the organizations I give to, my faith in humanity is completely restored. The number of nonprofits that are making a difference in the lives of people who really need it is tremendous. If you want to help anyone, in any part of the world—no matter how unique—there’s a charity out there you can give to.
2. Give your money to an individual or family. Over the years, I’ve heard so many stories that make SEE GIVE, PAGE 11A
Viola shared her thoughts on the Taney County 100 Club, saying, “It is a notfor-profit organization that provides financial support to the surviving spouse and dependent children of police officers, firefighters and EMS professionals killed in the line of duty in Taney County.”
quarters are based in Snyder, Oklahoma. We have scholarships and we collect instruments to give to young people. Last year, we shipped a bunch of instruments to the Ukraine. Ruby Leigh, who got runner up on The Voice, got her start recording and playing guitar with us and performed in 2020 on our fundraiser concert. We have one coming up December 12-15 at Stone Castle Resort. Come support this outstanding cause.”
This represents only a few of the many, many valuable nonprofit entities in the Branson area. Nonprofits provide essential services to the members of the communities they serve and are always in need of help, whether in the form of cash donations or volunteers to help with the tasks at hand. We encourage you to find out more about the nonprofit organizations mentioned here or others in your area, as you offer support, encouragement and help to those who work hard to help others. • NONPROFITS
“I have to proudly say the Jimmy Jack Foundation for kids,” said Eleeya. “We’re celebrating our tenth year with helping kids’ musical dreams come true. Many supporters like myself live here in Branson. We have expanded worldwide and our head-
are starting our two-yearold classes at the Pirate Cove at Cedar Ridge Elementary. We are also starting a place where parents can go to OTC while their kids stay in care with us in their facility.”
Sara spoke of her favorite nonprofit organization, “Ozark Family YMCA!” said Sara. “We serve our community by offering several different classes for adults and kids. We also go to different events and bring our bounce house for free. We offer Parents Night Out after school and
DEATH NOTICES
Brunick, Jo Anne 76 Forsyth Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel
Chowning, Gary Lee 82 Forsyth Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel
Combs, Jeffery “Jeff” Tate 66 Cremations of the Ozarks
Forsberg, Judy 83 Forsyth Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory
Hyman, Patsy 76 Kimberling City Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory
Keys, Robert 85 Branson Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory
JERRY UNDERWOOD JR., 61, BRANSON
Jerry Underwood Jr. entered eternal rest on Friday, August 16, 2024, surrounded by family and friends in Branson, MO.
He leaves behind his father, Jerry Underwood; his three sisters: Michele Underwood; Dena Underwood
Aicklen (Greg); and Car-
GIVE
me emotional about how generosity has directly impacted someone’s life. It’s the best! I heard a story from a woman about how, one year in particular, her parents were really struggling when she was a kid. And one day they found $500 taped to their front door anonymously. It’s truly life-changing to receive money during moments of real need. In the clip below, I’ll share a story about the first time I remember realizing that as a kid.
3. Give your time. Giving to others using your time is an area where
la Polizzi (Chris); and his longtime girlfriend Angela M. Turnage.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carole Sturm Underwood Hildreth and his wife, Rita Underwood. As a young man he was quiet and reserved. He grew into a loving and kind man who cared deeply for those closest to him. He was a
you can really get creative. My friend Amanda came over and cleaned my entire house when my first baby was born. I told her I didn’t need it, but she insisted, and I’m forever grateful. There were also friends who came to hold the baby so I could get a quick nap in. Do you think I’ll ever forget who those people were? No way!
4. Give your talent. Carl W. Buehner said, “They may forget what you said—but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Giving of your talents is a great way to make people feel special, and even worthy. I know a makeup artist who gives
We can help you with your rent, groceries and gas. Please call to get the details 417-337-3772.
helper, a friend, and a great companion.
He loved cars, piddling with woodworking and making crafts. He enjoyed a good old Western movie and was very patriotic. When sharing stories of his childhood, he would tell Angela how much he enjoyed fishing at the camp with his dad. As he grew up,
free makeovers to women at our local homeless shelter. That small act completely changes these women. I’ve also heard about a dentist who gave away free den-
Lisa Joy 23
W. 83
69
61
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he held many jobs throughout his life. After getting paid his very first check, he was so proud he bought his baby sister Carla her first bike— one of his many acts of generosity and kindness. His riches weren’t measured in dollars they were measured in acts of service and love.
He seemed to have a great ability to court and take care
of the ladies in his life. Angela shared that he loved taking care of her and she loved taking care of him. They had a great relationship, and he will be greatly missed by her. As a family, we want to express our deepest appreciation for the love she showed him and being there for him through his recent health decline.
tal care for an entire day to people in his community who couldn’t otherwise afford it. What talents do you have that would make someone feel better about themselves?
5. Give your possessions. You know what can really change someone’s life? A free car. There’s a reason
and friends very much.
Based on his wishes there are no planned services. Jerry will be missed and forever loved by us all.
Miller,
Rockaway Beach Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane Mustard, John “Jack”
Branson Cremations of the Ozarks Niehoff, Joseph G.
Branson Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory *Underwood, Jerry Jr.
Branson Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory Westley, Roslyn
Branson Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory
Jerry M. Underwood Jr. was a quiet gentleman who had a life that was just enough for him. He was happy and loved Jesus, his momma, his daddy and his family
Oprah’s car giveaway is the most memorable, most quoted moment of her career . . . and maybe even television history.
BY HEATHER HAYGOOD
Be STILL
e STILL and KNOW….
BBe still and know that you are and have always been LOVED. Be still and know you are not here by chance. Be still and know that you were CREATED with intention. Be still and know that you are being divinely GUIDED through life.
Be still and know that when you SEEK you will FIND.
Be still and know that if you knock, the door will be OPENED.
Be still and know that you are the SALT, and you are the LIGHT.
Be still and know that you don’t need to have all the answers.
Be still and know that life is a JOURNEY, and it is in the slow UNFOLDING of the journey that you learn TRUST in God and who you were CREATED to be….
BE STILL. We live in a distracted world. It seems that no matter where we turn there is always noise. We have
social media, our favorite shows, podcasts, work gossip, phone calls, texts and emails constantly drawing us into a world of chaos. We will not find our answers in the noise. Our clarity and our answers are found in the quiet. In a world full of distractions, we need to relearn the art of being still. We need to remember
needed time to
overstimulated nervous systems, reflect, hear our own thoughts and allow God to speak to us.
Curating stillness also improves our health and
Columnist
pinion
First Amendment to the United States Constitution
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishement of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
ROB DOHERTY Publisher (504) 583-8907 robd@bransonglobe.com
JANET STEINKAMP Editor editor@bransonglobe.com
GARY J. GROMAN Independent Journalist
ROSE BUCKLES Freelance Writer/Bilingual Rosebuckles1999@gmail. com
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THIS POSITION IS OPEN! SEE OUR AD IN THE CLASSIFIEDS Stone Co. Account Rep.
MARK FEDER Taney Co. Account Rep. (805) 320-3746 shotgunart@yahoo.com
JOHN FULLERTON Area Historian
LUANNA FULLERTON Entertainment Writer luanna65@hotmail.com
The comments on opinion pages are the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily those of the Branson Globe, or its staff. Have something to say? Share it with us in your own Letter to the Editor. Letters to the editor sent via e-mail and fewer than 400 words are given preference. Published or unpublished letters become the property of the newspaper and will not be returned. All letters must include, name, address, and verifiable phone number. The editors may refuse publication of any letter that is libelous, in poor taste, or that endorses a business or product. Letters are subject to editing.
BY GARY J. GROMAN
a.k.a. The Ole Seagull
Recently, the Ole Seagull did a series of articles on Angie Teel, the General Manager of the Branson Convention Center. As part of his due diligence, he came across a 2020 Facebook post by Teel in which she said, “So excited today. It’s been a year in the making. World, meet the new Cox Business Convention Center! Diverse City, Diverse Crowds, Diverse Spaces Today we celebrate TULSA.”
The city of Branson is currently conducting a feasibility study on expanding the Branson Convention Center. The post seemed
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer
Studying the book of Daniel, I’ve also considered New Testament writers who likely learned from Daniel and other prophets as part of their Jewish upbringing. Thinking of Daniel’s devotion to God even in tough circumstances, and the supernatural wisdom God gave him, led me to James 3:13-17: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter jealousy and
BY JOSHUA HESTON StateoftheOzarks Media & Design
The afternoon sun sets, bright and orange through the old stand of yellow pine. The summer breeze is heavy, heavy in only the way a dusk breeze in the South can be, heavy with Gulf dampness, soaked from that great, billowing, promising ocean of the Americas. The sky is now red in its forever death, the pine branches only black silhouettes. In the soft pine needles, an old diamondback stirs, master of the deep piney woods. Those pine needles, soft and brown and thick blanketing the low, loamy earth, cover all, all the way to the waters’ edge where the tannic acid turns river water a luminous brown. Here
Angie Teel: Helping Branson progress with heart and vision
connected to a celebration that Teel was involved with four years ago at a convention center in Tulsa. Because, in an Ole Seagull’s opinion, an expansion of the Branson Convention Center is going to start with Teel as the convention center’s manager, he thought a deeper look into what happened when the “World met the new Cox Business and Convention Center” in Tulsa would be appropriate.
In checking on the context of the post, he discovered that on the day before Teel’s post, the Convention Center had published a release on their site entitled, “TULSA’S CONVENTION CENTER REBRANDS TO COMMUNICATE VENUE’S GOALS AND DIVERSITY. Among other things, it said, “Tulsa’s Convention Center has been known by various names since opening its doors over five decades ago, and now the venue announces a new name to better communicate
its goals and diversity. Cox Business Convention Center (CBCC) debuts today after a year-long rebrand, and with the new name comes a visual look to solidify its role in the city and place Tulsa as a must-stop destination for meetings and events.” It continued, “Both the renovation and the addition of ‘convention’ in the venue’s name are part of our goal of making Tulsa a strong contender when it comes to state and national events and to further contribute to the city’s overall economic impact,” said Assistant General Manager Angie Teel, CMP. “The rebrand campaign slogan is ‘Diverse City, Diverse Crowds, Diverse Spaces’ and this captures not only the essences of the venue, but the ever-growing spirit of Tulsa.”
He wondered how successful the Cox Business Convention Center had been since its rebranding and came across a 2022 arti-
cle. It said, “The Cox Business Convention Center (CBCC) has been honored as one of North America’s best convention article for trade shows and corporate events for the third year in a row. Out of more than 100 venues, CBCC placed among the highest qualified facilities in EXHIBITOR Magazine’s Centers of Excellence list.”
Teel has been in Branson for a relatively short time, but the Ole Seagull thought to himself, “Wow, the assistant manager must have had something to do with that success. “How blessed and lucky Branson is to have someone of her caliber to help expand our convention center and take it to new heights of success.
But it goes beyond mere professional competence. Her answers to a couple of questions the Ole Seagull asked her during the interview for the articles show him a spirit in lockstep with the values Branson holds dear.
When asked, “What do you enjoy most about being the manager of the Branson Convention Center?” she replied, “It’s not just the building but the people… Everybody’s just been so welcoming… It’s not like that in a lot of cities. They see the convention center as a loss leader, and it kind of just sits over there, and they just have to figure out how to fund it… but with this property, you can really feel the community support behind it.”
Her reply to the question, “What advice would you give someone looking to enter Venue Management?” was remarkable and touched an Ole Seagull. She didn’t just spout off a list of list technical and professional qualifications. Instead, she spoke from the heart, saying, “When I first entered the industry, I jumped in with both feet. It was incredibly overwhelming. I missed the time with
Reflections: Which kind of wisdom?
selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Daniel was expected to acquire Babylonian wisdom, and apparently did so, since he achieved status with several kings. That wisdom wasn’t all bad—scholars believe Babylonian scholars were knowledgeable astronomers, and accomplishments like the Hanging Gardens indicate there were some good architects on the team. But Daniel drew the line at compromising God’s commands. James’ early readers likely included farmers, busi-
ness owners and others who possessed skill and knowledge, but his letter indicates there is more: Godly wisdom would manifest in humility, recognizing that we’re not God and don’t know it all, and would produce kind, orderly and moral behavior.
Notice the opposites listed, though: Bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder and evil. The words translated “wise” and “wisdom” in James’ letter are Greek words alluding to skill and learning, but it’s possible to seek those things from entirely different sources! One comes “from above,” as the Holy Spirit enables us to absorb spiritual truths; the other is “earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”
Like Daniel, we can grow in practical knowledge without compromising God’s commands. Discernment is key, and the difference will be obvious from the fruit.
A recent Globe article featured a local ministry team’s involvement in some key fossil finds. Creationists start with God’s Word, and discoveries like those fossils show that the science fits. This type of wisdom leads to useful information and to awe at God’s creative power. On the other hand, rejecting God’s Word, seeking “wisdom” from human opinion, leads to confusion and has no foundation.
Failure to accept God’s Word as written has, sadly, infiltrated the modern church. Some so-called faith leaders try to explain away God’s clear commands as outdated or limited in context. Some focus on Jesus’ love, but ignore His many references to God’s justice and standards for righteousness. It’s worth asking, does my church teach people to obey God’s commands and grow
in humility and mercy? Or does it value human wisdom over God, elevating “tolerance” and failing to call out evil for what it is? The fruit of “earthly wisdom” is seen in horrific scenarios like last week, as people who purport to know what is best for our nation celebrated the ending of innocent human lives. Maybe they have a string of college degrees, but much of their wisdom is “earthly, unspiritual and demonic,” shaking our nation’s foundations of freedom. Christians in the marketplace and government have a responsibility. We can use practical wisdom like mathematics, technology, or language arts as tools from God, to be used for His purposes, while drawing the line, as Daniel did, at compromising his commands. It gets scary when the lines get blurred, but an honest look at the fruit will help clear things up.
Been Thinkin’ About... My summer place
water is shallow but deceptive. Not far off sounds the last steamy, hollow, off-key whistle of a steamboat, one of those great oak-and-pine barns of the river, all filagree and seething strength, all fragile pastels and muscular sweat. The boat has cast off, now bound down river for New Orleans.
This is my summer place, the place I once saw and felt and breathed in, in my childhood, a place that never was and I was never there but nonetheless is forever, timelessly, eternally real, more real to me than most of my day-to-day reality. Born in the wrong time and place? Perhaps. Such questions are beyond my cosmic pay grade. But when, as a child, I was carried through — of all places — Walt Disney World, what memories followed my two-year old self unbidden? Besides a certain blue balloon with bulging, hopeful rubber ears, there was the smell of the pines in a hot Florida summer dusk, and the sight of a grand old riverboat, brightly lit,
silhouetted in that setting eternal sun, the same sun sinking beyond the sands and the swamps and the lapping warm Gulf waves not far west.
I was a born a cornfield Yankee boy, of course. But none of that made a difference, that siren call of the South. I was meant for the South, or my far past was, and that does not have to make any sense whatsoever. Somewhere along the great wheel of cosmic time and place, some impossible-to-ignore connection was made, even as the nighttime stars spiral overhead. “Oh, my goodness, the summers are just so hot down there!” “I prefer the ‘real’ mountains, the Rockies.” I’ve stood on those high impossible edges of Montana’s Absaroka Range in August, denim-wrapped against a snow chill that all of summer could not melt. The beauty there is unmistakable, far-removed from warmth, far-removed in lonely bleakness. Were I there, I would shiver, missing the Gulf, missing
the embracing atmosphere, missing these mountains.
The Ozarks are in the South, no matter what tourists think. Here, the “sky is closer,” as Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote once, here in the wild, ragged, far western mountains of the true Deep South. Time to drive to the Arkansas State Line, to Wild Bill’s, and raise a glass of cheap Tennessee whiskey to the lost memories of conflict, Yankee versus Johnny Reb.
The unseen but stillheard steamboat is picking up speed, the thick brown and luminous water makes a repetitive hushing sound, calming, like a sunset lullaby, like heavy straw broom strokes swept over clean pine plank floor, planks worn smooth by a generation of wear. A hound puppy wiggles on the floor, belly fat with milk. Black nose is wet and cool and soft, eyes full of love. It is a sin dogs only live some 15 years. The generations of puppies and old dogs that have crossed this path are unthinkable, impossible
so many lives and so much love have been compressed into the past, then forgotten. History chooses not to remember the dogs. The puppy’s eyes light up and I pick him up, holding him close, feeling his heartbeat, willing him to live forever, even beyond me. Light is energy, and light is love and both are eternal, at least to me.
The steamboat whistle sounds again and I’m standing in a crowd near the end of day, a grown man, and it is summer 2021, and I have spent some $100 to relive something resembling childhood memories. My shirt is almost dry from the afternoon downpour so characteristic of a Florida summer, and the queue line to Peter Pan’s Flight is characteristically interminable. I would walk to Space Mountain but my feet hurt too much from a day in the Magic Kingdom, again, one last time. I haven’t been here since I was 13 and the weight of memory is palpable. Another
SEE OLE SEAGULL, PAGE 3B
BY TIFFANY GRAVETT Staff Writer
BY LAURI LEMKE THOMPSON, Columnist
BY EVANGELIST TIM KIDWELL, Branson Church of Christ
For more than sixty-five years I have enjoyed eating vanilla ice-cream. Not once have I grown tired of this flavor. As a matter of fact, vanilla is the most popular flavored ice cream in the world. So most likely, most who are reading this article like vanilla ice cream as well. Do you know why I like this flavor? It is because I always know what to expect. The ice cream always tastes the same. And I just keep eating the same ole’ thing. It is not boring to experience repeatedly what one thoroughly enjoys.
• BE STILL
Continued from page 1B
overall, well-being. According to WebMD, 43% of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress and 75% to 90% of all doctor’s office visits by adults
• OLE SEAGULL
Continued from page 2B
my husband and with my kids. Then, as I got older and wiser, I realized that what’s important is spend -
• BEEN THINKIN’
Continued from page 2B
moment in time, impossible to forget, but no less real than any of my other memories, some less tangible than others. The puppy, black and white and fat and loving, wriggles in my arms. The steamboat whistles again. I hold this puppy against the dark and the fear of rattlesnake, and do my best to protect him forever against cruel passage of time and pitiless darkness of death. There’s an old rocking chair on the front porch and I will find solace there, perhaps
Breakfast at Tiffany’s: ‘Help thou mine unbelief’
[Today’s column is written by Aaron Gravett]
here is a story of a fa-
T
ther that had a son that was demon possessed. He even sought help from Jesus’ disciples, but they could not help. I’m sure he prayed for his son since he was a child, but no answer came.
Sometimes, and we don’t know why - our faith is
shaken when we ask for things from God and the answers seem to not come through when or how we want. It can shake our faith.
In those moments, there is no such thing as easy faith. The truth is - faith isn’t faith until it is stretched and situation sometimes seems impossible.
The apostles and saints that had great faith had
that faith exercised over and over. They had to trust Christ when most people would completely give up.
Jesus Christ said something profound to the father after he asked Him to help.
“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23
To which the father was
Nursing home room: ‘I love it!’
“I love my new room!” she told her friend. “How can you say that?” the friend asked. “You haven’t even seen it yet.”
“Oh, I just made up my mind ahead of time to love my room,” was the response.
Wow.
I would not have that attitude. I would want to see it before I give my opinion. Is it too small? Too institutional looking? Not enough light? What about adequate drawer space? Does it seem like it might be too hot or too cold in there? What’s
the view out of my window? What color are the walls? And the bed – is the bed comfortable?
“She decided ahead of time, in her mind, to be happy,” Joyce Meyer wrote about this woman in her book “How to Age Without Growing Old.”
This dear lady could have allowed herself to be depressed and dwell on all she was leaving behind in her house, but she chose optimism instead.
With her attitude, I suspect that once she moved into her new digs, she even
Just plain vanilla
I really love my wife. For nearly forty-five years I have enjoyed being married to the same woman. Not once have I grown tired of her. Do you know why I love my wife? It is because I know what to expect from her as she does from me. Not once have I grown tired of hugging her and telling her that I love her. Never has she asked me to stop hugging her and saying that I love her. Never has she said “I’m tired of that, think of something else!” We expect love from one another expressed by affection. We expect love from one another proven by our commitment to be faithful as promised in our wedding vows. We do not have to think of new innovated ways to express our love for one another in order to maintain happiness and satisfaction. It is not a burden or boring to live with the same mate, expressing
are stress related. When you are under stress, your body’s repair mechanisms are disabled. When I was a single mother working multiple jobs, I would get sick every three weeks like clockwork, and I would be
ing time with my family, not necessarily the work I do. There’s always somebody that can replace me at work, but there’s no one that can replace me at
to the smell of bread cooling on the old cookstove, and there in the chair and the dark I will rock against time, and feel my way through memories, past and future. There, in the darkness and the warmth and the night with a million southern stars overhead and the smell of pine heavy in the air, I will find and build a bulwark against the frantic passage of time and, at least for a moment, meaning will again be found in this insane world, a world far too often transient and heartless, before I too pass on into oblivion.
love the same way day after day, week after week, year after year. It would actually concern me if these things ceased.
But concerning a relationship with God, some have decided that spirituality depends upon new ways to feel close to God. They have become bored with the same old stale style of worship. They need new ways to stimulate their emotions in order for their worship to be meaningful to them. I wonder how the spouses of those who need innovations in their worship would react if their mate applied the same standard of overfamiliarity to them.
I once heard a preacher say that if people do not have fun at worship, then they will not come back. Is that what David meant when he said, “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the
sick anywhere from threeten days. That is no way to live.
I don’t know about you, but I do not want to partake in that statistic. I have made it a habit to wake up no less than 45 minutes be-
home. So make sure that you understand that balance and fight for what it means to you.” As we move forward with the expansion of
looked for (and found) advantages over her former situation.
I would bet that she quickly made new friends and enjoyed the social life. Perhaps the musicians and others who came into the facility to cheer and help the elderly blessed her. And I wouldn’t be surprised if she became a blessing herself to many around her and taught them by example to be more cheerful.
No, I doubt that I would have had her good attitude –but I wish I could approach more things in life that way.
Lord” (Psalm 122:1)? According to Merriam Webster’s dictionary, the word “glad” means - “experiencing pleasure, joy, or delight: made happy.” It is therefore safe to conclude that David enjoyed worshipping God. Worship brought David pleasure and happiness. But what is worship? According to Webster’s dictionary, worship is “reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power. The same resource defines reverence as “honor or respect felt or shown: profound adoring, awed respect: a gesture of respect (such as bowing).”
We are instructed in the book of Hebrews “…thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Heb. 12:28). Consider the following passages of scripture describing worship in the Bible:
• Gen. 24:6 Then the man
fore my family to sit in the quiet. I also am teaching my children to give themselves at least 30 minutes of quiet before bed. Rest is not only a part of life, but it is a way to ensure that we are living a healthier, more
the convention center an Ole Seagull is so happy that Branson is fortunate enough to have someone of Angie’s professional ability and Branson spir-
completely honest.
“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Mark 9:24
Jesus then cast the demon out of the son and he was clean.
I have found myself at time praying that same thing the father said to Jesus, “I
I do not want to lean toward negativity, complaining and discontent. When things change that I’m not thrilled about, I’d like to embrace them like that lady did.
Positive thinking alone will not make us continual overcomers who see the bright side. I believe that only Jesus’ powerful enabling presence in our lives does that.
In the Bible, Paul wrote “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be
bowed down his head and worshiped the Lord. Genesis 24:48 And I bowed my head and worshiped the Lord, Genesis 24:52 …when Abraham’s servant heard their words, he worshiped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth.
• Exodus 4:31…then they bowed their heads and worshiped. Exodus 12:27…So the people bowed their heads and worshiped. Exodus 34:8 So Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped. Does this describe the atmosphere in which you gather to worship? Is the atmosphere one of reverence or is it just one that you personally enjoy because it stimulates your emotions? Worship is for God. He decides what is acceptable. It
fulfilled existence.
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so, on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” Genesis 2:2
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it on the team to help us make the Branson Convention Center all it can be.
“Now hold on Seagull, the study is still in process
believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Does it just come by wishing it? No, it doesn’t. The answer is being close to Christ, praying fervently for Him to help us trust Him more, and in saturating ourselves with His word. This will allow Him to help us trust Him more and overcome our unbelief.
in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Phil. 4:11-12, NIV) And where was Paul when he penned those words? In a dismal jail cell! What an example for all of us! “It is always possible to be thankful for what is given rather than to complain about what is not given,” wrote Elisabeth Elliott. “One or the other becomes a habit of life.”
should never be based upon our personal delight. Otherwise, it becomes entertainment rather than worship. Worship is a command. Jesus taught, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Our motive (spirit) must be acceptable (John 14:15). And our actions of worship must be authorized by God (truth - John 17:17; Col. 3:17). Changing the style of worship is not the solution. Some people just need to reevaluate their attitude. Worshiping with the realization that we are in the presence of God will always be new, fresh and genuine (even when we sing the same ole’ songs). It is not boring to experience repeatedly what one thoroughly enjoys. And nothing should bring more joy than knowing that our worship is acceptable and therefore pleasing to God.
hshaygood.com and click The Love Journey tab to order your copy of my new book and download the first chapter for free.
“Love is a journey not a destination.”
yet and you talk like the expansion of the Convention Center is a done deal, but it isn’t, is it?” “Surely that’s a rhetorical question?”
Iread an inspiring story about an elderly lady. The time had come for her to move out of her own beautiful home, which she had enjoyed for so many years, into a nursing home.
BY DAVE RAMSEY, CEO, Ramsey Solutions, and an eight-time No. 1 national best-selling author,
and host of The Ramsey Show
Dear Dave, I’m pretty responsible with finances, but my girlfriend is in a bad situation with her money and her
DR. RICHARD BAKER, AIF®, is the founder of and an executive wealth advisor at Fervent Wealth Management. https://www. facebook.com/Dr.RichardBaker
Monitoring the flow of the wet weather creek at our old house was important if we didn’t want to replace our road. The creek was usually dry, but heavy rain could make it rise ten to twelve feet in minutes, overwhelming our three-foot culvert. I continu-
BY HEATHER TANKERSLEY,
REALTOR®, provides services for residential, commercial, land and lake properties in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.
T
he 2024 Presidential election is just months away. As someone who’s thinking about potentially
Dave Says: A ‘heart problem’
career. She has a huge car payment and lots of credit card debt. On top of this, it takes almost 40% of what she brings home each month just to pay rent, and she quit her job because she decided she didn’t like it anymore. She’s been floating lots of ideas, like filing bankruptcy or moving in with me. She thinks us living together will help her learn to be more responsible with her finances. I’m concerned that if she can’t handle her finances on her own, what will happen if we move in together? Your
advice would be appreciated.
Dan Dear Dan, I can’t say if she’s technically bankrupt at this point. But for starters, she definitely needs to sell the car and find a cheaper place to live. I’m also not sure how long you two have been seeing each other, but this is someone to keep dating, not marry or let move in.
The hard reality is that bankruptcy’s not going to solve anything if she’s got a heart problem. By “heart problem,” I mean if she buys
things thinking stuff will make her happy and living way beyond her means in the process. Lots of folks mistakenly think they are where they live or what they drive. Those are the kinds of heart problems I’m talking about. And it’s the way I was years ago before going broke knocked some sense into me. It wasn’t until then I realized I had to make some serious changes in my life. Don’t get me wrong. What I’ve just said doesn’t mean this lady’s a bad person. It just means she’s got
some growing up to do. And all the money matters aside, you don’t just up and quit your job without a solid plan in place unless there’s a serious matter of principle at stake, or you’re the victim of abuse or harassment. Leaving one job for another is fine. But the idea of suddenly deciding you just don’t like something, then walking away from it when you’ve got a bunch of financial obligations, is just plain irresponsible. You don’t jump off the dock until the boat arrives!
Again, I don’t know all the details behind her finances, but chances are she’s not bankrupt. There are some character issues in all this that need to be addressed, though. If it were me, I’d suggest she spend some time seeing a good financial counselor—one with the heart of a teacher. Then, you can act as her support system to help keep her on track, and encourage her to keep moving forward toward getting control of her money.
Dave
—
Stock Market Insights: Investment flows – trends and dangers
ally watched it, ready to act if the pipe got clogged and threatened our road. Similarly, I continually watch investment flows to look for trends or dangers.
Investment fund flows, which measure the movement of cash in and out of investments, can reveal patterns in investor sentiment and general investing trends. Reviewing the July fund flow activity, I noticed a trend: investors like the top and bottom of the market but are shying away from the middle.
The Morningstar category data for July showed that the financial sector had the most inflow, gaining $3 billion in July alone. This continued a trend we’ve seen all year, highlighting investors
who may be chasing performance in anticipation of a Fed rate cut.
The technology sector received the most inflow after financials. Technology gained over $2 billion in July as investors continue to see earnings opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. Technology has outpaced all other sectors by a significant margin year to date. Utilities, industrials and energy are the only other sectors with positive inflows in July. Investors seem to be hedging their bets on a Fed rate cut and a continued market surge. They will watch Chairman Powell’s speech on Aug. 23 for clues about the Fed’s next moves.
Where was the money moved from? Mostly from communications and healthcare, which had the most outflows. The communications sector lost $687 million, and the healthcare sector continued its draining trend by losing $259 million in July and over $10 billion this year to date as the Medicare reimbursements drama continues to weigh it down. Next on the list of losing sectors were consumer staples, real estate and consumer cyclical, which had negative outflows for July, and all have negative outflows year to date.
Despite July’s overall strong market performance, investors continued to move toward the top and bottom ends of the market
capitalization (total value).
Stocks categorized as large blend and small blend had the largest inflow of new investment. While stocks in the middle, categorized as mid-cap growth and mid-cap value, had some of the biggest investment outflows. Mid-cap growth stocks have lost over $20 billion this year, more than any other category.
So what should investors do? I am resisting the urge to overweight financials despite July’s strong performance and the potential for possible deregulation under a Trump victory scenario. I am staying neutral with financials because of my concerns with regional bank exposure to commercial real estate.
Do elections impact the housing market?
buying or selling a home, you’re probably curious about what effect, if any, elections have on the housing market.
It’s a great question because buying or selling a home is a major decision, and it’s natural to wonder how such a major event might impact your plans.
Historically, Presidential elections have only had a small, temporary impact on the housing market. Here’s the latest on exactly what’s happened to home sales, prices, and mortgage rates throughout those time periods.
Home Sales
During the month of November, in years when the Presidential election takes place, there’s typically a
slight slowdown in home sales. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, explains:
I continue to be overweight to communications even though it was the top sector for outflows. There have been some earnings misses here, but I believe the contentious elections will give the communications sector an earnings bump with their huge political advertisement spending. Often, debris from flash floods would clog our pipe with limbs and leaves. I kept a twenty-foot pole with a big hook nearby for this type of emergency. Similarly, a good investment professional should be watching the market with a big hook on the ready to maneuver their accounts away from danger before it happens. Have a blessed week! www.FerventWM.com
bars represent the only years when home sales decreased after an election.
Home Prices
What about home prices?
“Usually, home sales are unchanged compared to a non-election year with the exception being November. In an election year, November is slower than normal.”
This is mostly because some people feel uncertain and hesitant about making big decisions during such a pivotal time. However, it’s important to know this slowdown is temporary. Historically, home sales bounce back in December and continue to rise the following year.
In fact, data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows after nine of the last 11 Presidential elections, home sales went up the next year (see graph above left).
The graph shows annual home sales going back to 1978. Each year with a Presidential election is noted in blue. The year immediately after each election is green if existing home sales rose that year. The two orange
Do they drop during election years? Not typically.
As residential appraiser and housing analyst Ryan Lundquist puts it: “An election year doesn’t alter the price trend that is already happening in the market.”
Home prices are pretty resilient. They generally rise year-over-year, regardless of elections. The latest data from NAR shows after seven of the last eight Presidential elections, home prices increased the following year (see graph above right).
Just like the previous graph, this shows election years in blue. The only year when prices declined after an election is in orange. That was during the housing market crash, which was far from a typical year. Today’s market is different than it was back then. All the green bars represent when prices rose the following year. So, if you’re worried about your home losing value because of an election, you can rest easy knowing prices rise after most Presidential elections. Mortgage Rates Mortgage rates are important because they affect how much your monthly
BY JODY JOHNSON GODFREY Wellness Design Specialist
(Credit, in part, for this column goes to Wesley Hester, University of Virginia, for the interesting interview between he and Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills)
D
r. Thomas Platts-Mills decided to become a doctor at the ripe old age of nine, when accompanying his father, John, on a trip to New Zealand where he met his formidable grandmother, Dr. Daisy Platts-Mills. With this encounter, Thomas came to understand his unusual hyphenated surname. Dr. Daisy Platts married Mr. Mills in 1902 and said, “We will be Platts-Mills.”
This is the oldest “two-forone” name in the world created by a professional woman and, thus far, has lasted five generations! Daisy was a powerful
AGS: The doc who discovered Alpha-gal Syndrome
woman and her daughter, Ada, was just as unbreakable! She also chose a medical doctor as her profession (this was Thomas’s aunt). By the end of that vacation, Thomas not only knew he would be a doctor, but additionally, chose the college in Oxford he wanted to attend along with his medical school of choice.
As of 2019, Dr. PlattsMills headed the University of Virginia’s Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and has been on the worldwide radar for several groundbreaking allergy discoveries. He made good on his early commitment and studied at Oxford’s Balliol College like his father. He then received his medical training at St. Thomas Medical School in London and later earned his PhD from London University.
Dr. Martin Chapman, a colleague from University of Virginia, has referred to Dr. Thomas as “a living legend, and “the most insightful clinical investigator of allergic diseases of his generation.”
Platts-Mills current at-
tention has come from his now-famous discovery of over two decades ago—a red meat allergy caused by a tick bite leading to hives, anaphylactic response and, possibly, heart disease in some instances.
International media attention was given to Dr. PlattsMills via the New England Journal of Medicine regarding his story about the meat allergy/tick bites and has been cited well over 1,000 times!
He had worked earlier on the connection between dust mites and asthma. Dr. Chapman cited that much of Platts-Mills successes came from his fearlessness (never worrying about ridicule) and his pristine methodologies. In the exact words of Dr. Chapman, “That has certainly been a feature of his work-to not be afraid and to put yourself out there and investigate an idea that somebody else may reject, instantly,” he said.
This is what I so admire about this man and I quote from Platts-Mills: The thing that has driven my career has been to be willing to go off the deep end
and be totally unafraid of pushing an idea that other people don’t (want to) believe. Too many people are afraid of getting involved in an idea that is too far away from perceived normality.”
Around 1982, Thomas came back to the U.S. as Oscar Swineford Professor of Medicine and head of the division. The chair had just been established by fellows trained by Dr. Swineford. It was at UVA in 2007 that Platts-Mills had first discovered a red meat allergy transmitted by ticks (Lone Star version in the states, primarily). It all commenced as a result of Platts-Mills realizing that the Alpha-Gal sugar was an ingredient in the cancer drug Cetuximab and caused allergic reactions in patients in certain geographic regions. His team found that the AGS was also linked to a mysterious red meat allergy cropping up in the same areas. After painstakingly testing patients, it was determined that the bite of the Lone Star tick caused the allergy. The tick injects
the AG sugar when it bites. The sugar causes the reaction to mammalian meat or other products derived from mammals. Dr. PlattsMills determined that the reason for the delayed onset of symptoms is that the allergen is stored in fat and slow to release… thus the delayed anaphylactic manifestation. My thanks go to Liz Peregrino, general manager, for engaging in conversation with me and alerting me to this topic for me to research and report on!
Become a mental health champion by learning mental health first aid
namimissouri.org
Mental Health First Aid is a groundbreaking public education program that helps the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Mental Health First Aid USA is managed, operated, and disseminated by three national authorities — the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
Mental Health First Aid
• HOUSING
Continued from page 4B
payment will be when you buy a home. Looking at the last 11 Presidential election years, data from Freddie Mac shows mortgage rates decreased from July to November in eight of them (see chart at lower left).
Most forecasts expect mortgage rates to ease slightly throughout the remainder of the year. If
is offered in the form of an interactive 12-hour course that presents an overview of mental illness and substance use disorders in the U.S. and introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. Those who take the 12-hour course to certify as Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, social,
they’re right, this year will follow the trend of declining rates leading up to most previous elections. And if you’re looking to buy a home in the coming months, this could be good news, as lower rates could mean a lower monthly payment. What This Means for You
So, what’s the big takeaway? While Presidential
and self-help care.
The 12-hour Mental Health First Aid USA course has benefited a variety of audiences and key professions, including: primary care professionals, employers and business leaders, faith communities, school personnel and educators, state police and corrections officers, nursing home staff, mental health authorities, state policymakers, volunteers, young people, families and the general public.
According to a KFF poll conducted in 2022, 75% of US adults report not feeling comfortable or only
elections do have some impact on the housing market, the effects are usually small and temporary. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, says:
“Historically, the housing market doesn’t tend to
feeling somewhat comfortable discussing mental health with loved ones. Factors that impact an individual’s level of comfort when discussing mental health include stigma and being uncertain about how to approach someone and what is appropriate to say.
The content and activities in MHFA courses provide participants a safe space to practice responding to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, which they can then more confidently apply outside the course.
In addition, MHFA
look very different in presidential election years compared to other years.”
For most buyers and sellers, elections don’t have a major impact on their plans.
Bottom Line
While it’s natural to feel
courses demonstrate that the skills learned are useful in early intervention as well as crisis situations.
MHFA emphasizes that the role of the First Aider is not to diagnose, but rather to observe, listen nonjudgmentally, and serve as a vital link to early intervention.
In early 2024, First Aider Seva Reilly told us, “My MHFA training has helped me have the courage to ask the question ‘How are you doing?’ and to deeply listen to the response, to hear what is not said, to create a space for sharing and to encourage
a bit uncertain during an election year, history shows the housing market remains strong and resilient. For help navigating the market, election year or not, let’s connect.
It’s Your Move! Getting
the people in my life to practice self-care.” Virtual training is available in two formats: Adult Mental Health First Aid, which teaches adults how to assist fellow adults; and Youth Mental Health First Aid, which teaches adults how to assist adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18.
If you aare interested in learning more about MHFA and the MHFA training, visit www. namimissouri.org, or mentalhealthfirstaid.org. There are many virtual classes currently available.
you where you need, is my promise to you.
The doctor who discovered AGS (Photo submitted by Jody Johnson Godfrey)
The Pride of Branson Bands
The Pride of Branson Bands is gearing up for an exciting school year. Recently, the drumline guard, and leadership team laid the groundwork for their marching band skills. New members had the chance to train with seasoned leaders during a two-week camp, which ended with a parent-preview performance.
Director Daniel Jarrett praised the students’ professionalism, enthusiasm, and energy as an excellent start to the season. The students focused on technique, movement, and the music and choreography for their fall show, “These Are The Days.”
The Pride of Branson Bands is under the direction of Mr. Jarrett, Cassie Smith, John Kelly, and Guard Director Lauren Byrne. With 132 in Marching Band, 186 in the High School Band, and 260 in the Junior High Band, this talented group of musicians will open their performance season at the first home football game on August 30, and is eagerly anticipating a fantastic year ahead.
Branson High School celebrates AP Capstone Diploma recipients
Seven Branson High School students have earned the Advanced Placement Capstone DiplomaTM during the 202324 school year. Additionally, one student has earned the AP Seminar and Research CertificateTM. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop the critical thinking, research, collaboration and presentation skills that are crucial for academic success.
To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program at Branson High School:
• Seven were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma. They are: Isaac Badshah (2024 graduate), Hailey Borger (2024 graduate), Clara Dean (current 12th grader, 2025 graduate), Ethan Gones (2024 graduate), Lily Holmes (2024 graduate), Aaron Strohm (2024 graduate), and
Logan Velvet (2024 graduate).
• One was awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate: Cora Hoeflicker (current 12th grader, 2025 graduate).
• Branson High School also had 30 AP Scholars, 14 AP Scholars with Distinction, and 11 AP Scholars with Honors.
Hollister Tiger Emergency Response Guide
Statistics consistently show that schools are among the safest places to be due to the strong commitment of educators, families, and our community to our students and schools. We strive to be proactive rather than reactive. The Hollister R-V School District Emergency Response Guide outlines the key elements of the district’s state of preparedness. We hope it will answer questions you have concerning our actions and intentions in the event of an emergency. Read the full response guide at hollister.k12.mo.us Hollister Tiger fall sports preview
“We want to see our athletes excel both during practices and performances, but also in academics. We are trying to create a more positive and spirited culture, not only with our team, but the entire student body of Hollister.”
Golf (Girls): Head Coach: Mike Plante. Goals for this season: Consistent improvement. “We want to see our athletes give their best at all times as they continue to improve and find success.”
Cross Country: Head Coach: Andrew Tolivar - Coach Tolivar joins the Hollister Family this year. Goals for this season: To build up the cross country program and to create an environment in which students want to participate. “We want to see more students participating in cross country and we want to see those students experience success.”
Grant covers tuition for Reeds Spring Pre-K students Students in the Reeds Spring School District’s Pre-K classes can now attend free of charge.
Introducing Mike Wilson: Athletic and Activities Director: As Hollister High School gears up for their first fall season in the MidLakes Conference, they are thrilled to introduce Mike Wilson as their new Athletic and Activities Director. With a wealth of experience spanning over three decades, Coach Wilson brings a deep commitment to student athletics and a proven track record of success in coaching and administration.
Football: Head Coach: Mike Johnson. Goals for this season: To continue to grow as a football program. “We are a young team, but we are working very hard. I would love to see our boys compete for a conference title.”
Volleyball: Head Coach: Molly Terry. Goals for this season: To be competitive in every match to play their best. “We strive to play at a consistent high level and to keep pushing ourselves to be better today than we were yesterday. Measurable goals are to win 20-plus matches this season and win a district championship.”
Cheer: Head Coach: Shari Fox. Goals for this season: To push beyond the comfort zone and strive for achievement.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) awarded the district a 2024-2025 Missouri Quality PreKindergarten (MOQPK) Grant. This $390,000 grant covers tuition and meals for 60 four-yearold students, regardless of the family’s income status. Reeds Spring’s Pre-K program has room for more students. A child must have turned four years old on or before July 31. They must live in the Reeds Spring School District and complete a free developmental screener through our Parents as Teachers program. Call 417-272-3761 to schedule a screening. We will enroll students on a first-come, first-served basis. Care for Kids donation to Reeds Spring Schools
The Silver Dollar City Foundation presented a $16,490 check to Reeds Spring Schools as part of the Care for Kids program.
The dollar amount is based on the district’s number of students who qualify for free or reduced meals. Over the past 18 years, the Silver Dollar City Foundation has provided over $2.3 million to Care for Kids partner districts, to help them meet the physical needs of students.
Branson School District QR codes for Chalk Talk, social media
Chalk Talk
Pride of Branson Bands (Photo submitted)
Hollister sports (Photo submitted)
Superintendent Cody Hirschi and Mindy Honey, Silver Dollar City Foundation (Photo submitted)
Worship Directory
You are encouraged to worship with us!
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.– Hebrews 10:25
AUGUST
• 29 American Legion Post #220 fundraiser at Applebee’s to support America’s veterans, their families, our military and our communities. Time: 11 a.m. to close. Thanks to donations, we can devote our time to mutual helpfulness of local veterans. Applebee’s location: 1836 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson. See flyer on this page for more information. Flyer must be presented to the server prior to payment, for Applebee’s donation.
• 29 Wranglers Honky Tonk
LIVE MUSIC: Jukebox Winos, 5-7 p.m. EVERY THURSDAY. Proudly serving Dowd’s catfish and BBQ, burgers, steaks, brisket, ribs, pies, cobbler. Have dinner with us while we play favorite covers and original music. Stay for dancing with Melody Hart & The All Star Band. 625 Hwy. 165, Branson.
For more information, visit www.jukeboxwinos. com, 417-544-1405.
• 30 Jukebox Winos at Outback Steak & Oyster Bar, LIVE MUSIC, from 5-8 p.m. Dinner on the covered screened-in porch – steaks, oysters, catfish, pork chops, desserts and more. We will play favorite covers and original music. Family friendly. 1914 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson. For more information, www.jukeboxwinos.com
• 31 Book signing with Gregg Bettis at Parlor Doughnuts, 482 Branson Landing Blvd., Unit 105, from 12-2 p.m. Gregg Bettis will hold his book signing for, “Crashes and Climbs: Stories from a life lived on the edge.” Come meet Gregg, get a signed copy of “Crashes and Climbs.” Learn more at crashesandclimbs.com
SEPTEMBER
drink. All you care to eat for only $10. Make your Labor Day dollars go further and feed the family, too.
1 Branson Jammin’ for Jesus, 2 p.m., Free gospel concert at the Hughes Brothers Theater, 3425 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson. We will be collecting donations of household and kitchen paper goods to benefit New Life Restoration Center in Hollister. Special music guests: Pastor Bruce Haynes, author of “Praise His Name” as sung by The Easters; The Garrett sisters from Texas; Branson’s own Harmony Trio; and out of Oklahoma, The Singing Bones.
• 7 Stockstill Park Clean-Up at 8 a.m. Breakfast is included. The easy clean-up work takes only about an hour. Bring gloves and a garbage pickup stick if you have one. Let Reuben Mutrux know if you can participate by email: rmutrux@ republicservices.com
• 7 City of Reeds Spring swap/craft/farmers market local community event, 8 a.m. 22595 Main St., Reeds Spring, parking lot near the junction. This is a first and third Saturday of each month event.
Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City, 10:30 a.m., for ages 7 years and younger, but all are welcome.
• 10 Tri Lakes Community Singers: First rehearsal. Tri Lakes Community Singers begin rehearsals to prepare for fall concert. Registration at 6:30 p.m. with rehearsal following from 7-9 p.m. Rehearsals are every Tuesday, 7-9 p.m. Kimberling City Methodist at the Kimberling Center. Our concerts will be held Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 3 p.m.
BACK FOR THE 2024
SEASON: Best Bets of Branson Live Talk Show Weekly Podcast
CEO, Owner & Live Talk Show Host, known as MediaChick Of The Ozarks, Carrie Anne Mitchell, is celebrating the 10 year anniversary, of the talk show, with a 2 day a week, live on Facebook podcast, from 10:45 AM-11:45AM, Tues & Fri. Each live podcast episode, is also shared on the talk show’s Twitter & Instagram pages.
Twitter: OzarkMediachick. Instagram: OzarkMediachick24. Each live talk show podcast, is all about Branson & the Ozarks, and is done, from.a local perspective, with a fun, positive spin.
Brought to you by our 29 sponsors: Bliss Gas Services, The Branson Globe, The Branson Show Awards,Branson’s Tribute To Johnny Cash, Camping World, Cindy Gilley, Consignnent Clothing Exchange, Dolce Vita Italian Ices, Dragon Wiens Designs, Fuschia Flip Chronicles, GT Graphics LLC,The Great Passion Play,King’s Castle Theatre, Made In The USA General Store, MarieZ, Michael Mayo Comedy Hypnosis, Michele’s Floral & Gifts, METAGOLF, Nashville Roadhouse Live, Peggy’s Rock Shop, Premier Dance Academy, The Red Garter, Signs NOW, Stevie Lee Woods, Sunfest Market, Sweet Shack Branson,Sweet Suzie’s Frozen Treats, The Rogue Chef Branson, Wrangler’s Star Studded Honky Tonk.
*For more info, on being a guest, or, a sponsor, call Carrie Anne at: 573-795-1921.
• 1 Edwards Cemetery Meeting – friends and family, 125th consecutive annual meeting, Edwards Cemetery, Kirbyville, starting at 11 a.m. After being called to order, congregational singing, solos, preaching, business report/meeting, donations accepted for cemetery maintenance, with potluck dinner to follow. Those with family members interred at cemetery are asked to bring pictures, family recipes and stories; side dish or dessert and lawn chairs. Utensils, plates and napkins are typically provided as well as water or lemonade.
• 1 Branson Masonic Lodge 587: Spaghetti lunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 100 Chiefs Court, Branson. Support local schools and communities. Spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread, salad, dessert and
• 6 Forsyth Calico Cutups craft and quilt day, fundraising event. 9:30 a.m. 120 N. 3rd St., Branson. Two speakers with boutique, silent auction, raffle quilt and chance to win sewing machine donated by Shawn’s Sewing and More.
• 6 Merriam Woods Betterment Association, Country Blue Music/potluck, 7 p.m. Continuing event first, third, fifth Fridays each month. Del Showers Community Center, 4385 Hwy. 176 (next to police station), Merriam Woods. Come with or without food. Donations welcome.
• 6-8 Ozarks Food Harvest Hungerthon 2024 with iHeartRadio. Ozarks Food Harvest and IHeartRadio Springfield kicking off radiothon to raise funds for Weekend Backpack Program, which provides children facing hunger with nutritious meals to take home every weekend of the school year. All four iHeartRadio Springfield stations—Alice 95.5, 105.9 KGBX, 100.5 The Wolf, and US97. The event takes place from 6 a.m. on Sept. 6 until Sept. 9 at 1
• 7 Ozark Mountain Young Life: Clay for Kids— Sporting Clay Tournament, 8 a.m. Clay shoot is fundraiser for area’s Young Life—a worldwide ministry to meet kids where they are at, build bridges of authentic friendship and introduce them to Jesus Christ. Held at Ozark Shooters, 759 U.S. Hwy. 65, Walnut Shade. Cost: $125 for individuals; $400 for team of four. You may also sign up as donor/sponsor. Raffle for Henry .410 Lever Tactical. Lunch will be provided. If questions, phone 417-988-2417.
• 7 Christian Action Ministries (CAM) mobile food distribution in Branson West. This is our only Stone County distribution on a Saturday. There is also a free taco buffet provided by the church. Join us from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for lunch, and take home some groceries. Praise & Worship Church, 9138 E. State Hwy. 76, Branson West. When you come, please let us know how many are in your household and show a photo ID before getting your groceries. This event occurs first Saturday of the month with a different lunch theme each time.
• 7 Music on the Lake, FREE concert, 7 p.m. Hosted by Veterans of the Ozarks and sponsored by local neighbors and your favorite businesses. Kimberling City Shopping Center, 11863 Rt. 13, Kimberling City. Rainouts will be made up if possible. Schedule subject to change without notice.
9 Story Time: Books, games, songs and crafts at
• 11 Faith, Family and Country Heritage Museum: Documentary film, “Nine Innings from Ground Zero.” Film shows how players from New York’s two baseball teams, the Mets and Yankees, helped in the city’s healing process after devastating terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Heritage Museum, 15025 Business Highway 13, Branson West, at 1 p.m. This one hour documentary film is free and will be shown in museum’s vintage baseball room.
• 12 A Taste of The Ozarks - Come and join us for our Sixth Annual Fundraising Banquet, 5:30 p.m. Live and silent Auction, client testimonials. We will have several restaurants sampling their wonderful dishes. Please register on our website as a sponsor or to purchase individual tickets. Location: Church 3:16 ,20130 U.S. Highway 160, Forsyth. https:// www.thebrookwellnesscenter.org/2024-events.
html
• 13 American Legion Post #220 fundraiser at Fuddruckers , 1615 W. 76 Country Blvd., Ste. A, Branson, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., to support America’s veterans, their families, our military and our communities. Thanks to donations, we can devote our time to the mutual helpfulness of our local veterans. You can also donate directly on our website, if you are unable to visit us at Fuddruckers: https://bransonhollisterlegion220.com
• 13-14 Merriam Woods Betterment Association rummage sale, fundraiser for nonprofit, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.. Del Showers Community Center, 4385 Hwy. 176, Merriam Woods.
• 14 Master Gardeners of the Ozarks Fall Workshop: “Fabulous Fall.”
Featured topics: Managing Plant Diseases; Fall Vegetable Gardening; Fall Plants That Add Color; Preserving Habitats With Fall Cleanup. New Testament Christian Church, 21016 Main St., Reeds Spring (intersection of Hwy. 76 and Hwy. 265). Doors open 8 a.m., activities begin at 8:30 a.m. Continental breakfast, chance to shop at MG Marketplace, other garden-themed vendors, browse raffle items. Cash and checks only for purchases; no credit and debit cards accepted at workshop.
• 14 Jukebox Winos: Live music. The Ozarker Lodge, 995 Hwy. 165, Branson. Enjoy modern rustic surrounding, poolside bar, family friendly atmosphere and live music pool side from 7-9 p.m. We play favorite cover songs and original music. For more information, visit www.jukeboxwinos.com
• 16 Baby & Me Story Time: Nursery rhymes, short stories, songs, bubbles and bounces. Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City, 10:30 a.m. for ages 0-23 months; older siblings welcome.
• 18 Faith, Family and Country Heritage Museum: Documentary film, “Nine Innings from Ground Zero.” Film shows how players from New York’s two baseball teams, the Mets and Yankees, helped in the city’s healing process after devastating terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Heritage Museum, 15025 Business Highway 13, Branson West, at 1 p.m. This one hour documentary film is free and will be shown in museum’s vintage baseball room.
• 18 Shelley Hampton Shape Shifters Pilates. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, 4562 Gretna Rd., inside Dance Branson, 4:30 p.m. Small vessels? Big health risk. Vessels smaller than a hair affect sleep, stress, aging, brain. Dr. Richard Corey, Professor Health Sciences, Baylor U, Waco, TX, studied cell biology over 35 years: “The basic function of all cell is nutrition in, waste out.” Shelley Hampton, 40 years certification instructor, physical therapist, owner of two Pilates studios, independent medical technology distributor. Clinics in 17 states at fitness centers, military bases, corporate wellness, universities.
Around Town: Here’s what’s going on in the Tri-Lakes MOVIES
TWSITERS IMAX E
1:15, 4:30, 7:20, 10:00*
OZARKS Q 10:00
IRELAND Q 11:00
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE R
12:30, 3:30, 7:00, 9:50*
ALIEN: ROMULUS R 12:30, 3:30, 7:00, 9:30*
TORNADO ALLEY Q 12:00 THE CROW R 12:30, 3:00, 7:00, 9:30*
DESPICABLE ME 4 W 12:30, 3:10, 5:30, 7:50, 9:50* INSIDE OUT 2 W 12:40 aug 30 – sep 3 * LATE SHOWS ON FRI &
(1996) E 12:30, 3:30, 6:50, 9:30* TWISTERS E 12:50, 3:50, 7:00, 9:30* REAGAN E 12:30, 4:00, 7:20 AFRAID E 1:10, 4:10, 7:10, 9:30* THE FORGE W 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 9:50*
7:00, 9:50*
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE R 12:30, 3:30, 7:00, 9:50* TRAP E 4:30, 7:30, 9:40*
Sweet escape
Wilderness Church pianist shares connection to Silver Dollar City’s past
BY BRANDEI CLIFTON
Marilyn Dunn hit lots of high notes in her musical career but never dreamed she’d end up playing at the park she cherished as a child.
She grew up south of Kansas City and enjoyed countless vacations to Silver Dollar City as a little girl.
“I remember running straight to ride The Flooded Mine and Fire In The Hole,” she smiles. “It was enchanting to just walk around looking at everything and meeting the wonderful people.”
Every trip was magical for Marilyn. Even “sweeter,” though, is her family’s current connection to this place.
“We’re the sorghum family,” she beams. “My parents, Coby and Doris Schrock, have been the park’s sorghum makers for 30 years even though my brother Stanley mainly runs the operation now.”
She says Silver Dollar City has always felt like a second home to all of them, so when an opportunity opened ten years ago to play piano at the park’s Wilderness Church, she knew she struck the perfect chord for the next chapter of life.
“It’s absolutely beautiful what the visitors do to my spirit when they come into the church,” she says. “I get to see a side of our guests that not everyone does. Folks will tell me about hardships in their life. Our church is a safe place where they can unburden.”
Sometimes, those tough
times are tough calls.
“That story probably touched my heart the most,” she pauses. “A dear guest came into the church and told me she was about to get news from the doctor about a possible cancer diagnosis. She wanted to be in our church when the call came in. That’s powerful stuff— moving stuff.”
Music has always moved Marilyn. She makes playing the piano look effortless as she gracefully strikes the keys, billowing a soulful hymn. She’s come a long way since taking her first lesson at seven years old. Even then, she knew she wanted to somehow make a living out of doing something she loved. She studied music at the College of the Ozarks and went on to teach piano there.
“I’ve been blessed to teach so many wonderful students throughout the years. I’ve adored them all and will always be their biggest fan.”
As much as she enjoyed teaching at the college level, her heart was called to accept the job at the Wilderness Church a decade ago.
“It just felt right,” she smiles. “Our guests often need an escape. It is a beautiful, wonderful thing to love on people when they need it the most. This is truly the most peaceful workplace. I get to spread love through music. I get to see their smiles and hear their hymns. I get to hug them and love them. I get to laugh with
Marilyn Dunn plays the piano in the Wilderness Church at Silver Dollar City: “The good Lord is always, always right here with us.”
(Photo submitted)
BY COWBOY JOHN FULLERTON, a native of Taney County, and a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.
In recent weeks I’ve been listening occasionally to a massive collection of Eddy Arnold radio broadcasts, produced in 1948. I know nothing about them; they were all recently donated by a longtime radio collector of early country music. The more I’ve listened to them, the more impressive they’ve become to me.
I’ve always admired Eddy’s singing. My folks still have their copy of his RCA “Cattle Call” album from 1963, and I got real familiar with it when I was around fifteen. I have always felt that his cowboy music recordings hands down are some of the best. His version of “Leanin’ on the Ole Top Rail” as well as his cut of “Ghost Riders in the Sky” have long been favorites of mine. Listening to these radio shows, he opened every broadcast with the yodel from “Cattle Call” for his theme song.
Lately, a number of Eddy’s television appearances
on the Ozark Jubilee from the 1950s have surfaced on YouTube, and I also have found it quite interesting that in 1956 he hosted his own network show in Springfield for a short period of time over ABC. More about that in a moment.
Eddy’s musical career took off in 1940 when he became the lead vocalist for Pee-Wee King’s Golden West Cowboys. Not necessarily a cowboy band, they were really a country act with the accordion out front as the lead instrument. They were Grand Ole Opry stars, and this exposure allowed things to rise. By 1944, Eddy was on his own and had signed with RCA.
His first RCA hit, “Each Minute Seems Like a Million Years” would jump to number five on the charts. His first session was at the WSM studios in Nashville, and most of his following sessions would be in Chicago or New York. It would be many years later when Nashville would become a recording mecca. Eddy would enjoy a forty-year run with RCA.
Eddy’s move to television would happen in the years after his radio series had ended. I find it quite interesting that his television shows were short lived and were honestly
nothing more than a summer replacement series. But check this out-he was on all three networks within four years. His first television run with “The Eddy Arnold Show” originated out of CBS in New York. The debut episode was July 14, 1952, and was performed live in place of “The Perry Como Show” as a fifteen-minute program. The broadcasts were Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. His guitarist Hank Garland as well as steel guitarist Roy Wiggins were featured on each show. The final episode aired on August 22, 1952. Next, the show was seen on NBC. Also a fifteen-minute broadcast, the series made its debut on October 1, 1953. It was a temporary replacement for the “Dinah Shore Show.” It aired every Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. Garland and Wiggins both appeared, helping in the musical chores, and the musical side also saw a major lift with the presence of Russ Case and the NBC Orchestra. This particular series was very professional and included frequent guests, but by the end of 1953, it too, was gone. With the success of the Ozark Jubilee in Springfield in the mid-1950s, and be-
cause Eddy was often a guest host in the absence of Red Foley, “The Eddy Arnold Show” came to the heart of the Ozarks, Springfield, Missouri for a run on ABC.
Experiencing a longer run than the previous attempts, this 30-minute program aired weekly each Thursday from April 26 through September 26, 1956. With a greater budget, the show included a wonderful cast— Chet Atkins, Paul Mitchell on piano, along with Hank Garland and Roy Wiggins. Also, nationally known touring performers were featured each week which included stars such as Pat Boone, the Hilltoppers, Cathy Carr, Vaughn Monroe and groups such as the Philharmonics and the Foggy River Boys.
This show would also originate from the Jewell Theater just like the Jubilee, with a live audience of 500.
The set was very simple, using curtains and colored lighting as the backdrop.
The reviews were good, but with the popularity of the Jubilee, Eddy went back to touring and recording, often returning to Springfield regularly as fillin Jubilee host through 1961 when the program finished out as Jubilee USA.
The years would pass and Eddy’s voice would remain strong. His relationship with
Arnold’s RCA 45 rpm release of “Anytime” featured his third
remain a top country recording artist at RCA for decades. (Photo courtesy the Sons of the
RCA and Chet Atkins was solid. He would see chart success with hit records in every decade of his career, from the mid 1940s through 1994. He is the only country performer to hold this honor. Many in the recording industry were not too thrilled with his early experiments with orchestra arrangements and the heavy string sections. But by the mid1960s, it was the norm and was honestly the birth of the Nashville sound.
Selling 85 million records, Eddy was right behind George Jones in the amount of charted
hits. Retiring in 2005, Eddy would remain a Nashville area resident and would pass away at age 89 at a care facility on May 8, 2008. Well, I’m gonna catch a few more of his radio shows here for a bit, and I suggest you check out some of his television footage. Go to YouTube and in the search, type in “Eddy Arnold Ozark Jubilee.” While you’re there, you’ll see some other well known stars also. Eddy, it was great to have you in the Missouri Ozarks, and your music will live forever.
Stone County Historical Genealogical Society and Museum has successful fundraiser
BY BARBARA BOOTH
There’s an old saying,
“There’s no I in Team” or
“It takes a village to raise a child.” In this case - to raise money. The Stone County Historical Museum held two fundraising activities: an indoor yard sale and Bingo in the Park—bringing in $1,100. The Historical Society and Museum proved the
two sayings to be true. Volunteers working together as a team and a village being supportive, raised the much needed funds keeping Stone County History and Heritage alive and growing. Thanks to the community for a successful fundraising weekend for the Stone County Historical Museum, a nonprofit 501(c)(3). Any
v isitor BRANSON
donation is eligible for a tax deduction on request.
The Historical Museum would like to thank all those who generously donated items, money, and all the folks purchasing items making the indoor yard sale a huge success. A thank you to those bingo players who contributed in making Bingo in the Park a success.
Also, a huge thank you to each one of our dedicated volunteers who hauled, loaded and unloaded items for the sale; those hard working women who organized, priced and set up the sale; to the lady that collected the sale money; and all those that packed up leftover items. Our sincere appreciation for all your community (our
village) support. And also, to all the dedicated volunteers who gave of your time and efforts. Without all of your support, the fundraising activities could never have taken place.
The entire volunteer Historical Museum Team announces with renovations, the progress of transition in moving from one building into the newly purchased
historic building (future home of Museum and Program Center), touring the museum is impossible at this time. Genealogical and mapping along with the Book Nook will be open as usual. We ask and appreciate your patience as the volunteers can only work as their personal time permits. Volunteers are welcome!
Eddy
number one hit, “I’ll Hold You In My Heart.” Eddy would
Pioneers Museum)
BY BOB FORD, Writer,
history buff and regular visitor to Branson. You can find more of Bob’s work including his historical podcasts on his website bobfordshistory.com. Bob can be reached at robertmford@aol.com.
The Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) opened in 1836. The same week the Alamo was lost. Remember the Alamo?
Missouri was barely a state, but enlightened politicians in D.C. and St Louis knew the West was going to be settled through this state. Infrastructure was needed: armories, roads, ports, courthouses and yes, prisons.
St. Charles was the first capital of the state but not centrally located. Several towns vied for becoming the new capital. By building the only prison west of the Mississippi River, Jefferson City would solidify its hold on being selected.
When the MSP was completed, Jeff City was on the frontier with only 31 families claiming residency.
The first prisoner to enter the prison was Wilson Eidson, for stealing a watch in St. Louis. Granted it was a fine watch, but one year in
Missouri State Penitentiary: No escaping this history
hell for swiping a watch? There were 19 inmates that first year. Over time, MSP grew to hold over 5,000 prisoners, becoming the largest penitentiary in the world!
Conditions were deplorable, as you can imagine, long before any cruel and unusual punishment conversation or prison reform. Five, six, ten men to a cell. Forced labor was the order of every day. It was confined slavery, disease, violence, rotten food, and suicides were common: “man’s inhumanity to man.”
As the U.S. grew and territories were formed, there was no Federal Prison System. Anyone prosecuted and sentenced from Oklahoma to Alaska was sent to the MSP. The federal government and several states would rent space and send their worst to Jeff City.
During the Civil War, prisoners were held—from both sides!
Missouri could not afford to take care of all the prisoners so the forced labor system was established allowing individual businesses to contract labor inside the walls and manufacture a myriad of items. Brooms, hats, saddle trees and brushes made outsiders millions. At one time there were nine shoe companies operating inside MSP. Now, I can’t relate to being incarcerated, except for that misunderstanding in Tijuana. I have never been
in prison. Trapped perhaps in past relationships by spoiled, conniving, vengeful women, but if it came down to those girls or a weekend at MSP, give me those old flames every time. Don’t you love tangents. Now, where were we?
Famous names have graced the inner sanctum of the MSP.
Charles “Sonny” Liston learned to box at the prison. He was the 15th of 17 children, illiterate and abandoned by his parents. He found his way to St. Louis and started a short life of crime. Sent to MSP for robbery, he received three squares a day, a regular
place to sleep and a trade— boxing. In 1962 Sonny went on to become the heavyweight champion of the world, only losing the title in ‘64 to Cassius Clay.
James Earl Ray was also in for robbery. He was “on the lam” from MSP, escaping in a bread truck when he, a year later, assassinated Martin Luther King in Memphis.
Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd was a thug and murderer. In MSP for a payroll robbery, I wonder what it was like to be in prison with a nickname of Pretty Boy? After being released in 1929, he and his gang went on a spree murdering at
least 12, mostly policeman, on his way to becoming the FBI’s Public Enemy No. 1. He was hunted down and killed in an Ohio cornfield.
To hear more compelling and unbelievable stories about MSP, we have completed a great podcast with my friend and tour guide Mike Lear that can be heard for free at bobfordshistory. com.
If any of this intrigues you, that makes you a little odd, but I encourage you to go, request Mike, and take a tour of this fascinating facility. “If only the walls could talk.”
The Missouri State Penitentiary, where the West was won, lost and held.
Over the years there were 40 executions conducted at MSP. Many notable, if you like that sort of thing. The one I found interesting was the execution of Carl Austin Hall and Bonnie Heady. They confessed to kidnapping and the killing of Bobby Greenlease Jr whose body was found in St. Joseph. Interesting because they were put to death side by side in the gas chamber only 81 days after the murder, now that’s due process! There was a massive riot in 1954 that destroyed much of the prison but changed the way prisons were run and inmates treated.
Autumn adventures await: Join us for Cedar Fest at Big Cedar Lodge
Submitted to Branson Globe
The cool, crisp air of fall is just around the corner, and we’re gearing up to celebrate the season in the most exciting way possible at Big Cedar Lodge’s annual Cedar Fest. Throughout September and October, immerse yourself in the warmth and wonder of autumn, where every moment is a chance to make cherished memories with family and friends. Whether it’s painting pumpkins, taking in the breathtaking fall foliage, or enjoying a chuckwagon tour across property, Cedar Fest has everything you need for an unforgettable fall season. See below for details on all Cedar Fest activities.
Fall Tram Rides: Beginning September 3, capture the beauty of autumn with a leisurely tram ride through the vibrant landscapes of Big Cedar Lodge. It’s the perfect way to experience the season’s changing colors and snap some Instagram-worthy photos. ($15 pp). Open to the public Fall Chuckwagon Tours: There’s no better way to experience the beauty of fall than on a cozy chuckwagon
tour. Join us on the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn for a guided tram ride through the stunning autumn landscapes of Big Cedar Lodge. Our rangers will share tales of the lodge’s history as you stop for breathtaking photo ops. The tour culminates at our private chuckwagon site by the lake, where you can warm up with a hearty bowl of soup or chili, paired with your choice of beer or wine. ($45 per person, must be 21 years or older). Open to the public.
September: Sundays, Wednesdays & Saturdays
Exclusion: September 1
October: Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays Run the Rock: Runners are invited to join us for our three- and six-mile runs at Top of the Rock in Ridgedale, MO, where you will challenge your endurance and mental grit while experiencing scenic views you won’t find anywhere else. The sixmile course is one of the most challenging and rewarding runs you will ever complete. Open to the public; For more information: https://fitness. basspro.com/events/run-the-
Location: Top of the Rock Course Time Limit: 1.5 hours; the course will be open until 8:30 a.m. Fall Foliage Dinner Cruise: For those who love the water and the colors of fall, this cruise is a must. Glide across the serene waters of Table Rock Lake aboard the elegant Lady
Missouri State Penitentiary (Photos submitted by Bob Ford) SEE MORE PHOTOS WITH THIS
BY LUANNA FULLERTON Entertainment Writer
Ihad the privilege to attend two of Jerry’s tribute shows to Elvis Presley, “Elvis LIVE and Aloha from Hawaii.” Between both of the shows, you will hear so many hits from his early career to the latter. Being Elvis’ second cousin, sharing one of the same grandfathers, he will share with you some of the history as the show unwinds. I’m generally very skeptical when it comes to Elvis Tribute artists, you could ask anyone close to me, as I am a huge fan and
Area Entertainment: Jerry Presley’s tribute
have been for 56 years. I honestly was a little nervous talking to him. Kinda reminded me of when I met Dan Haggerty (Grizzly Adams) and Marilyn Mason (Elvis first female to kiss on screen) and spent a week with them. One of my many dreams to come true. I will tell you that I recognized some similarities between them, but as Jerry spoke with me after the show, he stated, “I am my own person, as was Elvis, and I just try to continue his songs and love of the music. I am not him and I won’t try to be him, as NO ONE can be him!” I have to say that I admired that statement. Jerry has a twin brother named Terry. Terry has not performed in Branson but owned his own theater at Lake of the Ozarks in the ‘80s. Twins run in families. As you know, Elvis was a twin, his brother
Jesse Garon was stillborn 35 minutes before Elvis was born. His band and back-up singers are OUTSTANDING. The sounds of the original band and back-up singers from Elvis’ band to Jerry’s band is hauntingly heard in several of the songs. They all appreciate what Jerry does, they love what they are doing, and their showmanship resonates that about each of them. Who knows, you might get yourself a scarf during your favorite song too and he even does a time when you can request a song if they haven’t played it yet. When you are Inside the theatre main lobby, you can observe Elvis items on display that are from Jerry’s private collection. You can purchase items in the gift shop as well. Jerry is a personable man and demonstrates his
appreciation for Elvis in a personable way. Jerry moved here to Branson in 1984 and started performing. He opened his own theater in 1985, although Jerry started performing in 1970, with the blessing of Elvis himself. He has opened for several well-knowns like Shenandoah, George Jones, to The Platters and so on. He has been awarded Branson’s Tribute Artist award multiple times. And God and Country Theater is in the Top five rated theatres in town. Jerry does a total of four different Elvis Shows throughout the year. You don’t want to miss any of them, as they are all different. I enjoyed getting to know Jerry and look forward to our lasting friendship. I had a chance to ask some questions to some of the band/singers and Jerry. Here are the questions and
answers.
1. Where are you from and how long have you been in the Branson area?
2. What is your favorite Elvis song to perform?
3. What do you like to do during your downtime?
4. You may share anything else with the people.
Jerry Presley:
1. I was born in Arkansas and raised in Kansas City, moved to Branson in 1984.
2. My favorite song is, “American Trilogy.”
3. My downtime, I like to construct and build things around the theatre. I also like to record. I like to play golf.
Drummer: Dodge Fluger
1. I’m from Pittsburgh, PA. and moved here from Pennsylvania, been here at least 18 years. I’ve played in different shows.
2. I really don’t have a favorite Elvis song, just love to play.
3. Don’t have much downtime. I’m staying busy working. My wife passed last year, so I just keep myself busy.
Tenor Singer: Rich Wat-
son
1. I’m from Charleston, SC, and been in Branson for 20 years.
2. My favorite Elvis song is, “Polk Salad Annie.”
Elvis
3. In my downtime, I work on the music for my show, “A Garth Tribute” performed here at the theatre.
Women’s Trio: Anna Watson
1. I’m from Fayetteville, AR, and been here for 24 years.
2. My favorite Elvis song is, “Just Can’t Help Believing.”
3. In my downtime, I work with my husband Rich in our “A Garth Tribute” performed here at the theatre.
Piano: Terry Laird
1. I came to Branson in 1983.
2. I love the Gospel segment in the shows, as I came from a Gospel music background. I love that we perform, “How Great Thou Art” in almost every show.
3. My downtime, I’m not sure what that is. I’m always trying to improve something. Also, driving to Texas to see my family and friends is always a good time.
4. I have played with numerous people in the past and had the privilege of playing with Elvis Presley.
High Tenor Singer: J.W. Davis
1. I was born in Bonne Terre, MO, near St. Louis, grew up in Ozark, MO, and lived in Branson area for about five years now.
2. My favorite Elvis song is, “Crying In The Chapel.”
3. I enjoy playing guitar and creating new music in my downtime.
4. I’d like to say how much of an honor it is to sing with Jerry. His over 50-year passion for Elvis’ music and legacy is inspiring to me. And
Scenes from Jerry Presley’s tribute shows at God and Country Theaters (Photos by Luanna Fullerton)
Branson entertainer enjoys spotlight at KC game
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A talented Branson entertainer was afforded a unique opportunity recently.
Vocalist Nadia (Cole) Yates was selected to perform the National Anthem at a Kansas City Chiefs game last week. Yates, known as one-third of the vocal group Voices of Glory, sang at the opening of Chiefs versus Chicago Bears pre-season game.
“I’m still speechless that it happened,” said Yates in a Facebook post. “A bunch of sweet friends came to
support me and my heart was full. It was even more special that my husband Grayson Yates was cheering me on one side line!”
Yates thanked her family and friends for their support, and added. “Thank you to Jana King Evans for making sure that everything vocally I was doing was correct. Thank you to Misty Reynolds for always showing up to big and small events and making sure my hair, outfit and makeup is correct.”
Several area entertainers,
friends and fans shared their thoughts on Yates’ performance.
Said Velva Cort of The Wild Bunch, “The Star Spangled Banner has never sounded so heartfelt. I’m still wiping tears.”
“Nadia Yates killed it,” said Mandy Straub Stauffer. “She crushed it! And, we all knew she would! Such a proud moment for all of us who know and love her.
Cheering you on, Nadia!”
Mike Brown noted, “I told ya it would be on the same
level as Whitney. Nadia Yates, we are all so proud of you! Watching you chase your dream is awesome! Congratulations and never stop reaching for the stars!”
Jana King Evans added, “To say I’m beaming with pride is an understatement.”
Dave Hamner, headline entertainer noted, “Man, Nadia, so proud of you as all of Branson is! Home run with our Star Spangled banner. God bless you!”
Yates (Photo from Facebook)
For the love of music: Rachel Harris brings community orchestra to Branson West
BY ROSE
M
usic instructor Rachel Harris from Nixa, Missouri, brought her community orchestra group to perform on Saturday, August 24, at 6 p.m. The event was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Approximately 100 seats were set up for family and friends to enjoy a variety of music from 25 students performing solo and group performances composed by Richard Meyer, L.J. Robertson, F. Dotzauer, Ludovico Einaudi and Beethoven.
This is Rachel’s 24th year teaching and composing music. She states, “My grandpa was a band director when I was young, and in fourth grade I was shown a variety of band instruments. I played the cello all the way to my senior year. Howev-
er, I liked the viola and my mother had one I could use for competitions which took nine months to prepare. You play the same eight notes, 56 measures for nine months. My mom taught me how to play the viola. The viola has a different clef, and I had to recruit people to play the cello so I could play the viola. I became a one-man band and later took a master class. At age 14 I began teaching after being first chair cello at a Messiah event. An older man asked me if I taught cello and my instructor said, yes. I taught for five years. I was 17 when I graduated from high school and had 15 students in my studio.”
Rachel has students from Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Highlandville and Branson. She has taught over 200 students over the last 24 years. She lives in Nixa, Missouri, with her husband and two girls ages 14 and 10. She noticed there is a huge gap and a need for a community orchestra group which individualizes talented students and performers based on their level of experience. There are other performing groups, youth symphonies, etc. in the area. However, there is a need for opportunities like a community or-
chestra to continue learning. Every Monday at 6:45 p.m. there is practice at her studio. There is no charge for participating; just bring your violin, viola or cello. However, if you are interested in private lessons you can speak with her about that. She has space for homeschoolers in the morning and there is a waiting list for the afternoon. She says, “it doesn’t matter what level a person is at. Even beginners can play the music and rise up to the level of advance. The atmosphere allows progress to those who
come regularly, by learning through osmosis, or learning from others in a group”. She has had many stories of experiences with her students and performances. One story is of a current student named Natalie Pool. “I appreciate Natalie who is obsessed with playing the cello.” She tells me, “I wanna play this song and then she has it written and simplified for her to play. She puts the music in the computer and she does such a good job arranging for her skill level. She makes it easy
BUCKLES, Local Freelance Writer
LEFT: Helena, Natalie and MariAna at their recital; RIGHT: Harris (Photos submitted by Rose Buckles)
Branson Globe readers share their plans for Labor Day weekend
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Labor Day is just around the corner. The federal holiday, observed each year on the first Monday in September, is a celebration of America’s workforce. Labor Day originated in the 1880s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution, while labor unions and activists were fighting for better treatment and higher wages for workers. Labor Day was observed by individual states and labor activists before it became a national holiday in 1894.
Today, for many, Labor Day is the unofficial end-ofsummer. A day off of school and a holiday for many employees, it offers a long weekend to rest and relax or
have some summer fun. In a tourist-based community such as Branson, many have to clock in to work on the holiday, however, several of our readers shared their plans for the three-day-weekend.
Said Bob, “We are going to take the boat out on Table Rock Lake. We try to do that as often as we can and are hoping to go out a couple of times over the long weekend.”
Kim shared, “We are grilling out on Sunday, to celebrate Labor Day. Several family members are coming over to enjoy a picnic because we both have to work on Monday.”
Jennifer noted, “I am going to spend time with my kids. Since school will be
out and I will have the day off work, we’re going to find some fun things to do in Branson that day.
Linda said, “I plan to go thrifting on Labor Day, if the thrift stores are open.”
Anna, a teacher, will be busy. Said Anna, “I will probably be grading papers.”
“Nothing different than other weekends (which don’t exist in tourism),” said Mary Ann. “Maybe have a few friends over to swim. I haven’t really planned anything.”
Phyllis doesn’t have any big plans. “Probably do the same thing I do every day— read and sew,” she noted.
Some are planning to enjoy some local attractions.
Karlie, a high school student, said she is hoping to go to Silver Dollar City over the weekend, while Joan plans to see a show or even two on her day off of work.
Gail noted, “I hope to spend the day with my grandkids at the lake.”
Karen is dedicated to her career. Said Karen, “In the real estate industry, it is sometimes difficult to have a holiday free. People are in town on vacation and want to look at properties, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We try hard to accommodate their schedules. At the end of the day, it is usually spent with friends and family.”
A couple Branson Globe staff members shared their
plans. “Quick trip out of town to see family before my band director husband gets super busy,” said staff writer Cindy. Branson Globe Digital and Production Manager Karen shared, “The tiny town my husband is from has a huge Labor Day parade, and then his graduating class has a reunion. Fun day!”
Said an out-of-town reader, Khris, who enjoys The Branson Globe online, “I’d love to come to Branson and see you all!”
Letha noted, “We will celebrate on Saturday because I happen to be off that day. I hope to have a lake day. That being said, with this recent beautiful weather we’ve had, we accomplished a lot
of yard work, so Saturday in the yard wouldn’t be too bad, just in case we don’t make it to the lake.”
Heather shared her plans, noting, “I’m going to work and spend time with family. I am a summer girl, but I am ready for fall this year. It’s a great day to reflect on all you are thankful for!”
Like many of our readers, Alicia has plans to go out to the lake, but she added, “We all need to appreciate those that are working during this holiday, and above all, be kind and tell them thank you for working so hard to make my holiday better!”
The staff of the Branson Globe wish you all a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!
Heart of Texas Road Show comes to Branson for one day only
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
bringing a popular live music show to Branson.
The Heart of Texas Road Show is set for October 11. The Heart of Texas Road
Show is a production of the Heart of Texas Country Music Association, with Tracy Pitcox at the helm. Over the last three decades, Pitcox, a local radio personality, has used his talents and connections to transform the town of Brady, Texas, into a country music hub.
Pitcox and his team host concerts featuring country music legends in Brady, Texas, and beyond. Pitcox arranges Heart of Texas Country Music Cruises featuring performances by top traditional country artists.
As a tour guide, Pitcox also takes motorcoach groups of music lovers to Nashville, as well as bringing like groups to Branson, as he has done for the past 30 years.
Pitcox hosts The Heart of
Texas Road Show, taking shows that he produces to Nashville and other locales, including Branson, offering a taste of traditional country music artists to fans outside of his local area.
The Heart of Texas Road Show will feature some legendary artists from both Texas and Branson. The lineup for the 2024 Road Show includes Barbara Fairchild and Roy Morris, Mary Lou Turner, Tony Booth, and Travis Scott and The Playboys.
Pitcox will serve as host for the one-day-only show.
The Heart of Texas Road Show will be in a new location this year— Wrangler’s Honky Tonk. Show is set for Friday, October 11, at 2 p.m. Tickets are just $20 at the door. For more information visit www.heartoftexascountry.com.
• WILDERNESS CHURCH
Continued from page 1C
them and wipe their tears. How unique that people can come to a theme park and worship. The good Lord is always, always right here with us.”
About the Wilderness Church
This authentic log structure, built initially near a local creek, was dismantled log by log, lovingly rebuilt in its current location, and dedicated on July 10, 1960. The giant sycamore tree that once stood on the site was handcarved into the church’s pulpit by Lester Vining and is still used today. Join us for church services at 10 and 11 a.m. every operating Sunday from March through October and old-fashioned hymn singalongs each operating day!
Fuel Good Nutrition celebrates grand opening on Gage Drive in Hollister
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Fuel Good Nutrition is Hollister’s newest healthy hangout.
Located on Gage Drive, Fuel Good Nutrition is a smoothie and juice bar, offering delicious and healthy beverages, including protein shakes, energizing teas and much more.
Fuel Good Nutrition’s menu features a unique blend of healthy coffee that contains 15 grams of protein, and only 2 grams of sugar. Their coffee boosts metabolism and provides good feelings and healthy energy. Feel Good offers a tea that reaps the same benefits and is packed with antioxidants. Feel Good’s
protein shakes can serve as a meal, with 24 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 21 essential vitamins and minerals, providing your body with the nutrients it craves.
Their unique and ever-changing menu also features delicious shake pops in a limited supply.
Fuel Good Nutrition, who recently celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting event on August 24, is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some Saturday events may be added to their schedule at a later date.
“We are so excited that Garrett and Addie have decided to open their business
here, and we are so excited to have them,” said John Hagey, Executive Director of the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce. “On behalf of the Hollister Chamber, it is one of our greatest pleasures to welcome and introduce new businesses.”
Fuel Good Nutrition can be found in Hollister, near Harter House, By Shear Design and Kum and Go.
“We’re at 215 Gage Drive, right behind Kum and Go, right by College of the Ozarks, right off the highway,” said Addie. “We’re just really excited to see everybody come out.”
For a delicious and nutritious meal or pick-me-up,
Taney County OACAC drawing makes one area resident very happy
Missouri, through a variety of initiatives.
On Monday, Taney County OACAC helped make one resident’s life much better by handing her the keys to a new-toher vehicle. Cherity Moss, a resident of the Branson area, was able to drive away in a 2008 Ford Escape four-wheel drive.
“We had an individual in the community who donated this vehicle. We were able to do intakes,” said Rich Thompson, Supervisor at Taney County OACAC. “When we help people, we do intakes, and they were able to say they were interested to be in this drawing. We had a
random drawing and Cherity’s name came up. We are very excited about this.
A total of 17 people entered the drawing
“Those entering just had to meet our criteria for OACAC, which is below 200% of the National Poverty Level,” said Thompson.
Cherity was overwhelmed with the news that she was the winner of the vehicle.
“It was exciting, but it made me cry because God blesses us in so many ways,” said Moss, who has been a resident of the Branson area for the past eight years. “I have six children, and right now we’ve been
putting $500 aside just to pay taxis to get everybody around when we have emergencies or doctors’ appointments. Now I will be able to get them to their doctors’ appointments.” Moss shared her appreciation with OACAC for helping her dream of owning a vehicle come true. Said Moss, “I can’t give them enough thanks. They’ve helped me every time I’ve needed them.”
Ribbon cutting at Fuel Good Nutrition in Hollister (Photo from Facebook)
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
OACAC (Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation) has a mission
Rich Thompson, Supervisor at OACAC, hands Cherity Moss the keys to her new vehicle. (Photo by
K.D. Michaels)
BY CHEF JEFF WOODWARD,
The Rogue Chef
TIME: 2 hours
SERVINGS: 32 pieces
INGREDIENTS FOR BAKLAVA:
• Salt • ½ C Butter
6 oz Filo Pastry Sheets
INGREDIENTS FOR THE SYRUP:
1 C Sugar
• ½ C Water
1 Small Orange, zest
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 1 T Fresh Lemon Juice
1 T Honey
• 1 T Hazelnut Liquor
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Chop mixed nuts in a food processor until fine.
2. Chop the dark chocolate into very small pieces by hand.
3. Stir in the spices and a generous pinch of salt.
4. Set aside.
5. Melt Butter in a small
saucepan on medium heat.
6. Brush a 8×8 inch baking dish with butter.
7. Gradually layer ⅓ of the filo sheets in the bottom of the dish, generously sprinkling melted butter between each layer.
8. Spread ½ of the baklava mixture across the pastry, then continue layering another 1/3 of the filo sheets sprinkled with butter. Repeat until you have used all the filling and the filo.
9. Brush the top layer with the remaining butter.
10. Cut the chocolate baklava into 4 equal, paral-
Peach Charlotte: State of the Ozarks Cookin’
RECIPE COURTESY JOSH-
UA HESTON, STATE OF THE
OZARKS MEDIA INC.
SERVINGS: 16
INGREDIENTS
2 cups chopped, peeled fresh peaches
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
• 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 egg whites
24 ladyfingers, split
• TRIBUTES
Continued from page 4C
how kind he has been
to me last year when my wife and I’s cabin burned down, Jerry and Cheri were so encouraging and generous to us. They were one of the first to help us tremendously, even letting us borrow a vehicle for transportation and giving us food. Jerry truly loves the community and the people!
Trumpet: Jay Diversa
lengthwise
• 1/2 cup peach preserves 1 cup whipping cream
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Press peaches through a sieve with the back of a spoon, put through a food mill, or puree in a blender.
2. In a small saucepan combine gelatin and sugar; add water. Heat and stir till sugar and gelatin dissolve.
3. Add pureed peaches, lemon juice and al-
1. I’m from California, arrived in the Branson area in 1994.
2. My favorite Elvis song is, “I Just Can’t Help Believing.”
3. I just enjoy any downtime I can get.
4. I have played with Elvis Presley in the past and that was a great experience.
Bass Singer: Denny Yeary
1. I came to Branson in 1989.
2. My favorite songs has
mond extract; gradually stir into unbeaten egg whites. Cool to room temperature.
4. Meanwhile, spread half of the ladyfinger halves with peach preserves; top with remaining ladyfinger halves.
5. Arrange four sandwiches lengthwise on bottom of a wax-paperlined 9x5x3-inch loaf pan.
6. Stand 16 ladyfinger sandwiches around
to be, “Hunk Of Burning Love” and “Way On Down.”
3. I just enjoy my downtime.
4. I sang bass for Elvis Presley’s favorite quartet group, The Blackwoods for 50 years. That’s the group that Elvis wanted to be a member of, before he became the Elvis that the Colonel Parker made him. He loved his gospel music; that was his favorite! I have sung
lel and diagonal pieces.
11. Then, cut a bisecting line on each square to form a triangle.
12. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Bake the baklava for 1 ½ hours until the pastry is crisp and golden.
13. Make the syrup by combining the sugar, water, orange zest, and the cinnamon stick
14. Bring to a boil over a high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved.
15. Remove from the heat to cool and for the cinnamon stick to infuse.
16. Stir in the lemon juice, honey and hazelnut
liquor, once it has reached room temperature.
17. Gradually pour the cold syrup over the hot baklava.
18. Cool completely before serving.
GO ROGUE by using Praline Pecans in place of the mixed nuts. Want Chef Jeff to make this delicious treat for you? Contact him at www.TheRogueChefBranson.com.
sides of loaf pan.
7. Set remaining four ingredients aside.
8. Whip gelatin mixture till light.
9. Whip cream till soft peaks form; fold into gelatin mixture.
10. Chill till mixture mounds, stirring occasionally.
11. Carefully turn half the gelatin mixture into the ladyfinger-lined pan. Place remaining four sandwiches lengthwise
bass for Jerry for 10 years now. I’m thankful and I’m honored to sing with Jerry, as he is the one we should be honoring.
Saxophone and Flute: Bill Reder
1. I came to Branson from Kentucky in 1995.
2. I like all Elvis songs.
3. I like to stay busy, so I enjoy downtime when I’m not in shows or teaching.
4. I teach music at College of the Ozarks.
Women’s Trio: LaVonne Parrott
1. I was born and raised in California before coming to the Branson 23 years ago.
2. Since I’m a gospel sing-
atop; top with remaining gelatin mixture.
12. Cover and chill 6 to 8 hours or overnight.
13. Invert pan onto serving
er, I enjoy the gospel songs the most. I really like “How Great Thou Art” the most.
3. I enjoy my downtime.
4. I have performed in the Elvis Live Show for three years. I enjoy singing in the show because Jerry is honestly one of the best tribute artists not just in Branson, but worldwide in my opinion.
5. Every performance he gives 110 percent of his self, and he wants the audience to have an authentic and memorable experience they will always treasure for years to come.
Bass Player: Gary Perkins
1. I’m from Columbia, MO, and retired to Nixa, MO, In 2015.
2. I have two favorite songs to perform on bass: “Polk Salad Annie” and “Burning Love.”
3. I occupy my downtime being active in Veterans Taskforce of America, I’m a security team member at my church, and during the spring/ summer, I like to fish.
4. This is the first year I’ve played in a Branson show and honored that it is for Jerry’s Elvis Live shows. A bucket list item for me. I’ve been playing music since 1963. I was a landscape architect in St. Louis, before retiring. I served in the Air Force and am a Vietnam Veteran. I was assigned to the 3rd Special Operations Squadron to help the AC-47 Gunship Attack Aircraft that provided close in-air support for the ground troops and bases that were under attack. The nickname for the aircrafts were “Spooky-Puff the Magic Dragon.”
When you have a chance to attend any of the Elvis Live Shows at the Jerry Presley’s, “God and Country Theatre,” you will not be disappointed. As you can see, he has a great band/ singers that love performing with him and what they do, so you will definitely feel that when you are there. Get your tickets or see the schedules of all the outstanding shows at: godandcountrytheaters.com; or phone 417-334-6806.
platter; remove pan. Remove wax paper. Garnish with peach slices, if desired.
Two hunters who were members of a hunting lodge in a western state have died from Cruetzfeldt-Jacobs disease, which they apparently got from eating venison from a CWD prion-infested deer. But you can’t prove it because the disease, known as TSE (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy) is found in cattle, goats, sheep and elk. Maybe they ate a goat together? Can’t have a panic about this when it can cause hunters to stop buying deer tags.
A few years ago, Carol Schroeder, from Camdenton, told me that her husband had died from the disease known as Cruetzfeldt-Jacobs disease in a St. Louis hospital in a quarantined room. After his death the Center for Disease Control took control of his body. It was taken to the crematory by a highway pa-
Liberty, where you can marvel at the vibrant fall foliage and perhaps spot some local wildlife. As the evening unfolds, enjoy a delicious buffet-style meal on Big Cedar’s beautiful yacht, with its spacious decks offering the perfect vantage point to soak in the autumnal scenery. ($120/Adult, $70/Kids (4-11). Open to the public.
Cedar Fest Saturday Festival: Every Saturday in October, join us for a fam-
Outdoors with Larry Dablemont: Maybe they ate sheep
trol escort to be sure that if any accident occurred on the way his body would not be handled by unknowing first responders. Mrs. Schroeder confirmed that he had eaten venison during the months before his death.
“I never believed in assisted suicide,” she told me, “but I would have given anything if it could have happened for my poor husband. It took him two months to die and what he went through, what I saw as his brain deteriorated, I cannot even talk about it to this day.”
She isn’t the only one who has had a relative die of the disease in Missouri. There have been many. But you will never hear about any of them. None of the deaths has been mentioned by the media, not anywhere!
Bill Zippro, a resident of Joplin, will tell you that his brother died a young man with prions in his brain because he killed and ate a huge buck which was not acting right. His brother told him the buck didn’t make any attempt to escape and he told Bill he thought the deer had been turned loose from a nearby deer farm across the border in Kansas where they feed deer meat and bone by-products to make bigger antlers. He said his broth-
ily-friendly festival that’s packed with fun for all ages. Take a guided tram tour to our pumpkin patch, try your hand at pumpkin decorating, or unleash your creativity with pottery painting and tiedye. Enjoy live music, line dancing, and a host of other outdoor activities. As the sun sets, gather around the bonfires for s’mores, sing along with the jack-o-lanterns, and on select nights get lost in the Ozarks Lost Soul Maze. Open to the public; tram tours run on a loop. Ozark’s Lost Souls
er was shown to have the prions in his brain and spinal fluid, and the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, verified it.
In Italy, two workers studying CWD (chronic wasting disease) in deer died from the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy disease. Now the big cover-up is about those two men in that western state where CWD is prevalent in deer and elk, have died from that same disease. Look for their deaths on the internet. Make no mistake about it, Chronic Wasting disease in deer, Cruetzfeldt-Jacobs disease in humans and Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy disease are all the same disease, like rabies and hydrophobia are the same disease with different names.
Look it up on the internet and notice that it says humans can get the disease through eating “contaminated foodstuff” which just might include venison, contaminated with prions. You reckon? You won’t be able to find the name of the hunting lodge or the state or the names of the two men but it will never be admitted that they ate elk and deer meat from the same animal.
When it has the potential to make conservation
Maze: Dare to explore our 3,700-square-foot maze, haunted by the spirits of the Ozarks’ past. With different levels of spookiness, there’s a challenge for everyone, whether you prefer a daytime stroll or a night-time fright fest. (prices vary for day guests and overnight guests, see website for details). Open to the public.
Art of the Cocktail: Enjoy a Friday fall date night and learn the Art of the Cocktail at Harry’s Cocktail Lounge & Bar. This interactive experience teaches the
departments lose a lot of money through the loss of deer tag sales, you keep the facts obscured. Therefore, the Missouri Department of Conservation will tell you humans can’t get the disease from deer. After all the people who died could have died from eating sheep or goat meat, right? But you cannot deny humans are getting the disease from handling or eating the meat from deer. In fact, it is known that among the seven people who died of Cruetzfeldt-Jacobs disease in Arkansas, one was a taxidermist who mounted deer heads.
Now in Oklahoma they have passed a law that CWD-diseased deer in deer farm structures can be sold or legally released into the wild. Some of Oklahoma’s wisest people in the legislature agree that exposing them to the disease may create immunity in wild deer. Would it surprise anyone to know that one of the legislators who has caused the law to be accepted is a man who owns a deer farm?
One tip for you deer hunters: prions are found in the brain. Spongiform Encephalopathy refers to the holes in the brain the abnormal proteins cause. The protein has not been found
methods and secrets of mixology while exploring the history behind various classic drinks. Craft your own cocktail while gaining the knowledge and tools needed to recreate a signature drink at home to impress your friends and family. Each month will feature a different themed beverage. ($54 per person). Open to the public.
Trick or Treat Trot: On Saturday, October 26 from 6-7:30 p.m., bring the kids dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes for a magical evening of trick-or-treat-
in the meat but rather brain fluid and spinal fluid and perhaps bone marrow. To avoid ingesting prions, first have your deer tested, then do not cut the spine or any bones. If you put a bullet into the head or spine, you are risking having prions in the meat. Another piece of advice: Do not eat any venison that you have not taken
care of. Don’t have anyone else butcher your deer, and do not eat venison from the well-advertised “Share the Harvest” program. That was created so that trophy hunters would not have to utilize the meat, but give it away instead. None of those trophy bucks get tested. And where are 75 percent of CWD cases found? Older bucks!
ing around Big Cedar Lodge. Hop on our festive trams or follow a fun-filled clue sheet to discover candy stations throughout the property. The evening wraps up with a cozy bonfire and a lively dance party on the Swimmin’ Hole lawn. Complimentary for overnight guests!
Monster Dash 5K: Start your Halloween weekend off with a spirited 5K that’s fun for the whole family! On October 26th at 9:30 a.m., don your best costumes and join us for a morning of healthy fun. Prizes will be awarded
for top finishers in various age categories, as well as for the best costumes. Complimentary for overnight guests and the public. Fall Crafts: Embrace your creative side with a series of fall-inspired crafts. Join us for a Paint & Pour session where you can enjoy two glasses of wine as you create a masterpiece to take home. Try your hand at boho hat and leather burning and make a personalized charcuterie board. Prices vary by activity. Open to the public
Table Rock Lake Tour
Step aboard the Goin’ Jessi, an exact replica of a 1934 Chris Craft, named after Waylon Jennings’ wife,
LARRY DABLEMONT is an outdoor publisher, columnist, author, speaker, naturalist and outdoorsman.
This buck is dying from CWD or TSE, whichever you want to call it.(Photo submitted by Larry Dablemont)
• BIG CEDAR
BID NOTICE
Sealed bids for the 2024 Street improvements will be received by the Village of Indian Point at City Hall at 957 Indian Point Road, Branson MO 65616 until 2:00 pm CST, on September 11, 2024. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 2:00 pm CST, on September 11, 2024 at Village of Indian Point at CIty Hall at 957 Indian Point Road, Branson MO 65616.
Bid packages will be available after 12:00 on August 22, 2024, and may be obtained from the office of Cochran located at 2804 N. Biagio Dr., Ozark, MO, upon payment of a non-refundable fee of $25 per digital set or $25 per hard copy set. For directions, please call 417-595-4108.
lassifieds
I WAS OUT WALKING, and I ran into my 80 year old friend named Smokey Bear. He was talking about the clean air. If you smell smoke look for the fire, because it may burn your house. Please don’t throw away your cigarettes outside and remember fireworks start fires. The weather is dry so don’t burn your house down and don’t burn my house either. Please pay attention.
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCATION SUPPORT GROUP meets at the Branson-Hollister Senior Center, 201 Compton Dr., Branson, the last Wednesday of every month from 1:30-3 p.m. For more information, call Mark Applegate at 417-955-2513 or email mark.applegate@senioragemo.org.
AMERICAN LEGION
POST #220 would love to invite all of our former and current U.S. military friends to join us Monday mornings, 9 a.m., for coffee and pastries, with the exception of the second Monday of the month and national holidays. Come join us at M. Graham Clark Downtown Airport, 491 Blue Sky Lane, Hollister. Monthly business meeting is the 2nd Monday of the month 6 p.m. at Denny’s, 2335 West 76 County Blvd., Branson. We look forward to meeting you! HOOAH!
CELEBRATE RECOVERY is a place to heal from your hurts, habits, and hangups. We meet every Monday night at 6:30 PM at Music City Centre, 1839 West 76 Country Blvd., Branson. For more information call 417–3202055 See you there!
GRIEF SHARE SUPPORT GROUP: A new class for Grief Share will begin Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, at the Branson UMC. This is open to people from our community, surrounding areas and our own church family at BUMC. We welcome both new and returning participants. Gather at 1 p.m. for “social time” and class will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. For questions call Peggy at 641-919-1533. All are welcome!
VETERANS & MILITARY COALITION OF THE OZARKS is an all-volunteer organization of veterans serving veterans. Contact us if you feel that you, as a veteran or veteran family, may not be receiving the benefits you deserve. Go to VMCO1.org and click on CONTACT at the top of the home page. VMCO meets monthly on the third Thursday of the month (no meeting in July or November) at the Golden Corral in Branson with 11:15 a.m. (optional) lunch buffet and 12-1 p.m. meeting.
IF YOU ARE A MILITARY VETERAN in need of a place to live, please call us and we’ll try to meet your needs. GUMI CAMP USA 417-559-3892
IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
DEADLINE FOR FRIDAY’S PAPER: Wednesdays @ 10 a.m. GET YOUR ALWAYS-FREE BRANSON GLOBE DELIVERED TO YOUR EMAIL INBOX! Go to www.bransonglobe.com
24-HOUR TAXI, hauling, junk removal, abandoned vehicle removal, condo and house cleaning, storm damage and yard cleanup. Call 417-337-1537 or 417-593-1689. Serving the Branson Tri-Lakes and surrounding areas.
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO PARK/ STORE your boat and trailer? I have a great spot next to my mobile home in Fall Creek RV Estates. Call Drew Wardell for more info, 720-427-7321
ACE HOME IMPROVEMENT: Heating and air, HVAC service and repair, doors, windows, decks, fences, pressure washing, interior and exterior painting, siding, roofing, flooring, tile and drywall. Handyman work! Call Ryan: 417-335-1347.
FREE ESTIMATES AND TIMELY RESPONSE. Full remodels, decks, pole barns, garages, fencing and small projects. Call 417-699-1635
GARAGE SALE
GARAGE SALE: Aug. 30-31, 8-4; Sept. 1, 123. 211 S. Lakeshore Dr., Blue Eye. Twin Island Estates. Furniture, china, etc.
FOR SALE: Deeded ownership at Wilderness Club, Ridgedale. 15,000 pts. Numerous benefits included. $28,000. 540-849-5425
RENT TO OWN AUTOS: Low down payment. NO initial taxes & license fees. NO credit check. Free 1 year warranty on motor & transmission. Rent to own your auto today! 1119 E. Hwy. 76, Branson. 417-335-5400. renttoownautosbranson. com
FOR LEASE Just remodeled, 3 Bedr 1BA Home 145 Greenbriar Lane Hollister Has fenced in backyard, and 1car attached garage, laminate flooring. No smokers. $1,150.00, P/M, background App. Call Carolyn 417-337-0398 PLEASE LEAVE MESSAGE
HOMES
TO YOUR AD... Please make sure your ad is correct in the first issue in which it appears. The Branson Globe is responsible for one day’s charge of the space occupied by the error. If your ad is not correct, call us immediately to have it corrected.
GUMI CAMP, a healing retreat for American Veterans, GUMI, a healing retreat for America’s veterans, is in need of welcome CTR Personnel. Possibly trade time for RV trailer living. Please call Tim Hadler at 417559-3892.
LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT full or part time employee? Place an ad in the Branson Globe, and fill that position FAST! An ad just like this one costs just $17.75/ week!
53. Formulated thought 55. Author of the quote 60. Molly Bloom creator 62. Actor Sal 63. Ques. response 64. Bellowing 65. James and Jones of jazz
66. New Deal agcy.
67. Is willing to 68. Semiconductor 69. Towel off Down
1. Slack-jawed 2. Vintage Ford
3. Butt against 4. Santa’s spot, often 5. Away from the wind 6. Shine softly 7. Lowly assistants 8. Type of clock 9. Cooperstown electee of ‘36
10. Berate loudly 11. Announcement conduit
12. Parabolic path 13. “Forget it!”
On this date in history...
• 1862 Second Battle of Bull Run in Manassas, Virginia, ends with a Confederate victory over Union forces
• 1890 President Benjamin Harrison signed the first U.S. law requiring inspection of meat products
• 1901 English engineer Hubert Cecil Booth pat-
ents the powered vacuum cleaner
• 1922 Babe Ruth is thrown out of a game for the fifth time in 1922
• 1945 U.S. WWII General Douglas MacArthur lands in Japan 1956 Lake Pontchartrain Causeway opens in Louisiana, longest continuous
21. Ponies up 22. Place to park 26. Tuscany city 27. Phased-out fliers
29. Meiji Shrine locale 30. Bear’s greeting?
31. Treasury Dept. bureau
32. Silent screen star
35. New Mexico art colony
36. Arm bone
37. “Achoo!” response
39. Had been 40. Suited to the task
43. Principled 44. Saudi neighbor
45. Gallic girlfriend
47. Chrysler purchase of ‘87
48. Assuaged
49. Prince __ Island
50. “The Dick Van Dyke Show” creator
54. Judge the worth of 56. Uncool dude
57. Fascinated by 58. Enjoy a novel
59. Come up short 60. Shoot the breeze 61. El Dorado treasure
bridge in the world 1967 U.S. Senate confirm Thurgood Marshall as the first black justice to serve on the Supreme Court
• 1993 “Late Show with David Letterman” debuts on CBS from the Ed Sullivan Theater in NYC;
• 1993 150,000,000th visitor to the Eiffel Towel
Sudoku
See more fun puzzles at: https://www.puzzles.ca/sudoku/
