Branson Globe, September 1, 2023

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation

Your

The Branson Globe wishes everyone a relaxing, fun and safe Labor Day weekend!

September 1, 2023

• Volume 4, Issue #35

It’s a win for Branson and the KC Chiefs!

By Gary J. Groman, Independent Journalist

Last week, the Kansas City Chiefs (Chiefs) announced a multi-year partnership agreement with the City of Branson and the Branson/ Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED). On Monday, August 28, 2023, Larry Milton, the Mayor of Branson, Derek Smith, Chairman of TCED, and Mark Donovan, President of the Chiefs, formally signed the agreement in a “Signing Ceremony” in the Counsel Chamber of Branson City Hall.

The agreement designates “The City of Branson/ Lakes Area” as the “Official Vacation Destination of the Kansas City Chiefs.”

“The term ‘Lakes Area’ is specifically defined as the boundaries of the Branson/ Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED),” said Bran-

grad continues his family’s military tradition SEE PAGE 1B.

Entertainment legend known for supporting the Ozarks dies

that Barker began his entertainment career with a job as a radio announcer at the well-loved station KTTS.

In a humorous article that appeared in the February 1966 issue of The Ozarks Mountaineer, written by Barker himself, he spoke of his summers in nearby Rockaway Beach, MO.

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer An

entertainment icon

takes on a brand new adventure. SEE PAGE 1C.

WEEKEND WEATHER:

Remaining warm throughout the weekend, with highs around 90, and lows in the 60s under mostly sunny skies.

with

ties to the Ozarks has passed away.

America’s beloved game show host Bob Barker died at 99 years of age. Barker was one of television’s most popular television personalities, known for his friendly demeanor, his welcoming smile, his congeniality and for being an advocate of animals.

Born in 1923 in the state of Washington, Barker was raised in Mission, South Dakota, on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. The family later moved to Springfield, Missouri, where Barker graduated from Central High School and then attended Drury College on an athletic scholarship. It was in the Ozarks that Barker met and married his wife of 36 years, Dorothy Jo, and it was in Springfield

“Three of the happiest summers of my life were spent as a bellhop at Rockaway Beach, on Lake Taneycomo,” explained Barker in the article. “I was attending Central High School in Springfield and during my vacations I worked at the Taneycomo Hotel. Lots of lovely little secretaries from Kansas City and St. Louis used to come down to Rockaway in those days. Even at my tender age, I was so proud of the beauty of the Ozarks that I used to take these young ladies out and show them the lake, the trees and the little hidden streams that only the possums and I knew about.”

Although Barker left the Ozarks in the late 1940s to make his home in California, he never forgot the Ozarks.

Bob Barker enjoyed his own radio show, which led to him being invited to host the television game show “Truth or Consequences.”

SEE BOB BARKER, PAGE 10A

Coach Hancock named inaugural inductee into Pirate Wall of Honor

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer Branson Football Coach

Steve Hancock received an unprecedented honor last weekend.

Hancock was selected as the first person to be named to the Pirate Wall of Honor. The Pirate Wall of Honor, to be on display at Branson’s Pirate Stadium, will pay tribute and honor to those who have made an exceptional impact on the Branson School District and the community, and will showcase both exemplary coaches and outstanding teams.

From 1986 until 2014, Coach Hancock served as

Branson High School’s Head Football Coach.

Throughout that time, the Pirates Football teams made it to the state playoffs an impressive 10 seasons, annually from 1993 to 1998, 2008 to 2010, and in 2013. Under Hancock’s direction, the Pirates took state runner-up honors in both 1987 and 1989.

After leaving Branson following the 2013 season, Hancock served as head coach at Springfield Catholic High School for six years, before returning to Branson as an assistant to Head Coach Anthony Hays in 2020. He continues in

that role under Head Coach Aaron Hafner.

“Coach Hancock’s impact reaches far beyond the wins and losses,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brad Swofford. “He has instilled in his players the importance of character, discipline and integrity. His servant leadership on and off the field has left a lasting impact on our school and community.”

Hancock was celebrated prior to Friday night’s football game against the Joplin Eagles, the first home game of the season.

Many of Hancock’s for-

After signatures by Branson Mayor Larry Milton (left) and Derek Smith (right), Mark Donovan, President of the Chiefs puts the final signature on the agreement designating the “Branson/Lakes Area” as the “Official Vacation Destination of the Kansas City Chiefs.”

(Photo by Gary J. Groman)

Coach Steve Hancock (Photo courtesy of Branson Public Schools)

Bob Barker (Shutterstock)

passed. More importantly, his servant leadership has impacted multiple generations. He cared for each of his players personally and made better men out of all who played for him.”

“The special part about coaching is the relationship you get with players and parents,” said Hancock on Friday. “It was special. It’s special to see them.”

• COACH HANCOCK

Continued from page 1A

mer players, peers and fellow coaches, family members and members of the Branson community were on hand as Dr. Swofford and Branson High School Activities Director Dr. Brandon Wilson presented Coach Hancock

with a replica of his plaque that will be displayed on the Pirate Wall of Honor.

The plaque, touting Hancock’s impressive record and many accolades also included the words “A masterful teacher of the game, Coach Hancock’s knowledge of football was unsur-

Beginning computer class set for September

BY

K.D.

MICHAELS, Staff Writer

A beginning computer class, designed for seniors, is set for September. The class, taught by Mona Menezes, will help attendees feel more comfortable at the computer keyboard. Menezes will be joined by two assistants, to guarantee personal attention, as needed, for those attending.

Hancock continued, “It’s a blessing for me to be in Branson for as long as I have been. It’s a great community. It’s a great school. It’s great people here. It’s been nothing but a joy for me. I’ve been coaching 52 years. Not all of it, but most of it here. It’s been a real blessing for me and my family to be able to do this every Friday night!”

August 25 celebrated as Coach Hancock Day

Michaels, Staff Writer

K.D.

BY

The City of Branson officially named August 25 as Steve Hancock Day, honoring Coach Hancock as the longtime head coach of the Branson Pirates football team. In a proclamation read at last week’s city council meeting, Branson Mayor Larry Milton spoke of Coach Hancock’s many achievements.

In part, the proclamation read, “Whereas, Coach Steve Hancock led the Branson Pirates at the helm of the football program for 28 years, posting a tremendous record of 198-108. . . And, whereas, Coach Hancock left an indelible mark on the lives of many young

men he coached and coaches that stood beside him, including longtime defensive coordinator Ron Martin. And, whereas, the Branson Pirate brand grew to be a force to be reckoned with in Southern Missouri football under Coach Hancock and became something the entire community could be proud of.”

The proclamation also mentioned Hancock’s inductions into the Missouri Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and his receiving the Pete Adkins Power of Influence Award, as well as the Branson Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Award.

Hancock, who began his

coaching career in Stockton, MO, has 52 years of coaching experience, and has a career record of 308 wins to 164 losses. Hancock was twice named Missouri Football Coach of the Year, and received the Missouri Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association Distinguished Service Award.

In 2016, the Branson Football organization established the Steve Hancock Pirate Award, which honors excellence both on and off the playing field.

Coach Hancock was on hand at last Tuesday’s board of aldermen meeting to receive his proclamation and was joined by several members of his family.

The class will cover all the basics of computer use, including the internet, passwords, and how to safely connect with friends and family online. Laptops will be provided for classroom use.

The four-week class will meet each Thursday in September, beginning September 7, from 10:30 to 11:30 in the Stanley and Elaine Ball

Tech Room of the Taneyhills Library. Fee for the four weeks is just $10 and may be paid by credit card or cash at the Library Circulation Desk. Class is limited to eight participants, and registration is required. Register online at thlibrary.org or call the Library Circulation Desk at 417-334-1418.

Petition being prepared to place property tax assessment freeze on county ballot

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

A petition drive is underway in Taney County to implement a property tax assessment freeze for residents age 65 and older. The freeze was part of Missouri Senate Bill 190, signed by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson in July 2023, after receiving overwhelming support across party lines by Missouri lawmakers. The legislation also ends state taxes on Social Security benefits beginning in 2024. Currently, Missouri residents pay taxes on Social Security benefits if they make more than $85,000 a year or, if married, they make $100,000 a year or more; the 2023 legislation extends the tax break to all seniors.

In order for the property tax portion of the bill to take effect, it must be approved by individual counties. County commissioners can schedule the tax assessment freeze as an agenda item at a regular meeting, invite public comment, and vote to approve it; or, if this is not done, a petition can be submitted by citizens who are registered

voters in the county to place the question on a county ballot for voter approval.

Taney County resident Josh Smith has been spearheading petition efforts. After preparing a petition and ensuring it meets legal requirements, collection of signatures began on August 28. Based on required percentages, slightly over 1,300 verified registered voter signatures will be needed in Taney County.

Smith said support for the effort has been very encouraging, including many calls and messages from people wanting to help; and he believes the issue will pass with overwhelming voter support when placed on the ballot.

Although Smith is not yet himself in the age demographic affected, he expressed concern for family members and friends who will have trouble stretching fixed incomes to cover any additional property tax increases, and he has reminded area residents, “We will all be in that age group at some point.” He also reminded people that many senior citizens downsize for retirement in order to keep their budget manageable and are not looking to sell or profit from their home. The assessment freeze does not mean they will cease paying property

taxes, but simply that they are not expected to absorb the continued assessment increases that come with surrounding large developments and other changes in which they have no say.

Smith said he is disappointed in claims by several agencies that the law is vague or impractical. He urged citizens to read it for themselves, and also to remember that these agencies are taxpayer-funded and should be working on behalf of the citizens. He is particularly concerned about a template ordinance suggested by the Missouri Association of Counties containing language to possibly exclude retired teachers, railroad workers, and others who have contributed to approved pension plans other than Social Security, since such exclusions would go against the law as written and signed by the governor. Smith has been in communication with other counties as the issue develops. Greene County recently passed a more restrictive version closer to the MAC template; Camden County, though, is on track with an ordinance Smith feels reads more closely to what the legislature actually passed.

SEE PROPERTY TAX, PAGE 10A

Coach Hancock and his family (Photo courtesy of Branson Public Schools)

BY JANET STEINKAMP, Editor

The quote above is from Captain Chris Strobach, NRP, clinical services and chief training officer for Taney County Ambulance District paramedics. Over the course of about ten years, Strobach has instructed lifesaving CPR to nearly 80 paramedics.

The Hollister Chamber, Hollister Rotary and Taney County Ambulance District partner to save lives through CPR training. Strobach explained that TCAD’s goal is to reach 2,000 individuals to take a CPR course. According to Strobach, in the event of cardiac arrest outside the hospital, there is only a 3%

- 4% survival rate. In the U.S.—the most medically advanced nation in the world—we can only save 3%-4%, he said. About 40 people each hour have a cardiac arrest while not in the hospital—approximately 350,000 people a year. The importance of CPR training for non-medical individuals can’t be stressed enough.

Learning Hands-Only CPR class can buy precious time to save a life until trained medical personnel arrive.

As Strobach explained, following the Korean War the U.S. adopted bad habits such as becoming more sedentary due to exercising less,

adopting poor eating habits, smoking, drinking, and more which has led to an increase in cardiac-related issues. Other causes of cardiac arrest include drowning, choking and opiate abuse.

You may wonder how effective and lifesaving CPR actually is. Individuals in cardiac arrest need chest compressions from CPR within four to five minutes after the last heartbeat before brain cells begin to die. Strobach explained that after 10 minutes from the last heartbeat, the brain is gone. Although CPR can produce only 15-20% of normal blood flow with compressions, that is enough to keep the brain alive. During the Hands-Only CPR class, Strobach discussed three basics: technique, rate and depth of compressions to ensure that CPR is done correctly. He also demonstrated the proper use of the automated external defibrillator (AED) that is commonly found in public places such as churches, schools, event centers and more.

You are invited to spend just one hour partnering with TCAD to prepare to save a life. There is a dramatic im-

provement of survival from cardiac arrest outside of the hospital when CPR is administered immediately until trained medical personnel assist. The Good Samaritan Law protects individuals administering CPR from litigation considering rendering aid a “good faith attempt.”

Hands-Only CPR classes are FREE and held monthly at TCAD in Hollister. Upcoming Hands-Only CPR classes will be held September 28, October 19 and November 16 from 9-10 a.m. at Taney County Ambulance District, 106 Industrial Park Drive, Hollister. For more information and to register online, go to hollisterchamber. net/event or phone the Hollister Chamber, 417-334-3050.

Stone County Historical Genealogical Society and Museum celebrate September with history of float fishing

BY BARBARA BOOTH

The Stone County Historical Genealogical Society and Museum look forward to celebrating the month of September by featuring the “History of Float Fishing.”

Stone County’s first history of tourism was “Float Fishing on the James River.” In the early 1900s, Galena was known as the “Float Fishing Capital of the World.”

Patty Roman, our videographer and director of museum

displays, is extremely busy with interviews and setting up historical Float Fishing exhibits and tapes for our viewing library.

Tom Koob will present a program on “Float Fishing”Tourism Before the Lake on Saturday, September 9, at 2 p.m. in the Kimberling Area Library. Tom Koob, the author of “Buried by Table Rock Lake,” will also be available for a book signing. A fish fry will be held Saturday, September 23, from 5

For information on attending a CPR class outside the TCAD facility, please contact Chris Strobach: cstrobach@ tcad.net or 417-334-6586.

Please consider taking a one-hour Hands-Only CPR class through the TCAD— someone’s life may depend on your training!

Pets of the Week

Tri-Lakes Humane Society, Reeds Spring Call (417) 272-8113 or visit tri-lakeshumanesoc.org

CRANE. Female, DOB 3-1-2021. Crane came from a hoarding situation but with some time has become a friendly girl. She is quiet, content and loves playing with the other cats. She has been at the shelter for a while and is very ready for a forever home. As a longterm resident, her adoption fee is discounted to $42.50!

CARSON. Male, Miniature Australian Shepherd, DOB 12-11-2019. This poor boy was owner relinquished. He knows some commands and is very smart. He is not fond of men, children, or other dogs. He takes some time to get to know you and will need some patience to ensure a good fit. But once you’re acquainted, he is the sweetest love bug. Do you have room in your heart for this handsome guy? He has been at the shelter since 2020 and really needs a place to call home.

My name is Chanel Beltran! I like to play a lot and get belly rubs. I’m very friendly, and like to say hi to other dogs. I enjoy going out for ice cream and going on walks around Turtle Creek. I am a very special member of my family!

www.turtlecreekbranson.com info@turtlecreekbranson.com

p.m. to 7 p.m. at the museum Event Center and Community Gathering Place at 117 Main Street in Crane.

Importance of Hands-Only CPR: ‘It takes a village to save a life in cardiac arrest’

Rebecka Gillen and James Gillen practicing the Hands-Only CPR technique (Photo by Janet Steinkamp)

Chris Strobach, NRP - Clinical Captain, Taney County Ambulance District (Photo by Janet Steinkamp)

Looking for Dave Ramsey’s “Dave Says...” and Stock Market Insights? You’ll find them in our new business section, pages 2 and 3C.

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

KIM CHAPPELL Ad Designer gabbydor210@gmail.com

PATTY DOERPINGHAUS

Stone Co. Account Rep. (530) 739-5560 pattyd.ads@gmail.com

MARK FEDER Taney Co. Account Rep. (805) 320-3746 shotgunart@yahoo.com

JOHN FULLERTON Area Historian

TIFFANY GRAVETT Staff Writer tiffanykgravett@gmail.com

KAREN HALFPOP Digital/Production Mgr. production@bransonglobe. com

K.D. MICHAELS Staff Writer kdmichaelsbranson1@ gmail.com

LINDA PAGE Entertainment Writer lpage65@centurytel.net

CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer cjthomas74@yahoo.com www.cynthiajthomas.com

DARYL WEATHER Weather Forecaster bransonwx@gmail.com

EDITORIAL POLICY:

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

Chiefs’ President Mark Donovan compared the Chiefs’ success and Branson’s tourism success during recent years. The comments came during the formal signing of the agreement between the Chiefs, the City of Branson, and the Branson/Lakes Area

What’s the problem: Record-breaking unprecedented tourism and your business isn’t doing well?

Tourism Community Enhancement District. In his comments, Mr. Donovan compared the record-breaking unprecedented success of the Chiefs in football and Branson in tourism over the last few years.

As Mr. Donovan spoke, the Ole Seagull thought about the measurement used to show the unprecedented record-breaking performance of the last few years. From a Chief’s perspective, it’s about winning games and Super Bowl trophies. From a Branson perspective, it’s the number of tourists coming to Branson

and tax revenues.

“Now hold on, Seagull, are you saying, 2020 excluded, that Branson has had record-breaking tourists and tax revenues over the last few years? “That’s what he believes.”

That belief is based on the actual tax figures of the City of Branson from its Tourism Tax, and the CVB reports on the number of tourists coming to Branson. “Well, Seagull, if that’s the case why is there some disagreement between the city and the CVB as to the marketing of Branson?” “Things can

always be done better, but from an Ole Seagull’s perspective, he would proceed with caution about changing a “game plan” that is winning games.”

At a minimum, before making any significant changes, he would:

1. Give the developing relationship between City Administrator Cathy Stepp and the CVB time to mature.

2. Conduct a short three-question business survey of Branson’s tourism-related businesses asking:

a. What marketing, intercept or out of market,

is your business doing to take advantage of the record-breaking number of tourists coming to Branson?

b. What specific type of marketing do you believe will bring more tourists into your business?

c. What is the main reason a tourist should want to enter your business and buy what you are selling?

3. Get the answers to the following questions:

a. If the current growth is not the right kind of growth, what is?

b. If a particular business or market sector is down, is

Reflections: Every day God gives me

the occupation of Japan; but during my growing-up years, he rarely spoke of the war.

Except for one story.

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS Staff Writer

Like many World War II veterans, my dad never talked much about his experiences. Going through his belongings after he passed away, I found many indications that he witnessed some horrible things while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in the South Pacific, where he fought in the battles of Saipan and Okinawa and served in

I’m not sure of the exact date, but apparently Dad and his companions were on a troop ship, headed toward the Japanese mainland. The average Marine knew no details of the Manhattan Project and possible nuclear attack; they were just awaiting orders for an invasion, when one day, the sound of an approaching aircraft seized everyone’s attention. As it came closer, it was obviously a kamikaze plane headed right for them.

Dad said some men dropped to their knees in prayer; some held pocket-sized Bibles; others reso-

lutely faced forward—but at the last possible second, the plane swerved and crashed into the ocean nearby. Crew members using binoculars reported being able to see the pilot’s face in the cockpit, and several said they were positive the man smiled and raised a hand in salute.

The use of the atomic bomb likely saved hundreds of thousands of Allied lives, but before the Enola Gay ever took off, an unknown Japanese pilot, for who knows what reason, decided to spare a ship full of Americans. Since many innocent civilians were not in agreement with their emperor, Dad said he liked to think maybe that pilot had a praying mother or grandmother, or maybe the pilot knew the attack was

wrong but had no way to escape until that split-second decision. Dad even wondered if he might meet that pilot in heaven someday.

Dad always believed his and his companions’ lives were spared for a reason. After becoming a Christian himself, he determined to take every opportunity to share the gospel with others, quoting from Philippians 2:13, “. . . for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (NIV).

Greg Mundis, whose story was shared in last week’s Reader’s Corner, says it well, “. . . Our Sovereign Lord makes the decision for us as to when we enter His glory and when we remain

on earth to fulfill a purpose He has for our lives.”

Dad did jail ministry for many years and never hesitated to share his faith with co-workers and friends. During his last couple of years on earth, he often became frustrated with his physical frailty and questioned why God hadn’t yet taken him to heaven. But when I reminded him that God apparently wasn’t done with him, he found purpose in prayer. I often took him a list of prayer needs from family and friends, and he also prayed for his nursing home care team. I pray that Dad’s World War II story—and his example—continue to remind me that every day I’m given is for a purpose.

Been Thinkin’ About... The great ragged ridges of the Western South

afternoon and the hardwood floor creaked comfortably.

been a state of their own — the State of the Ozarks.

BY JOSHUA HESTON StateoftheOzarks Media & Design

It has been 16 years since I began StateoftheOzarks, although the official anniversary of the magazine will coincide with StateoftheOzarks Fest in downtown Hollister on September 16.

Sixteen long years ago, I was a different man. Memories of a summer hallway in a house in which I grew up come to mind, that afternoon in which I took a deep breath and uploaded the first version of the magazine to the servers. A blustery summer wind was in the curtains that

That home was a home back then, and my home at that, the only one I had ever known. Only one year prior I had typed the words “State of the Ozarks” for the first time. It was May 2006 and I was writing an article about the Missouri fiddle for a different project entirely, having interviewed Ozarks fiddle player Greg Bailey. He spoke of his fiddle teacher, the venerable Bob Walsh, how Bob had taught a generation of young fiddlers in the ‘60s and ‘70s, was game warden of Stone County, and believed the Ozarks held such a unique culture that the space should never have been chunks of Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Instead — he thought — the mountains should have

A lot of summer breezes have blown through the curtains since. StateoftheOzarks is no longer “just a project” for me, but instead my life’s defining work. Many projects have been completed. Many projects continue, including StateoftheOzarks Fest, the Hollister First Friday Art Walk, the Hollister Farmers Market, and Dark Ozarks Podcast. Grief, loss and the unthinkable leaving behind of things, all have changed me irrevocably, at times shadowing my steps but my commitment to “the project” has not wavered. “You could do this somewhere else,” some say. “You have skills. You could live anywhere.” No, I really could not. Home, back where I

came from, is no longer home. There is no place for me, except in these old hills.

I suspect in time, I’ll be like one of those old mountain rattlers, coiled up in my rocks, biting those who would venture unwarily within my territory.

Because in the end, that’s the Ozarks way and it is a way nearly as old as these mountains themselves. Did the land draw a certain kind of people? Or are harmless flat landers somehow changed by the ridges and hollers and closeness of the skies? These are the “U.S. Interior Highlands” according to the officials and that is true. The Ozarks are also the great, ragged ridges of the western South and our culture and dialects prove it. We are not the Midwest, though strange flanking pockets of seemingly innocuous Yankees

appear here and there with the bland accents of Omaha, Des Moines, or Peoria. I grew up speaking that dialect at school, at work, knowing we spoke a mountain dialect at home, knowing others laughed at us for our backward ways when our way of talkin’ showed. Uniformity in culture. That’s what sells, right? Telemarketing companies find home in those Midwestern cities because those people sound like people everywhere, no discernible accent remaining. Regional culture? That’s a pastiche, something to affect if it sells to the tourists, not something you feel deep down in the bones. But uniformity in culture is dangerous. You might think you’re just selling a bit of the past, a bit of the self, but you’re not. In the end, you’re selling your soul.

Journaling: Seven benefits for improving your mental health

nize the mess and mayhem of questions, curiosities, memories and dreams raging around in my head. Not only does journaling give mental chatter clarity and direction, but it can also increase gratitude and help manage feelings of anxiety and depression. Best of all?

BY DR. JOHN DELONY, mental health expert, and relationships and emotional wellness teacher with Ramsey Solutions.

Journaling is one of my favorite tools to get clarity around my thoughts and feelings. It helps me orga-

It only costs a few minutes of your time—plus a few bucks for a pen and a notebook. In fact, journaling as a mental health exercise is one of my top recommendations for people setting out on the path to getting well.

So, are you wondering

how to start journaling?

Let’s get into it.

Journaling is a practice of writing down your thoughts, feelings, ideas, concerns, questions and dreams. You can journal in a notebook or on your computer (though I highly, highly recommend using an old-fashioned pen and paper). You can even journal on the back of a napkin if you have to.

Journaling is a low-pressure, private exercise you can start immediately. It’ll help you pause and self-reflect as you write about your experiences, get your thoughts and

ideas out of your body and on to the page, and let your mental chatter come into sharper focus.

When I journal, I like to carry around a notebook with me at all times and write down the stories I’m telling myself. I write about things I think about myself, as well as things happening with my kids, at work and in my marriage. I write down my automatic limiting responses and ideas for next steps. Then I examine those thoughts and ask myself, Is what I think about this thought or situation true? Doing this helps

me, and it will help you too.

(Are you wondering, What’s the difference between a diary and a journal? Diaries are used to record daily events, and journals are used to log your thoughts, observations and ideas.)

Seven benefits of journaling for mental health

Here’s the great thing about journaling: You don’t have to be the next great American novelist to start. You don’t even have to enjoy writing.

Sitting down for just a few minutes a day to jot SEE JOURNALING, PAGE 11A

BY PAT LAMB Columnist

Ionce viewed a video from the Missouri School Board Association that started off with a statement that one out of every five students in Missouri high schools contemplates suicide at one time or another. What a terrible statistic! The gentleman speaking went on to encourage all school workers in Missouri to be on the lookout for troubled students.

Train Up a Child: It’s tough to be a teen

Why would teens want to commit suicide? One of the reasons given by experts is lack of hope. Another reason is the use of drugs. A third reason, in my opinion, may be a lack of religious training to educate them with the fact that suicide is not an end, but a beginning of an afterlife. It is difficult for teenagers to cope in society. Most adults expect teens to be a problem. This causes teens to feel that it is normal for them to do things they shouldn’t be doing. I believe, as do many other teachers with whom I’ve spoken, that around age 12 a child comes to a crossroad in life. At this point, the child makes a decision as to whether he/she will try

to live a good life or just go for doing what feels good at the moment. Peer pressure influences this decision greatly. In addition to peer pressure, children at this age have generally come in contact with many different sets of values. Each teacher in school has his/ her own set of rules and values. Parents have a set of rules and values. If the child comes from a broken home, the rules and values of step parents have also probably differed. The children have to deal with the values and rules of grandparents from both the real parents and the step parents. Is it any wonder that children become confused? This is especially true considering the fact that most children have not

attended church to learn the real values taught there.

Hormonal changes at this point in life have a great effect on the child. Studies show that the cerebellum, the back part of the brain, is actually larger in puberty in proportion to the cerebrum, the front part of the brain. This causes the teen to act on impulse rather than thinking things through. It isn’t until about age 20 that the two parts of the brain come to correct proportion. Rapid growth accompanies hormonal changes and causes a child to be awkward. One week, when a child reached for a glass of water, the arm was at one length. Soon after, the arm is longer and the brain hasn’t adjusted to the new length, and the child

What are your toxic traits?

holier than though attitudes, the blind loyalty and fear of being alone. We often try to hide them within ourselves while we despise the same qualities in others. This reminds me of Matthew 7:3-

BY HEATHER HAYGOOD Columnist

The journey into selflove and self-acceptance must begin with self-examination… until you take the journey of self-reflection, it is almost impossible to grow or learn in life.” – Iyanla Vanzant

We all have them or have had them…the short tempers, the opinions no one asked for, the judgmental stares and comments, the

Continued from page 4A

only marketing to blame?

c. What activities by guests to the “Branson market” generate the most revenue?

d. Should Branson mar-

5. Jesus said, “Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. “ You cannot grow without introspection.. We’ve all been there in some way…. the horrible breakup, the falling out with one of our dearest friends or

ket in a way that attracts new and repeat visitors and has more things for them to do so they stay longer, come back more often, and spend more money each time? or d. Should we market

the disintegration of a close familial relationship and we just don’t know why. It’s easy to blame someone else because we can feel the sting of their shortcomings. But, what about YOUR shortcomings?

Do you want me to give you the recipe for having the same relationship over and over with many different people? Here it is. Always blame the other party involved and never reflect on your own actions. You will be sure to continually attract the same experiences.

I’m not talking about taking responsibility for things that have nothing to do with you. I’m talking about ask-

Branson in a way that makes a particular group of locals, businesses, or sectors feel better?

As an Ole Seagull sees, the CVB’s job is to bring people to Branson, which it appears they are doing in

ing yourself this question, “What was my part in this?” You need to be brutally honest with yourself.

When you have found the ability to come down from the high emotions of the breakup or fight, you should find a quiet place, grab a piece of paper, and get to work.

“What was my part in this?”

“Do I need to apologize?”

“What do I need to learn so that I don’t have to repeat this experience again?”

“Did I bring toxicity into this relationship?”

“What were my toxic traits?”

“What can I do to fix/ heal these negative character traits?”

record-breaking numbers. If you’re asking, “Why aren’t more people coming into my business?” The simple answer is, “They choose not to.” For whatever reason, they spend their money and time in

may turn the glass over and spill the water. On top of all of this, horror of horrors, pimples start appearing on the face!

While all of these things are happening, children can be very cruel to each other.

Bullying is terrible, but it does exist. We can’t guard every word that comes from the mouth of someone, but, thankfully, efforts are being made in many schools to stop bullying.

Is it any wonder that teens are looking for a way out of all of this? It is too bad that they don’t understand that suicide is not the answer. We need to remind teens that all that is happening is temporary, and if they can hold on, things will get better.

You are only a failure if you fail to learn.

I hate things that feel like they are wasting my life. Repeating the same mistakes repeatedly feels like wasted time to me. I want to learn. I want to grow. I want to wake up and do better every day for the rest of my life. I want this for me, and I want this for my children. Like it or not, our children will more than likely repeat the mistakes they see us repeating. It isn’t easy.

It isn’t easy. I’m reminded of the butterfly transformation when I think of this. During the metamorphosis of the caterpillar to a butterfly, the butterfly goes through an extremely

Branson doing something else or going somewhere else. Now, we can point fingers at the CVB and try to blame whoever for whatever, but at the end of the day, they have done their job. Record-break-

The very best thing parents can do is to get their children in a good church that teaches the love of Christ. If they understand this principle, they will always feel loved. As they are taught that God has a plan for each life, they experience hope that is so desperately needed. It is difficult to understand why more parents don’t get their children in church. It costs no money. Additional people are concerned for the child’s welfare. Many activities are provided that are wholesome activities. I could go on and on about the positive values of church and can think of no negative things. Let’s do what is best for our children and put our personal likes and dislikes aside.

tedious process. Within the chrysalis the newly transformed butterfly is soft and tender while the chrysalis has a very hard protective layer. Breakthroughs are almost always hard or uncomfortable. In my experience the pain is always worth the progress.

May we all learn to tackle our own toxic traits so that we can be better spouses, friends, parents, children, siblings and all around better humans in general. If you have been enjoying my articles, please visit hshaygood.com and click “The Love Journey” tab to order your copy.

“Love is a journey not a destination.”

ing numbers of tourists are coming to Branson. It’s up to individual businesses to have a product people want and market so that enough people know about it and purchase it to keep them in business.

• OLE SEAGULL

New alliance will transform health care education in the region

Submitted to Branson Globe

Four of our region’s leading institutions announced the creation of the Alliance for Healthcare Education on Aug. 29.

The Alliance is a bold, collaborative approach that will develop the talent to meet – and exceed – our region’s health care workforce needs for decades to come.

The new entity is an unprecedented partnership between CoxHealth, Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Community College and Springfield Public Schools. Leaders at these institutions recognize that by working together, they can achieve more than any one of them could alone.

When the partnership is fully realized, the Alliance will be the largest producer of health sciences professionals in the Midwest.

The joint announcement took place at Cox College, where the leaders of the four partnering institutions –Max Buetow, president and CEO of CoxHealth; Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of OTC;

Dr. Grenita Lathan, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools; and Clif Smart, president of Missouri State University – came together to share the news.

“The Alliance for Healthcare Education will benefit an array of stakeholders — students, the health care sector and patients,” the leaders of the four institutions said in a joint statement. “This pioneering collaboration promises to improve access to training opportunities while maintaining affordability. By refining and simplifying these educational pathways, our community’s medical providers will have access to a larger pool of well-qualified professionals capable of fulfilling vital roles from administration to the operating room.

“Despite its composition as a consortium of educational institutions, the collective gains are far-reaching, for we will all inevitably engage with the health care profession at some point. This collaboration will enhance patient

experience and outcomes, yielding mutual advantages for everyone involved.”

Across the country, the health care sector is grappling with a notable workforce challenge, and our region is no exception. In southwest Missouri, we are uniquely positioned for collaboration with strong educational and health care professionals who are accustomed to working together.

The creation of the Alliance will allow each institution to bring their strengths to more students than ever before.

The Alliance will inspire and prepare future health care experts by providing unsurpassed access to the

highest quality interdisciplinary education and industry experiences. Students will achieve their full professional potential through seamless pathways that support them at every stage of their careers.

As part of the change, Cox College will be fully integrated into the Alliance.

Current Cox College students will complete their programs. Pending approval of the Higher Learning Commission and other accrediting organizations, over time, Cox College will transition its bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs to MSU, and its associate programs to OTC.

In addition, OTC and

SPS will work to establish a pathway through which high school juniors and seniors can participate in health education programs offered by OTC. These programs will allow students to simultaneously complete their high school diploma while earning an associate degree.

Ultimately, the Alliance will create pipelines that allow students early access to the industry and professional opportunities.

In the future, the Alliance hopes to attract other participants, including additional high schools. The Alliance will be housed at Cox North, including space where Cox College is currently located.

The Alliance will be estab-

lished as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, owned by the four parties. The Alliance will be administered by a governing board comprised of the chief executive officers of the owner-participants, and one or more community board members as determined by the owner-participants. Day-today operational decisions will be vetted and recommended by an Operations Council of representatives from each of the owner-participants. In the coming months, all four organizations will work through details, and provide updates to the public on this exciting new chapter in workforce development for our region.

Faith Community Health to offer healthy cooking class

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

Are you interested in saving money while achieving a healthier lifestyle? Cooking healthy meals at home is one way to accomplish those goals. Faith Community Health invites the commu-

nity to “Cooking Matters,” a six-week series of hands-on classes on Thursday afternoons from September 7 to October 12, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The classes are a program of the University of Missouri Extension and will be taught by Jenni Nevatt, who has

taught several classes at Faith Community Health. “Anyone can benefit from learning about healthy meal prep, especially since we are all in sticker shock at the grocery store,” said Nevatt. She would particularly like to see lots of parents and guardians of area children take the class, to help families build healthy habits early in their kids’ lives.

Participants will learn, practice and discuss several helpful topics:

Save time and money and reduce stress in the kitchen.

Learn to make budget-friendly ingredient substitutions.

• Share ideas for getting kids involved in the kitchen

and preparing kid-friendly snacks and meals.

• Learn to prep and freeze meals ahead of time to reduce last-minute decisions to eat fast food out on busy days. Discuss healthy snack ideas.

Each class will include preparing and sampling a simple, healthy and delicious recipe.

This class is FREE, but pre-registration is required by September 5; call 417546-4431 or visit www. extension.missouri.edu and enter keywords Faith Community Health. FCH is located at 1232 Branson Hills Pkwy., Suite 104.

Max Buetow (FILE) Dr. Hal Higdon (FILE) Dr. Grenita Lathan (FILE) Clif Smart (FILE)

Area school news briefs: Our schools are awesome!

College of the Ozarks hosts Character Camp for fall 2023 incoming class

College of the Ozarks hosted Character Camp, an orientation program for incoming students, from Aug. 11-18, 2023. The College welcomed 274 new students and estimates enrollment for fall at 1,430.

Character Camp provides an intensive orientation to the College and outlines what is expected of students. The program is designed to develop character and provides new students with a built-in support system that helps them navigate their college experience.

Character Camp places the incoming students into groups called “families” that consist of approximately 10 students. Each family is led by a male and female upperclassman student identified as “Mom” and “Pop.” This fall, the incoming class was divided into 26 families.

In addition to participating in fun activities, the students also learn the importance of giving back to the community through community service projects designed to serve the campus and local community. Students painted fences, cleaned buildings, stained furniture, and cleaned the campus hog farm as just a few examples.

evaluated by various members of the College and judged on relevance, clarity, depth and accuracy.

College of the Ozarks to hold 9/11 memorial ceremony on Sept. 11

On Monday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m., College of the Ozarks will hold a special ceremony to commemorate the lives of those who perished in the terrorist attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend the ceremony.

The ceremony will be held at the Lest We Forget 9/11 Memorial located next to the Point Lookout Fire Department on James Forsythe Drive on the College of the Ozarks campus.

Special guest speaker, Dr. Loren M. Lundstrom, is a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel.

The ceremony will include a welcome by Dr. Brad Johnson, College of the Ozarks president, music from the College of the Ozarks Concert Band, the raising of the 9/11 National Remembrance Flag, a special presentation by the fifth-grade students at the College’s S. Truett Cathy Lower School, and special remarks by Lundstrom.

“College of the Ozarks is intentional about involving students in such importance remembrances to help them learn, so that we never forget,” said Valorie Coleman, public relations director. “This ceremony is also a great opportunity for members of the community to come together in remembrance with the entire campus family.”

Rocket League team registration deadline is September 1

Join the Hollister Schools Foundation and TeachMeHow Gaming in breaking down the barriers to learning for students of the Hollister R-V School District by entering a team in the Inaugural Hollister Schools Foundation 2v2 Rocket League Tournament Fundraiser.

Tournament entry is FREE and is open to any student 13 years of age or older. Students will need to bring a controller and their KBM login.

The end of Character Camp culminates in a banquet where students enjoy one more night of fellowship with their families. There is an address from a speaker designed to encourage and challenge the students, as well as an announcement of the winners of the “Reflections on Christlike Character” essay required of each student. The essays are

Teams of two may register through Discord at https://discord.gg/3ZBbrmVDtk. Contact Ryan Gdovin at foundation@ hollisterschools.com or 417-559-1405 for more information.

Only 16 teams will be accepted. Get your team enrolled today! Registration deadline is September 1, 2023.

Community Blood Drive at Reeds Spring High School September 5

Reeds Spring High School will host a community blood drive on Tuesday, September 5, from 9:00-2:00 in the auxiliary gym

Area high school football schedules...

Character Camp at C of O (Special to Branson Globe)

Third Annual Recovery Jamboree celebrates community members in recovery from Mental health and substance use disorders

Submitted to Branson Globe

September is Recovery Month and there is no better way to celebrate those in recovery from mental health and substance use challenges than by coming together for a day of free, family-friendly fun! Join over 30 local agencies in celebrating

at the Sanctuary of Hope on Saturday, September 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a live band, free lunch, giveaways, resources, a food distribution and more. The event is family focused, so bring the kids to enjoy free snow cones, popcorn, games and so much

more!

This event emphasizes that individuals in recovery and their support systems can be change agents in our communities,” stated Marietta Hagan, project coordinator with CoxHealth. “It is critical that people experiencing mental health and

substance use disorders receive the support they need. The reality is that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover.”

This event is part of Recovery Month, an international observance. The ob-

servance raises awareness of mental health and substance use disorders, celebrates individuals in recovery, and acknowledges the work of prevention, treatment and recovery support services.

The event is hosted through collaboration between local prevention, treatment and

recovery support providers. “We all have the potential to make a difference and be visible, vocal and valuable to help spread the message that recovery is possible.” stated Hagan. “Only through working together can we become a recovery ready community.

New scholarship fund established for graduates of Taney County high schools

Submitted to Branson Globe

Starting in 2024, Taney County high school graduates can apply for a new scholarship. The Carter Family Hero Scholarship Fund has been created to help ease the burden of post-secondary

• SCHOOLS

Continued from page 8A

All donors will receive a T-shirt and two tickets to Dickerson Park Zoo. You can make an appointment by looking for this story on the district website, www. rs-wolves.com. You will also find a link there to fill out a Quick Pass on the day of the blood drive, which makes the check-in process go faster. Appointments are strongly encouraged to manage donor flow.

Fall sports season begins for Reeds Spring Wolves

Reeds Spring High School began its fall sports season last week. The football team defeated Monett 33-28. Quarterback Blandy Burall threw three touchdown passes, two of them to James Dowdy and one to Miguel Campos. Burall also rushed for a touchdown.

Jace Bolin added another rushing touchdown for the Wolves.

Softball: In the Halfway Tournament, the RSHS softball team lost 5-1 to Norwood and 6-2 to Halfway, then beat New Covenant 8-7 to finish fifth overall. Jamie Valentine had four hits, Sedona Schrunk had three hits and scored three runs, and Cami Lee struck out six batters.

Volleyball : At the Branson tournament, Reeds Spring beat Parkview but lost to Republic, Summit Christian, and Bolivar.

Skaggs Foundation helps keep students hydrated during heat wave

As students were preparing to head back to school earlier this month, Skaggs Foundation was preparing to help keep those students hydrated and healthy. Earlier this month, Skaggs Foundation staff and volunteers delivered nearly 11,000 water bottles between 12 school districts in Stone and Taney counties.

Those water bottles have been key for many students

education for the children of Taney County First Responder Heroes who were either killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty. The scholarship is also available to Taney County high school students who

plan on pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, Fire Sciences or Emergency Medical Services.

On September 16, 2016, now-retired Taney County Deputy Sheriff Darin Carter was shot in the line

of duty. In a statement announcing the new scholarship fund, Carter said his family wanted to help give back to other Taney County families that had been through situations similar to theirs. However, they

Hagler saw fewer students coming to her office for headaches and dehydration and believed their district also didn’t see a spike in flu cases like other districts

also have seen the need to offer a first responder career scholarship to the students in this area.

The scholarship application will be available as of September 16 each year, and the scholarship dead-

because germs were not being spread at the water fountains. Skaggs Foundation eventually expanded the project to provide water bottles annually to all Stone

line will fall on April 1.

For more information, students can email carterfamilyhero@gmail.com; send a message via Facebook @carterfamilyheroscholarshipfund; or contact their high school counselor.

and Taney county school districts. Funding for the water bottles is made possible through Skaggs Legacy Endowment.

during the recent high heat.

“As the nurse for the district, I have been especially grateful for these water bottles during our current heat wave, and their importance in reducing the likelihood of our students experiencing heat related illnesses,” said Kirbyville

School Nurse Kathryn Gubin. The water bottle project started in 2018 when Galena Abesville Elementary School Nurse Julia Hagler requested grant funds to install a water bottle filling station and provide water bottles for students.

Students at Hollister Elementary (Special to Branson Globe)

DEATH NOTICES

Blanton, Darlene B. 88 Forsyth Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel, Forsyth

Carter, Kenneth Wayne 63 Crane Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane

Fuentes, Gustavo “Junior” 30 Reeds Spring Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City

Gleaves, Jerry Lee 95 Lampe Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City Harris, Hugh Lloyd 78 Kirbyville Cremations of the Ozarks

Johnson, Bernard H. “BJ” 81 Forsyth Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory

• BOB BARKER

Continued from page 1A

He was most known for his work on the CBS game

• PROPERTY TAX

Continued from page 2A

Smith still hopes the Taney County commissioners will

son Mayor Larry Milton. Milton said that definition was critical to him signing the agreement to ensure that the marketing and promotions, under the agreement, are used to generate revenue and visitors for the restaurants, live shows, attractions, lodging facilities, etc., only within the city limits of Branson and the TCED.

The marketing benefits that Branson will receive are substantial. Branson and the Lakes Area will receive experiential and digital activation assets, including an annual in-market season kickoff rally with Chiefs personalities. Additionally, Branson will have

show “The Price is Right,” where he remained for 35 years, retiring in 2007. It was his work on “The Price

reconsider approving the property tax freeze as an agenda item, but said the petition will be ready if needed, and

a significant presence around the club’s NFL Draft coverage and fan events, including serving as the presenting partner of the annual Season Ticket Member Draft Fest at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Other benefits include participating in the club’s annual Red Friday tradition, a game day activation space in the Ford Tailgate District, and serving as the presenting partner of the Hometown Hero program, designed to honor public servants and frontline workers serving their communities. In addition, fans will see digital assets in Chiefs preseason game broadcasts, on social media, and signage deployed throughout GEHA Field

is Right” that earned Barker 19 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

indications are that it will have more than an adequate number of signatures. There is no provision for digital signatures

at Arrowhead.

Chiefs’ President Mark Donovan conveyed his excitement for the partnership. He points out that one of the reasons he believes the relationship will be successful is that the foundational beliefs of both organizations are aligned. “You guys talk about faith, family, flag and fun. We talk about faith, family, flag and football.” Another area of similarity was record success. He pointed out the record-breaking unprecedented success of the Chiefs over the last few years, on and off the field, comparing it to the unprecedented record-breaking tourism success Branson has enjoyed during that period.

“At the end of the day,

Johnson, Edna M. (Pressley) 95 Bradleyville Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel, Forsyth Pace, John Arthur 80 Kimberling City Cremations of the Ozarks

Richardson, Freda Louise 95 Forsyth Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory

Strother, Berverly Joan 83 Taneyville Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory

Ward, Carl David 89 Hollister Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory

Wieting, Gary Lee 61 Branson Cremations of the Ozarks

Bob Barker is remembered as one of America’s brightest stars. Throughout his life, he continued as an

due to verification required; they must be hand-signed, but he plans to have numerous opportunities at various locations

we are family-run, Midwestern, and we’re really proud to be associated with Branson,” he added.

Branson Mayor Larry Milton expressed his excitement at Branson becoming the first-ever city to be named the “Official Destination of the Kansas City Chiefs.” “Millions of Chief Kingdom fans will be exposed to Branson’s live music shows, attractions and family fun,” the Mayor added.

“We are so honored that the reigning Super Bowl champion, Kansas City Chiefs, wants to partner with our community! This will raise even more awareness of our unique city to a much bigger audience than ever before. There is a lot of excitement and enthusi -

animal rights activist and remained dedicated to the Ozarks, returning and making generous donations to

and events for citizens to read and sign the petition.

Anyone wanting to help with the petition, or anyone

asm around this effort, and there will be numerous opportunities for our citizens to celebrate our membership in Chiefs Kingdom!” said Cathy Stepp, Branson City Administrator.

“I am very excited about the partnership between the City of Branson and the Kansas City Chiefs organization. I think this is an out of the box type of thinking and is exactly what we need at this time. The times are a changing and there are so many ways to reach new customers and with the Kansas City Chiefs being the top franchise in the NFL, I feel like it is a no-brainer! I look forward to seeing what the creative teams from both entities come up with and

his alma mater, now Drury University, as well as the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri.

who still has questions about the law and its content, is invited to contact Josh Smith directly at 417-334-3872.

moving this forward, and I have no doubt that it is going to be spectacular for the Branson community,” said beloved Branson entertainer, alderman, and Texas Country Music Hall of Famer, Clay Cooper. Branson Alderman Marshall Howden said his experience with the show and the entertainment industry shows how important branding is. “When a team as successful as the Kansas City Chiefs are, that brand holds so much power. So, just seeing the Branson logo beside the Kansas City Chiefs is just thrilling and in alliance with that brand… I’m just thrilled today to align with that brand and continue to grow what we are as Branson, Missouri,” he added.

KING'S AT MUSIC CITY CENTRE PRESENTS

down your thoughts and feelings can start a huge transformation in your mental health, identity and overall wellness.

Journal writing has plenty of benefits for mental health, so let’s look at them.

1. You can practice self-reflection and gain self-awareness.

Journal writing encourages self-reflection and looking within. By writing down your thoughts, feelings and experiences, you get a deeper understanding of what’s going on in your heart, body and mind. Journaling lets you explore your emotions, motivations and beliefs and helps you see behavior patterns, strengths and areas where you can improve. (And it can even help you see when it’s time to talk to a trusted therapist or mentor.)

2. You can experience an emotional release.

Expressing emotions through writing can be refreshing and satisfying. If you’ve ever had a workout that left you swimming in a pool of sweat on the floor or buzzing on a runner’s high, then you know the physical feeling of getting that energy out of your body. Journaling can be the same for your emotions and anxiety. Journaling gives you a space to release pent-up feelings, own your disappointments, and turn down the volume on nonstop mental chatter. Often, things look much less scary when written down on paper. And the scary things that are truly scary stop hiding in the shadows. Either way, there’s relief.

3. You’ll get a new perspective on problems and how to solve them.

Writing about challenges or problems lets you analyze

them objectively. Is your boss really the biggest jerk in the world, or did you not get enough sleep last night? Is divorce really looming in the distance, or have you not been spending enough quality time with your spouse, and now you feel the distance of a thousand miles between you?

As you put your thoughts on paper, you can see the situation more clearly. Journaling helps you organize your thoughts and break down big, ugly problems into bitesized pieces. This change of perspective can give you insights about how to fix whatever’s going on.

4. You can track your personal growth.

Ever found an old iPod (or mix CD if you were born before 1990) in the junk drawer and clicked through your high school playlists? When you find a time capsule like this, you remember exactly how it felt when Stacy dumped you and you listened to Tori Amos on repeat for days.

Journaling has the same effect. You can look back at your entries to see how you were feeling and track your healing and growth progress. You’ll see how you’ve grown, pinpoint repeating challenges, and take stock of how you reached your goals.

5. You’ll improve your critical thinking skills.

When you journal, you give yourself margin to think about things differently. By organizing your thoughts, you can approach situations logically and demand evidence of your feelings. Say I write down, “I’m the worst dad in the world!” I can look at that statement and ask myself, Why do I think that? Then, I can examine what I’ve done (or not done) to

Help

shareYeshua with them

justify that feeling. Often, I’ll see my emotions took off on me, and what I wrote isn’t based in logic or reality. It’s an important reminder that our thoughts and feelings are often untrue.

6. You can reduce stress, regulate your emotions.

Writing about stressful events or tough emotions you’re wrestling with helps you process them—and this can lead you toward peace of mind. Journaling can also improve emotional regulation by letting your negative emotions see the light of day. When you dump your rageful, anxious, confused, excited or frustrated thoughts in a journal, they’re suddenly out of your body, and you can take a deep breath. You’ll have to deal with the negative stories, or the truly abusive relationship, but your body will stop trying to get your attention—because you’re in the driver’s seat of your own life.

7. You can plan and measure your goals.

The simple act of writing down your goals can really boost your motivation. Some people like to use a framework when they’re journaling about setting goals. Using goal-setting guidelines gives people a clear picture of how, when and why they’re going to achieve their goals. Here are some questions you can answer when you’re journaling about your goals:

• What’s your goal? Make your vision as nitty gritty and detailed as possible.

• Why is this a goal? Is it your goal or someone

else’s?

• How will you know if you’ve hit your goal? Will you need resources or other help to reach your goal?

• When do you want to complete this goal? What has to happen between now and then?

How to journal: Eight ways to get started

When you’re learning how to journal, there are a few things to think about before you get started.

1. Pick out the kind of journal you want to use. You can use a physical journal, the Notes app on your phone, or Microsoft Word.

2. Get the room right. Find a quiet and comfortable spot where you can focus and write without distractions. I like to write in my basement gym and even in my car when I need to get some thoughts out.

3. Decide you want to journal each day—and stick with it. If your goal is learning how to journal daily, put your energy into journaling consistently rather than writing a large quantity. Choose a pace that’s doable for you— whether that’s answering a single prompt, writing a full page, or hitting a time goal each day.

4. Set time for journaling.

Scheduling time to journal makes it more likely it’ll become a habit. I’ve found that setting an alarm or calendar reminder helps keep me on track.

5. Start with a writing prompt or topic.

You can find writing prompts online, use a journaling app that offers prompts, or even brainstorm your own topics so you have a starting point for your writing.

6. Track your journaling. Keep track of how often you’re journaling by dating and rereading your entries. You’ll see patterns around when you’re “on” and when you get thrown off track— and why.

7. Make your journal personal.

Your journal can be artsy, logical, full of paragraphs or scribbles or bullet points or stickers or whatever else you want. Go crazy with whatever feels right to you.

8. Bring your journal with you.

I always have a little notebook with me, and I recommend bringing your journal with you too. Pack it in your bag, take it to the park or work, and give yourself a chance to write when the mood strikes.

Tips for Journaling

Wondering what you should write in your journal?

You can write about whatever you want to write about. Remember that a journal is a safe and private space for you, so you have the freedom to be completely authentic and honest without worrying about others’ opinions. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Try freewriting.

Freewriting is when you write continuously without pausing or censoring yourself. Just put your pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard)

and allow your thoughts to flow freely, without worrying about grammar, punctuation or if it makes sense.

2. Get started with prompts and guided exercises.

If you have no idea where to start journaling, don’t freak out. You can use a journal with prompts or answer a few of these questions and prompts to get started:

• What stories are you telling yourself? Are they true?

• Write a prayer to help center your mind.

• Did something frustrate you today? What would make that situation better?

• List five things that inspire you and explain why they have a positive impact on you.

• Write a letter to your future self. What advice or encouragement would you give yourself?

3. Wrap up with gratitude journaling. In a gratitude journal, you write down specific things about your life that you appreciate or feel thankful for. Writing what you’re grateful for shifts your focus toward the positive parts of your life, gives you a sense of appreciation, and can increase overall well-being. By writing what you’re grateful for, you can shift to a more positive mindset, reduce stress, and feel more contentment and happiness. For example, I like to start each day writing down five things I’m grateful for. This sets me up for a mindset of peace and contentment.

Around Town: Here’s what’s going on in the Tri-Lakes

SEPTEMBER

• 2 Pancake Breakfast fundraiser for The Little Paws Daycare, Ozark Mountain Community Church, Blue Eye. This event will be held at the Blue Eye Lions Club, 138 State Hwy EE, Blue Eye, MO, 7:30-10 a.m.

Adults $7, Seniors over 65 and children under 12, $5. For information, call 612-812-9914.

• 3 Spaghetti Lunch at Branson Masonic Lodge (located at 100 Chiefs Ct.) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. All you care to eat for only $8.

• 6 Jukebox Winos, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Roadhouse 165, 892 Hwy 165, Branson. No cover. www.jukeboxwinos.com.

8 & 9 New original musical performance in outdoor theater at 13th century castle, Chateau Charmant. Dinner with the cast available and 7:30 evening performance. Tickets available at https://castleshire. ticketspice.com/httpswwwcastleshireorgfaire-rapunzelhtml.

• 9 Rapunzel: The true story, a new musical, acted out in the outdoor theater at a 13th century castle, 2:30 p.m., Chateau Charmant! Come early and enjoy a small popup faire or have dinner with the cast for an additional fee. https://castleshire.ticketspice.com/ httpswwwcastleshireorgfaire-rapunzelhtml.

• 9 Brook Wellness Cen-

ter 5th Annual Heart for Recovery fundraising gala. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sanctuary of Hope, 790 Bee Creek Road, Branson. $40 per person. Scholarship opportunities available. Register at TheBrookWellnessCenter.org/Events.

• 12 Neighborhood watch planning meeting, at City of Kimberling City Community Center/City Hall, 6:30 p.m. Open to all Kimberling City residents. At least one citizen from each neighborhood requested to attend.

• 13 Kimberling Area Library’s Learning on Wednesday, “Prevention of Falls: Powerful Information for Well-Being” Program begins at 10:15 a.m. in Kimberling Area Library Community Room. Attendance is free. Go to www.kalib.org to find other upcoming educational opportunities.

• 13 Christian Women’s Connection (Stonecroft Ministries) invites all women to lunch and for a special presentation by Sylvana Airan who describes her life in Pakistan. Held at 11:30 a.m. at Point Royale Clubhouse, 142 Clubhouse Dr., Branson. Meal is $17. Reserve

by 9/11 by calling 417294-1287.

13 Jukebox Winos, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Roadhouse 165, 892 Hwy 165, Branson. No cover. www.jukeboxwinos.com.

14 The 50th annual Autumn Daze, presented by Downtown Branson Betterment Association, FREE downtown festival with more than 100 vendors, featuring crafts, food trucks and more.

Thurs., Sept. 14 - Sat., Sept. 16 behind Dicks 5 & 10 on the corner of Atlantic & Commercial St.

• 15 Rapunzel: The true story, a new musical, acted out in the outdoor theater at a 13th century castle, 6:30 p.m., Chateau Charmant! Come early and enjoy a small popup faire or have dinner with the cast for an additional fee. https://castleshire.ticketspice.com/ httpswwwcastleshireorgfaire-rapunzelhtml.

• 15 & 16 The Kimberling City Elks Lodge 2505 to host Junk in the Trunk, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. both days. To sell items, rent parking space for $20 that goes toward fundraising budget for area projects. Contact Keoka Ketcher at 417818-6463 or Deb Heckler

at 815-735-8626 to rent a spot to sell your junk.

15 & 16 Two-day Christmas sale, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. both days at Our Lady of the Ozarks, 951 Swan Valley Drive, Forsyth. https://OurLadyoftheOzarks.com.

15-16 Fly Fishers International Fly-Tying rendezvous. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fly tyers from around the country. Raffles and auctions. Branson-Hollister Lion’s Club, 1015 East State Hwy 76, Branson, MO 65616. https://www.flyfishersinternational.org.

• 15 & 16 New original musical performance in outdoor theater at 13th century castle, Chateau Charmant. Dinner with the cast available and 7:30 evening performance. Tickets available at https://castleshire. ticketspice.com/httpswwwcastleshireorgfaire-rapunzelhtml.

• 15-17 H2Ozarks 23rd annual Shoreline Cleanup Event. To register and/or for sponsorship information, visit the H2Ozarks website at https://h2ozarks.org/ events/cleanup.

16 Rapunzel: The true story, a new musical, acted out in the outdoor theater at a 13th century castle, 2:30 p.m.and 6:30 p.m., Chateau Charmant! Come early and enjoy a small popup faire or have dinner with the cast for an additional fee. https://castleshire.ticketspice.com/ httpswwwcastleshireorgfaire-rapunzelhtml.

16 Rock the Spectrum: A benefit event & concert for families with children on the autism spectrum, 2-10 p.m., at the Branson Landing. All monies raised will go to directly help families affected by autism in Branson and surrounding areas. For more info, please see, https://www. facebook.com/Rock -

TheSpectrum

• 20 Jukebox Winos, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Roadhouse 165, 892 Hwy 165, Branson. No cover. www.jukeboxwinos.com.

21 Taney County Federated Republican Women’s meeting, 6 p.m, with featured speaker Taney County Republican Central Committee member, Susan Bearden. Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant, 15920 U.S. Highway 160, Forsyth.

• 22 Red Cross Blood Drive, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge, 12951 U.S. Hwy 160, Forsyth. Contact 800-733-2767 or redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome. Please consider donating as there is a shortage of blood.

• 22 Blood drive at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, at the Parish Center, 202 Vaughn Drive, Branson. 11 a.m. https://redcrossblood. org

• 23 Craft fair fundraiser for the Relay for Life of Branson. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Vendors needed. Inside at the Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge, 12951 U.S. Hwy 160, Forsyth. Vendor tables $10 each. Contact Terri Williams, 417-230-6200; terri6536@gmail.com for more information; deadline for vendor space is September 15.

• 24 Branson Terry Music Awards, Branson Famous Theatre, 645 State Highway 165. Festivities start at 1 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and provide help for our entertainment community in times of need. For tickets, call All Access Branson at 417-332-2121.

27 Jukebox Winos, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Roadhouse 165, 892 Hwy 165, Branson. No cover. www.jukeboxwinos.com.

BHS grad will continue family military legacy

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff

Writer

At their monthly meeting on August 28, Branson Veterans of America 913 members were pleased to meet a young man preparing to continue a three-generation military legacy as he enters the U.S. Air Force.

Skyler Deal, a 2023 Branson High School graduate, is proud to follow in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, Russell Leslie, a

B-24 gunner and crew chief during World War II; his grandfather, BVA member Tom Leslie, who served from 1968 to 1992 in the Air Force; and his uncle, Thomas Leslie, Jr., who retired in 2021 from a U.S. Marine Corps career spanning 30 years of active and reserve duty. Tom Leslie also met Skyler’s grandmother, Delia, in the military; she served for three years before starting their family.

“Skyler has talked about joining the military since he was a child,” said April Deal, Skyler’s mom, who is Tom Leslie’s daughter and Thomas, Jr’s sister. “I’m super proud of him for doing this.” While in high school, Skyler was active in JROTC, achieving Master Sergeant, and in Civil Air Patrol, achieving First Lieutenant. He did the Delayed Enlistment Program in May 2023, and then took the

HiSet during the summer in order to join early. He will now head for Lackland Air Force Base in Texas for basic training, and then plans to specialize in Airborne ISR (Information, Surveillance, Reconnaissance).

On hand to show support for Skyler were another Branson grad, Airman Penrod, who is currently training as a firefighter in the Air Force, and SSGT Butler, who serves as Air Force re-

cruiter for much of southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Along with congratulating Deal on his decision to serve, both spoke of the need for other young people to step up and join the military, honoring and following the leadership given by those in attendance at the BVA meeting and those who went before them. Along with meeting the Leslie/Deal family, attendees heard from the eve-

ning’s featured speaker, Missouri State Representative Brad Hudson, who represents District 138 comprising Stone and Christian counties. Hudson shared his thanks and appreciation to the veterans and his position on several legislative issues that affect them. Recently, those issues included voting to cease taxing Social Security payments and voting to freeze property tax assess-

Branson High School grad Skyler Deal (right) with his grandfather, Tom Leslie, and SSGT Butler of the Air Force recruitment center (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)

Submitted to Branson Globe

To understand Kelly Eutsler as an adult, you first have to understand her as a child – the little girl who created Christmas scenes with paper dolls on top of her toy box.

Kelly, who leads the visuals team at Silver Dollar City,

remembers always having an imaginative eye that sought beauty in the details.

“I’d look at a painting of a house and try to picture what was happening through the windows,” she explains. “The mom was probably baking and the little girls were playing with

dolls. I envisioned how perfect and quaint their lives must be.”

Her mind was always racing like that. The need to create was always there – that’s extra tricky when your mother has a charming Christmas village you aren’t allowed to touch.

“Gosh, that was the worst,” Kelly laughs as she recalls Christmas time as a kid. “Mom had this fancy, antique cardboard Christmas scene she’d set up. It had little ice skaters and figures she’d add each year. I spent hours just staring at it. It was magical, and I wanted so badly to get my hands on it and set my own scene!”

She’d finally get the chance to be a scene-setter when she received a holiday paper snowman kit when she was seven.

“I punched out all the little characters and stood them up,” she smiles. “I took the lamp off my nightstand to give them a glow and, of course, added cotton batting for snow. I’d rush home from school to play with them. I was constantly creating and recreating it, trying to make it better

ments for seniors; as well as legislation to stop charging families for the special road signs designated in honor of veterans, first responders, etc.

Hudson stated he is gener-

– building a story. That’s where my head lived.”

From paper snowmen to a perfectly staged Barbie house later on, Kelly’s impeccable attention to detail grew as she did. She was in her late teens when she stumbled upon a creative outlet that would become a childhood dream come true.

In 1993, she was working as a server at one of Silver Dollar City’s restaurants when she heard the park was hiring help to decorate for Christmas. Billie Hampton, the creative director at the time, noticed Kelly’s experience making floral-style bows.

“The rest is history as they say,” Kelly says with her trademark laugh. “Old Time Christmas was fairly new at the time. I remember lots of white lights and a 20foot tree at Town Square. It

ally not in favor of tax credits, but if they’re going to happen, they need to benefit veterans and other constituents he has pledged to serve.

Pursuant to that, Hudson has worked on using tax credits to encourage hiring of veterans. He also referenced

was beautiful, but I had no idea how much more beautiful and elaborate it would become in the next few years.”

That’s when The City added more colorful lights throughout the park and brought in the five-story Christmas tree. Kelly says she’ll never forget the first time she saw it.

“It had just been lit and I walked out to stare at it,” she recalls with a pause. “I loved the feeling of being a small part of something that had such an impact on guests at Silver Dollar City!”

Kelly, who hates the word “crafty,” knew in that moment this was where she wanted to be and what she wanted to do. She worked several more years under her mentor Billie before SEE GLOW GIRL, PAGE 12B

recent Oklahoma legislation to exempt disabled veterans from sales tax; a similar bill he filed in Missouri was stalled in committee, but he hopes to try again.

Hudson also pledged to continue working on addressing housing for veterans, and thanked District 156 Representative Brian Seitz, a veteran and also in attendance at the meeting, for collaborating on such issues.

In other meeting business, members heard updates on plans for a busy fall. BVA 913 has a strong presence at Veterans Village during Veterans Homecoming Week, Nov. 5–11, and volunteers are needed to work shifts at the welcome booth as well as a booth at the upcoming Hollister Grape & Fall Festival. An update was also given on what promises to be an exciting parade this year. Janie Mahon of Table Rock Quilts of Honor also spoke to the gathering, with forms on hand for nominating any area veteran who has not yet received a quilt.

Branson Veterans of America exists to honor all veterans for their service, including honor guards and flag ceremonies, and also to provide support and fellowship through monthly meetings and special events such as a Christmas party being planned. Members were encouraged to reach out to any veterans they know who are not currently taking advantage of such connections and resources. A special Veterans Appreciation Day is planned for Sunday, October 1, to help familiarize such veterans and their families with available resources.

For more information about BVA, visit www.bransonveteransofamerica.com.

• BHS GRAD Continued from page 1B

Kelly Eutsler (Special to Branson Globe)

‘You glow, girl!’ The creative mind behind Silver Dollar City’s brightest festivals

Reader’s Corner: Stay safe with fall prevention class at library

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff

Writer

Getting older is something none of us can prevent, but with awareness and training, it is possible to manage some of the physical risks that come

with aging. On Wednesday, September 13, join Jenni Nevatt, community engagement specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, at Kimberling Area Library’s Learning on Wednesday for “Prevention

Kimberling Area Library to offer new literacy resources

Submitted to Branson Globe

The Kimberling Area Library (KAL) is excited to offer the community two new resources to promote literacy for a variety of ages.

The first resource responds to the many area families opting to homeschool their children. To meet their needs, the library now offers a manual with critical information to structure a home school program.

The “First Things First Manual” can serve as a timely resource for home-schooling parents. The manual answers such questions as:

• Is home schooling legal?

What are the laws in Missouri that regulate home education?

• How do I keep required records?

• Where do I get textbooks/ curriculum?

What if I have a special needs child?

What about high school?

The manual includes many other resources that may be helpful to the home-schooling parent. The manual is offered as a reference item, one that cannot be checked out like many items at KAL, but is easily accessible for use on a podium close to the regular print non-fiction stacks. Some pages show sample record

keeping forms and may be copied by front desk personnel if desired. (Copies are free for the first 10 pages, with a 10 cents per page fee after that.)

A second exciting resource to help build literacy in a variety of ages is Wonder Books, which combine visual images of words, along with their sound, to help young and older readers learn more. Children read along with the book narrator via an internal book audiotape. Each book has easy to control buttons and directions for effective use.

Wonder Books respond to evidence that the single most influential caregiver act to support a child’s future success is that of reading aloud to the child early in life. That simple and fun activity helps a child develop the meaning, sound and understanding of words used in sentences, and also improves memory and deeper book engagement. KAL volunteers are happy to help patrons locate and check out a variety of Wonder Books for young and older children to enjoy.

KAL is a privately held, not for profit organization funded solely by grants, donations and optional memberships. For more information, please see www.kalib.org.

of Falls: Powerful Information for Well-Being.”

Falling is a common concern as we age and may lose body flexibility and awareness; and for many elderly, a fall has been the event that triggers an overall decline, if

the individual suffers severe injuries or is permanently limited in physical activity. In this presentation, you will learn about the impact on falling on families, why falls occur, and how to prevent them. A review of fall-pre-

Coming home

By Marilyn Havlin

Our souls sing a song of sorrow, coming deep from within our hearts

Knowing that for all the tomorrows, we will be so far apart; It’s not just your leaving us, but the way you had to go All by yourself in a land far away, with no way for us to know.

Until the strangers came to the door, to tell us of your death

The words so stunning, it took away the breath. Never for a moment did we believe you would not come home again Stunned by the dreadful news we stood, and then the tears began.

How to cope with the awful sadness that those who love you feel

How to make one understand that this is not a dream, but real; They finally brought you home again – that part is true

It is not the way we planned, although we are so proud of you.

You died a soldier’s death; they said it happened fast. You did your duty and led your men; you gave to the very last.

They gave you many medals that you will never wear Beautiful words were said for you, so very hard to bear.

vention exercises and local fall-prevention resources will also be provided.

The program will begin at 10:15 a.m. in the Kimberling Area Library Community Room. Attendance is FREE; coffee and light

snacks will be provided; and prior registration is not required. See you on September 13 for this valuable time of learning and discussion! Learn about other upcoming educational opportunities at www.kalib.org.

We could not look upon your face, the casket was closed tight

We knew you were not really there, but walking in God’s Light.

Until we meet again, we will live with our grief

Our circle has been broken and our hearts beyond belief.

For my grandson SFC Christopher R. Brevard

Born October 17, 1975 – died March 16, 2007

We will never forget you. You are forever in our hearts.

THE BRANSON GLOBE welcomes poetry submissions that are less than 300 words. We reserve the right to refuse submissions that are in poor taste, discriminatory, libelous, or contain wording we believe will be offensive to our readers.

Give 5 program encourages retirees to give back

munities of Taney and Stone counties.”

The local Give 5 organization is currently working with their third class of potential volunteers in the area. The four-week training program has participants meeting one day a week. Each meeting day lasts approximately six to seven hours. The groups’ first meeting day includes an orientation and a behind-thescenes look at the community.

“For weeks two to four, participants begin the day listening to a few guest speakers, then board a bus to visit various local nonprofits.

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

A new-to-the-area program is gaining momentum.

Give 5 is a program that matches retired (or almost retired) baby boomers with local strategic volunteer opportunities,” explained Mike Rivera, Pastoral Associate with Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and one of the leaders of the Give 5 program. “It’s a way for retirees and seniors to apply their talents and pas-

sions directly to a community’s primary areas of need. It’s called Civic Matchmaking.

The ultimate goal of Give 5 is to take a generation that is retiring at a rate of 10,000 a day and connect them with local nonprofits that can utilize their experience, knowledge, work ethic and passions. It’s a win-win situation for both the volunteer and the nonprofits, which, in turn, creates a winwin situation for the com-

Some of the guest speakers have included Mayor Larry Milton of Branson, Judge Jeff Merrill of Taney County, Lisa Lux from Parents as Teachers Taneyville School District, Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt, Natalie Kaunley Snider from Restoration Connection in Branson, and many more leaders in Taney and Stone counties,” Rivera explained. “At least two guides are with the class at all times, and to coordinate and guide each program day. Each class session and facility tour is interactive, fun and social. Visits to nonprofits allow participants to better understand the types of volunteer opportunities available. Each host organization plans

an interesting, interactive and informative presentation.

One example, the Boys and Girls Club of the Ozarks had two outstanding youth tour guides. The two youth leaders did an amazing job.

Rivera continued, “After the final regular program day, participants are encouraged to commit to one or more volunteer opportunities, and a short ‘graduation’ celebration wraps up the program.

Those who are ready to commit may do so via a ‘signing’ ceremony at graduation, pledging to volunteer at the nonprofit(s) of their choice at least five hours per month.”

A total of 17 members of the community are participating in the current Give 5 classes. With the 28 Give 5 graduates from previous classes, there are a total of 45 new volunteers who are focused on helping the nonprofit organizations in the community.

Graduates, current participants and nonprofits involved with Give 5 agree that this is an excellent opportunity for everyone involved.

“We’re incredibly thankful to be part of the Give 5 program, and how it has allowed us to connect with individuals in our community who are interested in investing their time into serving others,” said Olivia Darst, Vice President of

Communications at Elevate Branson. “It is a great opportunity for people to discover what they are passionate about and see the part they have the opportunity to play in giving back to our community.”

Rosie Robinson, President of The Brook Wellness Center noted, “Give 5 is an excellent program and we have enjoyed meeting so many wonderful retired folks. We now have five volunteers that come on a weekly basis to our event planning meeting and they are so amazing. They have been so involved and so helpful. They truly are part of our Brook family now.”

A recent Give 5 graduate, Carol McCullough shared, “I was initially reluctant to participate in the Give 5 program because I thought I was already familiar with most of the service agencies in our area, so it just didn’t seem necessary. I was wrong. Going through Give 5 not only educated me about resources I didn’t know existed, but being able to tour agencies and see firsthand what they do was the best way for me to find the right place to serve. I’ve been volunteering for the past month and find it very rewarding. I would recommend this program to anyone with an interest in making their community better.”

Andrew Rivera is a current Give 5 participant. Said Andrew, “I love it! I enjoy how we are not just learning about poverty, but we are also learning how to make a difference.

I love how invested the speakers and nonprofits are in creating solutions. I really like the opportunity to see behind the curtains of the nonprofits we visit. I feel honored that I am able to learn from the speakers and the nonprofits.”

While Give 5 is geared towards senior citizens and retirees, anyone with time to volunteer is welcome to participate. At age 18, Andrew is currently the youngest Give 5 participant.

For those wishing to participate in the next Give 5 class, visit https://ollbranson.com/ give5participantinterest to fill out a form indicating your interest in the program. You will be contacted with details about the next Give 5 class schedule. Those nonprofits wishing to be considered for participation in Give 5 should visit https:// ollbranson.com/give5nonprofitapplicationform.

“In October we will be doing our fourth Give 5 class. It will be held in the Branson West City Hall Community Room, thanks to City Administrator Steve Dalton. It will be mainly focused on participants and nonprofits in Stone County,” Rivera explained. “We are planning at least four more classes in 2024 for Taney and Stone counties. Give 5 would not have been possible in Taney and Stone counties without the help of our sponsors—Senior Age, Area Agency on Aging, Ozark Mountain Country Cares, Transformation Ozark and Our Lady of the Lake in Branson.”

At the Taneyhills Library, Director Marcia Schemper-Carlock shares volunteer opportunities with a group of Give 5 participants. (Photo by K.D. Michaels)

BY COWBOY JOHN FULLERTON, a native of Taney County, and a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.

Bob worked summers in Rockaway Beach

Several of you asked that

I share my memories of Bob Barker, who passed on Saturday morning August 26, just 100 days away from his 100th birthday. Bob had significant connections to the Ozarks and Taney County with treasured memories working in Rockaway Beach while in high school.

I was fortunate to meet Bob on two occasions and each time he spoke fondly of the fun he had on Lake Taneycomo.

Bob was not from around here. He was born in Darrington, Washington, on December 12, 1923. His parents were Byron Barker and Matilda Tarleton. His father was an electrical

Memories from the Homestead: Remembering Bob Barker

worker and his mother was a teacher. Byron was killed in an accident in 1929 and Matilda remarried in 1937.

Bob and his mother relocated to an Indian reservation in Mission, South Dakota, shortly after his father died. Bob attended second through eighth grade there and moved to Springfield, Missouri, after his mother remarried. Bob’s stepfather went into the tire business; their decision to come to Springfield was because Matilda’s Mother lived there.

Attending Springfield Central High School, Bob recalled his most favorite job was at a Lake Taneycomo summer resort in Rockaway Beach. Bob’s position was a bellhop at the Hotel Taneycomo, and he worked there three summers, following his sophomore, junior and senior years of high school.

Charlie White, a teacher at Central High School, managed the Hotel Taneycomo at Rockaway for the Merriam family, Charlie would bring five of his students every summer to work as bellhops. Bob recalled living in a tiny cabin

they called the Owl’s Roost. His salary was only $10 a month, but he and the other four young men got their room and board and their tips. Bob stated, “I made enough money there every summer to last me through the next school year.”

Bob and his buddy Jim Brown got into a real caper one summer, and it’s worth sharing here! Bob recalled, “At the time you could not buy liquor on Sundays. People would check into the hotel and want to buy liquor, but since it was Sunday, they were out of luck. Being the enterprising young men that Jim and I were and always looking to provide service to the guests, we decided that we would buy the liquor and then resell it to the guests at a very profitable margin. We had said that it was capitalism at its best. Then Charlie White told us one day that the owner of the liquor store wanted to see us. We went over there, and the gentleman explained to us that we could call it whatever we wanted, but, he said, we were bootlegging, and if we did not stop, we were going to be incarcerated. He was polite, but he was very ef-

fective. Jim and I immediately abandoned that business endeavor.”

Bob felt that his time in Rockaway Beach was some of the most fun, and recalled his dates there with Dorothy Jo Gideon, also a Central High School student. They were later married January 12, 1945. Bob also recalled his time lying in the sun on a Taneycomo dock; he and his friends had the best tans on the beach! Bob also recalled some of the famous peo-

Celebrate the Ozarks at the Old Country Fair

Submitted to Branson Globe

The Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters invites you to join them on Saturday, September 9, for the Old Country Fair and Music Festival. This celebration of traditional Ozarks music, skills, crafts and more will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Weddings at the Homestead, located at 262 Collins Rd., just a few miles east of downtown Branson.

The event will feature craft demonstrations, book signings by local authors, and all-day music jams. Four area music bands will perform on stage featuring traditional Ozarks music and bluegrass; and acoustic musicians are welcome to bring their instruments and join the informal jam sessions that will be scattered around the grounds.

Also planned is a presentation by Rachael West, wild foods chef and owner/founder of Eating the Ozarks. A food truck will

be provided by The Stable, which specializes in a variety of barbecue. The event is sponsored by The Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters. There is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle for the Fair, and donations are also welcome. Event proceeds help to promote the teaching of traditional Ozarks music and bluegrass to local youths through scholarship funding, and

also help the Hillcrofters accomplish a variety of Ozarks cultural preservation projects.

Whether you’re a lifelong Ozarks resident, a seasonal visitor, or a more recent transplant wanting to learn more about the beautiful and unique place we’re blessed to live, you’re certain to enjoy this fair! For more information, see the Society of Ozarkian Hill-

ple he checked into the hotel. “I got a lot of mileage out of telling friends about checking singer/actor Tony Martin into Hotel Taneycomo, and like all bellhops, I remember his generous tip. I look back at bell hopping at Hotel Taneycomo in Rockaway Beach with the

fondest of memories.”

Next week for part two, I will share with ya’ll my personal memories of Bob and the excitement of attending a Price is Right taping and getting to meet Bob for a quick interview in Springfield at Drury University in 2009.

The Hotel Taneycomo in Rockaway Beach where Bob Barker worked as a bellhop for three summers 1939 through 1941. (Photo courtesy of the Springfield Greene County Library)

crofters Facebook page or visit https://societyofozarkianhillcrofters.com.

BY JODY JOHNSON GODFREY Wellness Design Specialist

With the general flu season quickly approaching (although for many, it has already “arrived”), we would do well to review some tried and true options/alternatives to doing nothing more than just “waiting out” Covid or the latest trendy name for the 23-24 season!

Covid options: Let’s leave politics out

If there was ever a subject matter that SHOULD BE considered “non-partisan,” it SHOULD BE this column theme. Somehow, the politics became enmeshed with reliable treatments and it has morphed into a battle between vaxers and non-vaxers; i.e., a very nonproductive war between those who trust government and Big Pharma and those who do not. And positive results and happy endings hang in the balance! My job isn’t to push one belief or the other on you, but the one item I would like to sell is for us all to put our political parties on the back burner long enough to just think about logic—critical problem

solving and deductive reasoning. If a drug or cure can’t be patented or owned by the pharmaceutical giants, they will do all in their power to render it a “non-solution.” The two inexpensive items that have been touted, first hand, by many friends and acquaintances (Hydroxychloraquine and Ivermectin) and can’t make headway with the results because the pharmaceutical companies pay for negative marketing and campaign blitzes against the inexpensive and accessible products. All they have to say is there aren’t adequate studies available due to underfunding. There is no one to pay for these proper studies.

So, in view of that sad factoid, I will simply try to cover the less controversial ways to stay safe from Covid!

To keep your immune system in good shape you have to get plenty of REM (deep) sleep each night. You must eat healthy and take a good multivitamin (liquid is best as it gets into your system quicker and no waste because of that) and then it is of utmost importance to be able to neutralize the effects of stress in our lives.

Then we make sure we are never without these supplements each day:

1. A good probiotic (the kind that must be refrigerated and a 2 billion count)

MindFlow: Health Lynx

BY DANIEL KOREN, is a local business owner and motivational speaker.

If you enter the wilderness of the Yukon early in the morning and sit quietly waiting on the sun to rise,

you might glimpse a silent display of power: the lynx, stealthily walking through brush and rough terrain. A lynx can be hard to spot in the wild because they have strong eyesight and stay fully aware of what is happening around them. This alertness protects them from predators and their vision also helps them accomplish their own mission.

A healthy lynx is not distracting or attention getting when it follows its purpose and identity in its natural environment. An unhealthy wild-

cat, however, will stand out in alarming ways. As identified last week, the broken lynx attacks the wrong creatures and puts the community at risk.

Let’s talk about the health lynx you and I need to get connected in our lives. Specifically, there are half a dozen health links for having an emotionally and mentally well-balanced life. Brian and Brock Frizzell created a graphic of personal identity including social circles that affect one’s life: your health links as we will call them.

Your workplace is one of your most obvious links. The social circle of work/ school dominates most of your week. If you are retired, you spent the majority of your life in this link.

If you are still preparing for the workforce, then this circle will be filled with your college connections and internship peers.

What is your health level in your task-oriented circles?

Do you have quality conversations and meaningful interactions throughout the day or are you combative, jealous and vengeful in the workplace? Does a broken lynx manifest in you in that space? Who you are here, however, is not who you really are. You have to act at work. You can project the image of yourself that your customers or bosses expect. Still, the people who see you every day begin to notice any brokenness in you.

Your workplace is fifth

2. 2,000 mgs of Vitamin C

3. Zinc

4. Vitamin D

5. NAC supplement: it is an anti-viral agent (Pub Med Central, 112-2020, “N-Acetylcysteine To Combat Covid 19: An Evidence Review”)

I know when Covid first surfaced, it was awhile before they were able to actually put out there all of the symptoms and it was confusing trying to figure out if you had Covid or an allergy attack. Don’t want anyone going through that again, so here are pretty much all symptoms:

1. Shortness of breath

2. Cough

3. Body aches

4. Nasal congestion

in importance in your life. The level four link includes the community you are part of by birth and location.

These are the people you see at weddings and funerals. They are people you went to school with, you shared grandparents with, you go to church with, or whom you call friends (at least on Facebook). What is your reputation in your local and family community?

These people have already discussed your broken lynx among themselves.

You need the people on the fourth link, but you often neglect them for the lower-level commitment you have to your job. Many men focus most of their time and attention on their income and do not know how to show up for their parents, children, church, friends and other stakeholders in their lives. We will be talking about all of that in a later issue of this column.

The third most important link for your mental and emotional health is your close friends. This isn’t a big circle but it is huge. Maybe only three will fit in it. These are the people who will drop everything if you need them. They don’t just show up for your funeral, they talk you off the bridge so you don’t have an early one. They are there to share laughs and tears. In your lifetime, you will probably only have five people total who enter this sacred circle and not at the same time.

5. Sore throat

6. Taste and smell loss

7. Headaches

8. Periodic fevers

9. Diarrhea, nausea and/ or vomiting

After giving yourself the gift of an open mind, doing some research, do not hesitate consulting a naturopath or holistic medical practitioner and genuinely seeking their opinions on how to best escape the current version of Covid. I think you will be glad you did, and I will be proud of and for you!

For many men, that number is zero. Too many American adult males have no friends outside of their romantic relationships. That’s unhealthy and we will look at why and how to fix it.

Health link two is your marriage. Only two people fit in this circle: you and your spouse. If this becomes a broken link in your life, it will cause disconnect and brokenness in the subsequent links of friends, community and workplace. This circle demands great levels of attention and consistency. What is level one? I’m sure you’ve figured it out. This is a circle of one. It’s your relationship with you. Don’t like yourself? It’s going to show. Have unhealed wounds? People on level five could have told you that. Level two will manifest your brokenness more because your spouse is your mirror and your unhealth will draw the most sparks there.

But you can heal. Someone else joins you in that first circle. If it wasn’t for the Spirit of God joining me in my circle of one, I’d be a wreck. A person needs more than a spiritual experience and church attendance, however. The first step is humility and realizing you have a missing link. With that starting point, we can rebuild the other circles and establish health lynx in all aspects of our lives.

Where do you see broken links that you need to mend?

Easy Pickled Beets

BY CHEF JEFF WOODWARD

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 4 - 6 servings

Ingredients:

2 Cans of Beets, whole or sliced

1 C Beet Juice

• 1 C White Vinegar

• 1 C Sugar

Instructions:

1. In a medium pan, heat beet juice, vinegar, and sugar to a rolling boil.

2. Add beets.

3. Bring to a boil, again.

4. Let boil for 1 minute.

5. Pour into 2 16 oz canning jars and seal.

6. Set out until completely cooled.

7. Refrigerate for at least 48 hours before serving. GO ROGUE by adding Red Pepper Flakes and Peppercorns1 tsp each, roasted.

If you’d like Chef Jeff to make this delicious

recipe or any other meal for you, contact him at www.TheRogueChefBranson.com .

Rocky Road Tasty Team Treats

BY JANET STEINKAMP

Easy recipe that’s the perfect blend of salty and sweet, with a tasty crunch.

Makes about 36 bars.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 2-½ cups finely crushed thin pretzels or pretzel sticks

• 3/4 cup (1-½ sticks) butter or margarine, melted

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweet-

Instructions:

ened condensed milk (not evaporated milk) 1-¾ cups (10-ounce package) milk chocolate chips or Hershey’s Mini Kisses Milk Chocolates

• 3 cups miniature marshmallows • 1-1/3 cups coarsely chopped pecans or pecan pieces

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom and sides of a 13 x 9 x

2-inch baking pan.

2. Combine pretzels and melted butter in small bowl; press evenly onto bottom of prepared pan.

3. Spread sweetened condensed milk evenly over pretzel layer; layer even-

ly with chocolate chips (or mini kisses), marshmallows and pecans, in order.

4. Press down firmly on pecans.

5. Bake 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Iowa State Fair food isn’t fair fare...it’s FABULOUS

BY KAREN HALFPOP, Digital/ Production Manager

One of the biggest events in the country, the Iowa State Fair, wrapped up late last month after attracting 1.1 million people through the gates. Given that the entire population of our neighbor to the north sits at 3.2 million, the state fair attendance is pretty impressive.

What attracts these huge crowds? Could be the livestock exhibits, truck and tractor pulls, or grandstand entertainment - like Ludacris, Eric Church and The Black Keys, among others in 2023. And don’t forget the famous Butter Cow, joined this year by a Butter Caitlyn Clark, star basketball player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, and Butter Kurt Warner, former NFL quarterback. Cow chip throwing? Husband calling?

Nah, it’s the FOOD! Seriously good, likely on a stick, and probably fried FOOD.

For this year’s Iowa State Fair, 64 brand new foods were introduced to fair-goers. Everything from Amish Donuts to Walking S’mores, including bacon and sweet corn lobster rolls. At $55 apiece, the footlong lobster roll actually sold out, necessitating a mid-fair emergency shipment of lobster.

With all that goodness, where do you start? The good folks at the Iowa State Fair made it easy by holding a contest for the best new fair food for 2023. The three finalists were The Grinder Ball at The Bacon Box, The Iowa Twinkie, available at Whatcha Smokin’, and the Rib Shack’s DeepFried Bacon Brisket Mac-NCheese Grilled Cheese.

The Grinder Ball, The Bacon Box

The Grinder Ball is a glu-

ten-free version of the State Fair Grinder sandwich. It’s a blend of bacon balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese, wrapped in more bacon, then rotisserie smoked and dressed with warm marinara sauce. Bacon inside of bacon? Yes, please.

The Iowa Twinkie, Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ & Brew

This Twinkie has nothing to do with golden cake and whipped cream filling. No, this is Iowa’s version of a Texas Twinkie, with decidedly Iowa touches.

The Twinkie is a jalapeno, stuffed with pulled pork, sweet corn, cream cheese and ranch seasoning, and then wrapped in bacon and smoked. This bad boy is finished off with house-made Sweet & Sticky BBQ sauce, and drizzled with ranch dressing. Woo-hoo!

Deep-Fried Bacon Brisket Mac-

N-Cheese Grilled Cheese, The Rib Shack

Other than needing a shorter

name, this dish is the ultimate fair food: deep fried, bacon, Iowa meat, and yummy. The Rib Shack took their signature bacon brisket mac and cheese and put it between more layers of American cheese and two slices of What’s Your Cheez Bacon Cheddar Bread. They then deep-fry it - sort of like a Monte Cristo - and serve it with raspberry chipotle BBQ sauce.

Out of more than 8,200 votes, the winner is...the DeepFried Bacon Brisket Mac-NCheese Grilled Cheese, capturing 47.5% of the vote! The political candidates visiting

the Iowa State Fair wish they could do that well. You can find out more about these dishes on the Facebook pages for Bacon Box, Whatcha Smokin’ and The Rib Shack.

Clockwise from top: The Iowa Twinkie; The Grinder Ball; Deep-Fried Bacon Brisket MacN-Cheese Grilled Cheese (Special to Branson Globe)

SMAC to feature local up and coming artist

Submitted to Branson Globe

The Southern Missouri Arts Connection (SMAC) will present the work of local up and coming artist Olivia Stephens in a solo exhibit, Strange as Ever, at the SMAC Art Center at 7 Downing Street, Hollister, Missouri, September 1 - 30. She has been SMAC’s Artist in Resident for the past year, a position made possible through grants from Community Foundation of the Ozarks and Springfield Regional Arts Council.

An opening night reception for the exhibit will be held on Friday, September

Table Rock Art Guild announces member’s artwork on display

The Table Rock Art Guild is proud to announce that Jane Ballard, one of its members, has an image accepted into The Photographic Society of America’s Annual International Exhibition. Jane’s image, Hodgson Mill, will be on display at the PSA’s Photo

Festival in Williamsburg, VA, Sept. 27-30. Some of Jane’s images, including Hodgson Mill, may be purchased at the Table Rock Art Gallery in Claybough Plaza, Branson West. The gallery is open Mon.- Fri., 10-4 and Sat. 9-3. Phone: 417-272-1150.

1, 6-9 p.m. Coffee will be available at the Vintage Paris kiosk inside the center, as well as other snacks and refreshments. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

“The theme of my show,” Stephens said, “is about finding my passion again.” She had experienced post-graduate burnout after completing her fine arts degree from College of the Ozarks. “It’s a love letter to my little me who used to get up Saturday mornings to create art. And it’s a love letter to future me, who is working hard to keep art

always in her life.” These “love letters,” are the culmination of work she created during her residency, which ends August 31.

In addition, each month during their exhibits, SMAC highlights one of the many local nonprofit organizations that serves the area. This month SMAC is drawing attention to Faith Community Health, a Christian faith-based charitable clinic offering income-based health services in Branson.

Southern Missouri Arts Connection (SMAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit local center of creativity, art ed-

ucation, innovation, and community partnership, strives to improve the quality of life in southern Missouri by connecting individuals with the arts, for the benefit of all.

Ozark Steel Guitar Association Show to be held Sept. 30

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff

Writer

Ozark Steel Guitar Association invites you to enjoy a day of steel guitar music at the Ozark Steel Guitar Association Show, scheduled for Saturday, September 30, at the Praise & Worship Lutheran Church, 9138 E. Hwy. 76 in Branson West, just west of Silver Dollar City. Doors will open at 8 a.m., and starting at 8:30

a.m., guests can enjoy a lineup of 16 steel players from Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. Each player will present approximately 25 minutes of music, accompanied by a house band, and some performances will also include vocalists. The day’s performances will end about 6:30 p.m., allowing plenty of time to enjoy dinner or an evening activity in the area. One of the show’s orga -

nizers, Charlie Steichen, said this year’s show is a step toward resuming the regular multi-day event as it was prior to COVID-19-related setbacks. The 2023 show is the first since 2019, and area steel guitar enthusiasts are excited about its return. Admission is by donation, and food will be available on site for purchase, provided by the men’s group of the church. The venue is just a few miles from other Branson attractions and lodging, with the nearby Motel 6, 417-334-2941,

and Best Western, 417338-2141, offering a discount.

The list of players will be available at the Ozark Steel Guitar Association page on Facebook, or visit the Steel Guitar Forum website and select “upcoming events” from the drop-down index for details. Contact Steichen at 417-294-1268 for more information.

An example of Olivia Stephens’ work (Special to Branson Globe)

Olivia Stevens (Special to Branson Globe)

New grief support group for pet lovers

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

It was her own personal grief that led an area woman to help others.

Lexie Gable is starting a local Christian Pet Loss Grief Support Group. As any pet lover knows, losing a pet can be just as devastating as losing a family member. But not everyone can understand the depth of grief, and there are few resources to help with pet loss grief, especially Christian-based groups.

“After my service dog had to be put to sleep, I was devastated, and started looking for a support group,” said Gable. “I found many Zoom groups and Pet Loss hotlines.”

The online support and hotlines Gable found left her needing something more. Gable had rescued her

dog, a Basenji and Chihuahua mix she named Timothy, in 2010, when he was about a year and a half old. She made it her mission to find him a good home. Gable was able to find a home for Timothy, but when that didn’t work, she took the dog in and cared for him herself, eventually training him to be a service dog and therapy dog.

“He was very easy going and totally trusted me,” said Gable, of her beloved dog. “I wake up every day and still cannot believe he is not with me. I am used to people talking to me because of him, and now it’s like I am invisible. I hear over and over that people didn’t realize how devastating their pet’s death was going to be, and how insensitive other people could be in saying things like ‘Hey,

it’s just a cat’ or ‘Go get another dog and you’ll stop crying’. For many people, losing the unconditional love they have received on a daily basis, along with the daily routines (walks, play time, training, etc.) leaves an enormous vacuum, sadness, disorientation. And, often their ‘pet’ was more like their child. I know I said every day for years ‘Mommy loves you.’ And now, there is no Mommy and no You.”

“I needed a support group with Christians. As Christians, we face death differently than non-Christians,” Gable continued.

“We have the Holy Spirit and Jesus to call upon to comfort us, and we can pray together. We can find guidance and comfort, also, in God’s word.”

While the group was de-

signed for Christians, anyone suffering grief over the loss of a pet is welcome.

“We only ask that you are respectful,” said Gable. “I asked the Lord to use this loss for me to become closer to Him, and I’m hoping this group will help others that way. Also, being with people that understand your grief. Every week, we will discuss a different topic like anger, memorials, handling insensitivity, etc. Plus, I would like us to be able to give or receive a hug while crying, or an arm around a shoulder.”

The inaugural meeting of the Christian Pet Loss Grief Support Group will be held on Thursday, September 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, at the corner of 5th Street and Main in

SIX says thank you to locals with area appreciation

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Branson’s vocal super group SIX is holding an area appreciation.

The talented group of family members has been called “an orchestra of human voices.”

The powerhouse group is saying thank you to area residents in a special way with area appreciation shows through September 22.

Area residents can purchase tickets for only $6 per ticket. An attendee may bring up to six guests or members of their immediate family for the same ticket price.

Area appreciation rates

are extended to residents of Barry, Christian, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Ozark, Polk, Stone, Taney, Webster and Wright counties in Missouri.

In Arkansas, counties include Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Izard, Madison, Marion, Newton, Searcy, Stone and Washington.

A valid identification must be presented at the time of purchase.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office by calling 877-SIX-SHOW or visit Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre, 1600

Losing a pet can be just as devastating as losing a family member. (Shutterstock)

downtown Branson. At the first meeting, participants will discuss the group’s permanent meeting days and time.

“Whether your loss was recent or not, grief over a pet is real and time is not an automatic healer,” Gable noted. “The intention of this group is to provide

a safe place to express our grief, discuss various topics on loss, and be comforted by our faith and God’s love.”

You can register for the upcoming Christian Pet Loss Grief Support Group meeting by emailing christianpetgrief@gmail.com or by calling 417-501-5766.

West 76 in Branson. For more information, visit their website, thesixshow. com.

Salvation Army still hard at work to meet the needs of our community

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

During the holidays, the red kettles associated with the Salvation Army are commonplace. Bell ringers are at the entrance to many stores, and passersby drop money in the kettles in an effort to help the organization meet their annual goal.

But where is the Salvation Army the rest of the year?

According to Lisa and Steve Roberson, Envoys of the Salvation Army in Branson, you’ll find the Salvation Army in the same places they are in the winter—and maybe even more so.

Said Steve, “For the past two seasons, the theme of the Salvation Army has been ‘Beyond Christmas,’ because this 158-year-old organization is here far beyond the holidays to help people who struggle on a

Tuesday morning in March or a Friday night in August. In recent days, the message has also been ‘Beyond Hunger,’ ‘Beyond Homelessness’ and ‘Beyond Tragedy,’ especially with the large push to help people in devastated areas like Maui.”

Throughout the year, the Salvation Army works tirelessly to help those in need with their food distribution program through their food pantry. They also have an active and growing children’s program that includes fun-filled teaching and life skills lessons.

The Salvation Army has been a part of various backto-school outreaches and many other events throughout Taney and Stone counties. They also offer summer camps of many varieties for children and teens throughout the summer, including traditional camps, music camps and outdoor skills camps.

All year long, the Salvation Army helps those in our community with rental

assistance and emergency lodging. They have a clothing program for children and cooling and warming stations in extreme temperatures. They are also supportive of the AA community, offering meeting space to a local group that meets three times per week at the Salvation Army facilities. And, as most know, emergency disaster aid is the heart of the Salvation Army’s mission.

Typically, when January arrives, the red kettles are put away and holiday cheer and goodwill begin to dissipate, the giving slacks off at a time when the Salvation Army is still working hard.

“This, in a time when economies are suffering and people are being distracted from real needs, makes the work go from flowing to challenged,”

Steve noted. “The Salvation Army wants everyone to know that they need your donations now, more than ever.”

The Salvation Army Branson is in need of donations

for their food pantry, to continue to help our neighbors who face food insecurity.

“We prefer monetary donations, because we can purchase the food cheaper than individuals can, and it allows us to purchase what we need,”

Lisa Roberson explained.

Donations may be mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1715, Branson, MO 65616 or dropped off at the Salvation Army office, 1114 Stanley Boulevard, Branson.

“The mission of the Salvation Army is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name, without discrimination,” Steve said. “The Branson Corps is not changed by politics or new ideologies. As one leader put it, ‘If someone is a human and they have a need, then they fit the mission to be served.’ This is, and has always been, the way of the Salvation Army, and it always will.”

Special Table Rock Lake youth deer hunt announced for October

Submitted to Branon Globe

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is taking applications from youth hunters who would like to participate in a special archery deer hunt Oct. 14-15 at Table Rock Lake.

Five permits will be issued to hunters ages 6-15. Applicants must submit a completed application form by Sept. 29. Application forms may be picked up from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Table Rock Lake Project Office located at 4600 State Highway 165, Branson; from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at the Dewey Short Visitor Center located at 4500 State Highway 165, Branson, obtained online at www.swl.usace.army.mil/ Missions/Recreation/Lakes/ Table-Rock-Lake/Events/ specialevent-application/ or by calling 501-340-1937.

A random drawing and hunter notification will occur on Oct. 2.

All participants and their guardians must attend a mandatory safety briefing from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 located at 653 Hatchery Rd, Branson, next to the Shepard of the Hills Fish Hatchery.

Participants must have guardian consent, a current Missouri archery permit, meet all 2023 Missouri Department of Conservation deer hunting regulations, and be accompanied during the hunt by an unarmed adult over 18 years old.

Hunters must provide their own bows or crossbows and youth must be skilled enough to safely operate them. Access, hunting blinds and chairs will be provided to help youth enjoy the outdoor recreational experience.

The Salvation Army’s iconic red kettle (FILE)

leaving The City to raise her family. She returned in 2015 to take over the leadership role.

Since then, Kelly has meticulously mastered the little details that add up big for park visitors, including thousands of lit pumpkins for Harvest Festival and 6.5 million twinkling Christmas lights each November and

December.

“I always ask myself what would make me feel special if I walked into a festival,” she says. “It all comes down to the itty-bitty details.”

It took a lot of “itty-bitty details” to pull off Kelly’s first big task: Creating a pumpkin festival in 2019. There are so many details, that Kelly created a 32-page festival setup book for crews to follow

as they place each pumpkin and light each light.

“It really does take an incredible army to launch our festivals,” she explains. “We have a tremendous team who can take an idea I’ve scribbled on a napkin and turn it into a masterpiece.”

From making 300 wreaths look exactly the same, to hand-tying 4,000 bows, Kelly knows pulling off a festival is a tall

order for her team.

“I always tell them, that to be successful, you must realize the end result is worth all of the day-today details. When we walk down Valley Road and see those pumpkins lit or catch our first glimpse of the giant Christmas tree, that’s when we all collectively breathe a deep sigh of relief and just enjoy it with our guests. I want them to create memories

worth repeating with their families. That’s how I measure success.”

When Kelly makes that stroll through the opening day of Harvest Festival this year, she’ll cruise under an all-new twinkling lantern canopy sky – another of those little details that packs an awe-inspiring punch.

“The warm and cozy feeling of this entire place is very special to me,” she

says. “In my mind, Silver Dollar City is my little pretend village – it’s my little paper doll scene all grown up. Gosh, little girl Kelly would love this!”

Silver Dollar City’s Harvest Festival, featuring Pumpkins in the City runs Sept. 15-Oct. 28. An Old Time Christmas kicks off Nov. 4 and runs through Dec. 30. For more information, call 417-336-7100 or visit silverdollarcity.com

Preventing tragedies on the road: Missouri’s Hands-Free Law is now in effect

Submitted to Branson Globe

After two years in a row of more than 1,000 fatalities on Missouri’s roadways, Gov. Mike Parson signed the Siddens Bening HandsFree Law, prohibiting all drivers from using a handheld electronic communication device while driving, that was effective August 28.

Distracted driving is a

leading cause of crashes in Missouri. Between 2012 and 2021, there were nearly 200,000 distracted driving-related crashes in Missouri, resulting in at least 801 fatalities. Cell phone use is responsible for far more distracted driving crashes than are being reported, according to a recent report from the National Safety Council.

“We’ve seen a troubling and unacceptable trend of distracted driving crashes in recent years, and sadly, more times than not, someone other than the distracted driver was killed,” said MoDOT State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Nicole Hood. “We’re thankful the General Assembly and Gov. Parson recognized the need for a hands-free law

For the following counties below, must show a valid photo ID. Purchaser may bring up to (6) guests or members of immediate family for the same ticket price. Other restrictions apply. MO: Barry, Christian, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Ozark, Polk, Stone, Taney, Webster, Wright. AR: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Izard, Madison, Marion, Newton, Searcy, Stone, Washington.

in Missouri. We’re hopeful this law will change the safety culture around phone use while driving and save lives.”

With the law in effect since Aug. 28, drivers are prohibited from physically holding or supporting a cell phone with any part of their body; manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messages; re-

cording, posting, sending or broadcasting video, including video calls and social media posts; and watching a video or movie.

“The Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law is an important step towards reducing the number and severity of cell phone related distracted driving crashes,” said Captain John Hotz, Director of Public Information and Edu-

Kurland’s Korner

cation for the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “The passage of the law provides law enforcement officers with an additional tool to help stop motorists from being distracted by their cell phones. The Missouri State Highway Patrol will continue to focus on educating the public about the dangers of distracted driving to prevent traffic crashes from occurring.”

Fed up paying high prices? Come shop our shelves for essentials, birthday gifts, treats and more. Always 40% to 60% off of regular retail.

TOP PHOTO: This quartet of lovely ladies is enjoying the new format of the Branson Globe at the Branson-Hollister Senior Center. Thanks, ladies! BOTTOM PHOTO: Silver Dollar City continues to present their Echo Hollow Concert Series this year. The Martins are scheduled to perform on September 4 at the usual evening time. This photo was taken in 2007: 16 years ago! Wow! (Photos by George Kurland)

Thank you for reading the

Fritz’s Adventure at The Colony, Texas, will be the second location for the Branson-based attraction. (via Facebook)

A new adventure for Fritz: Branson attraction to build again

BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

A favorite Branson attraction will soon open a second location.

Fritz’s Adventure, Branson’s popular family adventure park, will be opening a similar attraction in Texas. Located in The Colony, Texas, the park will offer fun adventures for the entire family.

The Texas attraction, set to open in 2024, will be a part of Grandscape. Debuting in 2021 in The Colony, TX, Grandscape is known as a Lifestyle Center. The retail and entertainment development includes shopping, dining, an amphitheater and other entertainment venues, parks, fountains and much more. The development has been named the most innovative in the world.

The newest Fritz’s Adventure at Grandscape will feature more than 100,000 square feet of explorable space, and offer something for guests of all ages. Similar to Branson’s venue, Fritz’s Adventure in Texas will include an indoor/ outdoor tree top zip line course, extreme slides, un-

derground tunnels, giant treehouses and a multi-story ropes course, among other exciting offerings.

Fritz’s Adventure was founded in Branson. The indoor/outdoor family attraction welcomes visitors of all ages to enjoy 80,000 square feet of activity, including jumping, climbing, running, rappelling,

zipping and more.

“Fritz’s Adventure was inspired by the love my wife and I have adventuring with our kids,” noted Matt Engram, owner and CEO of Fritz’s Adventure. “We offer guests an experience to create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Travis Leaming, Chief Operating Officer at Fritz’s

Adventure added, “We’re in the people business, and we’re ready to make a big impact in the lives of everyone in North Texas. From people coming in as guests, to those who will become a

part of our Fritz’s Family, this is an exciting time.”

Fritz’s Adventure will be located at 5651 Nebraska Furniture Mart Drive, in The Colony, Texas. Just 25 miles north of Downtown

Dallas, the suburb of The Colony has a population of 45,000.

For more information on Fritz’s Adventure at The Colony, visit www.FritzsAdventure.com/The-Colony.

BY DAVE RAMSEY, CEO, Ramsey Solutions, and an eight-time No. 1 national best-selling author, and host of The Ramsey Show

Dave Says: Life insurance isn’t a Baby Step

Dear Dave,

I just discovered you and your teachings a couple of weeks ago. I’m already on Baby Step 2, and I was wondering if I should buy life insurance now or wait until I’ve finished paying off debt. I’m single with no children, and I owe a total of $44,700. I have a $25,000 company-funded life insurance policy through my employer. What do you think I should do?

— Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth,

If you have a life insurance need, it’s not a Baby Step. It’s a necessity in your budget and something you need to put in place as soon as possible. But from what you’ve told me, you don’t have a great need for life insurance at this point. No one, except you, is depending on your income, and the $25,000 policy you have through your employer is more than enough to

take care of any final expenses if something happened to you.

The main purpose of life insurance is to take care of those you leave behind when you die. If someone is financially dependent on your income, I recommend having 10 to 12 times your annual income wrapped up in a good level term life insurance policy. That means if you make $80,000 a year, you should have a poli-

cy worth anywhere from $800,000 to $960,000.

If I were you, I wouldn’t buy another life insurance policy at all right now. If you get married or have kids somewhere down the road, then buy it immediately. In that case, both you and your spouse should have 15- to 20-year level term policies of 10 to 12 times your individual incomes.

And never buy anything

except level term life insurance. The reason? That covers you until you’re out of debt—should a spouse bring some into the picture—and the two of you have so much cash piled up that you don’t need to pay for a life insurance policy anymore. It’s called being self-insured, and that’s a great place to be. Good question, Elizabeth! — Dave

Budget getting tight? Here are some side hustle ideas to earn extra cash

By Ramsey Solutions

Looking for ways to bring in more cash? Give one of these ideas a shot.

If you want to reach a savings goal, pay more toward your student loans, or just add some breathing room to your budget (thanks, inflation), side hustles are a great way to make more money. This list is your inspiration for what kind of side hustle(s) you can take on to make more progress toward your current money goal. Some are quick ways to earn extra dough, and others require more time and training. But the key to winning with any side hustle is to focus on your specific skills and take advantage of them.

So, grab one of these side hustle ideas (or a few) and get ready to hustle! Side hustle ideas

1. Drive for Lyft or Uber.

If you like driving, people, and working when you want—check out Lyft or Uber. Both offer flexible scheduling, extra pay during peak hours, and insurance protection for while you’re out on the job.

2. Deliver food.

For a driving side gig with less face-to-face time, check out delivering through Grubhub, DoorDash or Uber Eats. Hey, everyone has to eat, and a lot of people would rather pay to have the food come to them. Bring the joy of meals

to others—and make extra cash in the process.

3. Deliver groceries.

If you love driving and shopping, check out Instacart or Shipt. You’ll get paid to shop and deliver groceries to clients through these on-demand services. And Shipt claims you can make up to $22 an hour working for them. Yes, please!

4. Become a photographer.

It seems like everyone with a smartphone thinks they’re a pro photographer. But if you’ve got legit photography talent, use those skills to make money!

People need photos all year long, but you should think about marketing seasonally: senior photos in

summer or early fall, family portraits for people to put on their Christmas cards, Easter pictures in the spring— you get the idea.

Now, when you’re researching online to figure out how to set your pricing, don’t expect to start off making the same as the pros. Build your skills and client list by offering lower (but not too low) rates to start. You can even get some friends to pose for you if you need some shots for your website.

5. Tutor online. You didn’t graduate at the top of your class? No problem! You don’t have to know everything to teach others. If you’ve got a good

understanding of a particular subject and good communication skills, look into online tutoring with Tutor. com, TutorMe or Studypool. And the pay isn’t too shabby, either. TutorMe says you can earn at least $16 an hour.

Be careful as you look through postings. Some of the users are just in it hoping someone will write their essays or finish their homework for them. But others need honest help to do their best. Jumping in and offering that help can be a great reward for your life and your wallet.

6. Become a transcriptionist.

If you’re good at typing and listening and you have

good attention to detail, then this could be the job for you.

A transcriptionist is a professional typist who listens to recorded or live audio files and types up written versions of them. They’re super important in the medical and legal industries, but other areas of the corporate world need them as well.

You have to be trained and certified, but you can make around $20 to $45 an hour depending on your skill level and speed. Once you’ve got your certification, you can nab some jobs on Rev.

7. Rent your home or spare room on Airbnb.

If you have an extra bedSEE

PAGE 5C

DR. RICHARD BAKER, AIF®, is the founder of and an executive wealth advisor at Fervent Wealth Management. https://www. facebook.com/Dr.RichardBaker

Did you pull up the anchor?” I was trying to steer the boat west, but something under the water was pulling me east. In the same way, China’s economic problems are beginning to

Stock Market Insights: China problem

affect the stocks in the West negatively. Any long-term investor trying to build a diversified portfolio will likely have some international stock holdings. Usually, those holdings are split between large foreign stocks and emerging market stocks. The emerging market sector is easily the more aggressive of the two, and of all emerging market countries, China is by far the big fish in that small pond. China’s stock market makes up roughly 30% of the MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index. Also, because China is the major

trading partner with Taiwan (15% of EM) and South Korea (12% of EM), it influences over half of the MSCI Emerging Market Index.

Any investor with emerging market investment might be surprised that they likely own a sizable position in Chinese stocks.

The market is getting concerned about China’s recent economic struggles.

The MSCI China Index is negative 51% since its February 2021 highs. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HIS), where many large Chinese companies list their shares, has declined almost 10% year-to-date as of Au-

gust 24, 2023. China’s exports and imports have declined year-over-year, and foreign investment in China dropped 80% this year compared to last year. Most significantly, China is showing signs of a full-on real estate crisis as its largest property developers have begun filing for bankruptcy.

I am underweighting emerging markets in my portfolios, with only 2-4% holdings depending on the client’s risk level. This is about half of my neutral setting (benchmark). International stocks are a key piece of a diversified portfolio, especially when the dollar

is weaker against other currencies. Though I’m a little pessimistic about broadbased emerging markets, I am looking for opportunities for my clients that will eventually present themselves.

The U.S. and Japanese economies are doing well, but it seems the economies of Europe and China have some difficult days ahead, which could provide some buying opportunities. However, I would avoid investing directly in Chinese stocks for several reasons and favor emerging market funds for diversification in an ever-changing market

sector. Of course, your investment strategy needs to align with your goals, time frame, and risk level. We had anchored the boat just off some bluffs that our teens enjoy jumping off (much to their mother’s displeasure). Sometimes, the anchor gets so stuck in the rocks under the water we have to cut it loose, but on this occasion, we were able to pull it up. China has some challenges, but I don’t think we need to cut the rope. Maybe we should just pull in some of our exposure and plan to return later. Have a blessed week! www.FerventWM.com

This Missouri village is state’s top family AirBnB destination

By Maddie Rhodes, Michael Bartiromo | KDVR/NEXSTAR | fox2now.com

Summer is soon coming to an end. The kids are heading back to school, your job is getting crazy, and — let’s face it — the windows aren’t going to weatherize themselves.

In other words, there’s little time for another fun family vacation before the season’s over.

But there’s always next year. And if you start planning early, you just might be able to book a few nights at some of the most popular (and unexpected) U.S. travel destinations for families.

After all, family vacations have come a long way since your last trip to Colonial Williamsburg.

To illustrate this point, Airbnb has recently revealed the top-booked travel destinations for families in every state. Using data obtained from the first half of 2023, Airbnb focused only on “family night” bookings (i.e., guests traveling with kids) to find out where folks planned to go in June, July and August.

So where, exactly, were they headed?

In some cases, the results weren’t too surprising. The top destinations in California and Florida, for instance, were Anaheim and Bay Lake — home to Disneyland and Disney World, respectively. But other top destinations weren’t so obvious, like Granby, Colorado, which beat out tourist-hotspots like Telluride or Vail. Or Lake Havasu City in Arizona, which edged out the Grand Canyon as the No. 1 family-booked destination for Airbnb users.

Families traveling to other parts of the country opted for more traditional beach vacations or lakeside destinations. But as Airbnb pointed out, many headed straight to the city.

“While there are tried and true family destinations on the list such as Gulf Shores, AL; Traverse City, MI and Pigeon Forge, TN — we also find some big cities such as Saint Paul, MN; Baltimore, MD; and Cincinnati, OH on the list,” Airbnb wrote of its findings.

This is the case for Illinois. People in the Land of Lincoln are traveling to Chi-

cago to stay in AirBnBs.

Where are people headed in Missouri? AirBnB says that they are booking stays in the village of Indian Point. The Missouri town sits on Table Rock Lake near Silver Dollar City, outside the bustle of Branson. There are marinas, boating activities

and restaurants to sample in the small community.

As indicated by Airbnb, bookings for family travel in the first half of 2023 had also increased 10% over the same time period in 2022, indicating increased interest in family trips — or at least increased interest in Airbnb properties for

families looking to get away.

Built in the early 1920s as a country retreat for Frisco Railroad executive, Harry Worman, The Worman House has been expanded and meticulously restored to its original beauty. With stunning views of the lake, custom-themed cocktails and gourmet food, you will enjoy an unforgettable evening.

Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday, 5-9:00 PM

Cocktail Hour: Friday & Saturday, 3-5:00 PM

of each state’s top-booked family locale, can be found at Airbnb’s official website.

Doggie Day Care and Grooming now offered by Shepherd of the Hills Humane Society

ture we would like to hire a veterinarian that will work with the shelters and rescues in our area, as well as to establish a true, low-cost spay/neuter program for our locals. We also faced a financial shortage, as we had to replace the income generated from renting the suite.”

By K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

When faced with a unique situation, the Branson Humane Society has found a tremendous solution.

“We had a suite and a half that was empty due to

the Shepherd of the Hills Vet Clinic purchasing their own building,” explained Branson Humane Society Director Jayme Tabuchi.

“We knew we wanted to keep the space as intact as possible, because in the fu-

Tabuchi and her staff gave thought as to how they could best use the space and bring in needed revenue without the expense of remodeling.

“We also wanted to do something that would benefit locals, as well as tourists, so the Doggie Daycare and Grooming business was formed,” said

Tabuchi.

According to Tabuchi, many out-of-town visitors stop by the Branson Humane Society, not only to see the animals available for adoption, but to get that “fix,” as they are missing their own pets at home.

Said Tabuchi, “We want to give those folks that don’t normally travel with their pets the opportunity to do so. We offer Doggie Daycare seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. That way, families can get out during the day and enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks and the many attractions here, while we take care of their fur-baby, as if he or she were our own.”

After speaking with many local groomers, and determining the great need for additional pet grooming salons in the area, Tabuchi and her staff made the decision to add grooming to the services provided at the Doggie Daycare.

“We are not professional groomers, but we will make your fur-baby pretty, smell good and most importantly, your dog will be treated with kindness and respect,” Tabuchi noted. “One of our staff members apprenticed with a local groomer for over a year and has a great base skill set. We have other staff members that will be doing baths and nail trims.”

While an appointment is necessary for many services, nail trims can be done on a walk-in basis, with no appointment needed.

The Branson Humane Society has also added an upscale resale shop inside the Doggie Daycare and Grooming suite. Sue’s Specialty Shoppe offers a variety of treasures for fur-babies and their parents.

To reserve your spot for Doggie Daycare or Grooming, you can send an email to doggie@bransonhumanesociety.com. For more information, visit their website, www.bransonhumanesociety.com.

Missouri Steer Feedout accepting entries through October 10

Submitted to Branson Globe

Cattle producers can consider enrolling steers in the Missouri Steer Feedout.

This program is a cooperation between MU Extension, Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Department of Agriculture and Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity in Iowa that began in 1981.

The Missouri Steer Feedout is an educational program for cattle producers and gives them the opportunity to do four things:

Evaluate the genetics

and management of their calves as they influence feedlot performance and carcass characteristics.

See if their cattle can hit various market targets at slaughter.

• Gain experience feeding cattle and retaining ownership without investment and risk of feeding an entire pen of cattle.

• Improving the reputation of Missouri cattle while ex-

ploring market alternatives

Entries will be accepted through October 10 for the next Missouri Steer Feedout, with weigh-in projected for November 7 at the Joplin Regional Stockyards near Carthage.. An entry consists of five or more head of steers born after January 1, 2023. At delivery they should be weaned at least 30 days, weigh over 500 pounds, be dehorned, castrated and healed, and have had two rounds of modified live vaccines.

Following weigh-in, Missouri Department of Agriculture graders evalu-

ate and price steers. After the weigh-in, the steers are sent to a feedlot in southwestern Iowa as part of the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity. The only upfront money required is a $20 per head entry fee payable by October 10. There are no periodic feed bills, as all expenses are deducted from the final check.

Cattle producers interested in enrolling steers in the program, or who want more information, should contact the Cedar County MU Extension Center at 417276-3313 or by email at davismp@missouri.edu.

Groomers at Doggie Day Care and Grooming (via Facebook)

room or garage apartment, consider renting on Airbnb.

For example, let’s say you decide to rent out your guest room and bathroom to two guests. That’s an excellent source of passive income!

But what about the risks of opening up your home to strangers? Hey, that’s a legit worry. But Airbnb offers host damage protection on your home—up to $1 million in coverage. They also offer host liability insurance just in case a guest gets hurt while staying on your property.

8. Resell thrifted items.

This one requires some cash up front, but it’s another option for people who love shopping and understand the market value of things. The idea is simple: You buy low and sell higher.

Head to your local thrift stores, garage sales or flea markets and look for deals.

Do your research to see what’s trending and how much things are selling for online. You might come across a valuable vintage piece hiding in plain sight. Or is there something you can fix up and sell for more?

Your easiest route is to resell through sites like Facebook Marketplace, Amazon, eBay, Poshmark, Thredup and GameStop—to name a few. But here’s the deal: Don’t go into debt for this. Borrowing money only puts you 10 steps behind. Plus, you don’t want to end up with a basement full of stuff you still owe on—and can’t even sell. Take it one item at a time and pay cash for it all. Because cash is king!

9. Get paid for your creative talents.

If you have creative skills, people need you. Sites like Fiverr, Upwork or 99designs connect freelancers specializing in writing, editing, graphic design and voiceover work for clients who need those creative minds.

All you have to do to get started is create a profile (kind of like an online resumé) so potential employers can check out your experience, rates and specialties. Then you can make that extra money from the comfort of your own home!

10. Babysit.

Maybe you did some

babysitting when you were younger. But you can still snag some of that babysitting cash as an adult. Parents need sitters all the time for date nights or busy days. Just get the word out and tell people you know that you’re up for watching their kids (for pay, of course).

And hey—do you have kids of your own and worry this means too much time away from them? Some families would be totally cool with you bringing your kids along (just make sure you ask first). That way, it’s a playdate you’ll get paid for—score!

11. Dog walk or pet sit.

If you’re an animal person, raise your hand. Wow! That’s a lot of you. What if you turned your love of animals into a profit? You can pet sit while the fur parents are away or find a couple clients whose dogs you can walk during the week.

You can advertise your own pet-sitting business on social media, put up signs in your neighborhood, and post at work. Try drumming up your own business with friends and family, and ask them to help you get the word out!

12. Clean houses.

Cleaning houses is hard work, but if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, this could be the perfect fit for you. We all need our houses cleaned, and lots of people would rather pay someone else to do it. Jump on this opportunity!

Start-up costs are low. You’ll need some tools and

supplies—though some picky homeowners might even provide the products they want you to use. You can make good money while burning some calories and listening to music, audiobooks or podcasts. Win-win!

13. Sell products on Etsy. Are you crafty? (Not like a fox—like an entrepreneur.) Then maybe you should sell your crafty products on Etsy. Jewelry, scarves, paintings, hand-lettered inspirational prints and more—Etsy’s a great place to sell anything you’re good at making.

Setting up a profile is simple, and listing a product is easy. Etsy charges $0.20 per listing and takes a percentage of the sale. But it’s worth it because people trust Etsy. Plus, you can buy your shipping labels on Etsy—which means you can send everything from your own mailbox (aka no last-minute runs to the post office). So. Simple.

14. Do tasks for people.

Are you good at quick fix-it jobs or running errands? People will pay you to complete their honey-do lists. You can do all kinds of things from hanging shelves to putting together furniture. And if you’re a certified plumber or electrician looking for extra jobs, Handy offers those too!

15. Wash and detail cars. Pump the brakes. You mean you can make money cleaning other people’s cars? Yes. You can. Like home cleaning, you’ll need to in-

vest in some products (car wax, a shop vacuum, leather cleaner, etc.). But they’ll go a long way, so you’re mostly investing time and energy, which are two of your best personal resources.

16. Mow lawns or do yard work. People are busy, and they don’t want their lawns to look like a scene from “The Jungle Book.” That means they’ll gladly pay you to do yard work for them—like mowing, raking, hedge-trimming and leaf-blowing (rich people are afraid of leaves).

You can grab seasonal hours with a local landscaping company or work on your own. Help others get that well-manicured lawn while you grow your bank account. And when the temps drop, people still need outside help. If you’re in a town that gets a lot of snow, you can make bank through the winter by shoveling driveways and sidewalks.

17. Sell baked goods.

People love cakes, cookies, pies and all those sweet goodies. So, if you’re good at baking, this is a great side hustle for you. Start by baking for a friend or relative. Make a gorgeous cake, post it online, and get people talking. Use social media and the wonderful power of word of mouth. Because when you delight people’s eyes and tummies,

you’ll have repeat customers who can’t stop singing your praises.

Just don’t forget to look up local laws for baking and selling food out of your home before you start making any extra money.

18. Become an event planner.

Do you enjoy a good party? Are you detail-oriented?

Then you might have what it takes to be an event planner! You could help plan or coordinate birthday parties, weddings or business events.

You’d work with a client (and their budget) to help their vision come to life—and get a small commission (and maybe some free cake!).

You’d probably want to start on a smaller scale, like your nephew’s birthday party or a coworker’s bridal shower. But you get to decide how many events you do each month. And who knows? You might even decide to make event planning your full-time job!

How to find the best side hustle jobs for you

Okay, that was a lot of side hustle options. You might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the possibilities. But there are three things that can help you figure out what side hustle job is best for you:

Time

How much time do you want to put into this? As you look into what it takes

to make your side gig work, don’t forget to be realistic about how much time will be involved—before, during and after the job. What are you actually making per hour when you consider all the time involved?

Talent

Guess what? You don’t have to hate your side hustle. It could be something that you’re actually really good at—something you already love doing. If you can go this route, do it! Then it’ll feel way less like work and more like getting paid to live in your sweet spot.

Target

We’re not talking about the store (though working there part time could be a good side hustle). As you’re looking through options, think about what your main target, or goal, is in getting a side hustle.

Do you want something simple to help you pay off debt or get breathing room in the budget? Do you want to help others along the way?

Do you want to use your skills for profit? Are you hoping to turn your side hustle into a legit small business?

Whatever your reason, be sure it makes sense for you, your lifestyle and your goals (both now and in the long run). When you know your why, you’re more likely to stick with your side hustle through the ups and downs.

Worship Directory

You are encouraged to worship with us!

Psalm 28:7

Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. 155 Second Street Hollister, MO

Located just up the hill from Downing Street

Everyone Welcome!

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

HOLLISTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Eliminate high heating bills with Central Boiler’s NEW, certified Classic Edge Titanium HDX OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE. Call Ozark Stove and Chimney today. 417-201-6585

MASTER ELECTRICIAN. No job too big or small. FREE ESTIMATES. Ph. 417-337-1747.

FREE ESTIMATES AND TIMELY RESPONSE. Full remodels, decks, pole barns, garages, fencing and small projects. Call 417-699-1635.

Don’t miss the 2023 edition of The Best Bets of Branson Live Talk Show, featuring Carrie Anne Mitchell and Shelley Carroll-Drew, every Thursday at 11:15 a.m., inside the lobby of The Nashville Roadhouse Theater, and streaming live on Facebook and YouTube.

During our 2023 show season, we are excited to be featuring; everything that is fun to share, and to talk about, involving info on the Branson & the surrounding Ozarks area, done from a 2 person, unique local perspective, and a fun, positive spin.

Brought to you by our sponsors: Affordable Insulation Service, Bliss Gas Services, The Branson Show Awards, The Consignment Clothing Exchange, El Lago On 248, Flaming Margaritas Restaurant, Gaga For Glitter, The Great Passion Play, Isom Hunt, The Krafty Kitty Farm, LKS Lawncare, MarieZ, METAGOLF, Michele’s Floral & Gifts, Mintex Appliance Service, The Nashville Roadhouse Theater, and SignsNow. Contact Carrie @ 573-7951921, or Shelley @ 417593-9815 to find out how to become a sponsor of our live talk show.

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 417–320-2055 See you there!

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

THE AMERICAN LEGION POST #220 invites all former and current US Military friends to join us Monday mornings at 9 a.m. for coffee and pastries!! Come join us at Faith Lutheran Church, 221 Malone Dr., Branson, MO. We look forward to meeting you!! HOOAH!!

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

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.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SUPPORT GROUPS meet at location #1: Branson United Methodist Church, 1208 West 76 Country Blvd. Branson, the first Thursday of every month at 1:30 PM; and at location #2: Branson Hollister Senior Center, 201 Compton Dr., Branson, the third Friday of every month at 1:00 PM For more information about either support group, you may call 417598-3122.

GRIEF SHARE SUPPORT GROUP: IN AUGUST, 2023 a new class of Grief Share will begin at the Branson United Methodist Church Aug. 22. This is a 13 week class of support for those who have lost loved ones. We welcome all ages from the community as well as our church family. For questions call Peggy at 641-919-1533. The class will meet every Tuesday at 1 p.m.in the church library.

Add a little color to your advertising, and watch readers take notice! Run an ad just like this one for just $21 a week!

GET FREE FOOD, GROCERIES, $10 GAS ON YOUR 1ST VISIT. CALL 417-337-3772

RAZORBACK PROFESSIONAL WINDOW WASHING AND CLEANING. Businesses, hotels, some residential. Free estimates. Branson. Phone 870-421-9651.

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.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE: 8 x 12 DOG RUN / CHICKEN PEN $100. Call 417-230-3457.

FIFTH WHEEL FOR SALE BY OWNER: 2021 Wildwood, Forest River, Heritage Glen Elite 36FL, luxury fifth wheel. Sleeps 6. 1.5 baths, 4 slides, full gourmet kitchen plus elite outdoor kichen w/TV, Warranty until 4/26. $65k. Branson. Call Ben, 417-699-1133.

ROOMS FOR RENT

GREEN MOUNTAIN INN OFF MAIN STREET. Great location, close to everything. ZERO DEPOSIT with proof of job and good rental history. Under new management. $690 per month, prorated from move in date. Includes utilities and internet. Great deal! Will fill up fast!! Leave a message at 417-336-6700.

WEEKLY MOTEL ROOM RENTAL. Family friendly. Deposit and rule agreement required. Cable/ WiFi, fridge and micro included. Branson West 417272-8414.

APTS/CONDOS/HOMES

FOR RENT: 2 BED/1.5 BATH, 4 PLEX in Branson. W/D and all appliances included. $850/mo. Call 417-339-7777.

VEHICLE FOR SALE: 2005 GMC SIERRA PICKUP TRUCK. Very clean with extended cab. 350 V8 Vortex. Call for details. Asking $5,800 OBO. 417-327-5546.

LUXURY

1 & 2 BR

APARTMENT HOMES

1-1/2 BATHS, POOL, REC. ROOM

1 BR STARTING @ $595/MO

2 BR STARTING @ $725/MO

Furnished Units, Carports & Lakeviews Available CALL 417-546-3334

Shepherd of the Hills Estates www.soheapts.com

OFFICE SPACE

FOR LEASE: OFFICE,, STORAGE AND COMMERCIAL SPACE ON BUS. HWY. 13 in Branson West. Over 1,000 sq. ft. available. Various sizes and reasonable rates available. Call 417-248-0062.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED: Looking for a senior service coordinator at a Branson upscale private day facility. Duties are:

Social agenda

Concierge support

Snack prep & serve

Wellness checks 40/hrs. and may work some weekends. $16/$20 per hour

If interested please call 417230-9190 or email Rosehouse8959@gmail.com. Therosehouse-branson.com

MR. GILBERTI’S PLACE. Now hiring all positions. Fun, working atmosphere. Come in and fill out an application. 1451 Arcadia Club Rd., Hollister.

POINT LOOKOUT

NURSING & REHAB is excited to announce that we are currently hiring RNs, LPNs, CNAs, NAs, CMTs, housekeeping, and dietary staff. We are currently offering a great benefit plan. We acknowledge Covid-19 vaccination exemptions. For more information, call 417-334-4105 or apply in person at 11103 Historic Hwy. 165, Hollister, MO. EOE

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Give us a call at 417-334-9100, or place your ad online at bransonglobe.com/advertise

FOR SALE: 43” SAMSUNG TV, asking $125. Dresser $40. Call 417-7913082 or 417-320-1055.

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. 417-3355400. renttoownautosbranson.com

On this date in history...

1715 King Louis XIV of France dies after reign of 72 years—the longest of any major European monarch

• 1752 Pennsylvania’s new State House bell (known today as Liberty Bell) arrives in Philadelphia from Whittechapel Foundry in London, England

• 1862 Federal tax levied on tobacco

1863 Federal troops reconquer Fort Smith, Arkansas

1894 A wildfire destroys the town of Hinckley, Minnesota, killing 438 people

• 1941 Jews living in Germany are required to wear a yellow star of David

• 1962 United Nations announces Earth’s population has hit 3 billion

1975 Gunsmoke goes off the air

• 1978 Last broadcast of “Columbo” starring Peter Falk on NBC

1979 LA Court orders Clayton Moore to stop wearing

Lone Ranger mask

1989 Chris Evert becomes first player ever to win 100 matches in U.S. National/ Open Tennis Championship

1995 New York reinstates death penalty

• 1995 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum opens in Cleveland, Ohio

2018 Aretha Franklin’s funeral held in Detroit with procession of 140 pink Cadillacs

• 2018 Memorial service for Senator John McCain at Washington National Cathedral

– Opoly Board Games

Word find from Beck Museums of Branson

Family Crossword

Sudoku