Growing up at the Dogpatch USA - Ernie Raney

I'm often asked by my peers on the West Coast what their is to do in Branson, Missouri. This article really hits home. Forget the shows - the theme parks - the kind people that live here. What it's really about is the beauty and lessons these hills have to share.

Ernie Ranie grew up in the theme park many of you remember from your youth. Though more of a ghost town now. The Linn County times wrote an article about the principle's youth and how it helps him as a scholar and educator.

Always more intrigued as a boy by what he could find off the beaten path than by what attracted tourists to the developed area of Dogpatch, the now-grown elementary school principal observes, "The whole art of teaching a child involves gaining access to the backroads of his heart and mind, allowing him to be what he is and waiting to help him take that next step when he is ready."

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Branson MIssouri - Tourism Tax

All major local publications voiced support for the Branson Tourism Tax over the weekend.

Branson Daily News - A Hundred Years And The Newspaper Will Be Dead

Ok, now think about it - a couple hundred years ago a "town crier" would, well - cry the news in the middle of the town square.

I know quite a bit about this custom having dated the daughter of one of the top "town criers" in the world. To be precise - #1 in Canada, having cried before the Queen herself!

It's not with pride that I say I almost wet myself when I saw the costume. You see, the English redcoat to me conjures pictures of Paul Revere screaming at the top of his lungs , screaming - they're coming to kill us. "The Red Coats are coming , The RED COATS ARE COMING!". I guess the town crier did have a place.

If you think about it, truly, the birth of America has everything to do with the birth of new media. Is it at all possible to understate the value of Thomas Paine's tiny pamphlet? Isn't it just Common Sense ? The town crier was made a legend and the newspaper reigned for over a hundred years.

I wonder, and am quite certain that there was a "Town Crier Union" which probably lost a great deal of power at the turn of the 19th Century.

As certain as video killed the radio star - the Internet will kill the news reporter.

Newsflash: The Branson Daily News is creating a new Content Management System. I expect good things and am looking forward to its release!

Branson Hospitality - contagious - Thank You Lebanon

40 Minnesota Senior Citizens on a bus from Missouri (imagine that) broke down on the way home. Apparently, Lebanon residents demonstrated generosity and warmth to the distraught tourists- . Jumbled reports made it halfway through the wire. Apparently, Lebanon residents shared Branson's tradition of hospitality by providing for these individuals. At this time no details have been issued regarding the extent and personal actions of Lebanon residents. Though the details haven't been distributed through the wire - Reports of Ozark's warmth have proven themselves contagious.

Branson - The next Generation

Branson has some great things coming through the pipeline. No, I'm not talking about the Landing or several multi-billion dollar development projects announced over the last few weeks. I'm not talking about a Mel Tillis comeback or who's who on the 70 + circuit.

We have a new generation coming and the reigns are slowly being handed over. This is something to be excited about. For instance, the Haygoods are growing up and getting national attention- Branson's own will make us proud. Branson launched it's first Rock n' Roll show featuring hits from the 1990's as opposed to 1919.

I'm excited today because the next generation is rising up - newbies being pruned for the top leadership spots. I'm excited becuase I see more integrity and an explosion of creative talent rising through the pores of Branson's foundation. I'm excited because a new promise for Branson is being delivered - with new leadership and new stars. But mostly, I'm excited because I get to watch it happen and even participate in the transformation this city will see in the next few years.

What Success is - From Branson - College of the Ozarks

Success is not measured by money, but, by attainment of high character and a right relationship with God

Dr. William Parker
1913 CofO Administrator

These words are written on the southern walkway to a gazebo.

Branson Veteran's Taskforce Schedule of Events

BVTF Tactical Operations Center (TOC), Veterans Reception & Vendor Village will be located at Celebration City Convention Hall: All American Lunch served Daily from 11;30 am(1130 hrs) to 1p.m (1300hrs) free to veterans and active personnel, courtesy of the Golden Corral and Branson Veterans Task Force. Vendor booths will be open from 9am (0900 hrs) to 6p.m.(1800hrs). The TOC will be open from November 7th through the 11th.



Veterans Registry is at the BVTF Tactical Operation center (TOC) and the Grand Country Square from 9 a.m. (0900 hrs) to 6p.m. (1800 hrs). Looking for friends from your unit or hoping someone might be trying to find you? Get your name in the Branson Veterans Task Force Registry. No charge for registration or searches.



Veterans Patch Wall, Grande Country Square - FREE - Hundreds of patches collected from all services hold special meaning for each branch, division and unit represented. See this collection in progress. Patch donations welcome. Open all year.



Mike Radford's Hall of Heroes, - FREE - A display honoring men and women of every era. Located inside the Radisson Hotel, lower level, next to the Veterans Cafe' where coffee is always free to veterans. This stirring tribute includes donated military memorabilia, uniforms and thousands of photographs from families across America. An additional Hall of Heroes is locate din the Imax Entertainment Complex.



Veterans History Project- Veterans Stories needed - free- The Branson Veterans Task Force Inc, as a partner with the Library of Congress American Folklore Center, is videotaping for future generations, the personal stories of veterans of all branches and all eras. During the Veterans Homecoming, these will be taped between 9:00 am and 5pm .



Vietnam Traveling Wall - FREE - The Official, half scaled replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the most visited memorial in Wash, DC, is open for viewing daily at the Welk Resort Theatre November 5 through the 11th from 8am to 10pm daily. As is customary, the list of names will be read continuously throughout the seven day period. Opening Ceremony is at 10am November 4th.



Veterans Rights Seminars - Free – daily workshop sessions regarding veterans rights/benefits will be conducted at Culpepper Place of Branson, 5351 Gretna Rd. Advance reservations required. Call 800-335-8566. Use reservation #211. You will receive a return call to confirm your reservation.



Daily Special Events by Day and Starting Hour*



Friday, November 4th 2005



10:00 a.m.(1000 hrs)- Dedication and Memorial Service for the Vietnam Traveling Wall, Welk Resort.



Saturday, November 5th 2005



6:30 a.m. (0600hrs)- The BVTF will host the POW/MIA Hot Air Balloon Static Display at Mansion America – open all day – weather permitting

10 a.m. (1000hrs)-Opening Ceremonies at Mansion America Theatre

7:30 p.m. (1930hrs)– Tatiana hosts a Veterans Salute to the Salvation Army, 7:30 p.m. Moe Bandy Theatre, A special tribute to the memory of the donut lassies who helped feed the troops in WWI – Veterans get into this show for a donation of $10. Proceeds go to the Salvation Army. Refreshments include donuts



Sunday, November 6th 2005



9:00 a.m. - Bike Rally Toys for Tots - sponsered by the Forsythe VFW post 5168 for more information contact the VFW @ 417-546-5869

10 a.m.(1000hrs) - Honoring Veterans Homecoming Church Service, Hamner Barber Theatre, Shepherd of the Hills Expressway

8 p.m. (2000hrs)- Braschler Music Show Salute to Veterans - free to veterans and active duty military - Hamner Barber Theatre, Shepherd of the Hills Expressway



Monday, November 7th 2005



11 a.m. (1100hrs)- Woman's Veterans Rose Petal Memorial, Mansion America Theatre - free

Followed by Woman's Veterans Luncheon, Majestic Steak House Click Here for More Information

11:30 a.m.(1130hrs) – 1 p.m. Free lunch to veterans and current serving military served at Vendor Village at Celebration City . Live entertainment. Others welcome to dine for a donation.

Noon – Women Veterans Luncheon, Majestic Steak House, Gretna Rd., $25 Reservations required. Call Mary Slivka 800-935-1199 ext. 817

2:30 – 3 p.m. (1430-1500hrs)– Presentations by military author, writers and artists on stage at (TOC) Tactical Operations Center located at Celebration City

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (150001530hrs)– Various presentations by the National Flag Foundation on stage at Vendor Village at Celebration City

3:30 – 4 p.m. (1530-1600hrs)– Various presentations by the Veterans History Project on stage at Vendor Village at Celebration City



Tuesday, November 8th 2005



11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (1130 - 1300hrs) Free lunch to veterans and current serving military served at Vendor Village at Celebration City . Live entertainment. Others welcome to dine for a donation.

2:30 – 3 p.m. (1430- 1500hrs)– Presentations by military author, writers and artists on stage at Vendor Village at Celebration City

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (1500`1530hrs)– Various presentations by the National Flag Foundation on stage at Vendor Village at Celebration City

3:30 – 4 p.m. (1530-1600hrs)– Various presentations by the Veterans History Project on stage at Vendor Village at Celebration City

7:30 p.m. (1930hrs)- Homecoming BIG SHOW, Musical Palace (#1 Hits of the ‘60s) – veterans free – Hwy. 248



Wednesday, November 9, 2005



9 a.m. (0900hrs)- Korean War Veterans Association Mini-Reunion, until noon at the Settle Inn hosted by the State of Missouri K.W.V.A and the Harry S. Truman Chapter K.W.V.A. 417- 338-2181

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (1130-1300hrs) Free lunch to veterans and current serving military served at Vendor Village at Celebration City . Live entertainment. Others welcome to dine for a donation.

Noon - Honor and Integrity/ Luncheon honoring youth military groups at the VFW Post 5168 Forsyth , Mo.

2:30 – 3 p.m. (1430-1500hrs)– Presentations by military author, writers and artists on stage at Vendor Village at Celebration City

3p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (1500-1530hrs)– Various presentations by the National Flag Foundation on stage at Vendor Village at Celebration City

3:30 – 4 p.m. (1530-1600hrs)– Various presentations by the Veterans History Project on stage at Vendor Village at Celebration City

6 p.m. (1800hrs)– POW/MIA Skidmore, Missouri Gala, Chateau on the Lake

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. (1900-2000hrs)- Candlelight Military Memorial Service-all Military and guests invited, Skyline Baptist Church , Hwy. 165 and Fall Creek Rd.



Thursday, November 10, 2005



10 a.m. (1000hrs)- KWVA Benefit Show at the Dutton Family Theatre for the Harry S. Truman Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association. Dutton Theatre is located at 3454 W. Hwy. 76 in Branson. Tickets are $10 for adults. Call for reservations 417-332-2772.

10 a.m 1000hrs)- Tom Brokaw - Coolege of the Ozarks Keeter Center for more information contact The Keeter Center @ 417-239-1900

10:30 a.m. (1030hrs)– Gold Star and Blue Star Mother's Breakfast, Golden Corral, Shepherd of the Hills Expressway

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (1130-1300hrs) Free lunch to veterans and current serving military served at Vendor Village at Celebration City . Live entertainment. Others welcome to dine for a donation.

Noon - Honor and Integrity/ Luncheon honoring youth military groups at the VFW Post 5168 Forsyth , Mo.

2:30 – 3 p.m. (1430-1500hrs)– Presentations by military author, writers and artists on stage at Vendor Village at Celebration City

3 p.m.– 3:30 p.m. (1500-1530hrs)– Various presentations by the National Flag Foundation on stage at Vendor Village at Celebration City

3:30 – 4 p.m. (1530-1600hrs)– Various presentations by the Veterans History Project on stage at Vendor Village at Celebration City

5:30 p.m. (1730hrs)– Marine Corp Ball –American Legion Table Rock Post 637 host. Honoring the Ladies Auxiliary and the Marine Corp's Birthday. Call 417-739-4108 for reservations. Kimberling City

6 p.m (1800hrs)– American Presidential Museum USO Dinner, Dance and Party. Until 11 p.m. For more information call toll free 866-334-8683. Behind Starlite Theatre just off Hwy. 76



Friday November 11th 2005 (Veterans Day)



11 a.m. (1100hrs)-Veterans Day Parade sponsored by American Legion Post 220 through downtown Branson

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (1130-1300hrs) Free lunch to veterans and current serving military served at Vendor Village at Celebration City . Live entertainment. Others welcome to dine for a donation.

2:30 - 3 p.m. (1430-1500hrs)- Presentations by military author, writers and artists on stage at Vendor Village at Celebration City

5 p.m. (1700hrs)- Closing Ceremonies, The Follies Theatre BVTF ceremony/entertainment, Free - Tickets must be picked up by Noon on Friday, Nov. 11 (please be aware that the Follies theater is having other shows this day, so tickets must be picked up no later than noon). For reservations please call 417-335-2000

6:30 p.m. (1830hrs)– Open to the Public - Armed Forces Veterans Ball celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Branson Veterans Task Force at Chateau on the Lake, Price is $45 per person “A special tribute to Tony Orlando and Ed McMahon” Cocktail Hour (cash bar) 6:30 p.m., Dinner 7:30 p.m., Entertainment and Dancing Jim Hunter and the Mellotones 9 p.m. – midnight - Mess Dress, Tuxedo, or Business Suit (Black Tie optional). Call the Task Force for reservations 417-337-8387



It should be noted that all events, location, & times are at this time subject to change. For further information contact the Branson Veterans Task Force at 417-337-8387 or go to their web site. For information and schedules for shows and attraction or to purchase tickets on line click here or call 800-590-0155.