Branson Courier

Month: November 2007

  • Branson’s Board to consider three financial support requests totaling $119,000

    By Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    At its Nov. 26 meeting, the Branson Board of Aldermen might set a record for the number of requests for funding from the city’s Tourism Tax Contingency Fund (the fund) ever handled at one meeting. The board will consider two new requests and give its initial approval to another. The total amount involved with all three requests is $119,000.

    The two new requests total $65,000. The National Center for Presidential Studies, doing business as the “American Presidents Museum” is requesting $50,000 for the “American Presidents” exhibit scheduled for March 4 through April 30, 2008.The second request is from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB requesting $15,000 to hold the Billboard World Song Contest Show and Awards Presentation in Branson during March or April of 2008.

    The American Presidents Museum (the museum) has been selected to host the traveling exhibit “American Presidents,” a one of a kind exhibit show featuring panels with original oil paintings of each President, from George Washington through George W. Bush, and support materials provided by the White House Historical Society. The exhibit has been traveling the country since 1999, has been in the state of Missouri twice, at the Presidential debates in St Louis 2000 and 2004, and has been displayed in Presidential Libraries, state Historical Museums, and the US Capitol Rotunda.

    The funding request states that the exhibit is nationally recognized and was created by C-SPAN cable television network and the White House Historical Society. Although a one time event, the museum estimates that the exhibit will bring over 30,000 visitors to Branson specifically to view it.

    The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB (the chamber) is submitting its request for $15,000 to be used to host the “Billboard World Song Contest and Presentation” (the contest) to be held in Branson during March or April of 2008. The event has the endorsement of Billboard Magazine and highlights new and rising young talent in the songwriting field. The contest has been staged at various locations over the past 15 years, and the chamber hopes to make Branson its permanent location.

    The contest features 15 different musical categories with songwriters competing for the title of “Best New Song” in each category. The chamber believes that the contest would attract songwriters, music industry leaders and performers from across the country. They also point out that the contest could be a way of elevating Branson’s status within the music industry.

    At its Nov. 12 meeting, after two public meetings on the issue, the board directed that an ordinance and contract be drawn up providing for the funding of Christmas decorations in connection with Ozark Mountain Christmas. The ordinance, to be presented at the Nov. 26 meeting for its first reading, provides for the expenditure of $54,000 for Christmas decorations, $25,000 for the Branson Area Festival of Lights drive through and $29,000 for labor and materials for the rewiring, renovating and installation of Branson Area Festival of Lights stars. It also provides that the total amount “shall be made available to the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce who shall administer the project.”

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Will Branson celebrate Christmas or some other neutered politically correct holiday?

    Does Branson spend millions of dollars marketing Ozark Mountain Hanukah, Ozark Mountain Kwanzaa, Ozark Mountain Holidays, or some other form of a neutered politically correct version of Christmas? If it does it’s one of the best kept secrets around. On the other hand, what would the answer be if the question had been, “Does Branson spend millions of dollars marketing Ozark Mountain Christmas? OK so it’s a rhetorical question.

    Branson spends millions of dollars marketing the Ozark Mountain Christmas experience and inviting visitors to come and celebrate Christmas in the Ozarks. Yet, as visitors drive up and down our streets are they more than likely to see “Merry Christmas,” the words “Happy Holidays” or some other form of a neutered politically correct version of Christmas prominently displayed on the outside and inside of our businesses, public buildings, and infrastructure? As Branson’s visitors interact with the personnel working in Branson’s entertainment, retail, lodging, food service, and government are they more likely to be wished “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” or nothing?

    As they drive by the city of Branson’s city hall will they see the welcoming words “Merry Christmas” in huge letters across the face of the building or anywhere on the building or grounds? Will they see the word “Christmas” displayed in any public area inside the building? Does the city of Branson use its huge water towers to proclaim the words “Merry Christmas” to those coming to Ozark Mountain Christmas?

    To some the term Christmas is a special season where the celebration of the birth of Christ is given special emphasis. To others it is but a commercial type of thing where the birth of Christ is only important in terms of being used to generate revenue. To still others it means something in between, and to some, it actually means nothing. What’s important to an Ole Seagull personally, and, he hopes to the community, is that the reason for the season, “Christmas,” is celebrated and preserved as its own holiday and not lost in a myriad of other holidays or hidden in a closet filled with “commercialism” and “political correctness.”

    It is not a matter of the separation of church and state. In fact, Section 6103 of Title 5 of the United States Code establishes the official name of the federal holiday celebrated on Dec.25 as “Christmas Day.” Whether or not the name of that holiday, “Christmas,” has a religious significance is a personal matter depending on what is in the hearts of those saying and hearing it.

    The name of the celebration Branson markets to the world is Ozark Mountain Christmas. With every other festival or celebration, residents, businesses, and employees are encouraged to get with the spirit of the occasion being promoted. What better way to express the reality and spirit of Ozark Mountain Christmas to those who come than by saying “Merry Christmas” and providing them with a total Christmas experience that is unrivaled anywhere else in the country.

    What about those that don’t celebrate Christmas? What about them? Is it inappropriate to suggest that an area celebrating Ozark Mountain Christmas should be focused on the vast majority of people who celebrate Christmas? In terms of the reality of today’s environment, with its increasing attacks on the tradition of Christmas in America, which is less likely to offend them, someone wishing them “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays?” Being surrounded by things specifically proclaiming Christmas or other things that tend to neuter Christmas in political correctness?

    Would it be inappropriate to ask the city governments of the city of Branson and Hollister, the village of Indian Point, and the Taney County Commission to establish a policy of trying to keep Christmas in Christmas? As a starting point, such a policy could encourage the use of the term Merry Christmas in lieu of Happy Holidays or other things that tend to neuter Christmas in the name of political correctness, in connection with their involvement with Ozark Mountain Christmas or other situations where it is their intent to specifically express Christmas wishes or greetings to those celebrating the holiday of Christmas.

    It appears that such a policy would be consistent with not only the legal name of the holiday of Christmas but the name of the celebration that we promise the world, “Ozark Mountain Christmas.” Can any reasonable person take offense if a community simply stands up and says, “We celebrate the holiday of Christmas, its promise and spirit and would love to have you come and share them with us?” If we will not publicly, proudly and boldly celebrate Christmas in Branson during the celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas, then, where and when?

  • Indian Point’s Enchanted Forest – Branson’s only free drive-thru Christmas light display

    The unique Freedom Tree with its 65,000 lights.

    The Enchanted Forest drive-thru Christmas light display is now open from dusk until midnight every evening through January 1. For nearly 20 years, this has been the annual Christmas gift from the people of Indian Point to area residents and our visitors. An estimated 100,000 people drove through the mile-long displays last year.

    The nearly 500,000 lights feature whimsical woodland characters that will appeal to people of all ages. The focal point of the displays is the “Freedom Tree” with over 60,000 red, white and blue lights demonstrating the community’s support for our military and our country.

    Pictures of this spectacular tree have been seen world-wide on the internet and have generated words of encouragement from throughout the United States and several foreign countries. Bert Lehman, the owner of Artilla Cove Resort on Indian Point, said that the old Osage Orange Tree is in such a funny position because it fell umpteen years ago and just grew back in the position its in.

    The Enchanted Forest is located three miles south of Highway 76 on Indian Point Road (the entrance to Silver Dollar City). It is free to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted.

    For further information, contact the Indian Point Chamber of Commerce, 338-2772, or visit indianpointchamber.com.

  • City of Branson prepared for “Blitz” Friday Shopping

    “Thanksgiving Traffic Solution” is a plan where Branson police and public works departments team up to move motorists more efficiently around the city on Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24.

    This is the 11th year for the Thanksgiving Traffic Solution that involves extra police officers at the 11 busiest intersections directing traffic, and public works employees wearing orange vests located around the city to distribute city maps, provide directions to visitors and answer questions.

    Police Chief Caroll McCullough says his officers will be working 10-hour shifts both days.
    “There will be 28 officers dedicated solely to directing traffic, and those policemen will be on duty 10 a.m. until the traffic subsides,” McCullough said. “Assigning personnel in this manner gives us time to prepare for the day and be at our posts by 10:30 a.m. These hours also give us the ability to have officers in place to help with the evening show traffic. If we see the need to keep officers longer at any location, we’re prepared to do so. ”

    Intersections in the city where officers will be stationed are:

    West Main and 7th St. West Main and Michel St.
    West Main and Roark Valley Rd Highway 76 and Highway 165
    Highway 76 and Shepherd of the Hills Exp Green Mountain Drive and Highway 165
    Roark Valley Rd and Gretna Rd Gretna Rd and Wildwood Dr
    Gretna Rd and Rosalee St Business 65 and West Main
    East Main & Branson Landing Boulevard
    The nine public works employees are scheduled Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or as the volume of traffic dictates each day, according to Larry VanGilder, director of public works.
    VanGilder said visitors must be aware that due to ongoing road construction projects, Forsyth Road will remain closed and will not be open for any traffic. Also, Fall Creek Road at Highway 76 will remain under a construction status with no left turns allowed from 76 onto Fall Creek.

    With new roads built during the past 16 years, streets other than Highway 76 can access every shopping area in Branson.

    Three large outlets malls, a thriving downtown district, Branson Landing, and specialty stores throughout the city have combined to make Branson a major retail-shopping destination along with the music shows and theme parks.

    “The holidays are a wonderful time of year to visit Branson,” said Jerry Adams, Branson’s public information director. “We encourage families to come and not only shop, but also experience our spectacular holiday lighting displays, dine in our fine restaurants, and enjoy wonderful Christmas shows at our theaters.”

  • Would-leave-Branson-Show-if-beer-served

    After reading the Letter to the Editor regarding the Legends selling beer at the concession stand disturbs me too. I would not bring my children to a theater that sells beer. I feel that my children should be able to enjoy the show without having to observe people drunk or just can’t hold their alcohol. I feel that the theater should be place where the entertainment should be enough to lift our spirits without doing it artifically. I too have been in Branson a number of years and I would too ask for a refund and leave the theater than risk of my children having their evening spoiled. A. M., Herrin, IL.

  • League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers Announces “Spotlight on Vendors” Trade Show

    Any business anxious to reach the decision makers in Branson’s show industry will want to participate in The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers’ (The League) first annual Vendor Fair on Tuesday, December 11, 2007, at the award winning Chateau on the Lake Resort and Conference Center in Branson, Missouri. Participants in this event will include Branson music pioneers, show owners and management, marketing, sales, and production professionals; however the “spotlight” will be on the participating vendors who rely on the theatre industry. A limited amount of vendor booths are available by contacting The League office at brooke@showsinbranson.com or (417) 334-8287.

    The quality and variety of Branson’s live music shows and family entertainment productions bring tens of thousands of new and repeat visitors to Branson each year, pumping big money into the local economy. As member theatres celebrate their more than 50 years of success, and with new theatres under construction, those businesses working with the show industry know first hand the partnerships necessary for the local economy to thrive and the buying power the show industry represents. Exhibitors, from small to large companies, from throughout the industry, are invited to participate. Expected attendees and buyers from the theater and hospitality industry include owners, managers, performers, marketing, ticketing, registration, gift shop, and box office staff. This expo is a great opportunity to expose your business to hundreds of potential clients, network with peers, generate quality business leads, and display updated products.

    This first annual “Spotlight on Vendors” one-day business tradeshow will be limited to the first 90 booths to register. The deadline for registration is November 23, 2007, and all booths are offered on a first-come, first served basis. Standard booth rates are $495; end booth rates are $595. Some sponsorship opportunities are still available. Businesses who wish to participate in this inaugural event may contact: Brooke Lewis at brooke@showsinbranson.com or call (417) 334-8287.

  • Sale of Alcoholic Beverages in Branson’s Theatres disappoints

    My husband and I were in Branson during Veterans week. We visit Branson 4 or 5 times a year. We have always enjoyed the wholesome and family atmosphere. We were very upset to find that the Legends Theater sold bottled beer in the concession stand. I would never have thought this would happen in a theater where people bring an entire family. People have a right to drink but to sell it in a theater where children attend a show with their family is just not right. I sure hope this does not start a trend in Branson. We have a lot of friends who visit Branson often and they were upset about this too. I called the Legends Theater the next day and they told me that this was the first year to do this. I sure hope enough people complain and maybe they will stop selling beer in the concession stand. Had we seen the beer before the show, we would have asked for our money back and left. We were there with friends and this was a big disappointment for all of us. Our opinion may not seem to matter much but I felt like we had to respond. Thank you. Peggy, Norman, MO.

  • Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas-Biggest Light Show Ever

    A true Christmas lighting spectacular!

    One of the nation’s most acclaimed Christmas celebrations is more spectacular than ever as Silver Dollar City presents an all-new, $1 million light and sound extravaganza for An Old Time Christmas – the park’s biggest light show ever. Called Christmas on Main Street, joined in its performances by one million lights on the Square. Along with the acclaimed musical production “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” the colorful Holiday Light Parade, a dramatic production of the Living Nativity and over 4 million lights throughout the park, Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas is bigger and brighter than ever, running November 3 – December 30.

    With the new, more colorful 5-Story Special Effects Tree as a centerpiece, the Christmas on Main Street show includes lights on buildings, in hanging canopies over the city streets and on 250 Christmas trees around the Square. As the 5-Story Tree blazes in synchronization with the musical movements of Christmas songs, the lights around Main Street flash along with it, accompanied by surround-sound, immersing guests in the experience. The performance begins with the tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and runs throughout the evening.

    Profiled as one of the top Christmas celebrations in the country by USA Today and People Magazine, spotlighted in the Wall Street Journal, and named the “USA’s Best Holiday Light Show” two years in a row by America’s Best Online, An Old Time Christmas transforms the theme park into an evening wonderland with over four million lights and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees. The colorful Holiday Light Parade, with musical floats covered in bright lights, winds through the streets of the City each evening
    .
    Silver Dollar City’s acclaimed production, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, is an original musical adaptation of the famous classic by Charles Dickens. The show features elaborate sets and stunning visual effects, with flying spirits, vanishing ghosts, revolving scenery and pyrotechnic special effects. The production showcases a cast of 14 actors, accompanied by a live band. A Dickens’ Christmas Carol runs November 10 – December 30.

    The tastes of the season are in abundance throughout the park, from a Prime Rib Buffet at the Mill Restaurant to traditional favorites such as Turkey and Gravy with Cran-Apple Raisin Dressing. Festive holiday treats include old-fashioned Chocolate and Marshmallow S’Mores, Gingerbread Cookies, Apple Dumplings, Hot Wassail, Cappucino and creamy Hot Chocolate. Kids can sign up for a special lunch with Santa, available weekends throughout the festival.

    Holiday shows include Cedric Benoit and the Cajun Connection performing in a Cajun-style holiday show, and the rollicking Christmas comedy “Frontier Fa-la-la Follies” in the Silver Dollar Saloon. Tracy Heaston and Crystal River perform in “A Christmas Homecoming.”

    Especially for kids, Tinker, the 17-foot Talking Christmas Tree talks, sings and interacts with kids. Santa himself is available to hear requests, and kids can make ornaments, create Christmas cards and decorate Christmas cookies. Guests are invited to join in the singing of Christmas carols at the historic Wilderness Church and ride the Silver Dollar Sing-Along Steam Train.

    During An Old Time Christmas, Silver Dollar City is open Wednesdays through Sundays through December 2, Thursdays through Sundays December 6 – 23, closed December 24-25 and open December 26-30. Hours are 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with Saturdays 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The park is also open on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on November 23, 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For ticket information and schedules, call 1-800-831-4FUN. Information and tickets are also available through the web site at www.silverdollarcity.com.

  • Thanksgiving is all about to whom the “Thanks” is “given!”

    Common sense tells an Ole Seagull that something celebrated as “Thanksgiving Day” should be a day of “giving thanks.” Generally speaking, who among us says “thank you” to “no one?” Generally, when thanks is given it is for something and is “given” to the person or entity believed to have provided that something.

    Yet, even as some would take “CHRIST” out of CHRISTmas they would take the “Giving” out of Thanksgiving. To whom are we giving thanks? From Coronado’s 1541 Thanksgiving in Palo Duro Canyon, in what is now West Texas, through the 1600 Puritan Thanksgivings in New England, history testifies to the fact that our modern day Thanksgiving is rooted on giving thanks to God for blessings bestowed.

    The true meaning of “Thanksgiving,” and its involvement with the very foundation of our Nation can be readily gleaned from the Proclamations establishing it and history itself. One of the “First Thanksgiving Proclamations,” issued in 1676, by the Governing Council of Charlestown, Massachusetts proclaimed, “a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favor.”

    On December 18, 1777, after the victory over the British at Saratoga, the Congress recommended, “That at one time, and with one voice, the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor; and that, together with their sincere acknowledgements and offerings they may join the penitent confession of their sins; and supplications for such further blessings as they stand in need of.”

    On November 16, 1789, the First President of the United States, George Washington, issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation stating, “Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor, and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint committee requested me to ‘recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many single favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.’”

    Perhaps Abraham Lincoln, in his 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation said it best. “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

    Particularly at this time in our Nations history, it would seem appropriate, during our Thanksgiving celebrations, to stop and give “thanks” to Almighty God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon this Nation and its people. As Lincoln so beautifully said, “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God.”

  • Thanksgiving CAM food drive and concert – Branson landing Nov. 22 – 11am – 5pm

    Celebrate Thanksgiving Day by helping those truly in need and see a great concert while doing it. Join Branson Landing on Thanksgiving in their effort to help Christian Action Ministries (CAM), the heart of our community, help those less fortunate – by making a food or fund donation.

    Each year, The Christian Action Ministries food pantry distributes hundreds of pounds of food and grocery products to hungry and needy people in our community. Currently, they are in desperate need of Canned Meat, Soups, Beef Stew, Cereal and Macaroni and Cheese. Visitors to the Branson Landing making food and monetary donations to Christian Action Ministries on Thanksgiving Day, will also have the opportunity to win one of six $100 Branson Landing Gift Cards!

    Christian Action Ministries (CAM) will be in Town Square by the Fountains from 11am to 5pm on Thursday, November 22nd. CAM has been serving Taney County families since 1985 and is a non- denominational local organization dedicated to providing caring assistance in Christ’s name to people in crises by providing emergency assistance with food, clothing, prescriptions, rent and utilities.

    In conjunction with the CAM food drive, starting at 2:00 p.m. Branson Landing will present its exciting Thanksgiving Day Concert with Special Guests, The Blues Brothers from Legends in Concert and the amazing group Take It To The Limit from The Grand Palace, performing the great music of one of America’s favorite bands – The Eagles! The Blues Brothers (Bucky Heard and Justin Clark) from the Legends in Concert Show in Branson, will kick off the Thanksgiving Day Concert at 2pm – performing many of your favorite "soul" tunes as you sing and along! This is your opportunity to "get light on your feet" with the Legendary Blues Brothers!

    Presented by Gold Harbor – Take It To The Limit, Tribute to the Eagles is a tribute to one of America’s favorite bands. With 8 talented musicians playing the music they love, you see the stage come alive during their full scale concert. With the soulful voice of lead singer Eric Rankin, they bring to life the 5 part harmonies the Eagles are famous for. Take It To The Limit plays incredible chart topping hits such as "Desperado", "Lying Eyes", "Take it Easy" and the timeless "Hotel California". Also included are the Eagles’ more current hits including their moving "Whole In The World". In 2007, Take It To The Limit – Tribute to the Eagles, held a successful 5 month engagement at The Grand Palace and are currently touring the Midwest due to the many requests from their fans. This amazing Tribute to the Eagles will take you back to those great songs from the 1970s into the 21st Century and have you feeling as if the Eagles had landed.at Branson Landing!

    Don’t miss this special Thanksgiving Day Concert in Branson Landing’s Town Square on Thursday, November 22nd at 2pm and the opportunity to donate a food item to CAM for the benefit of those who truly need help.

  • Branson’s Lake Taneycomo Bridge “Get-R-Done” steering committee

    By Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    The seconds, minutes, days, weeks, and months available to avoid the shutdown of the Lake Taneycomo Bridge for about a year are sifting through the hourglass. If it were an egg being timed the last second dropping into the bottom of the hourglass would indicate that the egg was done. With the timing of the closing of the bridge, the last second dropping through means that the Branson community lives with the results of what its efforts have accomplished as that last second hits the bottom of the hourglass.

    The good news, the really good news, is that the time passing through the hour glass while the “steering committee,” those who had the political clout to tie the community’s need for a solution to the bridge problem to their own desire for a tax for other purposes, was not wasted. While the steering committee gambled away the initial opportunity for a retail sales tax that could have been used to help solve the bridge problems, others were working to develop potential solutions for the problems including resource dependent alternatives to closing the bridge.

    For the most part, those potential solutions and alternatives were, and are, being developed by a Value Engineering Study currently being conducted by the Missouri Department of Transportation [MoDOT] in conjunction with local officials. The study team initially met on Sep. 10 and is in the process of releasing its final recommendations.

    Those with the political clout to get their agenda on the ballot had their steering committee. As the seconds continue to drop through the hour glass how about a “steering committee,” for the rest of us, one that has the professionalism and ability to steer the community in the right direction in a timely and efficient manner. That committee would be made up of Taney County Road and Bridge Administrator, Frank Preston, Branson City Engineer, David Miller, or his representative, Hollister City Administrator, Rick Ziegenfuss, and MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager, Chad E. Zickefoose. Ziegenfuss, although not an engineer, represented the area as a member of the Value Engineering Study and adds a tempering dimension.

    The committees charge would be simple, “Get-R-Done.” The end result would be a list, without regard to cost, containing, in order of preference, no more than three of the most practical, efficient, and value based solutions to the problems posed by the bridge. The decisions involving the list would be based on their professional experience and knowledge, all of the information currently available, including the results of the MoDOT Value Engineering Study, and the assumption that without a decision the bridge will be closed by the end of 2008 for MoDOT to implement their solution.

    The committee would have until no later than Jan. 7 to develop the list and present it, along with appropriate staff studies, documentation, etc. to their respective elected leaders for consideration. During that period and until Jan. 23, 2008, each of the elective bodies would hold a public hearing on the list and the three options. On Jan. 23, 2008, at a joint meeting of the Taney County Commission, Branson Board of Aldermen, and the Hollister Board of Aldermen, one option would be selected.

    The community could then focus its efforts into turning that option into a reality which, if history is any judge, will be achieved. One thing is certain however, the seconds, minutes, days, weeks, and months continue to sift through the hourglass. The community is either going to “Get-R-Done” before that last second sifts through or MoDOT is going to close the bridge and “Get-R-Done,” as best as they can.

    Related links:

    Taneycomo bridge problems could cause Fall 2008 closure (News)

    Cost of alternatives to Branson’s Taneycomo bridge closing range from $13 to 36.8 million (News)

    Business 65 Taneycomo Bridge safe but functionally obsolete and structurally deficient (News)

    MoDOT study to determine if, and how long, Branson’s Taneycomo Bridge will be closed (News)

    Is there Highroad "Deja vu" involved with the closing of Branson’s Taneycomo Bridge?" (Column)

  • Taneycomo bridge problems could cause Fall 2008 closure

    By Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    The rejection of the Proposition A retail sales tax by Taney County voters on Nov. 6, doesn’t change the problems posed by the condition of the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo between Hollister and Branson. The bridge’s deck is deteriorating, the Missouri Department of Transportation [MoDOT] has about $5.5 million for the rehabilitation of the bridge, it will be necessary to close the bridge for about a year to make the repairs, and those repairs could begin as soon as the late fall of 2008.

    Taney County Presiding Commissioner Chuck Pennel said, “The election results don’t change the fact that I believe the Taneycomo Bridge situation is one of our top transportation priorities and that we must put all our efforts into meeting that need.” He went on to point out that, in large part, those efforts will guided by the final recommendations of the Value Engineering Study [the study] currently being conducted by the Missouri Department of Transportation [MoDOT] which he expects to be released in the very near future.

    Taney County Road and Bridge Administrator, Frank Preston, said, “The Lake Taneycomo Bridge is one of the major pieces of a comprehensive county wide transportation system. Preston is a member of the study team currently working on bridges deck and traffic problems. The study team initially met in the MoDOT District 8 offices in Springfield, Sep. 10 through 13, gave a status report on Sep. 13, and continued to do additional traffic modeling and cost estimate adjustments for some of the recommendations and alternatives that they had developed.

    On Nov. 7, the study team met again prior to the issuing of their final report in the near future. MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager, Chad E. Zickefoose said that the additional modeling and cost estimates done by the study team indicate that the revised roundabout that was developed during the initial session of the group would bring the cost of the bridge rehabilitation and roundabout up from $5.5 million to about $9.9 million.

    Zickefoose indicated that with the rehabilitation of the bridge and the revised roundabout the bridge would be able to handle current and projected traffic at acceptable levels of service for the next 20 to 30 years. He also pointed out that, even with the original roundabout design and rehabilitation of the bridge, there would be acceptable levels of service for a few years. He went on to point out however, that the limitations of the original design would be unable to handle the projected increases in traffic over the next 20 years without a compromise in the levels of service.

    When asked how the difference between the $5.5 million MoDOT currently has for the project and the $9.9 million needed for the new roundabout would be resolved Zickefoose said that MoDOT would do the best they could with the resources that were available, $5.5 million. He indicated that they would give the priority to rehabilitating the deck, getting two 12 foot traffic lanes and a sidewalk but that there was a possibility that esthetic features such as ornamental railings etc. might have to be sacrificed for something more cost efficient and utilitarian.

    Zickefoose said that the work on the bridge would cause its closing for about a year and that the work on the bridge could start as soon as the late fall of 2008. He expressed the willingness of MoDOT to work with the local community in an effort come up with a solution but pointed out that there are budget, safety, and time limitations that govern MoDOTs flexibility.

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Taneycomo Bridge to be closed for 14 hours starting at 11 a.m. on Nov. 12

    By Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    On Nov. 8, Hollister City Administrator, Rick Ziegenfuss said, “The Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo between Hollister and Branson will be closed for repairs for 14 hours between 11:00 a.m. Nov. 12 and 1:00 a.m. Nov. 13.” He said that he was informed of this information by Missouri Department of Transportation [MoDOT] Region 8 personnel as he was leaving a meeting at their Springfield offices.

    The repairs will involve the removal of asphalt and its replacement with an overlay. The end result should be a smoother ride for users of the bridge. Ziegenfuss said Nov. 12 was chosen because it was a Federal holiday, a lot of government offices will be closed, it will be after Veterans Day and it is hoped that there will be less traffic to deal with.

    Commuters using the bridge during the evening hours are advised to plan an alternate route for the evening of Nov. 12.

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • TIF impact on Branson schools is stiff, no, on second thought, it’s just plain nuts!

    School districts throughout the state are spending tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions of actual tax payer dollars, to educate the additional students created by the abnormal growth in their student populations caused by the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). At the same time, tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions of actual tax payer dollars, that would normally go to educate those students, are being diverted from the schools affected to make sure that the developers who created the abnormal growth causing the increased student populations get, not only their investment back, but a nice profit. It’s nuts, just plain nuts!

    In running the city of Branson, its biggest source of revenue is sales tax receipts. In general terms, the current year’s figures released by the city of Branson indicate that its two latest TIFs, Branson Landing, and Branson Hills, generated over a hundred million dollars in retail sales and millions of dollars in sales tax collections during the year. The TIF only captured 50 percent of the sales tax collected within the TIF District. This leaves 50 percent of the sales tax collected for the city’s use in providing the services necessary to service that growth.

    In running the Branson School District, its biggest source of revenue is real estate taxes. In general terms, the current year’s figures released by the Branson School District, indicate that Branson’s two latest TIFs, Branson Landing and Branson Hills, generated tens of millions of dollars in assessed value and hundreds of thousands of dollars in real estate taxes during the year. The TIF captured 100 percent of the real estate tax collected within the TIF District. This leaves ZERO percent of the real estate taxes collected for the Branson School District’s use in providing the services necessary to service that growth.

    Although the Branson TIFs are used as an example and, in an Ole Seagull’s opinion, the Branson Hills TIF could be used as the poster child for TIF abuse, it’s not about Branson Landing or Branson Hills, the city of Branson or the city of Kishnif. It’s about the inherent unfairness and lack of logic in the way that Tax Increment Financing (TIF) deprives local school districts of the funds needed to service the educational needs created by the very growth that the TIFs are being used to create and finance.

    In referring to the revenue lost to school districts, through the TIF capture of real estate taxes, there are some who say, “How can they lose money they never had.” That might be a halfway valid statement if everything was revenue neutral but it’s not. The artificially induced growth, caused by the use of the government sponsored and supported TIFs, results in the abnormal growth of student populations within the school districts affected.

    The math is easy, if it costs a school district $x per student simply multiple that cost per student times the number of estimated additional students that the abnormal growth caused by the TIFs created. As an example, The Branson Hills TIF plan projected 1,250 permanent jobs with an annual payroll of $19.2 million or about $15,360 annual salary per year. What is the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of two adults and two children?

    But wait, the Ole Seagull digresses. There has been no specific study done analyzing the abnormal growth within the Branson School District because of the Branson Hills and Branson Landing TIFs. However, most reasonable people would agree that the thousands of jobs generated by those TIFs are going to add some additional children to the district above and beyond those that would have been added without the TIF impact. It takes about $5,598 in local revenues to educate each child for one year. If 100 additional children per year are added the additional cost would be $559,800, 200 additional would be $1,119,600, etc.

    The precise number of additional students is not as important as the result. Whatever the number of additional students, the Branson School District, and other similarly affected school districts, must service the educational needs of the additional students at the very same time that 100 percent of their primary source revenue for meeting those needs, real estate taxes, is captured to pay the very TIF causing that need. It’s nuts, just plain nuts.

  • An Apology For Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Why?

    By Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    This piece is respectfully dedicated to America’s Veterans and active duty military with thanks and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

    It is a sad fact of life that the politicians, and those in power, start wars and that the people of the nations involved bleed, die, suffer, and otherwise pay the price of war. Even in today’s world of terrorist attacks, as the people of countries or ideologies make war on each other they fall into two general categories, “Military” and “Civilian.” The Military, the fighters, generally kill each other and the civilians they believe are making war on them, the old fashioned way, directly, with bullets, bombs, planes, tanks, ships, knives, hand to hand combat etc. History testifies to the fact that they are generally the first to bleed, suffer, and die.

    The Civilians of warring nations provide the means for the military to kill each other and the bodies to replace those that are killed or maimed. History records that the bullets, bombs, torpedoes, planes, ships and other implements of war used by Japan, to destroy the peace at Pearl Harbor and during the war in the Pacific, and by Americans, to reestablish the peace, were made by civilians.

    Prior to December 7, 1941 there was peace between the United States and Japan. At approximately 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time, on Sunday, December 7, 1941, while Japanese diplomats were in the process of negotiating to maintain that peace with Secretary of State Cordell Hull in Washington, DC, and without warning, the country of Japan shattered that peace by spilling American blood in a cowardly surprise attack on the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. The attack killed over 2,400 and wounded over 1,175. On Monday December 8, 1941 President Roosevelt went before Congress and declared December 7, 1941 as, “A date that will live in infamy.” Congress declared war against Japan on that date.

    Upon the death of President Roosevelt on April 12, 1945, over three years and 200,000 American lives later, Harry S. Truman, became the 33rd President of the United States. He was a Missourian known for his honesty and one of the most respected politicians of his time. The war in Europe was over and the Axis Powers of Italy and Germany had been defeated. All that remained between war and peace was the fanatical and kamikaze like resistance of the Japanese people and their army of over 2,500,000. In spite of the repeated warnings to surrender and that the alternative “was complete and utter destruction,” Japan refused to surrender and continued to fight.

    Truman had served as an Artillery Officer in France during World War I and, prior to becoming President, was not aware of the “Manhattan Project” and its Atom Bomb. His advisors estimated the war could be shortened by a year and that 1 million Allied casualties, 500,000 of them American lives, could be saved if the Atomic Bomb was used on Japan. He decided that enough American blood had been spilled in trying to reestablish the peace that Japan had shattered. Truman said, “Let there be no mistake about it, I regarded the bomb as a military weapon and never had any doubt that it should be used.”

    At approximately 9:15 a.m. on August 6, 1945, after repeated warnings for Japan to surrender, the Atomic Bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. In spite of the horrific carnage and destruction that resulted Japan did not capitulate. On August 9, 1945, another Atomic Bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Japan sued for peace the next day and the formal surrender papers were signed, on the deck of the Battleship U.S.S. Missouri, on September 2, 1945. Peace had been restored.

    Some say America owes Japan an apology for using the Atomic Bomb. The lives sacrificed at Hiroshima and Nagasaki saved many times the lives, Japanese, American, as well as others, that would have been spent if the war had continued. Without Pearl Harbor and the refusal of Japan to end the war that they had started, not only would there have been no Hiroshima or Nagasaki, but millions of people, Japanese as well as others, would not have died. If the people of Japan are due an apology it more appropriately should come from their own government.

    Some say that Japan owes us an apology for Pearl Harbor. No apology can undo history or bring back the lives that were lost, or the treacherous cowardice of that attack. The blood of her sons, and ours, staining the sands of remote Pacific Islands such as Peleliu, Okinawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and others, solemnly testify to the futility of such an apology and of war itself.

    Rather than seek useless insincere apologies let us thank God that the nuclear power used to end a terrible war, has never been used in war since. Let us pledge our efforts towards insuring that all nations live in peace with each other.

  • Inaugural induction to the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame held

    By Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    The inaugural induction of the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame was held in the Branson Hall of Fame Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2:00 PM. The master of ceremonies was Bob Leftridge, the emcee for the Baldknobbers, vocalist and local celebrity. The awards were presented by Paul Revere of Paul Revere and the Raiders, currently performing at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater, with assistance from Suzi Weber of the Suzi Weber Live show. After the ceremony, the Radisson Hotel Branson and Stone Hill Winery sponsored an awards reception and the Hall of Fame unveiling took place.

    The inaugural inductees and the category they were inducted into are:

    Recurring Special Award
    Harold Bell Wright

    Performer Category

    Roy Clark
    Lloyd “Shad” and Ruth “Mollie” Heller
    Yakov Smirnoff
    Jim Stafford
    Mel Tillis
    Andy Williams

    Leadership Category
    Chisai Childs
    Bill & Janet Dailey
    The Herschend Family – Hugo & Mary
    Jim Thomas
    The Trimble Family – Dr. Bruce and Mary

    Performing Groups

    Baldknobbers
    The Foggy River Boys
    Presleys

    Horizon Category
    Joe Sullivan

    The Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame is a not for profit organization recognizing Branson’s distinguished entertainment history, tradition, those who have had a significant impact on the Branson entertainment industry. The Hall’s board of directors is the sole voting body and selected the inaugural inductees from over 70 nominations.

    For more information, contact the Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame toll free at 866-922-FAME (3263) or locally at 417-336-FAME (3263), by email at info@bransonentertainmenthalloffame.com or visit www.bransonentertainmenthalloffame.com.

  • Will the Christmas stars shine in Branson?

    By Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    The Christmas stars that have lit up the Ozarks Mountain Christmases of the past might not be shining as brightly this Christmas, if at all. That possibility raised its head as the city of Branson’s Board of Aldermen held its bimonthly agenda work session meeting on Nov. 6. The meeting was presided over by mayor pro-tem Stan Barker and attended by aldermen Sandra Williams, Bob McDowell, Jack Purvis, and Dick Gass.

    Ross Summers, the President/CEO Branson /Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB [the chamber], made a presentation asking the board to consider giving them $25,000 to assist in defraying the costs of the Branson Area Festival of Lights [BAFOL] for this year. Summers pointed out that the chamber thought they had a turnkey agreement worked out with a major Christmas lighting display firm for BAFOL this year. Under the terms of the agreement they would put up all the lights for the drive through display, the Christmas stars, and run the whole operation in exchange for the drive through admission fees.

    During the last week in September, as the contract negotiations were getting down the wire, the firm backed out. Fortunately, they recommended another firm who also specialized in Christmas lighting displays, North Pole Productions from Albany, NY, who was available. They flew to Branson and, thanks to a Herculean effort on their part, volunteers, and the chamber, the Branson Area Festival of Lights opened on Nov. 1 and is running smoothly.

    Summers pointed out that because everyone thought that BAFOL was going to be handled on a turnkey basis by the first firm its surprise withdrawal at the last minute wa a unanticipated financial surprise. He pointed out that in years past the city has contributed $25,000 from the Tourism Tax Contingency Fund to help fund the Christmas stars that were put on the poles up and down Highway 76 and on other key Branson roadways. He said that there would be no stars this year and requested that the $25,000 instead to help defray some of the general BAFOL expenses.

    Interim city administrator Frank Schoneboom pointed out that there was a specific procedure that the board had put in place for requesting funding of this nature. While the discussion on the $25,000 request was taking place, the fact that the Christmas stars were not going to be displayed came to the forefront. The general consensus of the board members present was that the Christmas stars integrate the whole community into Ozarks Mountain Christmas and helps provide a Christmas feeling throughout the whole city.

    While the discussion was going on it was also discussed that the Christmas stars on the Taneycomo Bridge have not been put up for a couple of years. There are approximately 280 Christmas stars that cost about $40,000 to put up, maintain, and take down. Alderman Purvis pointed out that most of the lights had been modified so that it was relatively easy and quick to install the stars.

    As the discussion continued Summers pointed out that if the Christmas stars are going to be displayed that a decision would have to be made relatively quickly so that those needing refurbishing could get it and all the lights could be replaced. The matter of the $25,000 to help defray the costs of BAFOL and whether or not the city will get involved with helping to get the Christmas stars up for this years Ozark’s Mountain Christmas has been put on the agenda, as an item for discussion during the the boards next regular meeting which will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 13 instead of Monday, Nov. 12 because of the celebration of the Veterans Day Holiday.

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Branson’s Veterans Homecoming in full swing

    The little city of Branson, Missouri is hosting the nation’s largest Veterans Day event Nov. 5-11 as it holds its 14th annual Veterans Homecoming. The formal event grew from a Branson history and tradition of honoring veterans and is highlighted by the annual Veterans Day parade that has been held in Branson at the 11th hour of the 11month for 76 years. The theme for this years Veterans Homecoming is “Branson doesn’t forget the wounded.”

    Sponsored by the non-profit group Branson Veterans Task Force, Veterans Homecoming is a tribute to all veterans and active military and those who support them. During this seven day tribute to veterans and their families, many Branson theatres, performers, theaters and attractions offer special events, free admissions to veterans and or special pricing. For a complete schedule of events and some of the discounts that are available click here.

    Although the breadth of the even is mind boggling there are three main, free areas that veterans can go to for information and assistance. The main area would be the Branson Veterans Task Force Tactical Operations Center, Headquarters & Vendor Village [TOC] which will be open from Nov. 6 through Nov. 10. Located at Celebration Hall across from the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum on the Green Mountain Road, the TOC will provide a daily free lunch for veterans and active duty military, $3.00 to everyone else, from Nov. 6 to Nov. 10, courtesy of the Golden Corral and Branson Veterans Task Force. It will also have a Veterans Registry and vendor booths that will be open from 9:00a.m. (0900 hrs) to 4:00p.m. (1600hrs) daily.

    The “Day Room,” located in Factory Merchants Branson [Red Roof Mall], which will be open 9:00 a.m. (0900 hrs.) to 6:00 p.m. (1800 hrs.), located next to Auntie Ann’s Pretzels lower level. It is a great place to relax, meet fellow veterans. The other place would be at the Veterans Registry at the Grand Country Square and BVTF Tactical Operation Center (TOC), Celebration City from 9:00a.m. (0900 hrs.) to 4:00p.m. (1600 hrs).

    The phone number for the Branson Veterans Task Force is 417-337-8387 or or a complete schedule of events and some of the discounts that are available click here.

  • Jack o Lanterns dim as the Branson’s Christmas lights brighten

    By Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    Even as the glow the Halloween Jack o Lanterns dim and the sound of trick or treaters is fading away, the lights of Branson’s drive through Christmas lighting displays begin to light the way into the beginning of Ozarks Mountain Christmas. Although Kimberling City’s long running “Port of Lights” display is no longer in operation, the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB have expanded its Branson Area Festival of Lights Christmas drive through lighting display.

    The Branson Area Festival of Lights is a 1.25 mile drive through that has been expanded from the 120 displays last year to over 175 lighting displays this year. A number of the displays are animated and are organized into themes such as “Cartoon Land,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas, “Peach on Earth,” etc.

    For 2007, the Branson Area Festival of Lights has a new location and is not located in the Branson Hills area off of Bee Creek Road as it has been for the last few years. Its new location is on Expressway Lane off of the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway just opposite the new Sight and Sound Theatre. In addition, it should be noted that the Branson Area Festival of Lights is a one way drive through this year with its only entrance is located at the junction of Expressway Lane and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway just opposite the new Sight and Sound Theatre.

    The hours of operation are daily Nov. 1 – Dec. 31 from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:00 p.m. through 12:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The fees are as follows:

    Admission Fees for 2007
    Family Vehicles $10.00
    Family Season Pass $15.00
    Mini-Coaches (12-28 seats), Church Vans and Limos $25.00
    Full-Size Motor coaches $50.00

    In keeping with the sprit of the season and to help local charities provide Christmas for needy families in the Tri-Lakes region this Christmas, the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with two local charities Christian Action Ministries (CAM) and Love, Inc. On Tuesday and Wednesday night, anyone bringing a new toy of any value and paying the Family Vehicle Rate of $10, will be upgraded to a Family Season Pass at no additional charge.

    In addition to the Branson Area Festival of Lights there is two other drive through Christmas lighting displays. The Trail of Lights, located at the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead on West Highway 76 just west of Branson and the Enchanted Forest sponsored by the Indian Point Chamber of Commerce. It is located near the end of Indian Point Road just past Silver Dollar City. The Enchanted Forest is free and is a convenient add on after a visit to Silver Dolar City for its “Old Time Christmas” celebration.

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent. https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php?news_ID=41

  • Gary Conway – in Branson for unique premiere of “Woman’s Story”

    Stars of "Woman’s Story," Erin Gray, Kent McCord,
    Gary Conway, Marshall Borden (left to right)

    From November 9-11, Branson and Springfield, MO will hold a series of Celebrations of the Arts when actor Gary Conway’s visually arresting dramatic film Woman’s Story (with Erin Gray and Kent McCord, who star with Conway) premieres at local cinemas, preceded or followed by Missouri-California wine pairing-tastings, filmmaker & artist receptions, artisan wine events, and silent auctions to benefit local educational and cultural institutions, all of which will include personal appearances by filmmakers, artists, winemakers and special guests.

    The first event will be an 8:30 p.m. “Celebration of the Arts” at Clary’s restaurant in Springfield, on Friday, November 9, following the 7:00 p.m. Missouri premiere of the new film WOMAN’S STORY at the Wehrenberg Campbell 16 Cine. There will be a wine tasting and pairing event at Clary’s restaurant in Springfield on Saturday, November 8 at 4:30 p.m., preceding the evening screening at 7:00 p.m. Reservations for the Springfield events can be made with Clary’s at (417) 886-6200.

    In Branson on Saturday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m., the film premieres at the Branson Meadows Cinemas, followed at 8:30 p.m. by “Palette to Palate – Taste of the Arts” at Liberty Tavern Branson located in the Hilton Promenade Hotel. On Sunday, November 11 at 8:30 p.m. “Palette to Palate, Part 2 – Feast for the Senses” is set for Liberty Tavern Branson, following the 7:00 p.m. screening in Branson. The Branson events are organized in conjunction with Palate of Branson where reservations can be made for the Branson events by calling (417) 335-2675.

    The top wineries and winemakers in Missouri will be on hand with their finest artisan wines, including stellar wineries Stone Hill, Mt. Pleasant, St. James, Adam Puchta, Branson Ridge, Meramec, White Rose, Hermannhof, and OOVVDA. One of the highlights will be a special Missouri-California pairing and terroir colloquy which will include the estate wines of California’s Carmody McKnight.

    The University of Missouri-Columbia’s Missouri Regional Cuisines project will be a participant. Funds generated from ticket sales and silent auctions of special wines and art will benefit the Miss America/Miss Missouri Scholarship Organization, providing scholarships for young women, and Fighting for the Arts, which seeks to restore art and music education in our schools.

    At all events, WOMAN’S STORY director, writer and star Gary Conway and producer/former Miss America Marian McKnight Conway, proprietors of Carmody McKnight Estate Wines in Paso Robles, CA, will pair and discuss terroir wines of Missouri and California in conjunction with the top Missouri winemakers in an exchange of ideas on the culture of wine and art making.

    WOMAN’S STORY stars former super-model and award-winning actress Erin Gray (Silver Spoons, Buck Rogers in the 20thCentury, Baywatch, Six Pack), award-winning actor Kent McCord (Adam-12, Farscape, Predator 2, Airplane II, The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet) and Gary Conway (Burke’s Law, Land of the Giants, The Farmer, Once is Not Enough, I Was a Teenage Frankenstein).

    Filmed in Memphis, in a lovely lake region in Arkansas and in the Central Coast of California, the film dramatizes the breakup of a long and seemingly successful marriage and focuses on what leading thinkers predict will be the major issue of the 21st Century: the disintegration of the family in a material-obsessed world.

    The music in WOMAN’S STORY by Bach, Vivaldi, Liszt and Locatelli was performed by Philharmonia Virtuosi, under the direction of Richard Kapp, featuring pianist Jerome Rose and violinist Mela Tenenbaum. A prominent critic recently called the soundtrack the best-ever recording of Bach.

    Gary Conway explains: “With WOMAN’S STORY I was committed to move the film form to a more visual place. As a painter all my life, I believe that film, at its best, is closer to painting than, let’s say, the novel or a play. Almost every shot, from the very first scene when Laurel, the heroine, is driving to town, relies on visual composition to convey the essential story, while underscoring the layered themes with mood and emotion. I wanted the close-ups to be portraits and the long shots – landscapes as well as the architecture – to be like paintings. I also wanted to celebrate all the arts in this film: painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, architecture, music, theater, dance, food and wine.”

    WOMAN’S STORY deals with the central social and cultural themes of our time: how our “consumer-based” society is destroying the family structure, and with it a sense of woman’s innate value. Today 70% of parents and 79% of children end up in single-parent families. “People have been forced into economic and social decisions that make the family secondary,” Conway laments.

  • Suggestions for improving Branson show situation

    The debate between Mr. Groman and Mr. London regarding the level of or need for marketing efforts in Branson and the direction of those efforts is not to be ignored. Clearly, the topic these gentlemen are discussing is one which could fill volumes with credible content. In the interest of brevity then,…

    One can interpret the same “numbers” in any number of ways. It is my opinion that the sales tax revenue numbers can be “spun” or attributed to whatever causal effect those whose interests are served best, desire. If we take the interpretation of the data per the Chamber, “every segment of the Branson business community is substantially up over last years, except theaters” as an example then one is left with the implication that Branson is booming along as the pre eminent tourist destination that is part of their standard talking points. One is left to further assume by additional talking points that this tourism engine is fueled by the great shopping and development taking place, i.e. Branson Landing, more restaurants (most national chains), bars (most national chains), “big box” stores and retailers (national chains, again) and a fountain with colored lights.

    I for one have not spoken to one tourist in the last 12 years who has based his/her decision to travel 100, 200, 300, or several hundreds or thousands of miles to visit a destination to shop at the same national retailers which are available within probably 15 to 50 miles of their home. I have, however, spoken with dozens of “locals” who live in fringe areas of Branson such as say, Spokane or any area where traveling to Branson to shop at these certain big box retailers is more convenient now than previously traveling to Springfield for the same shopping. While here visiting the big box stores a certain percentage of revenue is certainly being dropped into the smaller previously existing businesses as well.

    Branson, its’ economy, and its’ growth now and in the past have been driven by three and ONLY three components. Those are; 1) the lakes access to recreation, 2) area amusement attractions ( of all calibers, small and large) AND, 3) its’ developed reputation for live music and shows. PERIOD. The shopping element is and always has been a parasitic side line to the primary economic engine of any key tourist area. To assume otherwise or to render it as credit to any economic core cause is foolhardy at best and deceitful at worst. If one were to remove the three components noted above from the Branson composite today, by tomorrow Branson would be nothing more than a distant bedroom community of Springfield. It (Branson) would have no future.

    In his October 14th response to Mr. London, Mr. Groman asks several questions regarding the show or theater situation in Branson which are all very valid questions. I don’t know that we need more multi- thousand dollar studies to answer the obvious. Yes, Branson has some 55 theaters (rapidly being sold to church groups) and thousands of theater seats ( more empty than not). Regrettably though, we only have at best a handful of “decent” shows when unemotionally judged on a business basis. The fact is, with some exception, our show inventory is comprised of a). a few aging but generally nationally recognized performers (recognition depending upon your generation) and, b). a plethora of “variety shows” staffed with no name recognition performers of middling, at best, talent level. As I noted there are some exceptions to this but largely that describes the impression I receive from people I ask and I must personally support that position as well.

    The fact is, if we take our collective heads out of the sand, “most” of the talent level found in “most” of our shows can be found at a street festival, bar, nightclub, VFW or church all over the country.People do not make the time/money/relaxation decision on this level of offering. A large part of this is the result of theater owners bleeding the “last buck” out of a property. Yes, there are exceptions.

    Repeat visitors to Branson generally see the same theatrical landscape and make the “lesser of two evils” choice when making theater choices. As these visitors “die off” for whatever reason, we need to keep the live show entertainment choices fresh and inviting to the generations coming up that have the spendable income to keep the seats full and the ancillary cash registers of shopping ringing. The key players in the attractions area of this equation are doing their part. Herschend Entertainment keeps improving their properties and reinvesting in the area as do the lakes attractions, golfing and other major developments in the recreational component. The only notable investments in the live theater component are Glen Patch and the American Bandstand Theater complex and the Pennsylvania based Sights & Sounds organization. Kudos to both. More is needed.

    Nashville based agents and entertainers who I have spoken with over the years have come to regard Branson as a nemesis for both career and business reasons. Too many have frankly been screwed by unscrupulous Branson theater owners over the years and have just written the town off. Others claim to humorously view the TV program from Branson which is syndicated by a lubricant company and they run, not walk from the idea of associating their names and careers with that image. Potential visiting tourists have similarly commented on that show as an example of Branson. Think about it.

    I offer a building block in the solution. Truly overcoming these issues and getting those theater revenues back to the key component level they deserve requires a multifaceted effort. Here is one thought which I broached rhetorically to a very respected gentleman whose family is responsible for the development of much of the attraction draw in Branson and elsewhere. Most small communities over the last thirty years or so have organized “industrial development authorities” of some form, to attract business and industry to their communities. We allegedly have one here as well although as the nature of this letter indicates, one must question its’ focus.

    Why then, since Branson has been developed on attractions, parks and live entertainment venues do we not have a “theatrical development authority” of some form. This authority or commission could approach mid level, name recognition performers, producers and shows of varying content, offer a financial incentive and guarantee of some negotiated form whether that be tax incentives, low cost operating loans, ticket purchase guarantees of some nature against a minimum (which could in themselves be used to draw in the marketing program) or perhaps purchase and leaseback or assistance in purchasing theater properties.

    Entertainers who can no longer fill arenas yet who are quite viable draws could be the target of these efforts. Names which come to mind as example only would be Ronnie Milsap, Steve Wariner, Suzy Bogguss, Hank Williams Jr., Tracy Byrd, etc. etc. etc. in the country field and of course there are equally qualified performers or acts in pop, Broadway, rock, blues, ac, or even theater. The object is the “draw.” Give the people the “reason (s)”€ they need to justify Branson as their vacation destination and thus the recipient “depository” of their discretionary vacation funds.

    Well, I suppose you are interested in my friends’ response to my rhetorical question? It was simple and succinct. “You are right on target” he stated, “but they won’t listen to it downtown. You see, they think they know everything.” Then he further posited, “Don’t believe everything you read from the Chamber either.” But I guess that digresses back to the second paragraph of this letter. Thomas, Branson, Missouri

  • Here comes Mike Walker — or is it Ray Charles, or Johnny Cash, or

    Mike Walker and Kermit

    He was performing in Nashville at the same time that Mickey Gilley was attending the birthday for Larry the Cable Guy. After seeing Walker’s act, Gilley asked him to come to Branson. That was in April and now Walker has a five year contract under his belt.

    With a five octave singing range and 200 voices that he can impersonate, Walker is a great singing impressionist. His non-singing voices which he throws into the show here and there are very good also.

    Entering the stage with guide help and sunglasses, a seemingly blind Walker starts by singing “Tell Me What I Say.” Ray Charles would be prowd, and so would Willie Nelson, as Walker takes turns between the two performers (Charles & Nelson) on the song “Seven Spanish Angels.” His Willie isn’t done yet, though, as he sings “On The Road Again,” while spontaneously throwing in little quips by some of the past presidents as well.

    Walker really does Country stars well, moving from George Jones in “White Lightning” and “He Stopped Loving Her,” to Johnny Cash singing “Folsom Prison Blues,” to Larry Gatlin singing “All The Gold In California,” to Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe” and “Lay You Down,” to Marty Robbin’s cross-over hit “El Paso.”
    Favorites of the audience, and also this reporter were his Johnny Cash and his Marty Robbins. On both, the singing is extremely close to what the original (or at least what I have heard on records.)

    Moving into the pop, motown and rock cultures, Walker does “The Grand Tour” by Aaron Neville (he put a patch on his forehead representing Neville’s facial mole,) James Brown’s “I Feel Good,” “My Girl” by the Temptations, “You Send Me” by Sam Cook, and “Only You” by the Platters.
    He does an excellent Roy Orbison in his performance of “Crying” and obviously a crowd pleaser when he sings “Sherry” and “Walk Like a Man” by Frankie Valli of the Four Seasons.

    Walker talked about songs that you hear and know the song, but are just not sure who the artist is. He performed one of those songs, “Blue Moon” by the Marcelles. Remember the meaningful lyrics — Bom, bom bom bom, bom bom, bom bom bom. Bom bom, bom bom bom. A dang, a dang dang dang A ding a dong ding, blue moon, etc.

    During the song “Unchained Melody,” made popular by the Righteous Brothers, Walker moves around the audience and greets every person he can, drawing the song out as long as he can to get the job done before finishing. Speaking of getting it done, every so often during the whole show, Larry the Cable guy slips out, “Get-er-done!”

    Walker talks about his dad having three favorite performers — his son, Mike, Mickey Gilley and Elvis. He then sings “That’s All That Matters” to honor Gilley, and to honor Elvis, “Hound Dog,” “Suspicious Lies,” and his favorite Elvis song, “Hurt.” To honor the veterans in the crowd, he reads a poem and sings Elvis’s Trilogy” including “Dixie,” “Hush Little Baby” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

    Walker has a fine voice of his own and proves that to the audience by singing “I Am The Way,” an original song. He ends the show as himself, singing the best rendition of my favorite hymn that I have ever heard, “How Great Thou Art.”

    The show was great, the singer was great, the band was great. We now have the two best singing impressionists in our town, and both are excellent. Walker covers more the country/rock ’n roll eras with a fun, upbeat sound. Bob Anderson, at Dick Clark’s ’57 Club covers the classic crooners, the Rat Pack, Tony Bennett and other Vegas entertainers in a suave, sophisticated manner.

    Both are wonderful, and Branson residents and guests should experience both. I do have a favorite between, but you will have to make up your own mind. To call for tickets for Walker, call the Gilley Theatre at 417-334-3210 or 800-334-1936.

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

  • Branson retail sales to top $1 Billion

    By Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

    The final gross retail sales numbers for the city of Branson’s 2007 Fiscal Year will be in record territory by a huge margin. On Oct. 31, Ferris Brown, the city of Branson’s Finance Director said, “Once we get a final numbers for September we’ll be at a billion dollars gross retail sales for the Fiscal Year. That’s about $200 million over the best of any previous year.”

    Brown emphasized that the monthly tax receipts from the tourism tax have been up for 19 straight months and that the city’s sales tax revenues have been up for 17 straight months. He said, “The encouraging thing is the way that the numbers continue to go up and that does not include the convention center or what will happen when the Wal-Mart Super Center and the other Branson Hills stores open.”

    Data furnished by Brown indicates that all areas of Branson shared in the retail sales growth. As of August 2007, Branson Hills had a 12 month retail sales value of $41.6 million up from $20.3 million for the same period in 2006, Branson Landing $99.6 million versus $26.7 million in 2006, and all the rest of Branson, excluding Branson Hills and Branson Landing, $843.6 million versus $823.6 million in 2006.

    Analysis of the data furnished indicates that the retail sales value in the retail areas outside of Branson Landing and Branson Hills actually went up about 2.4 percent between August of 2006 and August of 2007. During the same period, the retail sales values rose about 273 percent in Branson Landing and about 105 percent in Branson Hills. It also indicates that the August 2006 figures for Branson Landing and Branson Hills is based on retail sales revenues from a partial year of operation, March through August, and that the figures for the areas other than Branson Landing and Branson Hills reflects a full 12 months of operation.

    Brown pointed out that the increase in the retail sales value in the areas of Branson other than Branson Landing and Branson Hills is important. During the planning stages for the approval and construction of Branson Landing, consultants hired by the city of Branson had forecast about a 19 percent reduction in the retail sales of existing Branson retail businesses outside of Branson Landing during the first two years that Branson Landing was open. The actual figures indicate that during the first full year of Branson Landing’s operation, not only did the forecast reduction not occur but that, as a class, those businesses actually had an increase in sales.

    Brown attributed a large part of the current retail sales increases to Branson’s use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). In terms of that success he said, “Branson Landing is a text book example of what a TIF should do. It should pay the debt and generate economic opportunity throughout the area.”

    Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.