Branson Pyrotechnics Course Scheduled

The Branson Fire Department will be conducting courses on the safe use of indoor pyrotechnics used before a live audience to prepare theater owners, operators and pyrotechnic technicians for testing to receive a license through the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, the city said in a news release. State law requires pyrotechnic or special effect operators to attend a certified training program, test their knowledge on the use of indoor pyrotechnics, and obtain a license. In addition, all theaters using indoor pyrotechnics must apply for and secure a permit from the Branson Fire Department. The four-hour course will be presented on Friday, June 19, 2009 at 8 a.m. There is a $25 registration fee for the course, and after completion, applicants will be required to successfully pass a written test given by the Missouri Fire Marshal's office, which will be scheduled at a later date. A second course focusing on Inspections of Display and Proximate Fireworks Sites will be presented on Friday, June 26, 2009 starting at 8 a.m. Both courses, held at Fire Station 1 on Highway 76, will be available to currently licensed pyrotechnic operators and area fire department personnel to obtain required continuing education credits. According to Branson Fire Department Division Chief Ted Martin, about 10 Branson shows currently use pyrotechnics in their performances, and he said Branson theaters are one of the largest users of indoor pyrotechnics in the state of Missouri. "When used properly, these special effects really make some of our shows spectacular, and that is why the adopted fire codes of our department require a permit to use them," said Martin. "When issuing permits, we always confirm the operator's qualifications, inspect for safe storage, actually watch a test run of the effects used in the show and confirm the use of flame resistant material on the stage area." Martin said the legislation requiring licensing of pyrotechnics stemmed from incidents in recent years that caused injuries and deaths as well as property damage from their improper use. The most tragic event occurred at the Station Night Club in Rhode Island where indoor pyrotechnics sparked a fire resulting in more than 100 deaths. To register for the course or for additional information, contact the Branson Fire Department at 337-8582. Also, applicants will need to order a copy of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1126 prior to the class date and apply for state certification testing. This Standard can be ordered through the website www.nfpa.org. http://MissouriNetizen.com http://www.bransonedge.com http://bransonmissouri.missourinetizen.com

Payne

All 18 Holes Open May 7th – GRAND OPENING June 6th Grand Opening Events! Come join us on June 6th for the Grand Opening of the Payne Stewart Golf Club! PUBLIC festivities begin at 1:00 PM with the Ribbon Cutting! Followed by: All Day (until sundown) ~Enjoy golf course tours and open houses of all Branson Hills properties. 1:15 - 7:00PM ~Pool-side BBQ, catered by the Hilton 2:00 - 4:00PM ~Check out all that the Payne Stewart Golf Club Clubhouse has to offer with tennis exhibition matches on the beautiful tennis courts and fitness demonstrations in the gym. 2:00 - 6:00PM ~Want to try out your putting skills? Join us on the putting green for our Mini Course Putting Contests, yes prizes will be offered to the winners. 5:00-7:00PM ~Wine & cheese sampling will be provided in the clubhouse! Wine provided by Jacob Fleig from Branson Ridge Winery 7:00-9:00PM ~ Enjoy live music by "Take it to the Limit" Eagles Tribute Band Discount golf vouchers will be offered at the event. Yes! This event is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC for FREE!! Don't miss your chance to see the Payne Stewart Golf Club, discounted golf rate coupons will be provided at the event for future use on the course! This is going to be an unbelievable event! See you on June 6th. Directions to the event – Hilton shuttles will be providing transportation from around the Branson Hills property to the event! http://MissouriNetizen.com http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.missourinetizen.com

Imagination Library Marks 20-Million Books for Kids

Courtesy KSFX Monday, Jun 1, 2009 @06:58am CST Please Select a Bandwidth High | Med | Low (Branson, MO) --  Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede in Branson entertains and educates. John Richardson with Dixie Stampede joins us this morning to share more about the Imagination Library. Jessica Williams - What is the Imagination Library? John Richardson - Dolly wanted to give back to her community and wanted to make sure all her businesses gave back as well.  So we provide, for all the children in Stone and Taney Counties, and that's every child, receives a free book, by mail, every month from birth to age 5. Jessica - What kind of books do you provide? John - They're good quality, hardcover books. Dolly's favorite is The Little Engine that Could, which is very representative of her career. She feels like if she can have success, anyone can.  Then when they reach age 5, the last book is Kindergarten, Here I Come.  It's a story about a child who has come of age.  They'll have a feeling of ownership, they'll have their own library of 60 books.  And every child in the family will get their own books so they don't have to share with brothers and sisters.  It's not exclusive to any income category. Jessica - What are the different books you'll give kids? John - There's a whole series.  They are all age-specific.  There is a blue-ribbon of educators who actually pick the books.  Dolly inputs as well, she's very hands-on.  And we pay for it, through our success at Dixie Stampede. Locally, during 2008 more than 25,000 books were mailed to kids in Stone and Taney Counties. Jessica - Tell me about the milestone they are reaching in June?' John - The Imagination Library nationwide and in Canada and the U.K., will deliver their 20-millionth book this month.  It's a program that has been existence for 15 years. Jessica - Why do you feel it's important to take part in this program? John - I think all the research shows that if you help a child read at a pre-school level, you change their entire life.  It does great things for them throughout their life. It's a way of giving back to your community at a basic level.  You help children, you help parents.  They grow up happier with a love of reading. Jessica - Do you hear good feedback from the community? John - Very good.  It's all good news.  In Branson, at Dixie Stampede, we work very hard to make sure that we endear the local community.  Ultimately we want those restaurant personnel and hotel front desk people to tell folks to see our show.  And their children are the ones receiving the books. Source: http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=153802 << Back http://MissouriNetizen.com http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.missourinetizen.com