June 27-29, 2008 Lodge of the Ozarks 3431 W. Hwy 76 Branson, MO 65616 1-800-213-2584 Reservation Deadline May 26th, 2008

Lodge of the Ozarks, a rustic, elegant lodging resort, is located in the heart of Branson’s famous “76 Strip” within walking distance of 90 Store Outlet shops, 12 major theaters, go-carts, mini-golf, white water theme park, museums and hours of entertainment without starting your car.

Families choose Lodge of the Ozarks for the convenient location to their favorite activities and attractions, generous indoor pool, and they certainly enjoy the comfortable hospitality that is Lodge of the Ozarks.

The Lodge offers a daily continental breakfast, and for your pleasure “The CLUB” provides meals, cocktails and entertainment. With first-class facilities, red carpet services and fantastic location, you will feel that you are the biggest Star in Branson!

Updates

Most of the information on this page is also in your March-April, 2008 newsletter. However, check back here for updates or information that was not available when the newsletter was published.

Hotel Reservation Deadline

May 26th, 2008.
Room rate is $60 per night PLUS TAX.
Mother’s need to make their own reservation. Call the hotel at 800-213-2584.

Airport & Local Shuttle Service

Shuttle Service from Springfield-Branson Regional Airport to Lodge of the Ozarks:

Branson City Cab and Shuttle - 417-334-5678. Three or more people are $35/person each way.

ABC Cab - 417 337-7433. Holds 5 people. $85 for each cab one way plus an additional $5/person.

Tri-Lakes - 417-339-4888. $40 one way based on shared ride, departing on your schedule.

Jerry’s Shuttle Service - 417-348-1419. One person $70; 2 people  $45/person, 3 people $35/person. All one way prices.

More airline, car rental and transportation options.

Group Activities

Six Real Brothers, Real Music Show, Friday afternoon, 1pm - 4pm, across the street from the hotel.

Six: (The Knudsen Brother) have thrilled audiences from North America to South America. “You Won’t Believe What Comes Out of Their Mouth!” percussion, instruments, harmonies (and that’s just in the first 30 seconds!) Just Six Human Voices! “Your Eyes Won’t Believe Your Ears!”

Dixie Stampede, Saturday night.

Visitors and locals agree that Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show in Branson, Missouri is a fun-filled, action packed extravaganza that everyone should experience! It’s the perfect place for families, friend and groups to gather for spectacular special effects, amazing stunts by the most talented in the area.

Dad and Guest Tour

Saturday afternoon. To be announced.

Other Entertainment Options

Branson Tourism Center

Branson.com

1branson.com

Or search for "Branson Missouri" on your favorite search engine.

Convention Chairpersons

71st Annual National Convention Call,
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.

Friday June 27

8:30 AM-11 AM Registration for Delegates
1:00 PM-4 PM Group Activity-- “SIX”
7:30 PM Gold Star Mothers gather outside Rafters Hall for Memorial Service instructions
8:00 PM Memorial Service and light reception

Saturday June 28

7:30 AM-8:45 AM Last call for Registration
9:00 AM Official Opening for Convention- Crystal Hall
Prelude
Processional of National Officers, PNP’s, PNO’s
Presentation of National President
Presentation of Organizational Colors
Prayer by National Chaplain
Pledge of Allegiance
National Anthem
Posting of Organizational Colors
Welcome and Greetings
Hotel Representatives and Mayor of Branson, Rose Anne Presley
Presentation of Distinguished Guests, announcements and updates
Gold Star Manor program
Guest and visitors retire
Business meeting begins
Opening of Bible by National Chaplain
Introduction of Parliamentarian
Obligation
Reading of Convention Call (Dispense with the Reading)
Reading of Conventions Rules
Credentials Report
Report of Nominations Committee

12 Noon Luncheon
VAVS Program at Club Vegas
Honoring the Dept, Chapter, and PNP
Dad’s tour in the afternoon

2:00 PM Reconvene
Nominations from the Floor
Resolutions Committee
Recess to print Ballots if necessary
4:00 PM Reconvene to vote
6:00 PM Group Event Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show

Sunday June 29

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM Breakfast meeting PNP, Dept Presidents, NEB
9:30 AM Church of your choice
12:00 Noon Lunch on your own
1:00 PM Reconvene in Crystal Hall
Result of Election
Report of National Treasurer
Report of Community Service
Report of Membership
Report on National Monument
Report of National President
New Business
Recess

3:00 PM Installation of Officers
Newly installed National President’s address
Closing of Convention
4:30 PM Old and New Executive Board meetings
6:30 PM Cocktail Hour
7:30 Closing Banquet at Club Vegas
Banquet awarding of Give-Aways
Old Gray Mares

Program subject to change.

Convention Call Details

Registration/Credentials

Everyone must register. Please fill out the new 1 page, 1 check, 1 mailing Delegate Registration form in your March-April, 2008 newsletter.

Mail to the National Treasurer, Barbara Calfee, 236 N.E. 103rd Street, Miami Shores, FL. 33138 by May 26th, 2008.

Representation

Delegates - Each Chapter shall be entitled to one delegate for each five members or major fraction thereof whose current National per capita has been received by the National Treasurer at least thirty days prior to the convention, and to one alternate for each delegate. Delegates and alternates shall be elected at a regular or special business meeting of the Chapter for which a notice has been given to all members at least ten days prior to said meeting. In addition each incumbent Chapter President, Department President, Past National President and National Officers by virtue of their offices shall be a delegate without alternate.

Alternates - Alternates may participate in discussions on the floor and may also serve on Committees but may not vote unless their delegate is not present.

In the tradition of the American Gold Star Mothers, white daytime attire is recommended for all business meetings.

Make sure to fill out and mail in the Delegate Form in your March-April newsletter.

Resolutions

All Resolutions shall be sent in TRIPLICATE by May 26th to Georgie Carter-Krell, 6625 NW 38th Street, Virginia Gardens, FL 33166 And one copy to the National Service Officer at National Headquarters in DC.

Memorial Service

Department Chaplains should make sure that the names of all deceased members and associate members have been sent by May 26th to Betty Van Dusen, National Chaplain, 3705 Diamond Oak Way, Zellwood, FL 32798.

Suggested dress for the Memorial Service is a white dress (long dress preferred but not required), white shoes, white gloves, neutral shade of hose, and small white, gold or pearl earrings.

Nominations

All nominations for National Office shall be sent by May 26th to the Chairperson of Nominations, Terry Davis, 275 S. Franklin St, Holbrook MA 02343. Nominations shall be for a specific office. Qualifications are limited to specific work with the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.

Pages

Pages will be directed by Ann Davis, National Sergeant-at-Arms. Pages should wear tailored white dresses or suits, white shoes, white gloves and neutral shade of hose. Small white or pearl earrings may be worn.

Colors

Departments wishing to have their Colors posted must either bring or ship their colors to Lodge of the Ozarks, 3431 W. Hwy 76, Branson, MO 65616. Colors should be cleaned and pressed and must be marked HOLD FOR ARRIVAL, NATIONAL CONVENTION, AMERICAN GOLD STAR MOTHERS, ATTN YVONNE COSTALES, SALES DEPT. Colors must not be received by Hotel before June 15th.

President's Luncheon

Chapter, Department and Past National Presidents will be honored. All convention attendees and their guests are invited to attend. Please register in advance. Lemon Chicken. Cost is $18.00. We need to know if you are attending by May 26th.

Banquet

No cost to American Gold Star Mothers members. Associates and guests $35/person. Reservations are needed in advance for all GS Mothers, Associate Members, and guests. Land and Sea dinner. We need to know if you are attending by May 26th.

Request for Unplanned Business

Any member wishing to present a subject on the Convention floor which is not a part of the planned agenda must present her request in writing to the National Executive Board of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., for their consideration 15 days before opening of the Convention. Any member wishing to appear before the Executive Board must request permission in writing 15 days before the opening of the Convention. Send requests to National President Mary Jane Kiepe, 3731 US Highway 61, Festus, MO 63028.

Journal Publication Information

Our journal will be printed in COLOR, COLOR, COLOR, COLOR-- that's right a four color separation.

Funds received from memorials and ads placed in the Journal will be used to help defray expenses of the Convention. Departments, Chapters and Members are encouraged to place memorials. Other service organization and public officials should be invited to support us.

Journal fees for Gold Star families are:

Full Page 5 X 8 inches $50
Half Page 4 X 5 inches $30
Quarter Page 2.75 X 4 inches $20
“In Memory of” Page of Ribbons $15

Suggestions for those who have photos in the ads; the two picture comparisons were a huge success in the last three journals. Childhood and service pictures made a nice tribute to our loved ones. Please consider this again for this year’s journal.

Please type or print plainly all information about your dedication.

Journal fees for other than Gold Star families are:

Full page $100
Half Page $50
Quarter Page $25

Dead Line for mailing Ads is May 15th, 2008. Please do not wait until the last minute. The more time Ruth has to dedicate to the layout the better the final will look.

Checks should be made payable to American Gold Star Mothers and mailed to: Ruth Stonesifer, 302 Frogtown Rd., Kintnersville, PA 18930.

Or emailed to (much faster and fewer typos).

American Gold Star Mothers Inc. Annual Give Away

This fundraiser helps to offset our National Convention expenses. Please cut out the tickets and forward the stubs and payment to Georgie Carter-Krell, 6625 NW 38th St., Virginia Gardens, FL 33166.

Tickets are printed in your March-April, 2008 newsletter. You may also offer the tickets to your family and friends. Be sure to give them the receipt portion on the right side.