Category: 2015Bios

Biographies of special festival guests

M.L. Brummett – Author of “Semper Fidelis”

M.L. BrummettAuthor, M.L. Brummett, an American writer, believes a good book should be a treasure trove of adoration in the reader’s hands.  A good novel should cast the reader into another era and give them the opportunity to live adventures outside of their own lives.  She believes the reader should know each character personally in a good piece of literature, and no matter how often the reader opens their favorite book, they should find something comforting and familiar that will enrich their lives.  Her passion for writing developed early in her lifetime.  As a child she carried a notebook with her to jot down characteristics of everyday people to use as material for writing project; a practice she still does today.

Outside of her passion for writing, M.L. Brummett chose a profession in human resources which provides another creative outlet by creating training and educational programs.  She holds a BA, in Business Administration, and is completing her MBA in Human Resource Leadership.  Additional credits include a season of songwriting in Nashville, Tennessee.  She extended her skills in the music industry into promotions and band management.  She owned a country music show in Louisville, Kentucky, which spotlighted local talent. 

M.L. Brummett currently resides in Springfield, Missouri, with an abundance of friends and special family.  She is a member of the Springfield Writers Guild.

M.L Brummett’s novel is called Semper Fidelis. It is based on the love letters that her father wrote her mother during WWII.  It comes out on June 9 worldwide.  This year, 2015, celebrates the 70th year of end of the war, and it is a great time for Semper Fidelis to be released.

 

 

Michael K. Hamra – Hubble Medal of Initiative

Michael HamraMichael K. Hamra is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hamra Enterprises which owns and operates 98 restaurants consisting of Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers, Panera Bread bakery-cafes and Noodles and Company stores spanning from the Midwest to the North East.

Mr. Hamra received his B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University, his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law and his MBA from Kennesaw State University.

Mr. Hamra practiced law in Washington, D.C. from 1994 to 2001.  During his time in Washington, D.C. he was the Director of Governmental and Regulatory Affairs for Metricom, Inc., a high-speed Internet access company providing mobile wireless Internet access to laptop and personal digital assistance users in fifteen markets in the United States.

Prior to joining Metricom, Mr. Hamra was an attorney in the Washington, D.C. office of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. from 1997 to 2000 representing telecommunication clients on regulatory and legislative matters.

From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Hamra served as Legislative Counsel for the U.S. Senate, Office of the Sergeant of Arms and later received a political appointment in the Clinton Administration where he served as Special Counsel at the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration where he assisted the Clinton Administration in the drafting of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. After leaving the Clinton Administration, he became the Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor for the Federal Communications Commission’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau.

In 2001, Mr. Hamra was commissioned by the U.S. Department of State to represent the United States in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia where he assisted the new Yugoslavian government in rewriting the telecommunications law inherited from the Milosevic regime.

Mr. Hamra is active within the Panera franchise community and formerly served as an elected franchise official on Panera’s franchise council and was its co-Chairman during his tenure.  He is also a director of Oakstar Bankshares Holdings based in Springfield, Missouri.  Mr. Hamra also serves as the Chair of Family Enterprise USA which is a Washington, DC based non-profit membership organization that provides education to the general public, policymakers and the media about the collective issues facing family enterprises.

Mr. Hamra is a recipient of the US Department of Commerce Bronze Medal for Superior Federal Service and recognized as a Boston Business Journal’s 40 under 40. He is also a member of Young Presidents Organization.

 

C. A. (Candy) Simonson – “Loves Journey Home”

 

C. A. (Candy) SimonsonC.A. (Candy) Simonson has always had a love for words. She started writing stories as a child and even won a contest for writing in the third grade. Her first published piece was at age 17.

She is an award winning author, editor, and writer of fiction and nonfiction short stories, articles, and books. She has over 200 publications nationally in anthologies, newspapers, magazines, and other tabloids. She has been the editor of a monthly newsletter for five companies over the years, is a frequent contributor to many local newspapers, and had a monthly column in a national magazine.

“Love’s Journey Home” is an young adult adventure/romance based on true events. The second book in the series, “Love Looks Back,” is a mystery. She has been published in several anthologies, and Plans are in the works for more short stories and perhaps another novel or two. She lives in the Ozarks of Missouri, and besides writing, she enjoys crafting, painting, and fishing.

 

Love’s Journey Home will be available for sale at the festival. Its sequel, Love Looks Back, will be available for order. Release date on sequel is April 30. Both can be purchased at Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble, or at Candy’s website, http://casimonson.wordpress.com

Available in Kindle format or print copy.

Love’s Journey Home – Young Adult Romance/Adventure

Abandoned at 10, separated from brothers and sisters, Frankie was left to find his way back home. When ​a farmer and his wife took him in, he thought he found a home. Finding his two younger brothers brought hope for a happy reunion, until one brother, then the other were taken from him again. Believing he was being sold to a stranger, Frankie stowed away on a train to escape his fate. Will the longings in his heart ever be fulfilled?

Love’s Journey Home tells the story of a young boy who must fight the battles of his mind and struggle between right and wrong. As Frankie reveals experiences from his troubled past, he learns about life and love as he grows from a boy to a man. He finally lands at a place where he thinks his past is behind him until he meets Anne. Anne changes everything, and digs up something deep inside Frank that has been buried way too long. Love’s Journey Home is a message of redemption and hope in the midst of despair.

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Love Looks Back – Young Adult Cozy Mystery

Frank finds the courage to return to his hometown to make peace with his past and settle old scores. When he stops at the old barn where the children once took refuge, he finds chilling evidence of things gone wrong. Behind the barn is an unexpected grave with the note, “Found him. Buried him.” What really happened in that barn, and who is in the ground? Frank must unite with his siblings and follow the clues to find answers to many disturbing questions. He ends up finding much more than he expected.

Roy Beck ~ Moderator for Presidential Family Panel

Roy Beck

Roy Beck (MHS ’66) has been a journalist and policy advocate in Washington D.C. since 1987 when he arrived as the chief Washington correspondent for the Booth Newspapers chain. He is author of four books on public policy and has frequently provided testimony at congressional hearings and commentary on national radio and cable TV. No stranger to controversy, Roy has been profiled by the New York Times, MSNBC and the Chicago Tribune. His reporting in the Atlantic Monthly was included by Encyclopedia Britannica in its “Annals of America” book as one of the most important writings of the 1990s. He is president of the NumbersUSA Education & Research Foundation which he founded in 1996 to support the immigration, economic fairness and environmental sustainability recommendations of two federal commissions. Recipient of the U.S. Army Commendation Medal in 1972 (non-combat), Roy and his wife live in Arlington, Virginia.

Justin Britt ~ Walk of Fame Honoree

Justin Britt & FamilyJustin Britt ~ In his own words from www.justinbritt68.com

I’ve been blessed with a strong support system, plenty of opportunity, and a talent that not many people have, and even though being a Seattle Seahawk allows me to continue to grow my skills and develop my legacy, I’ll always know that I made it to where I am today because of my roots.

Playing NFL football feels like what I was born to do.

Athletics Provided Consistency I grew up in a military family, so even as we moved from place to place, athletics was where I found my consistency. I have always loved sports, and even though my dad’s career kept us mobile most of the time, the desire to compete grew with me wherever we went. In sixth grade, we settled in Lebanon, Missouri, and to this day, I’m proud to represent the town and its people. It was then that I started wrestling and playing football, and sports became the focal point of my life. It was all I wanted to do.

When I was playing varsity football in high school, I went to the Mizzou team camp, and head coach Gary Pinkel called my dad and me into his office immediately after to tell me they were going to offer me a scholarship. He told me to take a few days to think about it. I didn’t need them. Right then and there, I said, “I want to be a Tiger.”

Drafted In The Second Round That was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and the success I’ve found in the NFL confirms that. Mizzou prepared me to play professional football without me realizing it at the time, and I was chosen in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Seahawks. I came in with the mindset that I was going to be the starting right tackle — that’s the job that I was fighting for, and that’s what I got.

My favorite bible verse, 1 Corinthians 9:24, helped keep me on track: I knew what my goal was, and I knew how hard I needed to work to get there.

After winning the spot in training camp, I started in the opening game against the Green Bay Packers, and I played in all 16 regular season games. At the end of my first season playing for the Seattle Seahawks, we played in the Super Bowl, which was more than I ever could have imagined when I was growing up just playing the game I loved to play. Even though the ending wasn’t what we had wanted, I know we have the skill, passion, and dedication to get there again soon.

My Life Off The Field Off the field, my team at home is made up of my wife Alicia, my daughter Navy, and my parents. Whether I’m hanging out with my daughter, playing Xbox with friends, or training to be the best NFL player I can be, I keep my faith, my family, and football in mind, and I’m grateful for all of the opportunities I’ve been given.

Barbara Fairchild ~ Walk of Fame Honoree

Barbara Fairchild

Barbara Fairchild’s vibrant personality, her love for humor and storytelling along with her extraordinary talent for singing country and gospel music make her one of the finest entertainers you will see. She has a sincere warmth that flows out of her to everyone she meets, whether on the street or as a member of the audience in one of her shows.

Barbara performs with her very talented husband, Roy Morris. They are really in love, and it shows. In the tradition of other husband and wife teams that brought laughter to millions, Barbara and Roy have a natural flare for comedy that is delightful to experience. They are such an important part of the Branson Entertainment Community.

 Their Sunday Morning Worship Service that began in 1992 has continued to be a source of inspiration to the thousands of Branson visitors who attend each year. Countless people say. “A trip to Branson is not complete without being with Barbara and Roy on Sunday Morning.” Their special Veteran’s Service, is so important to them, held during Branson’s Veteran’s Homecoming Week in November. They believe we owe more to our Veteran’s than we could ever repay and take every opportunity to let our nation’s heroes know how important they are. Barbara and Roy’s faith is their foundation and the most important aspect of their lives.
Throughout Barbara’s exciting and extensive career she has received many awards and honors. Her nomination for two prestigious Grammy Awards, one for her #1 country hit, “The Teddy Bear Song” and the other in the music for children category, “Lullaby for Teddy” are highlights in her career. She is recognized as one of the finest female entertainers in Country Music. Barbara was one of Ralph Emery’s favorite guests during the years he hosted the top-rated “Nashville Now” show on the TNN television network. Ralph even trusted her to be a guest host for him at times in his absence. Through that show Barbara Fairchild became a household name to thousands of viewers.

Barbara’s talent has not diminished through the years and you can often see her these days on the RFD Network along with many of her peers on the very popular “Country Family Reunion” hosted by Bill Anderson.  

Among the many television appearances during her career include, “The Tonight Show,” Hee Haw,” “A Salute to Country Music,” “ The CMA Country Music Awards,” and the three part special, “A Country Homecoming,” hosted by Ralph Emery. She has made several appearances on CBN (The 700 Club) and TBN and two tribute specials to the Legendary Dottie Rambo. She was thrilled to host her own TV Special, “Barbara Fairchild In England” on the BBC network, just to name a few. (Biography & photo from www.barbarafairchild.com)

 

 

Buck Trent ~ Walk of Fame Honoree

Buck TrentBuck “Mr. Banjo” Trent is not only one of the finest players in country music, he is also the inventor of the electric banjo. Born Charles Wilburn Trent in Spartanburg, South Carolina, he began playing steel guitar at age seven, and debuted professionally on an Ashville, North Carolina television station at age 17. He joined the Bill Carlisle Show near the end of the 1950s and soon afterward made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. In 1962, he joined Porter Wagoner’s Wagon Masters and designed the electric banjo, an instrument shaped something like a steel guitar which featured a mobile bridge used to change the pitch. Trent remained with Wagoner through 1973 and then spent the next seven years as the opening act for Roy Clark; he also appeared regularly as a featured musician on the long-running TV show Hee Haw. He began recording in 1962, initially under the name Charles Trent; during the ’70s, he recorded several albums, including Bionic Banjo (1976). He began recording on his own Buck Trent label in the 1980s and two years later recorded an eponymous album on MCA/Dot. During the 1990s, he was a regular performer in Branson, Missouri. ~~ written by Sandra Brennan, Rovi for www.cmt.com/artists/roy-clark-and-buck-trent/biography

Mary Jean Eisenhower

 

Mary Jean Eisenhower

Mary Jean Eisenhower was born in Washington, D.C. during her grandfather Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first term in office as President of the United States. She was christened in the Blue Room of the White House and grew up in nearby Gettysburg, PA, in a home with property abutting the Eisenhower Farm, where President Eisenhower eventually retired.

She attended several schools in Pennsylvania until her father, John, was named as US Ambassador to Belgium. She lived in Brussels with her family from shortly after her grandfather’s death in 1969 through 1972.

Mary Eisenhower is Chairman Emeritus of People to People International, which was founded September 11, 1956 by her grandfather. Mary says that she joined PTPI hoping to carry on her grandfather’s dream, but that now it has become a dream of her own. President Eisenhower founded PTPI with the financial backing of his friend Joyce Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards, who insisted it be headquartered in Kansas City.

Mary Eisenhower established the PTPI Friendship Fund in 1999 following an inspirational visit to an orphanage in Morocco. The fund is designed as a way for people to help the friends and facilities they visit throughout the world and to help the PTPI Chapter network assist each other.

To date, the fund has provided assistance to causes such as the Global Humanitarian Eradication of Landmines; Children’s Mercy Hospital in London, England; earthquake relief in India; disaster relief to victims of September 11, 2001 and their families; support of schools for the underprivileged in China and Sri Lanka; a home for leukemia victims and their families in Cuba; Operation International Children; New Horizons (a library project in Viet Nam); The Survivors of Rwanda; Japan Tsunami Relief; Haiti, and Friends of Egypt, among others. One-hundred percent of all funds received through the organization go to the efforts and projects as specified by the donors.

Following September 11, 2001, Mary’s focus intensified toward getting young people from around the world together to learn about each other and conflict management. Her vision resulted in “Peace Camp 2003: An Evolution of Thought and Action” and “The Global Peace Initiative.” Both efforts have brought people from diverse areas, more than 30 nationalities, together in Egypt, Jordan and Turkey, to discuss issues and reach a better understanding of their unique and individual cultures. The program remains active today.

Highlighted awards of Mary’s are: the Knight of Peace Award from the International University in Assisi, Italy; the Medal of Honor from the Slovak Republic; The Consular Corps Award of Excellence; The Harry S. Truman Award for Public Service; Friendship Ambassador from The Peoples’ Republic of China, among others. Eisenhower has received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Schiller International University, Park University and William Jewell College.

Mary is currently continuing her humanitarian work through, Outreach International, a humanitarian organization dedicated to alleviating poverty throughout the world.

For more information, please visit www.mjeisenhower.com.

 

Affiliations:

People to People Ambassador Programs
Spokane, Washington
Humanitarian Ambassador
Member, Advisory Board

The Eisenhower Foundation
Abilene, Kansas
Corporate Secretary
Member of the Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Selection Committee: Museum Design

Snowball Express (Families of the Fallen)
Dallas, Texas
Member, Advisory Board

People to People International
Chairman Emeritus
Member, Board of Directors
Member, Board of Trustees

Sister Cities International
Washington, D. C.
Member, Advisory Board

Rocky Top Ranch (Equestrian Therapy)
Keller, Texas
Member, Advisory Board

Boy Scouts of America
Washington, D.C.
Member, Advisory Board

 

 

Lulu Roman

Lulu Roman

Donna & Lulu
Donna Douglas and Lulu Roman

LuLu Roman has enjoyed many successes in her life, but also more than her share of disappointments and hardships.  She is best known for her side splitting humor and jovial disposition, but a lesser known story lies behind those sparkling radiant eyes which have often been filled with tears, both of pain and of joy.

LuLu is best known as the most requested female cast member on the long running hit television Show “Hee Haw.”  The show ran from 1969-1993, and is now in reruns on the RFD-TV network.  LuLu is also known for her accomplished and celebrated songwriting and singing all over the world.

A native of Dallas, TX, LuLu was born in a home for unwed mothers, and placed in an orphan’s home shortly after birth. She was born with a thyroid dysfunction, and it would be in the orphan’s home that she first endured the pain of being unaccepted because of her weight.  Her weight made her the brunt of much name-calling and teasing, and also prevented her from being adopted into a loving home.  It was then she learned to use her sense of humor as a defense mechanism.

LuLu’s sense of humor later evolved into a highly successful career as an actress and comedienne with a lead role on “Hee Haw.”   However, success and wealth proved poisonous to the young actress.  LuLu’s search for acceptance and happiness eventually lead her to a drug addiction, which sent her down a spiral that nearly destroyed her life and career in 1971.

In 1973, a chance meeting with an old friend lead her to discover a new found faith in the Lord, and changed her life forever.  It was in this revelation that she discovered she had a hidden talent in her voice.  LuLu then began singing Gospel music, and eventually introduced it to “Hee Haw.”

LuLu’s new found career as a vocalist proved to be very successful.  She is the recipient of a Dove award, and has been nominated many times.  She is also a member of the Country Gospel Music and Christian Music halls of fame.  LuLu has also been honored with the JD Sumner Living Legend Award and named Favorite Crossover Artist by the Country Gospel Music Association.  The TV Land network also awarded LuLu with their prestigious Entertainer’s Award.

To date, LuLu has recorded 21 albums and is still singing in churches, seminars, fairs, performing arts centers, and anywhere she is welcomed to share her life story and music.

Her latest gospel project “Seven Times” has garnered an international hit song (“Do You Know How To Fly”), and is still being shared across the globe. It also features one of the last songs her precious friend Dottie Rambo wrote for her, “Move Upon Us.” 

LuLu has just completed a new project entitled “At Last.”  The album features 12 of her favorite standards and classics, such as “I Will Always Love You,” “Summertime,” “You Don’t Know Me,” “Til I Can Make It On My Own, ” and the title song.  LuLu’s dear friends Dolly Parton, T. Graham Brown, Linda Davis, and Georgette Jones also joined her on the album.

In addition to “Hee Haw,” LuLu has also been a guest star on such television programs as “The Love Boat” and “Touched By An Angel.”  She is also an accomplished author, with her autobiography and her cookbook “Kitchen Komforts.”

Although she has been performing for over 40 years, she has no plans to rest or retire.  LuLu continues to travel sharing her testimony, her humor, and her music.