First Class Maid Jaynee at the 2012 Ice Carving Competition

Congratulations to ALL the pros that made the Second Annual Ice Carving Competition in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!  Led by Officer Ashli, Event Coordinator for the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

If you attended the Ice Carving in the morning it was very cold and we had high hopes that all the ice carvings might last for viewing in the afternoon at the final judging, about 1:00 p.m. the sun was warming up the place, it felt good, but it did not bode well for the carvings, they started to go.

The winner was a brilliant sculpture entitled “War Horse”.  Created by Todd Dawson, he captured the power and spirit of the horse, it was the arching noble head of a steed placed on a star all constructed of ice.

The peoples choice was created by Edwin Hutchinson, two huge daisies, with petals beneath the sculpture, “she loves me….she loves me not” scenario, beautiful.

James Cameron's Titanic Movie Gallery

We have successfully opened the “Movie Gallery” at our Pigeon Forge location, it is a HIT!  Memorabilia from the James Cameron movie, “Titanic”.  Roses “sinking dress and coat”, Jack’s costume that he wore during those amazing final scenes of the movie.  We have a case of gorgeous hats, constructed and used in the film.  For doll collectors we have a case displaying the Franklin Mint Rose doll, with each costume that “Rose” wore in the movie, complete with accessories, Glorious!

All befitting the 100th Cenntenial year of the maiden voyage of R.M.S. Titanic.  So much more to come so stay connected.  Next week I will share an exciting moment that took place in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Be aware that our Branson, Missouri location is now open after a four day marathon of adding the Molly Brown Gallery, a room dedicated to that bigger than life Titanic First Class passenger, both ships are sparkling, painted and ready to receive……you!  Our National Ice Carving event is coming up on Februrary 4 and 5th in Branson, Missouri.  This is a huge event, and as always will be free for the public…be there, please.

As always, “I’ll be right there to greet you.”  First Class Maid Jaynee

Both Titanic Museum Attractions, Branson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee will be continuing their tradition of hosting Ice Carving Competitions.  The first will be in the beautiful Smoky Mountains.  Our Titanic location in Pigeon Forge created a magnificent first year Ice Carving Event in 2011, this Centennial 2012 event should prove to be EPIC!

Titanic Hosts 2012 NICA US Nationals

NICA, National Ice Carving Association, is the group that attends the Ice Carving, after all they are the group that actually decide which of these ice carvers help be selected for Olympic material, that’s right ice carving is an Olympic Sport.

Only a few prove to be worthy, after creating works of ice art, they make the grade they move on to the NATIONAL ICE CARVING COMPETITION!  Winners of this event might go to the 2014 Olympics in Russia, and where pray tell will the Nationals be held this year?…..YES!   Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, MISSOURI!  In February we are the proud hosts of the most important ice carving event in the United States!

You must come to both events, what else should you do in the winter time?

Here are the dates,2nd Annual Ice Carving Event in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, will be held January, 14th, an all day beauty spectacular.

After 5 years as host Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri on it’s sixth year presents The National Ice Carving Competition on February 4th and 5th, two days, Saturday and Sunday.  9am to 3pm.

Take note that both museums will be closed for four days in January for the preparation of exciting new exhibits.  One features the “Unsinkable Molly Brown”!

Closed in Pigeon Forge, TN:  Jan, 9,10,11,12. Closed in Branson, Missouri: Jan, 16,17,18,19.

See you on ice, First Class Maid, Jaynee

Angels play a vital and important part in our physical world.  Nearly all religions claim the presence of angels, angels are featured in art, in lore, nearly everyone believes or hopes that they might have a “guardian angel” looking out for them.

“Angels we have heard on High”, during the Christmas Holiday, angels are everywhere, atop Christmas trees and Christmas Wreaths, on Holiday wrapping paper, in Holiday Centerpieces, angels sing, they dance, they fly, for years I was known as the “Toe-Tapping” Angel when I performed the number, “Heaven Hop”, complete with Halo, Wings, and pointe shoes!

But do angels really exist?  I think that some individuals are embued with angelic qualities which brings up the reason for this essay on angels.  I refer to our dear Kelli Ryley, one of the three dog handlers that so lovingly watch out for our mascots Molly and Carter, at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri.  Years ago I always enjoyed watching Kelli on stage, she has danced and performed in many venues in the town of Branson, and I have always enjoyed her work. I met Kelli when she started working at the Titanic Museum Attracton.  She is so busy with performing you might wonder why she would want to also work as Titanic Dog Handler. Quite simply, Kelli’s passion is dogs, with all of her performance abilities, she also trained and became a pro dog groomer, and when the job of one of the “dog handler” for Molly and Carter came up she jumped at the chance and we here at the museum are so lucky that she did.  I know Molly and Carter are two lucky dogs because she decided to work here.  Kim Breit, and Kelli Sanders, are both lovely ladies that love Molly and Carter too, so all I can say is that those are two lucky doggies.  But concerning Kelli Ryley, she has an angelic quality that is very unique, not everyone has that kind of quality.  Molly and Carter, as much as they love all of us, simply melt when Kelli Ryley is around.  There is an inner sweetness, kindness, and patience that I see displayed whenever she is here at the museum, she works out her schedule, which is insanely busy, to accomodate any need that might arise with our two darling mascots.  She was chiefly responsible for putting together the  Molly and Carter Facebook Page, she is a great photographer and some of the most astounding pics she has posted of Molly and Carter, please check it out.  She even has hooked up with the British King Charles Club and corresponds with King Charles lovers from all over the world, what an asset to this museum.

So many people in our Titanic Museum lend their talents and qualities unselfishly that all should be praised, but the efforts of our dog handlers, Kelli Sanders, Kelli Ryley, and Kim Breit are special to me because of my love for those two darling dogs, Molly and Carter.

Perhaps a guardian angel has been watching over Officer Karen Sutton, she will be leaving our museum here in Branson very soon.  We will miss her so, but she has fallen in love and will be married to her childhood sweetheart, a man by the name of Max, and he is wisking her away to live the “life” in Kansas City, Missouri!  What a whirlwind, she must have an angel watching out for her!

This is the last blog I will write before Christmas, so have a merry one, and just for kicks, look around and observe if you live or work with an earthly angel, I’ll bet you do.  Merry Christmas!

First Class Maid, Jaynee

I don’t know about you, but it seems the very time of year when a child or an adult should be on their best behaviour it seems to backfire and all the naughties one can possibly indulge in come into play.  Since childhood we have had the spectre of coal for Christmas if not a “good little girl or boy”, like Damacles sword, the thought of Santa Claus discovering how rotten we all are is always haunting our thoughts.

Merry Christmas from Jaynee and Titanic

Wednesday I had the good fortune of helping to host “Teacher of the Month” with Janet Ellis from Hometown Radio in Branson, Missouri.  Our teacher to be honored was first grade teacher, Mrs. Matlock from Hollister, Missouri, Elementary.  Other sponsors were in attendance and Officer Kristina and myself arrived just in time.  My fault.  It seems I have been guilty of habitual tardiness of late.  But luckily we made it and arrived with the lovely young Mother from Coldstone Creamery to present Mrs. Matlock with goodies for the pizza party in honor of their teacher.  Each month a lucky classroom is treated with pizza from Luigi’s, Ice Cream, financial investment encouragement from Ozark Empire Bank, vouchers from Famous Dave’s B.B.Q., and this time tickets to The Track, Go-Kart fun.  We always provide goodies, and tickets for the class to come with a guest to Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson.

This fine day I left the children with my Christmas message. Having been tardy all week, along with other transgressions too numerous to mention, yes, I’ve been a “naughty” maid; not to fret.  Tis the Season to be Jolly and to be forgiven if truly repentant.  I assured the children that if they too worried about perhaps receiving coal instead of sugar plums due to somewhat less then stellar behaviour, God sent his only son to be born on Christmas Eve to take away the sins of the world, and that is why we celebrate Jesus’s Birthday and call December 25th, Christmas.  We acknowledged all the Winter Holidays, like the Jewish Celebration, Hannukah, and we all agreed, despite everything coal was probably not in our future.  The kids had a great time as I always do when I get to go to “Teacher of the Month”.  In fact later that evening at the museum, Titanic sponsored a group from a local church, and lo and behold, some of the children I had met earlier in the day, came to the museum that evening!

The reason for the season gives us all a fresh start and I vow to do better in the upcoming year, 2012, which marks the launch of the Titanic 100 years ago, much to do to prepare for this exciting time.  Stay tuned as always, I’ll be right here to greet you.

First Class Maid, Jaynee

Just about everyone loves a parade, the chance to showcase your band, your business, your show, to honor our military heroes, to celebrate a particular holiday or time of year, but there is no other location I have been that LOVES a parade more than East Tennessee, where our beautiful Titanic Museum Attraction is located in Pigeon Forge.

Santa and Mrs. Claus

Last Friday I had the privilege and pleasure to represent our venue in the Gatlinburgh, Tennessee Christmas parade, Holiday of Lights.  I was thrilled to be there last Christmas season and once again lucky enough to be involved last week.  This year we had two white carriages, festooned with white lights, drawn by two of the most amazing white horses, Lady Di, and General.  The General was a bit grumpy, being an army horse he seemed miffed that the British Royal Navy was represented, after all not only was I in the parade but our Captain Steve was representing our ship as well. We also were joined by First Class Maid Andrea, a raven haired beauty with sparkling eyes who simply shined on the parade route.

Thousands turned out, as always, crowding the main street of Gatlinburgh, onlookers were not only on the streets and sidewalks but waving from the balconies of resorts and condos along the way.  The news media was there in force with their cameras, dignitaries and parade judges were seated in a place of honor and we were sure to put the shine on when we trotted by. John and Mary Joslyn, our beloved co-owners of the Titanic Museum Attractions, were there and I was sure to call out special wishes to them both.

Jaynee riding in the carriage

Just like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, our parade was resplendent with floats, bands, dancers, even huge, hot air balloon characters.

The children along the parade route were thrilled with every new sight and sound that passed by, cheers of “Merry Christmas!”, and “Happy New Year!”, were heard throughout the parade.

On that special Friday night, I understand there were at least six parades being held that day and evening, East Tennessee loves parades, as do I. Thank you for being so gracious to us at Titanic with your cheers and good wishes.

Needless to say I needed a pick me up, we at the Titanic Museum Attraction have been very saddened by the loss of First Class Maid Mary Kaufman’s darling Walter.  After many years of battling illness, Walter Kauffman passed on last week.  His memorial service was entitled a “Celebration of Life”. Which, touchingly friends and family gave testimonial to that fact last Thursday.  First Class Mary is a part of the fiber of this museum, and to witness her sadness, and bravery has been a testament throughout this ordeal.  Her strength is an inspiration to all that know her, she will need support in the time ahead, support she can be guaranteed by us all, and from Mary and John Joslyn, that have proven that in times of need, they are as stalwart and as loyal friends as one could find.

Holidays are alomost upon us, so do yourself a favor, and if there is a parade near your home, go to it!  You will have a high time and the Christmas Spirit is guaranteed.

First Class Maid Jaynee

Record crowds at both Titanic Museum Attraction Locations.  Branson had beautiful weather, and Pigeon Forge has so many surprises in store.  Next week I will venture to the Smokies to observe the goings on at this lovely vacation spot.

First Class Maid Jaynee with the reindeer

This will mark my sixth year of Thanksgivings at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri.  Children galore, families enjoying their time together, our crew was treated to a Holiday Feast in our “galley”. However, there seemed to be something missing.  I have seen many crew members come and go, so I’m used to change, efficiency with crowds was impressive, perhaps I miss a little of the beginnings of our success when there was a little bit of chaos.  No, that’s not it, there always is a little bit of chaos, even with all the efficiency strategies.

I was just about to dismiss this feeling as a rejection to routine when my little bit of chaos occurred.  I was hosting the Grande Staircase, regaling my group with the beauties of First Class, when I spied a young lad and started to ask him just a few questions, “How many dogs were there on the ship?”, “How many of these dogs survived?” The routine we always go through with the young ones, when I asked if this young man had visited our reindeer at the front of the ship.

“There is no such thing as reindeer!”  The boy laughed, “Just put some red paint on your nose and you’re a reindeer!”  Try as I might I could not convince this fellow of the existence of the species of reindeer, or that we had a live one on property by the pool at the front of our museum.

The people standing about laughed heartily at the boy and I going back and forth, including his parents, but it made me sad.  I had to prove to this darling we did have reindeer!

Some time went by and I prevailed upon Officer Larry to find the child and take him to the front of the ship and prove to him the existence of one of God’s most magical creatures.  Luckily they had not packed it in for the night.  Officer Larry agreed, up he went with an authoriative air, and down they both came with Mother laughing behind.

I snuck out and watched.  THE BOY BELIEVED!!!!  He grudgingly accepted the fact that reindeer do exist.  The boy was so sweet I needed him to believe this one true fact and thanks to Officer Larry he now knows the facts.

Don’t let life get too routine, don’t become jaded and blase’, I think that was what was troubling me before this little episode.  If we allow the spirit of the season to be just another work day that happens every year, I say why bother, but thanks to our reindeer, and Officer Larry, and that wonderful little boy, a little Titanic magic was stirred up once again.

By the way Happy Birhday to Molly and Carter!

First Class Maid Jaynee

For the last four years our Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri has been proud to host REINDEER!  The company, Prancer and Freinds, which provide us with our guest reindeer will be returning, over Thanksgiving weekend and throughout the December season, reindeer will be back.  Barb and Ron are the owners and handlers and this maid has nothing but great respect for these two animal champions.

Reindeer at the Titanic!

Barb and Ron having spent a lifetime in the breeding and raising of “exotics” fell in love with reindeer and now have a ranch that specializes in reindeer.  Sensitive animals, reindeers need to be cared for with the utmost caution.  They thrive on a special diet that hails from their roots, Lapland, and the northern regions of our planet, they need to keep to this special diet for optimum health.  They are not allowed to mix with other animals, for fear that they may contract disease or viruses.  They of course love the cold weather and during the summer months in Missouri when it can become very warm, Ron and Barb have provided these special creatures with air conditioned barns.  They have acres and acres in which to romp, and they only work during the peak season, The Holiday Season! Not a bad life. In fact, most of these reindeer started their young lives, living inside the house, with diapers of course, this way they can become socialized with animals of the human variety.

This year Rudolph will be returning with Dasher.  The word is out that Rudolph is sporting the largest “rack” ever.  This is also the time of year when the young male reindeer will often times lose their “rack”, so let’s keep our fingers crossed that “Rudy” keeps his antlers.  Dasher is always full of fun and these two are sure to bring the spirit of the season to Titanic.

First Class Maid Jaynee

Now to be sure, Ron and Barb are particular about their reindeer, you are not allowed to just walk up and pet these two, although friendly, they are skiddish, and one move of the head and a guest could get hurt with those antlers.  Remember, we are not providing a petting zoo, this will be an opportunity to witness up close and personal one of the most exotic breeds of animals on the planet, although small compared to most deer, they are very powerful, and if not watched carefully, they might decide to take flight right over the ship!  Not kidding, these reindeers have been trained to work that “special” sleigh, filled with presents.  That’s why Ron and Barb are Santa’s favorite handlers, they know their reindeer!

Guests will be given the opportunity to sit in a charming Holiday Sleigh, pictures will be taken, for a small fee, these pictures can be translated into wonderful Holiday Greeting Cards, so come take advantage of this unique opportunity.

What I appreciate about our reindeer display, the animals are treated with the utmost respect, they are kept separated from the milling public, yet children and adults can definitely get up close to the beauties.  So many times, exotic animals during the Holidays, are taken advantage of for the sake of the public, not at Titanic, “Prancer and Friends” bring the beauty of the Holidays to the museum without compromising the integrity of a beautiful animal, like the Reindeer.

Come and meet Rudolph and Dasher, coming NEXT WEEK!

First Class Maid, Jaynee

Last Friday myself and other crew members were lucky enough to attend a charity auction event held yearly in Springfield, Missouri.  This event raises money for children’s charities through the local PBS station, sponsored by Andy’s Frozen Custard Shops, Titanic Museum Attraction,

First Class Maid Jaynee with kids on the Grand Staircase

The Brown Derby International Wine Stores, and other participants.   The other local participants donate many wonderful items, or services to be either auctioned off in the silent auction, or the live auction.  The Titanic Museum Attraction donated a private Dinner Event for ten people, which would include hotel accommodations at the Chateau Resort in Branson, and many wines from the Brown Derby, also the lovely dinner will be catered by our Gourmet Caterers, Touch.  As a matter of fact this evenings festivities were being held at the Main Restaurant, Touch, a Metro-Modern, sleek restaurant in Springfield, with an open, spiral staircase in the center of this two story denizen of gastronomical wonders.

In attendance was First Class Maid Jamie, First Class Maid Shari, Captain David, and Officer Sean.  We also had Officer Danita with Admiral Mary at the Helm.  We managed to get there and all hands were on deck for a night of gaiety and fund raising.

The cocktails flowed freely, and we maids were busy selling raffle tickets and passing out our cocktail voucher coins, trying to loosen the crowd up for heavy bidding when the live auction came about, and you know I think it worked.

By the time of the live auction people were ready to have fun and the crowd snapped up opportunities for tail gart parties at KC Chiefs games, Lasix surgery was a popular item, Maxon’s Jewelers was also a high bidding frenzy, but the piest de resistance was the Titanic offering, the private party at the the museum created a bidding war.  Last year’s group that bought the privelidge of dinner at the Titanic wanted to repeat that experience, and a new group was set on winning the opportunity.  At $10,000.00 the Titanic Dinner was “Sold” to the highest bidder!  But the last word came when our own Admiral Mary let it be known that she would allow another private dinner party be held at the Titanic Museum if the competing bidders would like to have it for a matching $10,000.00  Sold! Wow! $20,000.00 raised for children’s charities, not a bad night’s work!

At that point, our merry crew wrapped things up and off we went back to Branson, once more victorious in our endeavors.  When led by the Admiral, we simply can’t lose!

Till next time, First Class Maid, Jaynee

Seems like a personal question….and it is.  The reason why this First Class Maid inquires is that although this has been the most outstanding Autumn season in both Titanic Museum locations, Branson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the germs are out there, so I suggest to all of you that have not received your flu shot, do so.

First Class "Nurse" Jaynee

Last October, I was a timely maid and received my inoculation on October 1st, this year I put it off, and oila!  I got the flu!  Considering the thousands of people our crew members face each year we all do pretty well about staying healthy, but still no guarantees, and even though a person may feel responsible and receive the proper inoculations, that will only cover this years particular strain of flu, there are thousands of strains of flu one can acquire.  But good news, after one bout with a particular virus, your body builds the appropriate anti-bodies and you will never come down with that type of flu again.

That being said all of these inoculations, doctors, and quarantines bring to mind the Third Class passengers on board the R.M.S. Titanic.  Before boarding that beautiful ship all Third Class had to pass examination by the ships doctor, Traucoma was a very serious eye disease, the doctor and his assistants would use a button hook like instrument to flip up the poor chaps eyelids to investigate for this nasty number.  If by chance Dr. O’Loughlin felt a passenger was not well, the trip would have to be cancelled.  You see, White Star Line knew that if an immigrant arrived in the United States with a medical issue and did not pass the immigration authority, they would be sent back to the U.K. at White Star Expense, so the practical thing to do was nip it in the bud before the immigrant ever boarded.  Through the years of working at the Titanic Museum Attractions, I have had many guests tell me that a relative was turned away from traveling to the United States, they were too sick to travel, and would have to wait for another opportunity.  Just think how relieved those Titanic Third Class passengers must have felt when after being turned away in Europe, realized that being shunned was the luckiest day of their lives.

Illness can be a good thing……sometimes.

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the TAME Halloween Pet Parade in Springfield, Missouri with our darling mascot Carter.  She was dressed like me, in a First Class Maid uniform, all were dazzled and she was praised and complimented for her appearence.  A true celebrity, the other dogs were so overwhelmed by having a real “star” in the pack they could hardly keep their eyes off her as she proudly walked the parade route, I was so proud to be with her along with Kelly Sanders, Carter and Molly’s Maid Dog Handler and Doggie Mother.  At least I had that pleasure before I was felled by illness.

From what I understand it was a truly spooky time at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri.  On Halloween weekend, if you were fortunate to visit the museum, several of our crew members regaled our guests with stories regarding the “Spirits of Titanic”.

November is here and we will soon be decorated in both Missouri and Tennessee with our Holiday finery so let’s remove ourselves from a gorgeous October, into a magical season, more to come in that regard.  I understand there will be a Holiday Fairy in Pigeon Forge, hope I get to meet her, I have several wishes I want to convey for my upcoming Holiday Season! And of course, our reindeer freinds will be returning to the museum here in Branson, Missouri.

To the Season!  First Class Maid Jaynee

The month of October has been filled with wonderful weekends for The Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri.  October 7th, 8th, and 9th was the Fourth Annual Woodcarving Event, and what an event it was!  The Loghoggers Wood Carvers were creating amazing sculptures with their chainsaws and hundreds showed to observe and on Saturday and Sunday guests were given the opportunity to bid on the sculptures. The prices for these works of art were positively criminal.  But congrats to all that “made away” with these wonderful creations.

2011 Titanic Chili Cookoff Winners

Then the following Saturday, October 15, Titanic hosted our Second Annual Chili Cookoff! We ended up with thirteen, very competitive chili cooks, representing various Fire Departments, all the way from Fenton, Missouri, who placed last year, The Branson Fire and Rescue, Strafford, Missouri, and others.  Alongside were reps from a myriad of Charities.  All these good people donating their time and cooking talents to win money for the charity of their choice. Three cash prizes, 1st Prize, $3000.00, 2nd Prize $2000.00, and 3rd Prize, $1000.00.

I was volunteered to judge, alongside me our winning judge from Harrison, Arkansas, Judge Mike, and Judge Rod.  Rod Kittleman from KADI radio who is positively over the top when it comes to CHILI!  Needless to say, we judges did not agree on much, so it was lucky we had Officer Kristina, who heads up this event with her able assistant Officer Cara to tabulate our results……..and the winners were, First Place to Camp Barnabus, a charity that helps disabled children, Second Place to the Strafford Fire Department, and Third Place went to our local VFW out of Rockaway Beach, Missouri.

2011 Titanic Chili Cookoff Judging Panel

The Peoples Choice Award went to the Gilley’s Cafe Team, headed up by the beautiful and talented Alexa Brown, who is another chili aficionado, they helped to raise with matching funds from the Titanic over $1500.00 to our darling mascots, Molly and Carter’s favorite Charity, The Tri-Lakes Animal Shelter, located in Reeds Spring!!!!!!!!!

Special thanks as always goes to our Hometown Radio Hosts Janet Ellis and Eric Marshall and the whole gang at Hometown Radio (KRZK) for their generous support, and it’s always a real “radio” party when Janet shows for our events, we missed Steve, but next time.

I would like to thank a fabulous entertainer and DJ, Clay Cooper for plugging our October events as well.

The weather could not have been more lovely, the chili, including my own, could not have been more enticing, and the wood sculptures our forever burned in my brain, till next time.

Speaking of next time, I can’t wait to fill you all in on the rest of this UBER OCTOBER!!!

First Class Maid, Jaynee