Legacy Youth Institute Begins Saturday, September 22

Branson, MO – September 18, 2012 – The Legacy Youth Institute, a new leadership and mentoring program for high school juniors, will begin this Saturday, September 22 at Shepherd of the Hills. Thirty students from eight Taney and Stone County high schools, as well as students from the home school community, will join together to participate in this six-session program designed to equip young leaders to “shape the culture” of Ozark Mountain Country.

The Legacy Youth Institute was born out of a passion to create a tangible, intentional opportunity for today’s community leaders to pass on our “Ozark Mountain Spirit”— a deep respect for Family, Faith, Friends, Flag, and ensuring a preferred Future—to the next generation. Community leaders and organizations will partner with the Legacy Youth Institute in each session to provide a mentoring experience for student participants.

“It is important to equip and empower our youth to take a leadership role in influencing the future of Ozark Mountain Country,” said Sue Head, Dean of Character Education at College of the Ozarks. “The Legacy Youth Institute will be a powerful experience that will challenge students to see themselves as a vital part of preserving the legacy of our area.”

Area superintendents and high school principals recognize the benefit of this type of student leadership program. “We are blessed in this area to have tremendous leaders who have strong values,” said Chip Arnette, Branson High School Principal. “Any time that our students get the opportunity to interact with these men and women is of great benefit. The Legacy Youth Institute will help empower tomorrow’s leaders to strengthen our community in the future.”

Saturday’s Kick-off Retreat for the Legacy Youth Institute will allow students from all across the area to get to know each other, learn important leadership skills, and hear about the area’s heritage and core value of Faith. Legacy Youth Institute sessions on Family, Friends, Flag, and Future are scheduled monthly, and the program will culminate in March with a Graduation Banquet.

For more information about the Legacy Youth Institute, please contact Ozark Mountain Legacy at (417) 598-1314, or visit www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org.

By: Ashley Bench

Renowned apologist Dr. J.P. Moreland will present “Loving God with the Mind” at College of the Ozarks on Monday and Tuesday, September 24 and 25, at 7 p.m., in the Jones Auditorium.

Featuring highlights of Moreland’s recently published book, The Kingdom Triangle, Moreland will discuss the purpose for life and how to fulfill those purposes in a Christ-honoring way.

“We are very excited to have Dr. Moreland on our campus, as he is one of the foremost Christian apologists,” said Dean of Christian Ministries Dr. Justin Carswell. “He will help students learn how to live a life that flourishes.”

Currently, Moreland serves as a Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University in La Mirada, California. He has spoken and debated on over 175 college campuses around the country. Moreland has earned four degrees, authored and co-authored 30 books, co-planted three churches, served with Campus Crusade for Christ and worked as a bioethicist for PersonalCare Nursing Homes.

The “Loving God with the Mind” presentation is free and open to the public. C of O students will receive priority seating; remaining seats are available to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. For questions or more information, contact Christian Ministries at (417) 690-3446.

Frankie Avalon appears September 17-22 at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre
Frankie Avalon, a truly legendary performer and one of the biggest teen idols of the late 50’s and early 60’s! Frankie took Venus to the top of the charts with more than a million copies, had hits like Why and Gingerbread and has more than 30 movie credits from Beach Blanket Bingo to Grease! You’ll be singing along with this former teen heart throb –

Grammy and CMA winner Suzy Bogguss brings her acclaimed acoustic trio to Bridge Street Live in Branson, MO on Tuesday October 2- Thursday October 4. In addition to her string of radio hits, Suzy will be performing songs from her critically celebrated CD, “American Folk Songbook.”

Suzy Bogguss – While ingenuity and integrity are the hallmark of a musical career that spans two decades, thirteen studio albums, and countless miles on the road, it’s the spontaneous showmanship of her live performance that truly brings Suzy’s talent and versatility as an artist to the forefront. Some of her accomplishments include ten albums for Capitol Records, one of which has been certified platinum and three others, gold. Eight of her singles have cracked country music’s top 5. Suzy is the recipient of a GRAMMY award (for Best Traditional Folk Album as a part of Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster) as well as several awards from the Academy of Country Music, The Country Music Association, CMT, and ASCAP.

Her songs have been heard on television shows and in commercials. She has performed on many national television shows including: In Performance At The White House (PBS), A Capitol 4th (PBS), Austin City Limits, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Live With Regis And Kelly, and The View. Suzy is a frequent guest on National Public Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. In 2011 Suzy released American Folk Songbook a 17 song CD and hardcover book with stories and sheet music, available online and nationally at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores.

Greetings!
Country music legends Johnny Lee and T. Graham Brown will perform at The Starlite Theatre in Branson as the fall concert series continues. “Stars From Larry’s Country Diner and Country’s Family Reunion” will continue through October 21. Please visit our website www.starlitetheatre.com for tickets and information.

Johnny Lee’s smash hit “Lookin For Love” from the “Urban Cowboy” soundtrack ruled the country and pop charts in 1980. Lee has five other number one country hits including “One In A Million,” “Bet Your Heart On Me” and “The Yellow Rose.”

T. Graham Brown has recorded 13 albums since 1986 and charted more than 20 hit singles on the country charts. He has three Number 1 hits: “Hell and High Water,” “Don’t Go To Strangers” and “Darlene” as well as 8 more Top 10 singles.

Help the Red Cross prepare for emergencies by donating blood: Eligible donors encouraged to give during National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, and this year the American Red Cross asks everyone eligible to help prepare for emergencies by donating blood.
National Preparedness Month is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, workplaces and communities.
The mission of the Red Cross is to help the public prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
One way you can support the mission is to become a regular blood donor.

Taney County Blood Drives, September 2012, Open to the public:

First Presbyterian Church, 420 W Main St, Branson MO, Mon Sept 24, 2012, 1:00p – 6:00p
Walmart Branson Hills, Wed Sept 26, 1:30p – 5:30p

Be sure to eat prior to donating blood.
Bring your Photo Id or Donor Card.
Refreshments for all donors.

Legends in Concert, The World’s Greatest Live Tribute Show, at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, announces area appreciation to our friends and families who live or work in Stone or Taney County. Tickets will be $5.00 plus tax on September 14, 15 & 16 for both the 3 & 8 p.m. shows. Come see Liberace, Aretha Franklin, George Strait, The Blues Brothers and Elvis in one incredible theatrical production including the Legends in Concert band and fabulous singers and dancers. Experience the powerful stage presence and electrifying vocals of Aretha Franklin; enjoy country classics by the “King of Country”, George Strait; see the world-renowned and oh-so-showy pianist and vocalist, Liberace; clap along with the crazy antics of The Blues Brothers; and “Shake, Rattle & Roll” with Elvis Presley!

Don’t miss this fabulous fall line-up during our area appreciation on September 14, 15 & 16! Proof of residency or employment required at time of purchase. Tickets available day of show only and can be purchased at the Legends Box Office.

Show times are 3 & 8 p.m. For more information, call 417-335-STAR or visit
www.legendsinconcert.com.

Fall has arrived so beginning this week thru the entire month of September, we invite you to our “FALL” Into Music Festival. Because of Branson’s support we are happy to announce we are adding live music on Thursday evenings. Join us this month on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday as we showcase various local musicians from 5 – 7 pm!

Our musicians this week are:
Wednesday, Sept 12th: Dan McMasters on guitar and Lou Colbe on Bass;
Thursday, Sept 13th: Terry Laird, piano;
Friday and Saturday, Sept 14 & 15: The New Acoustic Jazz Trio with Dan McMasters, guitar; Steve Black, guitar; and Seth Darby on Bass.

Stop by after work to enjoy a glass of wine with your friends and help support our local live music! As always, we give our local residents a 10% discount on your take home purchases!

Mount Pleasant Winery
3125 Green Mtn. Drive
Branson, MO 65616
417-336-9463

The Track Family Fun Parks in Branson, Missouri announced today the 3rd launch of “Life on Track” – a teen safe driving program. Several school districts from the junior high to high school levels will be involved: Branson, Hollister, Forsyth, Reeds Spring and Taneyville. The Track will create a simulated DUI experience, as well as an exercise demonstrating the dangers associated with texting while driving. Prior to the actual driving events, officials from the Branson Police Department will conduct an education session. The program has grown from two participating school districts in 2010 to five districts this year consisting of approximately 550 students. The event will be held at The Track 5 location on September 4th , 5th ,6th and 7th.

“Life on Track” will elevate the awareness of the seriousness and impact of drunk driving. The Track and the Branson Police Department are working together to help ensure the safety of our Tri-Lakes families. This engaging experience includes the use of simulator goggles while driving a course and “walking the line” to showcase the effects of driving under the influence of alcohol. There will also be an element of texting while driving, which has become a bigger issue as mobile phones have become more prevalent and have gotten “smarter.”
According to the Underage Drinking Prevention Coalition of the Taney County Health Department, the average age of first use of alcohol among our youth has decreased to age 12. Nearly 50% of adolescents have had at least one drink by 8th grade. The Track is taking an active role in helping shine the light on this serious issue. Area youth will experience and learn in a safe environment how dangerous and difficult it actually is to drive while intoxicated. The number of families who are affected each year from DUI-related fatalities is devastating.
“For over 30 years, an important aspect of our company mission has been supporting families and kids in our community. With our facilities and resources, we have the unique ability to offer a safe environment where kids can learn some very important life lessons. If we just open the eyes of a few students to the dangers of drunk and/or distracted driving, Life on Track will be a success,” comments Craig Wescott, President/Co-Owner of The Track Family Fun Parks.
“With over 200 of our teenage students participating in the ‘Life on Track’ program, we are sure to make an impact with them on the facts about drinking and driving,” said Brad Swofford, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services at the Branson School District. “We are grateful for the opportunity this program affords our students to learn the hazards they face when mixing alcohol with driving.”

The Track is proud to welcome sponsors such as Branson Bank, Ozark Mountain Bank, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Pizza World, IMAX Entertainment Complex, Lodge of The Ozarks and Verizon to this community program and event. If you wish to help or get involved, please contact The Track.

We would like to invite all media who wish to experience driving with the simulator goggles, to participate with the live events or to interview officials regarding the educational content to contact The Track and plan to attend this event on September 4, 5, 6 or 7 from 9:00-11:30 am or 1:00 to 2:30 pm at Track 5 (3525 W. 76 Country Blvd.) in Branson, Missouri.
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About The Track Family Fun Parks:
The Track Family Fun Parks started entertaining local and visiting families in 1981. The four Branson, Missouri locations offer high-rise and classic go-kart tracks for all ages, laser tag, bumper boats/cars, mini golf, kids’ rides, arcades, and more with no gate admission charge. www.bransontracks.com