The Track Family Fun Parks To Conduct Safe Driving Program – “Life On Track”

The Track Family Fun Parks in Branson, Missouri announced today the second 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 350 students. The event will be held at The Track 4 location on September 6, 8, and 9.

“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 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, Vice President/Co-Owner of The Track Family Fun Parks.

“The support we receive from The Track and the Branson Police Department for this program and our students is immeasurable,” said Brad Swofford, Assistant Superintendent for the Branson School District. “This program really provides our students with the deadly facts about drinking and driving.”

The Track is proud to welcome sponsors such as Commerce Bank, Ozark Mountain Bank, Andy’s Frozen Custard and Verizon Wireless 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 6, 8 or 9 from 9:00-11:00 am or 12:30-2:30 pm at Track 4 (3345 W. 76 Country Blvd.) in Branson, Missouri.

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

College of the Ozarks to Host Associates Luncheon
By: Jacob McCauley

College of the Ozarks invites current and prospective Associates to attend the next Associates Luncheon Monday, Sept. 12, at 11:30 a.m., in the Silver Dollar City Parlor of The Keeter Center.

The luncheon will begin with a buffet at 11:30 a.m., followed by a program at noon. College of the Ozarks students will present about the Chorale trip to Europe this summer.

The College of the Ozarks Associates is an organization of individuals and businesses committed to the furtherance of the College in its efforts to provide a higher education for deserving young men and women.

Associates recognize not only the College’s unique contribution to higher education in the United States but the tremendous impact it has had economically and culturally in the Ozarks region.

A variety of student projects are funded through the Associates’ generosity to the College.

In recognition of their services to the College, Associates receive benefits such as invitations to select events held on campus each year. They include certain concerts, lectures, plays, athletic events and other functions.

The cost of the luncheon is $15 per person. Please RSVP by Thursday, Sept. 8 to the Development Office at 417-690-2209 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Statue Based On Iconic Picture “The Kiss” On Display At College Of The Ozarks Beginning September 3

The life-size statue, based on the iconic picture of the legendary photo of a sailor kissing a New York nurse in Times Square following the announcement that WWII had ended, will make its way to College of the Ozarks September 3 for display. The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks will showcase the statue, called “The Kiss,” in its lobby for a limited time.

The public is welcome to visit the statue Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. free of charge and may also visit the “Lest We Forget” exhibit, featuring WWII artifacts and memorabilia and photographs chronicling College of the Ozarks students accompanying WWII veterans to European and Pacific battle sites, in its gallery during the same hours at no cost.

“The Kiss” statue is a project of “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive,” a non-profit organization that seeks to preserve the legacy of men and women of The Greatest Generation and help inspire a renewal of national unity in America.

As part of its five-fold mission, College of the Ozarks has the patriotic goal of encouraging in students an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country and willingness to defend it.

1945 W. 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65616
417-335-2484 – Reservations
417-336-5829 – Fax

1945 W. 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65616
417-335-2484 – Reservations
417-336-5829 – Fax

Recorded LIVE on Friday night at 10:30 PM
This show is broadcast on radio stations around the country.
Airing Saturday nights at 7:00 PM on KRZK – 106.3 in Branson, Mo.
And — Sunday nights at 9:00 PM. on KHOZ – 102.9 in Harrison, Ar.,

You can also listen via the internet.
Show airs at 7:00pm (CST) every Saturday night.
www.BransonCountryUSA.net

Branson Cares For Joplin Keeps on Raising Funds

“Help our Joplin neighbors” was the message the Branson community wanted delivered during the live Branson Cares For Joplin Benefit Concert & Telethon, and clearly, generous viewers and concert attendees got the message. As of August 19, 2011, The League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers (The Branson Show League) is pleased to announce that $202,732.29 of the pledged monies has been collected and a little over $20,000 in pledges is still outstanding. “To have over 90% of the money collected at this point is amazing,” says Cindy Merry, Branson Show League Marketing Chair, “and we expect to see most of the outstanding pledges collected over the next few weeks. Wouldn’t it be something to be able to say that of the estimated $221,000 pledged on the night of the benefit, we collected a hundred percent? Help us reach that goal – if you’ve pledged a donation, please try and send it in by September 5th as there will be a formal check presentation to St John’s Mercy Hospital/Joplin during that week.”

Renee Johnson, Branson Show League Executive Director adds, “Of the monies already collected the Branson Show League has distributed $45,000 to the Joplin Band Booster account, $5,000 to the St Mary’s Catholic School Music program, and $1,000 dollars each to Palen Music and Hoover Music for instrument repairs. We’re also happy to report that over 300 instruments have been donated for the schools, with an estimated value of roughly $90,000 to $100,000. Funds donated to Joplin Band Booster account will be used for any instruments needing repair. In addition the Joplin High School was given two guitars (valued at approximately $4000) a Taylor provided by Doyle Dykes and a Paul Reed Smith provided by Ricky Skaggs. The balance of the collected funds will go to St John’s Mercy Hospital/Joplin.”

“One hundred percent of all donated monies are going to St John’s Mercy Hospital/Joplin and the Joplin Schools’ music programs,” says Jim Barber, of the Hamner Barber Variety Theatre and President of the Branson Show League. “We’d like to thank the volunteers who have spent an incredible amount of time collecting these donations. As performers, show producers, and those working in the entertainment industry, many of us thought that pulling off a benefit concert and telethon in less then 4 weeks was an amazing feat in and of itself. In reality, to complete the mission means getting the money collected and handed over to the folks in need. From databasing pledges for invoicing to returning hundreds of messages, the volunteers have probably spent more time on this than their full-time jobs. Our volunteers really have shown the Branson spirit of caring both for their neighbors and to make sure the job is done right.”

Timothy Dutton, from the Dutton Family Theatre and Branson Show League Board Member, notes that some of the time intensive process involved deciphering hundreds of different handwriting on pledge forms. “We had somewhere close to 200 calls that we made to verify credit card information as there might be something about the information we couldn’t clearly understand a transposed number or expiration date in most cases.” Timothy adds, “Actually the great thing about this was we talked to quite a lot of nice people who were so happy to be helping Joplin. They were sweet.”

The method of how folks communicated their donation was varied. From the traditional check mailed in to credit cards via phone The Branson Show League tried to accommodate everyone. “Texting a pledge was an interesting new way to get donations,” says Susan Weimar, of the Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus and a Branson Show League Board Member, “and we had approximately 100 of those, and of course, we had to call each of them to get their credit card information.”

Donations are still being collected. There are approximately 70 calls still to be made to donors to answer queries, clear up donation information, and arrange for collection of donations. Mike Hughes, of the Hughes Brothers Theatre and Branson Show League Business Chair says, “We want to make sure that we raise every bit of money we can to help our friends in Joplin who were devastated by the EF5 tornado. This media release is an update of where we are right now with collections; however we plan to have a nice presentation event in Joplin the first week of September. So again, please send in your pledge right away…and even if you haven’t pledged, feel free to donate now at JoplinBenefit.com.”

Hollye Gurley, from the Baldknobbers Theatre and Branson Show League Membership Chair, notes that “you can visit JoplinBenefit.com and still download the heart-touching songs created for Joplin by our local stars. The songs are Just Hold On by Trey Wilson, Jason Robinson, and Michael W. Davis (a.k.a. Fall Creek Road) and the Joplin Song by Doug Gabriel. A hundred percent of those proceeds also go to help St. John’s Mercy Hospital.”

Ann Stafford, of the Jim Stafford Theatre and Branson Show League Vice-President, adds, “We are truly thankful for the blessing of all the folks who helped achieve this resoundingly successful benefit. There’s a vast list of people who deserve a pat on the back for this community effort to help Joplin. While this particular press release doesn’t name all of those who helped, we do want to continually acknowledge the support of so many. On behalf of our Branson Cares For Joplin committee and the Branson Show League we’d like to say to our performers, production crews, writers, technical teams, those in the telephone room, the on-air talent, benefit organizers, promoters, broadcasters, donation collectors; to those who provided transportation, donations, meals, tickets, services, and silent auction items; and to those who donated time and money; and to anyone who has helped raise these monies; job well done!”

Donations to the Joplin relief effort may be made to:
Branson Cares Joplin Benefit
c/o The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers
Post Office Box 5083
Branson, Missouri 65615
Or by visiting www.JoplinBenefit.com

College of the Ozarks Explores Feasibility of Lab School

College of the Ozarks is determining the feasibility of opening a college preparatory lab school. The new secondary level school would reflect the College’s philosophical views by interweaving a biblical worldview, character education, and patriotism into rigorous academic curriculum grounded in the Great Books.

Dean of Character Education Dr. Sue Head has been charged with researching and creating a framework for a secondary level school that could eventually serve as a model to other colleges and communities. She visited several successful private schools over the summer and gathered “best practices” as part of her study.

“In keeping with the College’s mission and vision, we hope to serve students in our area who seek a challenging curriculum with an intentional threading of service learning and work,” Dr. Head said. “The College was founded as a work school over one hundred years ago, and the new school would reflect the values of the founders.”

The proposed lab school would offer area youth the opportunity of an affordable, quality, Christian education with innovative programming, service learning, and small class sizes.

The feasibility study, which began in April, will conclude in October with a presentation to the College’s Board of Trustees.

College of the Ozarks Announces New Deans

College of the Ozarks recently named Dr. Eric Bolger as Dean of the College and Dr. Sue Head as Dean of Character Education.

Dr. Bolger taught philosophy and religion courses at the College as a full-time faculty member from 1992-2010. He served as the Division Chair of Humanities from 2001-2010 and coordinated two Higher Learning Commission self-studies for the College. Additionally, Dr. Bolger has been the College’s Director of Strategic Planning since 2001.

He received his B.A. in chemistry from the University of California, San Diego, M. Div. and Ph.D. (Old Testament) from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Doctor of Worship Studies from The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.

Prior to becoming the academic dean, Dr. Bolger served as Assistant Dean of the College for one year. He officially began his position as Dean of the College on June 1, 2011, replacing long-time Dean, Dr. Marilyn Graves, who now serves as the Special Assistant to the President for Athletics.

Dr. Bolger’s duties include overseeing the College’s academic programming and ongoing strategic planning process, the Registrar’s office, college library, and the Child Development Center.

Dr. Sue Head has served as the Executive Director of The Keeter Center for Character Education since 2004. In that position she spearheaded the character education initiative First PLACE!, developed the S. Truett Cathy Poverty Summit, and helps oversee the Patriotic Education Travel Program. Dr. Head also coordinates the Spring Forum and Community Convocations, as well as The Keeter Report publication.

Dr. Head received a B.A. in communication from Vanderbilt University, an M.A. in organizational leadership from Evangel University, and an Ed.D. in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

As Dean of Character Education, she will continue overseeing her current duties. Additionally, Dr. Head will conduct a feasibility study for a proposed college preparatory lab school.

Join us at Big Cedar Lodge for the Labor Day Picnic on Sunday, September 4th, 2011 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm on the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn.

This open event to the public and Big Cedar Lodge guests includes complimentary picnic games and activities such as Dizzy Bat Relays, Frisbee Toss, Corn on the Cobb eating contests and more.

Tickets can be bought for other games, and food is available for purchase. Stay until dusk and Big Cedar Lodge will light up the night sky with a spectacular complimentary fireworks display overlooking Table Rock Lake that is sure to be enjoyed by all.

For information call 417-335-2777 and ask for “Guest Services”.

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, MO will be closing on August 21st, 2011 at 5:00pm; and will reopen August 23rd at 9:00am. We will be closed the 22nd in order to move Mr. James Cameron’s Titanic model, which he has so kindly lent to us.