Big Cedar has an exciting new workout to add to your summer fitness plan- paddleboarding!

Learn the basics of this fun activity that’s NEW to Table Rock Lake and has been gaining popularity with celebrities on the West Coast. Start in our cove where the basics of balancing and maneuvering the YoloYak board will be mastered, then follow your guide to out into the open waters. Have fun while getting fit in this 1 hour group lesson!

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:00 am; meet at the Marina; $20pp; class size limited to 5; must be 18 years and up to participate. Open to guests and general public.

For more information call 1-800-225-6343.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2011

New Feature Film To Be Shot In Branson

Allen Family Films, a Missouri based production company, recently announced intentions to shoot a new feature film in the Branson area. This new family-friendly film, in the vein of recent releases from Sherwood Pictures and Fox Faith, will go into production late 2011 with a tentative release date in the fall of 2012.

The film tells the story of the Peterson family and the unexpected vacation that changed their life. When the family van breaks down on their way to California, the family is stranded in an off-the-map town with only one option, to continue their vacation in an old motor-home with it’s eccentric and mysterious owner.

Caleb Allen, the film’s director, is thrilled to bring the production to his hometown. “What better place to film a story about a family than an area that is so devoted to creating a family-friendly environment? We feel that Branson is the perfect location for us.” Allen, also a veteran musician, has lived in a motor coach for the past fifteen years, traveling internationally and performing Gospel music concerts. He and his family also perform a Christmas show in Branson during the holiday season. “I’m fairly certain I am qualified to tell a road trip story after living on a perpetual road trip most of my life. The film will definitely be drawing from my personal experiences.”

The filmmakers are currently in the process of raising development funding through Kickstarter.com. The film’s co-Producer, CK Hicks, said, “We hope the Branson community will rally behind us and support the project. The Kickstarter campaign is the best way for people to get involved.” Due to the all-or-nothing nature of Kickstarter’s funding process, the filmmakers have offered some valuable and exclusive incentives for their project backers. Even a donation as small as one dollar will be rewarded with exclusive artwork and original script pages. Other incentives include autographed copies of the completed film, premiere tickets, and an opportunity to spend a day on the set.

Allen says, “We firmly believe, ‘Little is much when God is in it’. It only takes a spark to light a roaring fire. It only takes a few to change the world.”

If you would like to support the project, you can do so by visiting www.afamilyfilm.com. You can also follow Allen Family Films on facebook and on twitter by following @afamfilm for project updates and information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS:

Caleb Allen, Director, Allen Family Films, 269-870-5279; [email protected]

The CAM food pantries in Branson and Forsyth are two of the 300 local food pantries served by our regional food bank, Ozarks Food Harvest. Through this food bank, CAM is able to purchase quantities of food at reduced pricing due to the national corporate donors to the food bank. Additionally the food bank also distributes the monthly federal commodities to the member pantries.

In recent weeks Ozark Food Harvest has sent over 100 semi-truckloads of food to the recovery effort in Joplin, and continue to send 15 truckloads per week. This has obviously put additional stress on the food bank’s ability to service the 300 local food pantries, including CAM. In the interim, these food pantries also continue to experience spikes in demand due to the economy and due to people relocating from the Joplin area. Additionally, according to Ozarks Food Harvest, corporate donations are down as major contributors have earmarked good for Joplin as well.

Taney County residents, businesses, and organizations fully support the efforts to assist our neighbors in Joplin during this time of dire need. However, over 1,000 families per month in Taney County are also turning to CAM for help in keeping food on the table for their families.

According to CAM Director Pat Davis, “Our commodities order for this month has been reduced to three items, and even those are less than normal. With this continuing level of demand and reduced assistance from the food bank, CAM has to spend substantially more money to purchase food to serve the needs of our county residents. This is putting considerably extra stress on our budget and we really need the community to rally around in support of CAM. After all, CAM has always been about neighbors helping neighbors.”

CAM Board Chairman Jack Burke identified several ways that the community can help CAM at this point in time:

• Support CAM’s upcoming 3rd Annual Gospel Sing-Off fundraiser at Sight & Sound Theatre on September 4th by becoming a sponsor for the event and by purchasing tickets to attend the Sing-Off.
• Commit to a regular monthly donation to CAM.
• Make a singular donation to CAM.
• Conduct a food drive for CAM.
• Make a personal food donation.
• Support CAM with your prayers.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 15 percent of American households, or more than 17 million people, didn’t have enough food to eat at some point in 2009. That’s the highest figure since the USDA began gathering data in the 1990s.
Looking at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food insecurity list Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, rank among the top 11. Food insecurity is defined as lacking consistent access to adequate amounts of nutritious food.

People seeking help at CAM are provided a 3-day supply of nutritional food items for each member of their family. Selections are based on the federal nutritional food pyramid and special needs of individuals. In addition to the two food pantries, CAM operates a mobile outreach program to eastern Taney County communities, and due to a grant also operates bi-monthly food drops in Forsyth.

For more information, contact the CAM offices at 417-334-1157 or visit www.christianactionministries.org.

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

Every week it seems to get a little crazier!!!!
For sure – We’re going to have a good time.

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 7:00 PM (cst.) – Every Saturday Night

Instructions for Internet Connection
1. Type the following into your web browser: www.BransonCountryUSA.NET.
2. After page loads, click the “On Air” button.
3. Enjoy the show!

Big Cedar is focusing on fitness and is offering a metabolism makeover class on August 2, 2011.

This interactive class explains how your food choices, hormones, and essential fatty acids affect your energy and your ability to lose or maintain weight. Learn what food combinations can work together to speed metabolism, how your daily activities affect metabolism, how hormonal imbalances can slow your thyroid and how to schedule your meals to boost metabolism.

Taught by Jodelle Fitzwater, a Certified Yoga Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer, and Certified Nutrition Coach.

Ages 18 and up, Cost: $20-

Please call 417-225-6343 for reservations or more information.

Carl is a longtime entertainer/musician who has worked with many shows, including Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, Tony Roi, Cassandre, Leona Williams, Red Hot & Blue, 14 Karat Country, among others. He also worked as a Stone County Deputy Sheriff, as well as an officer for the Branson West Police Department. Carl is suffering from late stage Lymes Disease which has attacked many areas of his body and resulted in a heart attack, brain tumor, and osteoarthritis in his joints, just to name a few. He has been unable to work for the last year and is facing many more months of rehabilitation and surgeries, leaving him and his family in financial dire straits. In true Branson spirit, Carl’s friends, neighbors, and fellow performers are coming to the rescue!

Sponsored by Clay Cooper Theatre, Branson West Police Department, Bill Merritt and Merritt Family Auctions

For Tickets Call
Local: 417-332-2529
Toll Free: 877-317-2604

$15.00 minimum donation

www.claycoopertheatre.com
Clay Cooper Theatre
3216 West Hwy 76
Branson, MO 65616

Where to Retire Magazine Names The Communities at Branson Creek as one of the Top 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the U.S.

July 22, 2011 Where to Retire Magazine has officially named The Communities at Branson Creek as one the Top 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the United States.

Where to Retire Magazine revealed “The Short List: 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the United States” in the national publication’s July/August issue on newsstands now.

Research for the awards began nearly a year ago when Where to Retire editors gathered information on more than 150 communities across the nation and eventually zeroed in on those that are amenity-rich, with clubhouses, recreation and activities to help residents stay fully engaged.

The Communities at Branson Creek, by McMillin Communities , a California-based master-planned community developer and home builder, represents McMillin’s first venture into Missouri. However, the home-building company is well-known in California and Texas, with a total of 17 master-planned communities developed and 30,000 homes built since its founding in 1960.

Today, McMillin Communities is ranked 41st nationwide among residential builders.

McMillin’s The Communities at Branson Creek features two of the top five golf courses in the state of Missouri in Murder Rock Golf and Country Club and Branson Creek Golf Club. Each course has won numerous accolades from the nation’s top golf publications.
The 6,500 acre community also boasts more than 15 miles of hiking, biking and walking trails that loop around four distinct neighborhoods. Community Parks and neighborhood pools dot the landscape at Branson Creek. From 1100-square-foot townhomes in Fieldstone Pines to 3000-square-foot home offerings in Fieldstone Bluffs, Branson Creek offers something for everyone.

Retirees today have their sights set on a dynamic and fulfilling retirement lifestyle, seeking out communities with friendly neighbors and amenities to keep their minds and bodies active.

FRONTIER AIRLINES INCREASES DENVER NONSTOPS AT BRANSON AIRPORT
Now offering two options on Friday flights

BRANSON, MISSOURI – Frontier Airlines announced today a second nonstop Friday flight to Denver (DEN) at Branson Airport (BKG) beginning September 9, 2011. This is in addition to the recently announced nonstop service to Austin (AUS) and Phoenix (PHX), making a total of four nonstop markets served by Frontier including Milwaukee (MKE).
The new Friday flight will depart Denver at 3:15 PM and arrive in Branson at 6:02 PM, then depart Branson at 6:45 PM and arrive in Denver at 8:01 PM. The existing Denver flight departs daily at 11:20 AM and arrives in Branson at 2:05 PM, then departs Branson at 2:56 PM and arrives in Denver at 3:57 PM.
“We are thrilled that Frontier continues to increase its service in Branson,” stated Jeff Bourk, executive director at the Branson Airport. “Low fares and convenience are important to us, and now we’re able to offer even more options to travel to and from Branson and around the country.”
Along with the additional nonstop Denver flight, nonstop service to Austin begins September 16, 2011 operating Monday, Wednesday and Friday and nonstop Saturday service to Phoenix begins September 17, 2011.
Branson Airport offers a total of 10 nonstop destinations with one stop connections to over 100 destinations; on Frontier Airlines to Austin, Denver, Milwaukee and Phoenix; on AirTran Airways to Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago, Houston and Orlando, and on Branson AirExpress to Dallas.
FlyBranson Travel Services, located in the Branson Airport, can assist with everything Branson and more, including airfare, lodging, shows, attractions, golf with select vacation packages, shows and attractions at up to 50% off. For more information visit FlyBransonTravel.com.

Santa Tim and his helpers are back in Branson and visiting The Grand Village Shops this Friday, July 29th from 8:30 am to 11:30 am.

The Grand Village, known for its’ 26 unique shops, dining and artisans will welcome children of all ages at a very special Christmas in July Event. The event will include a Party with Santa at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner to include games, puzzles, cookie decorating, pictures with the Santa’s, gifts and back to school supplies complements of Walmart.

Carving of Santa’s by our own Peter Engler, Candle Making, Christmas Cookies, and gifts galore!

We will have Christmas Caroling all weekend, Thomas Kinkade’s Master Highlighter, Sales going on through-out the center and a toy drive to benefit the children of Joplin.

You are all invited in this special Christmas in July Celebration!

Kick-off of the event is Friday, July 29th at 8:30 am hosted by Santa and his helpers!

Take that special Christmas Photo with Santa on vacation!

The Legend of Kung Fu Special Appearance at 10 am

Surprise Special Guests through-out the morning.

Three days of Christmas Celebrations including specials through-out the center.

Caroling, a Special Appearance by The Legend of Kung with toys and free ticket give aways, and much more!

The Grand Village, welcoming Kids of All Ages!
www.grandvillageshops.com

By: Ashley Bench

The Ralph Foster Museum will accept paintings for the White River Painting Exhibit Nov. 1– 14, 2011. The Museum hosts this annual juried exhibit to honor the unique Ozarks heritage and to express the Museum’s mission of providing rich, learning experiences about the Ozarks culture through the arts. The White River Painting Exhibit and Sale will take place in the Museum’s Edwards Art Gallery Nov. 15 – Dec. 15.

Artists from throughout the Ozarks region are invited to submit paintings that reflect their personal views of what is important to them about the Ozarks. Themes of paintings might reflect an artist’s impressions about the environment, the beauty of the region, history, family, fishing, agriculture, tourism, community, education, architecture, transportation or entertainment.

A limit of two paintings created within the past 2 years may be submitted at the Ralph Foster Museum from Nov. 1 – 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entry fee is $5 for one painting. Artists may call 417-690-2603 or e-mail [email protected] for guidelines and entry forms.

Dr. Wade Thompson, Art and Design Head of the College of Arts and Letters at Missouri State University, will serve as this year’s juror.

The Awards Ceremony and Gallery Talk will take place on Thursday Nov. 15 at 1 p.m., in Edwards Art Gallery. A reception will follow the ceremony and guests will have the opportunity to purchase paintings.