The public is invited to ground-breaking for a new bridge over Lake Taneycomo at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday (Dec. 17) at the south end of the Branson Landing parking lot near the Branson Lakeside RV Park.

Work is already under way on the $12.2 million bridge and a round-about designed to ease congestion for Branson’s workforce, residents and visitors. The first step will be moving in equipment and clearing trees and brush. Demolition of part of the bluff is expected to start in January, said MoDOT Senior Construction Inspector Brett Foster.

Once the new bridge is completed in about a year, work will begin repairing the old bridge, also a year-long project. The new bridge and round-about is being funded by $7.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.

Your child is invited to have Supper with Santa.  It’s $6.00 per child and includes a Hamburger, Fries, a Drink and a Special Gift from Santa.  Be sure to bring your camera.  Dates and locations:

Dec. 16: 7 pm in Branson (Main); 417-334-1490
Dec. 21: 7 pm in Branson West; 417-272-8193
Dec. 22: 7 pm in Branson (Main); 417-334-1490

Advance reservations and payment are required.  If you have additional questions you, may call Rhonda Hall at 336-5774.

Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa will host the 12th annual “Breakfast with Santa” on Saturday, December 19th from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Proceeds will benefit Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch.

The event will feature a wonderful breakfast buffet, Santa arriving on a fire engine with toys for the children, a clown making balloon animals, face painting, kid’s crafts and activities, and holiday movies. Tickets are $14 for adults, $7 for children ages 4 – 12, and free for children 3 and under.

Call 334-1161, ext. 1711 for reservations

Join your fellow [Branson] Chamber Members to “Meet the Board” at Business After Hours hosted by the Titanic Thursday, December 17th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Enjoy good food, drink & prizes provided by the BLACC & CVB Board of Directors. This will also be one of your last chances to see the Titanic Movie Exhibit before it goes back into storage!

Please RSVP by 12/15/09 to [email protected] or call 417-334-4084, ext. 399. This event is free with donations being taken for Church Army – Branson & Christian Associates.

The Taney County Health Department will offer free H1 N1 vaccinations on Saturday, December 12 at the Junior High School.  Vaccinations will be given from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.

Anyone meeting the following criteria will be vaccinated:
Children age six months to 18 years of age
Parents or caregivers of children under age six months
Pregnant women with a written doctor’s order
Children under age nine who have already received the first dose of the vaccine (please bring records verifying the first dose)

Parents or guardians must be present with children under the age of 18.

Source: email Branson Schools

The 1st annual Christmas Run for CAM (5k or 1 Mile run/walk) is scheduled for Sat., Dec. 12 at 9 a.m.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Dewey Short Visitor Center parking lot, Hwy. 165 near Table Rock Dam. Event will be out & back course on the Lakeshore Trail—-gently winding, asphalt surfaced trail. Entry fee is $25 for adults and $10 for age 18 and under.

Each entrant receives a high-quality long-sleeved t-shirt with Christmas themed design.  Call 417-334-1157 or 294-4775
for further information; online at www. OMRR.org or www.ChristianActionMinistries.org for entry form.

Blue Eye, Missouri.  Vicky Vaughan, accomplished entertainer and singer, will be performing on Friday, November 20, 2009, at Morningside — The Home of the New Jim Bakker Show.  Her one hour concert begins at 7:00pm and will be a night to remember as she captivates her audience with her humor and her music which covers many generations from the oldies to contemporary to Christmas and even some written by her and her very talented family.

Vicky Vaughan is an internationally known recording artist and published author.  She has performed throughout the United States sharing her heart and talents through music, spoken word, teaching, and humor.  She is versatile in her style bringing to life both secular and Christian music.

The Morningside Concert Series is free and open to the public.  Morningside is located on Hwy 86 & 13 near Blue Eye, MO.  Morningside will also be live streaming the concert on the web via www.JimBakkerShow.com.  For information about Morningside call 417-779-9000.  For more information about Vicky Vaughan go to her website at www.Vickyv.com.

CHRISTMAS RUN FOR CAM

5K (3.1 mile) Run/Walk or 1 Mile

Saturday, December 12, at 9:00 a.m.

A benefit for Christian Action Ministries (CAM) A non-denominational local organization dedicated to providing caring assistance in Christ’s name to people in crises. CAM provides emergency assistance with food, clothing, prescriptions, rent, and utilities. In 2008, a total of 4376 families were given assistance by CAM.
Bins will be available for optional donations of food and toys.

Race Date & Time:  5k and 1 Mile events will start at 9:00 a.m.  Registration is from 8:00 to 8:50 a.m.

Location:  Dewey Short Visitors Center, located next to Table Rock Dam, Hwy. 165, Branson, MO.

Race Course:  Lakeshore Trail (asphalt surfaced trail.)  Scenic, gently winding, out & back course.

Information:  Becky Lowrance, Race Director 417-294-4775 or [email protected]

Entry Fee:  $25 for adults and $10 for kids 18 and under.

Entry fee includes high-quality long-sleeved T-shirt with custom event logo
Awards for 5k:  1st Overall Male & Female; 1st Masters Male & Female
Age group awards 3 deep for M&F 1-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75+_

“Meals on Wheels Benefit” – All You Can Eat Pankcake Breakfast

When: 7 – 11 a.m. Saturday October 31
Where: Branson Community (Senior) Center, 201 Compton Drive, Branson
Phone:  335-4801
What: ALL you can eat pancake breakfast with lots of trimmings, costumes, games, fun
Cost: $6.00 adults and $4.00 children 8 and under

Our seniors deserve our support for the under funded Meals on Wheels Program that feeds and helps so many in our community.

Sponsored by The Branson Senior Center
Co-sponsored by The Royal Order of Moose

The Boo Bash is a FREE family Halloween event featuring a haunted house, games, inflatables, a hay ride, costume contest, and of course – candy! The event is being held from 6-8 pm on Friday October 30 at the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, 175 Industrial Park Drive in Hollister. New this year, a “Trunk ‘n’ Treat” will be held, with cars decorated for the holiday giving away candy from their trunks! In addition, several local businesses will host booths inside the event, where they will be giving away more candy. Bring the entire family for a free night of Halloween fun! This event is presented by the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, the Hollister Parks Department and Big Brothers – Big Sisters of the Ozarks.