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.

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

By: Tyler Lopez

The Boger Gallery at College of the Ozarks currently is displaying the exhibition “Seeing Christ Through Darkness.” The exhibit runs through September 30 in the Boger Gallery, located on the ground floor of the Jones Learning Center.

Rounault was a modern artist, known for gloomy and depressing works associated with the Christian faith. Throughout his life, his work was rejected by the Church, and it was near his death that he received a church commission. Rounault’s work identifies with suffering, but also the salvation that Christ brought to the afflicted.

“Seeing Christ in the Darkness” features more than 35 original print from his Miserere Series, as well as works from Fleurs du Mal (I and II) and the Passion Series.The works displayed are from The Bowden Collection, Chatham, Massachusetts, a substantial collection built over many years and many trips to Europe.

This Boger Gallery event, sponsored by the College of the Ozarks Art Department and the Missouri Arts Council, is free and open to the public. Boger Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 1-5 p.m. weekends. For more information contact Richard Cummings, Boger Gallery Director, at 417-690-2268, or e-mail [email protected].

Hollister, MO…As most employers battle increasing health insurance costs for their employees, one Branson organization is enjoying a substantial reduction in the costs for these benefits. Connell Insurance may sell health insurance coverages, but they also purchase such coverages like any other employer – and the costs were increasing.

In 2008, Connell Insurance recognized that a 26% increase in employee health care costs, up from 7% the previous year, was probably not going to decrease on its own. “We realized that we needed to take a proactive rather than a reactive approach,” stated Connell president, Tim Connell, “to control renewal increases and help our employees realize a healthy lifestyle at the same time.”

In 2010, Connell was paying an annual premium over $150,000, but in 2012 the premium has been lowered to just over $101,000. The drastic reduction in health care costs is partially because Connell increased the deductible from $3500 to $10,000 and incorporated a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). This type of account reduces the monthly premium by increasing the employee deductible levels. If the employee exceeds the deductible amount, then the employer and employee share in the residual costs. The combination results in savings for the employer while funding the HRA to bridge the gap between the higher deductible and the expenditure amount for employee’s insurance coverage.

Additionally, although Connell Insurance is not large enough to warrant a Wellness Officer, their Wellness Team combines a wellness program with measurement efforts that effectively gauge the program’s merit. Connell’s wellness program offers opportunities to help improve employee health, reduce absenteeism, and improve morale and productivity while reducing health care costs.

Connell’s wellness program, which began in 2008, included a Step Game in addition to Health Risk Assessments and Lunch & Learns. The next year a “Couch to 5K” training program was added, with the first 5K Run/Walk a few months later. Connell has also adopted a smoke-free workplace to further encourage better health. In 2012, the wellness program was ramped up with the hiring of BigTime Results in Springfield to handle the assessments, perform fitness tests, handle one-on-one consultations, and offer yoga and fitness classes each week.

According to the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), it generally takes about three years to see a return of typically $2-$3 saved for every $1 invested in a wellness program. That definitely is the case for Connell because in 2011, costs were improved to a mere 6% increase, down from a 23% increase the previous year, and in 2012, the overall health care costs actually decreased by 1%.

While Connell recognizes that the wellness program is not the sole reason for the reduction in health costs, they are confident that it plays a significant role, coupled with a critical review of health coverages and optional factors such as the HRA.

For more information, visit www.ConnellInsurance.com or www.BigTimeResults.com or call (417) 334-2000.

Connell Insurance, based in Hollister, MO, is one of the largest insurance agencies serving southwestern Missouri. An independent insurance agency, Connell specializes in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, representing numerous insurance companies.

LOCALS! We Love You!! Huge Discounts throughout Branson!

Branson, MO – We Love our Locals!! Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex, along with Montana Mike’s Steakhouse, Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano and the Branson Meadows Cinemas, invite area residents of Taney, Stone, Boone and Carroll counties to our “WE LOVE LOCALS” Celebration.

As a token of our appreciation, for your support and the referrals you pass on to our many visiting tourists, we are celebrating with HUGE discounts and FREE entertainment from Thursday, September 6th through Sunday, September 16th.

AREA APPRECIATION DISCOUNTS & OFFERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

25% OFF FOOD at:
• McFarlain’s Family Restaurant
• The IMAX Food Court
• Montana Mike’s Steakhouse
• Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano
• IMAX Complex Concessions
• Branson Meadows Concessions

FREE ENTERTAINMENT at IMAX on:
• All of our Giant-Screen IMAX Adventures
• All of our Live Shows in the Little Opry Theatre (Reservations accepted)

25% OFF SHOPPING inside IMAX at:
• Legacy & Legend Gifts
• The Shadow Box
• Fabulous Finds Jewelry
• Ozark Mountain TIme Clock Shop

CHILD’S PRICE MOVIES for ADULTS on Hollywood Movies at:
• The Elite Cinema III
• On the Giant IMAX Screen
• Branson Meadows Cinema

Discounts valid September 6th through 16th, 2012, for those who work or live in Taney, Stone, Boone and Carroll Counties. Valid photo ID and/or paystub may be required. Not valid with any other offer or discount; not valid on alcohol; subject to availability; discount must be requested at time of purchase.

For Little Opry Show Times and Movie Schedules check our website at www.bransonimax.com, for more information about Branson IMAX Events, like “We LOVE Locals!” visit our Facebook Events Page!

The 1st annual Rock the Spectrum event will raise money for Generation Rescue and directly help families affected by autism in Taney County, MO.

Friends from across the county will be coming out to dance, sing-a-long, eat and enjoy a fun night with DJ Imperial and Pearl Nation in support of helping children with autism, a disorder that currently affects 1 in 88 children.

Generation Rescue, Jenny McCarthy’s organization, mentors families, provides medical assistance to financially underserved children and generates national awareness for autism. Since inception, Generation Rescue has been the frontrunner in providing hope, pathways to recovery and information on how to treat autism and improve an autistic child’s quality of life.

As you may know, the numbers of children being diagnosed with autism are on the rise, now affecting 1 in 88 in the U.S. The rate is even higher in Missouri, where an estimated 1 in 72 children has autism, with the prevalence in boys at 1 in 46 and the prevalence in girls at 1 in 169.

This special concert will benefit Generation Rescue, which is dedicated to recovery for children with autism spectrum disorders by providing guidance and support for medical treatment to families in need.

“Rock the Spectrum” was created this year by Brent &; Cristal Hedrick in honor of their god- daughter who has autism. As a participant in Generation Rescue’s grant program, their god-daughter has seen great improvement from the medical treatment and assistance the grant provided. If you cannot attend, but would like to make a donation to support Generation Rescue we appreciate your support.

September 29, 2012 from 7:00 pm to 1 am at the Outback Pub.

Friends from all over will be coming out for a LIVE concert, food, drinks and fun “block party” activities.

Tickets range from $10 for general admission to $75 for the complete VIP experience with a backstage pass to the Artist Lounge and complimentary food and drink.
Purchase tickets today at http://rockthespectrum.brownpapertickets.com.

If you are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Annette Beavers at [email protected]

*MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND

(Branson, MO, September 5,2012)…Pink is a bold color so significant that women everywhere know what it stands for immediately- it stands for hope! This fall, Tanger is offering its shoppers a way to join in the fight against Breast Cancer with their annual PinkSTYLE campaign.

September 12 – October 25, 2012, the 19thannual Tanger Pink STYLE campaign will take place at the Tanger Outlet Center in Branson. As part of Tanger’s fundraising efforts, shoppers will be able to purchase Pink Cards for a $1.00 donation each. The Pink Card provides Tanger customers with a 25% discount on a single item at participating stores located at Tanger Outlets Branson. Proceeds from Pink Card sales will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks and the The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

“Tanger is proud to join with our retail partners and our customers in a team effort to put an end to this terrible disease of Breast Cancer,” said Steven B. Tanger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. “Our goal is to help raise and donate the funds necessary for Breast Cancer research so that a cure and prevention can be found.”

Money raised by Tanger through its sale of Pink Cards is donated locally through the Stanley K. Tanger Breast Cancer Fund to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks Customers can purchase as many Pink Cards as they would like at Tanger Shopper Services Center or online at www.tangeroutlet.com.
Since 1994, Tanger Outlet Centers nationally has contributed more than $11 million to this important cause through the PinkSTYLE Campaign, 5K races, Pink Partini Events and other Breast Cancer related fundraising events. Across the United States and now in Canada, Tanger will also raise money this year through a variety of other onsite and community activities including but not limited to sponsorships of walks and runs for a cure, early detection demonstration and prevention kiosks, fashion events and more.

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women (excluding skin cancer). In 2011, The American Cancer Society estimates that 290,000 women will hear the words ‘You have Breast Cancer.” The chance of a woman having invasive Breast Cancer sometime during her life is 1 in 8. The chance of dying from Breast Cancer is 1 in 36. At Tanger, we want to see a cure in our LIFETIME. Join us and THINK PINK! You can make a difference when you shop and save during Tanger Outlets PinkSTYLE campaign!

About Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks
Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO) provides resources and support for local individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. BCFO seeks to reduce the physical, financial and emotional burdens of breast cancer on the communities served by the foundation. Support provided by BCFO is made possible through the generosity of individuals and businesses and through special grants. All contributions stay local. For more information about BCFO, visit bcfo.org or call 417-862-3838.

About the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.®
Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s (NBCF) mission is to save lives through early detection and to provide mammograms for those in need. A recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for eight years, NBCF provides women “Help for Today…Hope for Tomorrow®” through its National Mammography Program, Beyond The Shock®, Early Detection Plan, MyNBCFonline support community, and breast cancer research programs. For more information, please visit www.nbcf.org.
About Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. is a publicly-traded REIT headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina that presently operates and owns, or has an ownership interest in, a portfolio of 39 upscale outlet shopping centers in 25 states coast to coast and in Canada, totaling approximately 11.9 million square feet leased to over to 2,500 stores operated by more than 435 different brand name companies. More than 175 million shoppers visit Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. annually. For more information on Tanger Outlet Centers, call 1-800-4TANGER or visit the company’s web site at www.tangeroutlet.com.

“Tim Conway, who was scheduled to perform at the Mansion Theatre on October 19th & 20th and then again November 10th & 11th regrets that he will cancel the last four tour dates of the season.  Conway, who appeared at the Mansion in 2011 has canceled due to family health issues.

“Mansion entertainment has been working hard to secure entertainment to fill the above dates and we are excited to announce that legendary stand-up comedian and actor, Bob Newhart will appear in Branson, MO.

“’We are looking forward to having Bob Newhart in Branson, MO for his first appearance in the city and we know he will fall in love with Bransonlike the many performers before him.’  Larry Wilhite, General Manager of the Mansion Theatre.

“Newhart, starring in two long-running and prize-winning situation comedies, first as psychologist Dr. Robert “Bob” Hartley on the 1970ssitcom The Bob Newhart Show and then as innkeeper Dick Loudon on the1980s sitcom Newhart. He also had a third, short-lived sitcom in the nineties titled Bob. Newhart also appeared in film roles such as MajorMajor in Catch-22, and Papa Elf in Elf. He provided the voice of Bernard in the Walt Disney animated films The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under. One of his most recent roles is the library head Judson in The Librarian. In 2011, Newhart made a cameo in the film Horrible Bosses.”

Tickets are on sale now and reservations can be made by calling the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or on line through Branson on the Web.

The Fair Family

A team of celebrity judges awarded first place in CAM’s 4th Annual Gospel Sing Off to The Fair Family of Rogers, Arkansas, a talented group of singing and dancing siblings ranging in age from 14 to 22. Competing before an enthusiastic audience at Branson’s Sight & Sound Theater, the four brothers and one sister won a prize purse of $1,500 and three performance slots at Silver Dollar City’s Labor Day finale of the Country Gospel Picnic.

The Kings

Placing second by the narrowest of margins was another family, The Kings of Monticello, Illinois. The talented band of seven brothers and sisters won a $1,000 prize purse.

Rachel Parker

Taking home third place and $500 was a Branson High School junior, 16 year old Rachel Parker. The prize purse was sponsored by Key Business Sponsors: Branson Tourism Center and SIX.

Attendees raved about the level of talent in this year’s event, which was opened with some powerful gospel singing by the Voices of Glory, a top 5 finalist on America’s Got Talent. Last year’s winners, Southern, also made a guest appearance to close the show. The second half of the show was opened by local saxophonist Gary Dooms performed Amazing Grace to the delight of the crowd while a love offering was collected.

For the third straight year, Bob Hubbard of the Jordanaires and the Foggy River Boys kept things on pace as the host emcee. Aside from the opening invocation and introduction of the acts, Bob also traded a few quips with judge Ronnie Page, who sings with the Downing Street Boys and is the entertainment editor for the Independent. Ronnie began his career with the Oak Ridge Boys, later joining the Chuck Wagon Gang.

The other celebrity judges for the event included classically-trained tenor George Dyer, Jak Knudsen of SIX, Monte Schisler of Hometown Radio, Michael Cole of Voices of Glory, and Ben Dutton of The Duttons, a top 10 finalist on America’s Got Talent.

Pat Davis, CAM’s Executive Director, announced to the crowd that over 1,400 families were helped by CAM in August. “This is a record number for us and is indicative of the ever-increasing need. That’s why CAM needs your support as we begin to prepare for the winter months of traditionally greater need.”

CAM Board Chairman and producer of the event Jack Burke added, “We are particularly grateful to our wonderful and supportive community, along with Sight & Sound for providing this fantastic venue for our annual Sing-Off. We’re blessed to be living in an area where neighbors truly do help neighbors.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation to CAM can call 334-1157 or visit www.christianactionministries.org.