Guided Tours and Events at the East Entrance of Okefenokee NWR August, 2012

NEWS RELEASE

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
2700 Suwannee Canal Road
Folkston, GA 31537

http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee


Release at Will Contact: Art Webster (912) 496-7366 ext. 233 Arthur_Webster@fws.gov

Date: July 27, 2012

Guided Tours and Events at the East Entrance of
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
August, 2012

All activities start inside the east entrance of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, 7 miles southwest of Folkston, GA, off the Okefenokee Parkway South (GA 121/23).

Saturday, August 4
Saving an Endangered Species
11–11:45 a.m.
Ever wondered what it takes to protect an Endangered Species? Join us as we take a look into the story of the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker and discover how and why it is protected. Meet in the environmental education classroom next to Okefenokee Adventures.

Animal Olympics
4–5 p.m.
Ever wonder what it would be like to compete against an animal in the Olympics? Join a ranger along the Animal Olympics Trail next to the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center.

Saturday, August 11
Critters of the Swamp
1–1:30 p.m.
Did you know there are black bears in the Okefenokee?! Come and discover the most common animals found in the swamp. Meet at the visitor center patio.

Animal Olympics
4–5 p.m.
Ever wonder what it would be like to compete against an animal in the Olympics? Join a ranger along the Animal Olympics Trail next to the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center.

Saturday, August 18
A Tale of Two Trees
1–2 p.m.
Why are we cutting down the trees marked with blue paint? Join a ranger for this slide show at the environmental education classroom next to Okefenokee Adventures.

Saturday, August 25
Amazing Alligators
1–1:30 p.m.
Experience a day in the life of an alligator. Join a ranger on the visitor center patio to see if you could survive the struggles of alligators through history.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to our events for all participants. Persons needing reasonable accommodations in order to attend and participate in our events should contact Art Webster at (912) 496-7366 ext. 233 or arthur_webster@fws.gov. In order to allow sufficient time to process requests, please contact us for assistance at least five business days before the event.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook pages at www.facebook.com/okefenokeewildliferefuge or www.facebook.com/usfwssoutheast, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwssoutheast, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwssoutheast.

-FWS-

News Release: National Water Trail Designation for Okefenokee Trails

NEWS RELEASE

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
2700 Suwannee Canal Road
Folkston, GA 31537

http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee



For Immediate Release Contact: Art Webster (912) 496-7366 ext. 233 Arthur_Webster@fws.gov

Date: July 19, 2012

National Water Trail Designation for Okefenokee Trails

On Monday, July 16, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar designated the wilderness canoe trail system at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge as a National Water Trail.

"Restoring our nation's rivers and expanding outdoor recreational activities on them is one of the major goals of President Obama's America's Great Outdoors Initiative," Salazar said. "Through a national network of National Water Trails, we are not only connecting people to the outdoors and supporting conservation efforts for our scenic rivers, but also supporting tourism and the recreation economy in nearby communities."

Water trails are recreational routes on waterways with a network of public access points supported by broad-based community partnerships. They provide both conservation and recreational opportunities. The National Water Trails System is a network of exemplary water trails that are cooperatively supported and sustained.

The 120-mile-long Okefenokee Wilderness Canoe Trail offers a unique experience in a National Wilderness Area. Refuge staff are actively clearing and opening trails after two years of drought and damage from the Honey Prairie Fire. Visitors will find multiple trails available for varying degrees of experience; from one to five days in length. Each trail provides abundant opportunities for viewing wildlife.

A canoe trip through the Okefenokee Swamp is an experience that you will remember for a lifetime. Alligators glide through the water stained dark with tannic acid. Herons and sandhill cranes wade through tall grasses and water lilies. Bears meander through hammocks and islands. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for these and other animals—over 402,000 acres of wet prairies, cypress forests, and pine uplands.

Since the Okefenokee Swamp serves as the headwaters for the 130-mile-long St. Marys and the 230-mile-long Suwannee River there is potential to expand the National Water Trail designation for a network of trails from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico.

"In addition to the possible expansion of the designated water trail," Refuge Manager Curt McCasland said. "We are interested in strengthening the coordination of local and federal agencies to monitor, restore and conserve water resources in the St. Marys and Suwannee River watersheds."

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook pages at www.facebook.com/okefenokeewildliferefuge or www.facebook.com/usfwssoutheast, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwssoutheast, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwssoutheast.

FWS

Lovetown Battle of the Bands Press Release

 

For your information and/or any coverage you may offer.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kenyatta Compton, Lovetown FEC
678-621-9019, nichellecompton@yahoo.com


Camden's H.B.C.U. Battle of the Bands
(Drumline in Southeast Coastal Community)

Kingsland, GA (September 23, 2012) – The first Camden's H.B.C.U. Battle of the Bands , will be held Sunday, September 23, 2012 at 3:00 (gates opening at 2:00 pm) at the Chris Gilman Football Stadium in Kingsland, GA. This event promotes unity in the community and is a scholarship fundraiser as well as assisting with Advanced Placement testing fees, SAT fees & ACT fees. Tickets are now on sale for only $12.00 at Camden Pharmacy, Kingsland Welcome Center, Kingsland City Hall, Camden PSA and online at Lovetownevents.com . Tickets are $20.00 at the gate.

This uplifting event will be kicked off wi th a brief greeting from the Mayor of Lovetown, USA and City of Royal Treatment Mr. Kenneth Smith, performance from local recording artists and comedian host of Jacksonville,Fl Mr. Charlie. Historical Black Colleges and Universities will perform along with featuring a surprise special guest. We have several colleges committed such as: Edward Waters of Jacksonville, FL, Savannah State College of Savannah, GA, Albany State University of Albany, GA and others. . You will also enjoy the sounds and movements of some other great entertainment.

You will also enjoy the sounds and movements of some other great entertainment.
Food Vendors are always a favorite part of all events and will be providing some great food at this event. We encourage you to come early and plan to have dinner while enjoying the very first Battle of the Bands in Camden County. For more information contact Kenyatta Compton at nichellecompton@yahoo.com or 678-621-9019.

This year's event is hosted by Lovetown FEC and is sponsored in part by the Camden County PSA & Our Daily Bread.

 

City vs. City Charity Softball Game

Join the City of St. Marys’ residents and/or employees for the 2012 City vs. City Charity softball game.  The game has been rescheduled on Saturday, July 21^st at the Camden County adult softball fields at 4:00 p.m.

 

This is a free, fun family event that you do not want to miss. 

Old Fort Erie and St. Marys Peace Garden Dedications

For Immediate Release

June 29, 2012

 

Old Fort Erie Peace Garden Dedicated during

Friendship Festival Opening Ceremonies

Garden will form part of Binational Heritage Peace Garden Trail

 

Fort Erie, ON – As part of the official opening ceremonies of the 26^th annual Friendship Festival, Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) Chair, Janice Thomson, along with area dignitaries were proud to unveil the official plaque that will be placed in the new Peace Garden established at NPC’s Old Fort Erie heritage site.

 

Old Fort Erie’s Peace Garden is one of 12 to be dedicated this summer and fall. There are 22 Binational Peace Gardens that are being established in 2012 as part of the “Binational Heritage Peace Garden Trail”, an 1812 Bicentennial legacy project that links heritage, architecture, gardens and cultural activities to commemorate the 200 years of peace between Canada and the United States of America.

 

The new Peace Garden is located in front of the Visitor Centre at the entrance of Old Fort Erie. While the garden is small, it is placed within the larger, landscaped grounds of the Old Fort as a lasting impression for every guest, with a design that represents the theme of peace.

 

A sign is also being installed to tell Old Fort Erie’s War of 1812 story. It highlights the Siege of the Fort, from August 3 to September 21, 1814 and also includes additional information of importance to this area, including the discovery of ancient flint quarries in the region, the Fenian Raids and the Underground Railroad.

 

Beyond the Binational Peace Garden Trail, Old Fort Erie’s Peace Garden is also paired with one in the beautiful coastal town of St. Mary’s, Georgia, USA. The existing St. Mary’s Memory Garden (created by the St. Mary’s Earth Keepers in 2008) is located near an ancient wall of the historic Oak Grove Cemetery (est. 1788), which is the final resting place of Acadians and War of 1812 soldiers.

 

“The preservation of Niagara’s unique history is an incredibly important aspect of what we do at Niagara Parks,” said NPC Chair Janice Thomson. “Preserving, promoting and enhancing sites such as our Old Fort Erie Heritage Site and this new Peace Garden that we are dedicating today are some of the most important things we can do as a Commission.”

 

“The planning for the 1812 Bicentennial was definitely the catalyst for this project. As more citizens became involved, we recognized the interest in creating Peace Gardens to share our binational stories went well beyond a single event, and the linkage of these through the creation of the trail, provides a demonstration of our shared interest in celebrating peace”, advises Arlene White, Executive Director of the Binational Alliance, and Project Lead for this initiative. “Bicentennial themed gardens will continue to be launched throughout 2013 and 2014, and communities have already approached us with new garden sites and Binational themes that will celebrate and commemorate historic events and our cross-border connections.”

 

About The Niagara Parks Commission

The Niagara Parks Commission is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that preserves a rich heritage, conserves natural wonders and inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.

 

Other Peace Gardens being dedicated on the trail this year include:

June 1 Burt, NY

June 15 Leamington, ON

June 16 Grimsby, ON, Sacket’s Harbor, NY

June 21 Tecumseh, ON

June 22 Thamesville, ON

June 29 Youngstown, NY

July 1 Fort Erie, ON

July 4 St. Mary’s GA

July 19 Windsor, ON

July 20 Colchester, ON

July 22 Lancaster, NY

Aug 9 Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Aug 26 Black Rock, Buffalo, NY

Sept 1 Winery, Colchester, ON

Sept 8 Olde Sandwiche Towne, Windsor, ON               

Sept 15 Kingsville, ON

Sept 22 Botanical Gardens, Buffalo NY

Sept (tbd) Niagara University, NY

Oct 13 Amherstburg, ON – 2 sites

 

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For More Information:

 

Buffalo/Niagara Falls, Peace Garden Trail

Arlene White Executive Director Binational Alliance

Tel: 905-401-4450

Email: arlene.white@btapartners.com

www.binationalheritagepeacegardentrail.com

 

The Niagara Parks Commission:

Tony Baldinelli

Acting Director, Communications, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations

Tel: 905-356-2241 x 220

Email: tbaldinelli@niagaraparks.com

www.niagaraparks.com

 

Auditions for The Fantasticks

ST. MARYS LITTLE THEATRE TO HOLD AUDITIONS FOR "THE FANTASTICKS" JULY 14 Theatre by the Trax, 1100 Osborne Rd., St. Marys, GA FROM 10 A.M. TO NOON ST. MARYS, GA—

The world's longest running musical is coming to Camden County, and St. Marys Little Theatre is seeking talented individuals to fulfill its cast of eight.
Auditions will be held Saturday, July 14, from 10 a.m. to noon at Theatre by the Trax in St. Marys.

According to St. Marys Little Theatre Chair and Director, Barbara Ryan, the opportunity to play in a production of this renown doesn't often come to a small town.
"The play centers around two neighboring fathers who trick their children, Luisa and Matt, into falling in love by pretending to feud and erecting a wall between their houses," Ryan said. "Unfolding with some of the most beautiful music ever written for Broadway, the story radiates a timeless sunniness as the starry-eyed boy and girl fall in love, yearn for the dangerous attractions of the world outside, then opt instead for fulfillment in each other's arms and in hearth and home."

St. Marys Little Theatre Vice Chair, L. J. Williams, said "Fortunately, St. Marys Little Theatre has supporters who help to finance a production like this that can be very expensive to pay royalties. It is our ongoing goal to bring world-class theatre to our community, and The Fantasticks will be a significant addition to a growing portfolio of crowd-pleasing productions."
The Fantasticks won an Obie and Tony Award.

Ryan said the show will be cast with the actors who best capture the "essence" of the characters that include:
El Gallo: The narrator, antagonist, protagonist, "Don Juan" type, every girl wants him and every guy wants to be him. Sings signature song, "Try to Remember," and others.
Luisa: The Girl. Young with a beautiful voice. Madly in love with the neighbor boy Matt—though their fathers are feuding. She is given to flights of fancy and dreams all sorts of romantic adventures.
Matt: The Boy. Young with good voice. Longs to go out into the world to experience everything.

Hucklebee: Matt's Father. Comedic abilities. Sings Never Say "No", It Depends on What You Pay, This Plum is Too Ripe, Plant A Radish.


Bellomy: Louisa's Father. Comedic abilities. Sings Never Say "No", It Depends on What You Pay, This Plum is Too Ripe, Plant A Radish.


The Mute: This silent actor or actress assists El Gallo in setting the scene and creating the mood for the show.


Henry: An OLD Actor. Henry "remembers" every role he's ever played, though not necessarily at the right times or in the correct performances. He's over the top, overblown, self-important, and a whole lot of fun for both the actor and the audience.


Mortimer: Henry's fellow thespian and sidekick. Mortimer is a one-trick-pony on stage — he dies. He's been doing it for forty years, and when he was a boy he could die off a twenty-foot cliff backwards.


Performances for The Fantasticks will be October 12, 13, 19, 20, 21. Rehearsals will begin in August.
Anyone interested in auditioning should do research and be prepared to sing a song from the play or a song similar in style (if auditioning for a singing part). Call 912-729-1103 or email barbara@coastalgeorgiafilm.org to reserve a space at auditions and find out more information.
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