Giving Tree press release

MEDIA CONTACT: Barbara Ryan, 912-729-1103, email: Barbara@stormersmarketing.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…

ST. MARYS LITTLE THEATRE LAUNCHES "GIVING TREE 23" CAMPAIGN

ST. MARYS, GA—With the success of one and a half seasons under their belt, the St. Marys Little Theatre (SMLT) is launching an appeal to the community to help bring year-round live theatre to downtown St. Marys.

"Our goal is to have at least six productions a year at Theatre by the Trax," said SMLT Chair Barbara Ryan. "We are hampered by an outdated air conditioning system that makes our electric bills cost prohibitive during the hot summer months."

THE GIVING TREE 23 campaign was designed to raise the necessary funds to bring an efficient air conditioning system into SMLT's home venue, Theatre by the Trax. Ryan said there are rewards for those whose generosity will make this possible.

"Here is an opportunity to make a difference in our community in a way that will live long into the future," Ryan said. "The generosity of just 23 individuals and/or organizations will be honored forever in the lobby of Theatre by the Trax on a special golden tree display depicting THE GIVING TREE 23. Imagine the thousands of people through the years acknowledging your contribution to our community."

According to SMLT Vice Chair, L. J. Williams, "Performance arts in Camden County is enhancing and even transforming lives—for our audiences, and for the amazing cast and crew members who work so hard to bring you topnotch entertainment. We are especially thankful for the difference theatre is making in our young people—helping to develop their sense of self, their confidence, and their communication skills."


THE GIVING TREE 23 funds will be used to purchase an air conditioning system that will be a $23,000 investment, so each GIVING TREE Member will make a $1,000 tax deductible donation.

Williams said that not only will a donor's contribution be acknowledged in the theatre lobby, but also in every St. Marys Little Theatre program as well as live mentions at each performance, plus donors will receive two complimentary tickets to every St. Marys Little Theatre production for one year.

"We have been blessed with a community of giving people who have made it possible to come this far in keeping the performing arts alive in Camden County while helping develop amazing talents," Williams said. "And we are so grateful for our supporters' exemplary spirit of generosity."

For information on how to become a part of THE GIVING TREE 23, call 912-729-1103, or visit www.stmaryslittletheatre.com. St. Marys Little Theatre is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation.
####

District 180 Update by Representative Spencer: Weekly Capitol Update --Week One Jan 20,2013

 

 

Weekly Capitol Update--January 20, 2013

Week One (Days 1-4)

            This week the Georgia General Assembly reconvened to begin its 2013 Legislative Session.  As this was the start of a new term, all 180 members of the House of Representatives were sworn in followed by the re-elections of Rep. David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) as Speaker of the House and Rep. Jan Jones (R- Milton) as Speaker Pro Tem.

            The first week of legislative activities began with a brisk scheduling of meetings and events involving members of the Waycross City Commissioners, members of the Ware and Charlton County Commission Boards, as well as members of the Ware County School Board.  These groups paid a visit to Atlanta and spoke with me concerning the interests of their respective constituencies.

            Also, committee assignments were announced this week.  I will be returning to the Game, Fish & Parks and Special Rules committees.  In addition, I have been assigned to the Human Relations & Aging and Juvenile Justice committees.  The Human Aging & Relations Committee deals with issues like elder care, personal care homes and other issues relevant to Georgia’s aging population. The Juvenile Justice committee will deal with legislation related to adoptions, child social services and potential criminal matters that face this population. 

The Governor’s State of the State Address.

 

“The State of the State is strong.”—Governor Nathan Deal, January 17, 2013

            Another highlight of the week was Governor Nathan Deal’s annual State of the State address.  He outlined his legislative agenda for the year, including juvenile justice reform, boating safety law reforms, stemming cuts to K-12 education, balancing Georgia’s budget in the face of health care budget challenges and economic development initiatives like the deepening of the Savannah Harbor. 

            The Governor urged the Georgia General Assembly to implement recommendations made by the Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform that may translate into cost savings for tax payers.  For example, the cost of each bed in a Youth Detention Center is in excess of $91,000 each year.  Governor Deal has requesting $5 million in the FY 2014 budget to create an incentive funding program that encourages communities to create and utilize community-based options such as substance abuse treatment and providing judges with viable sentencing options with a focus to save tax payers dollars.

            Public safety measures to change Georgia’s boating laws will include changing the blood alcohol level for Boating Under the Influence from 0.10 to the equivalent of a DUI threshold of 0.08.  This is a common sense measure because significant motor impairment is seen at blood alcohol concentrations of 80mg/dl (0.08 %) regardless if you are driving a boat or a car.  Other boating safety measures will be considered, and I will be watching this legislation closely as this may have a significant impact on coastal waters.  

            The K-12 education portion of Governor Deal’s budget will be exempt from the 3% cuts directed at all agencies in this year’s FY 2014 budget. Governor Deal’s budget recommendation will give $156M in additional funding for enrollment growth in K-12 schools in FY2013.  For next year, there will be $147 million for enrollment growth and salary increases for teachers based on training and experience. There is also an additional $41 million to fully fund the revised Equalization formulas adopted last year. In addition to exempting K-12 education from this year’s 3% cut, the Governor will restore the 10 days lost from the Pre-K program, bringing the Pre-K program back to 180 days. 

            Governor Deal defended his decision not to expand Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act (aka, ObamaCare).  Georgia is already facing expansion of Medicaid as a result of the downturn in the economy and with the new regulations already being implemented to carry out the federal legislation. According to Governor Deal, even without expanding the eligible population base requested under ObamaCare, the state expects current Medicaid rolls to grow by an additional 100,000 individuals. This new population of Medicaid recipients, along with other mandates of Obamacare such as the extension of the time between the reviews of eligibility, will raise the state’s Medicaid costs by nearly $1.7 billion over the next 10 years.

            Also the Governor is requesting the General Assembly to authorize the Department of Community Health to apply a provider fee on hospitals just as is applied on Georgia’s nursing homes.  The state faces a $700 million Medicaid shortfall and unless this is not done a reduction of 20 percent in reimbursements to hospitals could occur.  Governor Deal believes the failure to pass this legislation could jeopardize hospitals across Georgia and place the legislature in a difficult position of not being able to balance the budget. Legislation has already passed the Senate and will be heading to the House for consideration. The legislation passed 46-9. 

            As part of the effort to deepen the Savannah Harbor, the Governor is requesting another $50 million in bonds to finance the deepening of this important project.  This project has state-wide economic implications.  This brings the state’s total contribution to deepen the harbor to $231 million and the remainder of the cost will be assumed by the federal government. According to Governor Deal, Georgia expects to benefit $5.50 for every dollar spent. 

Governor Deal Includes Funds for Altamaha Tech Camden Campus.

            Governor Deal’s recommendation to the General Assembly for FY 2014 includes funding to address a serious need for workforce development in Southeast Georgia.  As part of Governor Deal’s Competitive and Defense Initiatives, he has recognized this critical need in our part of the state.  Both the Competitive and Defense Initiatives recognize the need for work force development and Georgia’s dynamic military communities, like Kings Bay, as a fountainhead of economic activity and supply of skilled talent for the state.  Camden’s portion of the funds includes a $15.9 million bond to finance a new building to be constructed off I-95 on Exit 7.  Governor Deal has met with Georgia’s military base commanders and will continue to seek their counsel in strategies that help the defense presence in the state continue to thrive and produce jobs.  

            All of Georgia’s military installations together generate approximately $20 billion in economic impact, including salaries, contracts and revenue generated.  Georgia’s military bases average about 600 military personnel exiting the service each month and the initiative will ensure Georgia a continuous workforce pipeline in virtually all defense-related areas.  Please call Governor Deal’s office and extend him a bit of gratitude for recognizing the importance of Georgia’s military communities, especially Kings Bay Naval Base.  Also, it is important to call state leaders and let me know about the importance and impact this project will have on Southeast Georgia and Camden County.  If you need further information on who to call, please don’t hesitate to call my office. 

Home Brew Competitions May Become Legalized in Georgia

            Rep. Spencer has worked with the Department of Revenue and authored a bill that will legalize home brew competitions in the state of Georgia. HB 99 will allow home brewers to produce greater quantities of their craft beers and legalize their transportation to events such as competitions and tastings.  Under current Georgia law, it is not permissible for the transport of homemade beer for the purposes of competitions such as tastings and judgings.  

            Current law only allows for the creation of 50 gallons of home brew per calendar year and to only be used for personal consumption.  This legislation would expand the amount one can brew at their private residence up to 200 gallons in a calendar (consistent with federal law).  The successful passage of this legislation will provide economic development opportunities for cities that host such events along with local beer festivals.  Large home brew competitions are well attended and can have a positive economic impact such as filling up hotel rooms and attendees eating at local restaurants.  Also, home brew competitions can highlight Georgia grown agriculture products that could be used to may unique brews such as Georgia honey and Georgia peaches. 

            While this legislation will have a positive economic effect on Georgia’s tourism industry, it will also impact small businesses that sale home brew kits and accessories.  “Currently, there are citizens in this state that are having competitions ‘under the radar’ in order to share recipes”, said Rep. Spencer. “Citizens shouldn’t have to break the law to do something this simple.  I see this legislation as a way to advance economic freedom, personal freedom and an opportunity for Georgian’s to positively impact our state’s small businesses and tourism industry.”

Week Two Preview (Jan 21st- 25th)

            This coming week, the General Assembly is in recess for appropriations hearings.  Various departments will be presenting the Governor’s recommendations to the House Appropriations Committee.  The General Assembly will reconvene for Day 5 on Monday, January 28, 2013 at 1 PM. 

            My capitol office address is: 18 Capitol Square, Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Suite 411-E, Atlanta, GA 30334.  Please stop by and visit if you are in Atlanta during the legislative session.  I’d love to see you and hear any questions or concerns you may have about issues facing our state.  You can also call my capitol office at 404-656-0126 or email me at jason.spencer@house.ga.gov or spencer4hirega@gmail.com.  Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.

In Liberty,


                                                                            
Rep. Jason Spencer

Representative Jason Spencer represents the citizens of District 180. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves on the Game Fish & Parks, Special Rules, Juvenile Justice, and Human Aging & Relations Committees. 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Please feel free to contact me about any of your concerns. 

Legislative web site:  www.staterepspencer.com

Email 1:  spencer4hirega@gmail.com

Email 2:   jason.spencer@house.ga.gov (preferred email for public business)

Atlanta Office Address

411-E Coverdell Legislative Office Building (CLOB)

Atlanta, GA. 30334

District Address

28 Yachtsmen Court

Woodbine, GA. 31569

Phone:

404-656-0126 (Atlanta office)

912-541-0243 (mobile)

912-576-5810 ( home)

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Cumberland Island National Seashore News Release: Public meeting For Foundation Document for Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore News Release

January 18, 2013

For Immediate Release

Maggie Tyler   912-882-4336 ext. 257

Public Meeting for Foundation Document for Cumberland Island National Seashore

 (Denver, CO) —The National Park Service is preparing a foundation document for planning and management at Cumberland Island National Seashore. The park would like to invite the public to join in this effort.

 A foundation document involves revisiting a national park unit’s core mission and significance, most important resources and values, and the interpretive themes that tell the park’s important stories. Although the foundation document is not a decision-making document and does not include actions or management strategies, it describes a shared understanding of what is most important about the park.

 In this capacity, the foundation document will provide the underlying guidance for future management and planning decisions at Cumberland Island National Seashore. Preparing the foundation document is the first step for considering the park’s future planning and study needs.

 All park units in the national park system will have a foundation document by 2016, the 100-year anniversary of the creation of the National Park Service. Cumberland Island National Seashore is part of a nationwide effort to complete foundation documents for all 398 park units in the park system.

“The public meeting on January 28^th is an excellent opportunity for the public to provide us feedback on why Cumberland Island National Seashore is special to them, what resources are most threatened and what stories should be told to this and future generations,” stated Fred Boyles, superintendent.  “We look forward to seeing the public at the visitor center Monday January 28.”

The National Park Service invites the public to play a role in charting the park’s future by sharing your thoughts on what is most important about Cumberland Island National Seashore, and to help identify its most pressing challenges and its greatest opportunities. Your feedback will help the park to take your thoughts into consideration as they prepare the foundation document.

To provide feedback, the public is invited to attend an open house on Monday, January 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center, located at 113 West St. Marys Street in St. Marys, Georgia. This open house will be an informal forum to hear and record feedback to questions concerning key aspects of Cumberland Island National Seashore. National Park Service staff will be available to record feedback and answer questions about the preparation of the foundation document.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is the largest and southernmost barrier island in Georgia.  The park is the home to approximately 36,000 acres of to pristine maritime forest, undeveloped beaches, freshwater lakes, wide brackish marshes and over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness.  The Seashore was authorized by Congress in 1972 and is administered by the National Park Service.  For more information call 912-882-4336 ext 254 or visit www.nps.gov/cuis. 

--NPS--

 

 

Solar Astronomy at Crooked River State Park

Solar Astronomy -
Friday, January 25, 2013 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM) AND Saturday, January 26,
2013 (10:00 AM to 12:30 PM) View and explore our closest star, the sun, with
The Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project. Learn what the interior and
surface of stars are like and what powers them. Look through specialized
solar viewing scopes to see sun spots, calcium K images and more. For more
information about Solar Astronomy visit the website: www.solarastronomy.org.
The program is $2.00 per person and all vehicles entering the park are
required to have a $5.00 ParkPass. For more information, please call the
park office at 912-882-5256.

Crooked River State Park
6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway
St. Marys , GA 31558
912-882-5256

Theatre Tickets on Sale now... COLORBLIND tickets now on sale

There will be only 3 performances of COLORBLIND, St. Marys Little Theatre's upcoming production for February 22, 23, and 24. Tickets are expected to go fast, so please get yours early. For those theatre members who are entitled to comp tickets, an email invitation will be forthcoming. Here are details about COLORBLIND. See you at the theatre!

COLORBLIND TICKETS NOW ON SALE IN ST. MARYS

Ever so often, an experience comes along that has the power to open hearts, change minds, and inspire people to readjust their values. Such is the case of COLORBLIND, an original play that will be performed by St. Marys Little Theatre at Theatre by the Trax in St. Marys, Georgia, on February 22, 23, and 24, 2013.

The play was written by St. Marys resident, Gaila Brandon, and is filled with emotional moments that tug at our consciousness as we witness the truths of yesterday melding into the hopes of tomorrow.

"COLORBLIND is, in part, commemoration, and in part revelation," Brandon said. "If just one person leaves the theater with a more open mind or with greater pride of their heritage, we will have accomplished our mission."

The historical part of COLORBLIND depicts the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement and pays tribute to Martin Luther King. Interwoven into the play's tapestry is the story of a contemporary family facing their own challenges of bias.

Barbara Ryan, Chair of St. Marys Little Theatre, said that the timing of COLORBLIND is no accident.

"February is Black History Month and the perfect time to honor the great Black Americans whose sacrifices made this world a better place," Ryan said. "Audiences will enjoy hearing familiar names of famous African-Americans from Camden County mentioned during the play as well."

With a cast and crew of 50, COLORBLIND will be one of St. Marys Little Theatre's largest productions.

"As in the past, people will walk away from this dramatic performance stunned by the caliber of talent we have here in our own hometown," L. J. Williams said. As Vice Chair of St. Marys Little Theatre, Williams has witnessed the transformation of numerous participants involved in the revived performance arts in downtown St. Marys. "We have seen many of our participating young people develop a stronger sense of self, gain confidence, and develop communication skills beyond their age," Williams said.

COLORBLIND will be performed at Theatre by the Trax, 1000 Osborne Road, St. Marys, Georgia, on February 22 and 23 at 7pm and on February 24 at 2 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under and can be purchased at St. Marys and Kingsland Welcome Centers, or by calling 912-729-1103. Visit www.stmaryslittletheatre.com for more information.

Revised Early Registration date for 5K: Mardi Gras Current Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 16, 2012

 

CONTACT: Angela Wigger, St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau

912.882.4000, angela.wigger@stmaryswelcome.com

 

 

MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL OFFERS COLOR RUN, PARADE, ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE!

 

The 19^th annual family-friendly Mardi Gras Festival & Parade is coming up in historic St. Marys, Georgia on Saturday, February 9, 2013 with a theme of “A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock & Roll.”   

 

New this year is the First Annual Color the Streets, Color Run.  Throughout the course for this 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk/Run, runners will be bombarded with powdered paint in the form of a colored cornstarch, which is non-toxic and non-rash inducing.  An early bird registration of $30 is available through January 25^th.  The fee will be $40 from January 26-February 5 and $50 on the day of the event.  Registration includes a t-shirt, sunglasses, a pack of color, and a race bib. This run for a cause will give 100% of the proceeds to benefit Juvenile Diabetes and Muscular Dystrophy.  The 7 a.m. run has been organized by the CCHS DECA students and the CCHS Hero Club. 

 

Set-up by 9 a.m., you will find over eighty vendors offering food, art, and miscellaneous items for purchase. The festivals 10 a.m. parade features decorated floats and impressive costumes centered around the theme. The celebration continues throughout the day with a street festival offering amusements such as a water-walker, new laser challenge, inflatable slide, bungee jumping, climbing wall and trackless train.  The waterfront will be bursting with other activities like the Great Camden County Chili Cook-Off and costumed pet-parade benefiting Habitat for Humanity and the Humane Society. 

 

Performers will regale you with their talents at the main stage, in front of the St. Marys Waterfront Pavilion, all day long bringing you lively song, music and dance.

 

Once evening hits, the adults will continue the celebration with the annual Mardi Gras Ball where a new King and Queen are chosen each year.  Prizes will be awarded for costumes that best depict the festival theme. Tickets for the ball are $35 and are available by Cash or Check only at the St. Marys Welcome Center and Once Upon A Bookseller.

 

The festival in the historic district is hosted by the St. Marys Downtown Merchants’ Association, whose members spend months planning the annual event, including permitting, set-up, organization of each element, and more. 

 

Angela Wigger, Director of Tourism, stated, “This event has always been a family favorite for locals, street vendors and tourists alike.  It’s an opportunity for local and regional talent to come out and showcase their dancing, music, and even their martial arts expertise.  It’s a large event for our area and is an economic driver bringing in hotel stays, restaurant business, shopping, fuel purchases, and taxes for each of these things, at a time of year when tourist season has not yet picked up.” This event was designated a Southeast Tourism Society’s “Top 20 Event” in 2012.

 

For Parade participation information contact Carol Lanham at 912-552-3313 and for Vendor/Sponsor information contact Once Upon A Bookseller at 912-882-7350.  For any additional information contact the St. Marys Welcome Center at info@stmaryswelcome.com or 912-882-4000.

###

 

Fee Free Day at Okefenokee NWR

For Immediate Release                                                         Contact: Gracie Gooch

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

2700 Suwannee Canal Road

Folkston, GA  31537

Phone: (912) 496-7366 ext. 232

Fax:     (912) 496-3332

http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee

Date: January 11, 2013

 

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Free Admission January 21

 

Monday, January 21 will be a fee-free day at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  All day-use entrance fees will be waived for visitors entering the Refuge at the East entrance, southwest of Folkston, GA, and the West entrance at Stephen C. Foster State Park, in an effort to encourage more Americans to get outdoors and visit their public lands.  The fee waiver does not cover user fees for things such as camping, boat launches, transportation, and special tours.

Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, announced that many of the lands managed by the Interior will participate in this national endeavor. Those offering free admission include all national parks, national wildlife refuges, and many areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Other dates of free admission are September 28 for National Public Lands Day, October 13-19 to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week, and November 9-11 for Veterans Day weekend.

U.S. military personnel (with proper identification) and their dependents are eligible for a free annual pass that provides entrance to lands managed by the Service and other DOI land management agencies. The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program also offers a free lifetime pass for people with disabilities, a $10 lifetime senior pass for those aged 62 and over, and an $80 annual pass for the general public.

Visitors can take advantage of the upcoming fee-free days at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge’s East entrance, located 12 miles southeast of Folkston, GA, off Hwy 121/23, and at the West entrance, located outside of Fargo, off Highway 177. Entrance fees are usually $5 for a seven-day pass or $12 for an Okefenokee NWR annual pass that expires one year from the date of purchase.

 

For more information, please contact the Visitor Center at 912-496-7836 or visit www.fws.gov/okefenokee.

 

-FWS-

Baseball Academy 2013

 

http://www.truefreedomlearningcenter.com/TFLC-BASEBALL-ACADEMY.html

 

The True Freedom Learning Center is holding its free-of-charge Baseball Academy again this year. 2012's session was a resounding success with a wonderful turn-out and 2013's should prove to be just as rewarding for all participants.  

 

Alex Kearns
Chair
The True Freedom Learning Center, Inc.
Office: 912-673-6120
Cell: 912-322-7367
Email: alexkearns1@msn.com

 

Horse Stamp Inn WINTER GETAWAY

Horse Stamp Inn

Luxury B&B + Golf = Ideal Winter Getaway

 

 

Leigh Cort Publicity

904-806-3613

leighcort@bellsouth.net

Representing: www.HorseStampinn.com

 

Waverly, Georgia (January 2013)  The Horse Stamp Inn, one of the newest and most distinctive bed & breakfast inns on the Georgia coast, is hosting a winter promotion that includes golf at the championship Sanctuary Cove, designed by Fred Couples and Davis Love III.  The golf course sits on the Golden Isles of Georgia, representing one of the top semi-private golf facilities in the state.

 

From January 1 thru March 15, 2013, guests of the Inn who stay for a minimum of two nights (based on availability) will receive one complimentary round of golf, including cart. Sanctuary Cove Golf Course is only seven miles from the Inn and a perfect accompaniment to the luxurious and handsome Southern mansion.

 

The 5-bedroom Inn is nestled on 16 sprawling acres with expansive pastures, rustic horse barn and artesian fresh water pond. Owners Tom and Kris Hutcheson begin each day with breakfast prepared from fresh and locally produced ingredients. Guests can have breakfast served in their room or suite, choose to dine on the al fresco verandah or in the homey Inn kitchen.

 

HORSE STAMP INN WINTER GOLF PROMOTION:

 

• January 1 = March 15, 2013

• Stay any two nights at the Horse Stamp Inn (based on availability) and receive (1) complimentary round of golf at the championship Sanctuary Cove Golf Course
• The 2^nd person to play is $35
• Not available with any other Inn promotion

 

The Golf Club at Sanctuary Cove, located in Waverly, Ga., is a Love Golf Design/Fred Couples Signature course, which sits on the Golden Isles of Georgia and represents one

INN AMENITIES:

• Oversized accommodations with exquisite rural country views
• Artesian Pond stocked with bass, brim and fresh water trout
• Private salt water swimming pool 16’ x 32’ – comfy pool chaises and chairs
• Horse-friendly stable ~ 4-stall barn with tack/saddle room.
• Large chicken coop for fresh farm-to-table eggs
• Brick fire pit for bonfires, picnics AND cooking fresh caught fish from the pond!
• Farm-to-table breakfast featuring family favorite dishes that also respect guests’ dietary needs

of \the top new semi-private golf facilities in the state.

Although the Horse Stamp Inn is far from reality and a world apart, Tom and Kris Hutcheson’s warm welcome make guests feel like they’re coming home.

 

 

HORSE STAMP INN

2418 Horse Stamp Church Road

Waverly, Georgia 31565

912.882.6280

www.HorseStampInn.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mardis Gras: February 9, 2013 - St. Marys' 19th Annual Mardi Gras is "A Little Bit Country"

ST. MARYS’ 19^TH ANNUAL MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL IS “A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY”

Festival Organizers are Calling for Sponsors, Parade Participants and Vendors!

 

The annual family-friendly Mardi Gras Festival & Parade is coming up on Saturday, February 9, 2013.  This year’s theme will be “A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock & Roll.”  The event will be held Saturday, February 9^th in historic St. Marys, Georgia and will offer all day entertainment.

 

The day kicks off with the 10 a.m. parade featuring decorated floats and impressive costumes centered around the theme. The celebration continues throughout the day with a street festival offering amusements such as a water-walker, mechanical bull, inflatable slide, bungee jumping, climbing wall, trackless train, and over eighty vendors offering food, art, and miscellaneous items. The waterfront will be bursting with activities like the Great Camden County Chili Cook-Off benefit event and the costumed pet-parade.

 

When the sun goes down and the lights come up, adults will continue the celebration with the annual Mardi Gras Ball where a new King and Queen are chosen each year.  Prizes will be awarded for costumes that best depict the festival theme. Tickets for the ball will be available at the St. Marys Welcome Center and Once Upon A Bookseller. 

 

The festival in the historic district is hosted by the St. Marys Downtown Merchants’ Association, whose members spend months planning the annual event, including permitting, set-up, organization of each element, and more. 

 

Angela Wigger, Director of Tourism, stated, “This event has always been a family favorite for locals, street vendors and tourists alike.  It’s an opportunity for local and regional talent to come out and showcase their dancing, music, and even their martial arts expertise.  It’s a large event for our area and is an economic driver bringing in hotel stays, restaurant business, shopping, fuel purchases, and taxes for each of these things, at a time of year when tourist season has not yet picked up.” This event was designated a Southeast Tourism Society’s “Top 20 Event” in 2012.

 

For Parade participation information contact Carol Lanham at 912-552-3313 and for Vendor/Sponsor information contact Once Upon A Bookseller at 912-882-7350.  For any additional information contact the St. Marys Welcome Center at info@stmaryswelcome.com or 912-882-4000.

 

###

2013 Rosie Kelly Award Nominees Are Being Sought Through January 23, 2013

ROSIE KELLY COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD NOMINEES ARE BEING SOUGHT

Nominations accepted through January 23rd

 

ST. MARYS, GA - The St. Marys Downtown Merchants’ Association is accepting applications for the annual Rosie Kelly Community Service Award.  The award recognizes outstanding service by an individual to the St. Marys community. 

 

The award is named in memory of Rosalie Kelly, or Rosie to those who knew her best, who was instrumental in bringing the St. Marys Downtown Merchants’ Association to life in an effort to preserve and revitalize the economy and historic ambiance of the downtown area. The St. Marys’ Mardi Gras Festival and Parade were her brainchild nineteen years ago and the event has been a fun and exciting aspect of achieving the Association’s goals. In 2002, Ms. Kelly received the inaugural award at that year’s Mardi Gras Ball celebration. The following January Rosie lost a battle with cancer.  Through the continued presentation of this award to other community heroes, Rosie’s strength and spirit are remembered and honored each year.

 

The Mardi Gras Festival & Parade grows each year and has become an eagerly anticipated event, not only in Camden County, but throughout the surrounding area. The event, which in 2012 was named a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event, will take place on Saturday, February 9, 2013 beginning with the 10am parade. The annual Mardi Gras Ball takes place the same evening. 

 

The criteria for the Rosie Kelly Community Service Award is as follows, beginning with the nominee being a resident of Camden County, having lived anywhere within the county for at least 2 years. Additionally, this person should be at least 21 years of age and should be involved in organizations or activities benefiting the local community.  Activities need not be restricted solely to St. Marys, but the bulk of activity should benefit institutions, arts, community service projects and residents of St. Marys.

 

Please provide a brief essay or description of the nominee’s community service activities, and why you feel this person is worthy of community recognition. Also, provide the following information or pick up an application at the St. Marys Welcome Center. NOMINEE: Name, address, day and evening phone numbers; place of employment and is it okay to call at work; Married or Single; and number of children and their ages. PERSON MAKING NOMINATION, if different than nominee: Name, address, day and evening phone numbers and tell us how you know the person you are nominating. We must have complete information regarding the nominee and the person making the nomination, in case we have any questions about the information provided. Please print or type all responses and return nomination form and essay to Angela Wigger at the St. Marys Welcome Center, 111 Osborne Street, St. Marys or email info@stmaryswelcome.com no later than Wednesday, January 23, 2013 by 5pm. 

 

All nominations will be reviewed and considered by an awards review panel with the winner being selected based on their achievements made towards a better St. Marys and based on how their community service best characterizes the spirit of St. Marys. The winner of the award will be announced and recognized at the Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, February 9, 2013. 

 

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Auditions for Colorblind in St. Marys

ST. MARYS LITTLE THEATRE TO HOLD AUDITIONS FOR "COLORBLIND" JANUARY 5 Theatre by the Trax
1000 Osborne Rd., St. Marys, GA
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

ST. MARYS, GA—St. Marys Little Theatre will be holding auditions for its upcoming production, "COLORBLIND," a live Black history encounter and musical tribute to Martin Luther King, on Saturday, January 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Theatre by the Trax in St. Marys.

COLORBLIND is an original play written by St. Marys resident Gaila Brandon. The story interweaves dramatic scenes from Black history with current day situations.

The following players are needed:

Teenage males and females, African-American and Caucasian Adult males and females, African-American and Caucasian
10 to 12 year-old males, African-American and Caucasian

St. Marys Little Theatre also invites anyone interested in volunteering for tech or backstage assistance to attend the audition as well.

Auditions will be held January 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Theatre by the Trax, 1000 Osborne Road, St. Marys, Georgia.

Performances of COLORBLIND will be February 22, 23, and 24, 2013.

For more information, call 912-729-1103. If you plan to audition, please email Barbara@stmarysmagazine.com.

St. Marys Little Theatre is a nonprofit, 501c3 organization.




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