Celebrate Skidaway Marine Science Day with UGA Marine Extension on Saturday, Oct. 16

The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service invites adults and children to an afternoon of marine science programs, displays, tours and hands-on activities at Skidaway Marine Science Day 2010 on Saturday, Oct. 16, from noon to 4 p.m. on Skidaway Island.

Skidaway Marine Science Day will feature an open house of the Skidaway Island campus with activities, primarily related to marine science, for all ages from young children to adults. The event is open to the public and admission is free.

The event will be presented by the campus’s marine research and education organizations, including the University of Georgia Marine Education Center and Aquarium and the UGA Shellfish Research Laboratory, both part of the university’s Marine Extension Service, as well as the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary and WSVH Georgia Public Radio.

The UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium will be open with no admission fee. In addition, the aquarium education staff will offer visitors a full afternoon of activities including science talks, a reptile show, boat tours, touch tanks, and behind-the-scene tours of the aquarium. The Savannah Blood Alliance will be on-site and will make donations to the aquarium for each blood donor. FM radio WZAT 102.1 will be broadcasting the event, live.

The UGA Shellfish Laboratory will provide visitors with displays and information on marine life on the Georgia Coast. Children will be given the opportunity to help protect the marine environment by bagging oyster shells used for oyster reef restoration projects.

The Skidaway Institute of Oceanography will offer a variety of activities for adults and children, including tours of the Research Vessel Savannah and smaller research vessels; science displays and talks on current research programs; and hands-on science activities.

The staff of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary will set up their remotely-operated-vehicle in a swimming pool and teach visitors how to drive it and pick up objects from the bottom of the pool.

WSVH Georgia Public Radio will be open for visitors.

Another activity at this year’s Skidaway Marine Science Day will be a high-tech treasure hunt dubbed “Skiocache.” The event is modeled after the increasingly popular “geocache” activities in which treasure hunters use GPS devices to track down the locations of hidden prizes. Using their own GPS devices, they will track down the various piles of hidden loot. Participants without a GPS device will still be able to participate and will receive a different set of clues.

Skidaway Institute professor Bill Savidge will present a special program aimed at parents and students involved in science fair projects. The program, “How to prepare a successful science fair project,” will be presented twice, at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the McGowan Library Auditorium.

For the second year in a row, Skidaway Marine Science Day will also be open to non-campus scientific and environmental groups. Organizations such as the Georgia Conservancy and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will be on-hand to present information, displays and activities.

School classes or other large groups wishing to attend Skidaway Marine Science Day can be accommodated only through advance arrangements. For additional information, call 912/598-2338.

All activities at Skidaway Marine Science Day will be free. For additional information, call 912/598-2338, or see www.marex.uga.edu/aquarium.

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Holiday Travel: Not-So-Silent Nights in Asheville

/PRNewswire/ -- Asheville is known for mild winters, snow-capped mountains and a cozy downtown full of holiday tradition, but this year the season will sizzle with spectacle, savings and chances to splurge. Below are some of the season's best holiday events and travel deals for 2009:

ASHEVILLE SEASONAL SIZZLE: 19 Days of Not-So-Silent Nights

Holiday magic will literally be in the air as the night sky over Asheville sparkles during Seasonal Sizzle. Firework displays choreographed to Christmas music favorites will light up the night on Saturdays at 7 p.m. in December. Downtown streets will hum with carolers, roving performers and holiday shoppers. Local restaurants will offer "Sizzle Specials," getting guests in and out in time for the fireworks. Shops and galleries will stay open late, offering a festive occasion to browse decked-out window displays, art galleries and Asheville's whimsical boutiques. The lively atmosphere will go well into the evening - visit AshevilleSeasonalSizzle.com for event info and details about Sizzle after-parties.

-- Seasonal Sizzle Firework Dates: Dec. 5, 12, 19 at 7 p.m. -- FREE
-- Holiday Travel Deal: 'Tis the Season-al Sizzle Package -- Weekend
package includes two nights at historic Grove Park Inn, a $50 gift
card, twilight spa passes and appetizers at Magnolia Lounge. Watch the
fireworks from Sunset Terrace and enjoy the National Gingerbread
Competition Display.
-- AshevilleSeasonalSizzle.com - holiday events, travel packages,
seasonal recipes and shopping guides

MORE TOP HOLIDAY EVENTS:
-- Santa on the Chimney: To ready himself for clambering down chimneys
across the world, Santa will practice on 315-foot Chimney Rock. Dates:
Dec. 5 & Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. FREE with park admission
-- Warren Haynes Christmas Jam: Rock legend Warren Haynes returns to his
hometown bringing along his friends for the 21st annual Warren Haynes
Xmas Jam featuring Counting Crows, Ani DiFranco and Gov't Mule. Date:
Dec. 12
-- National Gingerbread House Competition & Display: Culinary
contestants from across the country will bring their edible
masterpieces to The Grove Park Inn this holiday season. Check out the
new behind-the-scenes gingerbread tour. Dates: Nov. 18, 2009 to Jan.
3, 2010. FREE
-- New! Legendary Inns Gingerbread Tour: Take a holiday trolley tour to
four of Asheville's historic bed & breakfast inns classically
decorated and featuring an elaborate gingerbread scene from 'Twas the
Night Before Christmas. Dates: Saturdays, Nov. 7, 2009 - Jan. 2, 2010
at 5 p.m.
-- Singing Santa & Asheville Holiday Parade: Grammy Award winner David
Holt and Appalachian songstress Laura Boosinger will preside over the
Asheville Holiday Parade. Always a favorite, Singing Santa croons from
atop his float as it winds through historic downtown. Date: Nov. 21 at
11 a.m. FREE
-- Christmas at Biltmore: Holidays arrive at America's largest home in
style. This year, Christmas at Biltmore promises more than 40
Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland, lights and holiday music.
Dates: Nov. 6, 2009 to Jan. 2, 2010

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Johnny Mercer and Valentine’s Gala to Highlight 2009 Georgia Days Events

The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) has announced the schedule of events for Georgia Days 2009, to be held February 3-14 in commemoration of the 276th anniversary of the founding of the Georgia colony. Thousands of parents, students, educators, and governmental officials participate in the Society’s annual statewide event. Each year during the Georgia Days series of events, GHS honors individuals who have significantly influenced Georgia and American history.

Taking a page from modern history and popular culture, the Society has named Savannah native and American music legend Johnny Mercer as Historic Honoree of the 2009 celebration. “Next year is the centennial of Johnny Mercer’s birth,” says GHS President and CEO Dr. Todd Groce, “and we are pleased and proud to join others across the state as we honor this native son whose remarkable 50-year career was deeply grounded in and influenced by his Savannah and Georgia roots.”

In addition to traditional events that include the Colonial Faire and Muster at Wormsloe, Super Museum Sunday, Black History Month Essay and Public Speaking Contest, and school children, costumed characters and dignitaries parading through Savannah’s historic district, the Georgia Days 2009 will feature the second annual Birthday Bash and Annual Award Gala, entitled Magic in the Moonlight.

“Our inaugural gala was a wonderfully well received success,” says Laura García-Culler, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Society, “and Magic in the Moonlight will provide our members and friends with a memorable, very romantic night out on February 14, Valentine’s Day.” “In addition to fine dining and dancing, and the music of Johnny Mercer, political commentators James Carville and Mary Matalin – Washington’s most captivating couple – will keynote the event with a talk entitled All’s Fair in Love, War and Politics.

The evening will also include Governor Sonny Perdue inducting the first new Georgia Trustees since 1749, part of an exciting new partnership between the GHS and the State of Georgia that will annually recognize in perpetuity selected Georgians who have made outstanding contributions to our state’s history. Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus will be in attendance for his induction as one of the first Georgia Trustees in 260 years.” Born in downtown Savannah in 1909, young Johnny Mercer absorbed the rich musical culture of coastal Georgia.

He spent time in his youth at the Pin Point Oyster Company on the Back River, later renamed Moon River, listening to songs in the Geechee dialect that would later inspire his world-famous lyrics. He wrote his first song at age 15 and, without formal musical training, went on to pen over 1,000 songs; collaborate with such well known musical talents as Hoagy Carmichael, Harold Arlen, Marvin Hamlisch, Bobby Darin, and Andre Previn; and win four Academy Awards®. As a co-founder of Capitol Records, he was instrumental in discovering and launching the careers of Nat “King” Cole, Stan Kenton and Peggy Lee, among others.

Johnny Mercer’s music will be featured throughout the Georgia Days schedule. Less well known are his talents as an illustrator and painter, and the public is invited to view examples of his drawings and paintings, hear his music, and enjoy champagne and sweets at the Georgia Days Kickoff event, Pardon My Southern Accent: The Life and Legacy of Johnny Mercer in Word, Song, and Art, to be held February 3 at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church on Calhoun Square in downtown Savannah.

Below is a complete list of Georgia Days 2009 events commemorating the founding of the Georgia Colony. Note that some times and locations may change or are yet to be determined. Check www.georgiahistory.com for the latest information.

Georgia Days Kickoff Event Pardon My Southern Accent: The Life and Legacy of Johnny Mercer in Word, Song, and Art Tuesday, February 3, 2009. In this family-friendly event, professional entertainer Jim Wann explores the life and contributions of Savannah’s own Johnny Mercer by providing biographical information interspersed with musical selections from Mercer’s extensive body of work, as well as personal reminiscences of Johnny collected from local Savannahians. A reception that will include a rare viewing of several of Mercer’s original watercolors, as well as a display of Mercer’s childhood art will continue the exploration of this multi-talented artist.

Enjoy a live concert of the music of 2009 Historic Honoree Johnny Mercer. Free and open to the public. Georgia Days Colonial Faire and Muster Saturday (Family Day) and Sunday, February 7-8, 2009 Wormsloe State Historic Site Friends and families of all ages enjoy this popular annual living history program featuring hundreds of costumed interpreters performing colonial-era military drill, dance, and music at the site of one of Georgia’s oldest and most beautiful coastal plantations. Demonstrations of musket and canon firing, crafts, and other aspects of daily life in the eighteenth century are given throughout this weekend-long event. Schedule of events is available upon arrival at this event.

Super Museum Sunday
Sunday, February 8, 2009, 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Multiple Savannah-area sites (visit www.georgiahistory.com after January 1, 2009 for museum list, or contact individual sites of interest) Georgians and visitors alike experience coastal Georgia’s rich history and cultural life as historic sites, house museums, art museums, and other points of interest in Savannah and coastal Georgia open their doors to the public at no charge during this annual GHS’s Georgia Days family event. From Statesboro to Darien, more than 40 sites participate in this event, providing visitors a rare opportunity to experience the history in our own backyard.

Black History Month Essay and Public Speaking Contest
Monday, February 9, 2009, 5:30 PM
Georgia Historical Society, 501 Whitaker Street, Savannah
Open to area middle and high school students, the 2009 contest will focus on Savannah in the Civil Rights Movement. Students and teachers should visit www.georgiahistory.com and follow the Georgia Days link for more information on the contest. Finalists from the essay portion will compete in a public speaking event to be held at the Georgia Historical Society and judged by an independent panel representing the academic and media communities. Prizes to be awarded. Reception to follow.

Georgia Days Dignitaries Coffee
Thursday, February 12, 2009, 9:00 AM
Sponsored by The Savannah Bank
An invitation-only event for dignitaries, sponsors and special guests prior to the Georgia Day Parade start. This year will feature the unveiling of new plaques honoring the creators of named endowment funds at the Georgia Historical Society.

Georgia Day Parade
February 12, 2009, 10:30 AM
Bull Street from Forsyth Park to City Hall
Thousands of costumed local elementary school children march behind student-made banners in commemoration of Georgia’s founding in 1733. This colorful parade of students, local dignitaries, costumed characters, musicians, and a military color guard begins at Forsyth Park and ends with a program in front of City Hall, where the mayor and other officials bring greetings and awards are presented for the annual Banner Competition.

Georgia Days Birthday Bash and Annual Awards Gala
Saturday, February 14, 2009, 7:00 PM
Hyatt Regency – Savannah
Sponsored by Southern LNG an El Paso Company
Tickets $250 each
Magic in the Moonlight, a romantic, entertaining, black-tie Valentine’s celebration to benefit GHS educational programs and activities.

Order tickets early. To purchase tickets visit our website at www.georgiahistory.com or call 912.651.2125 Ext. 20.

GEORGIA DAYS 2009 CORPORATE SPONSORS
Signature Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
In-Kind Media Sponsors
Connect Savannah WTOC
Gold Sponsors: AT&T, First National Bank, Georgia Power, Savannah Distributing Co.,
Queensborough National Bank & Trust
Silver Sponsors: Boaen Mechanical, Crescent Towing of Savannah, Hunter, Maclean, Exley & Dunn,
P.C., Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung, Kole Management Company, Lummus Corporation, Prince-Bush-
Smith Hotels, Shell, TIC- The Industrial Company, Treadwell and Associates

Additional educational events (visit www.georgiahistory.com) supported in part by:
The Georgia Historical Society, headquartered in Savannah, is a preeminent educational and research institution and the first and only statewide historical society in Georgia. It is the oldest cultural organization in the state and one of the oldest historical societies in the nation. For nearly 175 years, GHS has collected, preserved, and shared Georgia and American history through a variety of educational outreach programs, publications, and research services. For more information visit: ww.georgiahistory.com.

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Washington's 1776 Christmas

T2F Note: What a great way to remember American Revolution patriots at the annual reenactment of Washington Crossing the Delaware on Christmas Day. The event is set to start around 1 pm.

The annual memorial recreation of Washington Crossing the Delaware River is a great event for the entire family. Come and reflect on the historic activities of 1776 and witness this great commemorative event. Speeches and activities for this event are sponsored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.....More

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The Rock Ranch Kicks Off ‘Fall Family Fun Days’ with Themed Weekend and Special Entertainment on Sept. 20

T2F Note: Fall is almost here and the Rock Ranch is ready to celebrate family and fall with their super weekend events. It's worth the short trip as you discover another one of the Fayette Front Page Day Trippers.
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Weekly Fall Festivals Feature Attractions, Crafts, Music, Food and Contests

Admission includes all activities and attractions. Discount coupons are available at participating Chick-fil-A locations through November, 8. The Rock Ranch is open each Saturday from Sept. 20 to Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

The Rock Ranch is located off State Highway 36 west of Barnesville, GA and east of Thomaston, GA. It is 58 miles south of downtown Atlanta, 38 miles northwest of Macon, and 61 miles northeast of Columbus.

The Rock Ranch LLC, a 1,250-acre cattle ranch owned by Chick-fil-A® Founder, S. Truett Cathy, will kick off “Fall Family Fun Days” on Sept. 20, 2008. The Rock Ranch provides a unique blend of “agritourism” (wholesome family entertainment in an agricultural setting). Fall Family Fun Days at The Rock Ranch feature a wide variety of interactive, educational and family-based events, activities and programs for its guests.

Each of the Fall Family Fun Days will feature special themed events that include:

• September 20 –The Rock Ranch Rural Round Up features the grand opening of the “Explore
Georgia” corn maze, live music, hillbilly karaoke, arm wrestling and lawnmower racing among
other fun rural activities. There will also be a tug of war competition where ranch hands
Henry and Max will take on everyone else in attendance at the same time. This date is also
teach appreciation day (all school teachers with a school ID card enter for free with their
immediate family).

• September 27 – The Rock Ranch Bluegrass Festival provides a full day of bluegrass that will
feature Cedar Hill, The Honey Creek Boys, Due South and more. This date also serves as
home school day (all homeschoolers and their parents receive ½-off the price of admission)

• October 4 – Growing Up Green, featuring Bob and Larry of Veggie Tales will allow guests to
enjoy having their photos made with the Veggie Tales characters. There will be fun games
and activities that involve having fun with vegetables and thinking green. Various booths,
presentations and demonstrations will provide information about “green” topics such as
alternative energy, recycling, composting and more.

• October 11 – Wagon Wheel Market Day offers fun for the whole family with a premier
shopping experience among exhibitors of hand-made crafts (for mom), excellent concessions
and great guy gadgets like the pumpkin cannon (for dad), and a full days worth of fun
attractions (for the children).

• October 18 – The Rock Ranch Hot Air Balloon Rally, sponsored by Ferrell Gas, features many
beautiful hot air balloons that will participate in an early morning competition flight, an
evening competition flight, and a “balloon glow” after dark. Tethered rides will be available in
the evening if weather permits. Also The Moo Cow Bikers/ Victory Junction Gang charity
motorcycle ride will originate at Great South Harley Davidson in Newnan and arrive at The
Rock Ranch in parade fashion at 4pm. One lucky biker will be chosen to ride off into the
sunset in the Harley Davidson Hot Air Balloon.

• October 25 – “The Rock” of Salvation Christian Music Concert, in partnership with Atlanta’s
J93, features popular Christian artists. A full line-up of artists will be released September 22.

• November1 – Pumpkin Destruction Day allows guests to assist in the destruction of any
unsold pumpkins or bring their own to recycle through fun methods such as: the pumpkin
cannon, pumpkin bowling, the hammer smash and the lift crane pumpkin drop, among others.

• November 8 – The Rock Ranch Great Outdoor Adventure features exciting outdoor activities
and educational demonstrations. Guests will enjoy a falconry demonstration, birds of prey
exhibition, archery, fishing rodeo, insect education lab, wildlife station, and a reptile show by
Jason Clark of Animal Planet.

In addition to the themed weekends, guests will find a variety of family fun attractions that are
included with admission each weekend. Admission includes unlimited use of:

o Locomotive Train Rides
o Hay Rides
o Pony Rides
o Carousel
o Corn Cannons
o The Cow Train
o Pedal Carts
o Paddle Boats
o Cane Pole Fishing
o The Farmland Petting Zoo
o Conestoga Wagon Inflatable
o Children’s “Jolly Jump”
o Children’s John Deere Gators
o The Giant Sling Shot
o The Relaxation Station and Creek
o The Corn Box Play Area
o Little Town
o Horse Shoes
o Musical Entertainment
o Giant Inflatable Jumping Pillow
o The “Explore Georgia” Corn Field

Maze

“The goal at The Rock Ranch is to create an opportunity for families to spend quality time
together and provide educational and entertaining programs that create positive life memories,”
said Jeff Manley, general manager of The Rock Ranch, LLC. “Throughout the years, we’ve
learned to blend our love of agriculture with entertainment to keep people interested and
involved in a way of life that our grandparents knew well, but now is in danger of being
forgotten.”

The theme this year for the popular corn maze at The Rock Ranch is “Explore Georgia.” As fuel
prices continue to discourage long distance travel, The Rock Ranch seeks to highlight some of the wonderful elements found locally, in Georgia. The maze includes information about Georgia’s history, famous people and exciting destinations. Maze-goers can attempt a scavenger hunt/word search to find and match Georgia key words hidden in the maze. The Rock Ranch is
partnered with The Georgia Department of Economic Development and Tourism on this year’s
maze and its purpose is to educate guests about this state and all that it has to offer – right
outside their backdoors. It also is designed to help make Georgians aware of exploregeorgia.org,
a new state tourism website designed to assist citizens in fully enjoying this great state.
General admission is $13 for adults and $11 for children 12 and under (children under 3 are free).

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