Chattahoochee Bend State Park Public Meeting
Public Meeting on the Chattahoochee Bend State Park Business Plan
What:
Media, community leaders and citizens are invited to a public meeting to discuss the future of Chattahoochee Bend State Park and its impact on the community. The manager will present the site’s strategic business and management plan, with the intention of increasing community awareness, support and involvement in its implementation. Public input is encouraged to ensure the site’s continued contributions to the community, including economic impacts and quality of life.
When:
Thursday May 23rd
7 – 8 p.m.
Where:
Coweta County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall
275 Pine Road
Newnan, Georgia 30263
Background:
Chattahoochee Bend State Park’s business management plan was developed as part of the Georgia State Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division’s strategic business planning process intended to improve the future of individual sites and the entire state park system. A copy of the plan is available at http://gastateparks.org/businessplans.
A New Mom’s Guide to Choosing a Daycare
By Charlotte Bowman
When you’re a first-time mom, leaving your infant in a daycare program can be nerve wrecking. It’s important to find the best environment for your child– and your peace-of-mind. But what questions should you ask to compare each child care program? We polled our fabulous Facebook fans to find out what tips and advice they had to share.
Start your search as soon as possible.
“Most daycares have a wait list and you don’t want to be stuck having to put your baby in one you don’t like just because there is no where else. At least get your name on the list.” ~ Heather C.
Check the center’s references.
“Get personal recommendations from friends and family members and check online reviews.” ~ Carla E.
“Ask what grade they got on their State inspection, if they didn’t get a good score are won’t tell you don’t use them.” Thea W.
Take a tour of the facility.
“Do the children seem happily engaged? Is the staff actively and lovingly interacting with the children?” ~ Jennifer F.
“Look at classroom size. Not just for the little babies, but toddlers as well. There are state mandated teacher-child ratios, but smaller class sizes are better. Teachers can get overwhelmed,” ~ Melanie P.
Look for cleanliness.
“Check for clutter on or at the changing stations. Check for recent artwork and make sure the other children are clean.” ~ Jennifer L
“It may sound weird, but if the place smells bad, that’s a bad sign. When we were looking to move my son from the center he’d been at since birth, that was one of the big things I just couldn’t overcome when visiting other facilities,” ~ Christy R.
“Use all your senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch, even taste.” ~ Jennifer F.
Observe the staff.
“The thing I first noticed when I walked into the infant room were the staff members already playing and holding the babies, or only after you walked in the room. You can tell when people enjoy what they do or if it’s just a paycheck,” ~ Theresa R.
“Watch the teachers interact with kids. I’ve been so surprised at how many daycares I see where teachers are just sitting around and kids are left to play alone.” ~ Kay F.
“Meet the teacher! If she’s talkative and answers questions on a surprise visit, most likely she will have time to talk at the end of each day if you have questions throughout the year,” ~ Elicia H.
Ask about their security system.
“Our day care is in the process of updating their system to a code/fingerprint system. Love that!” ~ Marian F.
“Make sure they have cameras. I wouldn’t put my child anywhere that did not have cameras.” ~ Dawn R.
Ask about the center’s rules & procedures.
“Potty training is very important on their part. Check out their procedures. Make sure they have potty schedules.” ~ Marian F.
Take your baby to the center.
“The best advice I received was take the baby with you when you are making your final decision. See how they baby reacts. It will give you piece of mind!” Heather C.
Go with your intuition.
“You just know when you’ve picked the right one for your precious one.” says Carla E.
“This is a crucial period in a child’s life, so don’t be afraid to speak your mind and ask lots of questions. Above all, trust your instincts!!” ~ Kay F.
On the Net:
Childcare Network’s parent checklist.
Duplication and/or publication without permission is strictly prohibited. Please contact Charlotte Bowman, Muscogee Moms LLC, at (706) 888-0260 or charlotte@muscogeemoms.com for duplication/publication use.
Best Blogs for Local Fun
If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in your community, check out this state-by-state list of the best blogs for local fun from the Local Fun For Kids website!
These blogs, which are mostly created by moms, are full of information about community events, festivals, concerts, indoor activities for kids, play grounds and more!
Each blog features something original & unique – whether you want something to do on a rainy Wednesday morning, a fun day trip with the kids, or advice for a phenomenal getaway.
MuscogeeMoms.com and LaGrangeMoms.com are listed under Georgia.
And here are OUR favorite Blogs & Parenting Magazines… Many of which we’ve had the pleasure of meeting personally!
Alabama
- Auburn-Opelika Parents ~ Monthly parenting magazine for Lee County, AL
- Muscogee Moms ~ Your guide to family fun in Columbus, Phenix City, Fort Benning and beyond
Florida
- Suburban Mom ~ Crafty. Green. & everything in between.
Georgia
- Family & Kids of the Chattahoochee Valley ~ Monthly parenting digest with resources and shopping for Columbus and Fort Benning
- LaGrange Moms ~ Your guide to family fun in Troup County and beyond
- Muscogee Moms ~ Your guide to family fun in Columbus (GA), Phenix City (AL), Fort Benning (GA) and beyond
- Southern Mamas - A one-stop online resource for savvy moms inthe Savannah, GA & HIlton Head Island, SC area
- Atlanta Parent Online ~ Monthly parenting magazine for Atlanta families
Kentucky
- Elizabethtown Family ~ Your connection to family fun in Elizabethtown, Fort KNox, Radcliffe and more
Louisiana
- Baton Rouge Parent ~ Monthly parenting magazine for the greater Baton Rouge area
North Carolina
- Charlotte Parent ~ Monthly parenting magazine featuring kids, family and life in the Queen City
- Triad Moms on Main ~ Family fun & things to do in Winston, Greensboro, HighPoint & more
South Carolina
- Southern Mamas ~ A one-stop online resource for savvy moms inthe Savannah, GA & Hilton Head Island, SC area
Tennessee
- Nashville Parent ~ Monthly parenting magazine for middle Tennessee
Virginia
- Richmond Mom ~ An online magazine for the Richmond area
Other Great Blogs
- Mashup Mom ~ Money saving and making strategies for moms (and…
- Moms of Faith ~ Christian moms, parenting, resources, community and more
- Energizer Bunnies’ Mommy Reports ~ Featuring mommy tips, Christ-centered encouragement, travel features, recipes, lifestyle articles & more
- Stockpiling Moms ~ Tips on living a savvy lifestyle within a budget
- Macaroni Kid: National ~ A family of Publisher Moms dedicated to serving the scoop on all the family-friendly events and activities in their communities each week.
LaGrange Art Museum Announces New Children’s Gallery
The LaGrange Art Museum announces the opening of The Children’s Gallery, May 10, 2013 – just in time for Mother’s Day. This newly unveiled gallery will be open year-round and will feature art from the Museum’s Permanent Collection suitable for young viewers. Hung at Lilliputian eye level with descriptive wall text and “treasure hunt like clues”, it will give the youngest gallery-goers the opportunity to learn about art and its ability to tell a story without serving up pabulum.
Karen Anne Briggs, the Art Museum’s Executive Director said, “one of my earliest memories is of trips through the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. with my family. My parents would take the time to help me look at art and really see the painting. Works like Henry Rouseau’s Jungle, or images of Tahiti by Paul Gauguin captured my imagination and told a story which helped me see the world as a broader place, and ultimately influenced me to choose a career in arts management.”
The Museum will select works from its Permanent Collection that offer teaching opportunities for all ages and grades. Works such as MuseumScape by Benny Andrews offer the ability to teach 3 point perspective and select works of art can be used to enhance history, social studies, science or even math and can open discussions around current events and community history. The Museum encourages public and private school groups as well as home school groups to take advantage of the new youth-oriented Gallery.
“The Museum’s mission is to educate and serve”, said Board of Governor’s President Ethyl L. Ault, “we reach across a five county area and hope to be a resource for a broad cross section of the Chattahoochee Valley community”.
The LaGrange Art Museum is open Tuesday through Friday 9 to 5 and on Saturday from 11 to 4. Super Saturdays offered the 3rd Saturday of each month, are free and open to the public and offer children an opportunity to visit the Museum and participate in hands on art activities. Admission to the Museum is free to children and all Troup County residents and $5 to adults residing outside Troup County.
Chattahoochee Whitewater Rafting Begins Memorial Day Weekend
New Chattachoochee River course to open May 25, 2013
Head for the banks of the Chattahoochee river this summer for a thrilling adventure of urban white water rafting! The new Chattahoochee river whitewater course between downtown Columbus, GA and Phenix City, AL will officially open May 25, 2013 at 10 a.m.
Once the 2.5 mile course is completely finished, it will be the longest stretch of urban whitewater in the world. Plus, rafters will have the choice of cruising the Columbus side or the Alabama side. Ultimately, the completed course will consist of over 10 Class 4+ rapids.
But how will the rapids on the Chattahoochee compare to other popular rivers such as the Ocoee river in Tennessee or the Chattooga river in north Georgia?
Avid whitewater fans will tell you that the higher the volume of water, the higher the thrills and challenges. The Chattahoochee regularly runs with ten times the volume of the Ocoee river. In other words–lots of fun!
Whitewater is classed in six categories from Class 1 (the easiest and safest) to Class 6 (the most difficult and most dangerous). Most family trips will be Class 1 or 2. Kids over 8 may be allowed on Class 3 rivers, which have more white water excitement.
Toy Story’s “Barbie” Enjoying New Role in Disney on Ice
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
Toy Story’s Barbie Enjoying New Role in Disney On Ice Worlds of Fantasy
By Laura Erickson, editor, LaGrange Moms © 2013 – Muscogee Moms LLC
The toys are back in town! The cast of Toy Story 3 joins skaters from Tinkerbell, Cars,and The Little Mermaid in the Disney On Ice production Worlds of Fantasy, coming to the Columbus Civic Center March 14-17. LaGrange Moms recently talked to Alevia Peterson, the skater who portrays Barbie in the show, about her skating career and her first principal role in a Disney on Ice production.
A native of Meadville, Pa., Peterson began skating at the age of four. Her brother played hockey, so the family spent a great deal of time at the ice rink. Her love of skating developed into a passion that led her to a very successful path of competitive skating and eventually, her dream job.
LM: What led you to join Disney on Ice?
AP: I actually told my mom when I was little that I would be in Disney on Ice one day. I loved the performance side of skating more than the competition….entertaining people and seeing their reactions. A friend set up an audition for me during my senior year of high school, and I got the job! I started skating for them after graduation and have been there ever since.
LM: What was your first role in a production?
AP: I started out as an ensemble skater in the Finding Nemo act. I have skated in Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour and Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Celebrate. I worked my way up over seven years to finally land a principal role, and the Barbie character is a great one! This is my second year skating as Barbie and it’s so much fun.
LM: What’s your favorite part about playing Barbie?
AP: I absolutely love the kids’ reaction to Barbie! It’s the coolest feeling in the world to know that I make them smile and laugh. That feeling never gets old! And my partner who plays Ken is hysterical…he makes me laugh every day. Our part of the show is really fun….there is a great dance number and a whole “fashion show”.
LM: What is it like to live your life traveling most of the year?
AP: It takes some adjustment to this kind of lifestyle, living out of two suitcases, but I love touring. I’ve been all over the world and seen so many wonderful places….Greece, Italy, Japan. We were the first Disney on Ice group to go to South Africa, and it was so beautiful! They arranged an overnight safari for us that was amazing. Sometimes we have organized tours and sometimes we just go explore on our own in smaller groups, but we try to see what each city has to offer. There are about 40 of us and we are like a family….we get along really well and have a great time experiencing so many cool things together. I do look forward to actually having a closet one day, but for now I love the travel! And during my time off, I can go home and visit my family in Pennsylvania.
LM: Tell us about the show!
AP: This show has great entertainment for both boys and girls! The new Cars characters are great, and of course all the Toy Story 3 characters have a really entertaining show. Girls will love the Little Mermaid and Tinkerbell, too. It’s a very special show for kids who love these stories. Seeing the kids’ faces never gets old when they are overwhelmed with excitement to see us! I love my job and I feel like the luckiest person in the world!
If you go:
Dates and Times
Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 7:00pm, Friday, March 15, 2012 at 10:30am and 7:00pm, Saturday, March 16, 2012 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, March 17, 2012 at 2:00pm
Ticket Information
| Section | Price |
|---|---|
| Rinkside | $40.00 |
| VIP | $30.00 |
| Lower Level | $20.00 |
| Upper Level | $15.00 |
| Opening night ticket special | $12.00 |
Additional service and handling fees may apply.
Parking fee $5.00
Tickets can be purchased at the Columbus Civic Center Box Office, online at TicketMaster.com or ordered by phone (1.800.745.3000).
For more information, visit DisneyOnIce.com.
Duplication and/or publication without permission is strictly prohibited. Please contact Charlotte Bowman, Muscogee Moms LLC, at (706) 888-0260 or charlotte@muscogeemoms.com for duplication/publication use.
Interview: Chrissy Moler; Wife, Mom, and Monster Truck Driver
Life is a Wild Ride for Monster Truck-Driving Mom
By Laura Erickson, editor, LaGrange Moms
© 2013 – Muscogee Moms LLC
LaGrange Moms recently had the opportunity to interview Chrissy Moler, one of only a handful of female monster truck drivers for the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam.
Chrissy is a mom of three kids, owns a farm in West Virginia with her husband…..and drives a monster truck named XXX – State of Destruction. In our interview, this skilled driver and daring mother opens up about how she began a career she never dreamed she would have and juggles motherhood with an on-the-road lifestyle that comes with being a part of the Monster Jam!
LM: What led you to monster truck competition, and how/when did you first begin?
Chrissy: : I started driving the summer of 2011 and have been with Monster Jam for 2012 and 2013. My husband told me I had to get in the seat; he didn’t have anyone else to drive. I kept insisting that I didn’t want too. Well here I am enjoying the thrill!
Driver Chrissy Moler, photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment
LM: Tell us what driving one of these trucks is like for you.
Chrissy: I love driving my Monster Truck. I go through so many emotions sitting behind the wheel. I also enjoy interacting with the kids and meeting lots of fans!
LM: How important is safety in this sport? What safety measures do drivers take?
Chrissy: : Safety is number one. I wear a hans device which hooks to my helmet that keeps my neck and head in place. I also have a five point harness which is “MY” seat belt. There are roll cages in the cab of the trucks which helps when we roll over.
LM: : Is this your only job or do you have another “day job”?
Chrissy: I have three kids so being a mom is my first job and most important. Second job consists of farming at home in Harpers Ferry WV, and third job is Monster Trucking. It’s the funniest job anyone could have, but it also contains a lot of work as well, especially maintaining and working on them.
LM: What about your family? Do they travel with you?
Chrissy: I have three kids who are nine, seven, and two years of age. All of them love traveling and watching the shows. They get to see a lot!!!
LM: What is the highlight of your career thus far?
Chrissy: I have many highlights, such as being able to see many different places, being able to crush cars, and the greatest is being able to make many new friends along the way.
LM: What advice do you have for anyone wanting to enter the sport?
Chrissy: Someone who wants to enter the sport should start with crewing for anyone who has a monster truck. This will help them get familiar with the mechanics of the truck.
If You Go:
What: Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam
When: Friday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, February 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Macon Centriplex Coliseum
Cost: Advance ticket prices start at $10 and go up to $30 per person; $2 more on day of show. Click here to purchase tickets.
Duplication and/or publication without permission is strictly prohibited.
Please contact Charlotte Bowman, Muscogee Moms LLC, at
(706) 888-0260 or charlotte@muscogeemoms.com for duplication/publication use.
Flu by State: Map Shows Alarming Spread of Illness
Flu Outbreak In 2013 Earliest, One Of The Worst In A Decade
It may be just a matter of time until Google’s Flu Map is solid red with “intense” flu activity. As of Thursday, January 10, 2013, 38 states are reporting intensive flu activity. For the remaining 13 states, the threat is “high.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that this year’s flu season is expected to be one of the worst the country has seen in 10 years. At least 18 children have died. The season isn’t expected to peak until the end of January or early February.
Though people who get flu shots may not be 100 percent safe from catching the infection, Doctors advise those who have yet to be vaccinated to do so right away. According to the CDC, it is important to get a flu vaccine every year because strains of the virus constantly change.
For more information about the 2012-2013 flu season, click here.
Holiday Gifts from GA State Parks & Historic Sites
Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites make holiday shopping easy by providing gift ideas that are practical while helping protect Georgia’s natural and historic resources. Whether your loved ones enjoy camping, hiking and mountain biking, or just like to hit the golf course on the weekend, a gift from Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites can be enjoyed well after the holidays are past.
Perfect for friends who enjoy park hopping, the Annual ParkPass provides access to all Georgia state parks without having to worry about paying parking fees for each visit. Normally parking fees are $5. Give your special loved one unlimited access to miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, kayaking and canoeing waterways, lakeside beaches and breathtaking mountain vistas. The Annual ParkPass costs $50 or $25 for seniors 62 and older. To purchase, call 1-800-864-7275 or visit GeorgiaStateParks.org.
For those “green” friends who have a serious love for protecting Georgia’s natural resources, a “Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites” membership is the perfect gift. In addition to enjoying the benefits of a free Annual ParkPass, Historic Site passes, a free night of camping or round of golf, and many additional perks, a Friends’ membership helps to protect Georgia’s natural and historic resources. Membership levels begin at $50 for an individual and are $75 per family. To learn more, visit friendsofgastateparks.org or call 1-888-948-2092.
Have a grandfather that loves to reminisce about days past? A Georgia Historic Site Pass is sure to offer him a year’s worth of enjoyment with unlimited admission to all 15 of Georgia’s state historic sites. Visit Georgia’s Civil War battlefields, picturesque plantations, ancient Indian mounds, Revolutionary War forts, and Native American and presidential homes. The pass is $35 per family, $20 per adult and $15 per child (17 and younger). Passes can be purchased at the historic sites, which can be found on GeorgiaStateParks.org.
Golf lovers on your holiday list will enjoy the diversity of Georgia State Park golf courses. For an $800 splurge, consider a GreensPass which provides unlimited rounds at seven state park golf courses for an entire year. Or, if you’re looking for a gift for a friend or colleague, a $20 Golf Club Membership Card provides savings and benefits at nine championship golf courses across the state. Offers vary by course, but include discounts on greens fees, cart rentals, merchandise and food. Natural scenery and quality courses make Georgia’s State Park GreensPasses and Golf Club Membership Cards sought-after gifts. Both can be purchased directly at the golf courses, or for more information, visit www.GeorgiaGolf.com or call 1-800-434-0982.
Many of Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites have gift shops filled with inexpensive presents for all ages. You’ll find nature books for children and travel guides for adults. Hiking and camping supplies, t-shirts and hats, toys and stuffed animals, themed décor and numerous other items will make outdoor lovers know you were thinking about them. History lovers will appreciate books and gifts from Etowah Indian Mounds, Fort King George, Roosevelt’s Little White House and other historic sites. To find a gift shop near you, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org.
For help in planning a holiday staycation or to learn about lodging packages, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org or call 1-800-864-PARK (7275). Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites are operated by the Department of Natural Resources.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park offers new adventure options
Chattahoochee Bend State Park has opened eight backcountry platforms for backpacking and canoe trips. Backcountry adventurers can plan hikes or different distances and difficulty to the sites or enjoy paddling the Chattahoochee River from two locations upstream from the park. Experienced paddlers may enjoy a seven-mile trip from the Coweta Boat Ramp on Highway 16. The paddling adventure there requires negotiation of several shoals. From Carroll County’s McIntosh Park less experienced paddlers can have a flat-water float to the backcountry platforms. Rentals of Nucanoes will soon be available at the park. Visitors to the backcountry platforms must reserve a site. The cost for camping is $9.00 per person per night. Toilets are available at the site but all visitors here must bring their own water. Those who backpack in can leave from the visitor’s center or day use area and must check in by 1:00pm. Paddlers should plan their trip to arrive well before dark.
The Visitor Center at Chattahoochee Bend now has Allen Jackson t-shirts, CD’s and his cookbook “Who says you can’t cook it all”. Country Singer Jackson is from the area and featured the “hooch” in a popular song “Chattahoochee”.
Plan your next adventure at Chattahoochee Bend State Park. Campsites are still available for November 9-10. The weather and fall colors are awesome. November 9, the Rangers will have a Friday night owl prowl at 6:30. Listen out for a Great Horned Owl or the “who cooks for you” call of a barred owl. Saturday November 10 there will be an 11:00am critter crawl hike from the Visitors Center down to the River. At 12:30 techies can enjoy a Geocaching Adventure. At 3:00 enjoy “Snakes Alive!” program at the visitor’s center. Young and old can make puppets and help put together a puppet show at 4:30pm. Sunday wraps up the weekend with an 11:00am guided hike.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park is located between Newnan and Franklin off Georgia Highway 34. Follow the signs from Powers Crossroads. The park contains 2,910 acres along the Chattahoochee River. There is more than five miles of river frontage. Picnicking, playgrounds, hiking trails, boating access, and camping facilities are available. Campers can choose from riverside platform camping, walk-in tent camping, drive in tent camping and RV camping. Groups and families may enjoy the Adirondack Shelters for camping. Two picnic shelters can accommodate up to 40 people in the Riverfront day use area. Playgrounds, geocaches, six miles of hiking trails and a river side 30 foot tall Observation Tower. For more information call 770-254-7271 or visit GeorgiaStateParks.org. You can make reservations on the website or by calling 1-800-864-7275.
