Earth Day Celebration at the Chattahoochee Nature Center

When: 4/18/2009 10:00 AM

The whole family will enjoy many ways to connect to nature and learn fun new ways to help the planet. Meet Captain Planet who will give you the power!? Visit interactive booths and exhibits from over 25 local groups and environmental organizations!? Explore environmental themes such as clean water and air, wildlife and habitat protection, water conservation, and recycling while finding ways of taking green steps to a new level in your home and business. Learn to "Leave No Trace" with REI, See Live Animal Presentations, Paddle a Canoe on CNC's Beaver Pond, Explore Environmental Themes, Earth-themed Arts and Crafts

• Location:Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell
• Cost:Admission is $5 per person, Children 2 & under are FREE
• Registration Required? No.
• Complete Event Details

Support Our State Parks and Maybe Win an RV

I saw this notice in my REI e-newsletter, and I thought I should share it with all of you.

What's better than waking up with bird songs, sparkling lakes or misty mountains right outside your door? Georgia's 48 State Parks make it easy to find affordable getaways in the great outdoors. Hotel-style lodge rooms, fully equipped cottages and modern campgrounds can be found in the Peach State's most beautiful locations. From April 18 through May 25, when you spend the night this spring in a Georgia State Park lodge, cottage or campsite and be automatically entered for a chance to win an RV. An outdoor getaway in a Georgia State Park is easy, affordable and fun, so make your reservation today. For contest rules and regulations, visit any Georgia State Park or www.getoutdoorsgeorgia.org.

Feed Strays Attracted a Coyote

Here's a prime example of what can happen when you leave food out for stray cats or other critters. You may attract animals you really don't want near your home. Take a look at what was trapped in a neighborhood today off Briarcliff Rd here in DeKalb County. Link to Photos on WSBTV- Channel 2 ABC News Site Details are explained in the captions below the photographs

Georgia House Passes Bill for Driver's Licenses

Earlier this week the Georgia House passed by a vote of 104-58 a bill requiring all permanent residents of the state applying for a driver's license to pass their written and oral exams in English. Previously residents had the option of taking the exam in one of twelve languages, notwithstanding Georgia's official English law. A similar bill earlier passed the Georgia Senate by a vote of 37-14; once the minor differences between the bills are hashed out, it is expected to be signed by Gov. Sonny Perdue and become law.

What an exciting morning for Kingsley Elementary School! At 7:10, more than 70 students and 20 parents gathered at the edge of the neighborhood for the first Walking Wednesday. Walking Wednesday is a new program the Kingsley Parent Council, primarily Tom Lambert, has created to encourage what used to be the norm--walking to school.

Here's how it works. We use a “Walking School Bus”, which is simply a group of parents and children walking to school together along a predetermined route. The parent volunteers (aka Bus Drivers), lead the group of children.

This morning, with heavy clouds and eyelids, Ella and I joined the Walking School Bus at 7:10 AM and walked one mile to her school. Yes, the sleeping princesses actually got up at 6:00 and 6:20 AM to get ready, have breakfast and make it to the Walking Bus Stop on-time. I was so proud of all the children, especially the pre-K and kindergarteners. They stayed on the sidewalks, respected people's lawns, resisted jumping in puddles, and didn't crowd people. It was a wonderful experience, and we can't wait for the next Walking Wednesday on 4/15.

I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend. We certainly did. Unfortunately, my parents had to leave Atlanta early to get home to their home in north Florida. But, we managed to have a nice visit on Friday and Saturday. Plus, we were able to watch the Auburn football game on Saturday night, and Megan, Charlie, and Derrick even came over too. To me, there's not much better than a Saturday night with friends, family, and Auburn football. WAR EAGLE!

My First Entry

I can't believe I'm doing this, blogging. But, so many of my friends have started sharing photos, funny stories, and other items of interest through their blogs, I figured it's worth a shot. Maybe I'll actually be able to keep up with it. We'll see...