Shoney’s 5K Family Fun Run benefiting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department is set for Saturday morning, June 2, at LP Field, two weeks from tomorrow. Participants will include Nashville area run & walk enthusiasts of all ages and police officer trainees (who will run in formation).
“Shoney’s is pleased once again to sponsor this event that unites runners and families from across the mid-state region to raise money for a great cause: the Nashville Police Department Support Fund,” said Davoudpour. “We look forward to bringing the community together for an exciting day and to show appreciation for the men and women who protect us.”
Chief Steve Anderson said the Family Fun Run is an important annual event that strengthens the bond and partnership between the police department and the Nashville community as a whole.
“The Shoney’s Run provides an opportunity for us to showcase major elements of the police department to Nashville’s families,” Anderson said. “At the same time, 100% of the race proceeds will go to a special fund established within the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to fund higher education opportunities and other advanced training programs for Metro officers.”
The Family Fun Run & Festival will be based in LP Field’s Lot T, which is adjacent to the Shelby Street Bridge. Registration for the run will begin at 6 a.m. and the 5K will start at 7 a.m. The 3.1 mile route includes parts of downtown. There will be a Kids’ Fun Run/Walk following the race. A registration form accompanies this media release. A form is also available by logging onto:www.shoneys5krun.com.
Prizes for the 5K top finishers in the male and female categories are $250 cash. Male and female first place winners in each age category will receive a $25 Shoney’s gift card. Second place winners in each age category will receive a $10 Shoney’s gift card. The age categories include 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65 and up. All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Children participating in the Kids’ Fun Run will receive a goodie bag. Participants will also be provided complimentary beverages and fruit at the finish line.
The festival, featuring live entertainment, random drawings and refreshments, will begin immediately after the run. A variety of Metro police equipment will be on display, including a police helicopter, SWAT gear, Bomb Squad vehicles, a bomb robot and a police boat.
The Kids’ Zone will include free activities, such as face painting, giant inflatables, games and an appearance by Shoney Bear.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.– Nashville Mayor Karl Dean Sunday opened Cumberland Park, an innovative new play space for children and families incorporating nature-inspired play structures and water features to create an exciting new attraction along Nashville’s riverfront. Dean was joined by Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency Executive Director Phil Ryan and Metro Parks Director Tommy Lynch for the opening. Cumberland Park sits adjacent to LP Field and is part of the Riverfront Redevelopment Plan.
“Cumberland Park encourages physical play and activity, incorporates the natural beauty of the riverfront and adds to the vitality of the East Bank, which are all important to me,” Dean said. “The play park is unlike any other park we have in Nashville, and I see it becoming a major attraction and gathering place for families.”
The 6.5-acre park sits between the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge. It has direct access to the Shelby Street Bridge by way of a new elevator and staircase. The park was built at a cost of $9.5 million.
“I’m proud MDHA has been able to be a part of this really unique destination for the city’s families,” Ryan said. “For decades to come, Cumberland Park will be a place where kids from across the community will be able to come and play together and where lots of family memories will be created. This is a complex project with lots of innovative features, and I’m glad we took the time and attention-to-detail needed to create a space unlike any other in the country.”
A variety of special events, including live music and festivals, will be held at the park this year.
“Cumberland Park is an extraordinary and unique addition to Metro’s diverse park system,” Lynch said. “It’s a park designed to creatively engage the entire family with both active and passive recreational features such as wading pools, interactive play equipment, picnic areas and an amphitheater, just to name a few. Cumberland Park is distinctively Nashville, and it’s a great local and regional destination point that will connect people to the riverfront.”
Today’s grand opening included a ribbon-cutting and was to include performance at the Canopy stage by the Nashville School of the Arts Pop Ensemble, the Nashville Public Library Puppet Truck with “Mother Goose” and the Nashville Children’s Theatre with an opening scene from “Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type.”
Features of Cumberland Park include the following:
“I was inspired by the land and geology of Tennessee,” said architect Gavin McMillan of Hargreaves Associates. “We’ve incorporated all the features of the land, the water, the light, the stone, the trees, ridges and valleys. Coupled with a child’s imagination, Cumberland Park creates the type of play that aren’t possible with ordinary playground equipment. Additionally, the park offers a great space where a family can spend the day with fun along with opportunities to learn about the history of the riverfront.”
Environmentally-friendly features incorporated into the design of Cumberland Park include the use of geo-thermal energy, energy efficient lighting, preservation of the floodplain, remediation of a brownfield site, water reuse for irrigation, improved bio-diversity and interpretive signage to educate the public about cultural and natural resources.
Cumberland Park is part of the larger Riverfront Revitalization Plan which includes renovation of the adjacent Bridge Building, as well as development of The Lawn, an open space for recreation and events, and the Bridge Building Landing. Detailed design for The Lawn is underway.
The park was developed by Metro Nashville government and the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, designed by Hargreaves and Associates and built by Hardaway Construction. It will be operated and managed by Metro Parks.
In the past 24 hours, Nashville has had rash of house and apartment fires, including three residences with occupants, 8 adults and 8 children. The American Red Cross has come to the aid of these families with shelter, food and clothing-the basic necessities which were all totally destroyed in the fires.
We are a first responder, on the scene immediately assessing the damage and helping with any needs. Fire is the most common disaster that the Red Cross deals with day in and day out. Unusually, this spring has been very active and fires have been devastating in our community. Fire is most common, yet the most preventable disaster.
Prepare Your Home and FamilyPrepare Now for Peace of Mind Later-A Family’s Guide to HOME FIRES
Home fires are the most common disaster that the Red Cross responds to and also the most preventable. Families need to take a few simple precautions to avoid tragedies, such as having working smoke alarms on every level of their homes and having family fire escape plans in place to help get everyone out of the house safely. The American Red Cross recommends the following when creating your family escape plan:
The generosity of middle Tennessee American Red Cross donors is bringing invaluable relief to these families during a time of extreme personal disaster. There is a tremendous need; please consider helping the Nashville Chapter of the American Red Cross. Your gifts will help us help these families now and in the future. www.nashvilleredcross.org or call, 615.250.4300
(ARA) - Children can add so much to a wedding day - from the ring bearer toddling down the aisle carrying a pillow with precious cargo, to the flower girl who sweetly perfumes your path to the altar by dropping tender petals in her wake. As special as you feel on your wedding day, you'll want even your littlest helpers to share in the feeling and know that you appreciate them.
To ensure that your young attendants are happy campers on the big day, you'll want to help them look their best and make them feel that they have an important role. Here are some helpful hints that you can put in practice, whether the child is your own or the child of a loved one. Follow these tips, and you'll help ensure the youngest members of your wedding party have a positive experience that they - and you - will remember for a lifetime.
Make her feel special
Chances are you're not the only female in your wedding party who's doing something special, exciting - and intimidating - for the first time. Your flower girl or young bridesmaid is also experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime, princess-like moment, and may feel understandably nervous at the prospect of having all eyes on her as she precedes you down the aisle. Making her feel special, as if she is a little princess, will help boost her self-confidence.
Brides spend lots of time and energy picking out dresses for their flower girls and junior bridesmaids, taking into account not only how the dress will fit in with the look of the wedding, but how it will complement the wearer. Accessories are just as important, and the youngest members of the wedding party should have some small items to highlight their attire, just as every bride should.
Not only will jewelry enhance the look, it will be a keepsake of the day - look for pieces that are high quality (so that they will last a lifetime), but reflective of the wearer's age. Disney Precious Collections offers fine children's jewelry for girls that will be perfect for any wedding. The pieces are understated and elegant, but also feature the youthful spirit of beloved Disney characters - they make ideal flower girl gifts.
Keep her involved
Children love being involved in life's big moments and decisions as much as possible. Keep your flower girl or young bridesmaid part of the decision-making process as much as possible leading up to your wedding day.
In addition to involving them in fun things like wedding showers, putting stamps on invitations and hair and make-up trials, give your young attendants some options that they can choose from. Will she wear her hair up or down? With flowers, ribbons or feathers?
You can also give her options about what kind of flower girl jewelry she might wear. For a special surprise, you could show her examples of earrings, necklaces and bracelets from Disney Precious Collections well ahead of time, and then surprise her on the day of the wedding with the one she liked best. To look through the jewelry options that can become treasured wedding memories for your junior bridesmaids and flower girls, visit www.PreciousJewelryCollections.com.
Make your day child-friendly
Though you'll feel like your wedding day is flying by, it can be a long day for the littlest members of your wedding party. Even the best-mannered kids get tired and out of sorts after hours of activity, so it's good to take that into consideration. You'll be in a whirlwind of excitement, so make sure that you have a trusted attendant who can help accommodate children's needs.
Think about scheduling your photos so that pictures with children will be taken first and quickly. They'll be energetic and happy, and if you can have the photos taken soon after hair and make-up are done, everyone will look picture-perfect.
Plan to have something special for youngsters - both wedding party members and young guests - at the reception. Consider offering kid-friendly menu items, or have separate entertainment like balloon animals, a toy box or a coloring station with crayons and a paper easel to keep kids happy and occupied while adults enjoy the grown-up activities at the reception.
Keeping the youngest members of your wedding party happy on your wedding day will help ensure the day is special, memorable and enjoyable for everyone.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - An estimated 8 million American adults may be affected by bipolar disorder, a complex mental illness in which people experience extreme mood swings from highs (bipolar mania) to lows (bipolar depression). Episodes of bipolar depression can include symptoms of prolonged periods of sadness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and feelings of worthlessness. These symptoms can interfere with a person's ability to handle everyday tasks, such as those related to work or family life. Most people with bipolar disorder when ill or when symptomatic experience more depressive moods (lows) than elevated moods (highs).
Actress Debi Mazar, of HBO's "Entourage" who was seen recently on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," is opening up for the first time about a close family member's battle with bipolar depression. About 10 years ago, Mazar's family began to notice alarming changes in her relative's behavior. He saw a doctor and was incorrectly diagnosed twice with anxiety disorder and later with depression. Mazar's family quickly learned that mental illnesses can also be very hard not only on the patient but also on family members, who may find themselves in the role of caretaker.
"It was very frustrating for my family because we didn't know what to do to help," recalled Mazar. "The symptoms took a huge toll on him and it was very difficult for us."
Eventually, Mazar's relative was accurately diagnosed with bipolar disorder. His doctor helped him find the best combination of medication and talk therapy to manage his bipolar depression, and today he has a successful job, works out regularly, and has re-engaged with family and friends.
"I'm speaking out about what my family went through because I want to help change public perception of bipolar depression, reduce stigma, and show other families that bipolar depression can be managed successfully," said Mazar.
Dr. Janet Taylor, a psychiatrist who works with people who have bipolar depression, says it's common for chronic diseases like this one to take a toll on family members. She recommends these general tips from the National Family Caregivers Association:
* Educate yourself about your loved one's condition and how to communicate effectively with doctors.
* Seek support from other caregivers who are facing the same issues.
* Accept friends' and neighbors' offers to help and suggest specific things that they can do.
"Family and friends can play a very important role in helping a person with bipolar depression manage his or her disease," said Dr. Taylor. "I hope that Debi's courage in sharing her story will inspire other families to talk to a doctor and get the help and support they need."
Both Mazar and Dr. Taylor have participated in the "SPEAK and Be Heard . . . Living With Bipolar Depression" campaign, which was developed to encourage people with bipolar depression and their caregivers who are successfully managing their condition to become role models and inspire others by sharing their own stories. This campaign, sponsored by AstraZeneca as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of mental illness, is also designed to show the importance of seeking an accurate diagnosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan with a health care provider in an effort to successfully manage bipolar depression.
To learn more about Debi's story-and the stories of other caregivers and people living with bipolar disorder - visit www.FacingBipolar.com.
Courtesy of ARAContent
(ARA) - American families have spoken: the vacation is a top priority. Ninety-four percent of Americans agreed that even in tough economic times, family vacations are worth the money, according to a recent survey by Expedia.com. To keep the vacation affordable and easy, think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal.
Expedia.com recently partnered with the National Park Foundation to provide a permanent, one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to America's national parks.
"There are excellent values for traveling families right now, and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollars," says Lee Woodruff, author, travel expert and mother of four. "Families are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national park?"
Here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway:
1. Get Inspired: Ken Burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for PBS titled, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea." Tune into PBS or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from Acadia to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska.
2. Pick the park: With original content from the National Park Foundation, Expedia.com's national park Web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs.
The site offers pre-set "long weekend" itineraries to start your planning. You can also search through the "Can't Miss National Parks" section to learn about the park's location, its natural features, little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area. Expedia's site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings.
3. More ways to save: Take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites. While there is a small entrance fee to the parks, you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the Grand Canyon. Also, enjoy the free activities such as hiking, biking and birding that the parks offer.
4. Book your hotel and rental car: If camping isn't your family's style, consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice. And, if you're planning to rent a car, consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation.
5. Give Back: Consider giving back to the National Park Foundation by visiting the Web site, www.nationalparks.org and donate, or learn more about volunteer opportunities within America's national parks. Helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day.
"Planning the vacation is half of the fun, so get everyone involved in the process," says Woodruff. "There are so many options in our national park system, many of which have rich and amazing heritage, so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visit."
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - A vacation may be the last thing on your mind as the holidays draw near this year, but contrary to popular belief the holiday season is a great time to take a break. Pre-holiday season deals sweeten the appeal of a weekend getaway to decompress from the stresses of a busy fall and winter season.
"While airfares and hotel rates do rise on and immediately surrounding major holidays, the weeks leading up to those times can yield amazing deals and wonderful opportunities to escape the hectic pace of the holiday season," says Brad Dean, president and chief executive officer for the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
Still not convinced now is the time for a quick getaway? Consider these facts:
Getting There
Airports will be crowded and frustrating as soon as the holidays arrive. Yet airfares are lower and airports are less crowded in the weeks leading up to peak holiday season. You're much more likely to score a good deal on airfare - and a less stressful airport experience - if you travel pre-holiday.
Driving trips are also easier before the holiday. Come Thanksgiving or Christmas, everyone will be visiting family and friends to celebrate. Highways are less likely to be clogged with traffic in advance of the holidays. To make the most of your weekend getaway, choose a driving destination that's easily accessible and offers the most "bang for your buck." Myrtle Beach, S.C., for example is a popular driving destination from many parts of the eastern seaboard and Midwest.
Hotel Deals
Hotel prices typically increase a day or two before a holiday - rates may even double over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. However, hotels are relatively empty and inspired to offer better deals in the weeks leading up to the holidays. In fact, rates can be reduced to more than half the cost of a room during peek summer season. You can find great package deals if you travel before the holidays, especially to affordable locations that are in their "off" seasons. Many beach resorts and hotels offer all-inclusive packages with admission to local attractions and many feature heated indoor swimming pools and even indoor waterparks.
Cool Prices on Hot Attractions
Attraction tickets that might seem pricey during high season will likely be more appealingly priced during the pre-holiday, "off season." Some outdoor attractions in more temperate climes, such as Myrtle Beach will stay open through the holidays, as will shows, indoor attractions and sites. Plus, you won't have to fight the "peak season" crowds or lines at year-round attractions like popular museums and aquariums.
A Taste of the Holidays without the Expense
What commercial venture in the United States doesn't stretch the holidays? With Halloween items appearing on store shelves in early September, is it any surprise that resort attractions will don their holiday décor and feature holiday-themed events and shows long before the actual dates arrive?
It's possible to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy themed shows, attractions and activities when you travel before the holidays. For example, the Myrtle Beach area offers everything from live holiday shows to candlelit gardens with carolers, Christmas tree festivals to holiday markets.
To learn more about a pre-holiday getaway to Myrtle Beach, go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com. of ARAcontent
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(ARA) - There is nothing easy about trying to plan a family vacation. Besides the challenge of figuring out where to go, there is the ever-present concern of finding age-appropriate activities for the entire family.
A classic activity that has stood the test of time around the country - and sometimes can be forgotten during the vacation planning process - is miniature golf. While for some it may not be the sole reason for choosing a destination, it is an activity that never fails to please once travelers arrive at their vacation spot.
Many of the country's top miniature golf courses were originally built in tourist destination areas such as Myrtle Beach, S.C., which is considered the unofficial "Miniature Golf Capitol of the World."
There are as many as 50 courses on Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand, which is located on the southeast coastline of sunny South Carolina, and with more than 14 million tourists visiting each year, the facilities are always busy.
"Mini golf is great no matter your age, athletic ability or golf skills," says Bob Detwiler of the popular Hawaiian Village course in Myrtle Beach, "It's a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, and may even spark some friendly competition during your family vacation."
A versatile and diverting activity for any age, miniature golf is perfect for multi-generational travel groups, family gatherings, and even couples. Its affordability adds value to the vacation and is great entertainment for everyone.
Nearly all of the Myrtle Beach area's mini golf courses are meticulously landscaped and adorned with tropical plants and flowers throughout warm-weather months. But it's each course's unique theme that sets them apart from mini golf courses found anywhere else. From man-eating dinosaurs and 40-foot tall lava-spewing volcanoes, to high seas adventures aboard pirate ships, the area's mini golf courses offer a variety of options in ultra-thematic environments.
Some vacationers have even come to enjoy mini golf so much that they've taken up the activity as a competitive sport. Each year Myrtle Beach's Hawaiian Village plays host to the Masters National ProMiniGolf Championship in October when a slew of top mini golfers compete for the green jacket of ProMiniGolf.
"People are very intrigued by mini golf; there is a clear connection between the sport and happy memories associated with it," notes Detwiler. "More than 80 people participate in the Masters every year not only because it is competitive, but also because it's simply enjoyable and amusing for all who play."
For more information on the mini golf possibilities or to request a visitor's guide in Myrtle Beach, go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Summer isn't the only season for outdoor fun. Winter brings cooler temperatures, glistening snow and plenty of opportunities for play.
If you love winter sports and pastimes, Washington State offers your family a huge playground for downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing and more. No matter if you are a young first-timer or a seasoned adventurer, the mountains, rolling hills and valleys found in Washington bring a breath-taking beauty to any winter outdoor sport.
For example, if skiing and snowboarding in Washington are on your to-do list this season, check out Crystal Mountain in Mount Rainier National Park where not only can you experience shushing through half a dozen basins, but also enjoy beautiful views of the mountain up close. Each year, snowboarders flock to Mount Baker, with an average annual snowfall of 647 inches, to experience terrain in one of the areas many call the birthplace of the sport. A short drive from the Canadian border or downtown Seattle, Mount Baker is an active volcano standing 10,778 feet, offering spectacular scenery and hundreds of acres to discover. Want adventure right outside the city? Head over to Snoqualmie Pass, one hour east of Seattle, which not only gives skiers and snowboarders of all levels excellent runs at Snoqualmie Pass Ski Area, but also provides access to tubing hills and cross country ski and snowshoe trails as well.
Snowmobile fans can find about 80 lots within Washington State Parks to park a car, unload the snowmobiles and head out on more than 3,000 miles of groomed trails. Echo Valley Sno-Park in the west central part of the state near Chelan and Lake Easton Sno-Park located on Highway 90 southeast of Seattle are just two of the popular sites to hit the snowmobile trails.
If ice skating is the winter sport that interests you, Spokane is hosting the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January - where the U.S. Figure Skating team for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be named, just in time for the opening ceremonies on Feb. 12, 2010.
Washington is just a short drive across the border from many of the Winter Olympic sport locations, making it easy for you to plan your outdoor fun around a quick trip to catch some of the Olympic action.
You say winter sports aren't your thing? Don't forget that the Puget Sound area often enjoys a snow-less winter, and cities such as Seattle and Tacoma offer a variety of indoor cultural experiences, including symphony, ballet, opera, live theater and Broadway road shows to name a few. For a relaxed adventure outside the bustling city streets, hop a ferry to the San Juan Islands and enjoy some winter island time with hiking, kayaking, shopping or just cozy fireplace-sitting.
Once you have your winter fun trip planned, don't forget these Washington travel tips:
* Washington's climate is mild, but the mountains can be much colder. Average temperatures for the winter months range from near freezing to around 40 degrees in western Washington, with below-freezing temperatures in the mountains, so remember to pack extra waterproof clothes in case your trip includes mountain adventures.
* Plan ahead for the equipment you need. If you anticipate renting everything, contact a rental place near where you're staying or heading out for some fun before your trip to reserve exactly what you need. Visit www.experiencewa.com to find links for locations of recreation businesses and sites including rentals. If you're bringing your equipment, make sure you plan around airline baggage requirements or space in your vehicle to get everyone to Washington comfortably.
* Don't forget the sunblock. Yes, even in winter, the sun's rays reflecting off snow can cause a painful burn.
* Pack a camera to capture everyone carving the slopes or flying down a snow tubing hill.
For assistance in planning your vacation, visit www.experience.wa.com for events, transportation venue links, the official state travel planner, lodging opportunities and much more.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
