Recently in Quality of Life Category
Eating Alabama is a film that documents the life of Andy Grace and his wife, Rashmi, as they embark on a yearlong resolution to eat nothing but food grown and raised in Alabama. The film recently debuted at the SXSW film festival in Austin, Texas and is set to premiere in Alabama during the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival,scheduled for Aug. 24-26 in Birmingham.
By Andy Grace:
Eating Alabama all started about four years ago, when I talked my wife, Rashmi, into doing something a little ridiculous. We had recently moved back to Alabama after graduate school out West, and, like a lot of people, we were starting to think more critically about the food we eat - where it's grown, how it gets to us, who grows it. Both Rashmi and I have farmers in our family histories, but a few generations back there was this clean break with the land. I understood on a kind of historical/economic/sociological level how that break from the land happened, but I'd never thought much about what it meant to those of us who came afterward. And so that was the genesis of this idea - what would it be like to try and go back?
Short of selling the house, quitting our jobs and starting a farm, the only way we knew how to go back to a local food economy was to completely change our diets. We decided to eat only food grown or raised within the state of Alabama. Some friends joined us too, and we started a blog. And I started filming.
I had a kind of naive assumption about this movie - that we would do our little eating project, that we would find some connection to all the farmers I assumed were out there, and that everything would wrap itself up into a nice and tidy package. But that's not usually how documentaries happen, and this one was no different. The film I ended up making doesn't look much like the one I envisioned. But that's partly why we're in this in the first place, right? To try and understand something better? Anyway, the film is finished. And now we're proud to show it off.
For more information and to watch the trailer please see www.eatingalabama.com.
By Andy Grace:
Eating Alabama all started about four years ago, when I talked my wife, Rashmi, into doing something a little ridiculous. We had recently moved back to Alabama after graduate school out West, and, like a lot of people, we were starting to think more critically about the food we eat - where it's grown, how it gets to us, who grows it. Both Rashmi and I have farmers in our family histories, but a few generations back there was this clean break with the land. I understood on a kind of historical/economic/sociological level how that break from the land happened, but I'd never thought much about what it meant to those of us who came afterward. And so that was the genesis of this idea - what would it be like to try and go back?
Short of selling the house, quitting our jobs and starting a farm, the only way we knew how to go back to a local food economy was to completely change our diets. We decided to eat only food grown or raised within the state of Alabama. Some friends joined us too, and we started a blog. And I started filming.
I had a kind of naive assumption about this movie - that we would do our little eating project, that we would find some connection to all the farmers I assumed were out there, and that everything would wrap itself up into a nice and tidy package. But that's not usually how documentaries happen, and this one was no different. The film I ended up making doesn't look much like the one I envisioned. But that's partly why we're in this in the first place, right? To try and understand something better? Anyway, the film is finished. And now we're proud to show it off.
For more information and to watch the trailer please see www.eatingalabama.com.
Reader's Digest is looking for personal stories and photos that illustrates what makes their town special. The author of the winning story will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and his or her town will be featured on the cover of an upcoming issue of Reader's Digest magazine.
From now through May 29, people are invited to share their stories and photos at www.readersdigest.com/america.
From now through May 29, people are invited to share their stories and photos at www.readersdigest.com/america.
Some 25 towns across Alabama are on display during Saturday mornings in April as part of the Alabama Tourism Department's April Walking Tours. Towns and starting places for the April Walking Tours are: Abbeville, Abbeville Welcome Center; Ashland, Ashland City Hall; Athens, Athens Visitor Center; Atmore, Heritage Park; Birmingham, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; Butler, Jackson's Jewelry & Gifts; Courtland, Park on the Square; Cullman, Cullman County Museum; Decatur, Delano Park Rose Garden; Enterprise, Rawls Hotel; Eufaula, various locations; Fairhope, Fairhope Welcome Center; Florence, various locations; Gadsden, various locations; Hartselle, Historic Depot.
Huntsville, Constitution Village (April 14 only); Madison, Madison Roundhouse (April 21 & 28 only); Monroeville, Old Courthouse Museum; Montevallo, Chamber of Commerce; Montgomery; Montgomery Visitor Center; Prattville, Autauga County Heritage Center; Selma, Dallas County Public Library; Sylacauga, B.B. Comer Memorial Library; Tallassee, Mt. Vernon Theatre; Tuscumbia, ColdWater Bookstore; Wetumpka, Chamber of Commerce.
The tours are being coordinated by Brian Jones with the Alabama Tourism Department. "These walking tours are a great way to get out and enjoy the spring weather and find out about the history of our state. We have done more than 1,500 walking tours since the beginning of the program nine years ago and they keep increasing in popularity every year," Jones said.
More information about the April Walking Tours is available by going online at www.alabama.travel.
Florence extends walking tours
Florence/Lauderdale Tourism will extend the April Walking Tours in Florence through Saturday, May 5 to accommodate an increased demand from participants. The first walking tour in Florence drew a record crowd of 110 people last Saturday. The Florence walking tours will start from Wilson Park on April 14, the tennis courts parking lot on the University of North Alabama campus on April 21, the Wood Avenue Church of Christ on April 28, and the Florence City Cemetery on May 5. All the walks will begin at 10 a.m. and last for approximately one hour. For more information on Florence tourism please see www.visitflorenceal.com.
Huntsville, Constitution Village (April 14 only); Madison, Madison Roundhouse (April 21 & 28 only); Monroeville, Old Courthouse Museum; Montevallo, Chamber of Commerce; Montgomery; Montgomery Visitor Center; Prattville, Autauga County Heritage Center; Selma, Dallas County Public Library; Sylacauga, B.B. Comer Memorial Library; Tallassee, Mt. Vernon Theatre; Tuscumbia, ColdWater Bookstore; Wetumpka, Chamber of Commerce.
The tours are being coordinated by Brian Jones with the Alabama Tourism Department. "These walking tours are a great way to get out and enjoy the spring weather and find out about the history of our state. We have done more than 1,500 walking tours since the beginning of the program nine years ago and they keep increasing in popularity every year," Jones said.
More information about the April Walking Tours is available by going online at www.alabama.travel.
Florence extends walking tours
Florence/Lauderdale Tourism will extend the April Walking Tours in Florence through Saturday, May 5 to accommodate an increased demand from participants. The first walking tour in Florence drew a record crowd of 110 people last Saturday. The Florence walking tours will start from Wilson Park on April 14, the tennis courts parking lot on the University of North Alabama campus on April 21, the Wood Avenue Church of Christ on April 28, and the Florence City Cemetery on May 5. All the walks will begin at 10 a.m. and last for approximately one hour. For more information on Florence tourism please see www.visitflorenceal.com.
Gov. Robert Bentley helped unveil the Alabama Bass Trail at Lake Guntersville State Park earlier this month. "This is a very apropos place to make this announcement," Bentley said from the lakeside park pavilion. "I just wish I had time to go fishing. I don't get to go fishing as much as I used to. Fishing is one of my favorite sports. When Don Logan [Birmingham native and one of the BASS owners] came to my office, we discussed the concept of promoting the great fishing places in the state of Alabama. Today is a realization of that goal. Anglers across the nation will be encouraged to come and fish where the pros fish. That's what we were talking about - defining lakes where professional fishermen fish. Just like we have golf trails across the state, we wanted to have this. The creation of the Alabama Bass Trail will bring more visitors into this state. When our tourism benefits, it benefits all of our communities. I believe when people realize what we have to offer they will come and visit. Not only do we have the most wonderful people, we have the most beautiful state. They can come and fish and enjoy the natural resources we have, and I think this promotes it. I am so proud to be a part of this."
The trail is a joint effort among the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Alabama Tourism Department, Bass Anglers Sportsmen's Society (BASS), the Governor's Office, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and the tourism offices in the various communities located near the trail lakes. Fishermen already consider Alabama one of the top states, if not the top state, in the nation in terms of bass fishing. The Alabama Bass Trail will continue to spread the word about how great the fishing is throughout the state, from the Tennessee River lakes to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The Alabama Bass Trail will consist of 11 lakes that offer outstanding bass fishing in a variety of watersheds and fishing conditions. The lakes are Guntersville, Wheeler, Pickwick, Lewis Smith, Neely Henry, Logan Martin, Lay, Jordan, Eufaula, the Alabama River and the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
Don Logan, former CEO of Time, Inc., said he firmly believes the Alabama Bass Trail will be a very successful program. "This has been a project, a labor of love, that we've been working on for a long time," said Logan, who brought BASS back to Alabama last fall after several years in Florida. "Gov. Bentley was accurate in his statement about the first time we sat down and talked about this. He said, 'Count me in. Let's make it happen.'
"The thing is, if you can take your children out fishing and spend a few days with them on the water, you're going to create memories that will last a lifetime. We think that is terribly important." DCNR Commissioner N. Gunter Guy Jr. said the benefits of the recreation for individuals and families are obvious, but some may not know how much fishing means to the state of Alabama in terms of the economy. "No one is more pleased than I am for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to be working with Don and the Alabama Bass Trail," Guy said. "We're going to be promoting angling and conservation all across Alabama on our beautiful waterways. I've got some numbers I'd like to share. Expenditures by anglers in Alabama for goods and services exceed $878 million annually with an economic impact of more than $1 billion. Freshwater fishing recreation supports more than 15,000 jobs in this state. We look to forward to increasing those numbers. The Alabama Bass Trail will help do that."
Kay Donaldson of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, the Alabama Bass Trail program director, said each of the 11 lakes will present different opportunities for the anglers. "The opportunity that people have to fish when they come to Alabama is not found anywhere else," Donaldson said. "The opportunity to challenge yourself on these different waters is unbelievable. "This has been a dream of mine. We go to eight to 10 trade shows a year to promote the great fishing in Alabama. We think overall, we have more quality and challenging fishing than anywhere. The Alabama Bass Trail is geared toward recreational anglers and those touring anglers who go on trips to fish several lakes during one trip."
The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association will also be working with the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association to hold conservation projects at each lake. "I just got back from Lake Eufaula and watched 252 high school kids weigh in fish," Donaldson said. "That's exciting to see our sport get down to this grass roots effort. When we first started, we thought it would be a Web site and brochure. It's grown so much since then." The Alabama Bass Trail Web site (alabamabasstrail.org) is going to make it easy for anglers to plan their fishing trips by providing information on the lakes, local fishing guides, camping and hotel facilities, as well as weather, lake conditions, fishing reports and tips from the pros.
"We really believe this will be one-stop shopping for the anglers," Donaldson said. "We hope by April 1 to have the hotel booking engine up and running that will allow people to book their trips totally online." Donaldson did say there is a misconception that the Alabama Bass Trail is a tournament trail. "This is where we grow a lot of pros," she said. "A lot of them are born here, live here, but we have a lot of people who just love to fish for bass. This is not a tournament trail. We just want to promote our great bass fishing in the state."
Of course, Donaldson said it would be easy to get the wrong impression, considering the number of top professional anglers who hail from Alabama. "For each of the past two years, Alabama has sent 10 anglers to the Bassmaster Classic," she said. "This year, Alabama placed first [Chris Lane of Guntersville], second [Greg Vinson of Wetumpka] and third [Keith Poche of Pike Road] in the Classic. This state has the reputation of being a great bass fishing state, and we plan to promote that even further."
For more information on the Alabama Bass Trail please see www.alabamabasstrail.org.
The trail is a joint effort among the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Alabama Tourism Department, Bass Anglers Sportsmen's Society (BASS), the Governor's Office, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and the tourism offices in the various communities located near the trail lakes. Fishermen already consider Alabama one of the top states, if not the top state, in the nation in terms of bass fishing. The Alabama Bass Trail will continue to spread the word about how great the fishing is throughout the state, from the Tennessee River lakes to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The Alabama Bass Trail will consist of 11 lakes that offer outstanding bass fishing in a variety of watersheds and fishing conditions. The lakes are Guntersville, Wheeler, Pickwick, Lewis Smith, Neely Henry, Logan Martin, Lay, Jordan, Eufaula, the Alabama River and the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
Don Logan, former CEO of Time, Inc., said he firmly believes the Alabama Bass Trail will be a very successful program. "This has been a project, a labor of love, that we've been working on for a long time," said Logan, who brought BASS back to Alabama last fall after several years in Florida. "Gov. Bentley was accurate in his statement about the first time we sat down and talked about this. He said, 'Count me in. Let's make it happen.'
"The thing is, if you can take your children out fishing and spend a few days with them on the water, you're going to create memories that will last a lifetime. We think that is terribly important." DCNR Commissioner N. Gunter Guy Jr. said the benefits of the recreation for individuals and families are obvious, but some may not know how much fishing means to the state of Alabama in terms of the economy. "No one is more pleased than I am for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to be working with Don and the Alabama Bass Trail," Guy said. "We're going to be promoting angling and conservation all across Alabama on our beautiful waterways. I've got some numbers I'd like to share. Expenditures by anglers in Alabama for goods and services exceed $878 million annually with an economic impact of more than $1 billion. Freshwater fishing recreation supports more than 15,000 jobs in this state. We look to forward to increasing those numbers. The Alabama Bass Trail will help do that."
Kay Donaldson of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, the Alabama Bass Trail program director, said each of the 11 lakes will present different opportunities for the anglers. "The opportunity that people have to fish when they come to Alabama is not found anywhere else," Donaldson said. "The opportunity to challenge yourself on these different waters is unbelievable. "This has been a dream of mine. We go to eight to 10 trade shows a year to promote the great fishing in Alabama. We think overall, we have more quality and challenging fishing than anywhere. The Alabama Bass Trail is geared toward recreational anglers and those touring anglers who go on trips to fish several lakes during one trip."
The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association will also be working with the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association to hold conservation projects at each lake. "I just got back from Lake Eufaula and watched 252 high school kids weigh in fish," Donaldson said. "That's exciting to see our sport get down to this grass roots effort. When we first started, we thought it would be a Web site and brochure. It's grown so much since then." The Alabama Bass Trail Web site (alabamabasstrail.org) is going to make it easy for anglers to plan their fishing trips by providing information on the lakes, local fishing guides, camping and hotel facilities, as well as weather, lake conditions, fishing reports and tips from the pros.
"We really believe this will be one-stop shopping for the anglers," Donaldson said. "We hope by April 1 to have the hotel booking engine up and running that will allow people to book their trips totally online." Donaldson did say there is a misconception that the Alabama Bass Trail is a tournament trail. "This is where we grow a lot of pros," she said. "A lot of them are born here, live here, but we have a lot of people who just love to fish for bass. This is not a tournament trail. We just want to promote our great bass fishing in the state."
Of course, Donaldson said it would be easy to get the wrong impression, considering the number of top professional anglers who hail from Alabama. "For each of the past two years, Alabama has sent 10 anglers to the Bassmaster Classic," she said. "This year, Alabama placed first [Chris Lane of Guntersville], second [Greg Vinson of Wetumpka] and third [Keith Poche of Pike Road] in the Classic. This state has the reputation of being a great bass fishing state, and we plan to promote that even further."
For more information on the Alabama Bass Trail please see www.alabamabasstrail.org.
(from Rob Grant) Dear Members of the CRT Council of Advisors:
The Recreational Trails Program is in very deep trouble. The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has approved transportation reauthorization legislation known as MAP-21 that would effectively eliminate the RTP by stripping the program of its dedicated funding.
But all hope is not lost.
CRT and its member organizations have been working to identify key Champions in the Senate with the aim of having an amendment to restore dedicated funding for the RTP added to the bill before it is considered by the full Senate.
Reaching this goal will not be possible without your help.
Now is the time for all organizations and individuals who support RTP to tell their Senators to protect dedicated funding for this absolutely essential program.
The key messages are simple:
· Unless the bill is changed, MAP-21 will effectively eliminate the Recreational Trails Program; and
· Please amend MAP-21 to include dedicated funding for RTP.
Other helpful messages include:
· For the last two decades, RTP has received a portion of the gas taxes paid by users of off-highway motorized vehicles to fund trail building, maintenance and other trail-related projects. More than 13,000 projects have been funded across the country for all kinds of trail uses. This is a very successful program.
· At its current level of annual funding - $85 million - RTP receives less than 42% of the Federal Highway Administration's conservative estimate of the federal gas taxes paid by America's nonhighway recreationists. The Senate bill would reduce that percentage to zero and represents a substantial new tax on motorized recreation enthusiasts.
· The return of gas taxes to trail users through the RTP is in keeping with the user-pay, user-benefit philosophy of the Highway Trust Fund. Ending dedicated funding for RTP takes these gas taxes away from the people who pay them. Ending dedicated funding for RTP is bad public policy and just plain wrong.
· The RTP is the foundation of state trail programs. If the RTP loses its dedicated funding, organized trail planning and development will simply vanish in many areas of the country.
Now is the time to act. Write, email or call your two Senators. Here's a link if you need it: http://www.senate.gov/. Make sure your entire grassroots organization is engaged as well.
We need to show the United States Senate just how many Americans are committed to the Recreational Trails Program. If we don't act, the very backbone of trails in America may be forever lost.
Please be sure to send us a copy of your message. Thank you for your help.
Marianne Fowler, Co-Chair, Coalition for Recreational Trails
Derrick Crandall, Co-Chair, Coalition for Recreational Trails
1225 New York Avenue, N.W., Suite 450
Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 682-9530 Fax (202) 682-9529
cahern@funoutdoors.com
The Recreational Trails Program is in very deep trouble. The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has approved transportation reauthorization legislation known as MAP-21 that would effectively eliminate the RTP by stripping the program of its dedicated funding.
But all hope is not lost.
CRT and its member organizations have been working to identify key Champions in the Senate with the aim of having an amendment to restore dedicated funding for the RTP added to the bill before it is considered by the full Senate.
Reaching this goal will not be possible without your help.
Now is the time for all organizations and individuals who support RTP to tell their Senators to protect dedicated funding for this absolutely essential program.
The key messages are simple:
· Unless the bill is changed, MAP-21 will effectively eliminate the Recreational Trails Program; and
· Please amend MAP-21 to include dedicated funding for RTP.
Other helpful messages include:
· For the last two decades, RTP has received a portion of the gas taxes paid by users of off-highway motorized vehicles to fund trail building, maintenance and other trail-related projects. More than 13,000 projects have been funded across the country for all kinds of trail uses. This is a very successful program.
· At its current level of annual funding - $85 million - RTP receives less than 42% of the Federal Highway Administration's conservative estimate of the federal gas taxes paid by America's nonhighway recreationists. The Senate bill would reduce that percentage to zero and represents a substantial new tax on motorized recreation enthusiasts.
· The return of gas taxes to trail users through the RTP is in keeping with the user-pay, user-benefit philosophy of the Highway Trust Fund. Ending dedicated funding for RTP takes these gas taxes away from the people who pay them. Ending dedicated funding for RTP is bad public policy and just plain wrong.
· The RTP is the foundation of state trail programs. If the RTP loses its dedicated funding, organized trail planning and development will simply vanish in many areas of the country.
Now is the time to act. Write, email or call your two Senators. Here's a link if you need it: http://www.senate.gov/. Make sure your entire grassroots organization is engaged as well.
We need to show the United States Senate just how many Americans are committed to the Recreational Trails Program. If we don't act, the very backbone of trails in America may be forever lost.
Please be sure to send us a copy of your message. Thank you for your help.
Marianne Fowler, Co-Chair, Coalition for Recreational Trails
Derrick Crandall, Co-Chair, Coalition for Recreational Trails
1225 New York Avenue, N.W., Suite 450
Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 682-9530 Fax (202) 682-9529
cahern@funoutdoors.com
That in 2009, Alabama's Legislature passed a law that allows Class 7 and 8 Municipalities (populations from 1 to 11,999) to adopt a rural scenic right-of-way plan for the development, improvement, and use of right-of-way along municipal roads and streets and county roads within the corporate limits and police jurisdiction of the municipality (except those roadways under ALDOT's jurisdiction)?
http://arc-sos.state.al.us/PAC/SOSACPDF.001/A0007369.PDF
That if you want to learn to identify birds native to Alabama, find out where you can view them, or learn how to lure them to your backyard, the Alabama Wildlife Center can show you how?
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/12/alabama_wildlife_center_at_oak.html
That the GRCA Green Progress Report, compiled by the nonprofit Green Resource Center for Alabama, highlights some of the year's important developments toward making Alabama a greener place to live, work and play? You can read about some of the best green moments of 2011 - including outdoor recreation and trail related news!
http://www.greenalabama.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/2011GreenReport.pdf
That experts are seeing a remarkable number of hummingbirds along the Gulf Coast this winter?
http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2011/12/experts_are_seeing_a_remarkabl.html
About the new Off-road haven coming soon to Talladega County?
http://annistonstar.com/bookmark/16661643
That Alabama's State Parks thrive when times get tough?
http://annistonstar.com/bookmark/16645991
Who owns the rivers?
http://www.nationalrivers.org/us-law-who-owns.htm
That Red Mountain Park held its first organized sporting event Saturday, the New Year's Eve "Resolution Run," a jump-start on a new year that is set to bring major changes to the park?
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/12/red_mountain_park_trail_romp_a.html
http://arc-sos.state.al.us/PAC/SOSACPDF.001/A0007369.PDF
That if you want to learn to identify birds native to Alabama, find out where you can view them, or learn how to lure them to your backyard, the Alabama Wildlife Center can show you how?
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/12/alabama_wildlife_center_at_oak.html
That the GRCA Green Progress Report, compiled by the nonprofit Green Resource Center for Alabama, highlights some of the year's important developments toward making Alabama a greener place to live, work and play? You can read about some of the best green moments of 2011 - including outdoor recreation and trail related news!
http://www.greenalabama.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/2011GreenReport.pdf
That experts are seeing a remarkable number of hummingbirds along the Gulf Coast this winter?
http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2011/12/experts_are_seeing_a_remarkabl.html
About the new Off-road haven coming soon to Talladega County?
http://annistonstar.com/bookmark/16661643
That Alabama's State Parks thrive when times get tough?
http://annistonstar.com/bookmark/16645991
Who owns the rivers?
http://www.nationalrivers.org/us-law-who-owns.htm
That Red Mountain Park held its first organized sporting event Saturday, the New Year's Eve "Resolution Run," a jump-start on a new year that is set to bring major changes to the park?
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/12/red_mountain_park_trail_romp_a.html
From the article "Huntsville named one of the best places to retire by Where to Retire magazine" by Mike Marshall in The Huntsville Times:
Huntsville, a city becoming accustomed to accolades, has made another national list. The city has been selected by Where to Retire, a magazine designed to help retirees with relocation decisions, as a top retirement town. Huntsville will be profiled in the magazine's January/February 2012 issue. That issue will be available on Dec. 20. "Huntsville is a growing city, yet it maintains the charm and hospitality of a small Southern town,'' said Mary Lu Abbott, the Where to Retire editor. "Retirees easily stay busy, volunteering for local charities, enjoying a live performance at a theater or participating in one of the country's largest adult-learning programs at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.'' Among Huntsville's other recent honors: one of the world's top 10 smartest cities by Forbes; the nation's fourth-strongest building market by Businessweek; and America's top midsize city to launch and grow a business by Fortune Small Business magazine.
For the complete article please see http://blog.al.com/breaking/2011/12/huntsville_named_one_of_the_be.html.
Huntsville, a city becoming accustomed to accolades, has made another national list. The city has been selected by Where to Retire, a magazine designed to help retirees with relocation decisions, as a top retirement town. Huntsville will be profiled in the magazine's January/February 2012 issue. That issue will be available on Dec. 20. "Huntsville is a growing city, yet it maintains the charm and hospitality of a small Southern town,'' said Mary Lu Abbott, the Where to Retire editor. "Retirees easily stay busy, volunteering for local charities, enjoying a live performance at a theater or participating in one of the country's largest adult-learning programs at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.'' Among Huntsville's other recent honors: one of the world's top 10 smartest cities by Forbes; the nation's fourth-strongest building market by Businessweek; and America's top midsize city to launch and grow a business by Fortune Small Business magazine.
For the complete article please see http://blog.al.com/breaking/2011/12/huntsville_named_one_of_the_be.html.
Imagine walking up to a trailhead... There's a sign with the expected trail map, a bear advisory posted last spring, and some rules tacked up behind Plexiglas. But there can also be an instant link to a wealth of current information using the Smartphone in your pocket. Welcome to the trailhead QR.
Quick Response (or QR) codes are a rapidly emerging media tool. You've seen these square-shaped black-and-white codes in stores and magazines. Are you ready to put QRs to work in your favorite outdoor space? It can be simple.
You can use QR codes to quickly and easily put information on the trail. The code is a picture that smartphones can translate into a web address. Users just point a Smartphone's camera at the QR code, and in a moment (if there's cell phone coverage) the phone will access current trail information, tips, interpretive materials, a trail user census or questionnaire... or anything relevant to using that particular trail. See how the North Carolina Arboretum is using QR codes, or this short video from Lake Metroparks in Ohio that explains how their new system works.
To create your own QR, you just need a web address and content of your choosing, and a free QR code generator app like this one. All you have to do is follow the instructions on the generator app, and you just created a code that you can print for use at the trailhead, a visitor center, nearby lodging, or bike rental and sporting goods stores. QR technology is license free, so you can easily adapt this free tool for use within your organization. It's easy to add QR codes as an image to your website, blog, or printed publications too.
There are a number of different ways to read QR codes. The easiest is to take a Smartphone and use a QR code reader app like the Google Goggles, which can scan any code and immediately launch the content in a web browser.
The possibilities are wide open. A QR code at the trailhead can allow quick access to a digital trail map. At an interpretive sign, a QR code can enable visitors to learn about history or local wildlife, or post to Facebook that they are visiting the site. You can start turning users into advocates by using QR codes to share your organization's membership invitation. QR codes can be installed as easily as putting a small sticker on existing signposts, and the information they channel can be changed at any time just by keeping the associated web page up to date, without anyone needing to run out and re-post the trailheads!
Quick Response (or QR) codes are a rapidly emerging media tool. You've seen these square-shaped black-and-white codes in stores and magazines. Are you ready to put QRs to work in your favorite outdoor space? It can be simple.
You can use QR codes to quickly and easily put information on the trail. The code is a picture that smartphones can translate into a web address. Users just point a Smartphone's camera at the QR code, and in a moment (if there's cell phone coverage) the phone will access current trail information, tips, interpretive materials, a trail user census or questionnaire... or anything relevant to using that particular trail. See how the North Carolina Arboretum is using QR codes, or this short video from Lake Metroparks in Ohio that explains how their new system works.
To create your own QR, you just need a web address and content of your choosing, and a free QR code generator app like this one. All you have to do is follow the instructions on the generator app, and you just created a code that you can print for use at the trailhead, a visitor center, nearby lodging, or bike rental and sporting goods stores. QR technology is license free, so you can easily adapt this free tool for use within your organization. It's easy to add QR codes as an image to your website, blog, or printed publications too.
There are a number of different ways to read QR codes. The easiest is to take a Smartphone and use a QR code reader app like the Google Goggles, which can scan any code and immediately launch the content in a web browser.
The possibilities are wide open. A QR code at the trailhead can allow quick access to a digital trail map. At an interpretive sign, a QR code can enable visitors to learn about history or local wildlife, or post to Facebook that they are visiting the site. You can start turning users into advocates by using QR codes to share your organization's membership invitation. QR codes can be installed as easily as putting a small sticker on existing signposts, and the information they channel can be changed at any time just by keeping the associated web page up to date, without anyone needing to run out and re-post the trailheads!
The Society of American Travel Writers' (SATW) annual convention, held in New Zealand last month, served as the backdrop to announce the 2011 Phoenix Award winners. Created in 1969, the Phoenix Awards recognize conservation, preservation, beautification, and environmental accomplishments as they relate to travel. Birmingham's Railroad Park was one of four developments in the nation recognized with a Phoenix Award. Nearly four decades in the making, Railroad Park is a linear, 19-acre green space created on a former urban wasteland in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. The first stage of a planned "Three Parks Initiative," it features a two-acre lake and meandering creeks; paths for bicyclists, runners, and walkers; benches; free wifi; a skate park; play areas for children; a grassy hillside amphitheatre; outdoor workout equipment; and a shaded plaza with covered sheds that hold park offices, bathrooms, and areas for concessions. It serves as a space for recreation and small- and large-scale events. "Railroad Park has all the parts for a Phoenix Award - historical and environmental conservation, public/private partnerships, across-the-board benefit to the community and potential to fuel future growth," a committee member wrote.
For more information on Railroad Park please see www.railroadpark.org.
For more information on Railroad Park please see www.railroadpark.org.
The U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers are facing budget troubles and several parks they operate throughout Alabama are in jeopardy of closing.
Volunteers in Monroe County are doing what they can to make sure Isaac Creek Campground doesn't close. The U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers have given the volunteers until November 1st to show prove that the park needs to remain open.
http://www2.wkrg.com/news/2011/sep/21/volunteers-working-keep-park-open-ar-2444380/
Volunteers in Monroe County are doing what they can to make sure Isaac Creek Campground doesn't close. The U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers have given the volunteers until November 1st to show prove that the park needs to remain open.
http://www2.wkrg.com/news/2011/sep/21/volunteers-working-keep-park-open-ar-2444380/
Message from Lee Sentell, Alabama Tourism Department Director:
Greetings
On August 4th, I sent a notice of the Alabama Tourism Grant Program to tourism and festival representatives across the state. These grants are intended to promote attractions, municipalities, tourism organizations and festivals across the state. We have received strong responses from a variety of applicants, and Governor Bentley has decided to extend the application period and modify the guidelines accordingly.
Specifically, while we welcome and encourage letters of recommendation, applications will not be disqualified for not having one. If you have already submitted an application there is no need to reapply.
The deadline for applications to be postmarked or emailed will be extended to Wednesday, September 21, 2011. Final decisions will be made by September 30, 2011. Award notifications will be made during the first week of October. Recipients of Alabama Tourism Grants will be required to submit a detailed budget to the Department of Tourism along with a subsequent detailed accounting of expenditures as the funds are used.
We thank you for your work in promoting the State of Alabama and look forward to reviewing all the submitted applications.
Sincerely,
Lee Sentell, Director
Alabama Tourism Department
(below is the original information that went out, along with a pdf document with additional details)
August 4, 2011
Greetings:
The Alabama Legislature, led by budget chairs Sen. Arthur Orr of Decatur and Rep. Jim Barton of Mobile, and signed into law by Gov. Robert Bentley, has approved a grant program to assist attractions, municipalities, tourism organizations and festivals in bringing more tourists to Alabama.
Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for the best potential return on investment. The program is being administered by the Alabama Tourism Department and the Alabama Historical Commission. Groups that explain how the money can be used to increase traffic can request up to $25,000. Applications require a letter of support from a local senator or representative. If the amount requested exceeds the available funds, the amounts distributed may be prorated.
Attached please find a copy of the grant guidelines and application. Additional copies are available for download at the bottom of the homepage of the website www.alabama.travel. Applications should be mailed by Sept. 1. A list of frequently asked questions is included in this package.
Thank you for in advance for your participation in this program.
Legislative Grant.pdf
Greetings
On August 4th, I sent a notice of the Alabama Tourism Grant Program to tourism and festival representatives across the state. These grants are intended to promote attractions, municipalities, tourism organizations and festivals across the state. We have received strong responses from a variety of applicants, and Governor Bentley has decided to extend the application period and modify the guidelines accordingly.
Specifically, while we welcome and encourage letters of recommendation, applications will not be disqualified for not having one. If you have already submitted an application there is no need to reapply.
The deadline for applications to be postmarked or emailed will be extended to Wednesday, September 21, 2011. Final decisions will be made by September 30, 2011. Award notifications will be made during the first week of October. Recipients of Alabama Tourism Grants will be required to submit a detailed budget to the Department of Tourism along with a subsequent detailed accounting of expenditures as the funds are used.
We thank you for your work in promoting the State of Alabama and look forward to reviewing all the submitted applications.
Sincerely,
Lee Sentell, Director
Alabama Tourism Department
(below is the original information that went out, along with a pdf document with additional details)
August 4, 2011
Greetings:
The Alabama Legislature, led by budget chairs Sen. Arthur Orr of Decatur and Rep. Jim Barton of Mobile, and signed into law by Gov. Robert Bentley, has approved a grant program to assist attractions, municipalities, tourism organizations and festivals in bringing more tourists to Alabama.
Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for the best potential return on investment. The program is being administered by the Alabama Tourism Department and the Alabama Historical Commission. Groups that explain how the money can be used to increase traffic can request up to $25,000. Applications require a letter of support from a local senator or representative. If the amount requested exceeds the available funds, the amounts distributed may be prorated.
Attached please find a copy of the grant guidelines and application. Additional copies are available for download at the bottom of the homepage of the website www.alabama.travel. Applications should be mailed by Sept. 1. A list of frequently asked questions is included in this package.
Thank you for in advance for your participation in this program.
Legislative Grant.pdf
MONTGOMERY-- For the second year in a row, Alabama has surpassed all other states in the number of hiking and other trails honored with a National Recreation Trail designation.
Twenty-one Alabama trails are included in a group of 41 selected for designation this year. The official announcement comes Thursday in Chicago as U.S. Department of Interior officials kick off celebration of National Trails Day.
The latest designations bring to 30 the number of Alabama trails to be recognized within the past two years. The National Recreation Trails Program recognizes exemplary trails of regional significance to encourage the use and care of existing trails and stimulate the development of new trails.
Each trail receives special markers indicating its designation and it is promoted as part of America's national system of trails.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs encouraged and assisted local trail managers to seek the recognition by submitting an application to the National Park Service.
"Alabama is blessed with a rich diversity of outdoor recreation opportunities," ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. "These designations not only prove our state has many high-quality trails, they also are evidence of the hard work and the community pride of countless Alabamians."
Rob Grant who manages ADECA's Recreational Programs Unit said the national recognition should encourage more people to visit the trails. Recreational Programs administers federally funded trail and park grants in Alabama.
"We have known all along that we have quality trails in Alabama," Grant said. "A lot of it was convincing our cities and state parks to brag on themselves and their accomplishments. I think anyone venturing on these trails will agree that each one has features that make them distinct and unique."
Twenty-one Alabama trails are included in a group of 41 selected for designation this year. The official announcement comes Thursday in Chicago as U.S. Department of Interior officials kick off celebration of National Trails Day.
The latest designations bring to 30 the number of Alabama trails to be recognized within the past two years. The National Recreation Trails Program recognizes exemplary trails of regional significance to encourage the use and care of existing trails and stimulate the development of new trails.
Each trail receives special markers indicating its designation and it is promoted as part of America's national system of trails.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs encouraged and assisted local trail managers to seek the recognition by submitting an application to the National Park Service.
"Alabama is blessed with a rich diversity of outdoor recreation opportunities," ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. "These designations not only prove our state has many high-quality trails, they also are evidence of the hard work and the community pride of countless Alabamians."
Rob Grant who manages ADECA's Recreational Programs Unit said the national recognition should encourage more people to visit the trails. Recreational Programs administers federally funded trail and park grants in Alabama.
"We have known all along that we have quality trails in Alabama," Grant said. "A lot of it was convincing our cities and state parks to brag on themselves and their accomplishments. I think anyone venturing on these trails will agree that each one has features that make them distinct and unique."
Continue reading Twenty-one Alabama Trails Receive National Honor.
A new interactive web tool called the Food Desert Locator has been launched by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). A "food desert" is a low-income area where a substantial share of residents does not have easy access to a supermarket or large grocery store. The Locator reveals that about 10 percent of the land area of the United States lies within food deserts. About 13.5 million people in these areas have little access to sources of healthful food. http://blogs.usda.gov/2011/05/03/interactive-web-tool-maps-food-deserts-provides-key-data/
