It's a high energy, jumping, jiving and sonically riveting lineup this weekend when Flights and Sounds of Summer dance and concert series features Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums with Miss Carmen Getit and  ScrapArtsMusic.  Lucky for Orange County that Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums with Miss Carmen Getit is returning for a second Great Park dance party this season on Friday, September 3rd at the Orange County Great Park.  Last year, they definitely helped dancers wear out their soles with a hot mix of swing, West Coast jump blues and R&B.  Great Park dance instructors will get you ready to bop with the Rhumba Bums at 7:30 p.m.

Recycling can be fun, creative and … musical? ScrapArtsMusic will prove it on Saturday, September 4th.  ScrapArtsMusic delivers intricate rhythms, athletic choreography and the greenest and most inventive reuse of materials on stage today. ScrapArtsMusic's closing ceremonies performance was broadcast to a global television audience at the grand finale of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

"We invite everyone to come enjoy these lively performances," said Larry Agran, Chair, Orange County Great Park Corporation. "The Great Park Flights and Sounds of Summer Festival brings people together through unique music, dance and performance art venues."

Saturday night concerts begin at 8:00 p.m.  Before the Saturday shows, come to the Great Park Comedy Corner at 7:00 p.m. and enjoy local comedians Matt Claybrooks with special guests Jackie Fabulous and Chris Adams.  Admission to Flights and Sounds of Summer Festival dance and concert series is free, and parking is just $10.

Upcoming 2010 summer performers include a wide variety of first-rate artists, featuring five-time Grammy Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama, local surfing champion and artist Donavon Frankenreiter, Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys and Jerry Mandel Swinging the Standards Jazz Band.

Flights and Sounds of Summer Festival is presented by the Orange County Great Park Corporation in partnership with the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Concertgoers can watch the show from chairs provided in a temporary concert pavilion or bring their own chairs to listen to the music from the Great Park Lawn.  

Before each performance, Hangar 244 is transformed into the Hangar Cafe, a lounge-like dining area serving up everything from snacks to full dinners, along with refreshments. The Orange County Great Park is located off the 405 or 5 Freeways at Sand Canyon and Marine Way in Irvine.

The Orange County Great Park with its 1,347-acre master plan is the focal point of the redevelopment of the 4,700-acre former Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro. The Great Park is currently built out to 27.5 acres and includes an iconic tethered helium balloon that rises 400 feet in the air, providing an aerial view of Park development. A $65.5 million development plan to expand the Park to 200 acres is currently underway. The plan will build out a core section of the Park for the most immediate and wide-ranging public benefit, including a sports park, agricultural area and an art and culture exhibition space.

For the entire festival line-up and more information, go to www.ocgp.org

SOURCE Orange County Great Park Corporation

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.ocgp.org

California Church IMPACT (CCI), representing 21 different denominations and more than 1.5 million members, has announced its endorsement of Prop. 21 citing state parks' benefits for California families. Prop. 21, which will appear on the Nov. 2 statewide ballot, provides a stable and adequate funding source to keep state parks and beaches open, and ensure they are properly maintained.

"As a faith organization, we know how vital state parks are in strengthening and connecting California families," said Rev. Dr. Rick Schlosser CCI executive director. "State parks offer low-cost destinations for families to spend time together in nearly every region of our state. Under Prop. 21 not only will state parks receive adequate funding, but California families will be able to enjoy even more affordable year-round access."

Prop. 21 will give California families affordable access to state parks and beaches throughout California. Currently, many state parks cost as much as $15 for one-time day-use, and an annual pass costs $125. For families on a budget, state parks' recreational educational and cultural opportunities will be more affordable 365 days a year. Under Prop. 21, California vehicles will receive free, year-round day-use access to state parks and beaches for only $18 a year.

Chronic underfunding of state parks has caused them to accumulate a $1.3 billion backlog in needed maintenance and repairs. Twice in the past two years, state parks were on the brink of being shut down. Last year, nearly 150 state parks were shut down part-time or suffered deep service reductions because of budget cuts, and more park closure proposals and budget cuts are expected this year. Thousands of scenic acres are closed to the public because of reductions in park rangers, and crime has nearly tripled.

Approval of Prop. 21 will provide California vehicles with free, year-round day-use access to state parks and beaches, in exchange for a new $18 surcharge. This new surcharge will be assessed as part of California's annual vehicle registration. All California vehicles will be subject to the surcharge, except larger commercial vehicles, mobile homes and permanent trailers. Funds from the surcharge will be placed in a trust fund dedicated specifically to state parks and wildlife conservation, which cannot legally be used for other purposes.

CCI joins a wide-ranging coalition of interests supporting Prop. 21, including the California Travel Industry Association, The Nature Conservancy, Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California, California Teachers Association, California League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), California Action for Healthy Kids and the California State Parks Foundation. For a full list of supporters, please click here.

For more information on Prop. 21, please visit www.YesForStateParks.com or www.facebook.com/YesForStateParks.

SOURCE California Church IMPACT

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.YesForStateParks.com

 Tails were wagging at Walt Disney World Resort today when Best Friends Pet Care opened the doors to its new, luxury pet resort.  Dennis Dolan, CEO of Best Friends Pet Care, and Phil Bernard, vice president of Walt Disney World Operating Participants, were joined by Mickey Mouse's favorite dog Pluto to welcome the first guests.  

The one-of-a-kind pet resort offers 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space, 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas, and a 25,000-square-foot dog park exclusively for the use of Best Friends clients and their pets.

"Best Friends is thrilled to open the doors of this special, luxury pet facility," said Dolan.  "We've been looking forward to this day for a long time and we are very excited to finally be ready to open the doors and show off this special facility.  It incorporates the very best concepts from our other Best Friends facilities with some imaginative ideas that we think will delight and surprise our Walt Disney World guests.

The facility, which already has many pet guests booked for the Labor Day weekend, is able to accommodate as many as 300 pets for both daytime and overnight boarding.  Dog owners can choose from a variety of accommodations, ranging from a standard 32-square-foot all-indoor suite, to an expansive 226-square-foot VIP (Very Important Pet) suite with television, raised bedding and private outdoor yard.  Feline guests will spend their visit in the separate "Kitty City" pavilion – away from the dogs – in two- and four-room condos.  There also is a special area for the boarding of pocket pets, small mammals and birds.

"At Walt Disney World Resort, we are focused on providing the highest quality entertainment experiences for all guests.  Working with Best Friends Pet Care, we are pleased to be able to extend that commitment to pets traveling with their owners," said Bernard.  "Our mutual appreciation for even the slightest detail is reflected in this one-of-a-kind facility and its unique services and amenities."

The facility offers a private dog park exclusively for the use of Best Friends guests.  It comprises a walking trail overlooking natural wetlands and several large areas of varying terrain for running and playing, including a 1,300-square-foot "canines only" splash-and-play water feature.  There also are sitting areas where owners can relax and watch their dogs play.  The entire park is secure from outsiders and is available for use after dark.

Other features of the resort include: a grooming salon, which will provide go-home-fresh baths and haircuts for pets, and two 1,100-square-foot camp rooms for play group and doggy day-camp, each opening onto an outdoor play-yard.

Pet parents can choose from a wide range of a la carte activities for pet guests from one-on-one playtimes and social playgroup with other doggy guests, to cuddle time and bedtime stories with staff.  Additional amenities and upgrades include ice cream treats, bottled water and premium orthopedic bedding.  Feline guests can also enjoy private playtimes, activity toys in their suites, and treats such as "Cookies and Milk" or "Tuna on a Ritz."

Best Friends Pet Care resort is located across from Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 32830.  Pricing and other details are available at wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com or by calling 877/4-WDW-PETS.

Best Friends Pet Care resort at Walt Disney World Resort was designed by Mateu Architecture of Palmetto Bay, Fla.  General contractor for the project was Synergy Group of Bloomfield, Mich., and Orlando, Fla.

About Best Friends Pet Care

Best Friends Pet Care Inc. (www.bestfriendspetcare.com) is privately held by Brynwood Partners of Greenwich, CT.  Founded in 1991, Best Friends is a long-time leader in the U.S. pet hospitality industry, providing high-quality boarding for dogs and cats as well as day care, grooming, training and related services.  The Company redefined pet boarding in 1996 with the opening of its first full-service pet resort in Norwalk, Conn.  Since that time, Best Friends has expanded to more than 40 pet care centers in 18 states, always innovating and providing new offerings based upon the needs of pets and feedback from clients.

SOURCE Walt Disney World Resort

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com

Three concerts – Renegade Creation, Dan Hicks & Hot Licks and Wayne Wallace & his Latin Jazz Quartet – are scheduled at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Sept. 4, 6 and 12 in Fort Bragg, California. For tickets, visit www.gardenbythesea.org or call 707-964-4352, x28.

On Saturday, September 4 at 3pm Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks, Western swing/Django/jazz/blues/roots/hippie eclecticism with all the expected sardonic lyrics, will perform. Tickets: $20, $30.

On Labor Day, Monday, September 6th at 3pm, African American-Latin Jazz Wayne Wallace & his Latin Jazz Quartet, a three-time Grammy nominee, will be on stage.  Tickets $20

On Sunday, September 12 at 3pm, Renegade Creation will deliver a blues-driven sound with both rootsy, blues/rock vocal tunes and fiery instrumentals. Band members include veteran musical giants Michael Landau, Robben Ford, Jimmy Haslip and Gary Novak. Tickets: $25 - $40 & $75.

SOURCE Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.gardenbythesea.org

Top editors from Cooking with Paula Deen and Better Homes & Gardens have joined an elite panel of judges for the 18th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition. The competition takes place at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in scenic Asheville, N.C. on Nov. 15th.  Cindy Cooper, the Editorial Director for Cooking with Paula Deen magazine and Erin Simpson, Associate Food Editor for Better Homes and Gardens magazine will join ten other judges who were announced earlier this year.

Cindy Cooper draws on her creative vision and more than 31 years of experience in the publishing business to produce a magazine that reflects the down-home lifestyle and tastes of restaurateur and TV personality Paula Deen while presenting delectable recipes for Southern coastal dishes in Paula's signature style. An Alabama native, Cindy is a graduate of Auburn University, and is the editorial director of Cooking with Paula Deen. During her previous career within Southern Progress and Oxmoor House, Inc., she led creative teams in the publication of various books and magazines including Cooking Light, Southern Living, Weight Watchers, and Coastal Living.

Erin Simpson is a native of Des Moines, IA. She is Associate Food Editor for Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Ms. Simpson writes about food, develops recipes, and regularly works with celebrity chefs and authors, including most recently Scott Peacock, Tyler Florence, and Nigella Lawson to bring delicious recipes and cooking tips to more than 39 million readers. She has a Culinary Arts degree from Johnson and Wales University and was an apprentice to award-winning cookbook author Nathalie Dupree.

"The National Gingerbread House Competition at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa has gained a large following since it was launched in 1993. It's a true holiday tradition and we are thrilled to add these prestigious new judges to an already great panel," said Ronald E. Morin, Vice-President and Managing Director at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa.

Returning judges for the 2010 National Gingerbread House Competition will be:

Gerry Hempel-Davis (Richmond, Va.): A judge at every National Gingerbread House Competition since its inception, Ms. Davis is the author of four books including her latest, "100,000 Miles: A Driving Diva's Guide."

Nicholas Lodge (Norcross, Ga.): Chef Lodge is recognized worldwide as a top instructor in the sugar craft arts and the author of numerous books.

Nadine Orenstein (New York, N.Y.): Curator of the Department of Drawings and Prints of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Colette Peters (New York, N.Y.): The owner of Colette's Cakes, a specialty cake company in New York City, she has designed celebrity cakes for Whoopi Goldberg, Al Pacino, Sting, Bette Midler, Hilary Clinton, the Rolling Stones and Yoko Ono.

Mark Seaman (Chicago, Ill.): Founder of Marked for Dessert, a boutique cake shop in Chicago, Mr. Seaman is recognized for his special occasion and wedding cake design.

Steven Stellingwerf (Sioux Falls, S.D.): Mr. Stellingwerf has been involved with the sugar arts for more than 30 years.

In addition to Cooper and Simpson, other new judges for the 2010 National Gingerbread House Competition are:

Carol Gable (Anderson, S.C.):  Carol Gable has been a producer the last 15 years for the newsmagazine, "Dateline NBC".

Michelle Pullam (Tallahassee, Fl.): Food and Leisure Coordinator for Southern Hospitality Magazine - Traveler.

Jane Robelot (Greenville, S.C.): Jane Robelot is a nationally acclaimed television news anchor and correspondent and the recent recipient of a Peabody award.

Denny Trantham (Canton, N.C.): Denny Trantham is the Executive Chef for The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa.

Also new to the 2010 National Gingerbread House Competition will be a prize for the contestant who enters from the furthest geographical location from The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa and Asheville N.C.

Contestants may deliver their gingerbread houses to The Grove Park Inn Grand Ballroom starting on Sunday, Nov. 14th, from 2-8 p.m. and again on Monday, Nov. 15th, from 7-8:30 a.m. The judging begins on Nov. 15th, with the awards presented that day at 5 p.m.

Hundreds of entries are expected across four categories: Adult (18 years and older), Teen (13-17 years old), Youth (9-12 years old) and Child (5-8 years old). Entries are judged on overall appearance, originality/creativity, difficulty, precision and consistency of theme. The National Gingerbread House Competition™ awards more than $12,000 in cash and prizes. The grand prize winner receives a $3,000 cash prize, plus a two night Club Floor stay at The Grove Park Inn & Spa Resort, complete with dinner for two and breakfast daily at the historic hotel. All contestants will receive a personalized certificate.

All of the entries will be on display at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa from Nov. 17th to Jan. 3rd. The public is invited to view the displays any Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Groups and bus charters are asked to call ahead for reservations.

About The Grove Park Inn & Spa: The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is one of the South's most venerable and famous grand resorts. Built in 1913 from granite stones mined from Sunset Mountain, the resort overlooks the Asheville skyline and provides guests with majestic views of the legendary Blue Ridge Mountains. It's a monument of comfort and relaxation, offering 512 guest rooms and suites, a four-diamond restaurant and other fine dining establishments; a Donald Ross designed golf-course; a retail village comprised of four specialized boutiques; fitness facilities; and a spectacular, award-winning spa. The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is proud to be the home of The National Gingerbread House Competition.™

SOURCE The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa

Back to top