Celebrate Opelika

Looks like Downtown Opelika will be having a big shin-dig this Saturday starting at 10 am with the last event scheduled at 7pm. There are supposed to be arts and crafts vendor out and looks like lots of fun events scheduled.

Earth Fare

Even though organic produce and healthy foods are often more expensive, I  am seeing the value in it more and more these days.  For those other thrifters trying to fit wholesome food in under budget here are a couple of tidbits about Earthfare. 

If you sign up for their newsletter they will send coupons into your inbox.  (you can look at the latest batch here).

Thursday nights kids eat free from 4 - 8 at their deli.  I am told that this is up to 6 kids per adult meal.  You can't really beat that if you have kids!

Owl Release July 8th

Here's the info:

The Southeastern Raptor Center, in collaboration with the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, will release owls into the wild atKiesel Park on Thursday, July 8. The center will host an educational program at 6:30 p.m., followed by the owl release at 7 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery at Kiesel Park while taking part in this unique event.

The majority of the birds to be released are barred and Eastern screech owls. “Most of these birds were healthy fledglings that were mistaken for orphans,” said Liz Crandall, veterinary technician with the Southeastern Raptor Center.

Crandall will talk about not removing young, healthy wildlife; a history of the birds being released; and raptors. Two red-tailed hawks, used for educational purposes, will also be on hand.

The mission of the center’s rehabilitation section is to rehabilitate injured, ill, or orphaned birds of prey. Annually, the Southeastern Raptor Center takes in between 200 and 275 birds of prey from across the Southeast. Birds are generally brought in by members of the public, a network of southeastern rehabilitators and educational facilities, and state and federal agencies.

“Most of the birds come from within a 60-mile radius,” said Crandall.

The Southeastern Raptor Center is part of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. For more information, please call 334-844-3698.

Art Exhibit at Jan Dempsey

Here's the info:

The Auburn Arts Association is currently hosting the Photography Invitational I, featuring photographs by John Shadrick and Hank Siegel, on display now through July 19 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Don't miss your opportunity to view the exhibition and meet the artists at a reception on Saturday, July 10 from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Art Gallery. The reception is free to the public.

Admission to the Art Gallery at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center is free and open to the public Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, please contact the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at 501-2963 or visit www.auburnalabama.org/arts.

Children's Book

For those of you who have Kindle's (and children) I have just published a children's picture book!  It is priced at 99cents (which is the lowest price they would let me put it).  It's got 17 pictures and shows a farmer planting his field and some of the crops that come from it.  Good way to show kids where their food comes from.  The farm pictured is my family's farm located here in Alabama.  

Also, for any who might not know, the price of the Kindle just got reduced to $189.  Nothing like a little competition to drive the price down.  It's still quite an investment, but they are nice if you can afford it.

Fireworks!

Join the City of Auburn for the Annual Fourth of July Celebration, sponsored by Briggs & Stratton Corporation, on Sunday, July 4 behind the home side of Duck Samford Stadium. This FREE community event is open to all ages. Gates open at 6 p.m., followed by live music and children's activities at 7 p.m. The evening culminates with one of THE best fireworks displays in the area at 9 p.m.

Exciting Week from the Gnu's Room

Looks like a lot of fun stuff going on this week with the Gnu's Room and the Shops at Southside:



Tuesday, June 22nd at 2:00 p.m. - Write Time
Free weekly writing workshop. An hour of inspiration, sharing, and
information for writers of any level of expertise.

Tuesday, June 22nd at 5:30 p.m. - Tea for Tuesday
Free tea tasting hosted by our resident tea expert, Chip Self. Come,
learn and sample - simple!

Wednesday, June 23rd at 7:00 p.m. - Singer/Songwriter Competition
We would like to continue this event through the summer months, but
may not be able to if we don't have participation. Only $4.00 entry
fee for performers and $5.00 admission for listeners. Cash prize to
winner is $100.00. Come support your favorite performer!

Thursday, June 24th at 6:30 p.m. - Science Cafe Auburn
Tia Gonzales, Agricultural Program Assistant at Auburn University and
owner of Naturista Fine Garden Design, will be presenting the topic,
"Rain Barrels: What, How & Why?" Learn more about the benefits of
water collection using rain barrels and how to set up a system.

FRIDAY, JUNE 25th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - SHOPS @ SOUTHSIDE
SUMMER CELEBRATION #1

The first of three events, Celebration #1 will feature free music by
local performers, a reading/book signing by local author Jim Buford,
drawings for great prizes (no purchase required) and special pricing
at all participating shops.

5:00 p.m. - Store specials and registration for prizes begin

5:30 p.m. - Meet Auburn author Jim Buford, who has recently had a book
of short stories published, "The House Across the Road." Jim will read
one of his stories and will be glad to sign copies of the book for you.

5:45 p.m. - 6:20 p.m. - Music by Bree Windham

6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - Music provided by Brennan Reece and Josh McKenzie

9:30 p.m. - Drawing for prizes

Prizes (thus far, but more to come) include:

Friday Night Wine Tastings from Fine Wine & Beer by Gus
Whole Bean Coffee from Mama Mocha's Coffee Roastery
Gnu's Room Gift Certificates
Perch Gift Certificates
Scuba Lesson from Adventure Sports
Guitar Lesson from The Guitar Shoppe
Yoga Session from Yoga Ananda

This Week at Gnu's Room

Here's the latest from the Gnu's Room.  They have some new stuff for the summer that sounds pretty good.  I'm particularly excited about the tea tastings.

Here's the info:
Friday, June 11th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Chair Massage at the
Gnu's Room

Conar Rochford will be offering relaxing chair massages to erase the
stress of a long, hard, hot week! Only $10.00 for a luxurious 15 minute
session. Don't miss it!


We are initiating some "GNU" ideas for the summer, which will begin next week.


Try out our new Call-in Curbside Coffee (CCC)!

If you are in a hurry, but need some quality coffee to jump start your
day, you have a wonderful option effective with Monday, June 14th. To
participate in CCC is simple:

1. Come by the Gnu's Room and purchase a gift card for any desired
amount. We will keep your card on file and let you know when your
balance is running low.

2. Call in your coffee order 10 minutes prior to when you wish to pick it up.

3. Park in front of the Gnu's Room (you may need to pull in behind
other cars, but it will only be for a few seconds). We will deliver
your coffee to your vehicle!



Tea for Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. each week

Beginning on the 15th, Chip Self, our local tea aficionado, will be
offering free tea tastings at the Gnu's Room with lots of great
education to accompany each sample. Chip was instrumental in the Gnu's
Room carrying the fine selection of organic loose leaf teas we have.
For those non-coffee drinkers out there, this is the perfect
opportunity to see what else is available for the discriminating
palette.



Gnu Biking Crew at 6:00 p.m. each Thursday

This is a beginning biking group for women only (sorry guys - but you
have lots of other options!). The meeting place will be Blooming
Colors and the pace will be as slow as needed, with easy terrain.
Route maps will be available. Any type of bike is acceptable and if
you don't have a bike, the city of Auburn has loaner bikes. You use
the bike for two weeks at no cost and get a helmet by just showing
your i.d. The total time for the ride will be about an hour and a half
allowing time for warm up and cool down. Since the ride will not be
over before it starts to get dark, you will need to have lights for
the front and back of your bike, a reflective vest, and a helmet. June
17th will be the first group ride. If you have any questions, please
contact Ginger Purvis at 524-4767.


--
The Gnu's Room Bookstore & Coffee House
414 S Gay St
Auburn, AL 36830
334.821.5550www.thegnusroom.com
Coffee-Books-Community

Yard Sale at New Leaf Galleries

I've been meaning to post about New Leaf Galleries for a while now.  It's an upscale furniture consignment store in Opelika, AL.  Of course, it's not super cheap or free like I normally get excited about, but the prices are really good for furniture.  The store is beautiful, all the furniture is great, and the people working there are really helpful. If you are looking for furniture this is definitely a good stop. Also, I just got an invitation to an Anniversary Yard Sale they are having.  


Here's the info:




Come celebrate New Leaf!

Can you believe it's been a year?

Come see us on June 19th for a free hot dog cookout and a non-profit yard sale to benefit Original Design Outfitters (http://originaldesignoutfitters.com/) and CONVERGE auburn (http://convergeauburn.org/).

We'll also be cooking hot dogs in the parking lot, so don't miss your chance at a free lunch!

Auburn Stride Walkers June Schedule

Looking to add a little more movement to your daily routine? Join the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department and the Auburn Stride Walkers every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this month at 9 a.m. as they explore various City walking trails as a group.  Participants may walk at their own pace and distance. Join us for the following walks this month:

June 2Kiesel Park
520 Chadwick Lane 

June 4Ogletree Village Shopping Center
Meet in parking lot near Moores Mill Road

June 7  
Auburn Public Library
749 East Thach Ave.

June 9
Town Creek Park
1150 South Gay Street

June 11Charlotte & Curtis Ward Bike Path
Located at entrance to Chewacla State Park 

June 14 
Jule Collins Smith Museum
Located off South College Street 

June 16Hickory Dickory Park
1400 Hickory Ln & N. Cedarbrook

June 18Dean Road Recreation Center
307 South Dean Road

June 21
Kiesel Park
520 Chadwick Lane

June 23Ogletree Village Shopping Center
Meet in parking lot near Moores Mill Road

June 25Auburn Public Library
749 East Thach Avenue

June 28
Town Creek Park
1150 South Gay Street

June 30Charlotte & Curtis Ward Bike Path
Located at entrance to Chewacla State Park
          

This program is open to all ages and is free to the public.  Participants are encouraged to bring bottled water and wear comfortable walking shoes.  For more information, please contact Melissa Weldon at 501-2946 or Dee Watson at 501-2948.  Walks will not be held on rainy days.

Farmer's Market

The Main Street Farmers Market opens Tuesday, June 1st at 2:00!!! Nothing better than 'Fresh from the Farm' fruits and vegetables!!! Any Fresher & You’d be Driving a Tractor!




I think that the market at Ag Heritage Park at AU has also started up.  It's on Thursdays from 3:00 to 6:00pm.

$1 Movies at the Theatre

This summer Carmike is offering $1 movie tickets on Tuesdays starting at 10am on some select movies.

http://www.carmike.com/promotions.aspx?id=80

Towel Day

For any Douglas Adams fans out there....Don't forget it's Towel Day Today!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Towel_Day

And if you did....DON'T PANIC

Turtle Release this Saturday

The Forest Ecology Preserve is releasing turtles on Saturday:


Our turtle habitat is getting crowded!  As the weather has warmed up and turtles have been on the move we see more turtles on the roadway.  We've had several folks bring us turtles rescued from the busy streets of Auburn to come live a more peaceful life at the preserve.  Come out Saturday morning @ 9:00am as we release two of these turtles back into the forest at the Ecology Preserve.  Auburn Graduate and Preserve Volunteer Daisy Griffin will give a short presentation about box turtles followed by an optional hike.  During the presentation there will be live turtles to view and touch.  Meet at the Pavilion.  Free Admission.

Also, remember our turtle habitat and its permanent residents are accessible to view 7 days a week.  For pictures and more information check out www.facebook.com/auburnpreserve

An Affordable CSA?

I have long been interested in joining a CSA group.  CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and basically boils down to you pay a monthly fee and get fresh, local veggies, fruit, eggs, meat, whatever, each week.  I love this idea!  I looked into it in Auburn and found that Randle Farms had a CSA program.  I heard great and wonderful things about their produce.  I couldn't afford their prices.  So I am excited to hear about a new CSA coming to town.  The Grow Alabama program is now delivering to Auburn.  They seem to have reasonable prices and even let you customize your orders.  

Has anyone tried them out yet?  Check it out here.

Gnu's Room Events

The Latest from the Gnu's Room:


Tuesday, May 19th at 2:00 p.m. - The Write Time
Writers of any expertise are invited. Facilitated by Helen Silverstein
and other group members. No charge for this event.

Wednesday, May 20th at 5:30 p.m. - Coffee Cupping
Sarah Barnett hosts a weekly tasting featuring coffee from 3 regions.
No charge for this event.

Wednesday, May 20th at 7:00 p.m. - Singer/Songwriter Contest
$4.00 entry fee for competitors, $5.00 admission for spectators. $100
cash prize to winner. All original music, co-sponsored by The Guitar
Shoppe.

Friday, May 21st at 7:00 p.m. - Live Music by Barefoot For Native
This trio from England is touring the U.S. and bringing their
beautiful harmonies to the Gnu's Room. They are promoting their music
with an EP, which will be available for purchase at the concert. $5.00
suggested donation.

Saturday, May 22nd at 7:00 p.m. - Live Music by Errick Johnson
Local performer Errick Johnson makes jazz and big band standards his
own with his silky vocals accompanied by keyboard. $5.00 suggested
donation.

Next week:

Tuesday, May 25th at 2:00 p.m. - The Write Time

Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. - Science Cafe Auburn
Dr. Douglas Pitt of Auburn Chiropractic Health Clinic presents the
topic, "The Science of Chiropractic: Dispelling the Myths." A Q&A will
follow the presentation.

Wednesday, May 26th at 5:30 p.m. - Coffee Cupping
--
The Gnu's Room Bookstore & Coffee House
414 S Gay St
Auburn, AL 36830
334.821.5550www.thegnusroom.com
Coffee-Books-Community

Art Exhibit at Jan Dempsey

The 12th Annual Juried Art Show and Transitions exhibition are currently on display at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center.

A reception for both exhibitions will be held on Saturday, May 15 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. The reception is free and open to the public.

The Juried Art Show includes 37 works by 25 local artists that were judged by Richard Metzger, executive director of the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center and the Johnson Center for the Arts in Troy, Ala. Of the 37 works, nine were selected for special recognition. Winners will be announced at the reception.

Julie Plasketes and her son, Rivers Plasketes, are currently exhibiting Transitions, a collection of their works, to celebrate his graduation from high school and acceptance into the New York School of Visual Arts.

The Art Gallery and Gallery II are open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. For more information about the exhibitions, please call the Arts Center at 501-2963 or visit www.auburnalabama.org/arts.

Mini-Golf $3.00 a game this Saturday

Here's the info:

The USA Mini Golf team

http://www.usaminigolf.com


Saturday, May 15th
11am to 11pm CDT

Special USA Mini Golf Birthday Rate: $3.00 per game!

Contest Prizes throughout the day!
Prizes include:
- Coupons
- T-shirts
- YEAR PASSES!

Fun! Fun! Fun!

We are located at the USA Town Center
In Opelika-- just off I-85 at exit 62.
Please see our website for more information.
http://www.usaminigolf.com

Touch a Truck

TOUCH-A-TRUCK
IN DOWNTOWN OPELIKA

Saturday, June 5, 2010 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
RAIN DATE: Saturday, June 12, 2010,
same time, same place.

What is Touch-a-Truck?
On June 5th in downtown Opelika there will be trucks and
other vehicles of all shapes and sizes for children, under adult
supervision, to touch and explore. BRING YOUR CAMERA!!!

Who is planning and supporting Touch-a-Truck?
Touch-a-Truck is a joint project of Opelika Main Street, the Opelika Chamber of Commerce,
the City of Opelika, Keep Opelika Beautiful and Rusty Sheehan State Farm.

What kinds of vehicles will be on display?
A Fire Engine, a Mobile Command Unit, an Ambulance, a
School Bus, Construction and Military Equipment, a UPS Truck,
and many more!!! Children are encouraged to touch, climb an explore the trucks
(and even honk the horn if they’d like!)

How much will Touch-a-Truck cost?
In lieu of admission, each child is asked to bring a new toy to
be donated to the Lee County Sheriff's Office
Toys-for-Tots Program. Admission is free.

Thanks to these Touch-a-Truck Sponsors!!!
Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones, Smith T Building Supply,
Grady’s Tire and Auto, Rusty Sheehan State Farm,
ESG Operations, Opelika Light and Power and E.A. Investments.

Free Concert in the Park Thursday

Just a reminder about this week's Sundown Concert:

The May Sundown Concert Series at Town Creek Park continues on Thursday, May 13 at 6 p.m. with a performance by MUSE.  Join the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department every Thursday in May for live musical performances at Auburn’s newest park, located on South Gay Street. Citizens are encouraged to bring a blanket, chairs, and picnic and enjoy an evening of FREE musical entertainment. Additional parking for the concert is available at Wrights Mill Road Elementary School.

MUSE is an Auburn-based, three-person vocal/acoustic group that has been performing throughout the Southeast for 32 years.  The group has performed at events such as City Stages in Birmingham, Downtown Jam in Columbus, GA, and the SEC Basketball Tournament in New Orleans.  With two albums and one CD of original music to their credit, MUSE's unique style has evolved through careful attention to and particular emphasis on creative vocal harmonies.  With a repertoire of over 100 songs, the group boasts a number of original songs, as well as music by artists such as Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Eagles, The Beatles, James Taylor, Jimmy Buffet, and Paul Simon.  Group members include Tom Harper on acoustic guitar and vocals; George Konstant on acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, harmonica, and vocals; and Larry Shaw on electric bass and vocals.  Both Harper and Konstant are two of the group's original members.

Join us as we welcome MUSE to the stage at the May Sundown Concert Series at Town Creek Park.  For more information, visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks and click on the “Special Events” tab or contact the Dean Road Recreation Center at 501-2930.