Callaway Gardens launches new program for military families
April 25, 2012 by cbowman
Filed under Community News
The Callaway Homecoming Initiative (CHI) is a Joint Partnership with Emory University, Fort Benning and Callaway Gardens
PINE MOUNTAIN, GA (04/25/12) – Beginning today, the Callaway Homecoming Initiative (CHI), a program a year-long in planning between Emory University, Callaway Gardens and Fort Benning’s Maneuver Operations Center for Excellence, becomes a reality.
The CHI is designed to help members of the U.S. Military reconnect with their families and assimilate into a peacetime home environment upon return from combat deployment. Set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in west-central Georgia at Callaway Gardens, this program brings soldiers and families together – at no personal expense – in a spectacular and serene setting, far from the stress and anxiety of war.
A series of classes, developed in partnership with Emory University’s School of Medicine Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, features experts from around Georgia, who have volunteered their service, providing information to soldiers and families about unique aspects of military family life and transition from the combat theater. Military families also participate in a regimen of outdoor team challenges including a timed adventure race, a zipline course, a laser tag competition and more. Ample time is built in for recreational activities as well, including golf, tennis, fishing, bicycling and hiking. When the day’s activities end, CHI participants unwind in Callaway Gardens’ Southern Pine Cottages, set in a secluded woodland environment and equipped with screened porches, full kitchens and fireplaces.
The program is directed by J. Douglas Bremner, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Radiology, and Director of the Emory Center for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. Dr. Bremner also serves as Director of Mental Health Research at the Atlanta VAMC in Decatur, Georgia.
“With all expenses paid and a comprehensive program that addresses all aspects of the combat-to-peacetime transition, CHI is a win-win prospect for everyone – soldier, family andsociety at large,” said Dr. Bremner.
“Callaway Gardens was created to provide a place of nourishment for the soul, consolation for the heart, and inspiration for the mind,” said Edward Callaway, Callaway Gardens’ chairman of the board. “What better group of people to engage in this environment so that they can benefit from its beauty at such an important and critical time in their lives to re-connect with themselves, their family and their homeland after providing such an incredible service to our country.”
Follow the program on Facebook at Callaway Homecoming Initiative and on twitter using @CHI_Georgia. For more information on the Callaway Gardens Homecoming Initiative, please write to P.O. Box 2000, Pine Mountain, GA 31822 or email info@callawaygardens.com.
Callaway Gardens®, is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. For additional information, visit www.callawaygardens.com or call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292).
From Olympics to Disney: Choreographer Is Living Her Dreams
By Laura Erickson, editor
© 2012 – Muscogee Moms LLC, www.muscogeemoms.com and www.lagrangemoms.com
LaGrange Moms recently had the opportunity to interview Cindy Stuart, choreographer for the Disney on Ice production of Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey which will appear at the Columbus Civic Center April 26-29. The Los Angeles native went from lacing up her first pair of skates at six years old to competing nationally as a teen. The talented skater turned professional at just 17 years old and joined the Ice Follies and Holiday on Ice as a principal skater. Little did she know that the Ice Follies would be purchased by Feld Entertainment and would go on to become the hugely popular Disney on Ice.
She has been principal choreographer for Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey, Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, Disney On Ice presents a Disneyland Adventure, Disney On Ice presents Princess Wishes, Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate!, Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3, Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove and Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream. She was also the skating choreographer for another ice spectacular produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour.
Stuart’s additional choreography credits include creating routines for Katarina Witt, Olympic Bronze medalist Joannie Rochette, World and Olympic Champions Xue Shen and Hongbo Zhao and Olympic Champions Jamie Salé and David Pelletier. Most recently, Stuart was a two time nominee for the 2010 Paul McGrath U.S. Figure Skating/PSA Choreographer of the Year Award.
LM: What made you decide to pursue skating through competition and then professionally?
Cindy: I saw an ice show at 8 years old. The female soloist was on center ice skating around in her flowing dress, and I just knew that I wanted to be a skater, which led to my career as a choreographer.
LM: Leaving home at 17 to join the Ice Follies must have been overwhelming. What was it like?
Cindy: It was a big experience for a young girl, but the first time I walked backstage in the arena to the area where the props were set up, I knew I was home. I had never had that perspective from backstage before, but when I did, I felt this wave rush over me. I thought this is it. I’m here. This is what I am going to be doing for the rest of my life.
LM: What led you to go from skating to choreography?
Cindy: I worked with Olympic gold medalist Robin Cousins on several choreographic collaborations. I started thinking about it then. Whenever I turned on music and closed my eyes, I would see skating and movement.
LM: What is a typical week like with Disney on Ice?
Cindy: During the six-week rehearsal period when we are putting together the show, we rehearse six days per week. Those days can be pretty long. They start at 8:30am and can run until 8pm or 9pm. It’s almost 12 hour day for six days a week until we open.
LM: How do you prepare for each show?
Cindy: To prepare for a production, I get together with the director and my assistant and we plan out the choreographic segments of the entire show in advance so that we are able to teach the routines to the performers as quickly as possible during rehearsals. We design the choreography in Los Angeles about a month and a half before we get to rehearsals in Lakeland, FL. That involves mapping out patterns as well as creating and videotaping choreography for each and every skater in the show.
LM: What is the most difficult aspect of being a professional skater?
Cindy: I think being a professional skater, much like being a dancer, takes a toll physically on the body after a certain amount of time. Not just because the body ages, but because there are injuries. The physical demands of skating are very difficult. Skating looks effortless, but it really requires a lot of stamina from the performers.
LM: What is the funniest thing that has ever happened during a tour?
Cindy: I don’t know if I can pinpoint the funniest thing. When I toured I had a blast, it was so much fun. I’ve overslept, missed a train and things like that. One of the funniest things that happened to me was that the strap to my costume broke, and I had to skate around holding up the strap to finish the routine.
LM: What is the most advanced maneuver you choreograph for the show?
Cindy: Probably some of the pair skating tricks. They can be dangerous. Also in Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey, there is a section with Lilo and Stitch that required me to learn hula dancing, because Lilo wants to be a hula dancer. I took hula lessons from a hula teacher so I could incorporate real hula and not just fake the moves. All of the movements in hula are connected to words, and they are always telling a story that relates to Hawaiian nature. That was a very interesting process and a challenge to learn and translate to ice.
LM: Since you travel so much, are you able to see your family very often?
Cindy: I see my family on holidays. I’m based in Los Angeles, and my family lives just two hours away in San Diego. I also have nephews that I see often, and my sister lives in Long Beach. My family is all on the west coast, so it is not that hard to keep in touch.
LM: What are your plans for retirement?
Cindy: I also teach private clients here in Los Angeles, and I know some skating coaches who work into their 80’s. As long as you keep moving, there is the potential to keep teaching forever. Retirement feels so far away right now, but perhaps I’ll end up somewhere in wine country.
LM: What advice would you give to kids who are considering professional skating as a career?
Cindy: I think the most important thing is to learn as much as you can from different disciplines. For instance, go take a dance class, go to the theater, take pilates, take ballet. It is so much more than just skating that creates a skater and a performer.
If You Go: What: Disney on Ice Presents Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey When: Thursday, April 26 at 7 p.m.; Friday, April 27 at 10:40 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 28 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, April 29 at 2 p.m. Where: Columbus Civic Center
Cost: Ticket Prices start at $11 and go up to $40 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the Columbus Civic Center Box Office, located at 400 4th Street; online at www.TicketMaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.
Duplication and/or publication without permission is strictly prohibited. Please contact Charlotte Bowman, Muscogee Moms LLC, at (706) 888-0260 or charlotte@muscogeemoms.com for duplication/publication use.
Celebrate Spring! Azalea Season @ Callaway Gardens
March 10, 2012 by SLitz
Filed under Community News, Outdoor Events
Celebrate Spring!
A Glorious Backdrop
Azalea Watch
In Spring, the Callaway Gardens landscape explodes with the world’s most breathtakingly beautiful display of over 20,000 azaleas, plus mountain laurel, dogwoods, daffodils and tulips. Sweeping floral vistas in a brilliant palette and soaring, stately pines provide the backdrop for exciting hands-on activities, fascinating educational experiences and invigorating guided hikes.
Take a leisurely stroll through the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl and Overlook Azalea Garden, and delight in the vibrant scenery. Soak up the spring sunshine while playing golf or tennis, casting a line on a fly-fishing excursion or exploring tropical worlds at the Sibley Horticultural Center and Day Butterfly Center.
Details and prices subject to change
2012 General admission:
$18/adult; $9/child age 6-12; children 5 and younger are admitted for free. Tax is included. Special Event admission may apply to some events. Annual passes are available for purchase.
Gardens Hours:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. January 1 through March 21 and September 4 through December 31
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 22 through September 3 with half-price admission from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Information:
Click here or call 800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) now, and make your reservations today!
Circus Mom’s Life is a Juggling Act
Circus Mom’s Life is a Juggling Act
By Charlotte Bowman, editor
© 2012 – Muscogee Moms LLC, www.muscogeemoms.com
Sometimes motherhood can feel like a three-ring circus – from balancing work and family life, to juggling bills and taming your toddler or tween’s wild behavior. Muscogee Moms recently had the opportunity to talk with Jodie Urias, a performer with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Barnum Bash, a show coming to the Columbus Civic Center in February.
Jodie performs in the Urias Family Daredevils’ Globe of Death, a gripping, high-speed act that features three motorcycles orbiting around in a 16-foot steel sphere. She has the unique job of being hoisted up in the air by a rope and performing a neck spin during their death-defying finale. In addition, Jodie is a solo artist on the trapeze, aerial chiffon and lira (aerial hoop), as well as participates in a combined aerial display with her brother-in-law’s fiance, Olga Surnina.
In our interview, this graceful acrobat and daring mother of two opens up about how she juggles motherhood with an on-the-road lifestyle that comes with being a part of the Circus Celebration of the Century!
MM: You’re a first generation circus performer. How did you get involved with the circus?
Jodie: You’ve probably heard the saying, “I ran away and joined the circus.” Well for me, that’s a true story! I was 19 years old when I left home for a summer job with Carson and Barnes Circus. I had no real performing arts experience, but I visited the circus that summer and was fascinated. I wanted to be the girl spinning high in the air.
A woman from Columbia taught me how to climb and do an aerial act called the “Spanish Web.” I quickly had to conquer my fear of heights. My whole body would ache from practicing. I was using muscles I didn’t know existed. Two weeks after I started training, I auditioned for the show and landed the part. It was so gratifying.
Front - Geovi, Alyssa, Jodie; Back - Erwin, Olga, Melvin (© 2012 – Feld Entertainment)
MM: When and how did you and your husband meet?
Jodie: I met my husband, Erwin Urias, while I was performing with the George Carden Circus. He was a fourth generation troupe member of the Urias Family Daredevils. Several years later, we got married. Now we have two children, an 11-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter. I began performing in the Globe of Death several years ago when Erwin’s mother had to leave the tour on a family emergency.
MM: How do you prepare for each show?
Jodie: Daily prayer – it’s true! What we do is very dangerous, and we take it very seriously. Not only do we have to be physically ready to perform, we have to be mentally, spiritually and emotionally ready. I stretch and do jumping jacks. My entire body has to be ready. It’s fine when the weather is warm, but harder when it’s cold outside. I really have to take care of myself.
Because computer graphics do things that are humanly impossible, I think live entertainment is often taken for granted. Some people don’t always comprehend that these stunts are really dangerous. It’s raw talent that has been refined and created into this beautiful aerial act. We do it for the appreciation of the audience and we want to hear it in their applause and cheering.
MM: Tell us what it’s like to raise children in the circus.
Jodie: People may not realize it, but the circus is a very family-oriented environment. Because we’re traveling 48 to 50 weeks a year, we have to homeschool our kids. One of the benefits of performing with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is having a full-time teacher who travels with us. There are a nursery and daycare for the smaller children who need to be looked after during the show. My kids are in school five days a week. They have to make up their homework when they miss days. There are other parents who travel with the circus, and we trade off childcare with other moms in the show.
Left to right: Erwin, Jodie, Alyssa, Geovi, Olga, Melvin (© 2012 – Feld Entertainment)
MM: What is a typical circus week like?
Jodie: Mondays are travel days. Tuesdays are our days off. That’s when we get our laundry done, go to the market and do any sightseeing with the kids. Usually we’ll take the kids to a museum or aquarium. On Wednesdays, we set up the show and have any publicity appointments. Thursdays through Sundays are our performance days. We tear down Sunday afternoons.
MM: What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you during a show?
Jodie: We don’t always have good hair days. I like to wear my own hair, but sometimes you have to wear a hairpiece so all the girls will look the same. Once, my hairpiece came off in the middle of an act! I was giggling so hard, I could hardly contain myself!
MM: What is the most advanced maneuver you perform in the show?
Jodie: We always wanted to incorporate an aerial stunt in the Globe of Death but didn’t have the time or space to do it. My husband’s family has been doing this since 1912, and we wanted to be the first to have someone levitated inside the Globe. We finally designed the apparatus we needed. It’s so exciting to be the first ones to do the stunt. It’s dangerous and hard. I take it very seriously. There is no room for error. I’m hanging by the back of my neck with motorcycles zooming at 60 miles per hour just inches from my body. My husband, brother-in-law and his fiance are the cyclists. We put a lot of trust in each other.
Left to right: Erwin, Jodie (front), Olga, Melvin (© 2012 – Feld Entertainment)
MM: What is the most challenging aspect of being a mother and circus performer?
Jodie: For me, it’s walking that fine line between being a good role model for my kids and still being in the entertainment industry. Sometimes those two things don’t go hand in hand. I have standards, and I refuse to lower them. We’ve had offers to be in places that we’ve turned down, because I want to look my kids in the eye and be proud of what work I’ve done. I want my kids to be proud of me. I want to be a good parent and good role model.
MM: There is a certain element of danger in your job. How do you feel about your kids following in the footsteps of the Urias Family Daredevils?
Jodie: This will be their choice. We educate them scholastically in addition to teaching them circus skills. They will have to decide what their life calling is; I can’t make that decision for them. They love to help us with our work. We practice with our kids and teach them our trade, but we also want them to make their own decisions about what they want to be.
Editor’s Note: Jodie Urias also teaches hoop fitness and hoop dance classes, as well as performs hoop dances. She invites audience members of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents BarnumBash into the ring to hoop with her and get Circus Fit (www.circusfit.com).
If You Go:
What: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Barnum Bash
When: Thursday, February 23 at 7 p.m.; Friday, February 24 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, February 25 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, February 26 at 2 p.m.
Where: Columbus Civic Center
Cost: Ticket Prices start at $15 and go up to $30 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the Columbus Civic Center Box Office, located at 400 4th Street; online at www.TicketMaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Opening Night tickets just $10 with the exception of VIP and VIP floor seats.
For more information: visit www.Ringling.com.
Duplication and/or publication without permission is strictly prohibited.
Please contact Charlotte Bowman, Muscogee Moms LLC, at
(706) 888-0260 or charlotte@muscogeemoms.com for duplication/publication use.
