Callaway Gardens launches new program for military families

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).

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Celebrate Spring! Azalea Season @ Callaway Gardens

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!

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Review: Bonefish Grill Restaurant

Review: Bonefish Grill Restaurant
By Charlotte Bowman
© 2012 – Muscogee Moms LLC, muscogeemoms.com

It’s not every day Columbus gets a new seafood restaurant. But when we do, it’s a treat to check it out.

So when Bonefish Grill Restaurant (a national chain of elegant seafood restaurants) recently opened next to Starbucks on Veterans Parkway, my husband and I called our babysitter and made plans for a date night. I’d never been to one of their restaurants, so I was unsure what to expect. All the reviews said the restaurant specialized in market fresh fish, but also offered a few non-seafood options such as steaks, pork, pasta and chicken meals.

My husband and I had a very enjoyable dinner. The inside of the restaurant was both cozy and sleek. I loved the beautiful golden hardwood floors and hand-blown glass lamps. We sat at one of the community tables in the large bar area. It felt strange at first to be sharing a large table with strangers, but by the end of the evening we were sharing food and wine with six new friends.

Our server was professional and extremely knowledgeable about the menu. She answered all our questions and kept our beverages topped off. The warm, fresh bread was a hit and our table went through three baskets.

For my appetizer I chose the Bang, Bang Shrimp, which is “tender, crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce.” Yum! My husband chose the Bacon Wrapped Atlantic Sea Scallops, also an tasty choice.

Next up were the entrees.

I opted for the Corn Chowder with Lump Crab instead of a salad. For my entree, I choose Lily’s Chicken, which is a “chicken breast topped with spinach, goat cheese, & a piece of a artichoke heart; covered in a butter lemon sauce,” was divine! My husband chose the Norwegian Salmon, which was cooked over a wood-burning grill.

For dessert I ordered the Creme Brulle – Hands down, one of my favorite deserts of all time. Our boys weren’t with us that night, but I saw several items on the kids menu that they would like. I was also impressed by the sheer entertainment value of the eight-page booklet!

Pros:

• Great selection of fresh seafood dishes
• Extensive wine list and generous portions
• Great for date nights

Cons:

• Popular restaurant, expect a long wait to be seated
• A bit pricy compared to your average restaurant
• Not open for lunch during the week

Hours:

• Open for dinner seven days a week from 4–10:30 pm.
• Prices: Appetizers $5-14, Entrees $13-22
• Reservations are accepted, but not required

A gift certificate (which covered the check) was provided to Muscogee Moms for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been compensated in any other way and is based on the views and opinions of my husband and myself. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Duplication and/or Publication without permission is strictly prohibited.
Please contact Charlotte Bowman, Muscogee Moms LLC,
(706) 888-0260, or charlotte@muscogeemoms.com for duplication/publication use.

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