The Little Zoo that Could! Go Wild!
The zoo is the place to discover and explore the natural habitats of more than 290 animals. Stroll tree-lined paths and get up close and personal with Siberian tigers, Black Bears, Pythons and more! The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo features elevated viewing decks for close-up viewing of everything from alligators, giraffes, lions, tigers, monkeys and macaws. There's also a petting zoo, reptile house, aviary, concession stands, shaded picnicking area and daily animal shows in the summer.
Opened in June of 1989 and named Zooland Animal Park, the zoo was originally a private enterprise by a Gulf Shores resident named Joey Ward. The Ward family created a non-profit corporation named “The Zoo Foundation, Inc” and in 1991 they donated 17 acres of prime real estate and additionally three years later donated another 13 acres making up the zoo today.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo relies solely on admissions, memberships and contributions to remain in business. The local community and businesses have been generous in donating money, building supplies and services in years past. Substantial on-going funding through sponsorships, grants, and endowments from major corporations did not exist before 1998. These additional sources of revenue are now being actively pursued to ensure the zoo's longevity.
The zoo is open 7 days a week, from 9:00-4:30 in the summer and 9:00-4:00 during winter months. It is closed Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. For more information, visit their website: www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org.
SCOUTING
KEEPING OUR YOUTH ON THE RIGHT TRACK
The number of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are growing each year. With funactivities and family involvement, this nearly 100-year-old organization has benefited the United States in such a positive way. The activities and challenges are year round and not only develops physical capabilities, but also focuses on character and good citizenship. According to Spencer Page, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Council BSA, they have traditional scouting for boys between the ages of 7 and 18. They also have Venture/Exploring programs for girls and boys (co-ed) ages 14 to 21. The Venture program’s purpose is to provide positive experiences in order to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. They learn to make ethical choices and gain skills to become leaders in any area they chose to pursue as adults. All of the scouts’ activities are age appropriate. Mr. Page proudly admits, “Boy Scouts celebrate their 100th year in 2010 and is still the largest youth program in the country”.
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are full of outdoor activities such as camping (overnight camping in the wilderness is usually reserved for boys and girls over the age of 10), hiking and canoeing; and don’t forget horseback riding and one of the newest additions, climbing and rappelling. BSA has a recognized set of procedures on teaching the increasingly popular task of climbing and rappelling for each scout level. “Cub Scout Worlds" is another newer program and is used by many types of council to carry the world of imagination into reality with actual theme structures of castles, forts, ships, etc. A great web site, with an abundance of information is www.scouting.org/ . You can go there to find your local council and all kinds of great adventures awaiting your child.
There are close to 120 different areas a boy scout can earn a badge. From Wilderness Survival to Atomic Energy, from Stamp Collecting to Plant Science, from Fire Safety to Family Life; this organization is definitely a smorgasbord of learning and fun!
Girl Scouting is for ages 5 - 17 and focuses on developing their potential through character and self-esteem building activities. These activities, as with the boys in Boy Scouts, involve the girls working in partnership with adult volunteers. Lisa Higgins, of the Gulf Coast Girl Scouts, the best place for information is their web site,www.gsgcf.org. Girl scouts can earn merit patches from a list similar to the Boy Scouts. Some examples are the Flag Ceremony badge, Girl Scouts Against Smoking badge, Staying Safe badge and the Sharing badge. As they get older, Junior Scouts and Girls 11-17 have the chance to earn many interesting badges. The Sky Search, Hiker, Car Care, Becoming a Teen, Environmental Health, Eco-action, Family Living Skills, Farming, Global Awareness and Child Care badges are available if one is up for the challenge.
The infamous Girl Scout cookies are one way the girl scouts raise money for their activities. In comparison, the boy scouts have popcorn sales for fund raising.
Evidently, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts teach our youngsters values, safety and morals, all of which seem to be diminishing among society today. Being a member of these long-lived organizations offers opportunities to try things non-members normally do not have, and do so within a safe perimeter. All adults involved with the organization are carefully chosen. There are many procedural and leadership selection policies that are adhered to when selecting leaders and volunteers, so go out there and have fun while learning, and wear your badges proudly!
Aura New - Journalist
GunghoCity.com
GOING BACK TO SCHOOL!
Kids! Its all about that time!!
Savor those last summer swims and video-game marathons, because school days are on the way again. Dive back into the books in style with this year’s latest must-haves in fashion and accessories. Between vibrant prints and superhero-size statements, these aren’t your teacher’s school supplies. And thanks to affordable options at many online vendors and discount stores, Mom won’t mind at all.
Here’s what the girls and boys will be hitting the hallways in this fall.
Don’t forget the apples.
The Threads
For her:
Forget the blue jeans. Girls will look perfectly polished in this year’s ladylike dresses and blouses. Jumper-style dresses look posh with details like oversized buttons and delicate bows. Empirewaist styles provide comfort and style. Plaid prints are back and ready for the classroom. Keep the look new in unconventional colors like orange, pink and bright yellow.
For him:
Fresh the staple shorts-and-T-shirt look with a touch of the season’s most popular characters. Summer blockbusters like The Simpson’s Movie, Spiderman
3 and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix are leaving their mark on fashion, as the film’s heroes are popping up on T’s and sweatshirts. Older boys and teens can channel their inner rock star with band logos and embossed images of classic music mugs like Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison.
Shop:
The Kicks
For her:
Compliment the season’s girlie fashions with flirty footwear. Simple sneakers look new again with Mary-Jane straps and ribbons. Flowy skirts catch an edge with cowboy boots (look for a rounder toe for comfort). Keep summertime flair with a chunky platform sandal--a not-quite-fall favorite that looks just right dressed up or down.
For him:
Skater-style shoes still top the guy’s fashion list. Just be wary of the Heelys--while these sneakers-on-wheels are a blast, many dress codes won’t approve. Edgier pupils will love slip-on styles in funky checkerboard patterns and black-and-white details. And there’s always the Chuck Taylor All Star. Low-top or high, the classic is a sure hit.
Shop:
The Bags
This year, backpacks do more than hold your homework. Technology has hit the school bag, with some brands offering ergonomic support, foam straps and custom-fit weight distribution. For a trendy touch, many online venues provide make-your-own options. Students can select styles and colors that express and impress.
Shop:
Angell Fail – Journalist
Gungho City
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