The Bluebird Patch

Second Annual ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ Benefits Charity, Shines Light on Emerging Stars, Brings Teens Together.   Do you know a Star of Tomorrow? Variety of Georgia is once again looking for bright teenagers who fit the bill!    The Stars of Tomorrow competition launches on September 20 as Variety of Georgia searches for talented teens. This fall, the non-profit organization lights up its latest initiative with the inaugural talent competition. Brilliant hopefuls 13-19 years old can get in on the vocal action to gain experience, exposure and the opportunity to pursue their dreams as the next Star of Tomorrow.   Stars of Tomorrow benefits Variety of Georgia initiatives across the state and aims to shine a light on Georgia’s promising young talent. Event co-chairs Carolyn Lee Wills and Former Chief Barker Mike Dangerfield help further the organization’s commitment to enhancing the lives of area youth. Through this competition, teens not onl...

Parents "won't back down" from school choice.  The controversial school-choice movie “Won’t Back Down” is inspiring Charter School advocates to   promote,  advocate ,  inspire , and e xpand  educational options in   Georgia's public  charter schools.   Supporters for the film  "Won't Back Down" believe t urning around a failing school is everyone's business. On September 21 Atlanta joined a  few nationwide cities to pre-screen this inspiring film.  The movie “Won’t back Down” was screened at Atlanta’s  Movies ATL . Following the 5pm screening there was an important education forum that coincides with the  Faith Leaders National Education Policy Summit.   The one-day event was being hosted by  Stand Up for Great Schools , in partnership with  StudentsFirst. “This film demonstrates that a new, better understanding of the issue of school choice is rapidly  pervading our society: ...

For Chinese people, psychological and physical health, harmonious family and stable marriage (or be in love) are the top three factors to happiness. That's according to a survey conducted by the Women's Studies Center of Peking University, among 4,175 people via Internet or printed questionnaires. The results were released at the ongoing 3rd Asia Women's Forum, which opened in Hong Kong yesterday. The survey indicated that 26.7 percent of people listed good health as the most important factor to happiness, harmonious family 23 percent and stable marriage (be in love) 19.1 percent. According to the survey, people with higher education, higher incomes and stable marriage appeared to experience more happiness. 

          YOUR FAVORITE CELEBRITIES…COMING TO CITY NEAR YOU! Via the child-likeness of their alter egos, internationally renowned photographer captures iconic images of pop culture's elite. After years of honing her craft and perfecting her product, critically acclaimed photographer, Tricia Messeroux takes ToddleWood® on tour and you are invited along for the ride. The shoot is called ToddleWood "Toddlers in Hollywood" and Tricia Messeroux a celebrity photographer and her style team will be transforming kids from the ages 3-7 into celebrity icons of Atlanta.  Pictures from the previous ToddleWood shoots have been featured in People Magazine, The Today Show, etc. This years spot in Atlanta she will be featuring the legendary Ceelo Greene, TLC (T-Boz, the late Left-Eye, and Chili) and MADEA! 

  What started out more than 60 years ago to help children abroad during World War II has evolved into a revolution driven by kids. Thanks to us, girls and boys all over the world receive the help they need for happy and healthy lives. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF gives us kids the chance to help others. We have raised more than $167 million so far and every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Let’s keep that ball rolling. Be a part of the past, present and future by continuing to participate in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF!

We are more gorilla than we thought. Chimpanzees are in fact our closest cousins. After sequencing their genetic code, scientists have found that 15 per cent of a gorilla’s DNA is closer to humans than a chimp’s. In fact, gorilla’s sense of smell, eyesight and taste are very similar to that of the human. The gorilla’s hand looks almost identical to a human hand, with five fingers, including a thumb. Additionally, a gorilla has unique fingerprints just like humans and other primates. The Calgary Zoo , Canada's second largest zoo and  home to over 1,000 animals, excluding individual fish and insects, and 290 different species , recently uploaded a video on YouTube of two gorillas inquisitive interest with a Caterpillar that was making a trip across a door in their enclosure. The video has received more than 165,000 views and have gained the attention of major news outlets. As you can these gentle giants are as curious and inquisitive as the average human being.

Sleeping Beauty at Center for Puppetry Arts Sept. 26 - Oct. 7 A timeless classic and a chance to win a better night’s sleep In a faraway land, long ago, there lived a king and his fair queen. Many years they had longed for a child, and finally their wish was granted. A daughter was born, and they called her Aurora. WHAT : Sleeping Beauty by National Marionette Theatre at Center for Puppetry Arts.   Join hero Prince Stefan as he sets out to rescue the princess Aurora, and her family’s kingdom, asleep for almost one hundred years. Told from the prince's point of view, this adaptation of the much-loved fairy tale combines beautifully crafted marionettes with the timeless music from Tchaikovsky's ballet.

The amendment will INCREASE per pupil funding for public schools in Georgia-traditional AND charters. Voting yes means more PUBLIC school options for parents, students, and communities. All charters in Georgia are public. Charter schools are ACCOUNTABLE . All charter schools must meet the performance standards listed in their charter. A charter school must demonstrate COMMUNITY SUPPORT and desire in order to be approved. No unwanted charters.  Voting yes means INNOVATION in schools. Charter schools have the flexibility to do what it takes to best serve their students. Charter Schools are closing the ACHIEVEMENT gap. More low income and minority students are served by charter schools. Georgia charter schools offer OPPORTUNITY to parents whose children are stuck in failing schools. http://georgiahope2012.com/

The Arc of Georgia's Plane Pull: October 20, 2012 The Arc of Georgia's Plane Pull will be held on October 20, 2012 and will be generously hosted at  Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport .  The ARC of Georgia advocates for the rights and full participation of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Team Registration Packet (PDF) Sponsorship Information and Registration Packet (PDF)  

The Story :  War Horse  uses puppetry to tell the story of young Albert and his beloved horse, Joey. At the outbreak of World War I, Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France, where he's soon caught up in enemy fire and on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself in no man's land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a mission to find him and bring him home. Network with young professorials :  One of the city’s most treasured entertainment institutions, Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta rolls out a new way for theatre fans to experience the best Broadway has to offer. On Thursday, September 27, the series hosts its Young Professionals networking event with Tony Award-winning play War Horse. Broadway in Atlanta has partnered with Publik to provide guests pre-show appetizers, drink specials and an opportunity to hobnob with other young professionals befor...

  Do you have a need new computers for your school, or maybe a playground that needs fixing up? Do you know someone under 35 making a difference in the lives of students in your community? If so BET and the Box Tops for Education® program have joined forces to reward every day members in the community making an extraordinary impact in the lives of K-8 students, and we need your help. Honor your unsung community hero with a nomination for the Box Tops for Education® 10 under 35 contest and YOU have the chance to earn $10,000 for your school, $1,000 for yourself and an all-expense paid trip to the Box Tops for Education Town Hall in Atlanta! It’s simple, if you’re an educator making a difference in the lives of students K-8, have someone nominate you for the 10 Under 35 contest. You can tell us how they’re making a difference in their school and their community. BET and Box Tops will select ten finalists and starting October 24th you’ll have the chance ...

Use black and white instead of orange for a creepy chic Halloween! Its time to spruce up your home for all the little trick-or-treaters on Halloween! The new trend for Halloween this year is all about elegance, sophistication and style. Here are some fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Decoupaged Chevron Pumpkins   Bird Cage Pumpkin design

HOW IT WORKS: Small businesses across Georgia are getting online through this free program from Google. Sign up and you'll receive: Free easy-to-build Intuit website Free customized domain name Free web hosting for one year Free online tools and training   Your free website includes: Easy to build Intuit Website Pick from hundreds of professionally designed templates and customize to make it yours.   Customized domain name This is your “address” on the web (for example, www.your-companys-site.com). 

Rascal  Rascal is a very friendly, 4-month-old puppy who would love to find a forever home where he could run and play with an active family. He is just the right age to learn to be a fabulous family companion.  Come see him at the shelter.   Betty Boop Betty is a beautiful one-year-old calico who loves nothing more than some attention. She is a sweet girl and would love to meet you. Come by the shelter and say hello. She might be just the kitty for your family.   Wizzer Wizzer was originally with us as a small puppy earlier this year. He came back to the shelter recently when his family was no longer able to care for him. Wizzer has grown into a beautiful dog and is very playful and friendly. He would love to have a home where he could run and play with an active family.   Bobbi Bobbi is new to the shelter and is very scared and reluctant to come out of her hutch hideaway. She ne...

This year, customize all of your Halloween gear – from costumes to candy bowls to spooky decorations – using new Scotch® Color & Pattern Duct Tape! The Scotch brand collection of colors & patterns makes it easy to create creepy, creative and fun projects in just minutes. Be the envy of all ghouls and goblins this Halloween with just a few rolls of Scotch Duct Tape. Try one of these simple and affordable Halloween projects: ·          Create a one-of-a-kind Halloween costume using bold colors and a variety of on-trend patterns ·          Make a Halloween-themed candy bowl that’s sure to excite trick-or-treaters ·          Complete haunted home décor with Scotch Color & Pattern Halloween combination pack       Check out the full line of colors & patterns by visiting: www.scotchducttape.com .

Get tips on being beautiful inside and out with Salon Skanda and local style blogger Robert Ballew.                    WHAT: Salon Skanda and Stylist Robert Ballew present an evening of beauty inside and out in a runway fashion show. Enjoy pampering treats from Salon Skanda, Ecobel Day Spa, TruGlow tanning, and Bloomingdale’s beauty experts. 10% of proceeds will benefit Rapunzel Project, helping combat hair loss for cancer victims, and Kashi Atlanta, helping to alleviate hunger for Atlanta’s homeless.  WHEN: Friday, September 21, 5:30-8:30 PM    WHERE: Bloomingdale’s Lenox Square, Level 3, Dresses              3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

CELEBRATE WOMEN’S HEALTH WITH INAUGURAL PAINT THE MALL PINK EVENTS AT MALL OF GEORGIA AND TOWN CENTER AT COBB Enjoy a Girls Night, Work Up a Sweat and Socialize for Breast Cancer Awareness Month Atlanta area women of all ages are invited to Paint the Mall Pink at Mall of Georgia and Town Center at Cobb, October 4-7 . A full weekend of activities focusing on the importance of women’s health will feature health-focused activities, keynote addresses from local medical professionals, musical performances, giveaways and more! The festivities kick off with Girls Night Out on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at Mall of Georgia and 5:30 p.m. at Town Center at Cobb. The first 300 attendees to arrive at each mall will receive event swag bags filled with samples from stores and themed goodies. Girls Night Out is sponsored by Gwinnett Medical Center, Gwinnett Magazine, FundRacers at Mall of Georgia and by WellStar, Little Black Dress | Little Red Wagon Magazine and Run For It! Produ...

From Cure Kids website: "September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and CURE is committed to raising awareness of childhood cancer through sharing the journeys of the brave children who fight this monster of a disease every day. “CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time” is an initiative aimed at the goals of educating and empowering. Each day in September, CURE will highlight a very special child in our CURE family who has been affected by cancer. We will share their stories of diagnosis, treatment, courage. We will share stories of survivorship and loss. We will open and change hearts as we honor and remember our children.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! In honor of this, RaceTrac gas stations are doing Coffee for a Cause at all of their Georgia stores! From Sunday, September 23 through Saturday, September 29, all funds from coffee purchases will go to Camp Sunshine, which provides support programs for children fighting cancer and their families. You can add $1 to your purchase at RaceTrac all month Race Trac will donate the proceeds from their coffee bar to Camp Sunshine!! Please be sure to stop by RaceTrac in September.   http://www.mycampsunshine.com Photo by 11Alive News via My Camp Sunshine.

Reminder: your girlfriends will outlive your husband. Our most re-pinned pinterest pin of the week. Loves it ;)

  Help the Center for Puppetry Arts Knock Your Socks Off! Words cannot describe how much my kids and I enjoy watching live puppetry at the Center of Puppetry Arts. Every show is a brilliant masterpiece, full of fancy costumes, elaborate sets, magical puppets and wonderfully choreographed musical scenes. The Center receives many requests to bring puppets to community events, festivals, and schools. They want to create something special for the community and YOU can help! Give to their project and help them create Sockly , the Center's dynamic new larger-than-life sock puppet for community outreach. When you see Sockly at festivals and events around Atlanta, and the joy and excitement he brings, you can take pride in knowing that YOU helped bring him to life! With Sockly, the Center can more effectively meet the needs of those requesting our presence or involvement in the community. Please give today and help make this project a huge sock-cess! ...

Today's cosmetics industry is big business but what people fail to understand is that happiness always brings beauty and not the other way around. A new infographic from Feel Unique compares beauty product spending data with analyses of happiness and satisfaction, by country. It also examines whether being born beautiful gives you any advantage in life fulfillment and success.  

Traditional crafts, southern foodways, and environmental sustainability are at the center of this year's Fall Folklife Festival. An assortment of scheduled and ongoing events occurs throughout the museum and onto the History Center's Smith Family Farm. Interact with local chefs and farmers as they discuss current culinary trends that focus on farm-to-table food practices and sustainability techniques. Enjoy the sounds of local musicians performing sets of folk and bluegrass music. Great food and local beers will be available for purchase.  This program is free to members; included in the cost of general admission for nonmembers. See more information about the kick-off event scheduled for Friday, September 21, 2012. Festival Highlights Times provided are subject to change. Please check AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/ Folklife  for update. Ongoing Activities at Smith Family Farm • Blacksmithing • Candle Dipping • Sachets • Natural D...

Bert’s Big Adventure has teamed up with Broadway in Atlanta for a presale offer for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Fox Theater. Today through September 21, when you purchase a ticket to see Beauty and the Beast live on stage through the link below, you will save $5, and $5 will be donated by Broadway in Atlanta to Bert’s Big Adventure. Bert’s Big Adventure is currently gearing up for their annual trip to Walt Disney World with a group of chronic or terminally ill children and their families. So, join Belle, Beast and even Mrs. Potts for a magical night while supporting Bert’s Big Adventure!

A boy receives a stuffed blue monkey for his birthday that he inmediately names Ah Ah. The little boy and the blue monkey became inseparable. They played together at home. At grandmas's and grandpa's house, even going to preschool together. In the Summer of 2009, Ah-Ah went on a camping trip to Rocky Mountain National Park and somewhere along the way he went missing. The little boy was absolutely devastated. His mom called every place they stop at, frantically looking for that little blue monkey but no one had see him. He was gone forever..or so they thought. The little boy's mom never gave up and three years later she found him in the most unusual place. Watch the video to see how the story unfolds.

Tickets Now On Sale for Inaugural Dynamic Kids Expo Kid-centric event to include entertainment, vendors in support of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta The founders of the popular Atlanta’s Chef Expo and Atlanta Street Food Festival are excited to announce tickets are now on sale for the inaugural Dynamic Kids Expo taking place on Saturday, October 13, at the Gwinnett Convention Center from noon to 6 p.m. Primed to become the premier children’s expo, showcasing the region’s most popular talent and vendors, the Dynamic Kids Expo will delight and entertain children and adults alike throughout the all-day festivities. Proceeds from the event will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in support of its patients.

What does happiness mean to you, and how do you pursue it? How can communities, governments and institutions support the conditions that allow a healthy pursuit of happiness?   Linda and Paula, two mothers with grown children, are taking a 6.5-week, 550-mile walk because they believe it is time to start measuring what matters: our education, our relationship with the environment, our work and family lives, spirituality, culture, honest and transparent governance, the ways we use our time, and the security that comes from a comfortable standard of living. A healthy economy is more than money. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is not, and never was, a measure of well-being, yet it has been widely utilized in this way. We need measures of wellbeing to guide an economy that truly supports our pursuit of happiness and that of our children and our grandchildren. Paula & Linda at McNeills in Brattleboro Vermont. Photo taken by Greg Warden Expecting to arrive in DC on Octobe...

Need to clean house? Lexis Nexis is conducting a competitive book drive. The office with the largest number of donations per person will receive a $1,000 donation for the nonprofit of their choice, and GA SPCA has been selected as their recipient! To help, please donate any books or magazines you can spare. Hard back, paperback, childrens' books, cookbooks, any type of magazine (no catalogs, please).  For more information or pickups, please contact Lisa Burch at 678-849-7905; or send an email to lisa.burch@lexisnexis.com.  They'll also have a collection box at the shelter. www. georgiaspca .org