Ryan Gordon
Program Coordinator
Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department
(910) 944-5902
rgordon@townofaberdeen.net

Each checklist submitted by these “citizen scientists” helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, <http://www.birds.cornell.edu/> the National Audubon Society <http://www.audubon.org/>  , and Bird Studies Canada <http://www.bsc-eoc.org/>  learn more about how the birds are doing—and how to protect them. Last year, participants turned in more than 93,600 checklists online, creating the continent’s largest instantaneous snapshot of bird populations ever recorded.

Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from novice bird watchers to experts. Participants count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the event and report their sightings online at www.birdcount.org <http://www.birdcount.org/> . One 2009 participant said, “Thank you for the opportunity to participate in citizen science. I have had my eyes opened to a whole new interest and I love it!”

On the www.birdcount.org <http://www.birdcount.org/> website, participants can explore real-time maps and charts that show what others are reporting during the count. The site has tips to help identify birds and special materials for educators. Participants may also enter the GBBC photo contest by uploading images taken during the count. Many images will be featured in the GBBC website’s photo gallery. All participants are entered in a drawing for prizes that include bird feeders, binoculars, books, CDs, and many other great birding products.

For more information about the GBBC, visit the website at www.birdcount.org <http://www.birdcount.org/> . Or contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-2473, gbbc@cornell.edu, or Audubon at (202) 861-2242 ext 3050, citizenscience@audubon.org. <mailto:citizenscience@audubon.org> In Canada, participants may contact Bird Studies Canada at 1- (888)- 448-2473 ext. 134 or gbbc@birdscanada.org. <mailto:gbbc@birdscanada.org>

The Great Backyard Bird Count is made possible, in part, by generous support from Wild Birds Unlimited <http://www.wbu.com/> .

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a nonprofit membership institution interpreting and conserving the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Visit the Cornell Lab’s website at www.birds.cornell.edu. <http://www.birds.cornell.edu/>

Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation. www.audubon.org <http://www.audubon.org/>

Bird Studies Canada (www.birdscanada.org <http://www.bsc-eoc.org/> ) administers regional, national, and international research and monitoring programs that advance the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of wild birds and their habitats. We are Canada’s national body for bird conservation and science, and we are a non-governmental charitable organization.

For More Information, Contact:
Sue Gillis, Program Coordinator
(9l0)692-2463 Fax: (9l0)692-l835

For Immediate Release
Southern Pines Recreation & Parks Department

Southern Pines Recreation & Parks Department offers you a multitude of opportunities to get up, get moving, and enjoy yourself. Whether you are walking for fitness, taking the dog out, or checking out the latest storefronts in downtown Southern Pines, we applaud you. Thanks to the generous support of Moore Regional Hospital Auxiliary, Southern Pines Recreation & Parks Department has mapped out several walking routes for you, your family and friends.

Pick up your own copy of Southern Pines Walkways brochure which details three walking routes ranging in distance from 1 mile to 2 miles. Each route takes you past various parks, playgrounds, and downtown highlights which will make this a fun venue for adults and children alike. The colorful and glossy brochures is available in the Recreation Office, Southern Pines Library, or visit our website at www.southernpines.net

Sandhurst Park boasts the newest addition of Southern Pines Recreation & Parks Departments greenway trail system. This section loops along a split rail fence close to Indiana Avenue before heading back to the parking lot, playground, and covered picnic shelter.

Southern Pines Recreation & Parks Department encourages you to enjoy the great outdoors with our many walkways and greenways.

Pre-registration is required for the activities. Contact the Southern Pines Recreation & Parks Department at 692-2463 for details or visit us on the web at southernpines.net/recreation.

Midwinter Beach Party (January 5)

The perfect way to get rid of winter blahs when you can’t visit a tropical paradise is with a Midwinter Beach Party. We will set out blankets and beach towels on one side of the room and decorate the floor with brightly colored paper. We will have beach balls, inner tubes and sand buckets. We will have a beach picnic with pineapple, Goldfish crackers, Sun Chips, raisins, and a tropical beverage. Time 11:30 – 12:30 pm. Please register by December 28.

Birthday/Bingo Bash (January 26)

Come and celebrate your birthday at the DCC for the months of January, February, March & April. Anyone can attend. Enjoy food, fun and bingo! The cost is free to those who have birthdays in the aforementioned months. Time 11:30 – 12:30 pm. Please register by January 19.

National Snack Food Month (February 4)

February is National Snack Food Month. For brown bag lunch/game day we will have everyone bring in their favorite snack food and share it with everyone. We will even make some yummy chocolate covered goodies. We will serve beverages. Time 11:30 – 12:30 pm. Please register by January 26.

Cost Free to those who bring a snack

Pluto Discovered (February 16)

Come join us as we discuss the planet Pluto before and after its discovery. Is Pluto the ninth planet or not? We will enjoy UFO pizzas, beverages and dessert while learning about this controversial planet. Please register by February 11. Time = 12:00 – 1:00 pm

SENIOR TRAVEL

82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum (January 20)

The Airborne & Special Operations Museum has on display hundreds of rare and significant artifacts. The main exhibit gallery moves the visitor through time, starting in 1940 with the conception of the U.S. Army Parachute Test Platoon and ending with today’s airborne and special operations units. Much has changed in the world since the battles of World War II and the conflicts of the Cold War era, but the courage and dedication of the American soldier is a common bond that ties each generation together. We will enjoy the museum and then have lunch at a local restaurant. Please register by January 6.

Time 9:15 – 2:00 pm

Cost $6r/$12nr

Min/Max 9/13

African American Cultural Complex Museum (February 10)

The African American Cultural Complex museum has a unique collection of artifacts, documents and displays of outstanding contributions made by African Americans that are housed in several buildings along a picturesque nature trail. There is no admission, however donations are welcomed. In honor of Black History Month we will travel to Raleigh to enjoy the African American Cultural Complex Museum. After tour we will grab a bite to eat along the way. Please register by January 29.

Time 9:00 – 3:00 pm

Cost $10r/$20nr

Min/Max 9/13

EDUCATION

National Volunteer Blood Donor Month (January 12)

Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness. January, in particular, is a difficult month for blood centers to collect blood donations. A reduction in turnout can put our nation’s blood inventory at a critical low. AABB, in conjunction with America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross, is celebrating National Blood Donor Month (NBDM) 2009 to encourage donors to give or pledge to give blood. A representative from the American Red Cross will be at the DCC to talk about the importance of donating blood. Please register by January 8. Time = 11:30 – 12:30 pm

Black History Month (February 23)

Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as “Negro History Week” and later as “Black History Month.” What you might not know is that black history had barely begun to be studied – or even documented – when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America at least as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained respectable presence in the history books. A representative will be at the DCC to talk about the importance of Black History Month. Light refreshments will be served. Please register by February 15. Time = 11:30 – 12:30 pm

ACTIVITIES

Wii Fit (Monday – Friday)

The Douglass Community Center recently added the Nintendo Wii Fit to the program. You can do yoga, balance games, strength training and aerobics. It is one of the most physically challenging game consoles! The Wii Fit is available for use from 8:30 – 4:30 pm.

Wii League (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)

Bring a friend or foe and join a Wii league. You can play tennis, bowling, baseball, golf and boxing! Four players can play at a time. You can create your own Mii (a version of yourself) to save on file. Contact Rynet Oxendine to set up league play.