My Town U.S. "FYI"

State of our small towns

2009-02-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and business partners! We hope this year is off to a good start
for everyone.
We all have been closely watching the news and hoping that the economy will make a turn for the better. We now must pray for our new president
and his new admiistration. People say to us all the time, "well i didnt vote
for this president". Well we believe that God puts all men in power whether
we like it our not. So that being said, we as a country must stand and pray for Gods will for our President and administration.
We truly believe that things will get better for everybody as the year progresses. Because if we keep our faith in God, he will take care of his people.

Have a great weekend,
J.T. and Dawn Trinkle

www.MyTownUS.com

Alaska by Road

2008-12-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

Day 1 » Fairbanks
Start the day on a riverboat cruise aboard a sternwheeler. While enjoying the cruise, see a dog sledding presentation, a bush plane perform aerial stunts, and learn about life at an Athabascan Indian village. Afterwards do a gold tour at one of two mines and pan for gold. On the way back to town, stop by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Visitor Center. Or be sure to visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North, one of the top 10 attractions in the state. Learn about our gold rush history, the dynamic aurora borealis, and the people that have made Alaska the diverse place it is today.
Day 2 » Far North
An early start awaits you this morning for your adventure north to Alaska’s Arctic. Several companies offer tours along the famed Dalton Highway, the only highway in the U.S. to cross the mighty Yukon River and to connect the highway system to the Arctic Ocean. View the majestic Brooks Range, walk on spongy Arctic tundra, and keep your eyes peeled for caribou, bears, and other wildlife. You’ll return to Fairbanks with an incredible experience, and an official Arctic Circle Certificate!
Day 3 » Chena Hot Springs Resort
This morning, drive one hour to a local hot springs. Be sure to bring your swimsuit so you can enjoy a leisurely swim in the outdoor hot springs, where 40-below weather will feel warm. The Aurora Ice Museum is the largest year-round ice environment in the world. It is created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow, all harvested at Chena Hot Springs. Climb an Ice Tower, curl up in a Polar Bear Bed, watch a game of life size chess, or pull up a stool at the Stoli Ice Bar and have a martini pour through a sculpted ice fish into your very own sculpted ice glass. After a hearty meal at an historic resort, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and/or the northern lights. Overnight in Chena.
Day 4 » Delta Junction-Copper Valley
Depart Chena through Fairbanks and head south on the Richardson Highway and enjoy a spectacular drive to Rika's Roadhouse. Stop by for historical tours, good food and unique gifts including specialty furs. The drive continues until you reach the Copper River Valley. Relax at a lodge or fly into the largest National Park in the United States, Wrangell St. Elias National Park. It equals six Yellowstone’s with four major mountain ranges that include nine of the 16 highest peaks in the U.S. Take in this spectacular scenery with a flightseeing trip into McCarthy. Explore the historic mining town of Kennicott and take a tour of the old copper mill or a walk on a glacier. Overnight in McCarthy or Kennicott or return to Copper Center.
Day 5 » Valdez
Continue south on the Richardson Highway to the seaside town of Valdez. En route, stop at Worthington Glacier. Valdez is known as “Little Switzerland” because of the dramatic mountains that surround it. It is also the gateway to Prince William Sound. Take a day boat cruise to Columbia Glacier, the second largest tidewater glacier in North America. Or book a full day or half day fishing trip. Guided rafting trips are also available through Keystone Canyon past towering waterfalls. Valdez also offers museums highlighting its history of the Gold Rush and the Good Friday Earthquake of 1964. Spend the night at one of the many B&B’s or hotels.
Day 6 » Anchorage
Experience our rich culture and heritage by visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center or the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum. Enjoy fine dining and shopping without having to pay a sales tax! You can also go flightseeing, take a day trip on a small boat cruise or explore the many trails Anchorage has to offer.

Asheville, N.C. Seasonal Sizzle

2008-12-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

21 Days of Not-So-Silent Nights
Holiday nights in downtown Asheville get a glitzy makeover this December with Asheville Seasonal Sizzle: 21 days of not-so-silent nights. Merrymakers will enjoy free fireworks, live entertainment, seasonal appetizer specials at local restaurants, and extended hours of evening shopping in downtown Asheville’s eclectic boutiques and craft galleries.

Festivities
Weekend firework displays sponsored by The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa –Seasonal Sizzle at Seven – will take place on Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20 at 7 p.m. in downtown Asheville.
Participating independent restaurants will feature “Appy Hour” appetizer specials on Thursdays, Dec. 1 through 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. Local restaurants will also offer “Sizzle Specials” on the Saturday evenings with fireworks (Dec. 6, 13 and 20).
Asheville visitors will receive a warm holiday welcome as “Downtown Docent” guides walk the downtown streets directing guests to Seasonal Sizzle festivities, holiday happenings and other points of interest.
Kids of all ages can mail their letters to santa at the North Pole Express Mailbox in Pritchard Park. Santa arrives every Saturday at 9:30 - 11 am to pick up his mail and spend some time with kids.
After the fireworks, visitors are encouraged to enjoy live music, theater and dance performances including the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, Asheville Ballet’s Nutcracker and holiday theater performances at North Carolina Stage Company, Diana Wortham Theater and Asheville Community Theater.

Israel Houghton in Orange County

2008-12-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

Join us at Free Chapel Orange County as we welcome our special Grammy award-winning guest Israel Houghton! Bring all of your friends for this incredible event! There will also be a special message from Pastor Franklin. You don't want to miss it!

Sunday, January 11th at 6:00 pm

Address:
2777 McGaw AvenueIrvine, CA 92614
Phone:
(949) 752-6004

San Diego Wild Animal Park Festival of Lights!

2008-12-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

From Saturday, December 13 2008 To Saturday, January 03 2009 Sunday, Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday - week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 every month.
This holiday season offers the last opportunity to bask in the glow of San Diego's Wild Animal Park’s Festival of Lights! Next year, the event will move to the Zoo under the new name Jungle Bells. So this December, on the 20th anniversary of the first winter lights at the Park, gather the family and visit for the final Festival of Lights celebration.
Brand-new holiday and animal-themed light features created specifically for the Wild Animal Park will set the atmosphere for family fun, which includes Snow Hill (open daily, 4–8:30 p.m.), new craft activities, a Light Magic Show in Discovery Station, and a Black Light Puppet Show in Benbough Amphitheater.
Youngsters can also chat with Santa in Discovery Station. He will be visiting on December 13–23, 5–9 p.m. (as well as on Thanksgiving weekend, November 28, 29, and 30, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.) Another festive favorite, the Winter Princess, will spread some sparkling cheer. Of course, we haven’t forgotten the animals! Special presentations with our animal ambassadors will take place throughout the Park’s Nairobi Village, and you can enjoy a winter’s eve Journey into Africa tour (last tour departs at 8:15 p.m.).

From 4 to 9 p.m., December 13–23 and 26–30, 2008; January 2 and 3, 2009

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

2008-12-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

A fire on any day seems bad, but a fire on Christmas seems to be the worst. Some 300 Christmas trees caught fire in one recent year, with electrical problems the most common culprit. Here's how to keep your tree green and your presents safe.

1. When you buy your tree, have the vendor make a fresh cut an inch from the bottom; this will help the tree drink.

2. If you buy your tree early and keep it outside, store it away from wind and sun, and keep the bottom in a bucket of water.

3. Make sure your lights are safe. If you need outdoor lights, make sure the ones you buy are meant for outdoor use. Make sure your lights carry certification from a testing laboratory.

4. Don't use electric lights on a metal tree.

5. Discard any strings of lights that are frayed or broken. Christmas lights are cheap.

6. Unplug your Christmas tree before you leave or go to bed.

7. Don't buy a tree that is dry and dropping needles. To check for freshness, loosely grip the end of a branch and pull your hand over it. Only a few needles should fall off.

8. Make sure your tree stand holds plenty of water, and don't let it run out.

9. If your tree seems wobbly, center it in the stand more securely and redo the bolts or screws. Of if your tree stand is cheap, buy a larger, stronger one.

10. If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-retardant.

11. Keep your tree at least three feet from furnaces, radiators and fireplaces.

12. try to position it near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place the tree where it may block exits.

13. When Christmas is over or when the tree starts to drop needles, dispose of it. Don't leave it in your house or put it in your garage.

14. Keep a close eye on small children when they are around the tree; many small decorations and ornaments are sharp, breakable and can be swallowed.

Have a happy lead-free holiday

2008-12-16T17:40:00.000-08:00

By Pamela Turner
University of GeorgiaWe often hear reports about lead in toys, electrical cords, holiday lights and artificial Christmas trees this time of year. Lead poisoning is very dangerous. Make every attempt to reduce exposure to lead hazards for you and your family. We often hear reports about lead in toys, electrical cords, holiday lights and artificial Christmas trees this time of year. Lead poisoning is very dangerous. Make every attempt to reduce exposure to lead hazards for you and your family.Lead poisoning damages the brain and central nervous system, which can lead to learning disabilities, seizures or even death. Children are at greatest risk of exposure because they’re more likely to touch things and then put their contaminated hands into their mouths.Lead may be found in the paint on some imported toys or in some plastics. Using lead in house paint, children’s products, dishes and cookware was banned in the United States in 1978. Lead is still used in other countries and may be found on some imported toys.Lead may also be in certain plastics where it is used to soften it and make it more flexible. As the plastic is exposed to sunlight, air or detergents, the bond between the lead and plastics breaks down and forms harmful dust.If you think your child has been exposed to a toy containing lead, remove the toy immediately and ask your healthcare provider about getting your child tested for lead. There will be no visible symptoms of lead poisoning. For information on toy recalls, go to www.cpsc.gov or call (800) 638-2772.Manufacturers may use lead as part of the polyvinyl chloride insulation around the wiring on strings of lights or the branches of artificial trees. Lead helps stabilize PVC so it doesn’t crack or crumble with age. It also acts as a fire retardant.To reduce the lead dangers in your home during the holidays, wash your hands after hanging lights and decorations. If you own an older artificial tree and lights, replace them. When shopping for a new tree and lights, be sure to read the warning labels to determine if the products contain lead.To further reduce your family’s exposure to lead:Place a doormat by all outside doors and remove shoes outside to prevent tracking in lead dust. Keep areas where children play clean and dust-free. Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition. Use lead-safe practices when removing paint, or hire a professional. Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and iron.While there are many different sources of lead, the primary source of lead poisoning in children is still lead-based paint. There are do-it-yourself lead testing kits available, however, they aren’t very reliable and don’t indicate how much lead is present.Contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office at 1-800-ASK-UGA1 for more information on how to safely remove lead from your home.(Pamela Turner is an Extension housing specialist with the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences.)

Pensacola Park of the Week

2008-12-16T17:35:00.000-08:00

The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to present Wayside East Park as the “Park of the Week”. This park, located at the corner of 17th and Bayfront (at the foot of the three mile bridge) is a City entryway and has undergone quite a facelift. Through Pennies for Progress, this area now enjoys additional landscaping, new picnic areas and a walking trail along the bay. Escambia County is rebuilding the fishing pier and look for the bait & tackle shop to open in the future. For more information on your parks, please call Kim Sanderson, Marketing & Grants Coordinator at 436-5670 or for a list of parks in your community visit our website “it Starts in Parks”……

The Arts of Downtown St Petersburg

2008-12-16T17:26:00.000-08:00

The Arts of Downtown St Petersburg are home to some of the best art galleries and museums in the country, and include Salvador Dali Museum and Museum of Fine Arts. The Downtown Arts Association hosts a monthly Second Saturday Gallery Walk. Participating Galleries open their doors for extended hours on the second Saturday evening of every month. Oftentimes, there is a special theme to the Walk or galleries may have a special opening of new work featuring the artists on-site to meet and greet the public and answer questions about their work. The Walks are always open to the public and free of charge. For a complete list of Gallery Walk dates and special events, please click here. Under 15 minutes from our south beaches.

Happy Thankgiving from My Town U.S. - F.Y.I.

2008-11-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
To all our friends, family, and customers!!

Take a couple days to take a step back and give thanks for all our many
blessings and relationships.

We value all of you and give thanks everyday for you all!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!
J.T. and Dawn Trinkle
www.MyTownUS.com F.Y.I.

Holiday Season shopping tips

2008-11-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is upon us and we all could use some shopping advice
to help in the holiday shopping rush.
F.Y.I. start shopping now! shop local and early whole the prices are reasonably low and crowds are smaller.
Some experienced advise would also to crawl the internet and compare deals with all stores before you get in your car and drive. This will save you time, money and the Christmas parking hassel in your town.
In My Town we usually have sales every weekend leading up to the big day. So my advice would be to shop smarter and shop early!

Happy Holidays!
My Town U.S.com

Roswell Antebellum Homes

2008-11-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

Located on the northern banks of the Chattahoochee River in Fulton County, Roswell, area whose history was impacted and shaped by the 1828 discovery of gold in north Georgia, the opening of cotton and woolen mills known collectively as the Roswell Manufacturing Company a decade later and the occupation by Union troops in July of 1864 on their march to Atlanta. Today Roswell thrives with historic and natural attractions, shopping and gallery hopping and casual and formal dining options. Aristocrats from the Georgia sea coast, seeking a healthier climate, selected the site of Roswell to build their plantation homes in the early-19th century.Visitors can purchase a “Passport” ticket which will include admission to Barrington Hall as well a two other Roswell Antebellum homes, Bulloch Hall and Archibald Smith Plantation, for $18. Tickets are available for purchase at each venue or at the Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau.For more details about Roswell's history and its many heritage sites, contact the Historic Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau by calling toll-free 1.800.776.7935

Lake Lanier Points of Interest

2008-11-15T15:22:00.000-08:00

Concerned about high fuel prices this summer? Consider makeing Lake Lanier a part of your summer vacation plans.Here are some ideas about picnicking, boating, swimming and eating around Lake Lanier.About 7.7 million people visit the lake annually. So you need to get there by 10 a.m. before the parks and picnic areas get full. Once the parking spots are full, park rangers direct traffic away, so bring all the supplies you need and have everyone in your group arrive at the same time. If you don't, there's a chance they won't be allowed in.If you don't have your own boat and want to rent a one, Harbor Landing has the largest fleets of boats for rent at Lake Lanier and is the only place that currently offers houseboats. Lake Lanier Restaurants:Bennett's Dockside Grill, at Aqualand Marina in Flowery Branch (6800 Lights Ferry Road) and Holiday Marina in Buford (6900 Holiday Road), are popular spots, especially for burgers. The Aqua-land location also has a fun tiki hut atmosphere. And the Docker — its half-pound burger — comes with all sorts of unusual toppings, including Gouda cheese and bacon or jalapeño jack cheese and salsa. Other lake addicts say other restaurants worth checking out are Old McDonald's Real Pit BBQ (5774 Holiday Road, Buford).Two lesser-known picnic areas available on a first-come first-served basis are Lanier Park on the Gwinnett side and Little Hall Park, on the Hall County/Forsyth County line. Lanier Park has a beach, boat ramp and a paved walking trail to picnic sites with tables and grills. It's off Buford Dam Road. Little Hall Park also has a variety of walkways and picnic spots, a large parking area, picnic tables and grills. It's off Hwy 53 between Gainesville and Dawsonville. There's a $4 user fee for these parks, and annual passes are $30.Another option is Lake Lanier Islands' beach and water park, where daily admission ranges from $13.99 to $29.99, depending on age and time of day.

Georgia's Aussie Adventure

2008-11-15T15:20:00.000-08:00

One of the top 7 "don't miss" attractions in Metro Atlanta (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 9, 2001). Located in the foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in Dawsonville, Georgia, our wildlife park offers education and adventure for ages 8 to adult! Plan on spending 2-3 hours with us: Your admission fee includes the guided tour: a ride-thru the Georgia "Outback" to view kangaroos in natural habitats and a show in our arena presenting various adorable Aussie animals up close. On your leisure, walk thru our "Billabong Encounter," an indoor/outdoor exhibit where you wander among unique Australian plants and animals. Hike the 1/4 mile grassy path thru "Aussie Walkabout," where you will see awesome mountain views and dozens of kangaroos. Tours are generally offered twice daily Tuesday thru Saturday. Please call our reservation number 706-265-6100 for details. There is a picnic area alongside our butterfly garden. Bring your lunch; groups may inquire about purchasing box lunches (ask when you make reservations). For your convenience, we offer light snacks for sale, including soft drinks, microwaveable pizzas, chips, cookies, pretzels and ice cream. Our large Aussie-themed giftshop has many unique items and souvenirs available. Numbers of visitors admitted per tour are limited, so please call to make reservations (office hours Monday thru Saturday 8:30-5:00). Plan to spend an "Aussie" day with us enjoying the outdoors. (Please wear walking shoes and dress accordingly for the weather!) visit out website at www.kangaroocenter.com

You Pick the Best Ski Towns!

2008-11-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

We want your input for the best ski towns in the U.S. you know the ones with great coffee shops, food, and shopping. Let us know if the location is better for couples, snowboarders, or families. The one with the most votes we will do a write up on and post it here with pictures if available.

The holiday seasons area upon us!!!

2008-11-13T14:29:00.000-08:00

Find out different areas and towns were local holiday specials and events are happening in
your area.