Month: March 2012

Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians team up to celebrate “100 Years of Girl Scouts”

Posted by admin – March 19, 2012

Current Girl Scouts in vintage uniforms

(Oak Ridge, Tenn.) – On Saturday, March 24, the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge (CMOR) and the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians (GSCSA) will partner to host “Celebrate 100 Years of Girl Scouts” in recognition of the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting in America. The celebration will be held from 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge.

The March 24 event will include stage presentations, Girl Scout activities throughout the museum, lunch and viewing of the new Girl Scout exhibit. Kathryn D. Sullivan, renowned astronaut, former Girl Scout and current assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction, and deputy administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will be the guest speaker.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge to celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouts,” said Booth Kammann, the CEO of GSCSA. “We hope this event will strengthen our current Girl Scouts’ passions and educate them about Girl Scouting throughout history. And we hope our alumnae in attendance will reminisce about their meaningful, incomparable experiences as Girl Scouts.”

“The Children’s Museum is very happy to partner with the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians for the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouting. Girl Scouting has long been an integral part of Children’s Museum, beginning with Senior Troop 69, which first started the museum,” said Mary Ann Damos, executive director of the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. “I am also proud to include the unveiling of a Girl Scout exhibit during the celebration, which will be very special and close to the hearts of Girl Scouts of every age.”

The Girl Scout organization has a very special and unique history in Oak Ridge, the “Secret City.” The very first Oak Ridge Girl Scout troop was formed by Elsie Novy (Atkins) during WWII after she received permission from the United States Army. Decades later, Oak Ridger Joyce Maienschein’s Girl Scout Troop 69 founded the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. The aforementioned exhibit of Maienschein’s Girl Scout collection will also include memorabilia from Elsie Novy (Atkins).

The schedule for the event is as follows:

  • 10:15 a.m.:
    Formal stage program in the CMOR gym area
  • 12-2:30 p.m.:
    Lunch available by pre-registration, or brown bag
  • Noon–3:45 p.m.:
    Girl Scout hands-on activities throughout the museum
  • 3:45 p.m.:
    Closing ceremony

Registration is full for the event, but the media is invited to attend. If you are interested in setting up interviews and/or attending the event, please contact Sarah Pope at spope@ackermannpr.com or (865) 584-0550.

Visit www.GirlScoutcsa.org to learn more about this event and the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouting.

###

About Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians
The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians serves nearly 20,000 girl and adult members stretching from North Georgia to Southwest Virginia. Service centers are located in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Johnson City. The organization’s mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The council offers financial assistance to ensure that every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout has the opportunity to join this vibrant organization.

About the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge
Founded in 1973, the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge is a multi-faceted hands-on cultural center for children and adults, serving families and school systems in the city of Oak Ridge, the counties of Anderson, Roane, Morgan, Scott, Union, and the East Tennessee region. It is housed in a 54,000-square-foot renovated 1940s school building built during the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge and contains 20,000 artifacts in its collection. Young people of all ages and their families are introduced to history, the arts, environmental science and cultural studies through in-depth hands-on classes, interactive exhibitions, and the performing arts through music, storytelling and dance presented as special events throughout the year and at annual festivals.

Wilderness at the Smokies resort opens multi-million dollar “Adventure Forest” indoor fun-park

Posted by Erin Freeman – March 16, 2012

Adventure Forest

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – Following an exceptionally strong 2011 season at Wilderness at the Smokies resort, the Southeast’s largest indoor and outdoor waterpark announced last year that it was about to get bigger – considerably bigger – with the addition of the new Adventure Forest family entertainment park.  Adventure Forest opened Friday, March 16, 2012.

Last November, Wilderness at the Smokies resort started construction of its new “Adventure Forest” indoor park, doubling the number of indoor facilities the resort provides for its guests.  Currently, the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark provides acres of indoor water attractions for visitors, and the addition of the new Adventure Forest family entertainment center will completely expand the total amount of “under-roof” year-round fun at Wilderness at the Smokies.

“Unlike our other attractions at Wilderness at the Smokies, the new Adventure Forest is a ‘dry’ park,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “It features a three-story ropes course, a multi-level enclosed laser tag arena, mini-bowling, black-light mini-golf, more than 100 arcade games, a ‘Laser Maze,’ a 25-foot tall spring ride, a 23-foot climbing wall, special birthday party rooms, another restaurant and lounge, plus other attractions and activities that do not involve water – all of it indoors and open year-round.”

“There is absolutely nothing like Adventure Forest anywhere in this region.  If it were a stand-alone attraction, it would be an amazing addition to the local tourism market – but when combined with the already outrageous offerings of Wilderness at the Smokies resort, it is going to be a premier Smoky Mountains destination.”

Unlike the other attractions at Wilderness at the Smokies, Cruz said the new Adventure Forest would be open to the general public until it reaches capacity.  Currently, all of the amenities at Wilderness at the Smokies are only open to resort guests.

Since opening in 2008, the $100 million Wilderness at the Smokies resort has consistently added attractions, rooms and other amenities for its guests.  Just six months after opening the Wild WaterDome waterpark, the resort added the $1.5 million, five-story Runaway Canyon waterslide.

In 2009, the resort opened its second multi-million dollar outdoor waterpark, Lake Wilderness – featuring the Cataloochee Creek Adventure River, the Wilderness Rapids Wave Pool, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a poolside restaurant and plush cabanas.  In spite of its long list of major expansions and additions, the new Adventure Forest indoor park is by far the most significant investment the resort has made in the Sevierville area since its grand opening.  With its latest addition, Wilderness at the Smokies resort becomes the second largest tourism investor in Sevier County (second only to Dollywood).

Wilderness at the Smokies resort also sells one- and two-bedroom condominiums ranging from 850 to 1,200 square feet priced from the mid-$300,000s to the mid-$500,000s.  When condominiums went on sale at Wilderness at the Smokies resort in 2007, buyers snatched up $41 million worth of the units in just one day – in only six hours, to be exact.

In the past, the City of Sevierville has estimated in press releases that Wilderness at the Smokies generates about $3 million in sales taxes and more than $500,000 in bedroom taxes every year for the local economy.

Wilderness at the Smokies employs approximately 350 year-round employees and adds around 200 additional workers during the busy summer tourism season.  The addition of the new Adventure Forest indoor park is expected to initially increase overall employment numbers at the resort by about 10 percent (approximately 50 new jobs).

Cruz said, “Wilderness at the Smokies resort is the only local attraction where you get everything a family is looking for in one place.  If you consider that when you book your room at Wilderness at the Smokies, you get access to all of our water attractions and offerings, we are by far the best value out there for families watching their vacation budgets.”

In June 2011, Southern Living Magazine listed Wilderness at number two on its list of the nation’s “Ten Best Pools” and just two months later, Wilderness at the Smokies resort was named one of the “Top Three Waterparks” in the nation by Aquatics International Magazine (the worldwide authority on waterparks).

Now that Adventure Forest is open, Wilderness at the Smokies already has plans for its next major expansion – expected to be announced sometime in coming weeks.  The next expansion is expected to completely change the “skyline” of the resort, with something taller (and more fun) than anything else currently on the property.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

The resort is owned by Patrick Helland, Pete Helland, Jr., Tim Lucke and Tom Lucke (who also own Wilderness at the Dells Waterpark resort in Wisconsin).  Steve Cruz is the General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies and Rick Laney is spokesperson for the resort.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

###

Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

WATE (ABC) “6 Around Town” broadcasts hour-long special about Wilderness at the Smokies expansion

Posted by Erin Freeman – March 16, 2012

Knoxville, Tenn. — East Tennessee residents caught an early glimpse of the new “Adventure Forest” at Wilderness at the Smokies resort last weekend courtesy of WATE Television (ABC) in Knoxville. The station’s “6 Around Town” Show, hosted by Tearsa Smith, Kristin Farley and Josh Ault, gave viewers a behind the scenes glimpse of all the fun the new indoor park offers.  Watch the entire one-hour broadcast by clicking the photo below.

Tearsa Smith (L) and Kristin Farley record "^ Around Town" at Wilderness at the Smokies.

Video property of WATE Television.  Produced by Linda Nguyen.

Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Power Systems focused on making a real difference in fitness industry

Posted by Erin Freeman – March 15, 2012

Los Angeles, CA. – As this year’s International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) convention and trade show takes place amidst the glamour and magic of Hollywood, an industry leader is writing a new script for success. Julie and Bruno Pauletto, the wife-and-husband team behind Power Systems, the industry’s largest fitness and sports performance accessory line, are directing a renewed effort to focus on real people and real issues within the fitness industry.

“We want to look at everything we’re doing as a part of the industry and how we can be more active in helping fitness club owners make their businesses stronger and how our ultimate customers—the real athletes of all ages and skills, the real seniors who need increased mobility, the real people who want to make a meaningful change in their fitness lifestyle—can be better equipped to meet their personal goals,” said Julie Pauletto, President of Power Systems. “We have the experience to make a real difference.”

At the IHRSA trade show in Los Angeles, Power Systems will feature a variety of new products designed to not only improve physical fitness, but also help a fitness club or sports training organization improve its fiscal fitness, too. The company’s new SpaceStation™ system, a multi-purpose training tool providing multiple training stations for body weight and suspended exercises in a limited area, will be one of several new products available for review at the show.

“The SpaceStation system represents how we have tried to address the reality of today’s business environment for club owners,” said Bruno Pauletto, CEO of Power Systems. “Clubs need to expand their offerings, but cannot necessarily expand their physical floor plan. SpaceStation helps them meet their business goal while maximizing space in the club.”

Other new products featured by Power Systems at the trade show include improved designs for personal training products such as Versa-Tubes, as well as an expanded selection of bodyweight training and cardio training equipment.

Power Systems representatives will also be on site to showcase improved efficiency in ordering methods, including a self-checkout station and the introduction of mobile and tablet technology for order processing on site.

“We are working hard to help business owners get the tools they need as quickly as possible, so that they can get to work making a real difference of their own,” said Julie Pauletto.

Power Systems will also be working to make a real difference in the overall success of the industry convention by sponsoring a variety of events including receptions for the Gold’s Gym Franchisee Association and IHRSA regional membership groups.

###

About Power Systems: Power Systems is the  fitness and sports accessory equipment industry leader committed to making a real difference in the health, fitness and performance needs of people at every level of experience. Since its founding in 1986, Power Systems has been recognized  for its standards in customer service, product selection and on-time delivery. The company is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. For additional information about Power Systems, visit their website at www.power-systems.com.

Media Contact:
Shane Rhyne
(865) 584-0550
srhyne@ackermannpr.com

Titanic Museum Attraction hosts first-ever American tour of famed Titanic photo album

Posted by Erin Freeman – March 14, 2012

Pigeon Forge, TN – In the years since her sinking, RMS Titanic continues to surprise us with the discovery of forgotten or unknown treasures. One such treasure is the photo album of Father Francis Browne, a Jesuit priest and renowned photographer from Ireland. The album, containing the only known photos taken aboard Titanic at sea, is coming to the United States in April 2012, helping the great ship and her passengers symbolically complete a voyage begun long ago. Browne’s original photo album will be displayed exclusively at the Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, as part of the Titanic Centennial Commemoration.

The photos will be on display in Missouri at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson April 6-10, 2012. The historic images will then travel to the Great Smoky Mountains for display at the Titanic Museum Attraction’s Pigeon Forge location on April 12-21, 2012. During their visit, the photos will essentially be on display almost 100 years to the day they were originally taken.

Father Browne photo album page

A sample page from Father Browne's photo albums. The original albums will be on display at the Titanic Museum Attractions, April 6-10 (Branson, MO) and Apri 12-21 (Pigeon Forge, TN). Photo courtesy of The Father Browne SJ Collection/Davison & Associates Ltd.

“The media christened the discovery of Father Browne’s photos in 1986 as the ‘photographic equivalent to the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls,’” said John Joslyn, owner of the Titanic Museum Attractions and leader of the first private expedition to the explore the great ship’s resting place. “That may seem like hyperbole, but among the vast collection of photos he took in his lifetime, perhaps one single photo album captured the world’s imagination like no other: a record of his days as a passenger on the maiden voyage of Titanic before he disembarked in Ireland.”

Considered historically priceless, the Titanic album is the only album in Father Browne’s collection to include handwritten captions for each of the 159 photos documented on 63 pages. The original album, insured at more than $1 million, has never left Ireland since Father Browne’s death in 1960. Its display at the Titanic Museum Attractions in April 2012 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Titanic enthusiasts and photography historians to see the original images on exhibit, including the only known photo of the ship’s wireless room, the last photo ever taken of the ship’s captain, and the ship’s anchor being raised from the water for the final time.

“We expect great interest in seeing these photos,” said Joslyn. “They represent a unique first-person account of life aboard Titanic for the first days of its voyage. No other survivor could provide such a visual memory of the ship, her crew and passengers.”

The photos were taken by Browne as he traveled aboard Titanic from Southampton, England, to Cherbourg, France, to Queenstown, Ireland. When Father Browne died in 1960, his Titanic photos and more than 40,000 other notable images from his work were locked away in a metal trunk and forgotten until a chance discovery in 1986.

Even with the discovery of the collection, it has still taken more than a quarter century for the priceless album to make its way to American shores where it will be briefly on display with other artifacts from the ship and its passengers.

“The photos resurfaced at almost the same time we were first learning the location of Titanic’s actual resting place,” said Joslyn. “It’s as if the ship was ready to give up her secrets at last. We look forward to our museum visitors finally having access to view this last great treasure from the ship’s history.”

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri, open the door to the past in a one-of-a-kind way by allowing “passengers” to experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the Titanic while surrounded by artifacts directly from the ship and its passengers. Visitors gain first-hand experience through interactive exhibits and through vivid, dramatic detail shared by “crew members.” Passengers may purchase tickets online at www.titanicattraction.com or by phone at (800) 381-7670.

Cedar Bay Entertainment, LLC owns and operates the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. A privately owned-and-operated entertainment and development company, Cedar Bay is headquartered in Branson, Missouri, the site of its first Titanic Museum Attraction. Titanic Branson has welcomed more than four million guests and Titanic Pigeon Forge boards approximately 100,000 “passengers” each month.

# # #

Editors:  For more information, for additional high-res photos, or to schedule interviews or visits to the museums, please contact Rick Laney at (865) 584-0550 or (865) 441-2388.

Area chefs to create delectable dishes inspired by Girl Scout Cookies

Posted by admin – March 1, 2012

(Knoxville, Tenn.) – Girl Scout Cookies are the stars, but who will be the champion?

That will be decided on Friday, March 16, when men and women over the age of 21 are invited to attend “Cookies & Cocktails,” a first-time event in which attendees will sample savory appetizers and the sweetest desserts – all inspired by Girl Scout Cookies! The event is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. at the Knoxville Emporium Center on March 16.

During the event, chefs from area restaurants are asked to put a new spin on an old Girl Scout Cookie favorite. Sweet or savory, chefs may use any of the eight varieties of Girl Scout Cookies to create and serve up their signature item of choice. Attendees will enjoy samples and cocktails while listening to live music from Old City Buskers.

“Celebrity” judges include Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, former University of Tennessee basketball star Dane Bradshaw and food editor of the Knoxville News Sentinel, Mary Constantine. Attendees will vote on the “People’s Choice” winner. WATE’s Lori Tucker will emcee the event.

Chefs from Knoxville Catering, Coolato Gelato, Magpies Bakery, Nama Sushi Bar, The Crown & Goose, Echo Bistro and Wine Bar, Roman’s Pizza and Chez Liberty will create culinary masterpieces for the event.

“Cookies & Cocktails is going to be a ton of fun,” said Booth Kammann, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians (GSCSA). “It is an adult celebration of the Girl Scout Cookie season that will feature the community benefits of the program in a fun, festive and adult-oriented environment.  We look forward to engaging a diverse group of adults in Girl Scouts, via an event targeted specifically toward them.”

In 2012, Girl Scouts of the USA will celebrate its 100th Anniversary. “Cookies & Cocktails” is just one of the many events that GSCSA will produce this year to celebrate the anniversary.

Tickets for “Cookies & Cocktails” are $50. Attendees must be 21 years or older to attend. Pre-registration and more information is available online at http://www.girlscoutcsa.org/events/284. Tickets will also be sold at the door pending availability.

For more information on the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians, visit www.girlscoutcsa.org.

###

About Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians
The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians serves nearly 20,000 girl and adult members stretching from North Georgia to Southwest Virginia. Service centers are located in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Johnson City. The organization’s mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The council offers financial assistance to ensure that every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout has the opportunity to join this vibrant organization.

Media Contact:
Sarah Pope, Ackermann PR
Phone: (865) 584-0550
Email: spope@ackermannpr.com