Media Matters
Georgia Department of Education
A newsletter for people who love Library Media Centers
September 2007
Volume 6, Number 2
Inside this issue:
COMO is Coming!
Begin making your plans now to attend the 2007 convention of the Georgia Council of Media Organizations. Held on beautiful Jekyll Island from October 17-19, this conference may well be the highlight of your professional year. Registration is now open. Sponsoring organizations:
GLA (Georgia Library Association) GLMA (Georgia Library Media Association) GAIT (Georgia Association for Instructional Technology)
GaDOE List Service Wants You!
Are you receiving this email directly through the GaDOE List Service like over 900 of your colleagues? If not, subscribe to the List Service to receive emails on contests, events, grant and job opportunities, best practices, and more.
GaDOE
To join the List Service:
Send an email to: join-doemedia@list.doe.k12.ga.us
Leave the subject and body of the email blank. You will receive a confirmation email to which you will need to respond.
SKILLS Act
2
Read for the Record 3
F3
3
NoveList
4
GALILEO
5
Contest
6
Hawks and Thrashers 7
Best Practices
8
Lexiles
10
GCBA
11
Story Bracelet
11
Cool Tools
12
Sympathy
12
Teachers teaching 13 Teachers
Gift cards
13
WebPages
14
Michael P. White 15
George Walton DVD 15
Georgia Literary
16
Festival
Calendar
18
You might be a Library Media Specialist if when someone asks you for a large book with a red cover about a dog, you hand them a small book with a blue cover about a cat, and it's the right book!
From Media Spectrum 1997
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Media Matters
We will lead the nation in improving student achievement.
1970 Twin Towers East 205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: 404-657-9800 Fax: 404-657-6822 E-mail: jserrite@doe.k12.ga.us
Senate Resolution 134: Designating September 2007 as "Adopt a School Library Month"
From Lou Ann Jacobs, ISLMA Legislative Advocate:
On Thursday, March 29th U.S. Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois introduced legislation that would designate September 2007 as Adopt a School Library Month. The resolution was a surprise to ALA, AASL, and ISLMA. The full resolution can be viewed at: Download senate_resolution_134.doc
The Resolution has no federal money attached. It does give recognition to the problem of funding for school libraries and librarians. Hopefully, we can use this to our advantage on the state and local level. It certainly does give awareness to the problems.
The purpose of life is a life of purpose.
Robert Byrne
GaETC 2007 Celebrating 20 Years!
GaETC 2007 is rapidly approaching and promises to be an exceptional professional learning opportunity for all of us! We're anticipating an exciting opening keynote session on November 14 at 9:00 am by New York Times Personal Technology columnist David Pogue. For registration information, go to http://www.gaetc.org/reginfo07.htm
While registering, be sure to consider a conference workshop. We have a wide range of workshop topics on the latest issues and trends in educational technology. Please go to the following URL to view the workshop titles and descriptions - http://www.gaetc.org/workshops07/1workshops07.htm
Our Featured Speakers include:
Doug Johnson
Meg Ormiston
Hall Davidson Leslie Fisher
Patrick Crispen Brent Williams
Gail Lovely
Annette Lamb
Georgia International Convention Center College Park, Georgia November 14-16, 2007 www.gaetc.org
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Volume 6, Number 2
September 20th: Read for the Record
Jacqueline Forbes
Jumpstart is an engaging, civic-minded organization whose mission is to work toward the day every child in America enters school prepared to succeed. Last year Jumpstart started Read for the Record, an annual campaign designed to increase awareness about the early education crisis, and to drive participation in powerful learning relationships that every child needs before he or she enters kindergarten. Over 150,000 children and adults set a GuinnessTM World Record by reading The Little Engine That Could on August 24, 2006.
This year, hundreds of thousands of adults and children will gather together on Thursday, September 20th to read The Story of Ferdinand and raise awareness about local early education issues. In this vein, we have several ways in which other organizations can participate:
1. Build an Event: Each Pre-K in Atlanta Public Schools and each library in the Atlanta Fulton Public Library System will design and host an event. We invite other organizations and individuals to plan large events that several children can participate in, or small, mini-events designed to serve just a few children. An event consists of an adult reading The Story of Ferdinand to at least one child, giving that child a Certificate of Participation, and having a Guinness Witness (a non-reading adult) declare that an event took place between the specified number of adults and children.
2. Publicize Read for the Record: Place information about Read for the Record in your organizational newsletters, mass mailings, and other media.
3. Donate books to children: We know that many low-income children do not have age-appropriate books in their home. Jumpstart's goal is to raise 1 million dollars, and with that, donate 100,000 books to low-income children. Interested individuals can participate in existing book drives, or create their own at www.readfortherecord.org
For more information contact Jacqueline Forbes at jacqueline.forbes@jstart.org or go to JumpStart website at:
http://www.readfortherecord.org/site/PageServer
Foundations for the Future
Foundations for the Future (F3) presents the September issue of Outta Site! This award-winning newsletter is designed to help families explore the Internet together, safely, and effectively. It is distributed monthly during the school year by The Friends School of Atlanta, F3 (Georgia Tech Research Institute), and the Family Technology Resource Centers (DeKalb County Schools).
To download a free copy of the September Outta Site! please visit our website at: http://www.f3program.org/ outtasite/outtasite.html We hope you enjoy this issue and please send us your comments. We're always looking for improvements.
Margie Brown Research Associate Georgia Tech Research Institute Information Technology and Telecommunications Laboratory Computer Science and Information Technology Division (404) 407-6069 (404) 407-8081 (FAX)
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Media Matters
NoveList: More Reading Guidance for your Harry Potter Fans
Readers everywhere will be looking for more fantasy to follow the final book in this amazingly popular series. Let NoveList be your guide! Here are some features in this GALILEO database that can assist you.
Tab: Search Our Database Find a Series You can enter "Harry Potter" in the search box to find all 7 titles, in
sequence, with Lexile numbers and many other details about each title. Article and List Search When you enter "Harry Potter" in the search box you will find
book lists, book talks, book discussion guides, and some excellent Teaching with Fiction articles. Tab: Browse Lists
Click on Best Fiction and Explore Fiction to see more recommendations in the Fantasy genre.
Tab: School Resources There is a biography of J.K. Rowling in Author Biographies for Young Adults.
Rebecca Amerson, Media Specialist National Board Certified Library Teacher Woodstock High School
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Media Matters
Find More Books in GALILEO
Book Collection: Nonfiction is one of the EBSCO databases recently added to GALILEO. To access this database, go to http://www.galileo.usg.edu/express?link=zbnf&rkey=kt and log in with your school's GALILEO password.
So, what's so great about this database? Full text, nonfiction books! And, they have Lexile reading levels! Here are several examples of the series that are included in Book Collection: Nonfiction
Careers and Life Skills Career Exploration Careers With Character Life Skills (Careers)
Health Compact Guides to Fitness & Health Nutrition and Fitness Perspectives on Disease and Illness Perspectives on Mental Health
Sports Extreme Sports Martial Arts MotorSports Sports Heroes Sports Injuries: How to Prevent, Diagnose &
Treat
People Black Americans of Achievement Childhoods of the Presidents Creative Minds Biographies Famous Figures of the Civil War Era Great Authors Great Achievers: Lives of the Physically
Challenged Great Mathematical Minds Great Scientific Minds Hip Hop Hispanics of Achievement Indians of North America Pirates: Lives and Lore (Arrr!) Pro Wrestlers Techies Women of Achievement Youth with Special Needs
Hobbies A World of Wheels Complete Guide to Fishing
Science and Technology All About Pets (Find more about the class pet!) Dinosaur Library Discover Nature Dog Heroes Early Bird Nature Books How Can I Experiment With? Science Under the Sea
History American Landmarks American Symbols and Their Meanings American West Famous Events
Culture Around the World With Food and Spices Art Around the World Culture Encyclopedia Cultures & Costumes Holiday Celebrations Discovery Library Native American Life We Came to America
States and Countries Ask About Asia Discovering South America Discovering the Caribbean Exploration of Africa: The Emerging Nations Let's Take a Look at Our States Modern Middle East Nations Our States Our World
Full Title List at http://www.epnet.com/titleLists/nd-coverage.htm
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Media Matters
Listen to Jimmy Carter read his book Little Baby Snoogle Fleejer at: http://public.doe.k12.ga.us/it.aspx?PageReq=ITReadMore
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Volume 6, Number 2
Atlanta Hawks & Thrashers Education Programs
ATLANTA HAWKS AND THRASHERS SCHOOL ASSEMBLY PROGRAM (Elementary School): The Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers School Assembly program is a fun-filled 45-minute assembly that focuses on the importance of reading, healthy eating habits and staying active. Featuring Hawks and Thrashers personalities and mascots, the assembly program is open to schools with a 35-mile radius of Philips Arena. Priority will be given to schools who did not participate in the program during the 2006-07 season. Certain other restrictions apply. Click here to register online (http://www.nba.com/hawks/community/Educational_Programs.html). Please contact Courtney.jankovich@atlantaspirit.com with any questions.
ATLANTA HAWKS AND ATLANTA THRASHERS HONOR ROLL PROGRAM (All grade levels): The Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers Honor Roll program rewards students of all ages for their academic achievement. Any student at a participating school who is excelling in the classroom will earn a complimentary Hawks or Thrashers ticket with the purchase of a discounted ticket this season. Participating schools will also be eligible to register for a chance to receive a scholarship for their school. To take advantage of this program or for more information, please contact honorroll@atlantaspirit.com.
ATLANTA HAWKS FAST BREAK FOR READING (Elementary School): Sponsored by Philips and Sprite, the Atlanta Hawks Fast Break for Reading program encourages students to develop a lifelong love of reading. For each 25 books student read, they earn such rewards as Hawks giveaways, stickers and pencils. Click here to register online (http://www.nba.com/hawks/community/Educational_Programs.html). Please contact Jenniferer.lehren@atlantaspirit.com with any questions or for more information.
ATLANTA HAWKS STUDENT ACHIEVER (Middle/High School): Motivating youth to earn good grades, stay in school and work hard is what the Atlanta Hawks Student Achiever program is all about. Sponsored by Philips, this program recognizes middle and high school students that earn a 3.0, improve their grades, have perfect attendance and work hard. NOTE: Only one school contact is allowed per school. Click here to register online (http://www.nba.com/hawks/ community/Educational_Programs.html). Contact andrea.carter@atlantaspirit.com to learn how to reap such sweet rewards as posters and certificates of achievement.
Andrea K. Carter Director, Community Development
101 Marietta Street, Suite 1900 Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 878-3772 (o) (404) 878-3480 (f)
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Media Matters
Best Practices
Alpharetta High School: Data and Dessert Program
Jill Rose Media Specialist
In September 2006, the Alpharetta High School Media Center hosted an instructional program for
parents called Data and Dessert. At this evening event, the Media Center partnered with the professional
foods class to host an instructional workshop for parents on Internet research resources available to students.
The professional foods students catered and served the dessert for this event while the Media staff facilitated
instruction. The idea for this event came from an article in School Library Journal's October 2004 issue.
Media Specialists in Vancouver Washington created the concept of an event to teach parents how to access
and use the online subscription databases provided to students and teachers through State, and local school
funds. The Alpharetta High School Media Center staff created a similar program using our own ideas and
resources.
Alpharetta High School has access to GALILEO, Grolier Online Encyclopedia, Student Resource
Center, Science Resource Center and ELibrary among a few others. The Media Specialist and staff provide
daily
instruction to students both individually and in a classroom setting to teach research skills using these
managed databases that provide resources from many credible print and online sources both at school and
from home computers with Internet access. It was the goal of the Media Center staff to share these resources
with parents so they could assist their children with information access as needed at home reinforcing the
concepts taught at school.
To promote the program, an informational flyer was created and distributed to all parents attending the
beginning of the year Open House in early September. The flyer included the phone number of the Media
Center so parents could RSVP to the event. This way, the Media Staff would know how many parents would
be attending. Information for the event was also posted on the school website. It was exciting to receive the
phone calls from parents indicating they would attend the program.
As the parents entered the Media Center, professional foods students dressed in chef attire were
standing behind multiple tables full of tasty desserts they had prepared for the event in their classroom. Their
teacher Cathy Skott, was supervising the event as the students were serving and assisting parents filling their
plates with delicious treats and beverages. They took the desserts to tables to begin the instructional part of the
program.
(continued on next page)
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Volume 6, Number 2
Best Practices (continued)
The schedule for the evening included a brief introduction by the Media Specialist that defined how a subscription database is different than a general search engine such as Google.com. The concept of Web Evaluation and Citation of Sources was also addressed in the introductory talks. Handouts with web evaluation questions and a summary page with general source citation information were provided to parents along with an article on the controversial resource, Wikipedia.
After the introduction, parents moved to a computer lab and each parent logged on to a student computer with a temporary password created for them for the event. The Media Specialist used an LCD projector connected to a laptop computer to project the laptop computer screen for all to see. She brought up the Media Center web page pointing out features and resources for the students. She introduced each database by doing a simple search representative of student research and showed the results from the databases as compared to a general search engine. Parents asked questions and participated throughout the program.
After this information was provided, each parent was able to access the AHS Media Center web page through a computer to link to the subscription databases. They practiced searching techniques to become comfortable with the resources until the program concluded.
Due to the positive response from parents and school administration and the success of the event, Data & Dessert will be an annual event each September collaboratively provided by the Alpharetta High School Media Center and Professional Foods Class.
Make a life. Make a living. Make a difference.
Page 10
Lexile Framework for Reading
Media Matters
What is the Lexile Framework?
The Lexile Framework is an educational tool that links text and readers under a common metric known as the Lexile. The Georgia Department of Education has worked with MetaMetrics, the developers of the Lexile Framework, to customize a "map" that provides a graphic representation of texts and titles matched to appropriate levels of reading ability.
To see Georgia's Lexile Map, go here: http://tinyurl.com/gera7
What is a Lexile?
A Lexile is a standard score that matches a student's reading ability with difficulty of text material. A Lexile can be interpreted as the level of book that a student can read with 75% comprehension. Experts have identified 75% comprehension level as offering the reader a certain amount of comfort and yet still offering a challenge. The Lexile Framework Map shows Lexiles ranging between approximately 200 and 1700. However, some reading materials and readers do have Lexiles below 200 and may have a code of BR for beginning reader.
You might be a Library Media Specialist if you only get something accomplished if you're doing more than one thing at a time.
From Media Spectrum, 1997.
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Volume 6, Number 2
The 39th Annual Conference on Children's Literature will be held on February 29 -March 1, 2008.
Featured speakers include:
Brian Pinkney Caldecott Honor Medalist for The Faithful Friend (1996) and Duke Ellington (1999).
Cynthia Kadohata Winner of the 2005 Newbery Medal for Kira-Kira
Ian Ogilvy Winner of the 2007 Children's Book Award for Measle and the Wrathmonk
David Wiesner 3-time Caldecott Award winner for Tuesday (1992), The Three Pigs (2002), and Flotsam (2007).
Mo Willems Winner of the 2007 Children's Picture Storybook Award for Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, a 2004 Caldecott Medal Honor Book
More details: http://www.coe.uga.edu/gcba/
Linda Martin's Story Bracelet
How often have you wanted to tell a story in the classroom to illustrate a point, but didn't know how? Do you ever have three minutes before the classroom teacher picks up her class and you wished you could tell a quick story to settle your students while they wait?
For years, storyteller and librarian Linda Martin heard from other teachers and librarians who wanted to learn how to tell stories or teach storytelling to their students. They didn't know where to start. She has developed a product, The Story Bracelet tm and Manual to be a storytelling class in a bag. The Story Bracelet tm is a mnemonic device to remember stories. In Ghana, the storyteller wears a hat hung with charms that represent different stories. The listener selects a charm and the teller shares the tale represented. Linda's bracelets use beads from all over the world. Each bead relates to a different story. The accompanying manual has sections on the how-tos of storytelling, storytelling in the curriculum, descriptions (with photos) of different beads and how they relate to different tales, and a resource guide. The bulk of the manual is a collection of folktales from around the world that Linda has collected and rewritten for beginning tellers to learn easily. Tales include the familiar (Three Billy Goats Gruff) and the not-so-familiar (Pig and Bear Go to Market). Linda has set up a website with more information on the bracelet and manual www.lindamartin.us
The bracelets and manuals will be available in the exhibition hall at COMO. Drop by and take a look. For more information, email Linda at lindamartin423@gmail.com
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Media Matters
Cool Tools and More for Media Specialists and Support Personnel
Come learn about technologies (many are free!) and technology topics that you can use to reach today's students!
Who: Media Specialists and Media Clerks. Tech. Specialists and Teachers are welcome too!
What: Pick and choose from our "menu" of three and a half hour sessions. We are offering both morning and afternoon sessions.
Credit: Attend three sessions to earn one PLU ($25) or six sessions to earn two PLUs ($50).
Where: UGA ETTC in Athens (Room 002) OR ETTC @ NSC in Augusta (Lab TBA) Sessions will occur simultaneously at both locations with both face-to-face and video conferencing components.
Visit http://ttc.coe.uga.edu/cooltools/index.html for the latest information.
Janice Cavin of Coker Elementary in Chatsworth (Murray County) passed away on August 23, 2007. She was strong in her faith and will be greatly missed by all of the children, adults, teachers, media specialists, friends and family who were fortunate enough to be a part of her life.
Mrs. Cavin was a graduate of the University of Georgia. Ms. Cavin had been employed in schools in Greene County, Oglethorpe County, Newton County, Cobb County and Murray County.
Her experiences in libraries included summer children's librarian for a branch of Athens Regional Library, an assistant librarian for Paulding County public library, media paraprofessional in two Cobb County middle schools and media specialist for a Cobb County elementary school prior to coming to Coker Elementary School.
Mrs. Cavin was married to Mike, a United Methodist pastor. She also leaves three children: Tiffany, Trina and Robert.
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Media Matters
About Teachers Teaching Teachers - http://teachersteachingteachers.org
Teachers Teaching Teachers is a weekly international webcast on the EdTechTalk channel of the WorldBridges network. Four teachers Paul Allison, Lee Baber, Susan Ettenheim, and Thomas Locke are primarily responsible for the blog, podcast, and webcast.
Every Wednesday evening at 9:00 pm EST, they gather online to discuss teaching. These conversations are archived as a podcast on the Teachers Teaching Teachers blog. Their purpose is to develop teacher knowledge and leadership in their schools and to then use this knowledge to improve students' online reading and writing through the use of blogs, wikis, podcasts, and webcasts.
Please refer to the Teachers Teaching Teachers website for additional information.
http://teachersteachingteachers.org/
If you would like to thank the Governor for the recent gift cards, you can send messages to:
For Snail Mail:
.
203 State Capitol Atlanta, Ga 30334
For email:
Governor's website www.gov.state.ga.us
I realize some of you may not have received your gift cards, but that is an issue that needs to be worked out in your particular school or school system. Let's keep these messages positive. Thanks
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Media Matters
Check out these Georgia Library Media Center WebPages!
Want to add pizzazz and information to your current webpage? Check out these outstanding pages.
Misty Sikes at Hubbard Elementary in Monroe County has an outstanding Library Media page. Check it out at: http://monroe.ga.schoolwebpages.com/education/staff/staff.php? sectiondetailid=2659&sc_id=1188316069
Union Grove Middle School Media Specialist Alice Murphy has a website that provides 24/7 access . Check out this Henry County website at: http://www.henry.k12.ga.us/ugm/ Media%20Center%20Web/MC%20HOME.htm
Robert W. Groves High School in Chatham County has an eye catching Library Media Center webpage. See what Mary Beedle and Holli DeLoach have created at: http://www.sccpss.com/Schools/High+Schools/Groves+High+School/Media+Center/
Want to spotlight your Library Media Center webpage? Let us know.
Some school webpages don't even name the Media Specialist or have a link to the Media Center.
Remember do not put the GALILEO password on your website.
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Volume 6, Number 2
Michael P. White's website The illustrator of several books including The Library Dragon now has his own website.
You can check out Michael at: www.michaelpwhite.com
George Walton DVD
Earlier in the year the middle schools were fortunate to receive a DVD focusing on George Walton and Meadow Garden. George Walton was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
This DVD was provided by the Georgia State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Please remind your Georgia History teachers that this resource is available in your Library Media Center.
Common Sense Economy It's cheaper to buy a book for the library than it is to buy one for each classroom.
Doug Johnson
Tremendous interest shown in the 2007 Georgia Literary Festival Blue Ridge Georgia, September 28 30, 2007
Excitement is building as interest and inquiries come in for more information on the annual 2007 Georgia Literary Festival, located in the quaint Appalachian mountain town of Blue Ridge, Georgia. (90 miles north of Atlanta)
Anyone who reads, writes, or just enjoys being around books has an incredible opportunity for a unique three day literary adventure. The 2007 Georgia Literary Festival promises a refreshing combination of literary talent in surroundings that are unsurpassed in autumn beauty.
The schedule of events is in its final planning stages. One quick look shows why this festival is a must-attend.
The main honoree is the renowned poet/novelist Byron Herbert Reece who was born near Blairsville, GA. Reece's many works include his first volume of poetry titled Ballad of the Bones (1945) and his Pulitzer Prize nominated work for Bow Down in Jericho (1950). Born September 14, 1917, Reece produced enduring poetry and fiction before depression and illness caused him to take his own life June 3, 1958. The sounds and feel of North Georgia resonate throughout Reece's writings. His work drew from nature and the Bible, which was an integral part of his everyday life. His two novels present vivid portraits of the people who lived in the agricultural North Georgia area surrounding Blairsville. Reece both attended and taught at Young Harris College.
Young Harris is a presenting sponsor of the 2007 Georgia Literary Festival. The founding sponsors are the Georgia Center for the book and The Georgia Humanities Council.
The keynote speaker is Cathy Cox, former Georgia Secretary of State and current president of Young Harris College. Cathy Cox is a dynamic speaker who plans to speak on the influence Young Harris College had on Reece and the influence Reece made on the institution that remains to this day. Additional program personalities include:
FEATURED WRITERS: Phillip Lee Williams is the award winning author of A Distant Flame, Blue Crystal , and The Heart of a Distant For-
est. His presentation is titled Remembering a Man I Never Met and will focus on how Reece's influence carries through to authors of today.
Bettie Sellers, a renowned Reece expert who wrote The Bitter Berry: The Life of Byron Herbert Reece will present A
Meeting of Two Remarkable Men: Byron Herbert Reece and Rev. Jack Waldrip. In 1947 Rev. Jack Waldrip became acquainted with the poet Byron Herbert Reece--a friendship that lasted until Reece's death.
Helen Lewis noted Appalachian scholar, social activist and author (Mountain Sisters, It Come From the People) speaks
on North Georgia Mountains: Is it Southern, Appalachian, or Hillbilly Chic? Dr. Lewis is a well respected sociologist, social activist, author, teacher, researcher, and mentor who has utilized an unorthodox approach to education, fought for social and economic equality and was instrumental in the development of Appalachian Studies programs.
HONORED PARTICIPANTS: Joe Dabney is the author of Mountain Spirits, More Mountain Spirits, and Smokehouse Ham, Spoon Bread and
Scuppernong Wine: The Folklore and Art of Southern Appalachian Cooking. Winner of the prestigious James Beard Foundation Cookbook of the Year medal, Dabney will speak about mountain humor he gleaned while researching his books, or as he says, Some mountain philosophers who taught me a lot about life.
Fred Craddock is a sought-after lecturer and author of a number books (The Pre-existence of Christ, As One Without
Authority, Overhearing the Gospel, The Gospels). Named by Newsweek as one of America 's top preachers, Craddock will help get the festival started on Friday evening with delightful Appalachian Storytelling.
FEATURED WRITERS:
.George Brosi (No Lonesome Road: The Prose and Poetry of Don West) is the editor of the literary quarterly Appalachian
Heritage. He runs a retail book business that has specialized exclusively in books of the Southern Appalachians since 1982. His friendship with Don West lasted thirty years from 1962 until West's death in 1992. Brosi (with James Lorence) is scheduled to lead a discussion of the friendship and correspondence between Byron Herbert Reece, who argued that a writer's first duty was to create a work of beauty, and Don West, who believed writers should play a political role and inspire social reform.
Doris Davenport is an African-American performance poet who grew up in North Georgia . She will speak briefly on the
intense desire for poetry in all mountain people, particularly the Affrilachians which is a term she and other mountain writers use to describe people like herself--both African-American and Appalachian. Following her talk, she will perform poems from her most recent book madness like morning glories.
Dana Wildsmith is an exciting author who will read from her book One Good Hand. She calls it a reading from one good
hand to another since it was inspired by the poem One Good Hand by Byron Herbert Reece. She finds parallels between his life and her life as a farmer/poet. The festival is also fortunate to have Wildsmith conduct a workshop in the park for teens on text messaging as poetry, since both involve coded language.
James Lorence is a historian, author of A hard Journey: The Life of Don West. He has served as Eminent Scholar of
History at Gainesville State College, and Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County. He has published eight books and has more that thirty articles in print based on his research focused on labor history and film studies.
Paula Nelson is a Native American who will speak, chant, and sing during her presentation. She is the author of the chant
which opens the Unto These Hills, the outdoor drama in Cherokee NC. Her most recent successes include: Project Songbird (a songwriting/composting collaboration in the Cherokee language) and the recent completion of her first album, CHANT Cherokee Hopes and New Traditions.
Many additional talented people will participate in the festival including poet Robert Kimsey author of Paths From The Shawnee Spring; Ethelene Jones poet, editor, newspaper columnist and editor of Facets of Fannin: A History of Fannin County, GA; Dale Dyer a local columnist and historian; Carol Crawford writer and essayist as displayed by her release of Feast on NPR; Kathleen Thompson who has focused on publications in the education field as well as two books about mountain culture, will present Appalachian Dialect; Bad Grammar or Fascinating Dialect? as well as moderating a panel discussion on the characteristics of Appalachian people.
In addition to these presenters, there will be a wide array of children activities from the youngest to older teens. In addition to the text messaging as poetry seminar mentioned above, teens can enjoy an acting workshop, hear a special students' presentation of a Reece Readers' Theater, and more. Young children can enjoy hearing granny storytellers in the library. All children will have an opportunity to write poetry and receive recognition for their efforts. A special van from the Craddock Center will give away books. There will be many costumed book characters, including Curious George (courtesy of Georgia Public Broadcasting). Kids may also try their hand at playing traditional hand-made Appalachian musical instruments, or attend the marionette show with puppets made by local artist Judi Abernathy
Note that all Georgia Literary Festival events are FREE, but that there are ticket charges for affiliate events. For more information and frequent updates please go to the Georgia Literary Festival website at www.georgialiteraryfestival.org.
Accommodations and other activities available in the area can be located at the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce website located at www.blueridgemountains.com.
Sunday
September 2007
GaDOE Library Media Services
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Birthday ofRosa Guy: 1928-
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Christa McAuliff Aliki's birthday: born: 1948-1986 1929-
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Richard Wright 1st Continental born: 1908-1960 Congress meets: 1 77 4
P resi d ent McKinley shot by an ass assin: 1 90 1
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Have you read any books by Jon Scies zka?
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U.S. Civil Rights Act: 1957
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Who is William World Trade Carlos Williams? Center and the P en t ago n attacked: 2001
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Who is Jes se Owens?
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Mildred Taylor and Roald Dahl celebrate birthdays today.
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Who is Francis Scott Key?
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Birthday ofTomie DePaola: 1934-
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H.A. Rey born: 1 89 8-1 97 7
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Who is David Souter and why is he important?
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WilliamGolding's Upton Sinclair is The Hobbit is
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Truman Capote born: 1924-1983
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Wh at is more importan t i n a l ibrary th an anything else--than everyth ing else--is the fact that it exists. Archi bald M acLeish