Towns County kindergarden kids enjoy Johnny Appleseed

"What was that Mr. Appleseed? Tell us again!"

Towns County kindergarten students visited The Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center (GMREC) in early September for the Johnny Appleseed program. It was a beautiful sight to see all of their red shirts in the apple orchard in Blairsville, Georgia. Six classes of students rotated through planned activities at the Center. This event is hosted by the Education Committee , a division of the Community Council. The Education Committee is charged with the task of establishing youth field experiences that supplement existing programs at the GMREC.

Meeting "Johnny Appleseed" was definitely one of the highlights of the field trip. Reverend Eddie Herring, a minister from Carrollton, Georgia, portrayed John Capman and explained the legend of Johnny Appleseed. The students then had an opportunity to pick a basket of apples to take back to their classroom. A narrated wagon ride through the orchards gave the students a chance to see one of the most picturesque areas in the North Georgia Mountains.Most of the little boys were definitely fascinated by the huge tractor that pulled the 30 person wagon and its wonderful driver, Mr. Herman.

L & R: The children learned about the apples at the orchard, and enjoyed games with volunteers at the GMRE center.

This yearly event is staffed by approximately 75 volunteers as well as the incredible staff at the GMRE Center. Students also enjoyed role playing during a storytelling class about a farmer, his animals and his apples. State testing objectives were covered in a lively sequencing class involving the apple tree, the apple blossom, the bee and the apple. Creative talents were put to the test in an art class on the drawing and coloring of an apple tree. The students even had a chance to participate in a relay using artificial apples.

To close out the activity, the students enjoyed a picnic lunch at the covered pavilion that is located in the youth area of the GMRE Center. The Education Committee wishes to thank Towns County Elementary School principal, Mr. Don Dermody, for his continued support of all of our many student activities. The committee is particularly indebted to Towns County Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Lisa Cole, for her time and effort as the school liaison for this activity.