FALL TOUR 2005

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=110 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="040f0f21egerdp.jpg"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="041203c0.jpg" border=0 width="32" height="60" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#66334C" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Magic of Reading</B></FONT><B>      |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Magic of Reading"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03ff2f02egerdp.jpg"> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="14">    <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="14">  <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="14">    <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="14"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1073bed0.gif" border=0 width="315" height="493" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=370 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="042f0f03.jpg"> <div> <I>FALL TOUR 2005</I></div> <div> <B>Thursday, September 15, 2005</B></div> <div> ASHEVILLE, NC   I awoke in the mountains of western North Carolina.  Asheville is a second home to me, so it was nice to return.  I began my travels for 2005-2006 at Oakley Elementary School in Asheville.  Entering the school I looked across the street at the small Oakley branch library.  I do believe I have performed there before.  Oakley Library was probably one of the first Ben Franklin programs I ever did, back around 1993.  Everywhere I go across the Southeast I have memories of programs done.  Asheville especially, since I actually began doing Ben Franklin programs at the Pack Memorial Library in 1993.</div> <div> Oakely Elementary was fun!  The kids were well mannered and the school staff was helpful and friendly to Ben.  I was sorry to leave, but I had a busy day planned for my first day back.  Three more programs, two more sites.</div> <bR> <div> Jumped in the van and drove 70 miles to Ray Childers Elementary in Hickory, NC.  Seldom if ever have I seen more <I>parents </I>at a daytime school program as were at Ray Childers.  I think this is just great, and the kids were great too.  The older ones in the first programs, the younger ones in the second program--my audiences were all I could have asked for.  As I told the principal as I left, his children were as good as any I will see all year.  That is a big compliment because I will see 300 or so groups of kids this year.</div> <bR> <div> So, four programs down, one to go.</div> <bR> <div> I drove to Morganton and checked into my motel.  After a dinner I threw together from canned goods I'd packed--I won't bore you with the exact ingredients of my repast--I set in an uncomfortable chair to take a power nap.  I knew if I laid on the bed or got comfortable I might over sleep my visit to Nebo Elementary at 7:00 PM, which I did not intend to do.  My power nap lasted till 6:18, and I awoke with a start.  How could I sleep 45 minutes in a straight chair?</div> <bR> <div> In five minutes I was headed out the door.</div> <bR> <div> Luckily, I had good directions from Nebo Elementary's web site.  I got to the school before my program was scheduled to start . . . and there was a parking lot full of cars.  I wondered what big event was in town.</div> <bR> <div> Usually, the PTA functions I speak at are rather modest affairs:  20 or 30 parents with the same number of kids is a nice turnout.  Well, the crowd at Nebo Elementary was huge!  Hundreds were in the audience, and I do believe they were waiting for me!</div> <bR> <div> According to several people I spoke to after the performance, things went pretty well.  I generally gauge things by how I feel after an event . . . but this time I had several people say some really nice things.  In my heart I knew I had a great audience and things went well, but it was very nice to hear it.  One parent said, "I had two children at the program tonight.  One was up on the stage with you.  The other turned to me at some point in the show and said, 'Isn't this great?'"</div> <bR> <div> I spoke for a long time with another fellow who is a Civil War re-enactor and who sometimes dresses up as Uncle Sam!</div> <bR> <div> I left Nebo Elementary believing that this must be the best community in America.  At least, it has the best parents in America.  I believe every parent in the school must have turned out for my program.</div> <bR> <div> By the way, the youngest person who ever attended one of my programs was in the audience.  I don't know the exact age of the baby, but I will bet a thousand dollars this time last month he had not been born.</div> <bR> <div> I made it back to my motel on a warm, moonlit night and met a motorcyclist who had just been having a great time riding his bike.  He was telling me about all the fun he'd had, and I thought "You haven't had half as much fun as I've had."  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Friday, September 16, 2005</B></div> <div> ICARD, NC    I showed up at Icard Elementary for a single 1:30 PM program.  The principal was super friendly and nice to me.  The students came knowing a lot about Ben Franklin.  Even the very little kids knew about Benjamin Franklin.  When I asked if anyone knew anything about Ben Franklin, one kindergartener said:  "He was king of the mail!"  I loved that.  He <I>was</I> king of the mail in his time.  He was in charge of the mail system in America and greatly improved it.</div> <bR> <div> I drove from Icard to Hickory to Lincolnton to Gastonia to Rock Hill to Columbia to Orangeburg and to home--Summerville, SC.  Just like always I arrived home within 15 minutes of when I told my wife to expect me.  Knock wood!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Wednesday, September 21, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> CROSSVILLE, TN    Back in the mountains.  This week it's eastern Tennessee.  Last night I stayed in a motel on State of Franklin Road in Johnson City, TN.  The first person who contacts me with the reason it's called State of Franklin, I will send a copy of my book The Magic of Talk with Ben Franklin.  </div> <bR> <div> What a place to be!  Read the history of Jonesborough or Greeneville. Back around 1784 this was a very interesting place!</div> <bR> <div> First stop this morning, Lamar School.  I was expecting a little country school on the side of a mountain.  Lamar School is not like that at all!  It's a big school, K-8.  I spoke to K-3 and then 4-6.  I had a great time both programs.  Kids were super!</div> <bR> <div> The drive from Lamar School to Smoky Mountain School in Cocke County, Tennessee was probably the prettiest I will drive all year.  It was warm and the sky was blue and it felt like one of the very last days of summer--just before it turns cold.  Very nice.  Lots of retired people about stopping at produce stands.  Pumpkins everywhere.</div> <bR> <div> At Smoky Mountain School I spoke to K-8.  The older kids were as good as any I have ever spoken to.  Good sports.  Friendly and nice.  Everyone was just perfect at Smoky Mountain School, and Ben Franklin had a super time.</div> <bR> <div> Jumped in the van and drove to Knoxville, and then up on the Cumberland Plateau, and then to Crossville.  It's great to be in Tennessee!  Plus, when I checked into my Comfort Suites motel room I discovered I had been awarded an extra hour--Central Time Zone!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Thursday, September 22, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> CROSSVILLE, TN   First stop today, Homestead School in Crossville.  We had a large audience, 700+ I believe, K-8.  Every student and teacher in the gym did his or her part to make the show a success.  I was very pleased with my audience.</div> <bR> <div> At 4:30 PM Ben Franklin showed up at the South Cumberland Elementary School library for a 5 o'clock show.  Oh, what a good time!  There were 120-150 people, kids and parents, who loved to read.  Ms. Akers had the cookies and drinks ready, and Ben hooked up his sound system, and away we went!  </div> <bR> <div> After the program, in the parking lot, a parent stopped me.  She said she remembered seeing Teddy Roosevelt at her school when she was in the third grade back in the 70s.  She said that program had been important to her and she was sure my programs affected kids the same way.  Her words were very uplifting to me.  In my flyer I say they will remember the program forever . . . maybe some do!</div> <bR> <div> It was a great day in Crossville, one I won't forget soon.  Thanks Homestead School and South Cumberland Elementary!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Monday, September 26, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> MURFREESBORO, TN    Ben headed out into a cloudy, rainy morning, the remnants of Hurrican Rita which hit the Texas/Louisana coast Saturday.  Driving wasn't too bad on the Cumberland Plateau.  Then down the mountain.  My first stop:  Watertown Elementary, Watertown, TN.  </div> <bR> <div> Spoke to second-sixth graders and the audience was receptive to old Ben's stories.  I thought Watertown did a super job of determining which kids to send.  They wanted one show, but if they had opened it to K-6 there would have been too many kids for a super program.  As it was, most of the school (lots of students) saw a very good program.  Plenty of smiles and good feelings afterward.</div> <bR> <div> Hopped back on I-40 for a few miles, then took the by-pass to Murfreesboro.  There are many cities where every time I read or hear their name, I think of the Civil War.  Murfreesboro is one of those places.  Franklin, TN is another.</div> <bR> <div> My afternoon school was Bellwood Discovery School, Murfreesboro.  While getting travel directions to the school, I happened on Bellwood's web site.  Turned out this was a lucky thing.  Bellwood is one of those schools where every student is a good student.  Wow!  Teachers must love teaching here!  </div> <bR> <div> Knowing I would have a very smart audience, I decided to make the program as challenging as possible.  I basically gave them all the information I have about Ben Franklin and The Magic of Reading.  I left nothing out, and asked questions about everything at the end of the show.  I would say the entire audience remembered 95% of everything I said.</div> <bR> <div> After the program, Ben felt pretty good about himself, and very appreciative of his audience.  The thought crossed my mind that this performance (an example of perfect communication between speaker and audience) was a work of art.  I take 50% of the credit for this, and award the other 50% to the students and teachers in attendance.</div> <bR> <div> In case you think old Ben is becoming conceited, I know that the next program may well <B>not</B> be a work of art.  There is always the possibility of things not going right, and that is what makes this job thrilling.  The goal is to make each program as good as it possibly can be . . .  without forcing things. </div> <bR> <div> Apparently the motel I had reserved for two nights in Murfreesboro had been taken over by refugees from hurricane Katrina.  I walked in the door and immediately checked out.  These people had made the motel their home and I felt like an unexpected guest.</div> <bR> <div> The next motel I stopped at had an absolute perfect room for me, and I gave thanks for my luck in finding such a nice place, and for the fun I had had at Watertown Elementary and Bellwood Discovery School.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Tuesday, September 27, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> MURFREESBORO, TN    This afternoon I spoke at the La Vergne Public Library.  A nice audience of kids of various ages.  Plenty of parents, too.  I do enjoy these 4:00 PM programs.  Thanks La Vergne Library!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Wednesday, September 28, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> SOUTH PITTSBURG, TN    Up early and drove to Tullahoma.  About an hour's drive . . . then I was at Jack T. Farrar Elementary School.  Ben was warmly welcomed by Pam Bennett, the reading teacher who was his contact.  Two programs.  Lots of fun.  Excellent students and school.  All in all, my experience at Farrar Elementary was as good as it could have possibly been.  Thanks!</div> <bR> <div> Jumped in the van and drove to Chattanooga.  Well, it wasn't quite as easy as that.  I had to cross the Cumberland Mountains again and I lost an hour in the Time Zone change, but somehow I arrived at Thrasher Elementary on Signal Mountain.</div> <bR> <div> Rarely do programs go as well as my show at Thrasher Elementary.  We had a fairly small audience, maybe 120 I would guess.  Fourth and fifth graders.  Super kids.  Knowledgable kids.  I told them everything I knew and challenged them to remember it all.  They did great!</div> <bR> <div> After the program, I received many warm compliments from the teachers about the program.  "It was my pleasure," I said.  And it was!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Thursday, September 29, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> SOUTH PITTSBURG, TN     Stayed smart at the Holiday Inn Express in South Pittsburg.  Actually, I can't recommend this particular hotel.  Cost nearly $100 bucks, plus the curtains did a poor job of keeping out light from the parking lot.  </div> <bR> <div> Up early for the drive from South Pittsburg to Fayetteville.  It was dark and poring down rain heading out.  Saw a shortcut on the map, figured to save five or six miles.  Bad move.  Soon as I got off I-24 my van disappeared into the fog and didn't emerge until I descended the mountain 15 miles later.  I had fog.  I had a mountain.  I had pickup trucks carrying farmers who are the slowest drivers in the world!  When I drove into Winchester, named after the rifle that tamed the west, I guess, I was very happy to be off the blue highways and back onto a red one.  Then I hit the construction.</div> <bR> <div> Somehow I made it to Riverside Christian Academy, Fayetteville.  And I am glad I did!  Ben was treated very warmly.  Super preparations had been made for his visit.  Newspaper and TV coverage.  Students from a local public school also attended.  Great programs.  Great time.  Great people.  Thanks.  Thanks.  Thanks.</div> <bR> <div> When I left Fayetteville, all I had to do was drive home.  That meant going back through the construction, going back over the Cumberland Mountains (but I would avoid the shortcut this time!), losing another hour to the Time Zone change, driving through Atlanta, and otherwise covering 600+ miles at 75 mph and $3.00 per gallon.</div> <bR> <div> I stopped off at the Wal-Mart in Summerville, bought my wife a bunch of flowers, and showed up at the house at 8:30 PM a hero!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Monday, October 3, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> RICHBURG, SC   Business is booming!  Ben has 94 schools and libraries on his schedule so far this year, well ahead of last year.  I would like to have 200 in 2005-2006, and 300 total programs (about half of my bookings are for two programs).  With gas at $3.00 a gallon, and the average cost of a decent motel approaching $100, Ben had better have a full schedule!    </div> <bR> <div> Up before 5:00 AM and heading into the dark.  Drove from Summerville to Columbia, and then took I-20 to Elgin, SC.  My programs this morning were at Blaney Elementary School, Kershaw County, SC.  Very nice room and stage area.  Sound was hooked up and ready to go.  Enthusiastic and friendly kids made the programs fun for me.  Afterwards, I received kind words from the school media specialist and the principal.  Thanks, Blaney Elementary!</div> <bR> <div> Jumped back onto I-20, this time headed in the opposite direction.  Drove to the I-77 intersection, and turned right toward Charlotte.</div> <bR> <div> Less than an hour later, I checked into my motel and crashed.  This time of year, even when I am home, it is non-stop work getting out mailings, making calls, returning emails, booking motels, planning travel . . . .  When I get somewhere and suddenly find I don't have anything particular to do, I do exactly what comes natural . . . I go to sleep!  There's no relaxing at home, but occasionally on the road I find a quiet motel and have some time for R&R.</div> <bR> <div> This afternoon spent at the Comfort Inn in Richburg, SC was as relaxing to me as a three week vacation.  I slept, I read, I slept some more, and I read some more. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Tuesday, October 4, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> ARCHDALE, NC   I spoke at Metrolina Christian Academy in Indian Trails, NC at 1:00 PM.  What fun!  What excellent students!  It's a rare treat to speak in a church with super sound equipment and everything so comfortable and nice.  Ben was treated kindly by everyone, and he left Metrolina feeling just great!</div> <bR> <div> I drove away from Charlotte and into the country to arrive at Mount Pleasant, NC.  I was scheduled to speak at the public library at 4:00 PM, and I made it with 10 or 15 minutes to spare.  Was greeted warmly by the kind librarian . . . and set up my stuff.  It was a mystery how many would come, but by 4:00 PM a very nice crowd had assembled.  Oh, what a treat to speak to 40 or 50 parents and kids, lovers of reading all!  I am doing more and more of these library programs--because they are so fun!  Every kid who came was able to help Ben with his electrical experiments.  Many showed off their advance knowledge of Ben's achievements.  </div> <bR> <div> Departing Mount Pleasant I noticed how dark it was getting by 5:00 PM.  Summer is definitely over and fall is upon us.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Wednesday, October 5, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> ARCHDALE, NC   I had a very short drive to my school this morning.  I spent the night in Archdale and had to drive all the way to Trinity, NC--about five miles.  The school, Hopewell Elementary, was right where it was supposed to be.</div> <div>   </div> <div> Hopewell is a large school with super students.  I thought I was very good the first program with the little kids; I thought <I>the audience</I> was very good the second program with the older kids.  It is quite a challenge speaking effectively to K-2 . . . even great students like at Hopewell.  Usually, things are much easier with the older students.  </div> <bR> <div> The assistant principle at Hopewell said he'd seen me perform a number of years before at Franklinville Elementary.  I remembered the school.  I remembered the day well.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Thursday, October 6, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> GASTONIA, NC   This morning I headed in the opposite direction on I-85, toward Greensboro.  I turned a 12 mile trip into a 20 mile trip by missing my exit, but other than that my morning was perfect.  Stopped by Sedgefield Elementary School, Greensboro for a 9:00 AM show.  Spoke to about 400 super students.  Staff and kids were very friendly . . . and they came knowing about Ben Franklin!  Thanks Sedgefield Elementary!  </div> <bR> <div> Tropical storm Tammy was inundating North Carolina as I made my way down I-85 toward Charlotte and then Gastonia.  Quite a mess outside.  I was glad to find my Comfort Suites in Gastonia  . . . and begin returning calls and emails.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Friday, October 7, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> SUMMERVILLE, SC    Drove from Gastonia, NC to York County, SC to speak at Crowders Creek Elementary School.  Very friendly staff greeted me, and they did everything they could to make my visit enjoyable.  I had fun with the students at Crowders Creek.  I remember a girl named Ali very well.  She loves to read and she seemed to especially appreciate everything Ben Franklin said.  She kept nodding her head, "Yes, Yes, Yes!"  Since she loved reading and education I assumed she wanted to be a teacher some day.  No, she said, she was going to be a dentist!</div> <bR> <div> The older I get and the more miles I put on me and the van, the shorter distances seem to be.  Once I got to I-77 it took no time for me to drive the 170 miles from York County to home.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Monday, October 17, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> VIRGINIA BEACH, VA   After my program at Baylake Pines School in Virginia Beach I was overwhelmed with compliments.  An older lady came up and said "I have been here a long time, and I just want to say you are one of the best I've seen."  Another person said, "You had them in the palm of your hand!" It is quite a thing to do to entertain and educate a large audience of K-6 students for 45 minutes.  It helps a lot if I have well-mannered and smart kids like they have at Baylake Pines.  I left feeling great.</div> <bR> <div> Next stop was an elementary school in Newport News.  After the first program, I thought to myself, "I just gave an academy award performance."  Several people came up afterwards and said nice things.</div> <bR> <div> I met a little girl, Katherine, who smiled at me and gave me encouragement.  Since she'd done so much for me, I pulled her out of the audience and put her in charge of the electrical experiments.  She did great.</div> <bR> <div> Just to keep the record straight, apparently my programs were not loved by the administration of this school.  I received a very negative, personal email from the principal.  I average one complaint a year, and this was my quota for 2005-2006.  Principals please understand, if your children do not know how to behave in a school assembly program and I have to spend 90% of my time on stage maintaining order, you won't look good, I won't look good, and your students won't look good.  I have a few of these situations every year.  Most of the time principals understand the cause of the problem.  </div> <bR> <div> I have very fond memories of Newport News schools I have visited in the past including Sedgefield Elementary in November 4, 2004.  I was very impressed with the audience I had that day!</div> <bR> <div> When I left Newport News, I pointed my van toward Williamsburg . . . and I drove back into time.</div> <bR> <div> The thought occurs to me--in Williamsburg, Ben Franklin would be a man from the future!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Tuesday, October 18, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> WILLIAMSBURG, VA   Ran into a lively bunch of K-2s at Clara Baker Elementary in Williamsburg.  When the program was over they cheered so loudly I felt like a member of the Beetles.  Or Elvis come back.</div> <bR> <div> Funny, another person commented after the Clara Baker program, "You had them in the palm of your hand."  You know, that's about as good a compliment as I could hope for.  Anyone who can have 350 K-2s in the palm of his hand for 45 minutes . . . that's a good speaker.  Ok, let's don't get the big head.  Tomorrow, you go out there again.  You have to do it every day, no matter who the audience, over and over and over.  I could not do this if it were not so challenging.</div> <bR> <div> Here I am in Williamsburg, so much history all around, and I can't stop to savor any of it!  There are calls to make, emails to send, motels to book.  I eat Chinese a lot.  Across from Hooters, which I never go to, is a Kmart shopping center.  A few doors down from the Kmart is a Chinese restaurant.  This place is first rate.  I seldom enjoy meals out.  The Chinese buffet was super.  Next day, I ordered out, super again.  These folks know what they are doing.  You know, there are a lot of businesses around that don't know what they are doing.  It's a rare pleasure when you find one that really does.  While I'm passing out compliments, let me give one to my Sleep Inn motel.  Normally, Sleep Inns are budget motels, but the one I stayed in in Williamsburg was very nice.  Lately I've spent a lot of nights in Choice Hotels because they have the best web site and the best rewards program going.  The motels?  Well, you are taking your chance with just about any motel unless you pay $100 or more.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Wednesday, October 19, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> BALTIMORE, MD     I drove from Williamsburg to Baltimore.  My appointment in the afternoon was with Fullerton Elementary.  Ben walked in the door and was warmly greeted by the media specialist, his sponsor.  Today's program was to be for 4th and 5th grades . . . and they had been prepared for Ben's coming!</div> <bR> <div> Spoke to a fun, lively group.  This was not the typical program, though none of them are.  Fullerton was special because of the amount of information the kids had, and the fact that they had anticipated my arrival more than most.  I felt I made friends instantly . . . and basically had a lot of fun.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Thursday, October 20, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> ROCKVILLE, MD  Made a return visit to Montrose Christian School.  Oh what a treat to speak to kids that remembered me positively from a couple of years ago.  Staff was very warm in welcoming me and making sure everything was perfect.  Funny, I did not realize I had been to Montrose before.  I approached the school from a different direction, and I think they had changed the location of the office or something.  We were several minutes into the program before it all came back to me.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Friday, October 21, 2005  </B></div> <bR> <div> GAITHERSBURG, MD    Because motels wanted hundreds of dollars for a room in Rockville or Gaithersburg, I stayed for free in Frederick (using Choice Hotels rewards points at the MainStay Suites).  The morning drive from Frederick to Olney in a cold rain was no problem.  I arrived well in advance and parked in the library parking lot across the street from St. John's Episcopal School and waited for half an hour or so.</div> <bR> <div> What a fine audience of students I had at St. John's!  They were perfect, and I had a lot of fun telling them everything I know.  Some schools know how to treat guests better than others.  At St. John's I felt instantly welcomed and at ease.  </div> <bR> <div> I drove up the road about six miles to Covenant Life Academy in Gaithersburg.  I spoke in a huge, fine auditorium to an enthusiastic and lively audience of students of varied ages.  There were a few parents and home school kids in attendance, as well.  This was a rollicking program with a large number of kids up front to help me with the program. Afterwards, several of the parents thanked me and commented positively about the show.</div> <bR> <div> I drove from Gaithersburg back to Frederick where I had reservations for the weekend.  After the programs and the hundreds of miles driven this week, a weekend of R & R was eagerly anticipated.  I stopped off at a Chinese restaurant, and then at a Rite Aid drug store, and loaded up on good things to eat.  On the top of the bag, coming out of the Rite Aid, was a small bucket of Ben and Jerry's butter pecan ice cream.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Monday, October 24, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> FREDERICKSBURG, VA   First stop, Halley Elementary School in Fairfax Station, VA.  Was warmly welcomed.  All details were nicely taken care of so Ben's two programs would be as enjoyable and effective as possible.  </div> <bR> <div> Drove to Annandale, VA for an afternoon program at Westminster School.  What a fine looking audience!  Kids were dressed neatly in their uniforms, and they set in their auditorium seats politely waiting for Ben Franklin to speak.  Seldom if ever have I had such an audience!  I had been alerted in advance that the students were advanced and extraordinarily well-behaved, so I changed the program around a bit.  Lots of fun!</div> <bR> <div> I had been invited by the Rappahannock Regional Library in Fredericksburg, VA to speak to an audience of adults.  So I pointed my van south, and headed for my evening rendezvous.  Before the program in the parking lot, I saw an interesting sight.  An older lady was walking toward the library reading a book while it was raining.  Most folks I imagine would have used the book for an umbrella, but she was totally immersed in what she was reading.</div> <bR> <div> They had a huge birthday cake for Ben when he arrived for the program!  The friends of the library were a special group of nice folks, and they took very good care of me.  Everyone in the room, including Ben, was of mature years, except this one guy named Thomas, who was probably 40.  I used him for all the electrical experiments and everything else that required volunteering.  What a great sport!  Had a lot of fun at the Fredericksburg Library, then jumped in the van, headed out into the rain.  Two hours later, after an exciting drive over the Bay Bridge, I arrived at my motel in Grasonville, MD.  A full, wonderful day, and I lay my head on the pillow, turned out the light, and quickly went off to dreamland.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Tuesday, October 25, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> MIDDLETOWN, DE    I was warmly greeted and expertly cared for at MOT Charter School.  At no school this year will Ben be given the care and attention that he received at MOT Charter.  I was to be there for three programs, pretty much the whole day, so a number of people helped me with every arrangement.  Everyone was so nice!</div> <bR> <div> My favorite program of the day was 6-8.  The middle schoolers were respectful and attentive, and enthusiastically got into the program.  This can be a difficult age group, so I was especially pleased with my interaction with the students.  I told them about my audience in Fredericksburg, so they understood that my program, and Ben Franklin, is not just for little kids.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Wednesday, October 26, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> NEWARK, NJ   Very soon I was out of the cozy confines of Delaware and headed up the New Jersey Turnpike for the land of big cities.  The real Ben Franklin would have loved the fast pace, frenetic life of New York City, Washington D.C., Atlanta . . . but I can't say that I do.  </div> <bR> <div> Saw the NYC skyline as I raced up the Turnpike.  Got off the highway and made my way through 5:30 traffic quite easily.</div> <bR> <div> First program was at the Phoenix Center, Nutley, N.J.  I was warmly greeted by staff, and every student I met smiled at me and said something interesting and nice to me.  I will remember my program at the Phoenix Center a long, long time.  Very enthusiastic and nice audience.  Thanks for inviting me to your school!!!</div> <bR> <div> I only had 13 miles to my afternoon program, but I am glad I didn't wait until the last minute to depart.  Had some traffic issues.  Of course, if I knew exactly where I was going, what I was doing, things would have gone more smoothly.  It took me an hour to make the trip <I>going</I>, fifteen minutes to cover the same territory coming back.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Lots of fun at Chestnut Street Learning Center, Roselle, NJ.!  Bright, respectful students.  Everyone participated in the program.  Sound system was great and they had a very comfortable room for the program.   Thanks Chestnut Street Learning Center for inviting me to your school!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Thursday, October 27, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> BLOOMFIELD, NJ    Fifteen minutes after I left my motel in Newark, I was still in sight of it.  I was only a few miles from my first school, but directions and traffic, and jet lag combined to slow my forward progress to a crawl.  Once the GPS and my brain were up and running, I began to make time.  Twenty minutes later I was in Bloomfield!  First program, Demarest School.  There was a large audience of K-6.  Kids were well-mannered and enthusiastic and Ben had fun.  Thanks Demarest!   I remember checking out the kids' drawings of pumpkin faces on the wall before the program.  Yes, it is that time of the year.  I tried to detect a future Picasso, but couldn't.  Maybe the subject matter doesn't lend itself to inspiring art.</div> <bR> <div> These days it seems my travel has been very challenging.  Well, my afternoon program was 1.6 miles away and I had a couple of hours to get there.  No problem!</div> <bR> <div> When I walked up the sidewalk to Franklin School, several teachers or PTA ladies were working outside with a shipment of small pumpkins that the kids were going to paint.  Inside, I was greeted warmly by the principal who had initiated my visit to New Jersey by calling me over the summer.  She knew Ben Franklin was going to turn 300 this school year, and since her school was named after Ben she wanted me to come.</div> <bR> <div> Rarely if ever has Ben's visit to a school been as enjoyable as it was to Franklin School, Bloomfield, NJ.  Kids were super primed for my performance.  They were well-behaved, enthusiastic, very knowledgeable about Ben Franklin, and responded to my program vociferously and in a way that thrilled my heart.</div> <bR> <div> I was given careful directions to the toll freeway that would take me homeward.  I did not miss my road, but I had a few more adventures before I was finally on I-78 headed for Harrisburg, PA and points south.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Monday, October 31, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> ATLANTA, GA    I gotta talk to the person who does my scheduling!  After driving 12 or 13 hours, I arrived home at 2:00 PM Friday.  Two hours after I walked in the door, the cats crawled out from under the bed to see what was going on.  I patted each one on the head and they pretty much swarmed the room while I checked my phone messages and emails.  It's pretty tough to type with a cat walking back and forth across the keyboard.</div> <bR> <div> This morning, Halloween, I drove the six miles from Woodstock to Holly Springs, Georgia.  I don't want to talk about the 45 minutes it took (again, the challenge of traffic, directions, and jet lag) for me to get there.  Funny, once I called the school, I had no problem following their directions. </div> <bR> <div> Holly Springs Elementary is a large, friendly school.  The microphone was set up and ready to go.  The kids were carefully seated (always a good sign), and Ben's two programs were enthusiastically received. The older kids were especially fun to talk to, but I had more positive comments after speaking to the little kids.  I guess folks understand it is not easy to keep the attention of 350+ K-2s for 45 minutes on Halloween!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Tuesday, November 1, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> DULUTH, GA     My morning program was for 10:00 AM, so I thought I'd be able to sleep in a little.  Well, I was up the same time as always, and I headed out the door about 8:30.  I only had six miles to drive, and I was pretty sure of my directions this time.  How long could it take?  For me, travel takes as long as the time I have available.  </div> <bR> <div> Woodward School is the epitome of schools.  Everyone should go to such a school.  Ben was greeted warmly and enthusiastically by the administration.  He was escorted through the wonderful facility (they had the world's greatest book fair going on), to the extremely nice auditorium where I would be speaking.  Cokes and ice water were provided.  Wireless microphone with state of the art sound system was hooked up and ready to go.  Ben had a fine dressing room with huge lighted mirrors to check his hair and costume.</div> <bR> <div> And then the 5th and 6th graders were brought in for the program.  Hats off to the best bunch of kids of this age I have ever seen!  They came armed with lots of information.  I gave them the program I do for middle and high schools, and they aced the questions and were an all-around magnificent audience.  What a pleasure, and rare occurrence, to speak to such a group.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Wednesday, November 2, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> MARIETTA, GA    First stop, Garrison Mill Elementary.  Even though I had spoken at Garrison Mill a couple of years earlier, I still missed my road and had to consult an Atlanta Metro map.  No problem.  Got there with plenty of time to spare.  Two lively and enthusiastic audiences.  Kids were very friendly and at ease.  Lots of volunteers for the electrical experiments.  Very nice people at Garrison Mill Elementary!</div> <bR> <div> Next program was across town in Mableton.  The kids at Sky View Elementary were letting out as I drove up.  Humm.  Turned out this was an early release day, but my program was to be for after school kids.  It is always a pleasure to change things up, and the small but friendly and eager audience got quite a show.  Everyone was able to participate.  Thanks Sky View Elementary!</div> <bR> <div> At two p.m. I left the big city and pointed my van toward I-85 and Columbus, GA.  The last several weeks have been a whirlwind.  I keep singing the Willie Nelson tune, "On the road again . . ."  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Thursday, November 3, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> COLUMBUS, GA     Was warmly received by Downtown Elementary!  Kids were very nice and responded well to my programs.  The school administration was friendly and had kind things to say before I left.  Thanks for an enjoyable visit!  Hats off to Downtown Elementary!</div> <bR> <div> My afternoon program was in Lanette, Alabama.  I enjoyed a nice country drive on a beautiful November day from Columbus to Lanette.  The school was Huguley Elementary . . . and were they ever ready for Ben Franklin!  Super fun at Huguley Elementary.  Kids were very knowledgeable and were primed to learn more.  Perfect.  Just a perfect audience!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Friday, November 4, 2005  </B></div> <bR> <div> COLUMBUS, GA     What a day.  So much happened this day that I will be exhausted just trying to remember it all.  Oh, well.  I won't bother you with the bad stuff . . . the difficulties I had retrieving my faxes, getting my emails, making calls and contacts and trying to tame my electronic network.  I won't even talk about the fog, the traffic, the parking difficulties.  I won't mention the impossible travel itinerary.  First school was Edgewood Elementary in Columbus, Georgia.  Super kids.  Superstar of an assistant principal.  Everyone was flying in formation at Edgewood Elementary.  And I had lots of fun speaking to attentive and appreciative kids.  Afterwards I received lots and lots of hugs.  The friendly school, Edgewood Elementary.  Very kind words after the program from the administration. </div> <bR> <div> I drove with all possible haste to Whitesville Road Elementary in La Grange, GA.  Arrived in time to speak to two groups of enthusiastic students in the school library.  It's always a thrill to speak in a library.  Lots of fun.  Thanks, Whitesville Road Elementary! </div> <bR> <div> <B>Monday, November 7, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> JACKSONVILLE, FL    Boy, do I get around!  Here I am in Florida!  Last week, Georgia.  The week before, Delaware and New Jersey.  The week before that, Maryland and the D.C. area.</div> <bR> <div> Last year I spoke at San Jose Episcopal Day School, and they invited me back "by popular demand."  The program was a lot different this year, with just the 5th and 6th graders.  They were very mature and I gave them my advanced version.  They learned just about everything I know about Ben Franklin, history, and reading.  Nice, respectful students.  We had some fun, too!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Tuesday, November 8, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> ORLANDO, FL    A few weeks ago I was in Williamsburg, Virginia.  Now I am in Orlando.  You know, Ben Franklin is received the same in Orlando and Williamsburg as he is in Columbus, Fayetteville, Nashville or Baltimore.  </div> <bR> <div> Spoke at Trinity Lutheran School in downtown Orlando.  The little kids in the first program were very attentive and appreciative of my program.  The older students got a more detailed and less formal account of "America's best loved founding father."   </div> <bR> <div> <B>Thursday, November 10, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> ORMAND BEACH, FL   Another return visit to a school I was at last year: St. James Episcopal School in Ormond Beach.  This school is within site of the ocean (if you stand on the roof!) in a very nice community.  Very helpful and friendly staff.  Kids were great, just like last year.  Lots of fun.  Thanks!</div> <bR> <div> Two more stops after noon.  When I left Ormand Beach I headed south to the New Smyrna Beach Library.  The 4:00 PM program was just about perfect.  A nice mixture of folks in the audience, seniors, parents, kids.  People had been checking out books on Ben Franklin, and a few of the seniors came prepared!  I left New Smyrna Beach Library feeling just great.</div> <bR> <div> Took the wrong turn on the Palm Coast Parkway and had to call the Flagler County Library for help.  They turned me around and I made it to the library in time to grab two chocolate chip cookies and a cup of lemonade.  This show had mostly kids and parents . . . and they were a great audience!  When I have a great audience things flow smoothly and spontaneously.  Happy surprises happen moment by moment.  When I left Palm Coast at 7:30 PM I had a five hour drive home.  I stopped at CVS for a large Hershey's candy bar and a diet Dr. Pepper and I was on my way feeling fine and looking forward to a couple of days at home.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Monday, November 14, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> BAINBRIDGE, GA    Set out early for the trip to southern Georgia.  Driving my new Mazda van with satellite radio installed, time flew as I flew.  Down I-95 to Savannah, I-16 toward Macon, at exit 90 I got off the interstate and headed pell-mell across southern Georgia.  Couple hours later I stopped at Broxton-Hayes Elementary School in Broxton.  Friendly staff and very nice kids.  Was warmly received by everyone I met.  One thing I learned in Broxon was how to pronounce the word pecan.  How do you say it?  You know what a pea is right?  In Georgia they pronounce it pea can.  I know, I am being delicate here, but this is a family web site!  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Tuesday, November 15, 2005</B>  </div> <bR> <div> BAINBRIDGE, GA      Spoke at Jones-Wheat Elementary in Bainbridge.  Two very different programs.  The little kids were the quickest to laugh of any audience I have ever spoken to.  If my primary job was humor, I could have had 'em rolling on the floor in one minute.  Very friendly, nice kids.  Lots of fun.  The older kids were more serious and mature.  I felt I had them spellbound at times.  This is the best it gets for a speaker.  Thanks Jones-Wheat Elementary!</div> <bR> <div> The afternoon program was at Cairo Public Library.  I was met and attended to by the nice children's librarian.  She'd gone to lots of trouble to make sure there was a great turnout, and there was!  Interesting mix.  Parents, kids, and high school students!  I really didn't expect the high school kids would be interested in coming before the group and being put on the spot . . . but they WERE!  They answered the questions and participated in the electrical experiments side-by-side with the eight and ten year olds.  Excellent sports were these older students.  Of course, the little kids had fun too.</div> <bR> <div> I was booked in the Jameson Inn in Bainbridge for two nights, so on the way from Cairo (pronounced like the syrup, not the city in Egypt) I stopped by the golf course to check out the location for my speech on Wednesday.  I was to speak to the Rotary Club at the country club and I wanted to make sure where to go.  What a lovely golf course.  What a lovely day.  The sun going down, big puffy clouds in the sky, the temperature absolutely perfect.  Even guys whapping the balls with all their might was calm and peaceful.  What a place, what a moment.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Wednesday, November 16, 2005</B>          </div> <bR> <div> CAIRO, GA     A rare 100% adult program.  Spoke to the Cairo Rotary Club at the country club.  My visit was a surprise to most in attendance, and I was surprised how much they knew about Ben Franklin without reading up beforehand.  I guess everyone has some information about Ben Franklin, favorite stories they pick up over the years.  The business people in Cairo were very friendly and appreciative of my program.  Several seemed to really get into it, which is always a great compliment and joy to me.  Thanks!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Thursday, November 17, 2005  </B></div> <bR> <div> MARIANNA, FL     I drove west from Tallahassee to Marianna, Florida--about 80 miles.  Spoke at Dayspring Christian Academy where the folks are absolutely perfect!  I say this because I really enjoyed the program I did for them--what a super audience--but also because Dayspring invited several other Christian schools in the area to send kids to the program.  What a nice thing to do!  There were actually four different groups in attendance, and everyone was just as good as they could be!</div> <bR> <div> A long drive home from Marianna.  I found out that Charleston, SC is actually closer to Orlando than Marianna, Florida is.  I also found out that if you get behind a police car on the interstate it is quite painful to drive the speed limit for 300 miles of lonely highway.  Sometimes 70 seems like standing still.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Monday, November 21, 2005</B></div> <bR> <div> CLARKESVILLE, GA     The last two days of my fall schedule.  Thought I'd bring my wife along for a trip to the mountains.  We stayed in a cabin a few miles north of Clarkesville, Georgia the first two nights.  </div> <bR> <div> What nice folks they have at Toccoa Elementary!   The kids were well-prepared for my visit and I was impressed with the orderliness of the large audience.  It takes care and advance planning to seat hundreds of kids on the floor and direct their attention to an educational program.  It's always a little discouraging when I see kids boil into a room and sit down willy-nilly. Things were exactly as they should be at Toccoa Elementary, and it made for a super program.  Hats off to you!</div> <bR> <div> I left Toccoa at 10:00 AM and picked up my wife, Ginger, at the cabin before we headed up the mountain to Cashiers, NC.  Around and around we went, up and up to the top of the world.  Finally, we drove into Cashiers!  I had programs scheduled at Blue Ridge School for 1:30 and 6:30 PM.</div> <bR> <div> What can I say about the kids and teachers at Blue Ridge School?  The best!  Wow, I had fun!  I once told a principal, "I believe elevation has something to do with childrens' behavior, the higher up you go the better the kids."  Well, at 3,800+ feet the kids at Blue Ridge had to be the highest and the best I will see this year!"</div> <bR> <div> It was raining, almost snowing, as we headed down the mountain in the dark.  Got behind a yellow truck (I will see the back of that truck in my mind for days!) and followed it at 15 miles an hour for 20 miles.</div> <bR> <div> Finally, we got to a four lane highway.  They turned right, we turned left, and life resumed its normal speed.  Thank goodness!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Tuesday, November 22, 2005</B> </div> <bR> <div> CLARKESVILLE, GA     My programs keep getting better and better.  This trip to the mountains, though challenging travel-wise, has been so much fun because of the kind, appreciative people I meet every day.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Woodville Elementary is located about four miles from our cabin.  The person we rent the cabin from is a substitute teacher at Woodville.  Small world in the mountains!  </div> <bR> <div> The principal at Woodville is very kind and helpful to me. The audiences were A #1.  Very rarely can I let myself go and just talk and have fun and not worry about an audience getting out of hand and going crazy.  The kids at Woodville were so good I could do that.  This was especially magical since today is the last day of school before the Thanksgiving break and the kids are excited anyway.  Wonderful time at Woodville Elementary.  Thank you!</div> <bR> <div> Jumped in the van and headed south to North Hart Elementary, near Hartwell, Georgia.</div> <bR> <div> Two afternoon programs.  Kids very excited because the Thanksgiving holiday is about to begin.  Very nice staff.  Everyone, including teachers, looking forward to a few extra days off.  Ben Franklin will be off until January 9, 2006, so he is especially excited!</div> <bR> <div> But we all still had to pay attention to the business at hand.  My programs only work because audiences pay, and Ben Franklin, pay attention.  This is not something you can do in a chaotic atmosphere or with half a brain.</div> <bR> <div> I was extremely pleased with the way things went.  I left North Hart Elementary feeling fine.  Everyone was as good as they could have been, and I thought I was pretty good, too.  </div> <bR> <div> We left Hart County, Georgia and drove to Asheville, North Carolina for a short vacation . . . a few more days in a motel!!!!  As we were driving into town, the place I first performed Ben Franklin programs in 1993, it started snowing!  I mean really poring down snow!  Our top storey, fifth floor, window looked out on a beautiful winter scene.  Later the snow went away and late afternoon sunbeams lit up puffy clouds and mountains. </div> <bR> <div> So, my 2005 fall travel schedule ended as it began way back in September, in our favorite place of </div> <div> all--Asheville, North Carolina.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Magic of Reading"><U>The Magic of Reading</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Bens Travel Journal "><U>  Ben's Travel Journal  </U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id114.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="SPRING TOUR 2005"><U>SPRING TOUR 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Photo Album"><U>Photo Album</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id116.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="SPRING T0UR 2006"><U>SPRING T0UR 2006</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>