Tuesday updates from www.bartowheadlines.com

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Advocates for Children plan a busy spring of fund-raising: The postcard nails the message immediately-- "Today they need you more than ever ... Save the dates. Safe a life. Make a difference." With that, Advocates for Children (www.advochild.org) lists highlights of spring fund-raising activities, many based on the annual Duck Season. Those events and the dates:

-March 28: Spring Benefit Fundraiser at Tellus.

-April 18: Duck Derby Kickoff Parade, downtown Cartersville.

-May 15: Duck Derby Concert, Riverside Park, Cartersville

-May 16: Duck Dash 5K, Cartersville Soccer Complex

-May 16: Duck Derby Race and Festival, Riverside Park, Cartersville

'The Boulevard' proposed for land around State Mutual Stadium

Retail, restaurants and more are proposed for The Boulevard. Closer look: click Boulevard

The Board of Adjustments is preparing to get a closer look at plans to create a retail/restaurant/office community known as The Boulevard on nearly 23 acres adjoining and fronting State Mutual Stadium. A series of variances for the project, proposed by a familiar name--Northwest GA LLC, the group headed by Doc Kibler and Dee Yancey--are up for board review at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

The site plan was prepared by Foresite Group of Norcross, which has done work in Rome/Floyd in recent years, including help with River City Bank's headquarters at Second Avenue and West Third Street.

The Boulevard appears to be a spin on the popular The Avenue concept by Cousins Properties. Plans on file with the city since Dec. 23 show:

-Two restaurants on the front tract facing the Bypass and bordered by Braves Boulevard, apparently including the never-opened Hooters location.

-A series of retail shops between the restaurants.

-Another restaurant at the current secondary entrance/exit to the stadium (think first base side) with a hotel included.

-Adjacent to the third base side of the stadium is the latest location for the much-discussed "Miracle Field" for impaired athletes to enjoy.

-And then along the western border would be four moderate-sized anchor stores, more retail shops and two medical/office sites.

-The final pieces are four tracts lining Braves Boulevard, on the left side as you enter the ballpark, including one labeled restaurant.

In the past, we've seen or heard of another development plan heavy on retail development, keyed to the opening of the stadium in April 2003. Next up was the idea of a sports village featuring a new Barron Stadium, the rec department and other offices, all tied of Yancey and Kibler's plans for West Third Street and surrounding neighborhoods. The Evans family has discussed a hotel complex on some of the peripheral acres with the only project to come out of the ground being the building that was to house Hooters.

Tuesday's Buzz:

-Coosa Valley Credit Union celebrates 55 years with '50s sock hop: The Coosa Valley Credit Union's Annual Meeting is Saturday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. at The Forum. The credit union will be celebrating 55 years serving members by transforming the venue into a '50s sock  hop. There will be a dinner of '50s drive-in favorites, a short meeting, presentation, prizes, and then music and dancing with Eastern Seaboard. The meeting is free to Coosa Valley Credit Union Members. For more: 706-235-8551 ext 302 or online at www.cvfcuonline.org

-Braves plan ticket discount, special night to honor military personnel> RB

-Synovus (GB&T) collect seven banking honors> Synovus

-Early registration deadline for Berry Half-Marathon ends Saturday> HL

Bartow schools set pre-K, kindergarten enrollment> Schools

Weather Center / brought to you by Roman Court

-Wind advisory in effect from 1 this afternoon until 7 a.m. Wednesday. Gusts as high as 35 mph possible.

-Tuesday: 10% chance of rain after 1 p.m. High of 48. Gusts to 30 mph.
-Tuesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. Gusts to 30 mph.
-Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 39. Gusts to 25 mph.

-Extended forecast: Please click WeatherCenter

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

- Who should have been the Super Bowl MVP? What's your top sports feat from the past year? For more, click Arey