Jump in with City of Decatur Aquatics!!!

City of Decatur Aquatics
For more information, please call 404-377-7231 or e-mail Hamilton.mag@gmail.com.

NEW!!! Water Aerobics
Adults and older children accompanied by an adult
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Ebster Pool, 9-10 am
Cost: $5 cash plus pool admission

NEW!!! Mommy (or Daddy!) and Me
Begins June 12
Pool Hours: Fridays at McKoy Pool, 10 am-noon
No children over the age of 6 will be allowed in the pool at this time. Toys and activities for young children will be provided. This is not a swim lesson program. No special cost, just pool entry fees.

Pool Rentals
Come celebrate at a Decatur Pool!
Glenlake and McKoy pools may be reserved for private parties June 5-July 26 on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30-8:30 pm. Ebster pool may be
reserved June 5-July 26 on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays from 6:30-8:30 pm.
Number in Party Price
1-50: $200
51-75: $250
76-100: $300

NEW!!! Group Swim Lessons
Ages 4+ • Groups of 8 or less
Glenlake Pool, 6-7:30 pm
4 Sessions (4 Group Lessons per Session):
1. June 15-24, Mondays and Wednesdays
2. June 16-25, Tuesdays and Thursdays
3. July 6-15, Mondays and Wednesdays
4. July 7-16, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Resident: $60, Non-Resident: $75
Must register at the Glenlake Tennis Center, 1121 Church St.
Patrons must register one week prior to starting the lessons.

NEW!!! Decatur Gators Diving Clinics
Ages 5-18
Tuesdays and Fridays
Ebster Pool; 9-10 am
Cost: $5 cash per session plus pool admission

Season Pool Passes
Decatur Residents Cost
Individual (2-13 yrs): $50
Individual (14-59 yrs): $60
Household (5 or less): $125
Household (5 or more): $125 + 10 additional member

Non-residents Cost
Individual (3-13 yrs): $85
Individual (14-59 yrs): $95
Household (5 or fewer): $175
Household (5 or more): $175 + 10 additional member

Daily Admission Costs
Age Fee
Children 1 and under Free
2-13 years $2
14-59 years $3
60-over Free

Private Swim Lessons
Ages 2+
Beginning June 1
Private swim lessons are offered to youth 2 and up, and adults at all skill levels. Private lessons provide personal attention as patrons learn to swim.
Resident: $75 / 4, 30-minute lessons
Non-Resident: $90/4, 30-minute lessons
Must register at the Glenlake Tennis Center, 1121 Church Street. Please e-mail Hamilton.mag@gmail.com with questions.

Regular Pool Hours
Ebster Pool
Free Swim Mon-Fri noon-5 pm
Lap Swim Mon-Fri 8 am-10 am
Special Programs Mon-Fri 9 am-noon
(Limited Free Swim)

Glenlake Pool (Opens 5 pm, Friday, June 5th)
Free Swim Mon-Fri 10 am-8 pm
Free Swim Sat-Sun noon-6 pm

McKoy Pool
Free Swim Mon-Fri 10 am-8 pm
(Fri. am, baby swim)
Free Swim Sat-Sun noon-6 pm

For more information, please call 404-377-7231 or e-mail: Hamilton.mag@gmail.com.

Georgia's Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan

Did you know that the State of Georgia has a state-wide Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan?

Here is the brief overview: http://www.physicalactivityplan.org/resources/PA-Plans/GeorgiaPA.pdf

Here is the complete report: http://health.state.ga.us/pdfs/familyhealth/nutrition/NutritionandPhysicalActivityPlanFINAL.pdf

Long Term ObjectivesThis goal will be realized by achieving the following long term objectives, by 2015, targeting Georgia’s children and youth, adults and older adults:

-Improve healthy eating habits

-Increase physical activity

-Increase breastfeeding initiation and duration

-Decrease television viewing/screen time

-Decrease prevalence of overweight and obesity

Here is the website for the new National Physical Activity Plan: http://www.physicalactivityplan.org/

Ebster & McKoy Pools

While Glenlake Pool is being completed, please remember our two other city pools: Ebster and McKoy. Ebster is located on Atlanta Ave. behind the Decatur Police Station. It features a diving board and is home to the Decatur Gators swim team. McKoy Pool is located in the Oakhurst neighborhood, and has parking off McKoy St. and Adams St. The pool features zero-depth entry, which is very helpful for small children and seniors.

Please call the Glenlake Tennis Center at 404-377-7231 with any questions about city pools, aquatics programming, etc.

Mason Mill Rec. Center

The Mason Mill Recreation Center is a DeKalb County recreation center just 2 miles from Decatur, and focuses on programs for county residents 50 and over. The address is 1340-B McConnel Dr., Decatur, 30032, and their phone number is 404-679-1349. Here is a sampling of their programs:

AARP Defensive Driving Class for Seniors
11:30 am to 3:30 pm, 2nd week of the month

Ballroom Dancing
12 pm, Tuesdays
1 pm, Tuesdays

Bingo
1 to 3 pm, Mondays

Bridge
11:30 am to 3 pm, Wednesdays
1 to 3 pm, Fridays

Canasta
9:30 am to 2 pm, Wednesdays

Country Western Dancing
7:30 to 10:30 pm, Mondays

Scrabble
10 am to 4:30 pm, Thursdays

Senior Dances
7 pm, June 2nd
7 pm, July 16th
7 pm, July 7th
7 pm, July 21st

Tai Chi
9 to 10 am, Fridays

Wise Walkers
1o - 11 am, Mondays

Wood Carvers Club
7 pm, every 2nd Tuesday of the Month

Call 404-679-1349 for more information.

Kids & Teen's Art Festival

A HUGE THANK YOU to all of the volunteers and Active Living staff who woke up very early to make the Kids & Teen Art Festival a huge success. There is no better place in metro Atlanta this Memorial Day Weekend for children of all ages.

Glenlake Bathhouse and Pool Grand Opening Postponed Until June 5

Glenlake Bathhouse and Pool Grand Opening Postponed Until June 5

The Grand Opening of the new Glenlake Bathhouse and Pool, originally scheduled for Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m., has been postponed until June 5, 2009. Completion of the new bathhouse has been delayed by the numerous rain days which occurred this spring.

Both McKoy Pool and Ebster Pool will open on Saturday, May 23, 2009 as scheduled.

The Glenlake Pool and Bathhouse Grand Opening celebration will be held on Friday, June 5, 2009 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. and will include games, prizes, refreshments, and free admission. Details will be updated and confirmed on the City of Decatur website at www.decaturga.com.

Contact: Dan Magee, Active Living Director, 678-553-6541, dan.magee@decaturga.com or

Linda Harris, 404-371-8386, linda.harris@decaturga.com

“Global Communities” Greeting Cards to Benefit the Decatur Youth Fund

The kids of Animal Crackers (Clairemont, Oakhurst, Winnona Park, and Decatur Rec), the STAR program at Decatur Housing Authority and Whiz Kids (Glennwood) created some fantastic greeting cards featuring their murals representative of their year-long focus on “Global Communities.”
The greeting card pictured above was done by the Decatur Rec Animal Crackers to represent what they have learned about North America.

The cards are being sold as a fundraiser for the Decatur Youth Fund, which offers scholarships for Decatur children to attend summer camps and after school programs. Please contact Ashley Stewart, Administrative Assistant for Children and Youth Services, if you’d like to purchase a package of 6 cards for $12, 404-378-1082 or email ashley.stewart@decaturga.com.

City of Decatur Events May 19 – May 24

City of Decatur Events May 19 – May 24:

Tuesday, May 19: 5 – 7pm, Fine Arts Exhibition Opening Reception, Dalton Gallery at Dana Fine Arts Bldg., Agnes Scott

Wednesday, May 20: Noon, Blue Sky Concert featuring Morgan Rowe, on the Community Bandstand

Friday, May 22: 5- 10 pm, ArtWalk at various locations throughout Decatur

Saturday- Sunday, May 23- 24: Decatur Arts Festival

For more information on Arts Festival events and a complete schedule, please visit www.decaturartsfestival.com

May 31 - Youth Baseball Clinic / June 6 - Opening Day Parade

BASEBALL CLINIC!

Decatur Active Living and Coach Rusty Bennett, head coach of the Decatur High School baseball team, will host a free clinic for all 2009 Decatur Youth Baseball participants.

The clinic will be held Sunday, May 31st at McKoy Park, 1000 Adams St.

5 to 8 yr. olds - 1 pm to 2:15 pm

9 to 12 yr. olds - 2:30 pm to 4 pm

Please bring your glove, bat & water bottle, and come learn a few new baseball skills. For more information, please contact Stacy Green, 678-553-6549.

OPENING DAY PARADE!

The very fun annual Decatur Youth Baseball Opening Day parade will be held Saturday, June 6^th starting from McKoy Park and ending at Oakhurst Park. Volunteer drivers, organizers and convertible vehicles are needed for the parade.

If you would like more information on the youth baseball program, the annual parade, volunteer coaching opportunities, adult athletics, etc., please contact Stacy Green, 678-553-6549, or Lindsey Struck, 678-553-6550.

Nice crowd for Author Rick Riordan

The staff of Decatur Active Living was glad to host today's The Little Shop of Stories book signing for Rick Riordan, author of the "Percy Jackson" series. The first book of the series, The Lightning Thief, is being turned into a movie.

Diane Loupe and her staff did a great job again with this book signing. Thank you to those in attendance who either walked to the recreation center or took the shuttle from the Decatur First Baptist parking lot.

May 21 - Annual Keenagers/City Seniors Picnic

9th Annual Keenagers Picnic

For City of Decatur Residents 50 and Over

11 am to 2 pm, Thursday, May 21st

McKoy Park

1000 Adams St. or 534 McKoy St.

-Parking is very limited; please carpool or park by the Solarium and take the short walk to McKoy Park

Come & help us kick off the summer for KeenAgers and city residents ages 50 yrs. and over. Food, games, exercise, entertainment & music!

Please RSVP by May 18th. Must be a City of Decatur Resident or member of the Keenagers Program!

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Chris Lewis at: chris.lewis@decaturga.com or 678-553-6547.

www.activeliving.decaturga.com

May 22 - Aging in Place

Aging in Place
10 to 11 am, Friday, May 22
Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St.

Learn to prepare your surroundings to accommodate your changing needs as you grow older.
Mical Tryanor will show you it's not difficult to design a beautiful living space that doesn't look sterile. In addition, she'll discuss simple ways to make your home more livable and less like an obstacle course or accident waiting to happen.

Bike Helmets: A Necessity, Not an Accessory

From Safe Kids USA:

Bike Helmets: A Necessity, Not an Accessory

A child is injured in a bike-related incident almost every two minutes. Whether your child uses a small bicycle with training wheels or a big kid’s bike, make sure he or she wears a helmet correctly on every ride. It’s the single most effective way to prevent a serious head injury from bike crashes.

Fitting a Bike Helmet

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Here’s how to choose a helmet:

• A bike helmet should be labeled to indicate that it meets the safety standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Look for the CPSC certification sticker inside the helmet and on the box.
• As long as it’s certified, let kids pick out their own helmet. If they think a helmet looks cool, they’ll be more likely to wear it, even when you’re not around.

Do the “eyes, ears and mouth” test to get the right fit. A helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position, and shouldn’t rock forward and backward or side to side. The helmet straps must always be buckled but not too tightly.

• EYES check: Place the helmet on your child’s head. Have your child look up and he or she should see the bottom rim of the helmet. The rim should be one to two finger-widths above his or her eyebrows.
• EARS check: Make sure the straps of the helmet form a "V" under the ears when buckled. The strap should be snug but comfortable.
• MOUTH check: Ask your child to open his or her mouth as wide as he or she can. Does he or she feel the helmet hug his or her head? If not, tighten those straps and make sure the buckle is flat against his or her skin.

Remember bike helmets are for biking. Kids should not wear bike helmets on the playground, where the straps can get caught on equipment and cause injury, or for activities that require specialized helmets such as skiing or football.

Q&As of the Week

Q: Is it true my child can wear a bike helmet when doing other wheeled sports?

A: It’s essential that your child wears a helmet for all wheeled sports activities. It’s true that a properly-fitted bike helmet is just as effective when riding a scooter, roller skating or inline skating. However, when skateboarding and longboarding, make sure your child wears a skateboarding helmet.

Q: When should I replace my child’s bike helmet?

A: A bike helmet should be replaced:

• If it has been in a crash. Impact crushes some of the foam and the helmet is less protective although the helmet may not look like it’s damaged.
• If it’s from the 1980s.
• If the outside of the helmet is made from foam or cloth, instead of plastic.
• If it lacks a CPSC sticker.
• If you can’t adjust it to fit correctly. Maybe it’s too small for your child by now…

Bicycle Friendly State Program - State Rankings

http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/bicyclefriendlystate/about.php

The Bicycle Friendly State program is a ranking and award designation program that recognizes states that actively support bicycling. Modeled after the successful Bicycle Friendly Community program, Bicycle Friendly State is part of the League of American Bicyclists’ mission to create a Bicycle Friendly America. A Bicycle Friendly State provides safe accommodation for cycling and encourages its residents to bike for transportation and recreation.

Benefits

Bicycle friendliness is closely connected with perceptions of a high quality of life. Encouraging bicycling is an effective way to address the challenges of climate change, traffic congestion, rising obesity rates and soaring fuel prices, as well as improve traffic safety and economic development. The League of American Bicyclists will provide technical assistance to help build even better Bicycle Friendly States.

2009 State Rankings

1. Washington - Silver*
2. Wisconsin - Silver*
3. Maine
4. Oregon
5. Minnesota - Bronze*
6. Iowa
7. Arizona - Bronze*
8. New Hampshire
9. Delaware
10. New Jersey
11. Wyoming
12. Illinois
13. Colorado
14. California
15. Michigan
16. Maryland
17. Missouri
18. Utah
19. Massachusetts
20. North Carolina
21. Vermont
22. Hawaii
23. Virginia
24. Mississippi
25. Nevada
26. South Carolina
27. Kentucky
28. South Dakota
29. Indiana
30. Louisiana
31. Georgia
32. Florida
33. Kansas
34. Idaho
35. Rhode Island
36. Texas
37. Nebraska
38. Arkansas
39. Ohio
40. Pennsylvania
41. New York
42. West Virginia
43. Tennessee
44. Connecticut
45. North Dakota
46. New Mexico
47. Alaska
48. Oklahoma
49. Montana
50. Alabama

May 13 - Farm to School Townhall Meeting

June 19 - Decatur Beach Party Volunteers Needed!

Enjoy 60 tons of sand on "Ponce de Leon Pier" and dancing on the Marta Plaza! City of Decatur employees have always been strong supporters of the Decatur Beach Party, so we hope you will join us for the start of Summer fun in Decatur by volunteering on Friday, June 19. There are volunteer opportunities to fit every schedule from set up in the morning to working at the Children’s Boardwalk, Souvenir stand, or Entry Gates in the evening.

City of Decatur volunteers will receive a 2009 Decatur Beach Party t-shirt. If you would like to volunteer, please let me know the volunteer position and shift and your t-shirt size by Monday, June 1. The following are the volunteer positions and shift times:

SET-UP: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (You don’t have to commit to the entire time. Let me know what time you are available.)

“Kids Meal Bucket”/PB&J Sandwich Preparation: 10:00 a.m. – Noon

Volunteer Check In:

4:00 - 6:00 p.m. 5:45 - 7:45 p.m. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Entry Gates (Great for Groups!):

4:30 - 7:00 p.m. 6:45 - 9:00 p.m. 8:45 – 11:00 p.m.

Souvenir Sales:

4:30 - 7:00 p.m. 6:45 - 9:00 p.m. 8:45 – 11:00 p.m.

Children’s Boardwalk Games (Great for Groups! Great for teens!):

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. 6:15 – 8:30 p.m. 8:15 – 10:00 p.m.

“Kids Meal Bucket” Sales:

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. 6:15 - 8:15 p.m.

If you would like more information on any of these volunteer jobs, please let me know. You may either email me at leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or call me at (678) 553-6548.

Thanks!

Lee Ann

Lee Ann Harvey

Volunteer! Decatur

A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur

P.O. Box 220

Decatur, GA 30031

Phone: (678) 553-6548

Fax: (404) 371-1593

Email: leeann.harvey@decaturga.com

Website: www.decaturga.com

Saturday - Decatur High Community Garden Volunteer Work Day & Cookout

This Saturday at the Decatur High School Community Garden:

We're Cooking Out + Bon-firing!

Join us for fresh and local grilled produce. Bring your favorite dish and utensils.

Workday: 2 to 5 pm

*Cookout: 5:15 pm to dark (+ bonfiring!)

*Volunteers eat first!

The DHS Community Garden is having a cookout on Saturday, and we would love to see some of you there. It is an opportunity to decompress at the end of the school year, eat some good food, and meet one another. Please consider bringing a dish to share, as well as your own dish/silverware.

Hope to see you there!

Anna Rose Gable
Decatur High School
Garden Coordinator

Decatur Gator Swim Team Parking

Note for Decatur Gator Parents & Guardians,

Thank you for being part of the city’s swim team. Please note that parking is very limited at the Ebster Pool parking lot. Carpooling is strongly suggested. For those in the Adair Park neighborhood, Ebster Pool is a pleasant short walk or bike ride.

Parking is not allowed for parents/guardians at the small driveway directly adjacent to the pool house. Please do not block the sidewalk and/or driveway. There is ample parking available behind the Ebster Recreation Center (enter off Electric Ave.). There is also on-street parking on Atlanta Ave. and on West Trinity Place. Parking is free on West Trinity Place after 5:30 pm. Please see the jpeg below. Please contact Dan Magee, 678-553-6541, with any questions.

Boys Summer Hoops

Summer Hoops for City Resident Middle School Boys

Decatur Active Living will offer a Summer Basketball team for boys. The league is designated for current 7th and 8th graders (i.e., rising 8th, and 9th graders). However, 6th graders (i.e., rising 7th graders) are welcome to try out.

This team will represent Decatur Active Living in the College Park Summer Basketball League. Due to limited roster space players will have to try-out for the team. Try-outs will be held on Thursday, May 14th at 6:30 p.m. at Decatur Recreation Center. Make-up tryouts will be held on Monday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m. The league fee for each player will be $45.

For more information contact Stacy Green at 678-553-6549.

High School Booster Club E-newsletter

Vicki Ainslie does a fantastic job compiling the weekly DBB newsletter!! It's a lot of work!

• DHS 2008 Alumnus Rosskopf Wins First National Jersey
• First Annual Alumni Soccer Game a Resounding Success!
• Summer Hoops for Middle School Boys
• Varsity Boys Lacrosse Loses to Lassiter in First Ever 2nd Round State Playoff Game
• Two DHS Juniors Selected for Rising Seniors Lacrosse All-Star Squad

---

DHS 2008 Alumnus Rosskopf Wins First National Jersey

Fort Collins, CO - Pfeiffer University's Male Athlete of the Year made school history this weekend at the Collegiate National Bicycle Championships/Fort Collins Cycling Festival. At the Colorado State University hosted event Joey Rosskopf, a freshman cyclist from Decatur, Georgia, was awarded with his first national jersey for being the overall top individual racer in the country.

Rosskopf began the weekend as a silver medalist in the national road race just behind the competitor from Princeton University. The brutal 70-mile course that ventured into the Rocky Mountains challenged all riders with 25-32 mile per hour wind gusts and downhill switchbacks that raced as fast as 60 miles per hour. "This was by far the most intense course I've ever witnessed," said Team Pfeiffer Cycling head coach Tommie Brock.

On Saturday morning, Rosskopf took fifth place in the downtown Fort Collins criterium. It is important to mention that as the ACCC men's A champion he was called to the line first for every race in which he participated in, earning the best starting position for each race. His combined wins, plus the fact that road race winner from Princeton was unable to beat him in the criterium gave Rosskopf the overall Division II title and his first national jersey.

Rosskopf is Team Pfeiffer Cycling's first national champion.

Congratulations to hometown boy, Joey, and to his very proud parents, Linda and Ken and sister Anna!!

---

First Annual Alumni Soccer Game a Resounding Success!

The First Annual Alumni Soccer Game was held on Friday May 8 at the DHS stadium. There was a very good turn out of alumni players from the 80/s, 90's and 2000's that showed up to play on our new stadium field.

The girls game was fielded with players from our teams of the past as well as players from 2009. Good time was had by all with lots of play time for everyone and a game ending score of 2 - 2; way to go.

The "boys" game was made of many players from the past as well as present with an abundance of substitutes. There definitely was major competition with the score ending 2 - 0 for Decatur!

Hopefully with the success of the first alumni soccer game , it will draw even more players from DHS' past that want to be part of such a fun night with many memories shared by all.

A very special thanks to Stephen Gathany and all the parents who participated in making the night happen and such a success.

WAY TO GO BULLDOGS!!!

---

Summer Hoops for Middle School Boys!

Decatur Active Living will offer a Summer Basketball team for boys. The league is designated for current 7th and 8th graders (i.e., rising 8th, and 9th graders). However, 6th graders (i.e., rising 7th graders) are welcome to try out.

This team will represent Decatur Active Living in the College Park Summer Basketball League. Due to limited roster space players will have to try-out for the team. Try-outs will be held on Thursday, May 14th at 6:30 p.m. at Decatur Rec. Make-up tryouts will be held on Monday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m. The league fee for each player will be $45.

For more information contact Stacy Green at 678-553-6549.

---

Varsity Boys Lacrosse Loses to Lassiter in First Ever 2nd Round State Playoff Game; 5 - 13 Loss

The 17 - 2 Lassiter Trojans hosted the Bulldogs in the second round of the playoffs and showed why they were ranked number 1 in the state for most of the season by dominating in a 13 - 5 win. Gabe Adams-Bogar, our feisty senior goalie playing in what would be his last game as a Decatur Bulldog, had 18 saves on 40 shots taken by Lassiter. Gabe had a great game and in usual Gabe-fashion, did not give up for one second.

Well, it's over nowŠthe 2009 season, but we finished 11th in the state with a 10 - 9 overall record; 3 - 1 in conference play and made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs - the deepest into playoff territory that we've been in our short history. At the half, the scoreboard was H-8 V-2, though the general consensus in the stands was "it seems closer than that." And it was for the most part true as we did score the first goal for them at 9:10 in the first quarter just to show that we are a generous bunch. Soon after, Henry Farley found the back of the Trojan net after being fed by defense-man Wytch Rigger at 8:32 in Q-1 looking so effortless that it appeared we were ready to take charge. However, Lassiter responded in Q-1 with scores at 5:02, 3:00, and 1:58 ending the quarter ahead, 4 - 1.

They took only 8 more shots than we (40 - 32), but were more accurate and successful. Their goalie had 8 saves so with our 5 goals, we were on target 13 of 32 times for a 41 percent on-goal accuracy - compare that with Lassiter's 13 goals (12 actual) plus Gabe's 18 saves and you might note that they were 75 percent on-goal accurate (30 of 40). We could go on about how good they were, but really, they were - and I should say are - not out of our "league." It should be recorded that not only were they fast and accurate with passes and execution, they were also BIG - as in their defenders were BIGGER THAN JEROME. To round out the stats - we were close in groundballs - they 52, we 46; they won 14 face-offs to our 8; had 18 forced turnovers to our 16; and succeeded in clearing 23 times while failing 5 to our 25 successful clears and 11 fails. On individual groundballs, 5 of our players had 6 each: Khalil Dapreis, Henry, Satrick Green, Vincent Pugh, and Isaac Seals. Four of our 5 goals were unassisted, 2 by Vincent and 1 by Satrick and Henry. The assisted goal was our first of the evening, Wytch to Henry.

As the clock wound down, the sky lit up, and shortly after the final horn we were running for cover from a May thunderstorm heading back to Decatur with chins up and looking forward to another exciting Laxdog season. I would like to personally thank the coaches for all of the effort it takes to teach, guide, and coax these young men. Thanks to the parents for all of their support in volunteering and cheering. Thanks to the stats-keepers (Marc Wisniewski, Bill Ainslie, David Weitnauer, Jeff Gold, Rich Wilinski and Scott Pendergrast) and a special thanks to the voice of the Laxdogs, the nearly legendary, Doug Aholt.

---

Two DHS Juniors Selected for Rising Seniors Lacrosse All-Star Squad

In addition to the seniors listed in yesterday's e-newsletter, two DHS juniors from the varsity boys lacrosse team, Connor Stubbs and Isaac Seals, were selected for the Rising Seniors Squad in the Georgia All-Star Lacrosse Classic. Their game will be played at Oglethorpe University on Saturday, 30 May at 6:00 p.m.

Congratulations to Connor and Isaac!!

--

Vicki Ainslie, Communications, Decatur Bulldog Boosters, mailto:dbabc@dhsparents.org

Farm to School Hearing with U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss and Tom Harkin, Friday, May 15, at CDC

Join us Friday, May 15, at the CDC for a public hearing on Farm to School projects, Healthy Eating, and Physical Activity for School Children.

We need you there to show Sen. Chambliss and Sen. Harkin that we want thriving Farm to School programs in Georgia. This hearing will be submitted to the official record for all Senate Agriculture Committee members to review. Sen. Chambliss (R-GA) and Sen. Harkin (D-IA) will both be in attendance.

This a rare opportunity for the sustainable food and farms movement to show its support for getting local, fresh, and sustainably produced foods into school cafeterias across the state.

Witnesses will include representatives from:
- the CDC
- the USDA
- Action for Healthy Kids, and
- the National Farm to School Network

For a primer on how Farm to School programs are connected to nutrition and agricultural policy, read this report.

The Georgia Field Hearing is sponsored by the Senate Committee on Ag, Nutrition, and Forestry.

"Benefits of Farm-to-School Projects, Healthy Eating and Physical Activity for School Children. "

Date: Friday, May 15, 2009
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Roybal Campus of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Harkin Global Communication Center, Auditorium A
1600 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30329

Please Note: Bring identification and arrive early to allow plenty of time for parking.

Article: What Moves You?

http://www.utexas.edu/features/2009/05/11/health_friendly/

What Moves You? Community design can boost fitness and health, says expert

Here are some excerpts:

According to Kohl, wide sidewalks in good repair encourage foot traffic, as do streets that have clearly marked walkways at intersections, speed limits posted at frequent intervals and speed control features on street surfaces. In addition to benefiting physical health, the migration of people from their couches and computers to the outdoors can improve their mental and emotional health.

To change America's dismal health report card, Kohl is a firm believer in changing children's habits. According to Kohl, children need to grow up seeing daily physical activity as pleasurable and as a natural thing, like sleeping or eating. He points out that you can tie anybody to a treadmill at the same time every day and make them walk for 30 minutes or an hour, but when you untie them, is that person going to jump back on the treadmill and enthusiastically exercise—every day? Highly unlikely.

"Kids like video games because video games are fun," says Kohl. "Physical activity needs to be fun or children aren't going to want to engage in it. It's not about coming up with a structured, timed, enforced regimen of exercise and having them feel as though they're part of a chain gang. It may be as simple as just encouraging them to go outside and play—play is exercise.

"People in my field feel pretty comfortable saying that level of physical activity predicts who will live longer and who will die sooner," says Kohl. "Putting it succinctly, 'move for health' just about sums things up."

Join Us - Garden/Baseball/Keenagers

July - Agnes Scott Girl’s Lacrosse Camp

Agnes Scott Girl’s Lacrosse Camp

Click HERE for application

July 13-16, 2009, 10am –1pm

Camp Director – Nikki Williams, Agnes Scott Lacrosse Coach and US Lacrosse Youth Coach of the Year

Ages 6-14

$150 / player

Nikki Williams
Head Lacrosse Coach, 404-471-6492, nwilliams@agnesscott.edu

http://www.agnesscott.edu/athletics/lacrosse

Agnes Scott College, 141 E College Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

DECATUR POLICE ALERT - 11 TRAFFIC SAFETY REMINDERS

DECATUR POLICE ALERT - 11 TRAFFIC SAFETY REMINDERS

1) Wear your seatbelt.
2) Drive the speed limit.
3) Drive the speed limit in a School Zone.

4) Come to a complete stop before turning right at a traffic light.

5) Come to a complete stop at a Stop Sign before proceeding.

6) Turn on headlights in the rain.

7) Use turn signals.

8) Obey “no turn on red & no left turn” traffic control signs.

9) Do not follow too closely to the vehicle ahead.

10) It is illegal to block the driveway to Fire Station 1 on East Trinity Place.

11) When traffic is backed up at a traffic light and a turn lane is ahead, it is illegal and dangerous to drive in the oncoming lane while attempting to get to the turn lane. This is a constant problem, especially southbound on Clairemont Avenue approaching Scott Blvd.

Have A Safe Day,

Juanchella G. Francis, PhD
Community Relations
Decatur Police Department
420 W. Trinity Place
Decatur, Ga 30030
(678) 553-6656 o
(404) 370-4117 f
juanchella.francis@decaturga.com

May 18 - Creating an Outdoor Living Space – The Patio and its Environs

http://www.ugaextension.com/dekalb/

DeKalb County Extension Service

Creating an Outdoor Living Space – The Patio and its Environs

“All landscaping does not involve plants some of it involves planning to enjoy what you have”

7 to 8:30 pm, Monday, May 18^th

4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032 (County Training Center behind Tax Office)

Speaker: Tara Dillard – great writer, speaker and designer, A real joy to listen to and she inspires good gardening

Please register in advance by calling 404-298-4080

Fee: $7 per person which qualifies you for door prize entry.

Mayo Clinic article: Top 10 reasons to get physical

Aerobic Exercise: Top 10 reasons to get physical

Regardless of age, weight or athletic ability, aerobic exercise is good for you. See why — then prepare yourself to get moving!

At least 30 minutes of daily aerobic activity — such as walking, bicycling or swimming — can help you live longer and healthier. See how aerobic exercise affects your heart, lungs and blood flow. Then get motivated to reap the rewards!

How your body responds to aerobic exercise

During aerobic activity, you repeatedly move large muscles in your arms, legs and hips. You'll notice your body's responses quickly.

You'll breathe faster and more deeply. This maximizes the amount of oxygen in your blood. Your heart will beat faster, which increases blood flow to your muscles and back to your lungs. Your small blood vessels (capillaries) will widen to deliver more oxygen to your muscles and carry away waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Your body will even release endorphins, natural painkillers that promote an increased sense of well-being.

What aerobic exercise does for your health

Regardless of age, weight or athletic ability, aerobic activity is good for you. As your body adapts to regular aerobic exercise, you'll get stronger and more efficient. Consider 10 ways that aerobic activity can help you feel better and enjoy life to the fullest.

Aerobic activity can help you:

1. Keep excess pounds at bay. Combined with a healthy diet, aerobic exercise helps you lose weight — and keep it off.
2. Increase your stamina. Aerobic exercise may make you tired in the short term. But over the long term, you'll enjoy increased stamina and reduced fatigue.
3. Ward off viral illnesses. Aerobic exercise activates your immune system. This leaves you less susceptible to minor viral illnesses, such as colds and flu.
4. Reduce health risks. Aerobic exercise reduces the risk of many conditions, including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer. Weight-bearing aerobic exercises, such as walking, reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
5. Manage chronic conditions. Aerobic exercise helps lower high blood pressure and control blood sugar. If you've had a heart attack, aerobic exercise helps prevent subsequent attacks.
6. Strengthen your heart. A stronger heart doesn't need to beat as fast. A stronger heart also pumps blood more efficiently, which improves blood flow to all parts of your body.
7. Keep your arteries clear. Aerobic exercise boosts your high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and lowers your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol. The potential result? Less buildup of plaques in your arteries.
8. Boost your mood. Aerobic exercise can ease the gloominess of depression, reduce the tension associated with anxiety and promote relaxation.
9. Stay active and independent as you get older. Aerobic exercise keeps your muscles strong, which can help you maintain mobility as you get older. Aerobic exercise also keeps your mind sharp. At least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three days a week seems to reduce cognitive decline in older adults.
10. Live longer. People who participate in regular aerobic exercise appear to live longer than those who don't exercise regularly.

Start slowly

Aerobic activity is safe for most people, but sometimes it's important to get a doctor's OK first — especially if you have a chronic health condition. When you're ready to begin exercising, start slowly. You might walk five minutes in the morning and five minutes in the evening. The next day, add a few minutes to each walking session. Pick up the pace a bit, too. Soon, you could be walking briskly for at least 30 minutes a day — and reaping all the benefits of regular aerobic activity.

Other options might include cross-country skiing, aerobic dancing, swimming, stair climbing, bicycling, jogging, elliptical training or rowing. If you have a condition that limits your ability to participate in aerobic activities, ask your doctor about alternatives. If you have arthritis, for example, aquatic exercises may give you the benefits of aerobic activity without stressing your joints.