FEB 4 & 11 – LIVE WELL NOW Health & Wellness Series

FEB 4 & 11 – "LIVE WELL NOW" HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERIES

LIVE WELL NOW - Health and Wellness Series

Date: Thursdays, February 4 & 11

Time: 7:00– 8:30pm

Location: Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St. Decatur GA

Live Well Now is a highly interactive and informative series that will empower and enable you to make healthy lifestyle choices regarding diet and exercise (smart nutrition choices and effective ways to manage your weight). Dr. Cohen, a leading health and wellness advocate will facilitate this series along with Street University^TM, an innovative education and entertainment company. Be prepared to have fun while we dissect your diet, challenge your Health IQ, and offer you mini-health missions. This is one class your health can’t afford to miss. This series is being offered through Decatur Active Living.

http://www.streetuonline.com/Live_Well_Now_Information.pdf

TO REGISTER BY PHONE 404-664-5238

ONLINE www.streetuonline.com

PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE – SPACE IS LIMITED

Cost: Only $22 for both classes, 1 class is $15

Healthy Snacks will be served

Join us at the Live Well Now Health and Wellness Series to get a jumpstart on your 2010 commitment to a healthier you.

Class 1 - “Know More Than A Nutritionist” Feb 4, 7:00-8:30pm

This class will:

Help you understand how your food/beverage choices impact your health

Empower and enable you to make smart satisfying food choices –even when on the go

Dispel common nutrition myths

Class 2 – “Real Body Makeover” Feb 11, 7:00-8:30pm

This class will:

Share practical and effective methods to lose weight

Share a technique that can allow you to lose 1 lb a week

Highlight the importance of exercise

Provide snack alternatives to help with cravings

BONUS!!!! - WHOLE FOODS MARKET TOUR ON FEBRUARY 18^TH FOR THOSE WHO SIGN UP FOR BOTH CLASSES – 7:00-8:30 PM

ING Marathon Will BE Here Soon, and Volunteers are Needed!

Race Weekend Events on Friday, March 19 - Sunday, March 21, 2010The ING Georgia Marathon includes events for the whole family as participants, volunteers, and spectators:
Friday 11am-7pm and Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. - ING Georgia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo Inspired by Mizuno at the Georgia Dome. Free and open to the public, the Expo features race packet pick-up, fitness-oriented speakers, exhibitors, and vendors.
Saturday 8am - Publix Run Wild 5K at 8:00 a.m. and Kids Fun Run for children 10 and under at 9:00 a.m. at Grant Park near the entrance to Zoo Atlanta and the Cyclorama. Race day registration for both events opens at 7:00 am. Participants can purchase discounted Zoo Atlanta tickets which are valid during 3/30/10 - 12/31/10.
Sunday 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. - ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, start and finish at Centennial Olympic Park.

The Marathon and Half Marathon Course - Sunday, March 21, 2010The ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon course starts and finishes at Centennial Olympic Park and makes a counter-clockwise loop through beautiful in-town neighborhoods, by parks and historic sites, and through 4 college campuses. Go to www.INGGeorgiaMarathon.com, click on Community then on Marathon Course to view the 2010 Course Map and 2010 Street List. The Course Map shows the locations of the Start-Finish area, the Marathon and Half Marathon mile points, 19 Hydration Stations, MARTA stations, and other key information.
The Half Marathon course is entirely within Atlanta, and is bounded by Edgewood Ave on the south, Moreland Ave on the east, Virginia Ave, Piedmont Park and 10th St on the north, and Marietta St on the west.
The Marathon course shares the first 7 miles with the Half Marathon course, then the Marathon and Half marathon split at the intersection of North Ave and N. Highland. The Marathon continues east on North Ave to add a trip to Decatur and back before it rejoins the Half Marathon course.

Volunteers Needed
There are many volunteer opportunities for people who live and work in the community. Whether you like to volunteer inside, outdoors, on the course, or behind the scenes, we have many volunteer assignments available throughout race weekend.
Do any of the following apply to you?
A friend or family member is running one of the races and you'd like to volunteer at that race and cheer them on.
You live near the course and would like to volunteer as a Course Marshal close to home.
You'd like to volunteer as a family, company team, or group of friends.
You'd like to support the family-friendly Publix Run Wild 5K and Kids Fun Run at Grant Park.

For a complete list of volunteer opportunities and to sign up:1. Go to www.INGGeorgiaMarathon.com
2. Click on the Volunteers link.3. Select the volunteer job, date and shift of your choice and sign up!
All volunteers receive a volunteer t-shirt, goodie bag, and our sincere thanks for your support!

Bike to School!

Fittest Children Cycle To School, Says New Research

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/177404.php

Children who cycle to school are more physically active and fit than those who use other modes of transport, according to new research from the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine.

The findings are based a study of 6,000 children, ages 10 to 16, from the eastern region of England. The children's cardiorespiratory fitness and travel habits were assessed during 2007 and 2008.

Students from 23 schools completed a school-travel questionnaire and completed a 20-meter shuttle-run test (a speed and agility exercise) to assess their fitness levels. Researchers found boys who walked to school were 20 percent more likely to be fit compared with those using motorized transport such as bus and automobiles, and girls who walked were 30 percent more likely to be fit.

Boys who cycled to school were 30 percent more likely to be fit, but there was an even more dramatic difference in fitness among female subjects. Girls who biked to school were seven times more likely to reach the minimum fitness standard than girls who used motorized transport.

In all cases, children who were driven to school had the lowest levels of physical fitness, being less fit than walkers, cyclists and even children who took the bus. Cyclists were also found to be more physically active at other times of day when compared to children using other transport modes.

Although cyclists and car users were most different in terms of physical fitness, the distances they travelled to school were very similar. Cyclists rode for about 1.5 miles to school, and average car rides were about two miles. Half of these car journeys were less than two miles and 15 percent were less than a mile - both easily walkable or bikeable distances.

Lead researchers Gavin Sandercock, Ph.D., and Christine Voss, M.Sc., said active transportation can be a gateway for lifelong fitness in children.

"Children need to be active and stay fit in order to stay healthy. Encouraging them to walk or cycle to school is one great opportunity to help achieve this," Voss said.

ACSM supports the federal Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which recommend at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children.

Source: The American College of Sports Medicine

____________________

David Crites
Executive Director (volunteer)

GEORGIA BIKES!
POB 49755, ATL, GA 30359

www.GeorgiaBikes.org

Also:
Safe Routes To School State Network Organizer (Georgia)

Safe Routes To School Regional Network Organizer (Atlanta)

Georgia@SafeRoutesPartnership.Org
www.SafeRoutesPartnership.Org/State

Learn More About Safe Routes to School with Free Webinars

The National Center for Safe Routes to School partners with America Walks to offer a series of SRTS-related Webinars:

Physical Activity's Positive Effects on Learning
Presented by Rae Pica, Children's Physical Activity Specialist, Moving & Learning

Watch the Webinar (Requires the free Adobe Flash Player)

Download the Webinar (right-click and "save-as" — WMV, 82 MB)

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Sidewalk Safety Smarts: WalkBoston's Guide to Safety Training for Second Graders
Presented by Karen Hartke, WalkBoston

Watch the Webinar (Requires the free Adobe Flash Player)

Download the Webinar (right-click and "save-as" — WMV, 98 MB)

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SR2S: Teens Go Green Program
Presented by Aviva Joseph & Gwen Froh, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, Teen Coordinators

Watch the Webinar (Requires the free Adobe Flash Player)

Download the Webinar (right-click and "save-as" — WMV, 64 MB)

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Safe Routes to School: A National View of Parent Attitudes and Student Travel
Presented by Austin Brown, National Center for Safe Routes to School

Watch the Webinar (Requires the free Adobe Flash Player)

Download the Webinar (right-click and "save-as" — WMV, 64 MB)

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Engineering Treatments and Strategies for Safe Routes to School, Part II
Presented by:
David Parisi, PE, TE, Parisi Associates Transportation Consulting
Michael Cynecki, PE, Traffic Engineering Supervisor for the Phoenix Street Transportation Department

Watch the Webinar (Requires the free Adobe Flash Player)

Download the Webinar (right-click and "save-as" — WMV, 106 MB)

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Engineering Treatments and Strategies for Safe Routes to School, Part I
Presented by:
David Parisi, PE, TE, Parisi Associates Transportation Consulting
Michael Cynecki, PE, Traffic Engineering Supervisor for the Phoenix Street Transportation Department

Watch the Webinar (Requires the free Adobe Flash Player)

Download the Webinar (right-click and "save-as" — WMV, 109 MB)

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Turning Walk to School Day into a Year-Round Pedestrian Program
Presented by Sonja Atkins, Coordinator, Safe Kids Greater Sacramento

Watch the Webinar (Requires the free Adobe Flash Player)

Download the Webinar (right-click and "save-as" — WMV, 101 MB)

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SRTS Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Education
Presented by Somilia Smith, Project Coordinator, Mayor Daley's Ambassadors

Watch the Webinar (Requires the free Adobe Flash Player)

Download the Webinar (right-click and "save-as" — WMV, 85 MB)

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Taking it to the streets: Urban SRTS and New Jersey’s demonstration project
Presented by Elise Bremer-Nei, NJDOT and Tiffany Robinson, THE RBA Group

Watch the Webinar (Requires the free Adobe Flash Player)

Download the Webinar (right-click and "save-as" — WMV, 104 MB)

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Engaging Local Media to Promote Safe Routes to School
Presented by Katy Jones, National Center for Safe Routes to School

Watch the Webinar (Requires the free Adobe Flash Player)

Download the Webinar (right-click and "save-as" — WMV, 83 MB)

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Building Community Support for SRTS Programs
Presented by Dan Burden, Walkable Communities

Watch the Webinar (Requires the free Adobe Flash Player)

Download the Webinar (right-click and "save-as" — WMV, 74 MB)

DeKalb County Board of Health Newsletter & Flu Shot Info.

DeKalb County Board of Health - http://www.dekalbhealth.net/

You are cordially invited to attend DeKalb County Board of Health's Board Meeting scheduled for this Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 3 p.m. at 445 Winn Way, Bohan Auditorium, Decatur, GA. Come hear about the great work being done in DeKalb County, and get answers to your questions and concerns.

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DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH ENCOURAGES THE PUBLIC TO GET THEIR H1N1 FLU VACCINATIONS BECAUSE FLU SEASON IS NOT OVER

The DeKalb County Board of Health will host a series of H1N1 mass vaccination clinics as a reminder to the public that flu season is not over. H1N1 Clinic Schedule:

● Saturday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the former DeVry University campus, 250 North Arcadia Avenue, Decatur, Ga 30030.

● Saturday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Mall at

Stonecrest, CrossRoads News Health Fair, 2929 Turner Hill Road, Lithonia, Ga 30038.

● Saturday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Perimeter Mall,

4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, Atlanta, Ga 30346 near the valet entrance.

The clinics are free of charge but a small administrative fee may be charged to Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. Please bring your insurance card with you and your child's vaccination record at the time of service.

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Community Gardening hosted by CEO Burrell Ellis and Commissioner Kathie Gannon Please join us for the 2nd in a series of workshops on creating a sustainable DeKalb on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at GA Perimeter College/Decatur Campus; This event is free and open to the public!! The Green Commission Of DeKalb County Workshop Presenters and Exhibitors * Oakhurst Gardens * Atlanta Community Food Bank *Georgia Organics * Harvest Gardens * Healthy Belvedere * Farmer D * Gaia Gardens * Southeastern Horticultural Society * Decatur and East Lake Farmers Markets * Wonderland Garden * Captain Planet Foundation * Keep DeKalb Beautiful * Scott Fertilizer * DeKalb County Parks and Recreation*...Register to win door prizes and much, much more!

Interested in starting a garden in your community? Looking for access to fresh, local fruits and vegetables? Join us to find out more about the new Community Gardens initiative in DeKalb County. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to talk to representatives from local farms and gardens, and sign up for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and DeKalb County Community Gardens. Everyone is invited to attend!

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CrossRoadsNews and the Mall at Stonecrest are presenting the 2010 Health & Wellness Expo on January 30, 2010 from 12pm-5pm. The Expo will focus on health and wellness issues and provide information to empower East Metro Atlanta residents in making good health choices and living healthier lives. The event will be held on the mall's lower level featuring 50 health and wellness providers and including special events such as health screenings, fitness demos and workshops.

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Live Healthy DeKalb is a group of DeKalb County organizations and residents working together to create a healthier DeKalb County. The mission of Live Healthy DeKalb (LHD) is to build a community network through collaboration and partnership to improve the health of those who live, work and play in DeKalb County. Live Healthy DeKalb's vision is "Healthy people living in healthy communities". Join a committee and make a difference!! For more information, call 404.508.7985.

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Tuskegee Airman Scholarship for Students http://www.taisf.org/ GENERAL INFORMATION, INSTRUCTIONS AND REMINDER ITEMS

Background Information: Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated is a unique organization dedicated to the preservation of the history of African-American Veterans whose service during World War II demonstrated to America that the criteria for responsible citizenship are character and achievement rather than ethnic origin. Although incorporated in Washington , D.C. , the organization consists of many chapters, a National Museum at the Coleman Young International Airport Detroit, MI and the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation, located in Los Angeles , CA .

Each year the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation grants scholarship awards to deserving young men and women. Each year the number of available scholarship awards is directly related to income received from investments. Forty (40) awards of one thousand five hundred dollars

($1,500.00) will be available in 2010. The $1,500.00 awards are for one year only. One (1) twenty thousand dollar ($20,000.00) Pratt & Whitney award will be presented to a scholar who can demonstrate a sincere aptitude for and pursuit of a career in aviation, aerospace technology or research. This four-year Award will be paid in increments of $5,000 per year. The student must maintain a two-point-five (2.5) grade point average (GPA) and continue in the selected career path.

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10 Basic Tips for Healthy Brown Bag Lunches By Marla Brodsky, RD, LD, CNSD (Positive Promotions)

1. Choose whole-grain breads, such as whole wheat or rye.

2. Aim for at least 2 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables.

3. If you have meat, make yours low-fat. Also consider meat substitutes, such as beans and soy luncheon meats.

4. Limit fatty condiments such as mayonnaise, butter or creamy dressings. Check out veggie condiments, including roasted red pepper. They can jazz up lower-fat meats so they're more satisfying.

5. Choose proteins with healthy fat sources, such as salmon, tuna or soy.

6. If you want chips, choose baked chips or those fried in healthful oils.

7. Take along bottled water so you're not tempted by sweet drinks.

8. Stock up on a variety of healthy ingredients so that m aking a nutritious lunch is quick and easy.

9. Look for healthy convenience foods at the supermarket, such as packaged veggies and fruits, individual low-fat cheeses, and condiments, spreads and dips.

10. Try new items to add variety, different nutrients and excitement at lunchtime!

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WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Taste the World Festival 2010

March 20, 2010, 2:00pm-5:00pm

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

980 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta, GA

Dearest Volunteers,

Taste the World Festival is a couple of months away, and we are looking for many eager volunteers! Taste the World is RFS’ annual fundraiser and celebration of the food and cultures represented in Atlanta’s refugee community. The event features culinary tastings from over 25 Atlanta international restaurants, art auction, youth activities, fashion show, and cultural exhibits.

We are now in search of 6 lead volunteers and over 100 eager volunteers who may be interested in helping out the day of the event. We need volunteers to help pick up food, hand out food tastings and other behind-the-scenes tasks. In return, volunteers receive free entry into the festival and a reduced price for "taste" tickets.

The three volunteer shifts are from 10am-2pm, 1:30-5pm, or 4:30-6:30 (give or take an hour depending on the position). The positions range from working with food, managing tickets and working with the cultural exhibits.

Let me know if you would like to volunteer at the event, and I will send you the 2010 TTW Application with all the volunteer opportunities listed. First come first serve, so don’t be shy!

THANK YOU for your support!

Laretia Williams

Volunteer Coordinator

Refugee Family Services

5561-H Memorial Drive

Stone Mountain, GA 30083

http://www.refugeefamilyservices.org/

rfsvolunteers@refugeefamilyservices.org

(404) 299-6217 x239

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CDC Disease Detective Camp - 2010 Application Now Available

The Global Health Odyssey Museum is pleased to announce the 2010 CDC Disease Detective Camp (DDC), to be held at CDC Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. DDC is an academic day camp for upcoming high-school juniors and seniors who will be 16 years old by the first day of camp. Over the course of five days, campers will take on the roles of disease detectives and learn how CDC safeguards the nation's health. Attendees also learn about the diversity of public health careers available, as they take on tasks associated with various jobs at CDC. Tasks are as varied as the careers covered - one morning might be spent learning the use of statistics in an outbreak investigation, while the afternoon covers the importance of communication. Other activities may include short lectures by CDC experts, a mock press conference in the CDC press room, or a public health law class. Campers will learn the methodologies used to track diseases in populations, basic lab procedures used in an infectious disease lab, and how public health research is applied at CDC.

During the week, core academic subjects are used - math, science, language arts - in fast-paced sessions designed to challenge participants. No prior knowledge about public health or epidemiology is needed, but all attendees are expected to show up eager to learn and participate. The CDC Disease Detective Camp will be offered twice during the summer of 2010: June 21-25 and July 19-23. Both sessions will offer the same activities and will last from 8:45 AM - 4:30 PM each day. There is no cost associated with attending the camp, but each camper is responsible for bringing or buying his/her lunch.

The deadline for applications is April 2, 2010. Letters will be mailed to all applicants on May 3, 2010. For more information on the camp and the application process, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/gcc/exhibit/camp.htm. Questions? First, read all the information at http://www.cdc.gov/gcc/exhibit/camp.htm. If you still have questions, contact Judy M. Gantt, at jgantt@cdc.gov or 404-639-0831. The CDC Disease Detective Camp is sponsored by the Global Health Odyssey Museum, Division of Creative Services, and the Office of Workforce and Career Development, CDC.

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DeKalb Medical offers free smoking cessation program

DeKalb Medical Center is offering a free program to help smokers kick the habit. Every Friday, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., DeKalb Medical is hosting "Nicotine Anonymous", a 12-step program, for anyone who wants to quit smoking. The program is being held a the hospital's main campus,

2701 North Decatur Road. No registration is required. For more information, call 404.244.8444 or 404.501.WELL.

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St. Joseph's, Perimeter Mall team up for free blood pressure screenings

Saint Joseph's Hospital is offering free blood pressure screenings every first and third Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the lower level of Perimeter Mall. The hospital is offering the screenings to help combat high blood pressure, often called "the silent killer" because symptoms may not be present or recognized, until a medical condition occurs. Nearly 63 million Americans have high blood pressure, but an estimated 46 percent do not know they have it. Perimeter Mall is located at 440 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NE. For more information call 678.843.5112.

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Avian Wynn

Secretary II

DeKalb County Board of Health

Health Assessment & Promotion

Office of Chronic Disease Prevention

445 Winn Way--P.O. Box 987

Decatur GA 30031

404.294.3803 Phone

avwynn@dhr.state.ga.us

Your Body. Your Health. You're Worth It!

http://www.dekalbhealth.net/

Feb 5 - Annual Decatur Youth Basketball Night At Decatur High School

The Annual Decatur Youth Basketball Night At Decatur High School!

Decatur Youth Basketball Night will be held Friday, February 5th, 2010

All 2009-10 Youth Basketball Players will be allowed to attend Decatur High School’s Varsity basketball game FREE with one paying adult. All players MUST wear their Youth Basketball shirt.

We are asking all players to sit behind the goal located near the home team bench.

Girls game begin at 5:30pm

Boys game begin at 7:00pm
(Decatur High vs. Westminster High)

Come out and support Decatur High School’s Bulldogs in their new gym!

For questions, please contact Stacy Green, 678-553-6549.

Youth Basketball team Spotlight - 11 & 12 Boys Clippers and Knicks

Go to Decatur News Online for a new team spotlight: Decatur Active Living Team Spotlight: 11-12 Year Old Basketball - Clippers and Knicks

Super Hooper Day UPDATE

For more info. on Super Hooper Day, please contact Stacy Green, 678-553-6549 or Lindsey Struck, 678-553-6550. Due to the four day weekend in February (Feb. 13-16) we will be moving Super Hooper Day from Saturday, February 13th to Saturday, February 6th.

Games that were scheduled to be played on Saturday, February 6th will be played as follows below. The following games will be played at the Decatur Rec. Center:

Tuesday, February 2

5:30pm 9-10 Ducks at Wolfpack

6:30pm 11-12 Suns at Spartans

Wednesday, February 3

5:30pm 9-10 Kings at Bulldogs

6:30pm 11-12 Hawks at Grizzlies

7:30pm 9-10 Blue Devils at Yellow Jackets

Thursday, February 4

5:30pm 11-12 Clippers at Knicks

6:30pm 9-10 Cavaliers at Hawkeyes

The following games will be played at the Ebster Rec. Center:

Tuesday, February 2

5:30pm 7-8 Bruins at Bulldogs

6:30pm 7-8 Wildcats at Eagles

Thursday, February 4

5:30pm 7-8 Mavericks at Bulls

6:30pm 7-8 Tar Heels at Tigers

Super Hooper Day will be played Saturday, February 6. Teams WILL NOT have practice during the week of Feb. 1-5. For more info. on Super Hooper Day, please contact Stacy Green, 678-553-6549 or Lindsey Struck, 678-553-6550.

Woodlands Garden Update

Woodlands Garden, 920 Scott Blvd., Decatur, GA 404-371-4444

Greetings Woodlands Gardeners and Friends,

The arctic winter blast came and went, the weekend deluge is over, and today is sunny and breezy in the garden. This beautiful weather should continue through tomorrow when Mid-Week Gardeners meet, 9-11am. If it's still too cold for you at 9am, come on over at 10, and we'll work until noon. The wet soil is perfect for pulling weeds, and it's a good time to transplant, so we'll have plenty to do. Join us for some dirty fun.

For those who prefer a more relaxing visit, our Sunday in the Garden open house will be this weekend, January 31, 2-4pm. Long time Woodlands volunteer Anne Topple will be here to greet you and show you what's special in the winter garden. But here's a preview - quince and witch hazels are in bud and bloom; the deciduous magnolias are loaded with big fat buds, looking like they can't wait to pop open; the beech trees are still full of crinkly pale brown leaves, rattling in the breeze. While the Camellias got hit hard by the freeze a few weeks ago, they are coming back with a new set of buds and blooms. Aviva says walking the Camellia Trail makes her feel like Alice in Wonderland. The Camellia Committee is ready to start labeling the trees, and they could use your help. Let me know if you'd like to join this group.

And speaking of Anne, congratulations to her on receiving the Certificate in Native Plants from a program that may be of interest to others on this list. Here's a message from the directors of that great project, along with a link to their website for more information.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance are pleased to offer our third year of courses for the Certificate in Native Plants Program. This program has been very successful, drawing students from all over the state who want to learn more about the natural history and conservation of Georgia's native plants. To date, 30 students have completed their requirements and earned their Certificates.

People from all backgrounds participate in the Certificate program, including natural resources professionals, conservation activists, landscapers and gardeners, and folks

who just love plants and the outdoors. Students have the opportunity to learn about the identification, cultivation, ecology, propagation, and conservation of native Georgia

plants.

Here's the link for more information: http://www.uga.edu/botgarden/cnp.html

See you in the Garden!

Decatur Safe Routes to School - Volunteers Needed

Decatur Safe Routes to School

It's slowly starting to warm up again, and school children are eager to walk and bike to school. We are always in need for volunteers to assist with walking school buses and other Safe Routes events and programs. If you are interested, please contact Greg White, 678-553-6543. Longtime Parent Volunteer Neil Norton leads a monthly walking school bus from the Decatur Housing Authority's Allen Wilson Terrace and Gateway Homes, and volunteers are welcome. For more info. please contact Neil at 404-271-6526.

Jan 30 - Community Gardening Workshop

Community Gardening Workshop

Interested in starting a garden in your community? Looking for access to fresh, local fruits and vegetables? Join us to find out more about the new Community Gardens initiative in DeKalb County. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to talk to representatives from local farms and gardens, and sign up for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and DeKalb County Community Gardens.

Workshop Presenters and Exhibitors
* Oakhurst Gardens * Atlanta Community Food Bank * Earth Solutions, Inc. * Georgia Organics * Healthy Belvedere * Southeastern Horticultural Society * Local Farmers Markets * Wonderland Garden * Captain Planet Foundation * Keep DeKalb Beautiful * Scott Fertilizer * DeKalb County Parks and Recreation*

Register to win door prizes and much, much more!
Workshop Presenters and Exhibitors
* Oakhurst Gardens * Atlanta Community Food Bank * Earth Solutions, Inc. * Georgia Organics * Healthy Belvedere * Southeastern Horticultural Society * Local Farmers Markets * Wonderland Garden * Captain Planet Foundation * Keep DeKalb Beautiful * Scott Fertilizer * DeKalb County Parks and Recreation*

Register to win door prizes and much, much more!

Valentine's Events at the Rec

The 4th Annual Chris Lewis Valentine's Luncheon

11 am to 2 pm, Tuesday, February 9^th

Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street

Come out and enjoy your afternoon with Decatur’s own Red Hatters. There will be games, laughter, giveaways, and a wonderful lunch served. Fellowship will take place from 11 am-12 pm, with lunch served at 12:00pm. Dress to impress RED HAT ATTIRE. Please bring a “table ready” covered dish.

For more information, please contact Lee Williams at 678-553-6551.

The Annual 1^st – 3^rd Graders Valentine's Luncheon

11:30 am to 1:30 pm, Saturday, February 13^th

Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street

Hey Decatur First, Second and Third Graders and parents, come celebrate Valentine’s Day with Decatur Active Living. Join us for an afternoon of good food and fun as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Participants will receive a free 4x6 photo of them and their parent(s). Photo will be taken promptly at 11:30am, and lunch will be served at 12:15pm. Entertainment will include audience participation, poems, reading, songs, etc., as well as scheduled events. Participants must RSVP in advance by signing-up at Decatur Recreation Center by February 6, 2010.

Cost: $10.00 per participant (parents free). For more information, please contact Lee Williams at 678-553-6551.

The Annual 4^th & 5^th Graders Valentine's Dance

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Saturday, February 13^th

Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street

Let’s Dance! City of Decatur 4th and 5th graders, please join us for an evening of music, food, fun and friends. Come out and get your dance on at Decatur Recreation Center. Celebrate your Valentine’s Day among friends. Doors open at 6:30pm. Participants will receive a free 4x6 photo. All photos will be printed on the spot. Participants must RSVP in advance by signing-up at DRC by February 6, 2010. This event will be supervised by Decatur Active Living Staff members.

Cost: $5.00 per participant (chaperons free). For more information, please contact Lee Williams at 678-553-6551.

Glenlake Park Update

A message from Hugh Saxon, Asst. City Manager:

Glenlake Park Update

Construction of the Glenlake Park improvements has been delayed significantly by last year’s weather, especially the near record rainfall. Presently, completion of the work is expected in April, 2010.

More info.:
A master plan of improvements to Glenlake Park was approved by the City Commissioners in February, 2008, after an extensive public involvement process. A new bathhouse was opened in June 2009.
Work on the rest of Phase 1 of the park improvements started in March, 2009. New walking trails, pedestrian bridges, a new multi-purpose pavilion, improved dog park, and renovated athletic fields will provide a wide variety of activities in the park and enhance active living opportunities for Decatur residents. A restored stream corridor and several new storm drainage improvements will improve water quality, help reduce downstream flooding and allow the stream to become an integral part of the park experience.
The total project budget is $3 million from the Capital Bond Fund. The Glenlake Park Improvements were designed by jB+a Landscape Architects of Atlanta. The general contractor for the Glenlake Park Improvements is Sports Turf Company of Whitesburg.
More info. available online at: http://www.decaturga.com/cgs_citysvcs_ced_bondprojects_glenlake.aspx

Decatur Youth & Adult Basketball League Team Standings

Now Online: Standings for Decatur Active Living's basketball leagues, youth and adult! Visit the new Decatur News Online blog to see who's in first place:

http://www.decaturnewsonline.com/announcements/article_6faa9fc0-0216-11df-b2b3-001cc4c002e0.html

Group Fitness Classes at the Rec!!

Group Fitness Classes at the Decatur Recreation Center
Burn calories. Tone muscles. Improve strength, balance and flexibility. All fitness levels welcome.

Mondays
1:45 pm Yoga
5:30 pm Pilates

Tuesdays
5:30 pm Body Sculpting
6:30 pm Yoga

Wednesdays
10:00 am Yoga

Thursdays
5:30 pm Body Sculpting
6:30 pm Pilates

Fee: $7.00 per class. Punch cards are available at $6.00 per class, 10 class minimum).
Please bring a yoga mat to each class (not a towel).

All classes held at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St. For more information, please call LaWanda Brokenborough at 1-877-MY- ROBIX (1-877-697-6249), or e-mail: aerobicsdelivered@gmail.com, or visit www.aerobicsdelivered.com.

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LaWanda L Brokenborough (A.K.A.Sgt.LaWanda) has been teaching group fitness and dance full time since 2001. She is the founder of Aerobics Delivered. She teaches an average of 32 classes a week (yes you are reading it right!). Though she holds over 7 various certifications and teaches more than 15 different class formats, she is most known for her high energy Zumba classes. She does her own choreography. She enjoys working with senior adults and children as well as the general fitness population.

Jan 20 - Cultural Arts Master Plan Meetings for Families with Young Children (10 am) and for Young Professionals (6 pm)

Feb 2 - Mason Mill Park Public Meeting

http://www.co.dekalb.ga.us/parks/mason_mill.htm

DEKALB PARKS AND RECREATION IS HOLDING A PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING ABOUT MASON MILL PARK

The DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Department will hold a Public Meeting on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 to discuss Mason Mill Park. The general public is invited to attend.

WHO: DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Department
WHAT: Public meeting to discuss the construction plans for future development of Mason Mill Park
WHEN: Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 6:30pm
WHERE: Avis G. Williams Library, 1282 McConnell Drive, Decatur , GA 30033

For more information, please contact Revonda Moody, Project Manager, at 404-687-3708, rnmoody@co.dekalb.ga.us.

March 3 - Georgia Walk to School Day

Georgia Walk to School Day will be held on Wednesday, March 3rd. Decatur Active Living will host welcome tents that morning and afternoon at Glennwood Academy, Clairemont Elem., Oakhurst Elem., and Winnona Park Elem. More info. will be announced shortly. Please contact Greg White at 678-553-6543 with questions.

http://www.srtsga.org/Happening/Events

Mar 16 - Annual GA Rides to the Capitol leaving from Decatur

Tuesday, March 16, 2010, leaves from the East Lake MARTA station. For more info., please contact Georgia Bikes, 404-634-6745, GeorgiaBikesHQ@GeorgiaBikes.org.

New Playbook and Class Info.

The info. source for everything Active Living and Children & Youth Services is out. Pick up a copy at the Decatur Rec. Center or City Hall, or click HERE for the online version. Please click HERE for archived Playbooks.

Sample classes include:

American Sign Language Class - ASL 1

6:30 - 8:30 pm, Thursdays

13 Sessions, Begins Jan. 28th

Decatur Rec. Center, 231 Sycamore St.

$185 for Decatur Residents; $200 for non-city residents

Contact: Adesi C. Brown, adesi@bellsouth.net, 404-729-1025

This class is designed for beginner's sign language. The student will be able to make a basic conversation and learn vocabulary when the class is completed. Students will have the change to interact with experienced sign language speakers. Please contact Adesi for more info.

COME AND HAVE FUN WHILE LEARNING A GREAT LANGUAGE!

Visual Arts Classes

For 6th, 7th and 8th Graders

4 to 5 pm or 5 to 6 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays

8 Session, Classes begin Jan. 19th

Renfroe Middle School

$90 for Decatur Residents; $110 for non-city residents

Contact: Barrett Tibbets, Barrett.Tibbets@decaturga.com, 678-553-6556.

Explore World History with the eyes of an artist. Evolve your skills from cave paintings to space age art. Students will learn how to use early man made art tools and techniques as well as a few "futuristic" techniques that utilize the latest technology to create unique works of art.

McClendon's Dog Obedience Training

All breeds accepted

7 to 9 pm, Thursdays

Decatur Rec. Center, 231 Sycamore St.

This is an ongoing class. Ask about special training if needed.

Contact: Lee Williams, Lee.Williams@decaturga.com, 678-553-6551.

A four week intensive training program for dogs, big and small, six months and older.

General Obedience training; Certificate upon completion.

Tae Kwon Do

Children, 7:30 to 8:30 pm, Adults, 8:30 to 9:30 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays

Decatur Rec. Center, 231 Sycamore St.

Contact: Lee Williams, Lee.Williams@decaturga.com, 678-553-6551.

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art using kickboxing techniques. Students are taught the beauty and importance of technique and ritual, martial arts history and theories, and how Tae Kwon Do is used in self-defense.