City of Decatur Pool Passes On Sale Now!

The 2010 City of Decatur pool passes have arrived and are on sale at Glenlake Tennis Center and the Decatur Recreation Center. For City of Decatur Residents the price for a family pass is $125 for up to 5 people while the price for non-residents is $175. Get yours today.

Decatur Active Living Neighborhood Softball Tournament

NEIGHBORHOOD
SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

Saturday, May 8
Games will begin at 10:00am
All games will be played at McKoy Park
1006 Adams Street

General Rules

1. Single elimination tournament.
2. A team must have four females on the field at all time.
3. Only one male player will be permitted in the pitcher-catcher combination.
4. Teams must arrange their batting order with at least one female batting between two males.
5. Walks-If a male player is walked, the next female batter will automatically have the option to walk or hit away.


Come play with your neighbors and meet citizens from the greater Decatur area.
For more information contact
Lindsey Struck 678-553-6550
Lee Williams 678-553-6551
For more information contact

Glenlake Tennis Center Renovation

All of the net posts are currently being removed at Glenlake Tennis Center. The lights will be coming down tomorrow. Glenlake's courts will be closed until June 5th 2010, but there may be availability at Scott Park or Oakhurst. Call 404-377-7231 with any questions or stay tuned to the blog. It will be updated regularly.

Earth Day in Decatur 2010

A special thank you to all of the Decatur Earth Day 2010 volunteers and participants for taking yet another step towards the goals of making energy and wildlife conservation, recycling, and active living essential parts of our daily lives.

Earth Day in Decatur

When: Sunday April 18, 2010 from 1-4 pm

Location: Oakhurst Community Gardern

435 Oakview Rd

Decatur, GA 30030

Cost: Free (Rain or Shine)

12:30 - Earth Day Parade begins in Harmony Park

1-4pm - kids crafts, music, cake storytelling, raptors, and an Earth Day T-shirt will be awarded to a lucky winner. There will also be Earth-friendly vendors and information booths.

For more information visit http://www.oakhurstgarden.org/

April 12 - Decatur's Cultural Arts Master Plan

http://www.decaturga.com/com_artsplan.aspx

Decatur's Cultural Arts Master Plan process began in November. It will include an inventory of existing cultural arts facilities, programs, and public art located throughout the city, identification of program and facility needs, and recommendations for partnerships to meet those needs.

Take Our Survey! Please take a minute to complete our online survey and give us your views on the cultural arts in Decatur.The survey will only take ten minutes and we would love to have you join the conversation!
>Cultural Arts Survey

CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity & Obesity Website

CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Website

NEW! Healthy Weight
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight isn't just about a "diet" or "program". It is part of an ongoing lifestyle that you can adopt now and stay with for years to come. more on healthy weight

Nutrition
Proper nutrition is critical to good health. But identifying which foods you need for a healthy diet can be challenging. These resources can help you get started. more on nutrition

Physical Activity
Regular physical activity reduces the risk for many diseases, helps control weight, and strengthens muscles, bones, and joints. more on physical activity

Overweight and Obesity
Increases in obesity — among both adults and children — have prompted concern about the implications for Americans' health. more on overweight and obesity

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For Everyone:

• Healthy Weight

• BMI - Body Mass Index

• Nutrition

• Physical Activity

• Fruits and Veggies Matter

DeKalb County Parks Summer Job Opportunities

DeKalb County Parks Summer Job Opportunities
http://www.co.dekalb.ga.us/parks/pr-summer-employment.html

We work year-round to keep our parks green and provide exciting classes and activities for residents of DeKalb and beyond. You can be a part of all the fun that's happening at DeKalb County Parks this summer! Applications will be accepted for a variety of summer jobs including pool lifeguards, camp counselors and recreation assistants. Those applying for positions in aquatics are required to submit proof of current certification in CPR, first aid, lifeguarding and water safety instruction, provided by the Red Cross, YMCA or other nationally recognized aquatic training programs. Individuals must be at least 17 years old to apply for these positions. All applicants selected will be required to successfully complete a drug/alcohol screen and criminal background check prior to employment.

To apply for any of the summer jobs listed, simply complete the online application and return via mail, fax or in person to the appropriate office or recreation center where you wish to work listed below.

Seasonal Employment Application
http://www.co.dekalb.ga.us/parks/pdf/TemporaryApplication.pdf
Application Background Check Information

Aquatic Applications should be returned or faxed to:
DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Aquatics Office 4898 LaVista Road, Room 12 Tucker, Georgia 30084

Recreation Applications should be hand delivered or mailed to the recreation center of choice:
Recreation Center Locations

Briarwood Recreation Center2335 Briarwood Way, Atlanta 30319 404-679-5911
Browns Mill Recreation Center5101 Browns Mill Rd, Lithonia 30038770-593-5874
Lucious Sanders Recreation Center2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia 30058 770-482-0408
Gresham Recreation Center3113 Gresham Rd, Atlanta 30316404-244-4890
Hamilton Recreation Center3263 Chapel St, Scottdale 30079404-508-7565
Lynwood Recreation Center3360 Osborne Rd, Atlanta 30319404-303-2100
N. H. Scott Recreation Center2230 Tilson Rd, Decatur 30033404-244-4891Mason Mill Recreation Center1340-B McConnell Dr, Decatur 30032404-679-1349Midway Recreation Center3181 Midway Rd, Decatur 30032404-286-3328
Tobie Grant Recreation Center644 Parkdale Dr, Scottdale 30079404-508-7594
Tucker Recreation Center4898 LaVista Rd, Tucker 30084770-270-6226

Free Webinar - Environmental Measures for Safe Routes to School: Understanding the Basics of Air Pollution

Environmental Measures for Safe Routes to School: Understanding the Basics of Air Pollution
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/355203048
1-2 pm, Tuesday, April 27th


Presenters: Pat Childers, U.S. EPA; Dan Powell, Planner, Greenville County Planning Dept.

Helping to reduce air pollution is often cited as a reason to walk or bike. However, most of us are unfamiliar with the different types of air pollution and how they affect children compared to adults. In this webinar, Pat Childers, of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will walk us through a basic introduction to the different sources and types of air pollution and how they relate to Safe Routes to School. This basic overview will also teach you how to determine the types of air pollution that are of the greatest concern in your area. Mr. Childers will also discuss various school-related air pollution programs being implemented by EPA.

Mr. Childers presentation will be followed by a ten minute overview of the work Dan Powell is doing with schools in the Greenville County area to reduce idling, improve air quality, and increase walking and bicycling to school. Dan will also discuss how to involve students in the process of evaluating air quality changes.

This webinar is part of the Safe Routes to School Coaching Action Network Webinar Series, developed by America Walks and the National Center for Safe Routes to School. For more information please contact Michelle Gulley at mgulley@americawalks.org.

May - Georgia State Special Olympics at Emory University

Be a VOLUNTEER for Special Olympics Georgia State Summer Games at Emory University in Atlanta on May 21-23.

For details or to receive the VOLUNTEER application contact Leslie Anderson at leslie.anderson@specialolympicsga.org or go to the website at: www.specialolympicsga.org

Robert Yost
Vice President of Programs
Special Olympics Georgia
robert.yost@specialolympicsga.org

Woodlands Garden Update

http://www.woodlandsgarden.org/

High Spring at Woodlands

I went to the mountains over the weekend. It was cool and beautiful, but still very early spring there, with only a few blooms on the red maples and sassafras. I was away from Woodlands for only a few days, but everything has changed. The first evergreen azaleas are blooming, and the deciduous native azaleas are about to pop, too. Gorgeous hostas are opening in the Master Gardeners' well garden, mayapples cascade down a hill, and deep red blooms are appearing on the sweetshrub. And all around the house we see evidence 60 years of love and sweat put into this property by Dr. and Mrs. Morse. A thousand thanks to them for creating this beautiful garden and then giving it away for others to enjoy. Below is a photo of a perfect springtime vignette - a Chinese redbud arching over a small pink azalea, with snowdrops, peony and birdbath to complete the scene.

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Mid-Week Gardeners meet tomorrow, 9-11am.
Quill and Stella will lead a pruning workshop, and then we will tend to various shrubs that need pruning. Join us for a beautiful morning in the garden. The Garden Committee meeting has been postponed until April 21, but some of us will be heading down to the plant sale at Georgia Perimeter College after the morning work. If you care to join us, we'll make a caravan. Read about the GPC Native Garden and plant sales here: http://www.gpc.edu/~decbt/.

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Woodlands has a new telephone - the number is listed below.
For four years we have been using my personal cell phone for the Woodlands phone, and now, I'm pleased to say, Woodlands has a phone of its own. I have not quite yet made the transition to the new phone (which means that I don't have a message on it yet, and don't quite know how to use it!). But please note this new number, and I'll try to answer the phone when you call!

See you in the Garden!

Ruby

Ruby Bock Manager, Woodlands Garden

920 Scott Boulevard, Decatur GA 30030

http://www.woodlandsgarden.org/

678.641.2966

April 24 - Financial Fitness 5K Road Race

The Center for Financial Independence & Innovation is hosting its first annual Financial Fitness 5K Road Race on Saturday, April 24, 2010 in Doraville.

Register here to Run, Walk, or Roll with us! Registration is powered by Active.com! Or, download a registration form here.

Saturday, April 24, 2010 @ 8:00 AM local time
Address: Doraville Civic Center3770 Central Avenue
Fees: $25
Registration Closing Date: Thursday, April 22, 2010 @ 11:59 PM

Brief Description:
Join us for the first annual Financial Fitness 5K Road Race! Race proceeds support loans for Assistive Technology, asset building programs, and financial education for individuals with disabilities.

Decatur Gator Swim team - Register Now

Get ready to jump in with the water with the Decatur Gators Swim Team. Ages 5 through 18 years old. Registration is open now, and and we ask that you please register before April 11th if possible. Please register in person at the Decatur Recreation Center or the Glenlake Tennis Center.

Swimsuit Fitting Day is 3 to 5 pm, Sunday, April 11th, at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St.

Every swimmer must be able to swim 25 yards continuously to make the team. Please e-mail Coach Zeke at decaturgators@gmail.com with questions or for more info. Jabari Cole, Jabari.Cole@decaturga.com, 404-377-7231, is the secondary contact.

City of Decatur Active Living Aquatics Website

April 11 - "Tango for PD"

http://www.apdageorgia.org/
American Parkinson Disease Association Georgia Chapter's "Tango for PD"
Sunday, April 11, 2010, 1:00pm-3:30pm
Academy Ballroom Atlanta, 800 Miami Circle, NE,Suite 140/150, Atlanta, GA 30324
For more info., please e-mail edward_k@bellsouth.net or call 404-325-2020.

"Tango for PD"
Come join us! We're having a party for you! This enjoyable event for you, your friends and family will include:

-Delicious refreshments
-An educational presentation given by Dr. Madeleine E. Hackney of the Atlanta VA Rehabilitation R&D Center of Excellence, about new research into dance-based exercise programs that may improve your walking and balance
-A short Chair Warm-up and Beginner level Tango dance lesson for those who want to try out these new therapeutic programs
-Entertainment- performances given by professional dancers, just like "Dancing with the Stars!"
-Open dance floor with a DJ spinning your favorites from the 40's, 50's, 60's and on! Requests are welcomed.

Hosted by the Georgia American Parkinson Disease Association and Dr. Madeleine E. Hackney
*This venue is Wheelchair Accessible
Suggested Donations: $10 per couple.
For more info., please e-mail edward_k@bellsouth.net or call 404-325-2020.

Directions:
From Sydney Marcus:Take the second exit onto Sydney Marcus Blvd. Follow Sydney Marcus to Piedmont Road and turn right onto Piedmont. Miami Circle is the next traffic light. Turn right into Miami Circle; Academy Ballroom Atlanta is approximately 1.1 miles on the left..

From Hartsfield International Airport and Points South:Take I-75/85 to I-85 North to Exit 86 (Buford Highway), which will be an access road. Take the second exit on the access road (237 North Piedmont Road. The Miami Circle entrance is 1.1 miles on the right.
From I-75 North:Take I-75 South to I-85 North Exit 86 (Buford Highway), which will be an access road. Take the second exit on the access road (237 North Piedmont Road. The Miami Circle entrance is 1.1 miles on the right.

From I-85 North:Take I-85 South to Exit 88 (Cheshire Bridge/Lenox Road). Turn right onto Cheshire Bridge and take your next immediate left onto Buford Highway. The road will fork; bear to the right onto Sidney Marcus Boulevard. Follow Sidney Marcus to Piedmont Road. Turn right onto Piedmont Road. The Miami Circle entrance is the next traffic light. Turn right into Miami Circle; Academy Ballroom Atlanta is approximately 1.1 miles on the left.

Georgia Safe Routes Update

Dear SRTS Friends and School Champions, Happy Spring! As the temperatures heat up, I hope you will find many more opportunities to host walk and bike to school activities. In fact, 60% of you are holding monthly or weekly events throughout the spring. Consider "Going Green" for Earth Day by encouraging your students to walk and bike.

As we approach CRCT... did you know that children who get some physical activity in the morning are more likely to be focused and attentive during class [and testing]? It helps expend extra energy and gets them to school refreshed! Georgia now has 125 schools who participate in the Safe Routes to School program!

The following was taken from the League of American Bicyclists (www.bikeleague.org/educenter/labsrts.htm)

Parents did you know that:
-15% of children and adolescents aged 6–19 years are overweight (CDC)?
-In one generation, the number of kids biking and walking to school has dropped from 71% to 18%?
-20-25% of morning rush hour traffic can be parents driving kids to school?

The solution: Get kids moving. To maintain a healthy weight, kids must start leading more active lifestyles at an early age. Make regular physical activity part of your kids’ daily routine. Biking and walking to school is one great way to do this.

• Start or take part in a Safe Routes to School program in your community.
• Start walking or biking groups (called Walking School Buses.)
• Ensure kids have safe places to cross streets around the school.
• Drive slowly through school zones.
• Teach basic traffic safety skills to your children.

Calender:
April 7: SRTS Mini-Grants Due
April 7: World Health Day
April 22: Earth Day
April 25 - May 3: Safe Kids Week
April 26-30: Air Quality Awareness WeekMay: National Bike Month
May 17-21: Bicycle Safety Week
September 13-17: Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference
October 6: International Walk to School Day

SRTS News: Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Campaign
As part of her “Let’s Move” campaign against childhood obesity, first lady Michelle Obama wants more children to walk to school. Lauren Marchetti, director of the federal National Center for Safe Routes to School, talks about the realities of kids getting to school under their own power. Read about it here.

SRTS Toolbox Spotlight: Walk Georgia Walk Georgia is an 9-week program aimed at increasing physical activity in a fun, team-oriented way. It is an ideal activity for a school's PE class and motivates students by tracking their progress as they "walk" across Georgia.When you accumulate miles, you will be able to navigate a map of Georgia and chart your course to "walk" Georgia. As you move throughout this virtual state, you will be able to view fun facts about each county you visit and learn new ways to improve your health. You will also be able to see how you compare to other teams throughout the state. Visit http://www.walkgeorgia.org/ for more information.

Please let me know if you have questions or if I can be of further assistance. Have a great week!Abby Mattera
School Outreach Coordinator - Metro Atlanta
Georgia Safe Routes to School Resource Center
www.SafeRoutesGA.org

GA State Parks: Celebrate Spring with Wildflower Hikes & Earth Day Festivities

From Georgia State Parks:
Celebrate Spring with Wildflower Hikes & Earth Day Festivities

The 40th anniversary of Earth Day is Thursday, April 22, and throughout the month, Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites have a potpourri of exciting adventures planned. Choose from caving, rappelling, flyfishing, night hikes, moonlight paddles, wildflower hikes and more. Spring is the perfect time to get the entire family outdoors, and there's sure to be something for every interest and age level. Additionally, communities around Georgia will host events and activities to commemorate the Earth Day birthday. At www.ConserveGeorgia.org, you can find a comprehensive list of activities in all areas of the state.


APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Celebrate Earth Day at Georgia State Parks. April is an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors with pleasing temperature and plenty of spring blooms. For an online calendar listing, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events. You can also become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Native American Tools and Weapons
Saturday, April 10
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville
Learn how to make, use and care for Native American tools and weapons. Also explore the museum, earthen mounds, and village site. $3.50-$5.00 (770) 387-3747.

New Manchester History Hike
Saturdays, April 10, 24, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead us to the five story ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek Valley. This Historian or Ranger-led hike will include going inside the impressive mill ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids (both providing great photo opportunities). $2-$3 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Lost Person Prevention
Saturday, April 10, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Learn simple techniques for not getting lost and keeping track of your family when venturing into the great outdoors of Georgia. Search and Rescue Dog Team will be joining the class unless a SAR activity is occurring. Meeting at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, April 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Family Camping Clinic
Saturday April 10 and Sunday, April 11, 2 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This clinic allows the whole family to build confidence and develop an appreciation of the natural world through science education, exploration, and the classic fun of camping. Please bring your own gear. We will supply water, base camp, and outdoor programs such as Search and Rescue Classes, Fly Fishing, Canoeing and other wilderness adventure programs. Meeting at the nature center, unless stated otherwise. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $80 for a family of 5. $50 for a family of 3. $35 for a family of 2 or less. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Mountain Top Adventure Hike
Sunday, April 11, 2 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
These guided hikes depart from Panola's nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as a ranger explains why the mountain is protected and what we can do to preserve granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray and your camera. Rain or shine. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Springtime at the Homestead
Saturday, April 17 through Sunday, April 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge – Cartersville
Step back in time to the 1860s as demonstrators present civilian and military life at the Vaughn Cabin. We will have quilting, spinning, cooking, blacksmithing, woodcarving, candle dipping, black powder and more. $5 parking. (770) 975-0055.

Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
These guided hikes depart from Panola's nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows park visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as the Ranger explains the reasons Panola Mountain is protected, and what we can all do to preserve the natural beauty of granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray, and your camera! The Panola Mountain hike starts at 10am and generally lasts 3-4 hours. Rain or shine. Call to register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Introduction to Flyfishing
Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join an expert angler and learn about the art of flycasting. Poles will be provided for the class, or anglers can bring their own tackle. In case of inclement weather the class will be held indoors. Pre-registration is required. This class will be limited to 10 participants, class will be geared toward 7 years and up. Meet near the Sweetwater Creek Baitshop. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, April 17, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Giants of the Forest – Arbor Day Celebration
Saturday, April 24, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Learn why forests are important to humans and explore efforts being made to conserve this natural resource. This is an all day hike. Be prepared for all weather conditions and bring good hiking boots. Meeting at the nature center, unless stated otherwise. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. Friends of Panola will provide snacks and drinks for an additional cost. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Tree Top Night Climb
Saturday, April 24, 6 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us aloft in "Naomi Ruth," a wonderful 90-foot Southern Red Oak, which is our living classroom. This nocturnal climb will include fluorescent lichen and other glowing critters of the night, stargazing and night climbing activities. We may even have a barred owl join us. Meeting at Naomi-Ruth Climbing Tree. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $25 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Rivers Alive/Earth Day Cleanup
Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join us for Rivers Alive, Georgia's Annual Volunteer Waterway Cleanup, as we celebrate Earth Day by cleaning the post-flood banks and trails of beautiful Sweetwater Creek. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.Mountain Bike Adventures
Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join the Southern Bicycle League at the Rockdale River Trail parking area by Alexander Lakes for an off-road adventure. This ride will take you to scenic vistas, wetland complexes and pine savannah. Covers most of Panola Mountain's property; both dirt and paved trails. Meeting at the Alexander Lake Parking Area. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike
Friday, April 30, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This 1.5-mile ranger-led night hike is moderately difficult and goes inside the Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester and follows the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes. No children under 6 or dogs. Meet inside the Visitor Center. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Local Author new book on Youth Baseball, including Decatur Youth Athletics

Decatur News Online has an article on Hal Jacobs, a local author who has a new book, Ball Crazy, that includes the Decatur Youth Athletics baseball program:

Local Author Explores His Relationship with Baseball and His Son

The book chronicles your son's team in the Druid Hills Youth Sports program at Medlock Park. What is your take on the youth baseball scene in and around Decatur?

Jacobs: Our two sons played in the recreational leagues of the City of Decatur and Druid Hills. City of Decatur was low-key and informal; Medlock was more instructive and competitive. Both were great in their own ways and provided lots of support.
The season I describe in the book involved a summer team of Druid Hills all-stars, which played in a few travel-ball tournaments to get ready for the PONY playoffs. In the book I give a little historical overview of how youth baseball has evolved over the last 70 or so years into something more specialized and over-organized. Parents have more options than ever before -- and with that comes more stress.
I also describe a game between our little all-star team and a team from East Cobb (the gold standard for Atlanta travel teams), which at times felt like a contest between citizen-farmers and Hessian mercenaries.

Talk about the difference in your connection to the game as a child versus the ultra-organized game your son knows?

Jacobs: Both experiences are valuable in their own way. Sandlot baseball taught me how to play, organize and negotiate on my own terms without any adults around. Imagination counted more than discipline. I loved having pine trees for bases. Organized baseball taught my sons how to work with adults and the value of practice, delayed gratification, and controlling emotions. They acquired more confidence and focus during their adolescent years than I did. But I probably spent a lot more time daydreaming.

Mr. Jacobs will have a book signing event on Saturday, April 17th at the Eagle Eye Bookstore:

Hal Jacobs signs BALL CRAZY
Saturday, April 17th, 3:00pm – 6:30pm
Eagle Eye Boostore, 2076 N.Decatur Rd., Decatur, GA 30033 (map)

Description: There’s going to be a fundraising component to the event – proceeds from the sale of each book will be donated to Druid Hills Youth Sports Association (aka Medlock Park). Hal will be signing books & grilling hotdogs, from 3-5pm on Saturday, April 17th; we’ll have wine & cheese from 5-6:30pm. Ball Crazy provides insight into why some men become so obsessed with their child’s team, and does so by describing the action, intensity and magic of games (in a way that even nonfans can relate). It’s an honest look at the effect of competitive youth sports on the psychological and physical health of both players and parents. Hal Jacobs is a freelance writer and an editor at Emory University. He is a former book review columnist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, writing a regular column called "Reading the South."

Saturday - The Big Sugar Creek Garden Kickoff!!

Sugar Creek Garden (formerly called Oakhurst farm), the newest site of our beloved Oakhurst Community Garden Project, is ready to break ground this weekend!

Located behind Oakhurst Presbyterian Church at East Lake Drive and Second Avenue (across the street from the dog park), this new garden will host "farm-like" rows for growing vegetables, all kinds of fruit, perennial vegetables and medicinal herbs.

It will be open to the community for ongoing volunteer efforts and education classes, including three important involvement opportunities this month:

> Ground-breaking workday: Saturday, April 3, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We will be creating veggie beds with shovels and compost.
> Oakhurst Presbyterian workday, Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. we'll be building the outdoor classroom, removing invasive species and planting seeds.
> Ribbon cutting with Decatur city officials: Monday, April 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m. A celebration of the "official" opening of the new garden.

Please contact Lindsey Mann at: lindsey@sustenancedesign.net to sign up for an event or to be added to Sugar Creek Garden's e-mail notification list.

Winnona Park Elem Monthly Walk/Bike to School Day

Thanks to Winnona Park Elem parent volunteer Leslie Stuart, for her work throughout the year, and today's monthly Walk & Roll to School Day at WPE. Leslie reports:

"I wanted to let you know that we had a decent walk & roll day this morning at Winnona. We had 30 kids on our walking school buses and another 70 who walked or biked on their own."