Book Signing Blowout Bash

Thanks for everyone who attended the Little Shop of Stories sponsored book signing by Jeff Kinney, author of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" book series. A huge crowd of children and parents turned out at the Decatur Recreation Center. Special thanks to Diane Capriola of Little Shop of Stories. With the weather warming up, consider bringing a book to read at one of our many city parks!

GA State Parks - Where to Woo this Valentine's Day

www.GeorgiaStateParks.org

The Valentine's Day conquer your dating challenge no matter if you're newly connected and looking to make a great impression or if you've been together a long time and may need of a new experience to keep the relationship fresh. Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites offer date-planners relief from angst with bountiful-and affordable-options this Valentine’s Day and beyond.

The park system offers excellent activities for spending time with that special someone. Recreational options such as hikes and picnics always offer a quiet and beautiful setting perfect for getting to know one another. With parks scattered across the state, all offering a wide variety of activities and programs with a natural and peaceful setting, visitors can’t go wrong by testing the relationship waters at any location.

Some suggestions for wooing that special someone with a unique date:
·Instead of bringing flowers, take an organized spring wildflower hike at Amicalola, Unicoi, Panola Mountain or Cloudland Canyon state parks.
·Gaze at the stars during an astronomy program at Kolomoki Mounds and F.D. Roosevelt state parks or during a full moon hike at Sweetwater Creek State Park.
·Work together to navigate a retro-style pedal boat at one of 15 state parks that have rentals including Fort Mountain, Georgia Veterans, Gordonia-Alatamaha, Hamburg, or Vogel state parks.
·Challenge each other with a game of mini-golf at Crooked River, Elijah Clark, Florence Marina, Indian Springs, John Tanner or other state parks with courses.
·Check your swing at one of seven beautifully maintained golf courses surrounded by nature, such as Meadow Links at George T. Bagby State Park.
·Watch the sun set or the tide coming in/out off the coast at Skidaway Island State Park.
·Take in majestic waterfalls at various parks including Amicalola Falls, Tallulah Gorge, Cloudland Canyon and Vogel state parks.
·Rent a horse and hit the equestrian trails at F.D. Roosevelt or Fort Mountain state parks.

With exciting options such as these, scenic backdrops and inexpensive pricing, Georgia State Parks offer couples the perfect setting to impress a date. Pick the park closest to you and get ready for a fun-filled romantic day!

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources operates the Georgia State Parks system. From the north Georgia mountains to the Colonial Coast, 48 parks and 15 historic sites are scattered throughout the state’s most scenic locales. Natural environments, comfortable lodging, affordable rates and exciting recreational activities await guests year-round. For more information or reservations, call (800) 864-7275 or visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Valentine's Day!

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Decatur Active Living
This Saturday, Feb. 14th
Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St.

Valentine Luncheon for Grades 1-3
11:30 am

Valentine Dance for Grades 4-5
6:30 to 8:30 pm

For more information on both events, please contact Lee Williams at Lee.Williams@decaturga.com or (678) 553-6551.

Spring is Around the Corner and Glenlake Tennis Center has Programs for the Entire Family

http://www.decaturga.com/cgs_citysvcs_rec_tennis.aspx
Beginning Adult Tennis Lessons
On Tuesday March 3, Glenlake Tennis Center will resume offering 6 week tennis courses to adults looking to begin playing tennis, return to the game, or just sharpen their skills. The classes will be offered on Tuesdays from 6-7pm throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Participants will learn proper stroke techniques, movement, and basic tennis strategy. The cost is $65 for City of Decatur Residents and $75 for non-Decatur residents. Call Glenlake Tennis Center at 404-377-7231 to reserve your spot.

Adult Drills
Adult drills are offered Friday night from 6-7:30pm and Sunday mornings from 9:30-11am at Glenlake Tennis Center. The cost to attend is $10 per person and all skill levels are welcome to attend. The drills are designed so that everyone gets to hit a lot of balls and even if your skills are not that great you are still sure to have a great time. Drills are offered year round and there is no need to sign up.

Beginning Junior Tennis Lessons Every Friday from 5-6pm Glenlake Tennis Center offers lessons to juniors age 6-14. The cost of the session is $5 per child and there is no need to sign up. These are year round classes so come on out and give them a try.

Munchkin Tennis (4-6 year olds)
Monday, March 2 marks the return of munchkin tennis lessons at Glenlake Tennis Center. The classes will be offered for 8 weeks throughout the Spring and the cost is $5 per child. The instructors use backdoor learning techniques so that the children begin to develop proper strokes with an emphasis on fun and exercise. The classes are offered from 4-5pm and there is no need to sign up so bring your kids and prepare for them to have a blast.

Tournament Academy
Glenlake Tennis Center is also home to Jabari Cole's tournament academy. The academy is for juniors who would like to play serious competitive tennis. The focus of the academy revolves around proper stroke training, developing proper footwork and movement, advanced strategy techniques, and physical fitness. Also invited are high school players looking for high level instruction. The academy is offered Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4-6pm and the cost is $20 per appearance. Please contact Jabari Cole at Glenlake Tennis Center at 404-377-7231 for a tryout/invitation.

Health Theme Months

February: American Heart Month

March: National Nutrition Month
The theme for March 2009 is"Eat Right"

April: National Minority Health Awareness Month

May: National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Fun Ideas for Kids: http://www.crayola.com/calendar/detail.cfm?event_id=197&year=2009

Food Drive - Drop off items here in Decatur at the Maloof Bldg.

DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon is offering a challenge to District 6 constituents to “spread the love” during February by making non-perishable food item and/or monetary donations to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Decatur Cooperative Ministries.

Food collection barrels will be placed in the lobbies of the Maloof Building (1300 Commerce Drive) and 330 Ponce de Leon Ave during the month of February. The most needed food items currently are: canned tuna, beans, soups, stews, fruit and vegetables; pastas, macaroni and cheese dinners, whole grain and low sugar cereals.

Online donations can be made directly to the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s secure site, just
visit my website, www.kathiegannon.com, click on constituent information, then news to access the link. The food bank can leverage over $8 in food and services for every $1 donation.

If you have questions, please contact Rita Morgan at 404-371-6353 or remorgan@co.dekalb.ga.us.

Whole Lotta Shakin Going On! We're Busy for You!

Free Softball Clinic This Weekend
The Agnes Scott coaches and players are putting on a FREE softball clinic/camp this Sunday, February 8th, 1 - 2:30 p.m. at Oakhurst Park. Plan on attending and bring a friend! If you have any questions, please contact Stacy Green: 678-553-6549.

Sign-up Now for Decatur Youth Sports
http://decaturactiveliving.blogspot.com/2009/02/girls-softball-youth-lacrosse-and-youth.html

Tuesday Feb 10 - Magical Mornings for Ages 2 to 5
http://decaturactiveliving.blogspot.com/2009/02/tuesday-feb-10-magical-mornings-for.html

Wednesday Feb 11 - Book Signing, Jeff Kinney "Diary of a Wimpy Kid"
http://decaturactiveliving.blogspot.com/2009/01/feb-11-jeff-kinney-author-of-diary-of.html

Wanted: Lifeguards and front Desk Attendants for City Pools this Summer
A Front Desk Attendant position is a perfect part-time summer job for an older adult!
http://decaturactiveliving.blogspot.com/2009/01/be-lifeguard-or-front-desk-attendant-at.html

April 18 - Confident City Cycling Class sponosred by ABC and Decatur Active Living
http://decaturactiveliving.blogspot.com/2009/01/atlanta-bicycle-campaign-at-decatur.html