The Decatur High School Boys & Girls Tennis Teams play their first home match on Tuesday, February 24 at Glenlake Tennis Center. Come on out and support them as they battle arch rival Druid Hills High School! The rest of the home schedule is below. They would love it if you cheered them on!
Tuesday, Feb 24th vs. Druid Hills
Thursday, March 5th vs. Paideia
Tuesday, March 10th vs. Grady
Thursday, March 12th vs. Cross Keys
Monday, March 16th vs. Avondale
Thursday, March 19th vs. Chamblee
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
It's Back - Table Tennis at the Rec Starting March 3
Table Tennis is a great sport for all ages, and it's back at the Decatur Rec. Center!
Starting Tuesday, March 3rd, please join us at 7 pm Tuesdays and 10 am Sundays for free, fun table tennis play at the DRC, 231 Sycamore St. City residents c'mon out, no matter your skill level. It is recommended you bring your own paddle, but we will have extra paddles and balls available.
Here's an article on Decatur's own table tennis guru, Charlie Slater, 65 years young:
http://www.ajc.com/search/content/health/stories/2008/12/15/workout_table_tennis.html
Table tennis will keep you in shape - no joke
Table tennis will keep you in shape - no joke
By ELSA K. SIMCIK
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Monday, December 15, 2008
• How he got started: Charlie Slater, 65, has been playing table tennis since he was nine years old. “I played with the landlady’s daughter in the basement,” said Slater, who lives in Decatur. “She had a table down there and she used to beat me all the time.”
• How he got serious: Slater said he played a little in college but got more competitive while working for Delta Air Lines as a computer programmer. He competed in Delta’s annual tournament and was even tournament director for several years. “I’ve been pretty serious for the last 30 to 40 years,” said Slater, who is now retired from Delta and works part-time as a math tutor and substitute teacher.
• A breakdown of his sport: Slater explained that the term “ping pong” is actually copyrighted by Parker Brothers so the correct term is table tennis. While here in the United States we’re more likely to see people casually hitting the ball back and forth in their basements, table tennis is a much bigger deal in places like China, where it’s considered to be the national sport.
• Defending his sport: Slater said that people often laugh when he says he plays table tennis competitively. “I like the fact that this sport is very misunderstood in the United States,” he said. But as he explained, when it’s played correctly, “there’s a lot of movement. You aren’t just standing there waiting for the ball; you’re moving to where the ball is; you’re swinging pretty hard. It’s just a question of intensity.”
• Competing: Slater plays in a league through the Atlanta Georgia Table Tennis Association at the Chastain Park gym. He’s also registered with USA Table Tennis, where he has a rating. “Basically, the higher the number, the better you are,” explained Slater, who said his rating of 1,500 puts him about in the middle of the 7,000 players across the country. “The top guy, I’d be lucky to get a point playing against,” he said. Slater attends a few tournaments a year, including some local Atlanta games, the Delta tournament and the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah.
• The physical benefits: “If I were playing all day long in a tournament, I’ll feel it in the legs. You’re gonna build up the leg muscles,” he said. Plus, it’s great cardio: “No doubt about it,” he said. “My heart rate is up. I’m sweating. It’s a workout, no question about it.”
• His workout week: Besides his weekly table tennis matches, Slater said he’s pretty faithful about walking in his neighborhood at least five times a week. He covers about a mile and holds eight-pound weights in each hand.
• Bringing people together: “I’m meeting all kinds of people from all kinds of countries,” Slater said of playing at Chastain Park every Tuesday. “It’s kind of an equalizer. It’s a sport you can play and not really worry about the language.”
• His next challenge: “My goal is to just improve,” said Slater. “Your rating can keep going up.” Plus, he said he likes to try and beat every young person (in the 18-to-25 age group) that he comes across.
• His favorite thing about it: Slater said, “I feel at age 65 I’m at the top of my game. That’s encouraging. I’m getting better with age.”
THE WORKOUT
To learn more about competitive table tennis check out the Atlanta Georgia Table Tennis Association at http://www.agtta.org/ or USA Table Tennis at http://www.usatt.org/.
To learn more about competitive table tennis check out the Atlanta Georgia Table Tennis Association at http://www.agtta.org/ or USA Table Tennis at http://www.usatt.org/.
March 3 - City of Decatur is again Main Location for Georgia Bikes to the Capitol
W H O: Metro Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA), Georgia Bikes!, and event sponsors will host over 1,000 cyclists from the metro Atlanta region. Police-escorted rides will depart from Decatur and Roswell led respectively by Mayor Bill Floyd and Mayor Jere Wood as well as other mayors and public officials from the region.
W H A T: During the fourth annual "Georgia Rides to the Capitol" event, cyclists will embark on rides to the Capitol in order to raise support for improved conditions for cycling, including the development of regional systems of both on-road bicycling facilities and multi-use-trails.
W H E N: Tuesday, March 3, 2009, during the state legislative session. Estimated time of arrival at the Capitol is 11:40 a.m. Your starting time will depend on which city or auxiliary location you choose to start at or which route you choose to join along the way.
W H Y: Riding to raise support for the development of a regional-scale bicycle network of both on-road facilities and multi-use-trails, and cycling connections to major transit facilities, activity centers, and schools.
MAMA also intends to raise awareness of the benefits of bicycling as an important form of transportation; a beneficial economic development and tourism tool; an excellent way to maintain health and fitness; and a great sport and family activity.
The Decatur Route will be 5 miles one-way, with some hills, and ridden at a slow pace. The Decatur route starts at the north parking lot of the East Lake MARTA rail station.
Estimated departure time from Decatur is 10:45 a.m.
The Decatur Route will be 5 miles one-way, with some hills, and ridden at a slow pace. The Decatur route starts at the north parking lot of the East Lake MARTA rail station.
Estimated departure time from Decatur is 10:45 a.m.
David Crites, Event Contact, GEORGIA BIKES!
404-634-6745
"The Grove" - Georgia Forestry Agencies Create Virtual Community to Educate and Engage Citizens to Protect Urban Forests
http://georgiagrove.org/
Georgia Forestry Agencies Create Virtual Community to Educate and Engage Citizens to Protect Urban Forests
ATLANTA, February 20, 2009 – In an effort to educate, engage and encourage Georgians to plant trees and protect Georgia’s urban tree canopy, the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) and the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) have joined forces to create a new Web site and online community called The Grove, GeorgiaGrove.org.
The Grove allows families and friends to share the experience of planting trees and commemorating special life moments. The Grove members can share their memories by uploading pictures and stories of their tree planting experiences for others to see and discuss. The Grove members can also create groups, or “groves,” to connect, share and interact with other members within the virtual community.
“This is a great tool that allows families to create a legacy and leave a positive mark on the world for their children and grandchildren to enjoy,” said Mary Lynne Beckley, director of the Georgia Urban Forest Council. “By planting trees, we renew our commitment to protecting Georgia’s green legacy, ensuring future generations will share in the life events we celebrated, while enjoying the benefits of living in healthy communities.”
To be a part of The Grove, Georgia residents can log onto GeorgiaGrove.org. There they can create a free account, plant a tree with family and friends, take pictures of the occasion, then upload their photos and post their stories to share the experience with other Grove members. In addition, The Grove offers an interactive Tree Match Tool that provides guidance on choosing the right tree to commemorate a special event, as well as information on tree planting, tree care tips and the benefits of maintaining a healthy urban forest.
According to GFC, Georgia’s urban forests have been diminishing, due to the rapid growth in development. To counteract the negative impact of tree loss, Georgia residents must be informed, educated and activated to help plant trees and preserve urban forest health.
“Strategically planted trees improve energy efficiency in homes, encourage people to linger and shop longer in business districts, provide shade to keep our cities cool and make communities healthier and safer places to live,” said Larry Morris, associate chief of sustainable forestry with Georgia Forestry Commission. “It is important to encourage Georgia residents to plant trees and help develop vital green infrastructures, which offset the impact of grey infrastructures such as roads and utilities, and help sustain Georgia’s green legacy.” The Grove is part of GUFC and GFC’s Create Your Legacy initiative, which aims to educate citizens about the ways tree loss impacts the economy, the environment, our health and our social interactions.
For more information or to share a legacy, log onto GeorgiaGrove.org today and share a tree planting experience. Contact Sarah Woodward, 404-870-6870 or Sarah.Woodward@mslworldwide.com with questions.
About Georgia Urban Forest Council
The Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) is a non-profit organization that promotes the value of community forest resources and the importance of managing and protecting Georgia’s tree canopy. Its mission is to sustain Georgia's green legacy by helping communities grow healthy trees. For more information visit http://www.gufc.org/
About Georgia Forestry Commission
The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is a state agency responsible for providing leadership, service and education in the protection and conservation of Georgia’s forest resources.
Georgia Forestry Commission Foresters help community leaders recognize the value of trees and plan with them in mind, which translates into cleaner air and water and healthier, safer, more attractive places to live, work and play. For more information visit GaTrees.org.
Feb 27 - Renfroe Dream Big Auction
The Renfroe Dream Big Auction is Friday!
Friday, February 27th, 7:30 - 11:00 pm, at The Solarium in Oakhurst
Mark your calendar. It's time to attend the Dream Big Gala & Auction to be held at The Solarium at Historic Scottish Rite on February 27, 2009. With a theme of "Dream Big," our goal is to raise funds to assist the PTA in its' support of students and teachers at Renfroe Middle School.
To streamline the invitation, ticketing and bid number assignment processes, we are offering online ticket sales this year. If you would like to register online, simply follow the link below to purchase your ticket(s) now using your credit card. It's easy!
https://secure.readysetauction.com/auctions/rmsgala/tickets
Thank you in advance for your support! We look forward to seeing you at the auction.
Sincerely,
Becky Ahmann & Sara Baxter
Auction Committee Co-Chairs
Dream Big Gala & Auction
Friday, February 20, 2009
Nobody Does It Better
NOBODY DOES TENNIS LESSIONS BETTER THAN THE CITY OF DECATUR'S GLENLAKE TENNIS CENTER!!!
Beginning Adult Tennis Lessons
On Tuesday, March 3, the 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 6-7 pm 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 6-7:30 pm and Sunday mornings from 9:30-11 am 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 5-6 pm 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 2nd 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 4-5 pm 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 4-6 pm and the cost is $20 per appearance. Please contact Jabari Cole at Glenlake Tennis Center at 404-377-7231 for a tryout/invitation.
http://www.decaturga.com/cgs_citysvcs_rec_tennis.aspx
Want to ask a question via e-mail? Just e-mail Jabari Cole, Jababri.Cole@decaturga.com.
Beginning Adult Tennis Lessons
On Tuesday, March 3, the 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 6-7 pm 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 6-7:30 pm and Sunday mornings from 9:30-11 am 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 5-6 pm 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 2nd 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 4-5 pm 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 4-6 pm and the cost is $20 per appearance. Please contact Jabari Cole at Glenlake Tennis Center at 404-377-7231 for a tryout/invitation.
http://www.decaturga.com/cgs_citysvcs_rec_tennis.aspx
Want to ask a question via e-mail? Just e-mail Jabari Cole, Jababri.Cole@decaturga.com.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Feb 26 - Bicycle Safety "Train the Trainers" for Glennwood Academy
As part of Decatur's Safe Routes to School Program, the Active Living Division will be conducting it's first ever Bicycle Safety "Train the Trainers" Session at the Decatur Recreation Center on Thursday, February 26 from 6-8 pm (no charge).
Our goal is to build up a group of trained volunteers to help with the 4th grade Bicycle Safety Training Class that SRTS conducts at Glennwood Academy every year. We want to create a core group of trainers that perhaps can help offer the training at other venues during the year.
The class will be taught by the League of American Bicyclists certified League Cycling Instructor, Jyotsna Vanapalli, who created this course and assisted with the Decatur SRTS Pilot Project.
Please let me know if you are interested. The 4th grade training session is one of the most popular parts of Glennwood's SRTS program and we want to make educational and fun.
Gregory White
Assistant Director
Our goal is to build up a group of trained volunteers to help with the 4th grade Bicycle Safety Training Class that SRTS conducts at Glennwood Academy every year. We want to create a core group of trainers that perhaps can help offer the training at other venues during the year.
The class will be taught by the League of American Bicyclists certified League Cycling Instructor, Jyotsna Vanapalli, who created this course and assisted with the Decatur SRTS Pilot Project.
Please let me know if you are interested. The 4th grade training session is one of the most popular parts of Glennwood's SRTS program and we want to make educational and fun.
Gregory White
Assistant Director
City of Decatur Active Living
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