Community

Progress continues toward the win against childhood obesity and youth physical inactivity

in Community, Health by

Childhood obesity can prove to be an achilles heel for many young adults but some forge ahead and do what they can to win the battle.

It was first reported in November 2013 that Tony Picard, a 17 year old running back for White Swan High School, weighed in at 400 pounds. However, during a January 2014 follow up interview with his coach, Andrew Bush, Picard’s real weight during that time was 413 pounds when the Washington Huskies, a University of Washington football team, weighed him during the same time frame.

Tony Picard

Former White Swan High School running back from Washington state, Tony Picard, recently weighed in at 400 plus pounds. He has since lost weight and now weighs 385 pounds. (AP PHOTO/YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC, GORDON KING)

Since last speaking to coach Bush in December of 2013 about his star running back, and during the follow up, coach had this to say, “Picard is doing quite well. He’s trying to stay in shape. He is not playing basketball this year due to all of the things he has going on that are keeping him busy.” Bush also added, “Tony was able to get his weight down to 385 pounds. He’s been spending a lot of time in the weight room and running.”

The Centers for Disease Control is still reporting a decline in obesity among low-income pre-school aged youth.

Hosea Feed the Hungry Needs Your Donations

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Hosea Feed the Homeless is a non-profit organization founded in 1971 by Reverend Hosea and Juanita T. Williams, which prides itself on assisting individuals and families, who are faced with hard times, acquire basic necessities such as food, clothing, toiletries, medical supplies etc. Hosea goes beyond these measures however, “It seeks to prevent homelessness by providing rent, mortgage, and utility assistance, financial literacy and GED classes, school supplies and book bags to children, intensive case management and support programs to teach recipients how to develop small businesses and co-ops, as well as leadership training to independent farmers.”

Just as the homeless and those in need rely on the services provided by Hosea Feed the Hungry, the organization relies on donations and support from the community.

According to a 2013 article written in Atlanta’s Creative Loafing, Atlanta has taken steps to help the chronically homeless men, women, and children in the city to get off the streets. A special City Hall innovation team funded by the Bloomberg Philanthropies grant has created a voluntary registry to help link homeless people with the appropriate available services and resources. The group focused first on homeless veterans. Mayor Kasim Reed also recently announced the creation of a nonprofit, overseen by board members who will be appointed mostly by him, that would help address the issue.

Hosea Feed the Hungry, needs your donations now and especially during the upcoming holiday season. Any contributions made would be greatly appreciated.

Please visit www.hoseafeedthehungry.com or call 404-755-3353 to see how you can help with donations or how you can volunteer your time.

Help Support and Celebrate Student Athletes Through GSR High School Hype

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GSR High School Hype is a unique new show that recognizes Student & Student Athletes who are doing great things both on and off the playing field and within their community. One outstanding benefit of the show is that the over achieving youths will be interviewed on live TV.

GSR’s main goal is to improve the quality of life and learning for children, teens, and young adults. “GSR will encourage not discourage with an act that is best known to all athletes; perception, dedication, and determination.”

GSR’s vision is, “To celebrate the lives of the Teen Athletes; showcasing their TALENTS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, PASSIONS and their LIFESTYLE as they accelerate in sports and scholastics.”

Individuals, who wish to support GSR High School Hype and encourage America’s student athletes, and help them to make more positive and achievable goals in life, can reinforce their future by sending in donations.

Please visit www.gsrhighschoolhype.org for more information. Leaving no kid behind is what GSR is all about.

 

Weight Control and Youth Illness Survey

in Community, Health, Lifestyle, Opinion by

Poor academics, Child Obesity, and Chronic Illness have been associated with a wide variety of causes. The most popular appear to be the lack of physical activity participation and poor eating habits. Intimate Delights is conducting a short survey that takes less than five minutes, in order to gather more information about possible causes and to help present plausible solutions. Please take the time to complete the following survey. Your responses will be kept confidential.

Youth across the country are in a constant struggle with trying to eat right, keep good grades, and remain active in and out of school. In addition there have been ongoing issues such as chronic illnesses and obesity that continue to interfere with their efforts to conquer the battle and win the war.  If there are one or two main contributors for what could be causing the decline in academics, adding to the rise in obesity or encouraging the lack of physical activity participation, then gathering data from surveys such as this one could shed some light.

The Center’s for Disease Control, (CDC), suggests that children and adults should engage in at least one hour of physical activity everyday. Doing so could put a stop to the increase in youth health issues and activate better choices when it comes to choosing what foods to eat.

The main purpose of bringing awareness to the underlying causes of obesity, etc., is to help prevent deadly health issues from arising in the future and to encourage healthy eating habits so that our youth have a fair chance of exceling to amazing heights academically.

Inspiration Comes From an Ageless Heart

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Inspiration may blossom if one would simply take a look at the world around them. Ethel Hamilton of Jeannette, PA would agree. Her organization, His Inspired Messages, (HIM), was birthed under similar circumstances.

Hamilton is a wife and a grandmother, yet her desire to enhance the community and empower the youth remains strong.

H.I.M raises scholarship funds through golf outing fundraisers. Its vision supports educational advancement. Valley Green Country Club will host the second annual event.

 

Hometown Market in Duluth, GA., Increases Vendor Participation

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Upon the first visit to the Duluth Market in June, Sabrina Orangio was the only vendor that participated on that cloudy day. “It was OK, I did sell and when you’re the only one set up, you get all the business,” Orangio stated. Since the initial event, things have picked up quite a bit. More vendors have begun to participate, which has increased market foot traffic.

Orangio was on hand once again to talk about how the Duluth Market has gained popularity.

In addition, other vendors showcased their items while potential buyers browsed the unique merchandise.

Atlanta’s Transportation Committee Looks into Ways to Improve the City’s Transportation Issues

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Atlanta’s Transportation Committee met on July 31 at City Hall to discuss the ongoing issues with transportation in the city. Members listened to various proposals including one to amend Article III, “General Rules of Vehicle Operation” section 150 of the code of ordinances. City Councilwoman Joyce Sheperd introduced this new legislation in hopes to regulate the use of motorized play vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.  The new ordinance would allow authorities to impose penalties to include fines of $1,000, to anyone who violates regulations that are directly related to the operation of, parking, stopping, standing, placing or maintaining any all terrain vehicles (ATV), or other motorized play vehicles. The $1,000 fine would be for first offenders. The second offense faces a $2,000 fine and possible vehicle seizure that includes certain stipulations.

City Councilman District 10, Clarence T. Martin says, “It’s a great start to generate a discussion,” and agrees that something should be done however, he is aware that there is a long way to go and many details to be ironed out before any rule changes can be made.

Atlanta is a growing city and will continue to grow. With that comes certain transportation issues that the city plans to deal with and make improvements on in order to accommodate the growth.

Aaron Watson, Councilmember Post 2 At-Large, embraces the transportation challenges Atlanta faces, and he loves his city. “We have a lot of cars. There are a lot of people who want to be here and it’s a great city. We love this city, we make it a great city so there’s going to be a lot of people wanting to get here and I can’t blame them for that,” Watson said.

The committee is also discussing the future use of rail cars and possibly expanding the MARTA system as ways to provide improvement.

 

Georgia’s Gwinnett Center Debuted First Annual International Film Festival

in Community, Entertainment by

International Film Festival from Robin Hamilton on Vimeo.

The Gwinnett Center, located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth, GA., debuted its first annual International Film Festival. The event was presented by Brand Bank and showcased a variety of local and international films. The hard work and achievements of those who produced independent films locally, was observed through special film screenings.

Filmmakers were given an opportunity to make a solid connection with the audience and were able to network and meet professionals who are also in the industry. Those in attendance enjoyed workshops, seminars, food, and panel discussions.

Guest speakers, such as Mike Glenn a retired NBA player, were invited to introduce their films. Glenn’s career ended in 1987. Since then, he has embarked on many ventures. In 2005 USA Today published an article called, “Glenn’s Many Lives After NBA: Author, Broker, Collector…” Glenn talked about his premiere film entitled, “Spirit of Love.”  It’s a story that was influenced by his real life basketball camp for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. The goal of this film is to strengthen, elevate and inspire its audience.

On closing night judges were available to choose winning nominees to be presented with awards at the ceremony.

The Gwinnett Center provides space and seating for a number of different affairs such as concerts, meetings, performances, trade shows and much more. For more information on upcoming events or securing space, visit the web site at www.gwinnettcenter.com.

Atlanta Community Food Bank Coordinates Cooking Classes

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Simple Abundance Cooking Classes are held a few times a year at the Cook’s Warehouse. Proceeds from the participating students support the community food bank.

On July 22, Simple Abundance welcomed Chef Chris Hall, of Muss & Turner’s; Local Three Kitchen Bar & Grill in Atlanta, who demonstrated how to prepare a full course meal that consisted of, White Gazpacho with Crab, Toasted Almonds and Basil. Next, the chef prepared Tybee Island Shrimp with Summer Squash Risotto, Arugula and Tomato Jam; for dessert a Summer Berry Trifle.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) was founded in 1979. It allots food to more than 600 non-profit agencies and serves families and individuals in 29 metro and North Georgia counties. It has been supporting different programs throughout the years. Atlanta’s Table is one of those programs which has operated under the ACFB.

Food distribution is the mission of the food bank. By partnering with the Cook’s Warehouse and Atlanta’s hospitality industry, the agency has adopted a unique way to not only raise funds but to bring the community together and allow them to learn cooking skills from some of the finest chef’s in Atlanta, through the Simple Abundance Cooking Classes. The chef’s selflessly donate his or her time because they support the cause and the mission of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

For more information about the class, contact the Atlanta Community Food Bank or you can register on line at www.acfb.org/simple-abundance-cooking-classes.

City Leaders Organize Rally for Justice and Change in Columbus, GA.

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In the wake of the death of young Trayvon Martin, the city of Columbus in Georgia was among 100 cities nationwide that rallied for justice on July 20. Neither rain nor heat was enough to keep hundreds of people from gathering at the Consolidated Government Building to support their community leaders and receive inspiration and motivation to ignite change for the current “Stand Your Ground Laws.”

Georgia supports a castle doctrine or law that essentially gives people the right to protect themselves with deadly force. The meaning of self-defense is different for each state that recognizes this law. What might be considered grounds for murder in one state just may turn out to be protecting one’s self interest in another. In the case of John White on August 9, 2006 in Long Island, NY the law failed.

The city leaders in Columbus, GA not only disagree with the George Zimmerman verdict but also disagree with the way the laws seemingly fail the African American community across the board. They are pushing to see the laws repealed so that there is true equality for all people of all races. In addition, the city leaders want to see significant growth in the number of registered voters and more organization within the African American community.  They are calling for a call-to-action.

Edward DuBose, NAACP Georgia State Conference President spoke at the rally.