The Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge will take place on May 8, 2011. The event is organized by the Sandy Springs Challenge, a non-profit that raises funds for the Sandy Springs Police and Fire Departments as well as the causes they support such as the Georgia Special Olympics and the Sandy Springs Police Department Benevolent Fund.

Set in the heart of Sandy Springs, the Cycling Challenge is a series of exciting professional and amateur cycling races including the finals of the Southeast CRITS Speed Week, 20, 40 and 62 mile fun rides and a special Police and Fire Department Cycling Challenge. Accompanying the event is the Race to the Arts Festival featuring local artists, a track side cafe and a special Mother's Day pavilion.

A race schedule and more information on the event can be found on the Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge website.

The Sandy Springs Farmers Market is back for the 2011 season. Residents can connect with local and regional farmers and purchase freshly-picked fruit and vegetables straight from the growers. Market vendors include artisans who expertly prepare food items from pizzas to crepes and chefs that demonstrate their cooking techniques.

In addition to fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers, the Market will offer an assortment of other local and seasonal products, such as:

• Honey, jams, jellies, pesto, granola, salsa and other specialty foods;
• Local dairy products, including specialty cheeses, milk and eggs;
• Regionally raised grass-fed beef, pork or poultry;
• Fresh baked breads; and 
• Artisan products.

For more information, visit the Sandy Springs Farmers Market website.

The quality of our streams, rivers and lakes are threatened by the daily activities of residents and businesses across the region. The leading threat to water quality is stormwater pollution and the only way to combat the adverse effects of pollution is through knowledge and action. The City has in excess of 6,000 stormwater structures and many of these are older structures are in need of both routine and remedial maintenance.
 
To meet these challenges, Sandy Springs has developed and implemented an aggressive stormwater management program. The stormwater management program consists primarily of four components:

• Stormwater system repair, maintenance and improvement projects;
• Water quality protection;
• Hazard mitigation; and
• Development review and oversight.

Since 2005, the City has budgeted almost $15 million for various storm water related activities including: watershed condition  assessment, water quality and stream buffer protection,  public education and outreach, pollution prevention, detention pond inspections, floodplain studies, stormwater infrastructure inventory, maintenance and repair.  In addition, the City has received Federal and State funding assistance totaling another $5 million, for a total of $20 million dollars.
 
For more information regarding the City's stormwater program, go to sandyspringsga.org/stormwater

The City of Sandy Springs completed one of the first local government solar photovoltaic (electric) and solar thermal (hot water) systems in Georgia at Fire Station #1, located at 1425 Spalding Drive and Fire Station #2, located at 135 Johnson Ferry Road. The 2.35kW PV systems and 4-panel, 200 gallon hot water systems will offset the energy needed from natural gas to heat water for kitchens, laundry and bathrooms and from electric for powering lighting, appliances and other devices within the Fire Stations. The solar energy systems will produce a collective amount of energy annually totaling 81.7 million BTUs and more than 6,000 kWh.

"I am pleased that the City of Sandy Springs is able to demonstrate in our own buildings how solar power can supplement our traditional energy sources. I will be interested in following how much this solar system reduces our energy costs at these stations," said Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos.

The 17th Annual North Fulton Golden Games for mature adults, ages 50+, involves the five North Fulton municipalities (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton) and Fulton County residents. Fun competitive games will be hosted throughout the five cities with three events being hosted by the City of Sandy Springs. Those events are:

 

Tennis

Where: Sandy Springs Tennis Center

When: May 13 and 17, 2011

Who: Seniors 50 years and older 

 

Bridge

Where: Huntcliff Summit

When: May 26, 2011

Who: Seniors 50 years and older 

 

Awards Luncheon

Where: Dorothy Benson Senior Center

When: May 26, 2011

Who: Seniors 50 years and older 

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), along with the Sandy Springs Police Department, held the second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the Sandy Springs Police Department. They collected 88 pounds of prescription drugs. This initiative addressed a vital public safety and public health issue: More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Moreover, each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

In an effort to address this problem, the DEA, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, established the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The purpose of this National Take Back Day is to provide a venue for persons that wanted to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. This year's effort was a huge success in removing potentially dangerous prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances, from medicine cabinets.
 
Remember,  it is unsafe to throw medications in the garbage. Children, pets or scavenging animals could find the medication and swallow it. Do not flush prescription drugs down a toilet because they cannot be safely removed by the sewage treatment plant or septic system processes. These substances are released into waterways, which can lead to contamination of surface and ground water. Septic tank systems may also release the pharmaceuticals into the soil, from which they may reach the ground water.

The City of Sandy Springs received the 2010 All-Star Award from Constant Contact®, Inc., a provider of survey tools and electronic communications campaigns for the City of Sandy Springs. The City was selected for meeting Constant Contact's best-practice standards for the use of email marketing throughout 2010.

"Not everyone can visit our Web site every day, so we reach our residents with important City news with our monthly E-blast. With more than 5,000 subscribers, the City's electronic newsletter reaches the inboxes of our residents at home, work and on their mobile devices," said Jason Green, the City's electronic communications coordinator. "Combined with our robust social networking efforts, the monthly E-blast is a great example of how the City of Sandy Springs is helping lead the charge for municipal governments combining innovative technology with communications."

 

ATLANTA YOUTH LACROSSE SIGNS ON WITH THE CITY

Atlanta Youth Lacrosse will work with the Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department to bring lacrosse to Sandy Springs youth. Atlanta Youth Lacrosse will provide "learn to play camps" and sports days for the Recreation and Parks Department, in addition to its year round leagues for youth utilizing Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks facilities.

Sandy Springs Learn to Play Clinics

Where: Hammond Park Turf Field
When: June 3, 10 and 17 from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Who: Youth, grades 1-5
Price: $10 per clinic
More Information: Learn to Play Clinics

Lacrosse Camps (Coyote Training Camps, Elite Training Academies)

Where: Hammond Park Turf Field
When:  May 31-June 30
Who: Youth, grades 1-8
Price:  $115-$150
More Information: Coyote Camp / Elite Training

 

BACK HANDSPRING CLINIC

This workshop is for boys and girls with previous experience in gymnastics, tumbling or cheerleading.
When: May 7, 1:00 p.m.
Where: Hammond Park Gymnasium
Who: Boys and girls 8 years old and older
Price: $25

 

SPRING SHOWCASE

This showcase features the Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics advanced classes and teams at Hammond Park Gymnasium, with a special performance by the Capoeira group.
When: Saturday, May 14, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Where: Hammond Park Gymnasium
Price: Free

TRY-OUTS FOR GIRLS GYMNASTICS TEAMS AND PRE-TEAM

When: Saturday, May 21, 1:00 p.m.
Where: Hammond Park Gymnasium
Who: Youth, 3-5 years old
Price: Free

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR 2011 SUMMER CAMPS

Registration for the Recreation and Parks Department's summer recreation programs and camps is underway. Register online 24 hours a day.  Hours for walk-in or phone registration are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.

There are fun summer opportunities for all ages: preschool, youth and teens. Summer camps offered this year include Day Camp, Super Sports Camp, Art Camp, Introduction to Tennis, Soccer, Gymnastics, Preschool Gymnastics, Mighty Mites, 31 Stories Discover Me, Creative Theatre and Act Up! drama camps and Middle School Summer Hangout camp.

When:  Camps occur between May 31 and August 26, 2011.
Where: Various locations include: Hammond Park Gymnastics Center, Hitson Memorial Activities Center, Lake Forest Elementary School, Ison Springs Elementary School and Sandy Springs Middle School.
Prices: $45 and Up

Registration for programs is available online via Activenet, or call (770) 206-2035 for further information.