The word single has taken on a broad meaning for many Americans who are parents, have partners or are widowed. And National Unmarried and Single Americans Week was created to acknowledge them all. Created in the 1980s by the Buckeye Singles Council in Ohio, the week is widely observed during the third full week of September (Sept. 18-24) to celebrate single life and recognize singles and their contributions to society. Now 99 million, or 43 percent of the U.S. population age 18 or older are unmarried, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And, in keeping with the growing ranks of the unmarried…

With nearly half the U.S population, 18 and older, unmarried and a growing number living alone, one of the world’s popular social dating communities decided to poll some of its members on living the single life in America. Zoosk.com online dating service surveyed more than 4,500 of its members in the U.S. in time for National Unmarried & Single Americans Week. Some of their answers may surprise you.  Does having a relationship impact productivity at work? 64%: The percentage of single men who said they are more productive in the workplace when they are dating someone. In comparison, 53% of …

In 1970, Marian McQuade decided to make it her goal to educate the youth in the community about the important contributions seniors have made throughout history. She urged the youth to "adopt" a grandparent, not just for one day a year, but rather for a lifetime. McQuade began a campaign to set aside a special day just for grandparents. And, in 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a presidential proclamation, designating the first Sunday after Labor Day as "National Grandparents Day."  The first official observance was Sept. 9, 1979 — and it has been celebrated every year since. Check out this…

On Sept. 5, 1882, Peter J. McGuire, a Carpenters and Joiners Union secretary, organized a parade of about 10,000 workers in New York City. That day has been historically accepted as the first observance of Labor Day.  By 1893, more than half the states were observing “Labor Day” on one day or another. Then in 1894, Congress passed a bill to establish a federal holiday. President Grover Cleveland signed the bill soon afterward, designating the first Monday in September as Labor Day. Below find a list of Labor Day facts and fun activities planned  for Labor Day.  From fast cars to fireworks, …

One resident entering southwest Atlanta’s Summerset Assisted living Community, Inc. viewed the move to facility as a time of doom. She thought she was coming there to die. But good assisted-living facilities (ALFs) offer residents socialization, fun activities and a sense of independence with the assurance of personal care and support, if the residents need it. They are often viewed as the best of both worlds—independence with personal assistance when needed. Assisted living communities were established to provide residents with assistance with basic daily living needs such as bathing, …

Standing on the platform at MARTA’s Five Points Station, the woman stared anxiously at the time. It was 7:15 p.m. Her computer class starts at 7:30 p.m. It’s the second day of the class and she was going to be late.  The woman was in her 50s, one of an increasing number of older adults who have decided to return to school to compete in the fierce job market. Their plan is to add extra armor to their resume in order to compete with the huge number of newly graduated youngsters. Student admissions over the age of 35 have climbed in numbers, especially in the last 10 years, according to …

Some college professors say they are facing a rather startling problem: freshmen who can’t read or write. Parents are dealing with children, who for one reason or another, aren't making the cut. And all eyes are on the public school system. Dr. Sandi Ayaz, executive director for the National Tutoring Association, said as an English professor she has to deal with too many students who aren’t prepared for college. She has watched the tutoring business explode as more and more parents seem to be losing confidence in the public school system. Some parents are getting more involved, seeking …

In the last few years the tutoring business has exploded as parents grow more concerned about tests, children struggle in classes and the No Child Left Behind program pushes more tutoring in schools. The increase in home schooling has also pushed others to hang out shingles in order to serve this market. There are about five million practicing tutors nationwide, according to the National Tutoring Association, which trains and certifies tutors. Dr. Sandi Ayaz, NTA’s executive director, said the limitations placed on teachers make the demand for tutors even greater. “Teachers have 30 kids or …

Each year, moms and dads spend thousands of dollars on child care services in Georgia. Working late hours to make ends meet, parents reportedly spend anywhere from 13 to 15 percent or more of their income on child care services. Still, there are many centers to choose from and often parents go back and forth trying to find the right fit for their children. Here are four centers located in southwest Atlanta and a few tips that may help in choosing the right one: Prestige Learning Center at 1260 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. The center provides breakfast, lunch and snacks. It also has an after …

Whether having breakfast for one, a picnic for two or a feast for a large family, cool down this summer with healthy smoothies and refreshingly chilled juices. Packed with vitamins and high in antioxidants, many of these recipes are healthy for the whole family and are a deliciously cool way of getting children to get their servings of fruits. Taking only minutes to prepare, enjoy these quick and easy summer beverages. Summer Breeze Savor summer with a pleasantly pink cocktail of pineapple and grapefruit juice. 1/3 cup pineapple juice 1/4 cup pink grapefruit juice Fresh mint leaves Ice …

Friends and family, strangers and neighbors, individuals and couples will gather as bands march, flags are waived and a flood of fireworks mask the sky on the 235th Anniversary of America’s Independence Day. Also known as the Fourth of July, Independence Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83).  In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great …

On Tuesday, summer officially began with the promise of longer days and shorter nights. It’s a time when people take advantage of the warmer temperatures by spending more time outdoors, traveling to the beach and having picnics in the park. Some play sports such as volleyball, baseball and tennis; and many take off for summer vacations. Still, with the sluggish economy and high gas prices, more families are choosing to stay home; making "Summer Staycations" a popular mainstay among residents trying to balance their budget and family fun time. There are countless opportunities to learn, have …

For about a decade, Larry Moss lived the life of a single dad raising two children in a southwest Atlanta home. Thrust into the unexpected role, Moss found himself facing a serious challenge – raising a daughter. “I had to figure out how to get her hair done,” Moss said. “I would go to the park and look at girls’ hair trying to figure out how it was done. There were parents there who probably thought I was a pervert.” With Father’s Day on Sunday, Moss recalls special moments such as finally figuring out how to comb his daughter’s hair and learning how to cook food his 7-year-old son and 4-…

For many, it’s a source of pride; for some, a source of conflict. Still, it’s the most widely recognized symbol of Americanism with nicknames such as the “Stars and Stripes,” “Old Glory,” and The Star-Spangled Banner. A source of many songs and poems, the flag of the United States of America is a military ensign or a convenient marking of American territory, flown from forts, embassies, and ships. As it grew in meaning, becoming strips of cloth that millions fought for, and thousands die for, it was planted on battle grounds, draped over caskets and planted on the moon. It flows from houses, …

Whether it’s a picnic in the park or a visit to the zoo, there are many fun activities for the whole family to do in and around Atlanta this Summer. Many can brave the heat or wait until the cool of dusk to participate in some of the activities for children and adults. Here are just a few things, residents in the greater Cascade community can do as a family: The 9th Annual Organic Fest (Atlanta’s premier organic gardening event) from 12-8 p.m. on June 25 at Habesha Gardens, 477 Windsor St. The Spirit Dance Summer Fest (A Musical Spa Experience) on July 9 inside the Omenala African Griot …

The Memorial Day weekend will be greeted by the usual fare as many attend cookouts, take advantage of store sales and gather at various social events.  Still, some will take on a more solemn approach as they focus on the meaning of the holiday. There will be moments of silence, prayer and parade. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, and it was solely a day for remembrance of the members of the United States Military who had died in battle while serving their country. It was first enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War. Then, it was …

They serve their country in times of war and peace. Some sacrifice their limbs and others their lives as they fight on the front lines to keep their families and others safe. Then there are the ones who work behind the scenes. On Saturday, America celebrates Armed Forces Day to honor these men and women who serve in the Army, the Navy, the Marines, the Air Force and the Coast Guard. Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. The day was created by congress in 1949, and was a result of the consolidation of the military services in the Department of Defense.  National Guard …

For the past four years No Mas! Cantina has celebrated Cinco De Mayo, but the restaurant’s hostess Brandis Kimble admits she didn’t know what the celebration was about.  “I know some do it for the culture and for the independence of Mexico,” Kimble said.  But Daniela Guevara, event coordinator for Fiesta Atlanta, said Mexico’s independence was established in the month of September.  “Some people think it’s independence day, but no. It was a battle,” Guevara said. “Mexico won a battle against France.”  Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for "fifth of May," is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's…

All year round, the environmentally-conscious live a lifestyle that seeks to preserve the earth such as carpooling and using reusable mugs; paying bills electronically and using reusable bags at the grocery store. They recycle, support their local farmers market and have their own organic gardens. They echo what one state parks representative said when asked about what special things the department has planned for Earth Day: For us, every day is Earth Day. Still, an official day has been set aside to raise awareness about preserving the earth and Friday marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day…

It’s one of the most popular religious celebrations in the world. So popular, in fact, that weeks before Easter Sunday, some restaurants already have dozens of reservations on their books as residents prepare to spend time with family and friends. Easter, the day many Christians celebrate in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is April 24 this year and for many restaurants it will mean hosting hundreds for Easter brunch.  For Tassili’s Raw Realty, at 1059 Ralph David Abernathy, this will be a first. The raw food restaurant opened this year and plans to make the Easter brunch a …