Member Spotlight - April

James Bailey serves as Market Vice President for the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions of Operation HOPE, and National Director for the Banking on Our Future: College Financial Empowerment Program.

Operation HOPE, is a global non-profit, public benefit organization; America’s leading provider of economic tools, services, and financial literacy for the underserved. Operational in 70 U.S. cities, 7 provinces in South Africa, and has most recently launched program offices in Haiti to help restore hope and financial stability to its citizens. Since its founding in 1992, HOPE has served over 1.2 Million youth and families and raised over 1 Billion dollars to serve the poor and underserved. In Atlanta alone since 2005 with our over 1,400 active volunteers, we have educated and empowered over 30,000 students in low to moderate income communities, delivering courses in Dignity and teaching the language of money through our Banking on Our Future program for grades 4-12.

As Market Vice President, James is responsible for development, growth and expansion for HOPE offices in Atlanta, New Orleans, Miami, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. He manages HOPE’s national partnership with the Church of God and Christ (COGIC), and oversees Banking on Our Future, College Edition. College Edition is an extension of HOPE’s outstanding work with students 4th through 12th grade and was developed to empower college students to become stakeholders on their campuses and in the community, while equipping them with tools to be fiscally fit and financially literate. Through a partnership with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the program will be offered at all 105 of its member institutions, as well as colleges and universities across the country.

A native of Atlanta, graduate of the University of Georgia, 2011 New Leaders Council of Atlanta Fellow, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, James serves on a number of boards and is heavily involved with several civic organizations, however devotes much of his time outside of the office volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club, Atlanta Public School’s R.E.A.L. Men Read program, Priority Male Initiative Mentorship Program, Georgia Pacific’s Young Entrepreneurs Atlanta, and Boy Scouts of America, most notably serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 100, one of the largest inner city troops in the country, sponsored by the 100 Black Men of Atlanta. Read more ...

Member Spotlight - March

Rhonda Moore.
Rhonda Moore is a native Georgian. She attended Fort Valley State University and Georgia Institute of Technology as part of a dual degree program and earned degrees in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering. Rhonda currently works for Norfolk Southern as an engineer.

In her free time outside of work, Rhonda enjoys painting, pottery, reading and volunteering. As a member of the Marietta graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, where she serves Financial Secretary. She is also a member of Toastmasters and serves as Secretary of her club. As a previous member of AULYP, she rejoined in February in order be more involved in serving the community. Read more ...

Childhood Obesity

First Lady Michelle Obama’s recent visit to Atlanta, in order to highlight the first anniversary of her campaign to reduce childhood obesity, is a reminder of just how important that fight is.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. Among youth between ages 2 and 19, 17 percent were obese, according to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

On Feb. 9, Mrs. Obama visited the Burgess-Peterson Academy, a public elementary school in southeast Atlanta, to bring attention to its healthy eating program. Over the past year, she has traveled the country, speaking to officials, community leaders, schools and food makers about promoting healthier lifestyles.

“We’re seeing a real shift in our national conversation and on an issue that some people thought was a lost cause. We’re seeing more and more reasons for hope. But as much progress as we’ve made, we also know there’s still a long way to go,” she said in a recent video address on her initiative’s website.

“We know children who are overweight are more likely to be obese as adults. And it’s going to take even more people getting involved across the country – families, businesses, educators and anyone who has a stake in helping our children lead healthier, happier lives.”

As adults, we have the responsibility to make sure our children are not burdened by the many challenges posed by obesity. The earlier they learn how to eat healthy and make exercise a habit, the better off they’ll be focusing on their futures.

On LetsMove.gov, Mrs. Obama provides a wealth of information, strategies and ways to join her and get involved in reducing childhood obesity.


- Marcus E. Howard Read more ...

The Rise of New Leadership | Re-cap

Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin offered words of advice about leadership to members and guests at the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals’ personal and professional development meeting on Feb. 7, 2011.

Franklin told the large crowd of young professionals that gathered at the Melia Hotel on West Peachtree Street in Atlanta that their generation has a critical role to play in shaping public policy, which has too long hampered full participation by members of their community.

“You cannot sweep that under the rug. If you do, you are not leaders,” she said.

“I think you should pick those things you care most about, become expert, demonstrate your expertise, and then be somewhat diplomatic…and say just enough to keep the conversation going so that you are not the last generation that is providing a platform for the next generation, who will do better, better and better.”

Franklin served as mayor from 2002 to 2010, and was Atlanta’s first female mayor and the first black woman to serve as mayor of a major southern city.

Surrounded by a magnificent night view from the hotel’s 25th floor, of the city’s skyline that she helped transform during her two terms, Franklin said she was proud of doing the work that needed to be done, even if it wasn’t always glamorous, such as replacing the city’s outdated sewer system that violated federal law and racked up costly fines.

“Leadership means that you sometimes choose something that is not popular and put yourself on the line because that investment is going to pay dividends, even though it is not popular at the time that you choose it,” said Franklin.
There is a different role to be played by each style of leadership, which includes “thought” leaders - those who think of ideas - and leaders who are implementers, Franklin said.

Before answering questions, she told the audience that she personally believes in putting everything on the table when you are convinced that you have a good idea, citing her first election as an inexperienced candidate as an example.

“That’s my style of leadership,” she said. “When you put it all on the table you are completely exposed. I think the wins are sweeter, but you know that you’ve done everything that you needed to do. But everyone has to find their center in terms of leadership.”

AULYP members are admitted free with paid membership to monthly meetings. There is a $10 cover charge for non-AULYP members.

Below are links to articles about the Shirley Franklin meeting with talking points:
http://www.examiner.com/socialite-in-atlanta/former-mayor-shirley-franklin-on-the-rise-of-new-leadership
http://networkedblogs.com/e1hjb

- Marcus E. Howard Read more ...

Member Spotlight - February

Noreen Raines
CEO & Founder
Big Thinkers Science Exploration
noreen@Big-Thinkers.com



Big Thinkers Science Exploration provides interactive and hands-on science programming for elementary-aged children throughout the state of Georgia.

Our goal is to inspire children to THINK BIG by scientifically engaging with the world around them. We do this by providing quality programming performed by trained professionals who are experts at making science fun for children. We believe that by giving children the tools to explore and understand the world around them, we can also inspire the confidence and self-esteem necessary to their academic success. At Big Thinkers, kids don’t just learn they learn to think BIG!

Big Thinkers Science Exploration was also featured in Headline News’ Morning Express with Robin Meade. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHD8O9Zg99A Read more ...

The Rise of New Leadership

Please join the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals at our next meeting as we host former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7 at the Melia Hotel, 590 West Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. We’ll be on the 25th floor.
Ms. Franklin, who led the city for two terms from 2002 to 2010, plans to share ways to become an effective leader.
AULYP members are admitted free with paid membership. There is a $10 cover charge for non-AULYP members.

- Marcus E. Howard

Read more ...

Think Up Institute

The Think UP Institute (Unlimited Possibilities: The Career/Life Empowerment Program) to help displaced professionals, unemployed and under skilled adult workers to explore and embark on career pathways in high growth fields.

We are in need of business professionals in the AULYP who might be willing to serve as industry/career presenters to share information on career opportunities and required preparation in the their field and later in the program we will need job shadow volunteers for this initiative.

The presentation would be approximately 15 minutes followed by a Q&A session. The presentation would be between 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. In addition it would also be great for the presenter to share information on employment/career opportunities at their firm if applicable. This is an economic empowerment initiative that will redirect the path of our clients and position them to plug into our new economy and move up the economic ladder.

The remaining industry segments that we will need speakers for and the dates are as follows:

Module 3, February 3 – Information Technology & Science & Engineering

Module 4, February 10 – Education, Government & Law, Energy/Environment

Module 5, February 17 – Construction, Manufacturing & Transportation

Module 6, February 24 – Hospitality, Retail & Personal Services

Module 7, March 3 – Business, Finance, Creative & Applied Arts Read more ...

Project Ready

Project Ready is a signature program of the National Urban League that provides expanded opportunity, as well as enhanced academic and social support. The Project Ready curriculum is composed of three key components: academic development, social development, cultural and global awareness.

The Project Ready College Access Curriculum integrates academic preparation for college along with life skills development, personal, global, and cultural awareness to create a more comprehensive and holistic approach to college readiness.

In April 2010, Project Ready began a partnership with West End Academy and Crim Open Campus High School, and in June students from both schools participated in Project Ready’s six week summer session. The six week summer program enhanced the college readiness of these high school students by addressing their academic, social, and cultural developmental needs.

As Project Ready resumes its relationship with Crim and West End Academy, the program will continue its mission of preparing urban youth for post-secondary education success. Project Ready students will receive a wide range of support, including:

ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
• academic tutorial
• test taking techniques

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
• tour college campuses, learn about the admissions process, campus life, and financial aid
• take behind the business tours of work sites
• learn about entrepreneurship from local business owners
• enjoy bonding and team building outings to sporting events, parks, and entertainment venues
• attend financial literacy workshops

CULTURAL and GLOBAL AWARENESS
• tour museums
• engage in service learning projects
• attend plays and other cultural events

By providing students with these support systems and enhanced opportunities, Project Ready will help students successfully transition from high school to college. Read more ...

First General Body Meeting held at STATS

A capacity crowd attended the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals’ first general body meeting of 2011 on Jan. 17 at STATS, located at 300 Marietta St. NW in Atlanta.

The organization inducted members of its new executive committee, which included AULYP President Travis Townsend Jr. and Vice President Ciji Tatum, along with other officers and committee chairs.

For many attendees, it was their first time attending an AULYP meeting. Immediately following the program, a committee fair was conducted to allow people to learn more about and join the organization’s several committees.

Townsend unveiled a host of new initiatives for AULYP, which included changes to meetings to allow more member involvement. This year, AULYP members will receive discounts at a number of businesses, which in turn will benefit from the increased patronage. Also, an AULYP community service task force will be formed to further support Atlanta Urban League programs. In addition, Townsend announced plans to expand AULYP’s annual entrepreneur boot camp event in support of entrepreneurs.
Meeting attendees also had the honor of hearing from Nancy Flake Johnson, Atlanta Urban League president, who introduced attendees to the Urban League community and its array of programs that she urged them to get involved in.

“Our movement today is just as important as it was 100 years ago,” said Johnson.
Please join AULYP at our February Personal and Professional Development meeting. Location details will be announced soon.
For more information, visit our website at www.AULYP.net.

- Marcus E. Howard

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AULYP Celebrates 10years

In this new year, the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
AULYP is comprised of young professionals across metro Atlanta who are dedicated to serving their local communities. Members engage in a variety of community activities, development workshops, networking and social events, while establishing real connections with other professionals and supporting the Atlanta Urban League.

At 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17, AULYP will conduct its first general body meeting of 2011 at STATS, located at 300 Marietta Street NW in Atlanta. Originally set for Jan. 10, it was rescheduled due to the recent snow storm.

Individuals interested in membership in AULYP can learn a lot about the organization by attending the meeting. New AULYP officers will also be inducted during the meeting.

A membership discount of $65 will be offered to everyone who attends. In addition, there will be an opportunity to learn about joining AULYP’s seven committees, which plan the organization’s activities throughout the year.

Drink specials will be available to those who show their AULYP membership card to the bartender and complimentary appetizers will be served to all.

Hope to see you there and bring a friend!

- Marcus E. Howard Read more ...

January is National Mentoring Month

January is National Mentoring Month, which spotlights mentoring and its positive impact on the lives of our youth.
For many of us, there has been someone in our lives – whether a teacher, coach, neighbor, relative or authoritative figure – who offered guidance or encouragement that helped us become who we are today.

Created in January 2002 by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR, National Mentoring Month focuses national attention on the need for mentors and seeks to increase the number of mentors.

It doesn’t take special skills to become a mentor, but mainly a caring heart and an ability to give encouragement to a young person who may not have an adult around who is willing to take the time to listen to him or her.

“Effective mentoring programs can result in better school attendance, positive student attitudes, and a reduced likelihood of initiating drug and alcohol use,” stated President Barack Obama in proclaiming January 2011 National Mentoring Month.

“Mentors can provide a steady presence and share their valuable knowledge and experiences. Even brief amounts of quality time set aside by these compassionate adults can have a lasting impact on the development of a child.”

As a highlight of National Mentoring Month, on Tuesday, Jan. 25 is Thank You Mentor Day, which is intended to honor mentors.
In metro Atlanta, there are a number of volunteer mentoring opportunities.

For information about local mentoring programs and more on National Mentoring Month, visit www.nationalmentoringmonth.org.


- Marcus E. Howard Read more ...

Toys for Tots 2010 - Saturday, December 18 8:30 a.m.

All year long, members of Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals have dedicated their time, energy and resources toward improving our community. However,
there is one last event on our calendar that needs our attention as much as any other.

On Saturday, Dec. 18, AULYP volunteers are needed to team up with Instant Tax
Service’s toy drive in Marietta and Smyrna to assist in toy distribution, crowd control,facilitating raffles and more. Christmas hats and refreshments will be provided.

The event will be from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at 603 South Marietta Parkway, Suite
103, in Marietta AND at 3791 South Cobb Drive, Suite K, in Smyrna. Michael Oden, owner of both Instant Tax Service locations, has personally
donated many of the 1,000 toys and 1,000 books raised to help deserving children- many of whose families are suffering financially this holiday season.

For some of these families, the toys that volunteers hand out to them
are the only gifts they will have under the tree. In 2009, the lines formed by those in need who showed up for the toy drive stretched out the door at both locations. Let’s close out 2010 with our best effort to improve the lives of our friends and
neighbors.

E-mail Ciji Tatum at cijitatum@gmail.com to submit your availability and volunteer location preference.

-Marcus Howard Read more ...

Holiday Soiree 2010

Happy Holidays AULYP Family!

This years' Holiday Soiree was held at the beautiful Atlantic near Atlantic Station. The first question that may come to mind upon arrival is - how could this place have possibly gone unnoticed from my sight while making numerous trips to Atlantic Station? The excitement continued for the night. Once guests walked up to the 5th floor and entered the Clubroom, they were met by AULYP members dressed to impress, as well as great music leading the soundtrack for the event. The space was complete with plush couches, LED televisions and even a movie theatre! The venue proved to provide something for every type, as the spacious main room allowed room for guests to stand, mix and mingle. In the second room, guests sat, relaxed and talked; and finally in the movie theatre, many guests chose to sit and watch some NBA action.

I immediately set my things down to start doing some networking and met a large number of members and non-members enjoying themselves. The hors d'oeuvres were delicious! IF you missed this one, you surely did yourself a disservice. I met new people, reconnected with some old buddies and enjoyed the atmosphere chatting and laughing the night away! The entire event was not about pleasure as we collected toys for Toys for Tots to distribute during the big Toys for Tots event Saturday, December 18 hosted by Instant Tax Service in Cobb County.

The Holiday Soiree was definitely a great way to end the year, and an even better way to kick off all of the great events that are in store for 2011.

- Kimberli Thomas Read more ...

Mingle & Serve 2010!

Making new connections, laughing and sharing wisdom provides happiness that’s indelible. Monday, as in years past, we connected with the residents of Big Bethel Village, a retirement community. The holiday season can sometimes be difficult for seniors and loneliness may cause some to experience a sad emotional state and reminisce of Christmas’ past.

As we sought to empower them, it proved to be just as empowering for us as we talked to the residents and heard their wisdom and empowering stories. Thanks to you and our supporters throughout the year, we provided a Christmas tree and dinner for the residents and had fun playing Bingo, decorating the lobby area and lighting the Christmas tree. Read more ...

Holiday Soiree 2010! December 11

The Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals are closing out an eventful year by throwing a Holiday Soriee - and members, perspective members and guests are all invited!

The fun will take place from 7 – 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010 in the clubhouse of The Atlantic, one of Atlanta’s most luxurious residences located at 270 17th St. in Atlanta near Atlantic Station.

“There will be music, light hor d’oeuvres and a complimentary bar,” said Ciji Tatum, chairwoman of AULYP’s Social & Cultural Committee which planned the celebration. “It’s a great opportunity to mix and mingle. It’ll be a festive and chic environment.”

The Holiday Soriee is an annual event that culminates the year-long activities, events and programs to which AULYP members volunteer their time and energy, Tatum said.

Complimentary hor d’oeuvres, dessert and drinks will be served. Drinks are provided by the Atlanta Beverage Company. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and receive one drink ticket. In addition, a $10 requested donation buys three drink tickets.

Dress for the soiree is described as “holiday chic,” meaning athletic gear isn’t appropriate for this event, however jeans jazzed up with a nice shirt or top are suitable.

The event will take place at the club level (level 5). Complimentary parking is available in the parking deck of The Atlantic. RSVP by Dec. 9 to Ciji Tatum at cijitatum@gmail.com


- Marcus E. Howard

Make your own free invite

Read more ...

'Tis the Season for Holiday Shopping

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping! And one of the hottest items around that has shoppers running to shops, restaurants and malls are: coupons.

But these aren’t your mother’s old-fashioned newspaper coupons. Today’s coupons have gone high-tech and are distributed through e-mails, which make it easier for young professionals to take advantage of savings of up to 90 percent in some instances, from a variety of local stores, eateries, theaters, gyms, spas, getaway spots, and more.

LivingSocial.com is among many “deal-of-the-day” websites, including Groupon, BuyWithMe and 8coupons that have attracted millions of faithful users, particularly young people in urban areas who enjoy the thrill of finding a new deal each day.

In return for offering savings, businesses receive more traffic and opportunities to make new customers.

How LivingSocial Works
BUY. Get in on a deal of the day that interests you.
SHARE. Whenever three of your friends buy the same deal using your link, you get your deal for free.
WAIT. Within one business day your deal will be ready.
PRINT. Simply follow your deal’s instructions to redeem it.
SAVE. Enjoy a range of discounts in your area.

In this economy, every bit of savings helps and every dollar saved is another dollar to spend on gifts for those special in your life.

Living Social - www.livingsocial.com
Groupon - www.groupon.com

- Marcus E. Howard Read more ...

Travel Tips for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things you are most thankful for, which perhaps explains why so many people take to the highways and airways to spend time with loved ones during the holiday.

Young professionals are no different. Many of us in metro Atlanta hail from elsewhere and will be traveling to our hometowns to give thanks, and of course, eat. AAA Auto Club South projects that 1.2 million Georgia residents will take a trip of 50 miles or more this year, 11.2 percent more than last year. It’s the first increase since 2007.
More than 1.1 million travelers are expected to travel by automobile.

If you’re jetting out via plane, here are a few tips that we retrieved from CNN.com, written by Jessica Ravitz.

Book your flights wisely It's easier to travel on weekdays or the actual holiday. Changing tickets is simpler, too, if you booked through the airline. If there are multiple flights to your destination, try to book the earliest one. In case of cancellations or delays, you'll be better positioned to hop on the next.

ID and label everything Have proper photo ID for you and your family members, and current passports if you're leaving the country. Include contact information, most importantly a phone number, inside and outside your checked luggage, just in case you and your bag go separate directions.

Visit the TSA's website You may think you know the drill, but take a minute to double-check at http://www.tsa.gov/. Learn the rules for flying, what to expect while going through security and what you can pack, especially when traveling with gifts or food.

Don't check what you can't live without If you must have certain medicines, certain outfits or a certain floppy-eared pink bunny for a certain someone to go to sleep, plan to carry it on, rather than risking lost bags. You may also be on your own, too, for in-flight blankets and pillows, so plan in advance for your comfort. And don't forget diapers and formula or milk if you have babies.

For the greater good, though, don't carry on everything Flight attendants say delays are a direct result of the number of bags with which customers fumble. If you're slowing everyone down when you board, consider checking a bag.

Bring money If your flight is canceled or delayed for reasons that can't be controlled by the airline, you're on your own for a hotel room and food.

Pay attention to where you're walking Read the signs and remember that if you go through a restricted door unintentionally, you -- yes, you -- will be shutting down the entire terminal.

Check the gate monitors Your boarding pass might not be accurate, especially if you printed it hours earlier. Also, listen for announcements that might alert you to changes once you're at your gate.

Eat or grab food to go before you board Full-service meals on domestic flights are a thing of the past. But go ahead, enjoy those pretzels.

Don't assume you'll finish your work on the plane In-flight wireless connections are free on Delta, AirTran and Virgin America flights this holiday season, but the service is not available on every plane and doesn't always work.

Accept what you cannot change Customer service agents do not make the security rules, nor can they make a late plane arrive faster. Once airline workers have closed the gate, you're not getting on that flight. Tantrums won't do anything but earn you stares.

Read more ...

Holiday Ideas for the Busy Professional

As the holidays fast approach, it’s easy to understand how a young professional can become occupied with visiting friends, parties, family and other obligations, in addition to working daily.

However, there are at least two companies in Atlanta, owned by a pair of sisters, that cater to the busy professional who doesn’t have a lot of time to search for just the right gifts.

Mari’s Sweets and To The Nines are owned by Mari and Candace Sawyer. Mari’s Sweets is a bakery that delivers the most delicious cupcakes, cookies and delectable goods. It's great for offices and sending to others. To The Nines designs invitations and cards that can be quickly formatted to send electronically.

The sisters know first-hand what it means to be busy. After baking nights while also working other jobs, they established Mari’s Sweets in 2006. The bakery and dessert catering company sells cupcakes, layer cakes, gourmet cookies and other goodies. It delivers within 24 hours throughout metro Atlanta. All ingredients used, including butter, sugar, flour, etc., are real.

“We can accommodate most special requests and since we bake from scratch we can create just the right dessert for our customers,” said Candace, the younger sister.

“Mari has always been gifted in the kitchen. Holiday cakes for friends became holiday cakes for co-workers then we got a large scale order from our older sister's company for 22 cakes and we've never looked back.”

The Sawyers entertain a lot and became fed up with online invitation services that failed to deliver their invitations or required creating an account to view. To The Nines was then born. It’s an invitation studio specializing in electronic invitations that don’t require a subscription or importing contacts, and also offers high quality, traditional printed work.

At this time of the year, the company creates many holiday greetings for business and personal use. Creating invitations take just a few hours if initiated from a template. Custom work can take a few days.

Prices start at $35 for electronic invitations. Printed items begin at around $50.

“There aren't a bunch of steps to complete so once you send details, we get started,” Candace mentioned. You can send your customized invitation or greeting to as many people as you like, as frequently as you need to and without hassle.”

For more on Mari’s Sweets, visit www.MarisSweets.com, e-mail info@marissweets.com, call (770) 649-9283 or find them on Facebook under: Mari's Sweets Atlanta.

To contact To The Nines, e-mail: 29invitations@gmail.com, call (404) 635-6162 or find them on Facebook under: To The Nines Invitations.


- Marcus E. Howard

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President's Pick of the Month - Le Petit Marché

Quaint. Cozy. Modern. Fresh. Those are just some of the words I use to describe Le Petit Marché. I have to be honest, when I first started working in East Atlanta off Memorial Drive I was starved for fresh food. I didn’t want to eat the regular Tin Lizzy’s and Six Feet Under every day for lunch. So imagine my surprise when one day I came across an adorable little French bistro right around the corner in Kirkwood.

The first time I entered Le Petit Marché, or “the little market,” I was intoxicated by the smell of fresh soups and cupcakes straight from the oven. As I walked around I noticed that there was a feeling of family and home with the eclectic mix of dining room tables and benches that give a sense that you are on the patio of a good friend. At the counter, you can order a fresh sandwich, breakfast, or one of mom’s homemade soups. Did I mention that owner Marchet Spark’s mom makes those soups fresh every single day? While you wait you can take time to talk to the courteous and knowledgeable staff, learn a little more about the menu from Marchet or enjoy a conversation with Marchet’s dad, who delivers the soups and works behind the counter.

So while you’re at the counter, the question becomes what should I order? I have to be honest; you can’t go wrong in Le Petit Marché. Everything is carefully prepared, delightfully fresh, and always tasty. My personal favorites include the basil chicken and pesto panini, the turkey on whole wheat, and the chipotle shrimp pó boy. As a side item, I always get whatever soup mom made that day or the pasta salad. If you are in the mood for breakfast, you should try one of the breakfast sandwiches or the grits stack that they serve all day.
On your way out you should take a minute to check out the local products and specialty foods. There is everything from étouffée mixes from the heart of New Orleans, Caldrea soaps and lotions, and locally created chocolates by K Chocolat.

Now a staple in my lunch rotation, I love to go to Le Petit Marché because it exemplifies the best of Kirkwood. It’s quaint yet modern, inviting but off the beaten path, and uniquely extraordinary. So stop by for a visit, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Le Petit Marché

Kirkwood Station

1963 Hosea L. Williams Drive S.E. #106
Atlanta, GA 30317

http://www.lepetitmarche.net/index2.html

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Mountain Getaway October 2010! A First for AULYP

One of the great benefits of the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals (AULYP) is its social and cultural enrichment opportunities.
In October, members trekked to the north Georgia mountains for a fun and relaxing getaway at Tanglewood Cabins in Helen, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River.

A top tourist destination, Helen is known for its pristine, natural beauty and members enjoyed hiking Anna Ruby Falls, cooking out, shopping, go-karts, a haunted house, ghost tour and Oktoberfest.

“On a scale from 1 to 10, the fun factor was a 12!” said Ciji Tatum, chairwoman of AULYP’s Social and Cultural committee.

The trip was the first such getaway hosted by the AULYP and was organized by the Social and Cultural committee.

The $150 cost of the three-day trip included lodging, ground transportation, three meals and beverages.

The goal was to provide members an opportunity to trade-in their wingtips and heels for sneakers for a weekend and to fellowship with other AULYP members and potential members in a relaxed setting outside of the traditional networking and professional environment.

Organizers hope to continue an annual getaway in the future.

- Marcus E. Howard

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