i JACKSONVILLE-Food stamps, Medicaid and Tempo- rary Cash Assistance are now easier for Floridians to access. As the Florida Department of Children and Families unveils the new ACCESS (Automated Community Connection to Economic Self-Sufficiency) Florida public assistance system today, thousands of customers in Jacksonville are benefiting from easier access to public assistance. Instead of driving long distances to service centers and then waiting in long lines, people can now apply for public assistance from the convenience of a computer. Since online applications first became available this year, Jacksonville is frequently among the top cities in Florida in the percentage of applications made online. DCF's Jacksonville employees are playing a major role in implementing the new ACCESS Florida system. "This new system will help more residents receive public assistance if applications in the five-county Jacksonville area are made online. Additionally the system should Florida taxpayers $96 million dollars once it is fully implemented by June 2007," said Nancy Dreicer. "By applying for economic assistance online, people can save time and receive benefits more quickly," she said. District Four Administrator for DCF. District Four consists of Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. John's counties. ACCESS Florida works by cutting the time required for people to apply for the three economic assistance programs administered by DCF: Medicaid, Food Stamps and Temporary Cash Assistance. Additionally, an automated phone service that includes benefit information and case status is 1(866)762-2237). The FDCF also investigates cases of neglect in the care of children or vulnerable adults, providing economic self-sufficiency assistance to thousands of Florida residents, overseeing adoptions and foster care through its community-based initiatives, and housing people with mental illnesses. National Diabetes Associaton Work Out those Summer Eating Habits At a summer buffet, start by scanning the table to see what's available. Fill up your plate with mostly vegetables and whole grains. If there are meat dishes, limit your portion to about the size and thickness of a deck of cards. Choose lean meats, poultry or fish instead of high fat meats, such as barbequed ribs. Choose grilled chicken (remove the skin) instead of something fried. Look for high-fiber foods, such as dried beans and peas, lentils, and dark green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach and kale. Dishes with green beans, three-beans, black beans and black- eyed peas, are always good choices, as are whole grain foods such as brown rice, couscous, Save the Date, it's an occasion that you do not want to miss, the 10th Annual Celebration of Women, Friday, August 26, 2005, at 7:15 p.m., Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. The 10th Annual Celebration of Women will be an evening that includes an exclusive patron recep- tion with delicious hors d'oeuvres, and the opportunity to socialize and meet the evenings' feature performer. The Silent Auction will command your attention with its unique works of art, jewelry, getaway packages and surprises. It will offer something for everyone. Patrons and guests willjoin in the birthday festivities with music, cake, coffee and prizes. The evening concludes with guests relaxing and enjoying Glenis Redmond as she performs her passionate and engaging stories. "Celebration" is the annual fundraiser for the Women's Center of Jacksonville, so please call, order your tickets, support our event, and *enjoy a memorable evening. This event helps to support the Women's Center works, including: The Intern Experience, Breast Cancer Awareness, Women's All Youth Invited to Attend Youth Church The Reverend Woodrow Leeks Youth Minister at First Africal Methodist Episcopal Church of Pain Coast, Reverend Dr. Gillard S Glover, Pastor; 91 Old Kings Road announces Youth Church Service every 1st, 2nd and 4h Sunday, at 10:4: a.m., in the Educational Facility. whole wheat bread and pasta. Watch out for those fatty foods! Avoid dishes with a lot of mayonnaise, sour cream and butter. Choose veggies that are light on dressing and cheese. For fun,k try making your own dressing with a little olive oil and vinegar. If you make a sandwich, use whole wheat bread with mustard or salsa instead of mayonnaise. Try to drink water, unsweetened tea, or diet soda with your meal. If you choose to drink alcoholic beverages, drink only with a meal and don't drink more than one (for women) or two (for men) a day. Don't forget dessert! Dessert is a great opportunity to get in some of your daily fruit intake. Everyone, including people with History Month Events, Women's Equal Pay Day, Stop'the Violence Against Elders, Sexual Assault Awareness program, and much more to enhance the lives of women, with the help of talented and valuable volunteers. Patron tickets are available, and. there is a 10% discount on groups of 100 or more. General admission includes the silent auction; anniversary festivities and perfor- mance by the featured artist. For more ticket information, and to order tickets, call (904) 722-3000. diabetes, needs three to four servings of fruit a day. Let's face it; what is summer without delicious watermelon or strawberries? Fruit is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and has zero fat. Those pies and cookies taste good, but have a lot of fat and cholesterol and not much nutrition. So try to stick to the good stuff If you can't resist, have a small serving. Summer is a time to enjoy family, friends, and life. It's also a great time to refocus on feeling better, eating healthy, and control- ing your diabetes, for life! For more tips and on diabetes control, visit the National Diabetes Educa- tion program hhtp: //ndep.nih.gov or call 1 (800)438-5383. Join a Study Circle The public is welcome to join open dialogue and ethnic relations by joining one of the City of Jacksonville's sponsored Study Circles. Each group meets for five weeks in two weekly sessions to share stories, experiences and insights. The participants begin to see new possibilities and answers for more inclusive and satisfying relationships within their neighborhoods and across our community. The groups are forming now. For more information, contact Bill Davis at 630-3420. Shown above at the Meet and Greet are (L-R) LFNA Officer Cynthia Parker, Allstate Insurance Agent Michael Riley, Carl varnes, owner of Hurst Florist, LFNA Officer Carl Ranson LFNA President Paulette Turner and LFNA Officer Sandra Hancox. Northside's Lake Forest Neighborhood Association Changing Community One Attitude at a Time Members of the Lake Forest Neighborhood Association recently held an informal neighborhood business meet and greet. Held at the Bradham Brooks Library, the activity was designed to bring together residents and local business owners. "We are excited about some of the changes we have seen and we would like to see more" said Association President Paulette Turner. The Association has many activities planned to unite resi- dents including it's regular meetings, a Neighborhood Festival on September 22nd and a Giant Neighborhood Garage Sale on October 22nd. For more information on activities or to participate, call 446-5015. Coretta King Continued from front Luther King Jr., and civil rights activist and comedian Dick Gregory. The Rev. Joseph Roberts, senior pastor at Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. preached, noted Coretta Scott King's courage in the days after her husband was assassinated. "That kind of person can never be put down," he said. "We know the same spirit that carried her through the moments of sorrow ... is available to her even now." Dr. Maggie Mermin, King's personal physician, said she is expected to remain at Atlanta's Piedmont Hospital for another week or so. 4..,',. .. 7. , CAN YOU BE THERE FOR YOUR OLDER PARENT WITHOUT ACTUALLY HAVING TO BE THERE? Free Child ID Kits to be available at ALL WalMart NUI WalMart Stores nationwide, along with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and Ross Products, will host the first ever "Smart Parent...Safe Baby" event. Families will receive a free child ID kit that includes leading DNA technology and a placeholder for an updated photo of your child. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provides the following tips to help parents and guardians practice good safey measures. *Keep an up-to-date, good quality photograph of your child in case of an emergency. *Never let young children go places alone. Be clear about the places and homes that they are allowed to visit. Stores Sept. 3rd *Know where your children are and whom they are with at all times. *Never leave your children unattended in an automible, whether it's running or not. *Talk openly to your children about safety. Turn an outing to a mall or park into a "teachable moment." For further safety information, visit www.missingkids.com or call (800) THE-LOST. For more information about the September 3 d event, visit baby connection at walmart.com after August 15, 2005.: Parents can git a free child ID kit on Saturday, September 3rd at all WalMart Stores nationwide. Mark your calendar now! BC-C 52"" Annual Gateway Classic Weekend SepL 9-11 Its official! The 52nd Annual Gateway Classic is set for Alltel Stadium Saturday, September 17th, the BC-C Wildcats will meet the SC State Bull-dogs at 7 p.m.. The Hyatt Regency, 225 Coastline Dr., is BC-C Head- quarters. Reservations can be made by calling 1(800)233-1234, ask for the Gateway Classic Weekend rate. Deadline for reservations is August 29th. Separate Victory Celebrations will be held for College Students and Alumni and 25 and older, but both celebrations will be held at the Hyatt Regency. Game tickets are deeply discounted. The Gateway Golf Challenge saluting HBCUs will tee off on Friday, September 9th at the Mill Cove Club. The shotgun start will be at 8 a.m. Foursomes are encouraged and also Hole spon- sorship. This event celebrates Historic Colleges and Universi- ties that first served the higher education needs of African Americans: B-CC, EWC, SSU, FAMU, Morehouse and Spelman. Play Golf, Sponsor a Hole, Participate! Call Ray Brinson at (904)996- 7122 or aravbrinson(@msn.com; Ralph Jones at (904)766-1692 or ionesrt2000(&aol.com; Walter Cruse (904)626-1954 or Walter Cruse(%iax.ufl.edu. REGINALD L. SYKES., Jr., M.D., P.A. FAMILY PRACTICE QOne out of kfe adutbafinds them vei a the designated cagregie r for Get Real! You don't have to eat like this to prevent diabetes, Over 45 and overweight? Talk to your health care provider about the small steps you can take to prevent diabetes. For free information about preventing diabetes, call 1-800-438-5383. small steps " (4 big rewards "-72 lPrevent y/ -2Diabetes A message from the National Diabetes Education Program, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. a lred oe who aa no loner manage alone. This role can often snowball, weighig hemw m on you a you cope with the demand of c vng There may be mices and orgwaniatin rit in your parent's neighborhood that cn help when you're not around The outcome is better re for your parent, and lea anxiety for you. Visit wwwfamJlyoaregivingli01org and discover aworld oWppot, anmemand advice for both ofyou. nodows F1um NuidMiAd Iasb CGsqamfA Adalmd die NaduAUm for CaGhud no lb gownnwto orf Wa Ia I. ~::. . A1 L., Dr. Reginald Sykes welcomes Dr. Tonya Hollinger to the r t practice. WE PROVIDE TREATMENT FOR: *Hypertension * Elevated cholesterol *Qbesity and Weight Manage- ment *Childcare and Immunizations *Diabetes *Preventive Care *Women's Health *Impotence and Erectile Dys- function We invite you to select us as your Provider of Choice. NOW ACCEPTING WE ACCEPT ALL NEW PATIENTS MAJOR HEALTH PLANS TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT CALL 768-8222 3160 Edgewood Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32209 OFFICE HOURS: 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Celebration of Women August 25-31, 2005 Pagre R -_ Mrq- Porrvc Prag, Prace Sweeping Changes in Public Assistance in Effect Jacksonville leads State in Online Applications L- 1