🌱 $35.7 Billion To Spend On Mother’s Day + PEN America Reports

Hi there, everyone! It's Saturday and happy Mother's Day to all celebrating this weekend! I'm here in Decatur-Avondale Estates and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally, including updates on...

• An estimated $35.7 billion of spending on Mother’s Day this year.
• Georgia Democrats assembling at the Georgia State Capitol.
• Kilombo Academic & Cultural Institute.

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 85 Low: 68.

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Here are the top stories today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

1. It's been estimated that consumers will spend $35.7 billion on Mother’s Day this year, that total is approximately $4 billion more than last year, and this weekend is going to be filled with fun ways to celebrate and honor mothers all over within a budget. So, if you're looking for a place to spend your time and your money you can head over to the PlantHouse. It is located at 112 W. Trinity Place in Decatur. PlantHouse is celebrating Mother's Day by offering its Mother’s Day DIY Terrarium Building. With the guidance of a staff member, you and Mom can build your very own terrarium. The event takes place today and tomorrow. You may register at planthouse.us/decatur-ga. Prices range from $25.50- $34. (Champion)
2. Amidst the May 3 shooting that occurred inside a doctor’s office in Midtown Atlanta, the Georgia Democrats assembled at the Georgia State Capitol. The assembly was held to call attention to Gov. Brian Kemp, asking him to call a special session to address gun safety. During the May 3 shooting, one woman was killed, and four others were injured. Democrats are asking Kemp to have background checks on everyone who purchases a gun, regardless of whether it's a private sale or not. They are also asking for the state to have the ability to confiscate guns, temporarily, if it's known that the individual poses to be a threat to themselves or anyone else. (The Atlanta Voice)
3. Ms. Salim and her 6-year-old son, Cho’Zen Waters, live here in Georgia. Cho'Zen attends Kilombo Academic & Cultural Institute. Kilombo Academic & Cultural Institute is a privately run school, which teaches students about their African roots. Ms. Salim expressed her thoughts of needing to put Cho'Zen in a private school, as opposed to a public school because the new law in Georgia has limits on the teaching of "Black" history. According to reports from PEN America, schools in 32 states have banned more than 5,000 books that reference racial inequalities. These bans have taken place between June 2021- June 2022. Due to these occurrences, more families of African descent are opting out of public schools and into private schools that teach more cultural lessons. (https://kilomboschool.com/)

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Hallmark Media CEO Wonya Lucas to Speak at Agnes Scott Commencement (9:00 AM)
• English Conversation Class (ESL) - DeKalb County Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Words from the Heart: Celebrating Mother's Day in Poetry (1:00 PM)
• Collective Storytelling — Decatur Library (3:00 PM)
• Retro Revue — Decatur High School (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Executive Director of the Decatur Education Foundation Gail Rothman is resigning soon. Rothman served 14 years at the DEF helm. In honor and to celebrate her legacy, there has been a kudos board created so her friends and colleagues may express well wishes. (The Decatur Education Foundation via Facebook)
• A huge thank you to the community for coming together and donating so many prom dresses for our students! The DHS Student Center received so many donations of dresses, in so many styles and sizes. (The Decatur Education Foundation via Facebook)
• The Southeastern faith leaders will host a Zoom meeting next week. The meeting will cover the topic of caring for all of creation. GIPL's program director, Hannah Shultz is scheduled to speak. Those interested can register here at (https://loom.ly/mkB_4IU). (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Water Safety Party (May 13)
• GO Kickball Summer Social, Coed, Adult Leagues - Registration Deadline June 8th (June 8)
• PRIDE Kickball Summer '23 League - Registration Deadline June 8 (June 8)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters

About me: Cherryl Young DBA MamaNyeMatters. I was born in Providence, Rhode Island and moved to Georgia in 2017. My first children's book, You Are the Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow was published in 2021. https://www.mamanyematters.com... I've worked in Atlanta and Gwinnett County Public Schools assisting children who have special needs. I studied Community Development @ Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. My Purpose In Life Is To Connect, Create, Inspire, Write, and Expand and I am ELATED to Be Here as a Contributing Writer @ Patch! Journey With Me...

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