🌱 Advocating For Safer Walkways + Successful MLK Service Project

Hi everyone. It's me, Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters, your host of the Decatur-Avondale Estates Daily — here to share all the most important things happening in our community. Including updates on:

• The family of a 31-year-old woman who was killed by a driver is advocating for improvements in intersections and walkways
• The Decatur’s MLK Service Project that took place from Jan. 14-16
• The Avondale Estates Garden Club hosting its sustainable garden speaker series

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, mild; a p.m. shower. High: 65 Low: 59.

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

1. The family of Quanisha Ball gathered at a park on Scott Boulevard near Blackmon Drive to release red and gold balloons in honor of her memory. On Nov. 17 of last year, Ball died after being hit by a Dodge Challenger as she crossed Scott Boulevard in Greater Decatur. Her family is advocating and bringing awareness to their said need for improvements in intersections and walkways for pedestrians such as flashing lights, speed bumps, and installations of cameras. According to Smart Growth America, Georgia ranked number 9 in highest pedestrian deaths with a total of 1,261 between 2016 and 2020. Quanisha Ball was 31 when she died. (Decaturish.com)
2. An Atlanta History Center’s Stone Mountain film, "Monument," is being released and some are saying it is just "in time for a new General Assembly session where someone might do something" to bring about change. Genesis Reddicks, an activist who was for the removal of a Confederate monument in Decatur, spoke out regarding the film amongst other activists raising awareness on the removal of controversial monuments here in Georgia. (SaportaReport)
3. The Avondale Estates Garden Club will be hosting its sustainable garden speaker series beginning Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. Attendees will learn about ways to keep their garden green and environmentally friendly. According to reports, the event will be hosted at the Lake House at 59 Lakeshore in Avondale. (https://decaturish.com/2023/01...)
4. Decatur’s MLK Service Project took place from Jan. 14-16. Paul Mitchell, the project manager, said he and volunteers usually work on about 35 homes, doing insulation, weatherproofing, and other repair work. He mentioned that about 1,000 volunteers performed over 10,000 hours of labor in three days. They raise all funds for the projects themselves and their financial impact on the community is approximately $270,000 a year.

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Virtual English as a Second Language (ESL) (9:00 AM)
• Webinar — Small Business Loans Deciphered - In-Depth Look into the Commercial Loan Process (12:00 PM)
• Family Board Game Night — Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library (4:00 PM)
• Kids Yoga — DeKalb County Public Library (4:30 PM)
• JV BASKETBALL @ MLK — Decatur High School (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Public Education Specialist Paula V. Tate, Ph.D., DeKalb County Police Department has reportedly stated that reckless or aggressive drivers are not to be approached. Instead, take photos of the license plate if safely possible and call 911. Email this information to: dekalbintel@dekalbcountyga.gov." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor in Springbrook Park was very grateful for all who joined us to improve the park today. We truly honored Dr. King." (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— 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...

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Decatur-Avondale Estates Daily? Contact me at Decatur@Patch.com