🌱 Beacon Hill's Remembrance Concert + DeKalb's Water Infrastructure

Hi, everyone! I hope you finished your week off strong and plan to have an amazing weekend. It's me, Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters, your host of the Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally. Including news on:

• The 5% decrease in greenhouse emissions.
• Beacon Hill's concert and remembrance celebration.
• The town hall meeting discussing DeKalb's water infrastructure.

But first, today's weather:

A heavy t-storm in the p.m.. High: 79 Low: 65.

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

1. A celebration and time of reflection will be held today between 4 pm and 8 pm. The concert will take place in Decatur Square. It is in remembrance of Beacon Hill, which was reported to be a thriving "Black" community located in Decatur in the 1950s-1960s. The community was destroyed by urban renewal practices. The concert began last year and this year's celebration will include a variety of music, cultural food trucks, and speeches given by the elders. This is a free event. Everyone is invited and knowledge of Decatur's history will be expounded on. (Decaturish.com )
2. According to recent reports, since the state's largest electric utility moved away from using coal, there has been a positive impact on our climate; a 5% decrease in greenhouse emissions from 2017- 2021. Drawdown Georgia, a statewide research initiative, stated that much work needs to be done in order for Georgia to have a future of better air quality. Though there has been an amount of short-term positivity. (Georgia Recorder)
3. Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Commissioner Ted Terry are scheduled to host a town hall meeting on Monday, May 22, at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium located at 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur. On the agenda will be the increase of fees needed to meet water infrastructure systems. Presently, residential rates are $48 per year. The increase may go up to $96 per year, beginning next year. According to data recorded by the county, DeKalb has undergone approximately 900 water main breaks every year, in recent years. (On Common Ground News)
4. DeKalb County Firefighters were on the scene of a house fire yesterday. The fire took place near the 2200 block of Doris Drive in Decatur. According to firefighters, someone was being treated on the scene as flames erupted from the house. This story is ongoing. More information will be given as it's made available. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
5. In an attempt to make school lunches a bit healthier, the Decatur City Schools is looking into eliminating some of the choices on its school lunch menu. One, in particular, is chocolate milk. There are some in opposition to the chocolate milk "ban," with this in mind, Dr. Kiawana Kennedy, the curriculum director for the district stated that it is on a list with other foods that the superintendent and the board will determine whether or not it should remain as an option within the school lunch program. Kennedy stated that the board is comprised of staff members, parents, and one student. The list in question includes the infamous chocolate milk, muffins, pancakes, and other food items high in sugar and considered unhealthy. (Patch)

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Installing a DIY Drip Irrigation System for a Cutting Garden (10:00 AM)
• English Conversation Class (ESL) - DeKalb County Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Circle of Love Workshop Series: Her Power "Self-Advocacy" (10:30 AM)
• Redan Filmmakers Club - DeKalb County Public Library (2:00 PM)
• Prom - Decatur High School (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• On May 22, Monday evening, 18 college scholarships will be presented to 18 high school seniors. Two City Schools of Decatur teachers will also receive scholarships. A huge "thank you" went out to Arthur Ratliff Photography and Muslimo Sheikh for the moments and memories they captured. (The Decatur Education Foundation via Facebook)
• Reservations for the city's facilities and tennis courts are now available. Those interested can head on over and apply online for their CommunityPass at,(decaturga.com/activeliving/page/tennis ). (City of Decatur GA- Government via Facebook)
• Black Voters Matter Fund, Georgia Conservation Voters, Georgia Interfaith Power & Lights, and others are going on their summer-long, "The Block Is Hot" Environmental Justice Tour. The teams plan to help local communities by organizing and learning about water pollution and utility justice. You may click the link for further information. gipl.org/events. (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow for another 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at Decatur@Patch.com