🌱 Black History Month Celebration +Shuttle Services For Seniors

Greetings everyone. Happy first day of Black History Month! Here I am once again, Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters, your host of the Decatur-Avondale Estates Daily. I have for you, the most important things that's happening locally. In today's issue, you'll learn about:

• Mental health advocates uniting at the Georgia Capitol
• Shuttle services to Decatur residents aged 60 and up
• DeKalb History Center’s 15th Annual Black History Month Celebration

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy and cooler. High: 55 Low: 46.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Decatur-Avondale Estates who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

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

1. Hundreds of mental health advocates united at the Georgia Capitol to raise awareness and promote the need for improvements within the behavioral health care systems. A number of advocates wore green shirts in honor of the late House Speaker David Ralston. Ralston is credited for making improvements to the accessibility of behavioral health treatments and services in Georgia. Jeff Breedlove, with the Georgia Council for Recovery expressed how the bill passed last year will be used as a steppingstone to pass bills in the years to come. Those in attendance of the rally mentioned that this year's bill will focus on the workforce shortage within the behavioral health care systems. (Georgia Recorder)
2. Buena Gente, a Cuban bakery located at 1365 Clairmont Road in Decatur was recently named as a semifinalist for a James Beard Award. The Cuban bakery serves Cuban coffee, pastries, tropical milkshakes and more. It has been opened since 2016 and Yelp reviewers love it, some praising the papa rellena and stating that everything served was delicious and fresh. (Access Atlanta)
3. The Decatur Downtown Development Authority, Decatur Community and Economic Development, and Decatur Active Living have come together to provide shuttle services to residents aged 60 and up. The program is called the GO60+ Shuttle and it runs Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. There are shuttles that bring the riders to downtown Decatur giving them access to grocery stores, dental and medical services, and government offices. On the fun side of things, they also have access to cultural and entertainment sectors provided by the Decatur Recreation Center. To qualify for this service recipients must be a resident of Decatur, at least 60 years young, and must submit a registration form. For more information you can contact leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or call 678-553- 6548. (https://www.decaturga.com/plan... )
4. The theme of DeKalb History Center’s 15th Annual Black History Month Celebration will be titled “Black Church Music.” The event will be held on Feb. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 101 E. Court Square in Decatur. Topics of discussion will be "the role that Black Church music has played in Georgia’s social and political arenas.” Tickets are on sale for $40-$50. The cost of lunch is included within the ticket price. (Champion)

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Virtual English as a Second Language (ESL) (9:00 AM)
• Art Exhibit: Calvin Couther — Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library (10:00 AM)
• Books and Babies Storytime — Decatur Library (10:00 AM)
• Beginning Spanish for Seniors — DeKalb County Public Library (11:00 AM)
• Black History Month Trivia — DeKalb County Public Library (All Day)

From my notebook:

• A former Independent Living Program resident, Anika has finished her studies at Troy University. Anika is now the recipient of an MSW degree. You can read her story on the website, www.Wellroot.org/our-stories. (Wellroot Family Services via Facebook)
• The Winnona Park Elementary PTA and DEI Team made Decatur Lunar New Year an amazing community event. All the parent volunteers who came out were praised and given thanks for their commitment to the cause. (Winnona Park PTA via Facebook)
• GIPL is growing and welcoming its new program coordinator, Tsharre Sanders and its new communication specialist, Jay Horton. The team is excited for the new additions to the team. (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light via Facebook)
• Movie Night will be held on Feb. 24, at 6-8 p.m. Adult chaperones are required. (Winnona Park PTA via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• We Want to Hear from You! (February 1)
• An Afternoon with Callie Day (February 5)
• College Planning and Financial Aid Webinar (February 7)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 23)
• Add your event

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 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 Daily? Contact me at Decatur@Patch.com