🌱 Georgia Rabbit House Society Raising Money+ Black-Owned Businesses

Hi, Decatur-Avondale Estates! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news about:

• Georgia Rabbit House Society is raising money to help a pet rabbit and its family
• State legislature considering a wide range of mental health reformation
• Neighbors raise money for man displaced from his home after fire destruction

But first, today's weather: Variably cloudy and very warm. High: 76 Low: 65.

Here's to the wonderful local business who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

Decatur Parents! Want to turn your kids’ outgrown clothes and toys into income? Rhea Lana's Decatur offers upscale consignment for savvy moms — and their next sale is happening March 12-18! Turn all that closet clutter into opportunity with Rhea Lana’s stress-free selling process. Want to shop affordably for your kids? You can buy tickets to the sale here — including a special Launch Party on March 10, along with free tickets for moms-to-be! Your wallet (and closet) will thank you.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

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

1. The Georgia Rabbit House Society is raising money to help a pet rabbit and its family. The Coleman family, along with their pet rabbit, Goldie, lost their home in December of last year. Unable to find a shelter that would house Goldie, Cory Coleman was forced to sleep outdoors with the family pet, while his wife, Shonvenelle and their children slept inside the local shelter. Coleman's refusal to abandon their beloved pet gained local and national attention. Gregory White, the director of the Decatur Recreation Center, recalled taking Goldie home with him some nights and researching places that would temporarily take Goldie in. Soon White came across the Georgia Rabbit House Society and things began to warm up a bit for the Coleman's. The Georgia Rabbit House Society hopes to after he started sleeping on the streets to make sure his wife and gain support from the kindness of strangers in order to get this family back on their feet. Those interested can visit their website for more insight. (11Alive.com WXIA)
2. The state legislature is considering a wide range in mental health reformation. A bill that aims to improve mental-health and substance-abuse challenges is raising support among state Reps. Todd Jones and Mary Margaret Oliver. Last year, the General Assembly unanimously approved the mental-health reform bill initiated by the late House Speaker David Ralston. This legislation would create committees that would analysis, collect data, and work together to address and solve issues that Georgians are currently facing when it comes to the lack of mental health awareness and solutions. (The Current GA)
3. A man has been displaced from his home after a fire that begun in the kitchen extended its way through other areas of the home. Fire Chief Toni Washington reported that he and his fellow firefighters responded to West Benson Street at approximately 3 p.m. on Feb. 17. There was significant smoke and heat damage. No one was injured and the owner of the property, Elliott Augustine, is receiving much support from his neighbors who have set up a Go Fund Me which has raised $2,385. If you'd like to donate, you can head over to the donation site. (Decaturish.com)

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Art Exhibit: Calvin Couther — Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library (10:00 AM)
• Black History Month Trivia Challenge (10:00 AM)
• All Ages Open Mic Virtual — DeKalb County Public Library (5:30 PM)
• Book Discussion: "The Water Dancer" — Decatur Library (6:00 PM)
• Motown Music Review — DeKalb County Public Library (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• McCain Library's circulation desk has goodies courtesy of the Wall Street Journal. You can activate your WSJ digital editions account to a wallet for your phone, some cool stickers, bookmarks and more. (McCain Library, Agnes Scott College via Facebook)
• In honor of Black History Month, a list of Decatur's Black-owned businesses has been put together. Those interested in supporting can access the list within the link. (The Decatur Education Foundation via Facebook)
• McCain Library is hosting a Black History Month Paint & Sip on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. There will be art supplies, non-alcoholic beverages, and an array of snacks provided to celebrate the culture. (McCain Library, Agnes Scott College via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• BJ's Wholesale Club Pre-opening Limited time Offer (February 23)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at Decatur@Patch.com