🌱 Gov. Brian Kemp Signed Senate Bill 140 + Homestead Exemption

Hi everyone. It's me, Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Friday started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town. Today's issue includes updates on...

• Gov. Brian Kemp signing Senate Bill 140 yesterday.
• City Schools of Decatur seeking to update its senior homestead exemption.
• High school students in 39 schools across 17 Georgia districts nominated for the 15th annual Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards.

But first, today's weather: Very warm with periods of sun. High: 80 Low: 63.

Business owners and marketers in Decatur-Avondale Estates: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

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

1. Avondale Estates City Manager Patrick Bryant spoke out at the city's work session in February. Bryant addressed the issue of the city's annual financial report for the fiscal year 2021 being submitted late. This past Wednesday, he announced that the work is now completed, minus one final step for the auditing team. Discussions concerning hiring a new auditing firm were also mentioned. (Decaturish.com)
2. High school students in 39 schools across 17 Georgia districts were nominated for the 15th annual Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards. The Awards show is also known as the Shuler Awards and will be hosted by ArtsBridge Foundation. The nominees were revealed on March 23. The event will be televised live from the Cobb Energy Centre on Georgia Public Broadcasting on April 20. Winners will have the chance to receive an award and 8 of the participants may receive a sum of $17, 187. (SaportaReport)
3. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 140 yesterday. This bill restricts doctors from providing hormone or surgical treatments for transgender youth. Kemp wants to "ensure we protect the health and wellbeing of Georgia’s children.” On March 21, the Georgia Senate voted to send a bill to Kemp. It passed the Senate on March 6 with a 33-22 vote and the House on March 16 with a 96-75 vote. (Decaturish.com)
4. Stone Mountain park's gates open at 3 a.m. on Easter, and its services begin at 7 a.m. A representative from the park said to arrive early to accommodate the expected crowd. The Summit Skyride opens at 4 a.m. to shuttle guests to the top. (https://www.11alive.com/articl...)
5. City Schools of Decatur is seeking to update its senior homestead exemption. The last day of the session is March 29 and so far, it's been in "limbo" for almost 40 days. On March 9, the state Senate passed the legislation. (Decaturish.com)

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Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Take & Make: Jewlery with Gin — DeKalb County Public Library (All Day)
• Scavenger Hunt: Spring — DeKalb County Public Library (All Day)
• Food2Life's BULK Produce Distribution (3:00 PM)
• Young at Heart Bookclub — DeKalb County Public Library (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Semaj serves as the Director of Residential Programs at Wellroot Family Services. Semaj positively impacts the youth, encouraging and empowering them to reach beyond their circumstances. (Wellroot Family Services via Facebook)
• In honor of World Meteorological Day, Georgia Interfaith is excited to welcome its newest Board Member, Mark Papier. Mark is a Principal Meteorologist for AT&T. He forecasts weather and climate risks to AT&T assets. (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light via Facebook)
• Those who live near Gainesville or who will be in the area can check out the Faith, Science, and Climate Change Conversation next Thursday, March 30 hosted by UNG - the University of North Georgia with special guest Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman. (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light via Facebook)
• Spirit Day at Tropical Smoothie is today! Head on over to the establishment for your choice of smoothie. (Narvie J. Harris PTA via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be 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