🌱 Healthier School Lunch Menus + New Executive Director Jen Schuck

Hi, everyone. I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening these days in town. Today we'll cover:

• Eliminating some of the unhealthy choices within the school lunch menu.
• Steve Bradshaw thinking of running in 2024.
• Identifying 27 unidentified human remains found in DeKalb County.

But first, today's weather: Nice with clouds and sun. High: 74 Low: 61.

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

1. 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. (https://www.wsbtv.com/news/loc...)
2. As the current DeKalb County CEO Mike Thurmond is "term-limited," DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw is thinking about running in 2024. Bradshaw is a U.S. Army Veteran. In 2016 he defeated incumbent commissioner Sharon-Barnes Sutton. Bradshaw presently works as an adjunct professor in business development. (Decaturish.com)
3. Jen Schuck has been named the new executive director of Emory Decatur, Long-Term Acute Care, and Hillandale hospitals. This goes into effect immediately. Schuck is presently serving as an interim CEO, reportedly. Back in 2018, she worked and aided in integrating DeKalb Medical Center and Decatur Health Resources. (Decaturish.com)
4. DeKalb County Medical Examiner Pat Bailey is asking for public assistance in identifying 27 unidentified human remains found in DeKalb County. Using a particular database two longtime cases have been solved within the last year. To further put this method to the test, The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office Missing Persons Event & DNA Drive is hosting a free DNA drive to help solve the remaining cases. The drive is open to the public and will be held on May 20. Those in charge of the event are encouraging attendees to register for the event. You can also find more information here. (Atlanta News First)
5. The State’s Qualified Foster Care Donation Credit has now made available a tax credit program for teens transitioning from the foster care system. This credit sets aside millions of dollars that will assist these teens during their transitions. The funds which will come from Georgia taxpayers will help in the prevention of homelessness and poverty that the teens may otherwise suffer from, according to the president and CEO Well Root Family services. The tax credit will match dollar-for-dollar from donors. The range in donations may vary from up to $2,500 a year to $5,000 a year, depending upon the household or business. Other factors may play a role as well. (https://patch.com/georgia/deca...)

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Jewelry with Gin Video Series — DeKalb County Public Library (9:00 AM)
• Webinar — Develop an Import / Export Business (9:30 AM)
• U.S. Citizenship Clinic — DeKalb County Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Crochet Your Way — Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library (1:00 PM)
• PTA Spring Carnival — College Heights ECLC (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Reservations are now open for tennis courts and facilities at the Scott Park and Oakhurst locations. Those interested can access a Community Pass online. For more information can go to decaturga.com/activeliving/page/tennis. (City of Decatur GA- Government via Facebook)
• Although it took some time, the DEF has named Ricky Hyde its new executive director. Gail Rothman announced in January that she would resign. Hyde will take over the position in June. (The Decatur Education Foundation via Facebook)
• Nancy Daves was out in support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Daves is the at Georgia Interfaith Power & Light. The event called for the strengthening of boat regulations. (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light via Facebook)
• School Supplies kits for the 2023-2024 school year are now available. You may click the link provided to purchase your student's supplies. The deadline is June 30. (https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=27714). (Glennwood PTA via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for 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...

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