🌱 House Bill 129 + Who Let The Owl Out, McClain Library's Visitor

Hi there, neighbors. It's Tuesday in Decatur-Avondale Estates and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening locally. In today's issue, you'll find updates on...

• The preview of DeKalb County School District test scores
• House Bill 129 to provide funds to women who are pregnant and classified as low income
• Update on the McCain Library owl

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny. High: 66 Low: 49.

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

1. A preview of DeKalb County School District test scores are in and School Board member Allyson Gevertz stated that student's reading levels are unfortunate and disheartening. Measures of Academic Progress (M.A.P) scores from last winter showed 57 percent of students who took the M.A.P tests didn’t meet their projected growth in reading and the scores for math were also lower than the year before. Milestones, another assessment used to measure student's progress, showed some students were proficient and distinguished in reading and math. (Decaturish.com)
2. Representatives voted 173-1 in favor of House Bill 129. This bill will provide funds to women who are pregnant and considered low-income earners. Reports from the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute state that close to 300 women may benefit from this program. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has made statements that this is another way the state can support women both before and after birth. Others have stated that due to state and federal work requirements that have been implemented in the 1990's the program's impact will be minimum. (WABE 90.1 FM)
3. The McCain Library Owl has finally been released back into the wild. After camping out in the library for approximately one week and causing the library to close its doors, a master falconer was called in to aid in the capture and release of the bird. No one knows what caused the owl to enter the library and who knows if it will return but for now it is roaming free, and the library will be returning to its regular scheduling. (iHeart)

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Virtual English as a Second Language (ESL) (9:00 AM)
• Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting (10:00 AM)
• Yoga for Love + Kindness — Decatur Library (12:00 PM)
• Black History Month Film Series — DeKalb County Public Library (1:00 PM)
• Valentine's Day Craft — DeKalb County Public Library (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• MARTA is presenting options for its bus services. It was going to add light rails in the Clifton Corridor; however, reports states that the project would be too costly.(https://decaturish.com/2023/02...)
• Wellroot Family Services are stated to be focused on family, evidence-based programs and are designed to keep families together. To find out more about their services you may visit their website. (Wellroot Family Services via Facebook)
• A free family reunion workshop is scheduled to take place on Feb. 18. from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 4156 LaVista Road in Tucker. Those interested can call 770-498- 5018. (https://decaturish.com/categor...)

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Featured events:

• "Themes, Variations, Memories" DeKalb Symphony Orchestra (DSO) (February 14)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (February 20)
• BJ's Wholesale Club Pre-opening Limited time Offer (February 23)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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