Tracey Gendron to OnBoard: We all are aging
Ageism is real. And nearly everyone contributes to the negative attributes of getting older.
Maybe you have said, “I’m having a senior moment.” Or maybe you blame age for not being able to adopt new technology. Or we maybe “compliment” someone for looking good for their age. Or we may say 60 is the new 50; or 50 is the new 30.
All these are subtle signs of ageism, according to Tracey Gendron, a university professor who has written the book “Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End it.”
Gendron was the keynote speaker at a luncheon March 26 at the Gathering Spot for OnBoard, an organization that promotes greater gender and racial diversity on corporate boards as well as in executive suites.
“My ‘aha’ moment was: Wait a minute, I’m aging,” said Gendron. “We all are aging. It’s the one universal thing that connects all human beings on the planet.”
Gendron offered alternatives to attributing memory lapses to someone’s age. We can simply say: “I forgot.” Instead of saying old age, Gendron suggested using the word “elderhood” as continuing the spectrum from childhood to adulthood.
Making an attitude adjustment towards age is also good for one’s health — instead of ageism, think ableism.
“People who have positive views of their age tend to live seven years longer,” said Gendron, referring to studies on aging. “Remember that age alone does not predict ability.”
— Maria Saporta
State allocates $3 million for RiverLands Gateway Park in Cobb County
The State of Georgia has approved a $3 million grant for Trust for Public Land to begin work on the RiverLands Gateway Park in Cobb County.
Situated at the southern terminus of the Chattahoochee RiverLands Showcase site, the 12-acre RiverLands Gateway Park will transform a former industrial site into an integral part of the RiverLands — a public space spanning 19 cities and seven counties in metro Atlanta.
“We are sincerely thankful for the approved grant and the unwavering support from the state for the Chattahoochee RiverLands,” said George Dusenbury, Georgia State Director at Trust for Public Land. “This marks the latest in a series of investments, totaling nearly $15 million, highlighting the state’s steadfast commitment to our shared vision.”
The grant received approval from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program and the state Department of Natural Resources, subsequently passing through the Senate and House Appropriation Committees.
“We are excited to support the development of the Chattahoochee RiverLands with a grant from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees, ” said Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Chairman of the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees. “I look forward to seeing this project’s impact on river access, the diverse recreational opportunities it will unveil, and its pivotal role in safeguarding critical habitats for protected species.”
RiverLands Gateway Park is expected to open in 2026 and will feature a boat ramp, parking, bathrooms and kayak launch. In addition, early work will include woodland restoration to promote diverse wildlife and capture stormwater runoff to restore ecological function to the wetlands on the site.The park will also connect to the Mableton Parkway Trail, providing a connection between the Chattahoochee RiverLands project and the Silver Comet Trail.
— Derek Prall
Wesley Woods Foundation announces honorees for the 2024 Heroes, Saints & Legends Awards
The Foundation of Wesley Woods announced the 2024 honorees of its esteemed Heroes, Saints & Legends Awards to be presented at their Gala on Sept. 19, 2024, at Flourish in Buckhead. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, this long-standing event recognizes outstanding individuals in business and philanthropy who have enriched Atlanta’s community through a lifetime of achievement and commitment to leadership, service, and philanthropy.
The honorees are Renee Lewis Glover, founder and managing member of the Catalyst Group and former President and CEO of the Atlanta Housing Authority, and the husband-and-wife team Glenn and Susan Warren, esteemed leaders and advocates for Wesley Woods and Atlanta’s broader philanthropic community.
“As we commemorate our 35th anniversary, we are honored to recognize individuals whose visionary leadership has reshaped Atlanta’s landscape.,” said Diane Vaughan, president of the Foundation for Wesley Woods. “Renee Glover’s transformative initiatives in reimagining Atlanta’s public housing communities, coupled with the Warren family’s long legacy and profound impact on Wesley Woods residential communities, epitomize our commitment and compassion for underserved older adults.”
For more information about the honorees, the Foundation of Wesley Woods, and the Heroes, Saints & Legends Gala, click here.
— Derek Prall
Clayton County Public Schools prepares for total solar eclipse
Earlier this week, Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) announced that they will have students observe the total solar eclipse on Mon., Apr. 8, and engage them in educational activities during the scientific event.
The eclipse will cross North America when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, blocking out the sun’s light completely.
CCPS has curated a variety of educational opportunities for staff members and students to participate in the event, which will involve them gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data collected during the eclipse.
Safety equipment, such as ultraviolet solar glasses, will be provided for all students and employees to protect their eyes from damage.
— Allison Joyner
United Way of Greater Atlanta names entrepreneur-in-residence
The United Way of Greater Atlanta recently announced the appointment of Sanjay Parekh as Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) to lead a new facet of the organization called UWGA Labs.
The UWGA Labs initiative is designed to identify and nurture consumer-centric social ventures that are both aligned with the organization’s mission and can lead to greater community investment.
“EIRs are commonplace in startup and venture capital communities, they are rare in the non-profit sector,” said United Way of Greater Atlanta President and CEO Milton J. Little, Jr. “This appointment demonstrates our commitment to find new ways to foster innovative solutions to address persistent social challenges in Greater Atlanta, including experimenting with proven concepts in the for-profit world. Parekh’s track record of innovation and strategic vision perfectly complement our desire to reinvent the ways in which we fundraise and operate.”
United Way of Greater Atlanta is working to break down barriers to opportunity, particularly for children born into low-income households. Recognizing the evolving landscape of philanthropy and community development, United Way of Greater Atlanta is working to foster innovative solutions that will reach a new generation of donors.
“United Way of Greater Atlanta’s willingness to think outside of the box is refreshing and one of the main drivers for me to join the organization,” Parekh said. “The entire team is enthusiastic about having another approach to solving the challenges that face Greater Atlanta and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together.”
— Derek Prall
RICE launches retail readiness academy to boost entrepreneurship in Atlanta
The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) launched its new RICE Retail Academy (RRA), which provides innovative coaching, specialized tools, and valuable resources to help Atlanta-based entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
The program, which will significantly grow the entrepreneurial community, is funded by a $1 million grant from PayPal and support from Walmart, Target and UPS.
“Thanks to PayPal, we are providing 15 companies with a pathway for wisdom that will essentially change the trajectory of their business. Each aspect of this Academy is thoughtfully crafted to propel entrepreneurs towards unparalleled success,” said Jay Bailey, president and CEO of RICE.
The program offers comprehensive benefits, like $10,000 non-dilutive funding for the companies and $1,000 Amazon advertising credits and opportunities with retail experts with hands-on learning for the recipients. It is designed to empower entrepreneurs and foster growth and success in retail.
Click here for more information.
— Allison Joyner
The African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta secures full-time gallery space at the Nia Building at Pittsburgh Yards
Earlier this month, the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA) announced that it has a permanent home at the Nia Building at Pittsburgh Yards in Southwest Atlanta.
“We are excited to have a space where our events and exhibits celebrating Black art and artists from around the city, country, and world are accessible to those on the southside of the city, in areas that have been void of cultural institutions and experiences,” said Terra Coles, Gallery Manager for ADAMA.
Coles added that quarterly shows at the museum will have longer run times, allowing more people more time to explore the storytelling of artists within the African Diaspora.
The museum is open at 12 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. Click here to learn more.
— Allison Joyner
WalletHub: Georgia ranked lowest in unemployment
With unemployment improving in the Peach state, financial website WalletHub announced it has lowered by 15.92 percent since last year.
The report ranked Georgia 46th overall based on comparisons of unemployment claims per week in 2024.
“Consumers are more confident in retaining their current jobs than they were last year, according to the latest WalletHub Economic Index, signifying that people feel secure in their present employment situation,” noted Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst. “This trend has led to increased job search burnout, particularly among younger individuals who face the added challenge of having limited job experience compared to other job applicants.”
Click here to view the full report.
— Allison Joyner
Decatur Children’s Book Festival announces addition to keynote speaker line up
The Decatur Children’s Book Festival, presented by Little Shop of Stories, is now sharing its complete lineup of keynote speakers.
Kate DiCamillo, a renowned best-selling children’s author, is designated as the children’s keynote speaker. Kate will present at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 3 at the First Baptist Church of Decatur. She will share her new books, “Ferris” and “Orris and Timble: The Beginning”.
LaDarrion Williams, a resident playwright/co-creator of The Black Creators Collective, is a Los Angeles based playwright, filmmaker, author, and screenwriter. His play “UMOJA” made its West Coast premiere in January 2022. He produced North Hollywood’s first Black playwright festival at the Waco Theater Center. LaDarrion will serve as the opening young adult keynote speaker. He will take the stage at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 4 at The Chapel on Sycamore.
Rebecca Ross, a number one New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of fantasy books for teens and adults, has written multiple highly acclaimed duologies, including “Letters of Enchantment,” “Elements of Cadence,” and “The Queen’s Rising” as well as two standalone novels: “Dreams Lie Beneath and “Sisters of Sword & Song”. Rebecca will serve as the closing young adult keynote speaker. She will take the stage Sunday afternoon, May 5.
“It’s a privilege to have such esteemed authors join us in the festival,” says Diane Capriola, co-owner of Little Shop of stories. “With their diverse backgrounds and interests, we hope to inspire kids through their words and literary contributions. We are thrilled to kick start the festival with these influential voices.”
Children’s keynote tickets can be found on Eventbrite. Click here for more information.
— Derek Prall
Spelman College hosts second annual HBCU Game Jam
Spelman College is introducing HBCU students to game design and development with its second annual HBCU Game Jam. The program aims to get more people of color involved in the game industry.
The HBCU Game Jam will be held from 10 a.m. April 6 to 12 p.m. April 7, 2024, at the Robert W. Woodruff Library in the Atlanta University Center, in collaboration with Zynga, Unity, Microsoft, Barclays, and CodeHouse. HBCU students from across the nation are invited.
During the weekend hackathon, students will engage in 24 hours of rapid, collaborative game design and implementation. The students will compete in groups to build their own video games and win industry sponsored prizes.
— Derek Prall
King Tut and Van Gogh exhibitions to provide sensory safe spaces in celebration of World Autism Day
Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures and Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience will be participating in World Autism Awareness Day by providing special accommodations to create more of a sensory-friendly environment for guests with sensitivities and other special needs including artificial noise reduction, the elimination of flashing lights, and the dimming of interior lighting.
One of the ways autism manifests itself is a sensitivity to loud or sudden noises, bright or flashing lights, and other intense sensory input. Those on the autism spectrum aren’t the only ones who may have a sensitivity to noise and light, as individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), ADHD/ADD, Down syndrome, and those who have suffered head injuries are also often affected.
“We aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere which all guests, especially those with autism and special needs can enjoy,” said executive producer John Zaller. “We welcome this opportunity to provide an experience for those who may normally avoid experiences due to their sensitivities.”
The event will take place on April 2 at the Exhibition Hub Art Center in Doraville. Tickets and additional information can be found at the Tutankhamen Exhibition site and the Van Gogh Immersive Experience site.
— Derek Prall
