United Way of Greater Atlanta turns 120 years old
In 1905, a group of Atlanta business leaders formed Associated Charities to respond to the community’s needs after a devastating ice storm. Associated Charities, which later became known as the Community Chest, eventually became known as United Way.
The idea was to have one central entity help raise money and cultivate leaders to serve the Atlanta region’s numerous nonprofits.
The Atlanta History Center on Sept. 25 unveiled a special exhibit in honor of United Way’s 120th birthday. Milton Little, president and CEO of United Way since 2007, spoke of the role the philanthropic organization has played over the last 12 decades.
On hand for the event was Mark O’Connell, who served as president of Atlanta’s United Way from 1988 to 2007. O’Connell, who spent 37 years working for five different United Ways, was known for helping train many leaders who went on to run United Ways in other cities as well as the national organization.
Other VIPs at the celebration included former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes and his wife Marie.
The display at the Atlanta History Center features the red feather, a symbol used for the Community Chest. Every guest on Oct. 1 received a red feather pin as a way to honor United Way’s history.
— Maria Saporta
Legendary Atlanta family celebrated at Herbert Taylor Park ribbon-cutting
Morningside residents and friends of the Herbert Taylor Park celebrated the enhancements to one of Atlanta’s most beautiful nature preserves on Oct. 1.
The urban forest spans almost 40 acres in the Morningside neighborhood – a combination of two adjacent parks given to the city (the second one being Daniel Johnson Park).
The larger 23-acre parcel, Herbert Taylor Park, was deeded to the city beginning in 1972 by Herbert Taylor with his son, Mark Taylor. The elder Taylor was a pharmacist, builder and developer who founded Atlanta’s original 24-hour pharmacy, Plaza Drugs at Highland and Ponce de Leon avenues. Herbert, and his progressive wife Esther, were friends of my parents along with Mark and Judith Taylor.
The ribbon-cutting for the enhancements of the nature preserve, which included a new connecting bridge, brought out the Taylor family, including Chuck Taylor, who spoke on behalf of his family and his 97-year-old father.
Atlanta City Councilman Alex Wan and Atlanta Parks Commissioner Justin Cutler spoke at the event along with Andrew White, director of grantmaking and implementation for Park Pride.
— Maria Saporta
New CEO at BoardWalk Consulting
Crystal Stephens has been named the new CEO of BoardWalk Consulting, a national executive search firm devoted exclusively to finding leaders for nonprofits and foundations, effective Oct. 1.
Stephens succeeds Sam Pettway, a longtime search professional who founded BoardWalk in 2002 to serve the nonprofit community. Pettway will continue to serve as the founding director, and he will remain active in market development, limited client engagements, and the firm’s growth.
“For 23 years, BoardWalk’s focus has been simple but absolute: finding leaders that matter for missions that matter,” Pettway said in a statement. “Crystal Stephens has been central to our success for over half that time. Her thoughtful, creative, and collaborative leadership with clients and colleagues alike makes her a sterling example of our vision in action.”
Stephens joined the firm in 2012, and she has led many of the firm’s most complex and high-profile searches, earning the trust of such national organizations as EarthJustice, ACLU, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and Year Up United. Her impact in Atlanta is evidenced in the leadership of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Gateway Center, and the Betty & Davis Fitzgerald Foundation.
“It is a privilege to lead BoardWalk into its next chapter,” Stephens said. “The stakes for nonprofit leadership have never been higher, and I am proud to build on the foundation Sam Pettway and our extraordinary team have laid. Our work is about strengthening communities through leadership, and I look forward to expanding the ways we help nonprofits and foundations across the country discover and embrace the leaders who will shape their future and ours.”
— Maria Saporta
Trust for Public Land transfers 14 acres to expand Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Trust for Public Land has transferred more than 14 acres of riverfront property in Sandy Springs to the National Park Service, expanding the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area’s Island Ford Unit.
The land, purchased from the City of Sandy Springs for $2.6 million, will now be permanently protected as public land. The property includes mature forest and riparian habitat, which officials say will help safeguard water quality, support climate resilience and provide new opportunities for public access to the river.
The project is part of Trust for Public Land’s broader Chattahoochee RiverLands initiative, which envisions a continuous 100-mile linear park through metro Atlanta. Once complete, the RiverLands will connect nearly 1 million residents and visitors across 19 cities and seven counties, offering opportunities for kayaking, swimming, bicycling, camping and other recreation.
“This acquisition reflects the power of partnerships to expand access to nature for the metro Atlanta community,” said George Dusenbury, Georgia State Director for Trust for Public Land.
City and federal officials said the expansion benefits both conservation and recreation. Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul highlighted the city’s commitment to protecting natural areas, while Acting Superintendent Patrick Gamman said the land will enhance public access and preserve forest habitat.
— Derek Prall
Wild Heaven Beer marks 15 years with Oktoberfest celebrations across Atlanta
Wild Heaven Beer is celebrating its 15th anniversary with Oktoberfest-themed events at each of its three metro Atlanta locations.
Founded in 2010 by Brewmaster Eric Johnson and Nick Purdy, the brewery has grown from its Avondale Estates beginnings to additional taprooms in the West End and Toco Hills. Known for its Emergency Drinking Beer and creative collaborations with partners like Bulleit Frontier Whiskey and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Wild Heaven has become a staple of Georgia’s craft beer community.
The festivities begin Sept. 27 at the Avondale Estates location, where guests are encouraged to wear traditional Oktoberfest attire and enjoy a full day of music, food, and beer. Highlights include $6 Fest Beer stein fills, Oktoberfest bites from Pine Street Market Kitchen, and a Stein Hoisting Competition in the afternoon. German music from Mercury Orkestar will round out the day’s entertainment.
Ahead of the celebration, Wild Heaven will release two new beers: Soul Spritz, inspired by an Aperol Spritz, and Acolyte, a wild ale developed over the past year. The anniversary events continue Oct. 4 at the West End and Toco Hills taprooms, offering additional opportunities for fans to join the milestone celebration.
— Derek Prall
SCAD Savannah Film Festival announces opening, centerpiece, and closing night films with honorees
The 28th annual SCAD Savannah Film Festival will showcase Eternity, Song Sung Blue, and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery as its marquee screenings this fall. The festival runs Oct. 25 through Nov. 1 in Savannah, Georgia, with passes available now and individual tickets on sale beginning Oct. 3.
Opening night will feature David Freyne’s Eternity, with stars Miles Teller and Da’Vine Joy Randolph in attendance. Teller will receive the Distinguished Performance Award during the gala. Song Sung Blue, directed by Craig Brewer, has been selected as the Centerpiece Gala on Oct. 30. Brewer will be honored with the Spotlight Director Award. Closing night on Nov. 1 will highlight Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, where Johnson will receive the Outstanding Achievement in Directing Award.
Festival organizers said the trio of films represents the diversity of contemporary cinema and the festival’s mission to connect audiences with filmmakers. “These films reflect the extraordinary artistry shaping the contemporary landscape while offering SCAD students and the Savannah community an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with visionary talent,” said festival executive director Christina Routhier.
The festival is presented by the Savannah College of Art and Design and remains the largest university-run film festival in the country
— Derek Prall
City of South Fulton opens new soccer mini-pitch at Wilkerson Mill-Farris Park
The City of South Fulton has unveiled a new soccer mini-pitch at Wilkerson Mill-Farris Park, made possible through a donation from Genesis Motor America, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the Major League Soccer Players Association. The project was celebrated with a community event featuring a ceremonial first kick, youth scrimmage, and local food vendors.
City officials said the facility will provide children and families with a safe, high-quality space for soccer and recreation, particularly in a historically under-resourced area. The project is part of the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Safe Places to Play initiative, which has installed more than 800 mini-pitches nationwide and aims to reach 1,000 by 2026.
Local leaders emphasized the significance of the project as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. “This mini-pitch is another tangible symbol of progress, opportunity, and belief in our children,” said District 4 Councilman Jaceey Sebastian. City Manager Sharon D. Subadan and Parks and Recreation Director Ternard Turner also highlighted the impact on youth development and community health.
Partners from Genesis, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the MLSPA said the initiative reflects their commitment to expanding access to the game and promoting physical activity. The facility is expected to serve as a lasting resource for families across South Fulton.
— Derek Prall
Mercy Housing Southeast breaks ground on affordable family apartments in Chamblee
Mercy Housing Southeast has broken ground on Clairmont Family Apartments in Chamblee, a new development that will provide 67 affordable units for families earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income. A groundbreaking ceremony will take place Oct. 9 with local and state officials, community leaders, and project partners in attendance.
The $4041 Clairmont Road project is a collaboration between Mercy Housing Southeast and the Housing Authority of DeKalb County. The development will feature one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments along with community amenities such as a playground, covered pavilion, walking trail, and resident services designed to foster a vibrant living environment.
James Alexander, president of Mercy Housing Southeast, said the apartments will help meet critical housing needs in a fast-growing part of DeKalb County. “We are excited for the opportunity to add these high-quality, energy-efficient apartments as part of Mercy Housing’s communities in Dekalb County and across the Southeast,” he said.
Speakers at the ceremony will include Chamblee Mayor Brian Mock, Housing Authority of DeKalb County CEO Pete Walker, and representatives from DeKalb County, the State of Georgia, and several funding partners. The project underscores ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing access across the region.
— Derek Prall
