The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation will hold its annual gala next month in the hope of raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for research and treatment of people battling Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The 34th annual Torch Gala will be held on Feb. 8 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead. The event will include […]
Author Archives: Adrianne Murchison
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Nonprofit: Trump policy change has refugees seeking help in ‘unabated fear’
The Trump Administration’s freeze on U.S. foreign aid has thrown organizations that help refugees into crisis, the leader of an Atlanta nonprofit said. John Moeller, CEO of Inspiritus, said refugees come to Atlanta from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Africa, Haiti, Southeast Asia and elsewhere, escaping extreme violence and torture. For recent refugees, their hope for safety and security […]
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East Point parents cite unfair process in plan to close elementary school
The Fulton County School Board approved the first reading of motions Thursday to permanently close two elementary schools. Despite great pushback from families, Superintendent Mike Looney supports closing Parklane Elementary in East Point and Spalding Drive Elementary in Sandy Springs. Looney says the system can save money by closing the schools that operate in outdated […]
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Johns Creek Symphony concert to honor the many aspects of heroes
The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra will honor multidimensional aspects of heroes during a concert at Mount Pisgah Church on Sunday. Guest Conductor Henry Cheng says the hero exists in individuals, communities, and as a global humanity. Cheng is the conductor of the Ballet Indiana Symphony Orchestra and the former chief conductor of the Klangkraft Orchestra […]
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Airport District CVB adds new member to its team
The ATL Airport District Convention and Visitors Bureau has hired a new sales manager to help promote the ATL Airport District as a premier meeting and sports destination. The CVB is the destination marking organization for College Park, Hapeville and Union City. Jamal Brown joined the organization in December, according to his LinkedIn page, and […]
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Concert celebrates producer Milt Gabler with classic songs, Billy Crystal
Jazz pianist Joe Alterman will lead a musical tribute to legendary record producer Milt Gabler this weekend, performing classic songs and sharing a virtual conversation with the late music executive’s nephew Billy Crystal. The Sunday event is part of the Jewish concert and culture series Neranenah. It will take place Sunday at 7 p.m. at […]
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New midtown tapas bar and restaurant goes beyond good food, owner says
Yann de Rochefort wants his Spanish tapas bar and restaurants to satisfy not only the palate but the heart and spirit of his patrons, too. The New York-based restaurateur opened Boqueria in Colony Square on Tuesday. It’s the 11th location of the Barcelona-inspired eatery. De Rochefort said Atlanta’s restaurant scene and the midtown location are […]
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Roswell business owners at odds with city and want more respect
Downtown Roswell business owners are voicing frustration with city hall over a long-awaited parking deck and their value as stakeholders in the community. Mayor Kurt Wilson and city council are considering charging a fee for entrance to a long-awaited parking deck that will be located adjacent to Canton Street. Many business owners were initially happy […]
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Judge sets evidentiary hearing in councilwoman’s fight to end recall effort
A Fulton County Superior Court judge has scheduled an evidentiary hearing in a lawsuit that a College Park councilwoman has brought against a resident and the city’s deputy city clerk. Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie is suing resident Mose James IV and Deputy City Clerk Queenie Brown to permanently end a recall effort to remove her from office. […]
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Elected officials, families press school board to save Spalding elementary
During a school board meeting on Tuesday, local and state elected officials stood with Spalding Drive Elementary families in hopes of saving the Sandy Springs school from permanent closure. Parents, citing their own data, said closing the school would hurt the community. The elementary school has a waitlist of 135 potential students for pre-K compared […]
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Battle against school closures expected to heat up at board meeting
A Tuesday work session of the Fulton County School Board is expected to be packed with parents and elected officials who object to the permanent closure of two elementary schools. Board members will discuss staff recommendations to permanently close the two elementary schools located in Sandy Springs and East Point. The meeting will take place at […]
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Councilman: Sandy Springs fumbles approach to new law against hate speech
Sandy Springs is considering an ordinance to prevent hate speech in public and the distribution of flyers and materials that contain such content. The city’s approach so far is causing some disagreement among the city council, who all say the topic is an important issue. But the language in a proposed ordinance that focuses on people […]
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Morehouse, Grissom baseball programs renew hopes for College Park ballpark
Morehouse College Baseball and the Marquis Grissom Baseball Association have renewed hope of making a College Park ball field their home. During public comment at Monday’s College Park City Council meeting, Grissom said he envisions Bill Evans Baseball Field as home for the Morehouse Maroon Tigers baseball team and his youth organization; and he foresees […]
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Mourning mother of late teen: ‘When you call for help, help should come’
Georgia’s law on ambulance transport during a medical emergency is being questioned as a family demands answers in the death of their 15-year-old daughter. A legal team led by well-known attorney Ben Crump is preparing to have an independent autopsy performed on Amanda Sylvester, who died hours after collapsing at a College Park recreation center […]
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Mayor reflects on College Park’s turbulent year
College Park has had a turbulent year with unexpected twists and turns that included a censure of the mayor and multiple lawsuits. Mayor Bianca Motley Broom recently discussed the resiliency of the city, its residents and other topics with the Voices of College Park podcast. “This year has challenged us,” Motley Broom said. She added […]
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Mayors say economic inclusion in housing is integral to cities’ development
While cities such as East Point and College Park are encouraged about future development projects, the mayors say it’s essential to create housing for people of different income levels. And a 55-acre mixed-use project on Sylvan Road in East Point could include a balance of housing options. During a panel discussion at the State of the […]
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State of Aerotropolis: Game-changing futures for south Fulton, Clayton
South side growth and redevelopment, and the Atlanta Beltline’s future connection to the Flint River Gateway Trail were the focus of the 10th annual State of the Aerotropolis event on Friday. A panel that included the chief operating officers of the Atlanta Regional Commission and Clayton County, as well as the mayors of East Point, […]
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Arts festival gifts wellness day of yoga, massage and more to Black women
After seeing Black women under stress during election season, Tarece Johnson-Morgan, and husband Andy Morgan decided to create an afternoon of healing and wellness. Last Sunday, the Morgans, who are leaders of the African American Culture and Arts Festival, gathered 30 women for yoga meditation, massage, sound bath healing, journaling, catered food and fellowship at […]
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Potential elementary school closure would have ripple effects, parents say
Fulton County Schools completed a series of community meetings on Monday regarding potential elementary school closings. Since September, school district officials have listened to parents’ comments rejecting plans to permanently close Spalding Drive Elementary in Sandy Springs and Parklane Elementary in East Point. Officials cite decreased enrollment and aging buildings. The question now is if […]
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Parents continue to push-back on Fulton’s planned school closures
Fulton County Schools will hold its final community meeting Monday on redistricting and the possible closure of two elementary schools due to aging buildings and a low number of students across the district compared to school building capacities. Spalding Drive Elementary in Sandy Springs and Parklane Elementary in East Point are being considered for permanent […]
