Reporter's Notebook: New shows, events, open house; Students honored, leadership changes; New housing at KSU

Out of Hand Theater Announces New Shows in Homes Season

Out of Hand Theater recently announced the opening weekend of How to Make a Home, a compelling one-act play showing March 7 to May 18, 2025. Presented in partnership with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Partners for HOME, this groundbreaking production explores the realities of homelessness through the eyes of Antonio, a single father striving to secure stable housing for himself and his 10-year-old daughter.

Performances will be held in intimate living room settings across metro Atlanta as part of Out of Hand Theater’s Shows in Homes series. These small-scale, arts-based community productions foster meaningful dialogue, pairing theater with cocktail receptions and conversations with local experts about the issues at hand.

“’How to Make a Home’ takes an honest, heartfelt look at the struggles many face in Atlanta’s Continuum of Care system,” said Ariel Fristoe, Out of Hand Artistic Director. “Our goal is to not only tell Antonio’s story but also to spark action and awareness around housing insecurity in our community.”

— Derek Prall

MedShare International hosts Spring Open House at headquarters in Decatur

MedShare International is inviting the community, volunteers, friends and partners to join them for a Spring Open House at their headquarters in Decatur.

This free, informal event will take place over two days, offering an opportunity to meet new CEO Stacey Koehnke, engage with mission delivery partners, take part in a fun, informative hands-on volunteer activity, tour the facility, and learn more about MedShare’s impactful work both in the U.S. and around the world.

Event details:

Friday, April 25, 2025: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday, April 26, 2025: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: MedShare International Headquarters, 3240 Clifton Springs Road
Casual dress
Light refreshments will be served

“We’re excited to open our doors to the community for our Spring Open House,” said Stacey Koehnke, CEO of MedShare. “This is a great chance to meet our team, discover the impact we’re making locally and globally, and see firsthand how MedShare’s work is helping to improve healthcare access for people in need.”

To RSVP or learn more about the event, click here.

— Megan Anderson

‘Yes, I Can’ awards ceremony celebrates City Schools of Decatur students with exceptionalities

Kaleb Roberts, a second-grade student at Glennwood Elementary School, receives his “Yes, I Can!” Award from Katria Reid (middle) and Renee Washington (far right). Superintendent Dr. Gyimah Whitaker (far left) and Board Chair Dr. Carmen Sulton also helped to present the awards.

Last week, the City Schools of Decatur (CSD)’s Support Services team recognized National Development Disabilities Awareness Month with its second annual “Yes, I Can” awards.

The ceremony honored the accompaniments of students with exceptionalities who have excelled in their unique talents.

“We strive to create inclusive spaces within CSD where all students are recognized and celebrated,” said Gyimah Whitaker, Superintendent of CSD. “Kudos to the Special Education Department for all their hard work and preparation to make this event special for the students and their families.”

The awardees are:

College Heights ECLC: Truman Culversmith
Clairemont Elementary School: Morgan Goolsby, Asher Kendrick, Catalina Ramos
Glennwood Elementary School: Isaac Irby, Milani McQueen, Kaleb Roberts
Oakhurst Elementary School: Alai Bandi-Hariharan
Westchester Elementary School: Roy Barja-Silvestre
Winnona Park Elementary School: Isla Andre, Josiah Jordan, Seamus Robbins
Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary School: Bodhi Burke, Isabella Fullington, Elliot Kemper, Ta’nia Moss, Clara Mulvaney, Heidi Story, Lina Williamson
Talley Street Upper Elementary School: Janiyah Patton
Beacon Hill Middle School: Wyatt Hartle, Milan Johnson, Riley McDonald, Theodore Pearson, Solomon Robinson
Decatur High School: Matthew Jeremiah Atkins, Austin Bibb, Berkley Cade, Jack Diamond, John Rowan Hollister, Maya Pomfret, Evan Smith, Natalie Thompson, Gavin Violante

— Allison Joyner

LaShannon Spencer joins Morehouse School of Medicine as VP of government affairs

Yesterday, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) announced hiring LaShannon Spencer as its new Vice President of Government Affairs.

Spencer will report to the Office of the President and CEO and guide the institution on local, state, and federal government issues.

Recently Spencer served as Regional Executive at the American Hospital Association for Region I, where she supported hospitals and health systems across New England.

— Allison Joyner

Atlanta Jazz Festival 2025 announces schedule, lineup for Memorial Day weekend

The country’s largest Jazz festival is back, celebrating cultural, community, and the art of Jazz with the 48th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival.

May 24 to 26, music lovers will gather at Piedmont Park to enjoy performances from Derrick Hodge, Russell Gunn, Blackhawk Quartet and Joe Gransden and his Big Band.

“We’re presenting international, national, and local artists who will perform a wide variety of music from traditional, swing, big band and contemporary jazz so there’s something for every jazz lover,” said Adriane Jefferson, executive director of the City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

Admission is free to the public. There will be a Publix Kidzone, food and shopping vendors, and a reserved tent and seating area.

Check out the welcome message from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens:

— Allison Joyner

Agnes Scott hosts 54th Annual Writers’ Festival

Decatur-based Agnes Scott College announces this year’s 54th annual Writers’ Festival will take place April 3 and 4.

This is Georgia’s longest continuous literary event and is filled with a rich tradition of bringing distinguished writers to campus. This year’s authors scheduled to appear are Carmen Maria Machado, Stephanie Burt, and Agnes Scott alumna Jennifer Bartell Boykin.

“The Writers’ Festival is one of Agnes Scott’s most cherished traditions, creating a space where emerging and established voices come together to celebrate the written word drawing from their unique experiences,” said Robert Myer-Lee, English Department Chair for Agnes Scott. “We are thrilled to welcome this year’s exceptional guests, whose work challenges and inspires readers across genres.”

Click here for more information.

— Allison Joyner

H.J. Russell and Company promotes Michael Swick to SVP of construction group

On Tuesday, H.J. Russell and Company announced that they are promoting Michael Swick has been promoted from Vice President of Operations for its construction group to Sr. Vice President.

In his new role, he will be responsible for the overall leadership and growth of Russell’s construction group throughout the existing and emerging offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, and Tampa.

“I’ve seen firsthand Mike exemplify what it means to build on our expertise with every new challenge and complex project, while inspiring his team to deliver notable projects within Russell’s portfolio,” said Michael Russell, CEO of Russell.

Since joining Russell in 2019, Swick has been expanding the construction group from 19 to 125 members, demonstrating his ability to build teams and leaders.

— Allison Joyner

New student housing coming to KSU

Kennesaw State University will make room for approximately 460 more students interested in living on campus with the addition of The Summit II residence hall, which was celebrated during a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday.

The nearly 97,000-square-foot residence hall is being built on the south end of the Kennesaw campus adjacent to The Summit I student housing, which opened in 2022. The Summit II, which will include housing for 460 students, will consist primarily of double-bedroom suites for first-year students and will feature study spaces and community areas, including an outdoor space connecting the Summit I and Summit II buildings.

The new residence hall, scheduled to open in Fall 2026, will help meet the needs of Kennesaw State’s growing enrollment. The addition of The Summit II will bring KSU’s total number of residential communities to 11, with a total capacity of more than 6,300 beds across the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses.

— Derek Prall

Noonday Shanty results announced

A perfect spring morning set the stage for nearly 400 runners and walkers to lace up their sneakers and hit the Noonday Creek Trail for the fourth annual Noonday Shanty 5K/10K. Held Saturday, March 22, the popular race offered participants a chance to connect, compete and spend time with family and friends.

Featuring USA Track and Field-certified 5K and 10K courses, the event welcomed athletes of all ages and skill levels to experience some of the area’s most scenic landmarks and attractions, including Aviation Park, Cobb International Airport and Fifth Third Bank Stadium. In addition to supporting local green space and park improvements, the race also provided runners an opportunity to qualify for the AJC Peachtree Road Race.

“Now in our fourth year, the Noonday Shanty has grown into one of the community’s favorite traditions,” said Jennifer Hogan, director of community engagement at Town Center Community. “We are incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors, local businesses, volunteers and nearly 400 runners who made this an event to remember.”

Participants who made their mark with the fastest times in the 5K and 10K are listed below.

Overall 5K winners: