The Task Force for Global Health is planning to purchase the DeKalb County Clark Harrison building at 330 West Ponce de Leon Ave from DeKalb County in downtown Decatur.

A recent Champion article noted the sale as part of DeKalb County’s larger plan to move offices to a huge 600,000 square foot complex on Memorial Drive in coming years.  However it didn’t mention who the potential buyer would be.  Well, we need look no further than the Task Force for Global Health’s website to figure out the answer to that question…

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on April 15 to approve the sale of DeKalb County’s facility at 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. for $12 million to The Task Force for Global Health. The vote to approve the sales agreement comes after almost a year-and-a-half of negotiations between The Task Force and the county.

The Task Force, which has 115 employees, has reached capacity at its current headquarters in Decatur. The organization added 20 new positions in 2015 and is expected to add at least 20 more in 2016. Purchase of the building will allow The Task Force to increase the impact of its existing programs and to launch an anticipated initiative in noncommunicable diseases.

The Task Force will continue to negotiate the terms of the agreement with DeKalb County and conduct due diligence over the coming months. The sale is expected to be finalized by the end of 2016. For more about the building’s sale, see the April 20 edition of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

In addition to working together on the building transaction, The Task Force has been discussing a partnership with DeKalb County on addressing health and healthcare disparities among local residents. “I am excited that the county and city of Decatur are committed to keeping The Task Force in the community,” said Mark Rosenberg, MD, Chief Executive Oficer of The Task Force. “We believe that there are opportunities to apply many of the same values and practices that we use globally–including social justice, global health equity, and collaboration–to work with people here at home.”

Photo courtesy of The Task Force for Global Health 

Eating out next Wednesday?  What easier way to support Decatur’s Farm-To-School program than to pull up a chair at many of Decatur’s finest eateries?  ‘What easier way?!”, I ask.

Full list of restaurants included in the graphic above.

We recently featured an ad in a brewing newsletter for Decatur’s historic Houston House and asked what you might like to see in that space.

I’m not sure anyone specifically mentioned this – though it sounds pretty darn cool.

According to the website of The Märchen Sagen Academy, Decatur’s historic Houston House will soon be restored “blending old and new stylings, warm lighting and tones and creating a sort of Hogwarts meets Skywalker Ranch right in the middle of Downtown Decatur.”  The Academy plans to open to the public in the Fall 2016.

The Academy plans to offer an after-school program for third graders with a focus “on audio and video production”, according to the website.  A bit more on the after-school program…

It is the intent of The Märchen Sagen Academy to provide an environment of academic, artistic and social development. The Academy’s after school program will furnish healthy snacks, play time, in class lectures, in studio exercises, field trips, hands on, collaborative and supervised use of professional cameras and equipment, as well as guest lectures by industry experts as guest speakers.

The Academy also plans to offer “free, in-class lectures at local elementary schools.”

It will be run by veteran video and music producer, Couleen LaGon.  According to the website, Mr. LaGon “is a world traveller and Sony/ATV music producer with film and television placements to his credit.”  The site also mentions that Mr. LaGon worked with Ceelo Green earlier in his career.

Related: want to see a photo of the Houston House circa 1982? CLICK HERE.

Photo courtesy of Next Stop…Decatur

The Westchester PTA sent out this exciting announcement this morning…

The Voice contestant and Decatur High School student Sydney Rhame gave a surprise performance this morning for students at Westchester Elementary School to help announce the school’s “Battle of the (Dad) Bands” fundraiser, to be held Friday, May 6, 2016, at the historic Avondale Theatre in Avondale Estates.

Rhame will be part of a celebrity judging panel for the event, alongside Dr. David Dude, City Schools of Decatur Superintendent; Mark Trojanowski, drummer for Sister Hazel; Michelle Malone, singer-songwriter, musician, record producer; Trish Land, performer, designer, artist; and Shawn Mullins, singer-songwriter, musician. Award winning DJ and radio celebrity Yvonne Monet will serve as the event’s emcee.

“Battle of the (Dad) Bands” marks Westchester’s second community-wide fundraiser since reopening in 2014. Its first benefit headlined Ramblin’ & Rollin’: An Evening of Songs & Stories with Chuck Leavell. This year’s lineup includes four bands based in Decatur, whose members have children in City Schools of Decatur. The bands include The Dammages, The Benders, Flock of Eagles, and Spackle.

“Hot dads who sing, a great community school, AND snarky celebrity judges … I’m all in!” says Monet.

Westchester Principal Rochelle Lofstrand says the money raised will go towards the purchase of computers and other technology resources for the school, teacher grants, and playground enhancements.

“Following in the tradition we established last year, this event promises great music for a great cause,” says Lofstrand. “We’re so appreciative to the entire Decatur community for supporting Westchester in such amazing ways. May the best band win!”

Tickets are available for purchase for $40 at:

http://www.westchesterpta.org/battle-of-the-bands.html

A reader pointed out this AJC article from a week ago that mentioned the Avondale Salvation Army store at 2857 E College Ave was closing “within 60 days”. A failed furnace has further complicated matters, forcing the store to remain closed on many days due to lack of heat.

The AJC article mentioned that the shopping center’s owner has found a new tenant for the space.  It also notes that The Salvation Army is in the process of looking for another space in the area to set up shop.

Photo courtesy of Google Streetview

Decaturish reported back on Wednesday that a 12 year-old was hit by a car at South McDonough and College Ave Wednesday night and was in critical condition at an area hospital.  The site received a note from Lydia’s mom this morning that states that Lydia Cochran is still in critical condition and has suffered severe head trauma, but her outlook is good.

Neighbors and friend’s of Lydia are asking for donations to help the family cover her medical expenses.  Here’s the note posted on the GoFundMe page.

Hello.  We are setting up this fund to help support a family in need.  You may have heard about the 12 year old girl who was hit by a car on Wednesday night in Decatur.  This girl’s name is Lydia Cochran and she lives on our street.  Her family is overwhelmed right now and needs our help.  If you can donate anything to help them with medical bills or anything they might need on this journey, they would greatly appreciate it.

Lydia is currently in ICU and it looks like she will be there for awhile.

Please follow Lydia’s progress updates on http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lydiacochran/

Thank you for all your prayers and support during this difficult time for the Cochran Family.

The Kupersmith Family

As of 9:30a on Friday morning, the fund had already reached $4,765.

Jim sends along this release…

All are welcome at the annual One Love, One Heart 5K Run/Walk for CdLS at Medlock Park in Decatur, GA, on December 5th, for a morning of family fun and community support.

Event organizers Jim and Jen Pomfret, of Decatur, GA, host the event in honor of their daughter, Maya, who has CdLS, a genetic disorder that causes a variety of physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities. Maya attends Winnona Park Elementary School.

“When asked why we started the 5K, it is always a good reminder to reflect on our purpose,” said Jen. “This journey with Maya and CdLS is not always easy and the 5K gives us a chance to engage in something positive and productive, that will not only help Maya but all with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. This day is so good for the soul and it is such a great day surrounded by community runners and friends and family!”

Since 2005, the 5K event has raised much needed funds to help people with CdLS live better, fuller lives. Inspired by children affected by CdLS, local families and friends have made the event an annual success.

Delicious refreshments will be available, as well as a playground on which kids can play. Guaranteed long sleeve t-shirts for all pre-registered runners; while supplies last for on-site registrants. New this year, gift card awards will be given to the winners in various categories.

Pre-registration (by November 21) is $25, and after November 21 through race day registration is $30. Race day registration begins at 8:45 a.m., and the 5K begins at 10:00 a.m. Proceeds benefit the CdLS Foundation. For more information, call the Jen or Jim Pomfret at 404-838-8184 or register for the event at http://www.rungeorgia.com/cdlsrun.html.