Michael sends along this announcement…

The Low Country Boil • Thursday, October 10, 6:30 – 10 p.m. • Leapin’ Lizards (185 Sam’s Street in Decatur)

A $60 ticket gets you shrimp, sausage and other delicious eats from Badda Bing … Beer and wine … A T-shirt (if you buy your ticket before midnight Sept. 30) … Music from local band The Grits … An excellent “Gourmet & Getaway” Silent Auction (think: vacation homes and gourmet baskets at great prices) … Plus, the knowledge that your attendance at a party benefits students and teachers across Decatur.

Details and online ticket purchase here: http://decatureducationfoundation.org/community-events/lcb2013/

Gail Rothman sends along this announcement…

The Decatur Education Foundation, in partnership with City Schools of Decatur International Baccalaureate (IB) program, is pleased to announce Water Wise, a Funk Global Symposium.  Water Wise is an educational opportunity for  all 8^th and 9^th grade students enrolled in City Schools of Decatur to explore global water issues through multiple perspectives.

The symposium will offer a menu of break out sessions. Presenters will provide interactive and discussion-based sessions on global water issues

Click here to access the Request for Workshop Proposals (http://decatureducationfoundation.org/our-work/water-wise-a-funk-global-symposium/.  Sessions should be age-appropriate, interactive and have an element of discussion for students.  Session leaders must be prepared to lead two morning sessions. Presenters will be done with morning sessions by 12:00 PM but are welcome to stay for lunch and the afternoon program.

The Water Wise keynote address will be presented by Evan Abramson and Carmen Elsa Lopez, documentary filmmakers whose multiple award-winning short film,Carbon For Water, explores an innovative solution to the water crisis and associated environmental crisis facing people in the Western Province of Kenya. See http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/carbon-for-water-film/filmmakers.html for details.

For more information email .

Wondering what was announced to the community at 6pm tonight on Decatur Square?  Here it is…

A Decatur family has bestowed the Decatur Education Foundation with its single largest gift to date, a $500,000 donation that will provide a wide range of educational support to the city’s students.

The gift was announced this evening on the city square at the kick-off of the “Terrific Thursday” holiday shopping season.

“This gift will allow us to continue to build on the work accomplished over the past 10 years to ensure that every child in Decatur has opportunities to thrive,” says Paula Collins, chair of DEF’s board. “Coupled with the continued support from our community, it will allow us to impact exponentially more children. For that, we are most grateful.”

Cheryl sends in this announcement…

Earlier this month, Renfroe sixth grade students participated in Aqua Vita, an interdisciplinary unit designed to teach students about the global water crisis.  Students participated in an empathy walk to the Oakhurst Community Garden, a viewing of the documentaries Water for Life and Carbon for Water, and a design challenge on the back field where they had to construct a water transport system.

As an action step this year, the students are co-sponsoring—with the Decatur Education Foundation—an outdoor benefit concert to purchase LifeStraws® for children in developing countries. LifeStraws® are small, individual water filters that allow a person to drink clean water for a year. Each concert ticket purchased will pay for the purchase of a LifeStraw®, and all money raised will be donated in honor of our beloved teacher and friend, Stacey Daniel.

Sixth grade students will be selling tickets in the community, but tickets are also available at Renfroe Middle School’s front office or at the gate on the day of the event. Concert details are as follows:

Event: Aqua Vita Benefit Concert
Hosting: Renfroe Sixth Grade and Decatur Education Foundation
Date: Thursday, November 15
Time: 5:30 to 8:00 PM
Location: Renfroe Back Field
Ticket Price: $6.50
Headlining: Starboarders
Opening Act: Apples in Stereo’s Robert Schneider (acoustic set)
What: All CSD students and community members welcome—bring a blanket and have a picnic! Music is appropriate for all ages, and all proceeds will go to purchase LifeStraws® through the Rotary International.
Questions: Contact RMS IB Coordinator, Cheryl Nahmias, at cnahmias@csdecatur.net.

Empathy Walk photo courtesy of CSD

DEF’s Gail Rothman writes in…

This year DEF’s Low Country Boil marks 10 years of partying for a great cause.  It’s the same great event but now at a bigger venue – Leapin’ Lizards – by day a place to occupy your kids but on October 11th a place for great food, great drink, great music and adults only!

For information and to purchase tickets visit decaturlowcountryboil.com.  Tickets include dinner, 2 drink tickets, live music and the opportunity to bid on some great vacation and restaurant items.

An event Tshirt is available for tickets purchased by Monday, October 1.

Tickets are $60 ($40 for City Schools of Decatur employees) through October 8th and $75 at the door so don’t delay!