Monthly Archives: July 2013

Georgia’s Gwinnett Center Debuted First Annual International Film Festival

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International Film Festival from Robin Hamilton on Vimeo.

The Gwinnett Center, located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth, GA., debuted its first annual International Film Festival. The event was presented by Brand Bank and showcased a variety of local and international films. The hard work and achievements of those who produced independent films locally, was observed through special film screenings.

Filmmakers were given an opportunity to make a solid connection with the audience and were able to network and meet professionals who are also in the industry. Those in attendance enjoyed workshops, seminars, food, and panel discussions.

Guest speakers, such as Mike Glenn a retired NBA player, were invited to introduce their films. Glenn’s career ended in 1987. Since then, he has embarked on many ventures. In 2005 USA Today published an article called, “Glenn’s Many Lives After NBA: Author, Broker, Collector…” Glenn talked about his premiere film entitled, “Spirit of Love.”  It’s a story that was influenced by his real life basketball camp for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. The goal of this film is to strengthen, elevate and inspire its audience.

On closing night judges were available to choose winning nominees to be presented with awards at the ceremony.

The Gwinnett Center provides space and seating for a number of different affairs such as concerts, meetings, performances, trade shows and much more. For more information on upcoming events or securing space, visit the web site at www.gwinnettcenter.com.

Atlanta Community Food Bank Coordinates Cooking Classes

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Simple Abundance Cooking Classes are held a few times a year at the Cook’s Warehouse. Proceeds from the participating students support the community food bank.

On July 22, Simple Abundance welcomed Chef Chris Hall, of Muss & Turner’s; Local Three Kitchen Bar & Grill in Atlanta, who demonstrated how to prepare a full course meal that consisted of, White Gazpacho with Crab, Toasted Almonds and Basil. Next, the chef prepared Tybee Island Shrimp with Summer Squash Risotto, Arugula and Tomato Jam; for dessert a Summer Berry Trifle.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) was founded in 1979. It allots food to more than 600 non-profit agencies and serves families and individuals in 29 metro and North Georgia counties. It has been supporting different programs throughout the years. Atlanta’s Table is one of those programs which has operated under the ACFB.

Food distribution is the mission of the food bank. By partnering with the Cook’s Warehouse and Atlanta’s hospitality industry, the agency has adopted a unique way to not only raise funds but to bring the community together and allow them to learn cooking skills from some of the finest chef’s in Atlanta, through the Simple Abundance Cooking Classes. The chef’s selflessly donate his or her time because they support the cause and the mission of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

For more information about the class, contact the Atlanta Community Food Bank or you can register on line at www.acfb.org/simple-abundance-cooking-classes.

City Leaders Organize Rally for Justice and Change in Columbus, GA.

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In the wake of the death of young Trayvon Martin, the city of Columbus in Georgia was among 100 cities nationwide that rallied for justice on July 20. Neither rain nor heat was enough to keep hundreds of people from gathering at the Consolidated Government Building to support their community leaders and receive inspiration and motivation to ignite change for the current “Stand Your Ground Laws.”

Georgia supports a castle doctrine or law that essentially gives people the right to protect themselves with deadly force. The meaning of self-defense is different for each state that recognizes this law. What might be considered grounds for murder in one state just may turn out to be protecting one’s self interest in another. In the case of John White on August 9, 2006 in Long Island, NY the law failed.

The city leaders in Columbus, GA not only disagree with the George Zimmerman verdict but also disagree with the way the laws seemingly fail the African American community across the board. They are pushing to see the laws repealed so that there is true equality for all people of all races. In addition, the city leaders want to see significant growth in the number of registered voters and more organization within the African American community.  They are calling for a call-to-action.

Edward DuBose, NAACP Georgia State Conference President spoke at the rally.

The City of Duluth in Northern GA Welcomes You

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The city of Duluth in GA launched a new project called The Market at Duluth, in June of 2013, in an effort to draw more business to the community.  In addition, the city has created a way for local vendors to display and sell some unique items while providing an avenue for potential buyers to come away with rare finds and exclusive treasures.

Evan Howell an early pioneer first saw the vision for growth in the area in 1833. He wanted, “To promote the public good by affording additional facilities to travelers, passengers, and others.” by constructing a road across his land. This single act set the stage for the Duluth that we see today. The same desire for the area continues. The only difference is that in this modern day, the city of Duluth is trying to promote growth by affording additional opportunities to the residence of the neighborhood and to the local businesses that serve them by introducing the Market.

Janice Yarbrough, the downtown coordinator for the Market at Duluth is excited about the project and has high expectations for its future once it begins to gain popularity.  Any vendor interested in participating in the event should contact Yarbrough by visiting the web site at www.duluthga.net.