Unemployment among young people between the ages of 16 to 24 has grown according to an article provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Young adults seem to have a tough time adjusting to adulthood, especially when all odds appear to be against them. Brandon Taylor, a 22 year old from Atlanta, Georgia will not give up, “I’m going to go to the unemployment office and see what kind of help they can give me,” says Taylor.
Inspiration Comes From an Ageless Heart
Inspiration may blossom if one would simply take a look at the world around them. Ethel Hamilton of Jeannette, PA would agree. Her organization, His Inspired Messages, (HIM), was birthed under similar circumstances.
Hamilton is a wife and a grandmother, yet her desire to enhance the community and empower the youth remains strong.
H.I.M raises scholarship funds through golf outing fundraisers. Its vision supports educational advancement. Valley Green Country Club will host the second annual event.
Hometown Market in Duluth, GA., Increases Vendor Participation
Upon the first visit to the Duluth Market in June, Sabrina Orangio was the only vendor that participated on that cloudy day. “It was OK, I did sell and when you’re the only one set up, you get all the business,” Orangio stated. Since the initial event, things have picked up quite a bit. More vendors have begun to participate, which has increased market foot traffic.
Orangio was on hand once again to talk about how the Duluth Market has gained popularity.
In addition, other vendors showcased their items while potential buyers browsed the unique merchandise.
Atlanta’s Transportation Committee Looks into Ways to Improve the City’s Transportation Issues
Atlanta’s Transportation Committee met on July 31 at City Hall to discuss the ongoing issues with transportation in the city. Members listened to various proposals including one to amend Article III, “General Rules of Vehicle Operation” section 150 of the code of ordinances. City Councilwoman Joyce Sheperd introduced this new legislation in hopes to regulate the use of motorized play vehicles and all-terrain vehicles. The new ordinance would allow authorities to impose penalties to include fines of $1,000, to anyone who violates regulations that are directly related to the operation of, parking, stopping, standing, placing or maintaining any all terrain vehicles (ATV), or other motorized play vehicles. The $1,000 fine would be for first offenders. The second offense faces a $2,000 fine and possible vehicle seizure that includes certain stipulations.
City Councilman District 10, Clarence T. Martin says, “It’s a great start to generate a discussion,” and agrees that something should be done however, he is aware that there is a long way to go and many details to be ironed out before any rule changes can be made.
Atlanta is a growing city and will continue to grow. With that comes certain transportation issues that the city plans to deal with and make improvements on in order to accommodate the growth.
Aaron Watson, Councilmember Post 2 At-Large, embraces the transportation challenges Atlanta faces, and he loves his city. “We have a lot of cars. There are a lot of people who want to be here and it’s a great city. We love this city, we make it a great city so there’s going to be a lot of people wanting to get here and I can’t blame them for that,” Watson said.
The committee is also discussing the future use of rail cars and possibly expanding the MARTA system as ways to provide improvement.
Georgia’s Gwinnett Center Debuted First Annual International Film Festival
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
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.
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
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.
Country Cooking Takes on a New Face
After a long Sunday morning outing with the family that bleeds into the afternoon, a good home cooked meal is just the thing needed to hit the spot. Typically, the hardest part of the preparations has been completed the night before so the only thing left to do the next day is to sit down and eat. However, on those rare occasions when early prep is not possible, gathering at a nice county buffet is usually the next best thing.
Jun Cho, owner of Bob’s Home Cooking Country Buffet in Duluth, GA., gives some insight into his thoughts concerning country dishes vs., Korean food and why he chooses to serve one over the other.
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Gas Prices Cause Anxiety
Gas prices continually rise and when they do it can cause anxiety for some motorists. Brielle Hamilton is starting a new job at a local clothing store but feels she might be working only to put gas in her car if the prices remain high. In the suburbs of Atlanta, gas is $3.51 per gallon.
Duluth, GA. (June 8, 2013) Brielle Hamilton prepares for the start of a new job by filling up her gas tank. With the rise of the cost of gas and low paying jobs, anxiety sets in on whether or not to fill it up or stop at half. (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).
Duluth, GA. (June 8, 2013) Looking at the price of gas, Hamilton begins to pump. She says, “I know people have to work in order to earn a living but with gas so high, I can see why someone would not want to work when most of their pay is going in the tank and I’m only 19.” (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).
Duluth, GA. (June 8, 2013) Looking at the price of gas, Hamilton begins to pump. She says, “I know people have to work in order to earn a living but with gas so high, I can see why someone would not want to work when most of their pay is going in the tank and I’m only 19.” (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).
Duluth, GA. (June 8, 2013) The fuel gauge remains on empty even while the gas is being poured into the tank. (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).
Duluth, GA. (June 8, 2013) With a half hearted sigh of relief that the pump stopped, “See, look! Here is my point! It just cost me $40 to fill up a small car,” Hamilton said. “I hope it lasts for at least two weeks,” she added. Hamilton hopes to one day have a career so that paying high prices at the pump becomes a distant memory. (Photo by: Robin Hamilton/Full Sail University).