Reporter’s Notebook: Blank Foundation Refurbishing Hbcu Football Fields, Scraplanta Opens New Location, Decatur High Grad Named Presidential Scholar

Blank Foundation donates $6.5 million to refurbish HBCU football fields

Albany State University Coliseum converted from natural grass to turf thanks to the HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program. (Image provided by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.)

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation recently debuted the newly refurbished football fields, which cost $6.5 million and were donated to four Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program is a grant designed to improve field quality, safety and accessibility for students and local community groups that serve youth through football.

Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Savannah State University in Georgia, and Miles College in Alabama were awarded the upgrades.

“Arthur Blank and his Family Foundation recognize and prioritize community impact through sport and supporting these historical institutions is a natural extension of our values,” said Rich McKay, CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the nation’s leading community development support organization, managed the program. In partnership with the NFL, LISC has refurbished hundreds of community football fields throughout the country over the past 25 years.

— Allison Joyner

Scraplanta expands with new location in Adair Park

Scraplanta, also known as “Atlanta’s Sustainable Art Resource,” recently announced the opening of its second creative reuse center. This new location features an art supply thrift store, a waste diversion program, and sliding scale and pay-what-you-can craft workshops.

Scraplanta’s new location is now open and situated at CreateATL in Southwest Atlanta. Dubbed a “Scraplet,” this smaller retail footprint offers the same diverse range of supplies available at the Tucker store but condensed into a more compact space.

“Scraplanta is proud to bring more accessible and sustainable art supplies and workshops to the vibrant Southwest Atlanta corridor,” said Jonelle Dawkins, Executive Director of Scraplanta, whose grandparents and great-grandparents once lived in the neighboring West End communities.

Scraplanta accepts lightly used art materials donated by community members, which are then processed and resold at very low prices. They divert valuable crafting resources from landfills while making them accessible to artists, educators, and hobbyists alike. Since late 2022 Scraplanta has accepted, processed and resold over 100,000 pounds of materials at its Tucker location.

By expanding to Southwest Atlanta, Scraplanta aims to empower local artists, build relationships with community organizations, and foster a spirit of community engagement.

— Derek Prall

Chamblee PD designated as state-certified agency

Earlier this month, the Chamblee Police Department announced that it has become a state-certified agency through the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP).

The certification demonstrates the department’s commitment to best practices and standards for building community partnerships and trust.

“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of service to our community and maintaining the trust and confidence of our residents,” said Michael Dieppa, Chief of Chamblee Police.

The certification is in good standing until 2027.

— Allison Joyner

Decatur High grad recognized as U.S. Presidential Scholar

Last week, the City Schools of Decatur announced that Gordon Lichtstein, a Decatur High School class of 2024 graduate, has been selected as one of the four Georgia students named a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar.

This honor recognizes over 160 12th graders each year for their exceptional achievements, making it one of the highest honors for high school students.

Lichtstein is also this year’s National Merit winner and STAR student, selected from over 5,000 eligible students for this year’s class.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars makes these selections based on academic accomplishments, excellence in the arts, essays, school evaluations, transcripts and demonstrated dedication to community service and leadership.

— Allison Joyner

Matthew Teague joins Cobb Community Board of Directors 

The Cobb Community Foundation recently announced the appointment of Matthew Teague to its Board of Directors. Teague, director of new development at Walton Communities, an Atlanta- based apartment development company, has a passion for designing communities where people thrive.

Teague is deeply involved in the local community, serving as the 2024 Vice Chairman of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Cobb Alumni Association and contributing to several local boards, including the Cumberland Community Improvement District and Town Center Community Alliance.

“We are excited to welcome Matthew Teague to our Board,” said Chris Gruehn, chairman of the CCF Board. “With his diverse background and proven dedication, we are confident that Teague will make a significant impact on our strategic initiatives and community-focused projects.”

— Derek Prall

Georgia Regional Transportation Authority to hold committee and board meetings 

The Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) Board announces that it will hold its Projects and Planning Committee Meeting and Board of Directors Meeting on Aug. 28 beginning at 9 a.m. at 245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Marquis One, Suite 2300.

The Board of Directors meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. after the Projects and Planning Committee Meeting adjourns. To view the agenda and options to watch remotely, click here.

— Derek Prall

The Upton to open in Chosewood Park

META Real Estate Partners recently announced plans for The Upton, the newest Beltline community on the Southside Trail in the fast-growing neighborhood of Chosewood Park.

Located at 430 Englewood Avenue on a hilltop site, the development boasts prime skyline views and location. The Upton is positioned on the Beltline just south of The Beacon, a 110,000 square foot destination of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Boulevard Crossing Park, the recipient of a soon to come 20-acre expansion, is located to the east.

“We have watched this area continue to grow with commerce and residential needs.” The firm said in a statement. “We are honored to bring the newest luxury multifamily concept, with unmatched amenities, to historical Chosewood Park.”

The Upton will offer unique amenities for residents including a fitness concierge, an artist in residency program, an edible garden and more. Amenities are currently being curated by Gallery Residential, a property management agency focused on delivering five-star hospitality.

— Derek Prall

DeKalb County Schools expands weapons detection system to sports facilities, more schools

Last week, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) announced that it is expanding its weapons detection system to more venues and campuses just in time for the new school year.

Widely used in professional sports arenas, concert venues, schools, and other public facilities, this state-of-the-art technology utilizes powerful sensor technology, artificial intelligence and comprehensive venue analytics to ensure accurate and rapid threat detection.

The equipment is installed in 41 middle and high schools across the district. It will now be utilized at five football stadiums, six additional high school programs and centers and the district’s main headquarters in Stone Mountain.

DCSD’s Police Chief, Tracey Whaley, said the system will allow people to go through without having to stop, empty their pockets or bags, or wait in long lines.

DCSD football and basketball home games will experience the enhanced safety and convenience this technology provides.

— Allison Joyner

Gwinnett Tech hits record-breaking enrollment for fall 2024 semester

Yesterday, Gwinnett Technical College announced it had received its highest enrollment numbers in its 40-year history.

Over 11,000 students from across the region have enrolled in their programs in time for the Fall 2024 semester.

Dr. D. Glen Cannon, President of Gwinnett Tech, says the growth is due to a rise in transfers from traditional four-year colleges, programs in high-demand careers with full tuition coverage by HOPE, affordability and quick entry into the job market, and strong industry partnerships with local businesses ensuring that their programs are aligned with the current job market demands and enhancing employment opportunities their graduates.

“Our community is increasingly drawn to the affordable, flexible and experiential learning environment at Gwinnett Tech,” Cannon said.

Gwinnett Tech now offers over 140 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs, continually expanding to meet evolving job market demands. Recently, the College introduced 20 new certificates in fields such as information technology, cosmetology/barbering, automotive technology, electrical vehicle technology, film, healthcare and welding.

— Allison Joyner

Morehouse School of Medicine, East Point to host health equity summit for residents

On Sat. Aug, 24, the City of East Point, along with Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), will hold their third annual East Point Health Equity Summit at City Hall.

The summit will feature vendors providing free health resources and screenings conducted by the MSM Health Equity for All Lives (HEAL) Clinic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Our residents and leaders are more aware of the health disparities resulting from racially motivated political decisions made more than 100 years ago, and we are prepared to continue using the policy tools and resources in our community to dismantle these historical inequities,” said East Point Mayor Dena Holliday Ingraham.

Click here to register.

— Allison Joyner

Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne Named to NACo Committees 

Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne (District 1) has been named to two separate committees tackling major policy issues at the National Association of Counties (NACo). Thorne was named to the International Economic Development Task Force and the Large Urban County Caucus. 

In these roles, Thorne will represent the voices of Fulton County residents and other counties in setting national policy around economic development and the complex issues facing large counties. 

The NACo Large Urban County Caucus provides policy input to federal administrations on urban challenges and solutions. Members of the Caucus engage in peer-to-peer information exchanges and inform national policy discussions. Key issues include transportation and critical infrastructure, justice and public safety, and community health. 

The International Economic Development Task Force facilitates the exchange of information and resources while guiding NACo’s programming related to international economic development activities. As a large county with a robust economy, Fulton County is home to many international business enterprises. 

“I am grateful to NACo President Gore for his trust in appointing me to these roles,” Thorne said. “I look forward to collaborating with county leaders around the nation as we tackle the tough issues facing counties, and seek to facilitate job growth in our communities.”

— Derek Prall

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