Making a Difference Archives - Reporter Newspapers

Capitol City Opera raises over $4K for children’s program

by Hannah Greco | Dec 15, 2019 | Arts & Entertainment, Making a Difference, Sandy Springs Reporter | 0

The Capitol City Opera Company raised over $4,300 for its Opera Outreach for Children program with an October concert in Sandy Springs. The princess-and-pirate-themed concert was held at the Highpoint Episcopal Community Church on Oct. 26, according to a press release. CCOC is a nonprofit that creates productions for Atlanta-based classically trained singers to establish their careers. All proceeds from the concert and auction went to CCOC’s Opera Outreach for Children Program, a group that performs fully staged and costumed operas specifically for kids, which is currently booking shows for spring...

Dunwoody’s Spruill Gallery holiday market begins Nov. 14

by Reporter Newspapers | Nov 7, 2019 | Arts & Entertainment, Dunwoody Reporter, Making a Difference | 0

The Holiday Artists Market at Dunwoody’s Spruill Gallery begins its season on Nov. 14 and continues through Dec. 23. The market features works of art and handcrafted gifts by local artists. The gallery is in the Spruill Center for the Arts, 4681 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. For more information, see...

‘Little Things’ make for a big show at Buckhead’s Swan Coach House

by Reporter Newspapers | Nov 7, 2019 | Arts & Entertainment, Brookhaven Reporter, Buckhead Reporter, Dunwoody Reporter, Making a Difference, Sandy Springs Reporter | 0

When the opening night crowd surges through the Swan Coach House Gallery red door on Nov. 14, they will be greeted by an array of more than 240 artworks filling the walls. The much-anticipated “Little Things” show is up. The “Little Things” exhibition celebrates its 20th year this holiday season. Two decades ago, the gallery’s first curator, Marianne Lambert, initiated the small works concept with a modest show of sketches from artists’ sketchbooks. It quickly expanded to include a broad array of mediums and styles to become an annual tradition which, today, draws large crowds ranging from new and...

Atlanta Fire Rescue awards breakfast to be held in Buckhead Nov. 12

by John Ruch | Nov 6, 2019 | Buckhead Reporter, Making a Difference, Public Safety | 0

Atlanta’s firefighters, paramedics and EMTs will be honored for heroism and other exceptional efforts at a Nov. 12 breakfast ceremony in Buckhead. The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation’s annual “Breakfast with Our Bravest” will be held at the Flourish event facility, 3134 Maple Drive, starting at 7:30 a.m. Hosted by WSB-TV reporter Tyisha Fernandes, the event will include such awards as “Firefighter of the Year,” the Award of Merit and the Medal of Valor. Proceeds go to the foundation, which supports the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. Tickets are $100. For more information, see...

Sandy Springs’ Elegant Elf Marketplace returns Nov. 9-10

by Reporter Newspapers | Nov 4, 2019 | Arts & Entertainment, Making a Difference, Sandy Springs Reporter | 0

The Elegant Elf Marketplace returns to Sandy Springs Nov. 9 and 10. The market features 90 local and regional artisans in gifts, art and food. A fundraiser for the Sandy Springs Society, the market’s proceeds promote the arts, heritage, education, the environment and social services in the city. The market runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. Tickets are $5. For more information, see sandyspringssociety.org/the-elegant-elf....

Three Sandy Springs nonprofits must find new homes during construction

by Hannah Greco | Nov 2, 2019 | Making a Difference, People & Places, Sandy Springs Reporter, Slideshow, Top Stories | 0

On a Thursday afternoon in a small but lively room, six second-graders from Lake Forest Elementary practiced reading English with volunteers ranging from high school students to retirees. When LaAmistad Executive Director Cat McAfee walked into the room, each child left his or her workstation to formally greet her. “Hello, it is very nice to see you,” each student said shyly but firmly, shaking McAfee’s hand without breaking eye contact. “Welcome to LaAmistad.” LaAmistad, whose name means “The Friendship,” offers an afterschool learning program for under-resourced Latino students that focuses on math and reading, as well as teaching manners...

Worth Knowing: Dunwoody’s first lady leaves a legacy of boosting nonprofits

by Carol Niemi | Nov 1, 2019 | Commentary, Dunwoody Reporter, Making a Difference, People & Places | 0

Imagine your husband’s just been elected mayor of a very young city. You have a role, but no script. No one knows what to expect of you. Including you. As Mayor Denis Shortal prepares to end his 11 years of service to the city of Dunwoody, I spent some time with Meredy Shortal, who has been a very visible First Lady, to hear how she figured it all out. When I asked her how she felt when her husband announced he wouldn’t run for another term, she said, “My first thought was, ‘Good thing I haven’t cut the tags...

Photos: A ‘Spectacular’ Day at Chastain Horse Park festival

by John Ruch | Oct 28, 2019 | Arts & Entertainment, Buckhead Reporter, Making a Difference, People & Places, Slideshow | 0

Buckhead’s Chastain Horse Park celebrated its “Fall Family Spectacular” festival on Oct. 26, drawing a crowd to see horse shows and join family activities. Proceeds benefited the nonprofit’s therapeutic riding program. For more information, see chastainhorsepark.org. Photos by Phil Mosier. The Falconwood Vaulters demonstrate horseback acrobatics in the main arena. Sisters Josie and Clara McMeekin, ages 10 and 6, say hello to a horse in the stable. They visited the festival with parents Scott and Dana. A horse called Slim Shady keeps watch while waiting for rider Shelby Mercure (not pictured) to return in a demonstration. Visitors meet horses...

Director of Buckhead’s Blue Heron Nature Preserve to retire

by John Ruch | Oct 23, 2019 | Buckhead Reporter, Making a Difference, People & Places | 0

Blue Heron Nature Preserve’s executive director is retiring after three years in the job and many more in other service roles at the Buckhead green space. Kevin McCauley said he will “remain involved” as the board of directors seeks to hire a new director by the time he leaves at year’s end. “It has been a privilege for me to be part of Blue Heron the past 15 years and playing a small part in our success,” McCauley said in a written statement. “I feel we have created a unique place for nature and for people in our community...

Sandy Springs Oktoberfest returns Oct. 26

by Reporter Newspapers | Oct 11, 2019 | Arts & Entertainment, Making a Difference, Sandy Springs Reporter | 0

The Sandy Springs Oktoberfest returns for its second year on Oct. 26. Featuring live music and German food, the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs event raises funds for the Sandy Springs Education Force STEAM program and treatment of injured veterans at Buckhead’s Shepherd Center. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 children, and $4 for food tokens. The event runs noon to 5:30 p.m. at Heritage Park, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs. For more information, see...

Chastain Horse Park to hold fall festival Oct. 26

by John Ruch | Oct 9, 2019 | Arts & Entertainment, Buckhead Reporter, Making a Difference, Sandy Springs Reporter | 0

The Chastain Horse Park will hold its annual “Fall Family Spectacular” horse show and festival on Oct. 26. The festival at the facility in Buckhead’s Chastain Park includes a competitive horse show, a horse costume parade, a horseback archery demonstration, a visit with Atlanta Police Department horses, a petting zoo, pony rides and more. Food trucks and other vendors will be on site, along with a Girl Scouts bake sale. Admission is free. Proceeds from sales will benefit the nonprofit’s therapeutic riding programs. The event will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Horse Park, 4371 Powers Ferry Road, Buckhead....

Capitol City Opera to hold ‘Princess and Pirate Concert’ for kids Oct. 26

by Reporter Newspapers | Oct 9, 2019 | Arts & Entertainment, Making a Difference, Sandy Springs Reporter | 0

Capitol City Opera Company will hold a “Princess and Pirate Concert” of Disney musical sing-alongs on Oct. 26 in Sandy Springs as a fundraiser for its educational programs. The event includes a silent auction, face-painting, photos with costumed actors, a cast meet-and-greet, and an optional catered dinner. Costumes are welcome. Tickets are $10 or $25 with dinner. The event begins at 4 p.m. at Highpoint Episcopal Community Church, 4945 High Point Road, Sandy Springs. For more information, see...