Good afternoon, everyone:
I would like to start my comments today by extending my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst, whose father passed away recently. Mayor Ernst is a colleague in public service and a friend. We will keep him and his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
This coming Saturday November 19, in partnership with several organizations, my office will be sponsoring a food distribution event at Mount Moriah Baptist Church as a prelude to the Thanksgiving holiday. The event begins at 10am. More information will be available across our communications platforms.
Last week I was privileged to participate in several events in honor of Veterans Day. On November 9 it was great to join the Performing Arts Group Class at The Tobie Grant Recreation Center for their Veterans Celebration. It was a wonderful event and I want to thank Gwendolyn Thomas and Veteran Coordinator William E. “Bill” Harris, as well as all the event organizers for staging a wonderful celebration and for the invitation to participate.
On November 10 it was great to join my friends at the East DeKalb Senior Center at Bruce Street for their salute to Veterans. Once again it was a wonderful program. I would like to thank Mistress of Ceremonies Rebecca Evans, and Site Council Vice President Karim Murad for putting on a wonderful program and for the invitation to participate.
On November 11, I was the guest speaker at the Decatur Rotary Club as they recognized our Veterans. I want to thank my friend Betty Willis for her kind introduction and for all the club members for making me feel so welcome.
The week’s events culminated for me on November 13 when I delivered the keynote address at Antioch AME Church for their Veterans Celebration. I would like to thank Pastor Vandy Simmons and the entire congregation for welcoming me with open arms as they have done so many times.
I would also like to thank my good friend Howard Odell for introducing me and for the invitation to participate. Howard and I served in the same unit during the first Persian Gulf War, and he is someone that I totally trust.
And I would like to thank all our Veterans from all eras for their service to this country. Despite all this nation’s flaws and imperfections, the sacrifices that we make to ensure our way of life are worth it.
Additionally, on the evening of November 9 we held an appreciation reception for all our District 4 Board appointees at the ART Station in Stone Mountain. The objective was simply to say, THANK YOU! These folks volunteer their time to serve in various roles that support the operations of DeKalb County Government. I am very appreciative of all my board appointees, and I just wanted to demonstrate my gratitude for their commitment to DeKalb County.
I would like to thank ART Station Manager Bill Leavell for hosting us at that excellent venue. And I would like to thank Karen Patton from Sweet Potato Café for catering the event. The food was awesome as always. Thanks again, to all my board appointees.
On November 12 I met with members of The Southland Homeowner’s Association. The Southland is one of the great communities in District 4, and that morning we engaged with the residents on several important issues. I would like to thank HOA President Carl Manson and Secretary Nicola Rutland for the invitation to participate. I look forward to returning in the future.
Finally, if you have any questions or concerns, you may call my office at 404-371-4749 or visit my website at commissionerbradshaw.com. As always, I will conclude my remarks by thanking the citizens of District 4 and DeKalb County for affording me this opportunity to serve. It is indeed an honor.