Atlanta Daily World

Je’ Wesley Day Is in the ADW’s Single’s Spotlight

Je' Wesley Day has been in Atlanta a little more than two years, but he has already made his mark on the city.

The Chicago native is an organic food aficionado and turned his love of healthy food and a healthy lifestyle into a new Atlanta hotspot. Day is the proud owner of OrganiX Food Lounge on Ponce de Leon Ave. Billed as a "healthy alternative for your cocktails," his lounge has quickly become a well-known destination in the city.

Even though he's the owner and has an MBA and more educational and business certificates than one could shake a stick at, he can still be found at OrganiX almost every night of the week – it is open Tuesday through Saturday – bartending, washing dishes, bussing tables, cooking or taking care of any of the restaurant's other needs.

He was recently named the Single Man of the Month by Essence magazine and the exposure has been a bit more than the low-key, 35-year-old father of one had in mind.

"Somehow people found my cell number, the business number, personal email," Day says. "I had a woman drive up from Augusta, Ga., to meet me and I've received
hundreds of emails from across the nation.

"I'm definitely honored, but I didn't want the extra
attention that it would bring to me," he added.

Despite his reticence to embrace the spotlight, Day, who is a Virgo, sat down with the Atlanta Daily World to talk about who he is, what he's looking for in a partner and how he's managed to stay single this long.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Originally from Chicago, born and raised West Side, low-economic neighborhood, single-parent home. Left there after college, went to New York, moved here from New York. It was the perfect time to complete my MBA
degree and try a business of my own. It was now or never.
What brought you to Atlanta?

It's more economical than Chicago or New York to live and to start a business. Plus the warm weather. I've always been a fan of Atlanta.

What have your impressions been so far of the dating scene in Atlanta?

It's a man's paradise, because there's a ratio of men to women that works in our favor. I think Atlanta has a
population of quality single women, beautiful, educated,
career oriented. It can make your choice very difficult.

When do you think you'll be able to put your focus on
trying to find someone special?
You know, you can't put a time on love. Also, I don't think you can go out and search for it. I think the most you can do in life is be open to it and be hopeful that love exists, and that I am. When love finds me or I find love, it'll happen.

Would you like to be with someone right now?

I would love to have someone right now, because when I have successes there's no one to share it with, when I have hard times, there's no one to really console me to tell me it's gonna be alright. And we're human, so we all have desires, we have needs and beyond that there's always kind of a longing for companionship, somebody to do something with or just to be next to you.
What might some of the things that are keeping
you single?

The business is in its infancy phase. It's almost like being a parent. You have to be there and nurse that child and when that child reaches a certain age then you can start dating or running the street a little. Organix is my baby. But just as if it's a real life baby, if someone can be helpful and beneficial to the child then it can work. But anything that's not beneficial to Organix is not beneficial to me right now.

Editor's Note: The Atlanta Daily World (ADW) would like to regularly spotlight a Metro Atlanta bachelor or bachelorette in our feature section. We are looking for candidates from age 25 to 65. Please email us your suggestions with jpg photo, contact information, and a short paragraph about the nominee.

Send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will respond if your nominee is selected.

CEO Burrell Ellis Hosts County Stakeholders Meeting on the Future of the DeKalb School District

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis convened a meeting Feb. 19 with several business, community and education leaders who share a vested interest in ensuring children in DeKalb County receive a quality education.

CEO Ellis and key stakeholders participated in a candid discussion to discern what actions the school district is taking and how they can best assist in the process. The group committed to meeting again to determine how they can work in partnership to support the School District in addressing the requirements contained in the SACS Report and ensuring that every child receives access to a quality education.

Atlanta Links Celebrate Diamond Jubilee

The Atlanta Chapter of the Links, Inc., celebrated its 60th anniversary in grand style on Saturday, February 2, with a Diamond Jubilee brunch gala at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead.

The volunteer service organization was celebrating 60 years of service to the Atlanta community. As it grew, the Chapter joined the vanguard of the Civil Rights movement, protesting discrimination and participating in the Atlanta Voter Education project. It gave financial assistance to music students matriculating at colleges in the Atlanta University Center, and, for three decades, enriched community life by presenting these students in concert. It also co-sponsored concerts of the Atlanta University Orchestra.

"Our Diamond Jubilee was simply beautiful! Thank you for making the event such a great success," said Atlanta Links' Chapter President, Lynne Scroggins, to the Chapter's members afterwards.

Additionally, the Chapter provided scholarships for students in need of funds who exhibited exceptional academic promise. Over the years, the Atlanta Chapter has been deeply engaged in assisting many local organizations, including the Carrie Steele Pitts Home for Children, the Achor House, the NAACP, the National Black Arts Festival, and the Voter Education Project.

For almost three decades, the Atlanta Chapter has supported the Chapter's signature program, Project LEAD (Links Educate, Accommodate, and Develop—formerly Links Erase Alcohol and Drugs). The Atlanta Chapter also supports service programs, including the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble, by buying instruments, performance attire and promoting concerts; the Haitian Goat Project by purchasing goats for Haitian families; the Coretta Scott King Young Women's Leadership Academy by supplying uniforms and speakers for students; and C.H.O.I.C.E.S. by promoting this childhood obesity prevention initiative.

The proceeds from the gala will support the expansion of the Chapter's programs, which serve children and families. These programs include Project LEAD, and the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble, among others. The sponsors of the Diamond Jubilee included the Coca-Cola Co., Dr. Henrie Treadwell & the Kellogg Foundation, Benchmark Management LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, The Atlanta Medical Center, The Georgia Pacific Foundation, The Jocelyn Hunter Foundation, Publix Super Markets, The Stephanie M. Russell Trust, Legendary Events, and The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. Special thanks were given to sustaining partner, The Georgia Power Co.

The event's co-chairs, Mary Currie, Vivian Ingersoll, and Donna Williams, were pleased with the results of the unique, morning gala.

"We are extremely proud that the diligent planning and hard work of the Chapter members were rewarded," Said Williams. "The success of the Diamond Jubilee Gala will assist the Chapter in funding its important programs."

Shades of silver, platinum and pewter were on display in the beautiful floor-length gowns that each member wore. The gowns were in keeping with the event's pewter silk, one-of-a-kind "gift box" invitations that each guest had received. The dining room tables were draped with satiny silver, pewter and platinum table cloths and napkins, with large glass vases full of white roses (the Links' official flower) and white hydrangeas with crystal decorations.

The irresistible Toni Redd Band kept the audience entertained with songs from each decade since the Chapter's chartering in 1953, ending with Beyonce's song, "All the Single Ladies." Redd spoke of how the Atlanta Chapter of The Links had awarded her a scholarship when she was a student at Spelman College.

Mary Currie, former Southern Area Director, noted, "To have one of our Scholarship recipients entertain us meant that our 'good deeds' had come full circle." Atlanta's Mayor Kasim Reed greeted the audience, remarking that he had never missed one of the biennial events sponsored by the Chapter. Narrated by FOX-5 TV reporter and Chapter member, Aungelique Proctor, a video highlighted the group's history of working with youth throughout the community. Guests received gifts of silver and "diamond" key chains and purse holders from Coca-Cola.

Five students from the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble played during the reception. Co-chair, Vivian Ingersoll noted, "The purpose of the Gala was not only to commemorate the Chapter's sixty years of service to the Community but also to pay tribute to those who have supported and encouraged our work over the years. We hope the Gala achieved those objectives."

Many public officials were present, including Ambassador Andrew and Mrs. Carolyn Young; Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County, Burl and Atty. Phillippa Ellis; Atlanta City Council Member Keisha Lance Bottoms, Atlanta City Council Member Aaron and Mrs. Sharon Watson; and Atlanta Public School Superintendent, Errol B. and Mrs. Elaine Davis. Many representatives of the National and Area offices of The Links, Inc., attended including the Southern Area Director, Eneid A. Francis; 11th National President, Patricia Russell McCloud; National Treasurer, Katherine E. Wilson; Co-Director of National Programs, Delores Bolden Stamps; National Director of Health and Human Services, Dr. Monica Parker; National Director of Philanthropy, Teree Caldwell Johnson; National Chair, Protocol, Cynthia Austin; and 15th Southern Area Director, Nancy Anderson. Alumnae members and members of sister chapters of the Links, Inc., from throughout the City and the South came to support the historic Atlanta Chapter, the first chapter of the Links, incorporated, in Georgia.

(Photo: Atlanta Chapter President, Lynne Scroggins, greets the guests at the organization's 60th anniversary, Diamond Jubilee Gala on Feb. 2 at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. Photographer: Don Morgan Photography & Video)

Fulton County Relocates Fire Station 15

Fulton County Fire Rescue Department will relocate Fire Station 15 from its current location at 8320 Gullatt Rd., Palmetto, Ga 30268 to a new site at 6625 Cedar Grove Rd. at Cedar Grove Park.

The current Fire Station 15 will close on February 28, 2013. Crew members assigned to Fire Station 15 will temporarily relocate to Fire Station 17 during the transition period but will continue to respond to calls in the Fire Station 15 service area.

A modular building will be constructed at Fire Station 15's new site with plans for a more permanent structure in the future. Fire Station 15 is expected to be up and running at its new site by mid-summer 2013.

"The relocation of Fire Station 15 will benefit citizens because it will place the station in the heart of its coverage district," said Fulton County Fire Chief Larry Few. "It will also provide a cost savings to the County because we will no longer be leasing the building where Station 15 is currently housed."

In addition to a new location, the new Fire Station 15 will also serve an expanded territory. Some of the territory currently served by Fire Station 17 will become part of Fire Station15's territory once the new modular station is built.

For more information on the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department, log on to www.fultoncountyga.gov.