A candlelight vigil is being held on Tuesday at an equestrian therapy center facing foreclosure. Supporters of Parkwood Farms in Snellville say the center can't be easily replaced.
Ever since 9-year-old Lilli Waldrop was diagnosed with autism at age 3, she's sought therapies to help her grow and develop. Four years ago Lilli took her first therapeutic ride at Parkwood Farms.
"Lilli has a life there, people accept her for who she is," said Theresa Waldrop, Lilli's mother. "I believe it's given her more confidence "
Lilli recently won two bronze medals in the Georgia Special Olympics. But now that's now threatened because the bank has foreclosed on Parkwood Farms Therapy Center in Snellville.
Director Marilyn Peterson says she's filed a federal lawsuit to negotiate new terms with the bank. But until something is resolved, there will be no children or the horses they ride. The only animal left is Gizmo the cat.
On average, Parkwood Farms was helping 35 to 40 children with special needs every week.
"This is the first time we've really had to close down in 11 years, so that's also sad, but if you come here and see the smiles on these children's faces," said Peterson.
Children like Lilli may not have many other options.
"There are a couple of other facilities around the metro area but they're so far, it's not practical for us. I don't know what we'll do. It would be just such a loss," said Theresa Waldrop.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:48 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:48:59 GMT
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.Spartacus, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, was found dead in his handler's patrol car. Authorities later
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:38 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:38:42 GMT
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:03:45 GMT
A car crashed into a building on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning. At least eight people are injured. Three victims are in serious condition, according to FDNY officials.
A car crashed into a building on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning. At least eight people are injured. Three victims are in serious condition, according to FDNY officials.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:12 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:12:52 GMT
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion...
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion proposal...
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:50:52 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:55:38 GMT
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village afterward claimed that he opened fire because the victim "thought he was tough in front of his bitch," prosecutors said in court papers Tuesday.
