December 2011, Atlanta INtown

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Volume 17• Number 112•©2011

December 2011

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CONTACT US ATLANTA INTOWN MEDIA, LLC Hyperlocal news print | online | social media www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com Twitter: @ATLINtownPaper Wendy G. Binns PUBLISHER (404) 586-0027 wendy@atlantaintownpaper.com Collin Kelley EDITOR (404) 586-0102 collin@atlantaintownpaper.com Elizabeth P. Holmes PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN (404) 586-0002 x312 elizabeth@atlantaintownpaper.com INTERNS Sydia Bell, SCAD Julia Turner, Georgia Tech COPY EDITOR Annie Kinnett Nichols CONTRIBUTORS Cameron Adams, Kate Atwood, Pamela Berger, Ann Boutwell, Bethany Clark, Patrick Dennis, Brigette Flood, Jesse Morado, Courtney Marcelo Norton, Laura Turner Seydel, Tim Sullivan, SB Williams DISTRIBUTION (404) 586-0027 SUBSCRIPTIONS Send a $15 check to Subscriptions, Atlanta INtown, 154 Krog Street, Suite 135, Atlanta, GA 30307 or read our free e-Edition online at AtlantaINtownPaper.com.

SUBMISSIONS Queries about freelance articles can be made to Collin Kelley, collin@atlantaintownpaper.com Atlanta INtown, 154 Krog Street, Suite 135, Atlanta, GA 30307.

Advertising REACH LOCAL BY A TRUSTED LOCAL BRAND for information: (404) 586-0002 x 302 wendy@atlantaintownpaper.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Janet Porter REAL ESTATE ADVERTISING (404) 501-0090 janet@atlantaintownpaper.com David Burleson (404) 918-0285 david@atlantaintownpaper.com Linda Howell (404) 586-0002 x320 linda@atlantaintownpaper.com

Who We Are & Why For more than 17 years, Atlanta INtown’s mission has been to publish local news that helps foster a sense of community. Live, work and play – we cover everything that makes our city home.

Printed with soy-based ink on 100% recycled paper.

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CONTENTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Best of the Holidays ............................. 4-8 Letter from the Editor .............................10 Annie’s Guide to Holiday Sanity.............11 Tradition Trees ........................................11 Living by Giving ......................................12 Keep It Intown: Grant Park .....................14 Intown Runaround ..................................16 December 5K Races ..............................17 Health & Wellness Briefs ........................17 Street Fashion ........................................20 Pets.........................................................22 A Look Back ...........................................24

GO GREEN Real or Fake Trees? ................................25 Eco-Briefs ...............................................25 Green Insider ..........................................26 Captain Planet Gala ...............................26 Eastside BeltLine Renderings ................28

THE STUDIO

A HOLIDAY PROCLAMATION I’m one-quarter of the way through my chemotherapy treatments as I write this letter and I want to update you all that I’m doing just fine. Since I first wrote about my breast cancer diagnosis a couple of months ago, I started keeping count of how many people wrote to me who are scheduling their overdue checkups. We’re at 13 so far. I guess my letters are a slight nudge, “Hey, this happened to me. Stay vigilant!”

This is December and it’s supposed to be the happ-happiest time of the year, so rest assured that the holidays are also making their way into the Piedmont Cancer Wellness Center. There are gingerbread houses in construction in the kitchen and a holiday cookie baking event on the calendar. How about the “Look Good … Feel Better” class showing the patients techniques to combat appearance-related side effects just in time for the holiday parties?

I’m in! There are a lot of good people working to make this a festive time for those of us navigating treatments and appointments. Just another reason our city is so great.

I’ve also been in the holiday spirit for a good number of weeks while working on this KEEP IT INtown for the Holidays issue. It’s our goal to promote locally owned businesses and to give you ideas for enjoying them, but for this issue we want to wrap it up like a gorgeous present with a big fat bow inviting you to dig in. For special wrapping, Whimsy Press comes to mind, so we recruited them to give our December cover some sparkle and we think you’ll agree they came through! Read more about Whimsy below.

Even the City of Atlanta jumped on board to sprinkle some of their goodwill on the KEEP IT INtown campaign. They recognized Atlanta INtown with a proclamation for the campaign encouraging the community to choose local and shop local (see page 24). Thank you to Kwanza Hall and the other council members for the recognition. If you would like to help promote KEEP IT INtown, just let me know. The more the merrier!

Holiday Alternatives................................30 Intown Datebook ....................................31 Tripster ....................................................31 Atlanta PlanIt Guide................................32 The Thinking Artist ..................................33 Christmas at Callanwolde ......................33 Switch Modern .......................................34

Wendy Binns, Owner & Publisher wendy@atlantaintownpaper.com

IN BUSINESS Shopping on Etsy ...................................36 Icebox .....................................................37 Making Sense of Social..........................38 Business & Retail Briefs .........................38

NEWS YOU CAN EAT Holiday Champagne ..............................40 Quick Bites .............................................41 Grits Done Right .....................................42

REAL ESTATE Holiday Home Tours ...............................45 Real Estate Briefs ...................................46 The Shotgun House ...............................47

IN YOUR HOME Chic & Simple Holiday Decorating ........50 Decorating with Acorns ..........................51 Before & After .........................................52 Renovation Coach..................................54

FIND US ONLINE Follow on Twitter: @ATLINtownPaper Find on Facebook: Atlanta INtown Watch on YouTube: AtlantaINtownPaper

Whimsy Press was founded by the members of local ad agency then known as Current, Inc. Today, Wendy Lowden, Lisa Maloof, Scott Gurley and Scott Brannon operate both companies from their Inman Park headquarters under the name House of Current.

Cover design by Whimsy Press. The Atlanta based design firm is best known for their large, double-sided gift wrap sheets that each feature two coordinating designs. They also produce cards, tote bags and much more. Their products have been featured in InStyle, Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Everyday with Rachael Ray and Fast Company to name a few.

All paper patterns shown in cover illustration are currently in-stock and available for purchase.

The company sells mainly via their website, whimsypress.com, though you can also find their wraps at Youngblood Gallery on N. Highland. All of their products are designed, printed and shipped from Atlanta, making them the perfect choice for all of your locally sourced holiday gifts.

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IN the Neighborhood FEATURES, NEWS & EVENTS

BEST of

BEST OF THE HOLIDAYS

2011

The votes are in and we’re ready to reveal Atlanta INtown’s fourth annual Best of the Holidays.

Hundreds voted during the month of October after readers nominated their favorites and decided who should be on the final ballot. That means the shops, restaurants, concerts and events were truly selected by you, our readers.

If you didn’t see your favorite holiday shopping, dining or event destination, visit atlantaINtownPaper.com and share your ideas with other readers.

2011

BEsT PLaCE FoR LasT MINuTE GIFTs Richard’s Variety store Locations in Midtown and Buckhead richardsvarietystore.com Cards, costumes, board games and classic toys are just some of the items that make Richard’s two locations treasure troves for unique and kooky gifts. It’s old five-and-dime store vibe will appeal to traditionalists, while kids (of all ages) will have a field day with all the tchotchkes on display.

Runners-up: at the Collective and Ten Thousand Villages

BEsT sHoP FoR uNIQuE oRNaMENTs & DECoR Ten Thousand Villages 1056 St. Charles Ave. (404) 892-5307, atlanta.tenthousandvillages.com This fair trade retailer features artisancrafted home decor, personal accessories and gift items from more than 130 artisan groups in some 38 countries.

You’ll definitely find something cool and unusual here.

Runners-up: Traders and Davonshire.

BEsT ECo-FRIENDLy GIFTs Morningside Farmers Market 1393 N. Highland Ave. morningsidefarmersmarket.com Unlike many of the local farmers markets, Morningside is held year-round every Saturday from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. From the freshest organic produce to items made by local artisans, you’re sure to find something for your “green” friends.

Runners-up: Ten Thousand Villages and atlanta Habit Restore

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Artwork by Jill Steenhuis,used with permission. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

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BEsT GIFT FRoM a LoCaL aRTIsaN young Blood Gallery & Boutique 636 N. Highland Ave. (404) 254-4127, youngbloodgallery.com Young Blood is the home for emerging artists and DIY crafters, whose work is now highly sought after around the country. If you’re looking for something truly unique from a local artisan, look no further than Young Blood’s space in Ponce-Highland.

Runners-up: Janke studio and Hats by suzseams

BEsT HoLIDay CLoTHING Junkman’s Daughter 464 Moreland Ave. (404) 577-3188, thejunkmansdaughter.com This Little Five Points mainstay is the place for retro and far-out fashions. You’re sure to find a fun dress, pair of shoes, bag, KeepitINtown.com

gloves and accessories in the funky shop. There’s plenty of stuff for the guys, too.

Runners-up: Fab’rik and Mitzi & Ramono BEsT CHILDREN’s GIFTs & CLoTHING sprout 1170 Howell Mill Road (404) 355-2043, sproutatlanta.com Sprout has books, toys, furniture and clothing for kids in this bright, airy space in White Provision, which it shares with The Seed Factory. Runners-up: Heliotrope and Egg’s Nest

BEsT PLaCE To sHoP FoR youR PET Highland Pet supply 1186 N. Highland Ave., #G, (404) 892-5900, highlandpet.com Toys, beds and food for cats and dogs are available at this popular Virginia Highland shop when you absolutely positively cannot leave your pet off the Christmas list. Runners-up: The Pet Garage and City Dog Market

BEsT PET CaRE & BoaRDING Piedmont Bark 501 Amsterdam Ave. (404) 873-5400, piedmontbark.com Short, long-term and daycare services are available for dogs at this Midtown business, where there’s plenty of time for play, interaction with humans and walks three times a day. Runners-up: Barking Hound Village and spot for Dogs.

BEsT FEsTIVE FooD sHoPPING alon’s Bakery & Market Tiffany Locations in Virginia Highland and Ashford Dunwoody, alons.com Persol Delicious sandwiches, prepared foods, gift baskets and sinfully good sweets Polo have made Alon’s a holiday shopping destination for years.

Ralph Lauren Runners-up: a Piece of Cake and The Mercantile.

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BEsT wINEs & CHaMPaGNE Green’s Locations on Ponce de Leon Avenue and Buford Highway, greensbeverages.com If you need some liquid fortification to get through the holidays, there are two locations of Green’s with beer, wine, liquor and even fine cognac and single malts.

Runners-up: ansley wine Merchant and Tower.

P ERF ECT GIFTS PE RFECT EVEN BETTER PRICES Let the gift giving begin... at Nandina!

Stop by for an always-fabulous selection of uncommon gifts where you can find something for her, something

BEsT REsTauRaNT FoR GLoBaL CuIsINE Doc Chey’s Locations Emory Village, Virginia Highland & Grant Park, doccheys.com Prepared fresh and made from scratch Asian food are hallmarks of Rich Chey’s noodle outposts. Whether you just want a simple bowl of chicken fried rice or coconut soup or maybe a Korean taco, Doc Chey’s three locations have you covered. Runners-up: 10 Degrees south and Bocado

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BEsT PLaCE FoR CaRRy ouT Metrofresh 931 Monroe Drive, Suite A106, (404) 724-0155 or metrofreshatl.com Actor Mitchell Anderson cut his teeth in the culinary world with Souper Jenny before striking out on his own with MetroFresh.

Located in Midtown Promenade, MetroFresh has become the go-to for grabbing a sandwich, soup or something sweet.

Runners-up: Doc Chey’s and Grant Central Pizza

BEsT REsTauRaNT FoR FaMILy oR VIsIToRs yeah! Burger Locations in West Midtown and Virginia Highland, yeahburger.com With the proliferation of burger joints in Atlanta, Shaun Doty has carved a successful local brand that appeals to all ages. With made-to-order burgers, a casual but sophisticated atmosphere and damn good onion rings, Yeah! Burger is a great place to stop off after some holiday shopping to refuel. Runners-up: Ted’s Montana Grill and Vintage Pizza.

245 N. Highland Avenue NE, Suite 120 Atlanta, GA 30307 NandinaHome.com | (404) 521-9303

BEsT oRGaNIC FooD sHoPPING your Dekalb Farmers’ Market 3000 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur, (404) 377-6400, dekalbfamersmarket.com A haven for organically grown food, the DeKalb Farmers’ Market supports small farms that are environmentally responsible and sustainable. Get your meats, seafood, dairy and fresh coffee here without compromising your principles. Runners-up: sevananda and Return to Eden.

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BEsT PLaCE To GET FIT urban Body Fitness 500 Amersterdam Walk, Unit R, (404) 885-1499, urbanbodyfitness.com This local gym is now in its new home at Amsterdam Walk and has a full complement of trainers, classes, chiropractic care to keep you healthy. Runners-up: Catalyst Fitness and B2B Fitness

BEsT sPa oR saLoN Blue Med spa 190 10th St. (404) 815-8880, bluemedspa.com Chosen by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the best spas in the world, Blue Med Spa is a great place to treat yourself or friends to a facial, massage or a little botox pick-me-up before the holiday parties, this cool retreat will make you relax the moment you walk in the door. Runners-up: Crimpers and Blo Beauty Bar

BEsT HoLIDay CoNCERT oR sHow Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at The Center for Puppetry arts 1404 Spring St., (404)873-3391, puppet.org This live action version of the classic TV special was a sold out hit during its premiere in 2010.

Kids and adults will get a kick out of this timeless story.

Runners-up: Christmas with the atlanta symphony and A Christmas Carol at the alliance.

It’s what we

Ace Hardware Another Broken Egg Café Bank of America Baskin Robbins Burger King Café Lapin Cartridge World Chico’s Children’s & Prep Shop Cheyenne Grille European Alterations Famous Hair Festivity Flowers Atlanta For Eyes Optical Framers On Peachtree Frolic Boutique GNC Nutrition Gramercy Atelier

about Buckhead.

Come Live the Life.

H&F Bottle Shop Happy Feet Hollywood Tan Izzy Maternity Joe May Valet Jalisco’s Junko Hair Design Keller Williams LaRo Jewelers Maki Fresh--Sushi Master Shoe Repair Mint Julep Mori Luggage & Gifts nadeau furniture with a soul Nail Shadow Natural Body Spa Paper Affair

Pasta Vino Peachtree Battle Antiques & Interiors Peachtree Battle Barbershop Publix Richard’s Variety Store Rite Aid Starbucks Talbots Woo Skincare & Cosmetics Zoës Kitchen

Peachtree Road and Peachtree Battle Avenue

BEsT PLaCE To sEE HoLIDay LIGHTs & DECoRaTIoNs Downtown Decatur decaturga.com The City of Decatur knows how to do the holidays with the historic courthouse square and streets festooned with colorful lights and decorations. Adding to the spirit of the season will be annual Holiday Home Tour and a host of other community events. Runners-up: Centennial Park and atlantic station BEsT PLaCE To RING IN THE NEw yEaR at home Times change and so do the ways people celebrate holidays. Once upon a time, if you weren’t liquored up and kissing everyone at a New Year’s Eve party then you were a total loser. Now, staying at home with friends and family and watching festivities in New York or the Peach Drop at Underground on TV is our readers’ favorite way to ring in the New Year. Runners-up: Centennial Park and underground atlanta.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF OUR WINNERS! 8 INtown | xDecember

2011

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Ansley Park. $1,695,000 29 Peachtree Circle

Ansley Park. $1,595,000 64 Montgomery Ferry Drive

Ansley Park. $1,069,000 170 Westminster Drive

Piedmont Heights. $799,000 500 Rock Springs Road

Morningside. $949,000 706 Cumberland Circle

Ansley Park. $899,000 56 Inman Circle

Virginia Highland. $1,089,000 1064 Lanier Boulevard

Ansley Park. $949,500 111 Beverly Road

Ansley Park. $1,849,000 41 Barksdale Drive

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Midtown. $599,500 952 Myrtle Street

Morningside. $1,495,000 929 Plymouth Road

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Are you facing foreclosure?

Letter from the Editor Collin Kelley Chances are you’ve just had a look-see at our 2011 Best of the Holidays results on pages 4 through 8. This is the fourth year we’ve done the poll, but it’s the first year we applied our new “choose local, shop local” mission as part of KEEP IT INtown.

We asked readers to nominate their favorite Intown businesses, restaurants and events rather than falling back on national chains. Of course, those chains are vital to our economy, but so are the small businesses – the “mom and pop” stores – that remain so important to our community. Those who received the most nominations went on the final ballot for a vote.

The response to our KEEP IT INtown campaign has been amazing and we plan to expand it next year.

But before we get to 2012, there’s still a busy holiday season ahead with Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s celebrations. As you read through this issue, you’ll see a guide to some fun alternative activities, a guide for picking good bubbly and an overview of five holiday home tours taking place this month.

I celebrated my ninth anniversary with INtown back in August and I can say without a doubt that 2011 was our most

exciting years. Besides KEEP IT INtown, we had our collaboration with the Savannah College of Art & Design freelance writing class that resulted in our popular July “INtown Takeover” issue. It was such a successful partnership, we’re planning to work with SCAD again next year, but this time it will be a “digital takeover” of our website.

I also wanted to take a moment to thank our contributors and supporters who have made this an amazing year for Atlanta INtown. Without the writers, photographers, bloggers and community-minded folks who called and emailed to give us story ideas, this paper would not exist.

Many thanks and see you in 2012! collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

KEEP IT INtown Choose Local • Shop Local

Sixth Annual Young Realtors® w w w . k e e p iCouncil tINtown.com

2011 BOWL-A-THON

This year’s YRC Bowl-a-Thon at Midtown Bowl raised enough money to grant THREE WISHES for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Georgia & Alabama!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our success and a special thank you to our Top Sponsors below.

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anonymous W W W. H A R RY N O R M A N . C O M Corporate Office | 532 East Paces Ferry Road, Ste 300 | Atlanta, GA30305 | 404-504-7300 KeepitINtown.com

Tradition Trees

Matt and Jeff Bowman haul out the holly

By Annie Kinnett Nichols

Mantras: Tell yourself positive things in your head or aloud – I say “I’m in perfect time with the universe” over and over throughout the day. It helps me calm my crazy ass down (see above).

Eat healthy: Fresh fruits and veggies will make you feel better, or try something different and drink your veggies (ardensgarden.com).

Make time for real friends: You know, the kind of friends that bring joy into your life.

Get therapy: If you’re broke, an inexpensive group therapy is the 12 step stuff – there are tons and they usually have free coffee.

We’re supposed to feel all warm and content as the holidays approach, but it’s not always unicorns and rainbows during this politically correct time of the year.

Sometimes I think the holidays can be hard for people, especially if they don’t have a bestest, spouse or family in their lives. I thought I might share a few things that have worked for me when my crazy meter has tipped to far over into the red. Go ahead, clip it out of the paper. If this isn’t a tough time for you, just save it. One day, I promise, it will come in handy.

Exercise: Jump up and down, run around the block, yoga, (toughloveyoga. com, the home school of yoga) ride a bike, pick up an old sport you loved or learn a new one.

Volunteer: Get out of your head and spend time with other folks that need help. handsonatlanta.org

Laugh: Find anything that makes you laugh and go with it – funny movies, cartoons, books. Try and laugh as much as possible.

Smile: Smile in your car, in your shower, in front of your kids, at your dog. It doesn’t have to be genuine just curve your lips upward and keep them up for a bit. It’s amazing how hard it is to take yourself seriously with a smile on your face.

Breathe: Whenever you read or see or hear Breathe – do it. Try and breathe (see, I said it again, so take another breath – and again!) a lot. It’s a good way to calm your crazy ass down, which you might want to say every time you take a deep breath: “I’m calming my crazy ass down now.”

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Read: Two good books for starters – The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra and Passages by Gail Sheehy. The latter is an anthropological look at what you’re going through during different times of your life.

Get spiritual: Whatever this is for you – Nature. God. Goddesses. Buddha.

Sushi (zumasushibar.com). Meditation (kashiatlanta.org).

Do things that make you happy: Go to Old Fourth Ward Park.

Go to a movie. Go window-shopping in Little Five Points. Throw out old clothes.

Join a choir. Clean off your desk. Make your bed. Play with your dog. Take someone else’s dog for a walk at Piedmont Park.

Hope you have an awesome holiday season and a Happy New Year.

By Wendy Binns Staying with the theme of KEEP IT INtown for the holidays, we take a look at the two local brothers, Matt and Jeff Bowman, who grew up right here in Atlanta and are the pioneers of Tradition Trees.

If you are looking for a Christmas tree and want to support local business, stopin to say hello or call to set-up a delivery.

We asked them a few questions so you can meet the men behind the garland, the new Christmas Boutique and more: Do you have favorite holiday memories growing up in Atlanta?

We grew up in Sandy Springs and our Mom has always loved Christmas, so I remember best decorating the tree together as a family, counting down the days on the Advent calendar. Lots and lots of Christmas cookies straight from the oven. Christmas came early and stayed late at our house.

How did you get in this business?

I began selling Christmas trees in college and my brother Jeff joined me pretty soon after that. We launched Tradition Trees in 2006 and have grown it to five locations around the Atlanta area. Two years ago we started growing trees up in North Carolina, so now Christmas is a part of our lives 365 days a year.

What types of items are at the Tradition Trees Christmas Boutiques?

We have a variety of items from local artists and artisans at boutique shop in Midtown. A SCAD student will be selling some hand-designed Christmas cards. We have a local woodworker there who’ll be displaying some of his works. Some people will be selling deluxe wrapping paper and other jewelry they have designed. We consider it a Christmas celebration of local talent.

Do you have a few suggestions for picking the right tree?

The first thing we ask a customer on the lot is: how high are your ceilings? Once we know that we can show you a full selection of the right size tree. Our Fraser firs come in a full variety of shapes and sizes so everyone can find the best tree for their home during the holidays. Other than that we always tell our customers that they need to be good about checking the water level on the tree. As long as the tree is in water, they will last through the holidays and then some.

Midtown (at the corner of Peachtree and 10th Streets). Can you tell us more?

Georgia Farm To Table (georgiafarmtotable.com) is our newest venture and we’re trying to bring the best of local produce from surrounding farms to neighborhoods and communities in Atlanta.

The local food movement keeps getting bigger and bigger in the city and we’re trying to concentrate on getting that food in front of people. We’re pleased with the success of our first produce stand at the Dewberry Market down in Midtown and hope to have several more stands open in 2012.

How do you partner with the Atlanta Community Food Bank?

We’ve partnered with the ACFB from the get-go and donate a portion of our proceeds to them every year along with picking them out a nice Christmas tree to decorate their headquarters. We like working with local Atlanta charities and have relationships with several including Winship Cancer Institute, the Center for the Visually Impaired and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

What does supporting local - KEEP IT INtown - mean to you?

To us keeping it Intown means supporting the local economy. There are a lot of smart, talented businesspeople in our community who need our help to keep building their business. A strong local economy is good for everybody, it helps put people to work and gets people back on their feet. Christmas time is an ideal occasion to keep it Intown!

For more information, visit traditiontrees.com.

Customers might also recognize you for your Georgia Farm to Table stand in

town 11

December 2011x | IN

Living by Giving Kate Atwood

Operation Never Forgotten I was recently walking through Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, strolling along the corridor to catch my flight, when a billboard ad stopped me in my tracks.

Maybe it was the warm apple cider I was sipping on or the timing of the holidays just around the corner, but the image of a soldier hugging a young girl, assumed to be his daughter, and the bold title Operation Never Forgotten caught my attention.

The holidays are a time for us to remember to be thankful for those who surround us throughout the year, but it is also a time to remember those who may be forgotten, to remember the many who feel alone on the holidays.

While Operation Never Forgotten is a non-profit organization with a mission focused on remembering our deployed military, veterans and fallen soldiers, I’m inspired to spread the operation to make sure everyone in our community is remembered this holiday season.

Here are a few suggestions: A Soldier: Send a care package to a soldier through AnySoldier.com. This site helps you identify what to put in your care package and allows you to select a soldier or soldiers to receive your holiday treat.

A Homeless Mother and her Child: Gather your book club or just your neighbors and host a “PJ party.” This is not your usual PJ party. A good friend shared this idea with me after having contacted the local Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children and asking about their biggest

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AtlantaGymnasticsCenter.com 2012

needs. Their answer: pajamas. So have all your guests bring in a pair of pajamas, either for an adult or a child. You can then deliver the batch to the shelter just in time for the holidays.

A Doctor or Nurse: While most of us get to spend the holidays at home with our loved ones, there are certain folks who don’t get that chance. Spend a day baking goods or making flower arrangements and deliver them to the nearest hospital for the doctors and staff to be put in the break rooms. This is a wonderful way to thank those who are the ultimate caregivers in our community.

Be sure to call ahead to make arrangements for your delivery.

A Senior: Take some of your extra time around the holidays and spend it with our seniors at an assisted living residence or local senior center. This is especially good for teens and young adults who have time off from school. I suggest bringing some cards and games, and planning to spend an

afternoon with a senior who may not get as many visitors over the holidays.

A Furry Friend: I never leave out our furry friends. Pack a holiday bag of treats, a leash, and some towels, and donate them to the Atlanta Humane Society or any area animal shelter. I like this one for kids because then they can participate in dropping off the gifts and visiting with the animals, who also like the extra TLC during this time of year.

We can all agree that the holidays are an important time for everyone to feel joy. Let’s make our own Operation Never Forgotten in Atlanta by lending our helping hands and caring hearts to those in our community who need us most during this time of year.

Happy Holidays!

To learn more about the Arby’s Foundation, visit arbys.com/Foundation.

For more about Kate Atwood, visit LivingByGiving.com.

KEEP IT INtown Choose Local • Shop Local

Summer Camp information available soon!

WATCH THE VIDEO and hear what people are saying.

Scan the QR code to watch the video

2617-B Talley Street Decatur, GA 30030 Phone: 404.687.9911 Fax: 404.687.9177 www.AtlantaGymnasticsCenter.com

12 INtown | xDecember

2011

KeepitINtown.com KeepitINtown.com

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town 13

December 2011x | IN

KEEP IT INtown {GRANT PARK}

Courtney Marcelo Norton We asked local attorney and writer Courtney Marcelo Norton to tell us about her favorite things in Grant Park.

Why I Love It

I love how Atlanta’s history and its present meld together in Grant Park. Turn-of-the-century bungalows have been lovingly restored and bejeweled with funky sunburst signs. Children zoom on bicycles and scooters beneath ancient oak trees.

On a walk through my neighborhood, you might notice the grassy curve of an old Civil War trench or a portion of sidewalk where the cement gives way to the original cobblestone. Grant Park is a living museum of the city’s oldest neighborhood. It is a functioning homage, a place of sidewalk cafes, outdoor markets and art festivals. History is not merely on display here. It is celebrated.

What To Do

Wander the Grant Park neighborhood and check out its unique architecture. These are the kind of Victorian confections that Hansel and Gretel might have feasted on, with their lollipop-colored stained glass and porch railings swirled like licorice sticks. Walking tours can be organized through The Atlanta Preservation Center (atlantapreservationcenter.com) or the Grant Park Neighborhood Association (grantpark.org). Visit Oakland Cemetery (oaklandcemetery.com), acres of ornate statuary, winding trails, mausoleums twinkling with Tiffany stained glass, and look for the gravestones of some of Atlanta’s famous citizens, including Margaret Mitchell and Bobby Jones. Spend an afternoon in the park enjoying its playgrounds, sports fields, basketball courts, tennis courts and walking trails. Nestled in this island of green space is Zoo Atlanta (zooatlanta.org) and the Cyclorama (atlantacyclorama.org), a 15,030 square foot painting of the Battle of Atlanta. After brushing up on Civil War trivia at the Cyclorama, hike up to Fort Walker, on the southeast end of the park, to see the ruins of this former artillery bastion and some excellent views of the Atlanta skyline.

Cantina (tinlizzyscantina.com). Try the Southern Comfort—grilled chicken, goat cheese, barbeque sauce, and fried pickles. Or pack a sandwich from Young Augustine’s (404-681-3344). Their hearty short rib grilled cheese or roasted mushroom panini will keep you warm when it’s cold outside. Six Feet Under (sixfeetunder.net), with its panoramic views of Oakland Cemetery, has been a longtime neighborhood landmark. Order their catfish tacos, topped with cucumber-wasabi sauce, or the shrimp & scallops baked in parchment (there is nothing like tearing open that opaque package to find the tender, lemon-spiked morsels inside).

Where To Shop

For hostess gifts, eschew the traditional bottle of wine in favor of a box of handmade treats from Little Tart Bakeshop (littletartatl.com). Their petite pear galettes, flaky pain au chocolat, and glistening saltedcaramel nut tartlets will make you a favorite party guest this holiday season. While there, treat yourself to a silky latte from Octane Coffee (octanecoffee. com). Baby Love (babyloveatlanta.com) has a great selection of gifts for children and moms-to-be and they offer Baby & Me classes and prenatal yoga.

Intown Healthy Hound (intownhealthyhound.com) is stocked with canine goodies, including natural food, and treats like deer antlers, pig ears and snouts – great stocking stuffers for the spoiled pooch in your life.

Coming Up

The 2011 Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes runs Dec. 10-11 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. both days.

The tour features select homes decked out for the holidays. Visit with Santa, go on a caroling hayride, and shop the artist market and bake sale. The tour culminates with a Candlelight Christmas Concert Sunday at 5 p.m. For more information, or to purchase advance tickets, visit grantpark.org or call (404) 688-7501.

Ria’s Bluebird Little Tart Bakeshop

Where To Eat

Ria’s Bluebird Café (riasbluebird.com) has lighter-than-air pancakes topped with crispy caramelized bananas, and is a neighborhood favorite for breakfast. Or visit Stone Soup Kitchen (stonesoupkitchen.net) which features a long list of Georgia grown products, kicky huevos rancheros and creamy cheese grits. For a picnic in the park, grab a couple tacos to-go from Tin Lizzy’s

14 INtown | xDecember

2011

Intown Healthy Hound KeepitINtown.com

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all there is to know about the food you eat. What’s in it, and what isn’t. Where it’s from, how it’s grown, and who it’s grown by. That’s because we sell only the highest quality whole and natural foods — sourced locally and organically grown whenever we can — just as we have since 1974. And with product sourcing policies more demanding than anywhere else you could shop, we fully guarantee the integrity and quality of what we sell. We call that food integrity. And it’s what we live by. To find out more about the food integrity difference at Sevananda, just ask any of our store team members or visit sevananda.coop/productpolicy.

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town 15

December 2011x | IN

INtown Runaround

Allie Schellhammer

Tim Sullivan

Running with Baby Last month, Virginia Highland resident Allie Schellhammer took top honors in the women’s division at the annual Cabbagetown Romp and Stomp 5K. Days later she gave birth to her third child, a daughter named Charlotte. Here she does her best to convince me that this is not amazing stuff. I am not fully convinced.

When I told my wife Kristen (and mother of our two) that the woman who won the race was nine months pregnant her response was something along the lines of “Wha’? How? With that belly? How?” So in practical terms, umm, how do you do it?

Spanx. No just kidding. I’m going to claim genetics – my mom only gained 17 pounds while pregnant with me and my twin. I’m lucky to carry my babies in a manner that is very conducive to running and for the most part, I don’t notice the belly at all.

What does your doctor advise with regards to competitive running

during pregnancy? Because let’s face it – pregnancy is about the best reason in the history of mankind to waddle around, eat ice cream and demand back rubs.

That’s what my husband Joel always tells me. And then, in the next breath, he tells me I should definitely try to defend my title and win a race. As I’m sure a lot of people read when the Chicago runner completed the Chicago Marathon and then gave birth seven hours later, it’s completely fine to maintain the workout regimen you had prior to pregnancy. But please don’t take my answer as a medical license to do something crazy – talk to your doctor first!

There were 600 women registered for this race and maybe a few others were pregnant. Maybe. But none of them, young, old or knocked up ran it in 20 minutes flat like you did! Have you been able to perform at this level through all three pregnancies?

We actually had three miscarriages before we had our oldest daughter so I was pretty cautious while pregnant with her and

only did a few races. Nine months later I was pregnant with our second daughter and had just joined the Atlanta Track Club’s competitive team. I raced at least once a month and actually had one of my fastest ever half-marathon times (1:24) while 27-weeks pregnant. With this pregnancy, though, I’ve trained a lot with my double jogging stroller. This baby has raced with me the most and I’ve probably been the fastest with her – the debate is always if she crossed the line first or if I did.

Joel keeps a great pace as well and is a consistent winner in our “Stroller Division” which means your daughters Catherine and Caroline have played a part in claiming victory too. How does the Schellhammer family find time to get exercise in?

Joel travels a lot so the girls are my best training partners. We try to combine longer training runs with naptime so they’re not bored. Add in a few fun landmark destination runs (Centennial Olympic Fountains, the Aquarium, Zoo

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2011

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and Children’s Museum) and it keeps them happy. I love that they get fresh air while we take our adventures through the city.

My revised goal on hills is to run just fast enough so my oldest doesn’t ask, “Why are we walking?”

And just how long (or short) after giving birth do you expect to be back out getting your miles in?

Mentally, I’d be ready as soon as I leave the hospital, but physically I think it will be at least three weeks before I’m doing anything (and we’re talking slow three to four mile jaunts at a time). Doctors recommend you wait six weeks and I might take them up on it this time around. I hear the transition to three kids is crazy!

In mid-October, my friend Mike Benzie posted on his Facebook page “Took 3rd overall in the Monster Dash 5k in Grant Park. 2nd in the non-pregnant division.”

Does your performance improve when you

aren’t pregnant?

Ha! The crazy thing is my times aren’t that much faster when I’m not pregnant.

I really think that my body reacts to pregnancy like “blood doping” – all the extra blood from the baby coursing through my veins actually helps. I hope that training with a triple jogger (yes, they make them and yes, we own one!) will help me reach some new PRs. For more from Tim, read his blog at timmydaddy.com.

Who should Tim interview for INtown Runaround?

Send your suggestions to collin@ atlantaintownpaper.com and we’ll get the message to Tim. (Remember that the athlete should be local.)

December 5K races The One Love, One Heart 5K is Saturday, Dec. 3, in Decatur. Race day registration begins at 8:45 a.m., and the race start is at 10 a.m. Entry fee is $25. Preregistered racers are guaranteed a long-sleeve race shirt, and refreshments will be provided. The race will benefit the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation and research facilities. Register online at active.com or download the printable application at rungeorgia.com/cdlsrun.

The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership continues its 2011 race series with the Eastside 10K on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. The race starts at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park. Racers will receive a technical tee with registration as well as free food and beer from Park Tavern.

Registration is $35 until Dec. 2, and $40 on race day. The Eastside 10K will also be the venue for the new Tailgate Challenge, open to Atlanta based Alumni Associations. For more information, see the event page on beltline.org/BeltlineCalendar. Registration is open at active.com.

Virginia Highland Christmas 5K is Saturday, Dec. 17. All participants will receive a Santa hat and long-sleeved shirts. Skinny Santa returns to start the race and give out goodies, and post-race refreshments will be available. Registration is $30. Walkers, strollers and dogs on leashes welcome. Portion of proceeds KeepitINtown.com

benefit charitable causes in immediate neighborhood. Early packet pickup is at Phidippides in Ansley Mall Dec. 9-14 (phidippides.com). Register online at active.com, or print the application from rungeorgia.com/vahichristmas.

Health & Wellness Briefs

Georgia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (GA ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, has announced that Irma Seabrook, manager of respiratory care with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, was honored with a Patriot Award for support of Staff Sgt. Calvin Calmes, who serves in the Army Reserve. Calmes, a respiratory therapist, was unable to attend the presentation because he is currently deployed to Afghanistan. The Patriot Award is the first of the sequential and progressive employer awards program. It is intended specifically for the recognition of individual supervisors or the employer organization as a whole. For more information on the award, visit the ESGR national website at esgr.mil.

Trauma Center was unveiled in a ceremony last month marking the completion of the renovation and expansion of the Level 1 Trauma Center. Hospital benefactor Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot and chairman of the Marcus Foundation, joined health system officials and local dignitaries for the unveiling of the new state of the art facility. The $7 million Marcus Trauma Center project increases the number of major trauma bays from four to seven and adds eight minor to moderate trauma rooms. In addition, the expansion allows for the treatment of up to 16 patients, two per trauma bay, in a mass casualty situation should the need arise. gradyhealth.org The Decatur-based Task Force for Global Health is the fourth most successful fund-raiser from private sources in the United States, according to a justreleased ranking by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The Task Force receives nearly 98 percent of its contributions in the form of pharmaceuticals that are used worldwide to treat and, wherever possible, eliminate diseases that afflict and cripple communities. The Task Force facilitates applications for and distribution of the medicine, primarily in developing countries.

Grady Memorial Hospital’s new Marcus

CONTUINUED ON PAGE 18

The 24th annual Jingle Jog is Sunday, Dec. 11, at 8 a.m.

Registration is $24 for runners over 10, $18 for those 9 and younger and is available online atactive.com or at several retail locations. Bells for racers’ shoes are available starting at 6:45 a.m. on race day. Kids can participate in the Jingle Jog Junior or the Elf Run (only for children 7 and under). Santa Claus will make an appearance, and several activities from face painting to pony rides will take place throughout the morning. For more information, visit jinglejog.com.

Why is she all up in my

Kool-Aid?

I’m all real, but if I started doing the dishes,

now that would be fake.

- Shereé Whitfield

- Phaedra Parks Real Housewives of Atlanta recaps every Monday on AtlantaINtownPaper.com!

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December 2011x | IN

DO YOU NEED A DOCTOR TODAY?

CONTUINUED FROM PAGE 17

For more information on the Task Force, including an annual report, visit taskforce.org.

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ZocDoc, the free website for people to find a doctor and book appointments online instantly, has launched in Atlanta. Users can search by insurance and location, read doctor information, and see real patient reviews. There are currently over 240,000 appointments available to residents of the Atlanta area. For more information, see zocdoc.com.

Northside Hospital’s Cancer Care Program has been awarded a $1,700 mini-grant from the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Socioeconomic Status Related Cancer Disparities Program (SESRCD) to support the hospital’s patient navigation and community health education for underserved populations. In the last year, the hospital has hired five additional nurse navigators and two community health advocates to assist in these efforts.

Nurse navigators serve as a link between

David Seabolt, PA Physician Associate

Alex Rikhter, M.D.

Medical Director, Diplomate-American / Board of Internal Medicine Member of Piedmont Clinic

underserved populations and the health care system, ensuring that every patient in need is able to receive quality education, screening, diagnostics and, when needed, access to treatment. northside.com Decatur businesses raised more than $7,700 to promote health and education for girls worldwide during the Turn Decatur Red event on Oct. 22. Nearly 40 retailers took part in the event, which benefitted 50 Cents.

Period.

Catalyst Fitness is moving this month from its location on Ponce de Leon Avenue to 620 Glen Iris Drive. For more information call (404) 856-0513 or visit catalystfitness.com.

Submit your health and wellness briefs to collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

Real Housewives of Atlanta recaps every Monday on AtlantaINtownPaper.com!

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2011

Mindfulness Total Wellness Anxiety Relief Healing Depression Grief Counseling Rites of Passage

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December 2011x | IN

Hay Holidays!

Thank You for keeping it “Intown” #1 Sales in The Intown Office

Donna Boynton

Street Fashion Cameron Adams

READY FOR WINTER!

Photographer Cameron Adams is documenting Intown’s style trends on his blog, www.atlantastreetfashion.blogspot.com.

Joy Myrick (404) 897.1494 | (404) 897.5558 donna.boynton@harrynorman.com joy.myrick@harrynoman.com

www.boyntonandmyrick.com Harry Norman, REALTORS® · The Intown Office 1531 Piedmont Avenue NE · Atlanta, GA 30324 Mike Wright, Sr. VP/Managing Broker www.harrynorman.com

suit: Express tie: Rivetz of Boston shoes: Aston Grey

sunnies: Filtrate cowl: Nordstrom boots: Nine West

sweater: thrifted from Rag-O-Rama skirt: Ralph Lauren boots: Stuart Weitzman

jacket: Squash Blossom corduroy skirt and tights: J. Crew bag: Tignanello boots: BCBG

sweater: Moda tights: Rag-O-Rama shoes: Clark’s watch: Alfex pendant: Hershey’s Kiss

jacket & shirt: Daniel Cremieux tie: vintage vest: Ralph Lauren Polo jeans: Levis scarf: mom’s closet

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20 INtown | xDecember

2011

KeepitINtown.com

2011 was the best year for Atlanta real estate sales since 2007…Call us to find out why 2012 will be a great year to list your home for sale!

Erin Yabroudy | more than $41 million in sales since 2008!

LD SO

395 Beverly Road 5 BR/4 BA/1 H-BA $1,995,000

31 Inman Circle Listed for $1,350,000

LD SO

60 Maddox Drive 4 BR/4 BA/1 H-BA NEW LISTING! $1,199,000

9 Ansley Drive 4 BR/4 BA/1 H-BA NEW PRICE! $1,000,000

34 Inman Circle Listed for $1,199,000

1 Barksdale Drive 5 BR/3 BA/1 H-BA NEW PRICE! $989,000

UNDER CONTRACT!

77 Golf Circle 5 BR/4 BA/1 H-BA NEW LISTING! $899,000

LD SO

108 Peachtree Circle 4 BR/4 BA/1 H-BA NEW PRICE! $1,149,000

884 Virginia Avenue Listed for $1,195,000

115 17th Street $1,050,000

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76 Palisades 5 BR/3 BA NEW PRICE! $850,000

31 South Prado 5 BR/3 BA NEW PRICE! $724,000

675 East Pelham 3 BR/2 BA/1 H-BA NEW PRICE! $550,000

1759 Flagler Avenue $895,000

130 Mongomery Ferry Road 3 BR/2 BA NEW PRICE! $549,000

1474 North Decatur Road 4 BR/2 BA/1H-BA NEW PRICE! $624,900

961 Adair Avenue 3 BR/3 BA NEW PRICE! $524,900

1325 Peachtree Street, Unit G2 1 BR/1 BA/1 H-BA REID HOUSE, $199,000

548 Woodall Avenue 5 BR/3 BA/1 H-BA NEW PRICE! $559,900

916 Myrtle Street 1 BR/1 BA NEW PRICE! $89,000

ALL PROPERTIES ABOVE ARE MARKETED EXCLUSIVELY BY ERIN YABROUDY & ASSOCIATES, YOUR ANSLEY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST Closing more sales in Ansley Park than any other agent (2007-2011) • #1 Selling Office in Atlanta, 2011 • #1 Selling Company in Atlanta, 2011 ($2 Million+) • #1 Market Share Growth, Units Sold, 2011 (+43.6%)

Erin Yabroudy: 404.316.2203 | erinyabroudy@beacham.com • Kevin McGlynn: 404.285.5674 | kevinmcglynn@beacham.com • Ashley Czeschin: 404. 831.2420 | ashley@beacham.com • Donna Gardner: 770.316.0219 | donnagardner@beacham.com * Company sales rankings based on dollar volume sold in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Ansley Park, Morningside, Virginia-Highlands and Sandy Springs combined from 1/1/11-6/30/11

Beacham & Company REALTORS® | 3284 Northside Parkway, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30327 | The above information is believed accurate but is not warranted and is subject to errors, changes, prior sales and withdrawals without notice. Dac Carver, Managing Broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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town 21

December 2011x | IN

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PET CARE PROVIDERS

KEEP IT INtown

Pet Briefs Artists to the Rescue is partnering with The Athletic Club to raise awareness and funds for The Village Vets Rescue Fund. Artist B. Evan Davis has combined her love of art and animals to create an opportunity for artists to sell their work and make a contribution to abandoned pets. Twenty percent of sales will go Village Vets. Davis and artist Cheryl Myrbo will be on hand Thursday, Dec. 8, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at The Athletic Club, 1515 Sheridan Rd., to talk about the mission of Artists to the Rescue. Free admission, snacks, drawings for massages and other items. For more information, email bevandavis@me.com.

Choose Local • Shop Local

Atlanta’s Family Doctor to Generations of Pets www.keepitINtown.com

PIEDMONT BARK BEATS GRANDMA’S FOR THE HOLIDAYS,

NO FRUITCAKE AND I’M NOT STUCK BEGGING UNDER THE TABLE .

— Roman

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BEST of

2011

1850 Johnson Road, N.E. at Briarcliff Road (Across from Sage Hill Shopping Center) Open 7 days • Mon - Fri open until 9 p.m.

(404) 874-6393 • www.briarcliffanimal.com

22 INtown | xDecember

2011

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY RESERVATIONS TODAY!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 404-873-5400 • MIDTOWN ATLANTA, AMSTERDAM WALK, 501 AMSTERDAM AVE, ATLANTA, GA 30306

KeepitINtown.com

KeeP Fido & FeLiX saFe THis HoLidaY season!

The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association is offering up these pet safety tips for the holidays, especially when hosting parties and decorating: • Keep people food and beverages (especially cocktails) out of the reach of your pet. Ask your guests to do the same.

• Make sure your pet doesn’t have any access to treats, especially those containing chocolate, xylitol, grapes/ raisins, onions or other toxic foods.

Turkey bones, which can easily splinter, are off limits.

• Don’t leave your pet alone in the room with lit candles, a decorated tree or potpourri.

• Keep holiday plants (especially holly, lilies, mistletoe and poinsettias) out of reach of pets.

• Consider leaving the tinsel off your tree if you have a cat.

• Secure your Christmas tree to keep it from falling over if your dog bumps it or your cat climbs it; hanging lemon-scented car air fresheners in the tree may deter your cat from climbing it.

• Caution when handling electrical cords, which may cause electrical shock that is capable of causing terrible burns and even death.

• If your pet is excitable or scared when you have company, consider putting your pet in another room with some of his/her toys, a comfortable bed, etc. or providing a safe place for your pet to escape the excitement (such as a kennel, crate, perching place, scratching post shelf or hiding place). Same goes for excessive noise, which may frighten your pet.

• Do not give a pet as a gift. Sadly, many puppies and kittens that are given as holiday surprise gifts wind up in shelters.

For more information, visit www.gvma.net.

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11/14/11 12:12 PM December 2011x | IN

Atlanta City Council Recognizes

KEEP IT INtown

On Monday, Nov. 21, Dist. 2 Councilmember Kwanza Hall and the Atlanta City Council issued a proclamation in recognition of our KEEP IT INtown campaign. Also being honored for their dedication to the community were three local businesses – Seven74 Boutique, Vintage: The Barber Shop and Highland Bakery. Watch for a PSA on public access channel 26 running all December long featuring Atlanta INtown and the honored businesses as we encourage the community to choose local and shop local.

KEEP IT INtown Choose Local • Shop Local

KeepitINtown.com 24 INtown | xDecember

2011

A Look Back Ann Taylor Boutwell Dec. 2, 1933: The new $3 million United States Post Office building opened at Forsyth, Hunter (now, Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive) and Spring streets. Architect A. Ten Eyck Brown with associates Alfredo Barili and J. Wharton Humphreys designed the art deco icon, placed on the National Register in 1974.

It served as a post office until acquired by the United States General Service Administration (GSA) in 1983. In 1988, it was the first federal building to bear the name of the famous civil rights leader.

It has housed several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Currently, the building serves as a regional headquarters for GSA. In November 2011, Central Atlanta Progress presented an Atlanta Downtown Design Excellence AwardOffice Category to the Beck Group/ Lord Aeck & Sargent for its extensive $47 million interior rehabilitation of this 78-year-old historic building, rededicated this past January.

Dec. 11, 1927: Construction of the Crum & Forster building was underway on the corner of Spring Street and Armistead Place, south of the Atlanta Biltmore Hotel. The building was for the prominent insurance company’s new southern headquarters. In 2007, the Georgia Tech Foundation bought the building for $11 million. In 2008, the foundation sought a demolition permit, which the Atlanta Urban Design Commission denied. Officials of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation placed the Midtown building on its “2009 Places in Peril” list. By August, the Atlanta City Council unanimously supported designating the Crum & Forster as an Atlanta landmark historic site, backed

by Mayor Shirley Franklin’s signing the official document. The foundation appealed the decision but lost. As of November 2011, the unused Crum & Forster building remains standing and its future is still uncertain.

Dec. 11, 1911: The Southern Poultry Show, branded as the largest and greatest ever seen south of the Mason and Dixon line, opened at the Atlanta AuditoriumArmory on Courtland Street. The main hall resembled a barnyard with all numerous coops housing 4,000 birds. The Federal Department of Animal Industry presented lectures and

demonstrations and was well-attended by editors of the industry magazines. From Jan. 24 to Jan. 26, 2012, the International Poultry and International Feed Expo sponsored by the US Poultry and Egg Association and American Feed Industry Association will return to Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center.

Dec. 13, 1920: The doors of the Howard Theatre at 163 Peachtree Street opened to the public. Hailed as the south’s palatial picture show palace, it was the city’s first million dollar theater built by two prominent Atlantans – international cotton mogul George Troup Howard and Stephen A. Lynch of Southern Theatrical Enterprise. Always Audacious was the main feature, a melodrama starring Wallace Reid. Two years after Howard’s death in August 1929, new owners Paramount-Publix changed the theater’s name to Paramount. The old Paramount is where Elvis Presley fans wowed Atlanta audiences in 10 shows over three days in 1956. In 1960, the building was razed.

It once stood north of today’s Georgia Pacific Center.

Dec. 31, 1999: The blue neon sign carrying the message “Jesus Saves” on the 200-foot steeple of Big Bethel’s African Methodist Episcopal Church lit once again. In 1994, due to neglect, rust and pigeons, the sign burned out. The sign first graced the church in 1922.

One lucky INtown reader can win a tree from Tradition Trees!

How, you ask?

Before Friday, December 9 at 5pm, leave a comment on Atlanta INtown’s Facebook page with one reason why you support local. Simple as that – that’s your entry! We’ll draw a winner at random at 5pm.

The winner will need to pick up the tree at one of Tradition Trees locations. No purchase necessary

to enter.

KeepitINtown.com

Go Green

YOUR GUIDE FOR AN ECO-FRIENDLY LIFESTYLE

Weighing the Christmas tree options are a renewable resource. Artificial trees are simply not.

The majority of real Christmas trees sold today are specifically planted and grown for the Christmas holidays on farms. They are meant to be harvested in the same way that crops like potatoes, pumpkins, and squash are cultivated and harvested. After the season, 2-3 seedlings are planted to replace each harvested tree. Each acre on these farms can hold more than 1,000 trees, and there are more than 500,000 acres in production across North America, according to the U.S. Census of Agriculture.

Farms that grow real Christmas trees provide wildlife habitat, control soil erosion, are beautiful to look at, and produce a crop when the soil might not be ideal for other crops. And after the holidays, many communities collect the used Christmas trees and recycle them.

Here are some fun facts about Christmas trees, courtesy of the National Christmas Tree Association:

By Bethany Clark Trees Atlanta More people than ever are concerned about how things affect the environment. As the holiday season approaches, one of the environmental questions on many people’s minds is whether buying and decorating a real tree during Christmas does harm to our forests. Trees Atlanta would like to offer you some information on this matter, so that you can decide whether to celebrate with a real tree or an artificial one.

You may be surprised to hear this, but Trees Atlanta supports using real Christmas trees instead of artificial ones.

Once your shock and awe is over, read on to learn why.

The main benefit to an artificial tree is that, in best case scenarios, you buy it once and reuse it annually. This one attribute makes people think it is a better choice to make than buying a real tree; after all, no real trees have been harmed in your holiday celebration. But there are other factors to consider, the main being that real Christmas trees

Eco-Briefs Last month, Mayor Kasim Reed, together with Michelle Moore of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, A.J. Robinson, President of Central Atlanta Progress (CAP), and other leading business and community organizations, kicked off the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge at CAP’s annual Downtown Development Day. The goal of the challenge is to reduce energy and water consumption by at least 20 percent in participating buildings across Atlanta by 2020 with a primary focus on the city’s Downtown business district.

The Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge complements the City of Atlanta’s “Power to KeepitINtown.com

There are approximately 30-35 million real Christmas trees sold in North America every year. Christmas tree farmers plant more than 60 million new seedlings postharvest.

It can take up to 15 years to grow a tree of average retail sale height (6 feet), but the average growing time is seven years.

Real Christmas trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastics.

According to the U.S. Commerce Department, 80 percent of artificial trees are manufactured in and shipped from China.

North American Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. The top Christmas tree production states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington.

Change” sustainability plan to make Atlanta a Top 10 city in the nation for sustainability practices. For more information on the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge, please visit atlantabbc.com.

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and the Livable Communities Coalition (LCC) recognized six of the region’s most innovative developments with the 2011 Developments of Excellence Awards, including the offices of local architects, Perkins+Will and the Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center.

USAgain, the company that helps divert millions of pounds of clothing and textiles from landfills each year, has partnered with

The top selling Christmas trees are balsam fir, Douglas-fir, Fraser fir, noble fir, Scotch pine, Virginia pine, and white pine.

There are more than 4,000 local Christmas tree recycling programs throughout the United States. Many communities have a “curbside pickup” for Christmas trees after the holiday, which brings the trees to a recycling program, not a landfill.

The above reasons weigh into Trees Atlanta’s support of using real Christmas trees during the holiday season. Once the season is over, choosing to “treecycle” your tree provides material for industries that can give the tree a second life.

There are several types of large-scale uses to which old Christmas trees can contribute, among them are wood chipping, erosion prevention and land stabilization, fish habitat, and river delta sedimentation management.

As you see, these uses range from highly-useful environmental factors (like erosion prevention) to things that we humans enjoy (like hiking trails). Artificial trees, unfortunately, cannot help with any of this.

Still wavering? Ok, here’s a happy medium: if you wish to celebrate Christmas with a tree, get a real Christmas tree, and then come plant with Trees Atlanta.You can join one of our volunteer projects and help us plant 50 trees at once, thereby offsetting any Christmas tree guilt. (The exercise will also work off any holiday calories, too!)

You can also choose to participate in Trees Atlanta’s “Living Christmas Tree” program. We sell living trees, still in a pot (and yes, you will have to water them), that can be brought into your home, decorated, and then planted afterward in your yard. You can also elect to return the tree to Trees Atlanta after the holidays are over and we will plant it elsewhere in the city. Enjoy your options, and have happy, safe holidays!

Speedemissions, which provides vehicle emission safety inspection tests at their 11 Atlanta locations. All 11 locations will host USAgain’s green and white textile drop boxes. Members of the community can deposit unwanted clothing, shoes and other textiles in the drop boxes 24 hours a day.

To find a USAgain drop-box location, visit usagain.com.

Keep Atlanta Beautiful has received a $10,000 grant from national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful, Inc., as part of a nationwide effort to encourage local solutions that improve community environments. The funds will be used by the city’s Graffiti Task Force for prevention, education, intervention, enforcement and

removal in blighted areas. kab.org Trees Atlanta will offer for the 18th year in a row Holiday Tree Greetings. For a minimum $25 contribution each, Trees Atlanta will mail an attractive Holiday Tree Greeting card to your friends, family, and business associates. The card announces that a shade tree will be planted in their honor, thanks to your contribution to Trees Atlanta.

Trees Atlanta volunteers will plant the trees at schools, parks, and neighborhoods throughout metro Atlanta. To ensure adequate delivery time, please order by Dec. 20. Please contact Joe Staley for more information at (404) 681-4890 or joe@treesatlanta.org. l December

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2011 | IN

Inspired Creations

Local artists gives colorful used clothing a second chance

By SB Williams

Visit the Peachtree Road Farmers Market at the Cathedral of Saint Philip on a Saturday morning and your eye will be quickly drawn to a booth of dazzling color.

Behind the brilliant silks that hang in profusion and cover the tables, you will find Karen Moore wearing her own silk “Joseph’s Coat’ of many colors, working on one of her projects or talking to fascinated customers.

Moore is, herself, fascinated with color, especially as she finds it in the intricate prints on beautiful pure silk scarves and garments that have been abandoned over the years and found their way to the thrift shops of Atlanta.

Working only with old fabrics, she has amassed a stunning collection of very wearable garments: scarves, sashes, handbags, jackets, headbands and cell phone holders. Each weekly visit to her booth offers some new creation that her inspired imagination has produced.

Moore was taught to sew by her mother when she was 10 years old, and through the years has successfully engaged in other sewing projects, but her new business, which she calls Buckhedge, began just over a year ago. Moore was shopping with her

sister in a local thrift store and marveled at the beautiful garments that had been given away. She bought a few and began experimenting.

One of her most exciting inventions is the long sash, or neck scarf, that is made of many different fabrics and creates a contrapuntal effect reminiscent of Middle Eastern art.

Moore is delighted to make individual items to the specifications of her customers and welcomes new ideas for giving second lives to beautiful fabrics.

For more information, contact Karen Moore at Buckhedge@gmail.com or visit her booth at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon through Dec. 17.

Green Insider Laura Turner Seydel

Tips for a Green Holiday As we deck the walls with twinkle lights, wrap oodles of presents, and plan our festive holiday parties, it is important that we are conscious of our impact on our planet during these merry times. Did you know that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, Americans throw away an extra million tons of garbage each week?

Get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions by pledging to do you part to keep our landfills free of extra refuse by reducing, reusing and recycling as much holiday merriment as possible to ensure many happy holidays to come.

On average, each holiday season we dispose of 8,000 tons of wrapping paper, 38,00 miles of ribbon and almost 2 billion greeting cards. Kick off your eco-holiday by prepping your home with a herbie curbie sized recycling bin to recycle these items, as well as the bottles, cans, corrugated cardboard and other recyclable items that are bound to accumulate (for a list of approved items or to get a recycling bin, visit atlantaga. gov).

You can also cut back on wrapping waste by getting creative. Around our house we love wrapping presents with the comic section of the newspaper, pages from magazines and even old maps from past road trips. We also save holiday greeting cards and “upcycle” them to become tags for our gifts. And why not make the packaging part of the gift? Wrap presents with a colorful scarf, holiday sweater or a cool keepsake cigar box.

Another big landfill culprit is food waste, as each holiday season 28 billion

pounds of edible food are thrown away (that’s 100 pounds per person!). Reduce this number by donating leftover holiday meals and food items to a local soup kitchen or adding them to your compost bin (if you don’t already have one, you can get one from Farmer D at farmerd. com).

By composting food residuals, including used coffee grounds and flowers, not only will you be helping our landfills, but also creating nutrient rich compost, which you can later use in your flower or edible garden.

Recycling efforts shouldn’t end after you have decked the halls, trimmed the tree and taken down the LED twinkle lights (they use 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent lights!).

In Atlanta there are many options to recycle your Christmas tree, old batteries and broken strand lights. At Earth 911 (earth911.org) you can search for drop off locations.

This year, create traditions that incorporate these eco-friendly practices so that each year you and your family can do your part to keep the planet healthy and happy!

For more eco-living tips and news, visit my blog at LauraSeydel.com.

CAPTAIN PLANET Benefit Gala is dec. 9 As one of the largest environmental fundraising events in the Southeast, the Captain Planet Foundation (CPF) will present the annual Benefit Gala, Friday, Dec. 9, at the Georgia Aquarium. The charitable evening will raise funds for CPF’s mission to support environmental education through grant giving, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Green carpet arrivals include Media Mogul, Ted Turner, 26-time Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Alison Krauss, Gala Co-Chairs Laura Turner Seydel and Elizabeth DuPree Lynch and Captain Planet Foundation Interim Executive Director Christina Stevens. Presenting sponsors include: Turner Foundation, Cartoon Network, Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Power, JST Foundation, Pratt 100% Recycled and Xfinity.

Host Committee co-chairs include: Derek Jacoby, Ira Blumenthal, Beth Kytle, and Lewis Perkins and their committee members include: Ginair & George McKerrow, Dr. Randy

26 INtown | l December 2011

Rudderman & Jennifer Jiunta, Angela & Rhett Turner, Jennie & Peek Garlington, and Beau Turner. Patron Committee co-chairs are Barbara Pyle and Joanne Chesler Gross. The event auction chair is Phaedra Parks from The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Guests will mingle with high-profile celebrities and civic leaders, enjoy a musical performance from 26-time Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Alison Krauss, bid on live and silent auction items featuring one-of-a-kind trips and eco-luxury experiences, enjoy premium cocktails, and dinner by Wolfgang Puck. The event will also feature Captain Planet’s “Superhero for Earth Awards” given to individuals who help inform the public about eco education, sustainability and being responsible stewards of the environment. Dr. Sylvia Earle, dubbed “the Sturgeon General” for her world-renowned oceanography work will be in attendance to receive the CPF Exemplar Award.

For more than 20 years, the Captain Planet Foundation has brought together public agencies, non-profit organizations, corporations, and foundations to help youth develop into environmental stewards – active individuals who participate, nationally and internationally, in projects that benefit their health, schools and communities.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.thepowerisyours.org.

KeepitINtown.com

Head for Decatur

Atlanta

this holiday season.

Nearly 40 boutiques and restaurants around downtown Stone Decatur and Mtn. Decatur Oakhurst Village offer 0 2 Ideals and treats and stay open late every Terrific Thursday through December 15.

Shopping and dining on Sycamore Street in downtown Decatur.

Decatur CD 356 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.

Collage 114 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.

Feast 314 E. Howard Ave.

The Seen Gallery 415 Church St.

decaturga.com visitdecaturgeorgia.com

Meldora Hair Salon 303 E. College Ave. KDecatur_AI_111411.indd e e p i t I N t o w n . c1o m

Parker’s On Ponce 116 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.

Downtown Decatur Little Shop of Stories 133 E. Court Square

Advertising funded by the Decatur Craft Beer Festival.

l December

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11/14/11 5:11 PM 2011 | IN

Eastside Vision

New Atlanta BeltLine renderings offer glimpse of future

By Collin Kelley Editor

A view of the corridor (pre-transit) looking north from Freedom Parkway.

The Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail runs right behind our office here in Inman Park, so we’ve had a ringside seat to the months of work to get the 2.5 mile stretch – from Piedmont Park to DeKalb Avenue – ready for pedestrian (and future transit) use.

The sound of heavy machinery and the occasional shaking of the building reminds us daily that the work is happening, but sometimes it’s hard to envision what the Eastside Trail will look like upon completion.

Last month, we received the set of renderings you see on this page and we were duly impressed.

The lush greenery, the strolling pedestrians and the future streetcar make us wish for a bit of time travel. If these renderings are even close to reality when the BeltLine project is finished in the coming decades, then it will truly change the way Intowners move around the city.

Also last month, the Atlanta Regional Commission awarded the BeltLine a $4 million grant as part of it’s Livable Centers Initiative to build a ramp and stairs from Ponce de Leon Avenue to access the elevated portion of the BeltLine.

Suddenly, we have visions of Manhattan’s popular High Line, the elevated park built on a disused train bridge.

The walking/biking part of the Eastside Trail is slated to be finished next Spring.

For more information about the BeltLine, visit AtlantaBeltLine.org.

Looking north between the Ford Factory Lofts and Ponce City Market.

Looking north at Three Tree Hill near Ralph McGill Boulevard.

Looking south where North Highland Avenue crosses the BeltLine

Looking south at the intersectino of 10th Street and Monroe Drive.

Looking south from Irwin Street with the Stove Works on the left.

28 INtown | l December 2011

KeepitINtown.com

KeepitINtown.com

l December

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2011 | IN

the Studio ARTS & CULTURE

By Julia Turner After the holiday parade, annual theater productions and concerts, what else is there to do in Atlanta for the holidays? Plenty!

We’ve rounded up some upcoming events that you should add to your calendar if you’re looking to entertain the kids, family or just take a break from shopping.

For even more events, make sure to visit Intown Datebook on page 31 and the Atlanta PlanIt listings on page 32 The event is billed as the largest indoor Christmas festival of its kind in the Southeast, featuring more than 70,000 square feet of festive family fun, food and shopping. See the Symphony of Lights music and light show, let the kids play in the Cartoon Network Children’s Adventure Area (which includes a life size toy train), enjoy a meal in the North Pole Café and shop in the retail village. Get your child’s photo made with Santa with a number of affordable packages available for purchase.The festival is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and to 8 p.m. on weekends from Nov. 25 to New Year’s Eve. Tickets are only $12 for adults and $8 for children and can be purchased online at ChristmasOnPeachtree.com.

The Georgia Aquarium is celebrating the holidays with mermaids, mantas, and

Christmas on Peachtree

Santas. Beginning Nov. 26, the aquarium has five weeks of fun for the holiday season. There will be holiday face painting, arts and crafts on select dates and more, including the “Fin-tastic 5th Birthday” live musical revue, which will continue Thursdays-Sundays through the holidays.

The mermaids of Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs State Park will perform in the 6.3 million gallon Ocean Voyager exhibit.

Their synchronized underwater acts are performed to holiday music while breathing through special air hoses. Photos with Santa in the aquarium atrium will be available on special dates. For more information visit georgiaaquarium.org.

The Piedmont Park Conservancy offers the Gingerbread House Holiday Workshop on Dec. 4 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Participants construct their own gingerbread house to decorate and take home. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit piedmontpark.org.

Want to see Atlanta’s largest Draidel? On Sunday, Dec. 18, have fun losing yourself in the festivities at the annual Chanukah Wonderland presented by the Intown Jewish preschool. This free event is fun for the whole family and will feature activities like olive press shows, face painting and arts and crafts. For more information call (404) 898- 0434.

On Dec. 19, The Mansion on Peachtree welcomes The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition authors Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell to host the Elf on the Shelf Cupcake tea featuring a book reading and signing. Young visitors will be treated to a special holiday tea service menu complete with festive miniature cupcakes and traditional assorted tea sandwiches for adults. Young guests are encouraged to bring their own copies of Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition for the signing and gift sets will also be available for purchase.

The tea will be held at 2:30 p.m. in NEO Restaurant and is $40 for children ages 3-12 and $52 for adults including a glass of prosecco. The price includes tax, gratuity and valet parking. Reservations are required by calling (404) 995-7545.

On Saturday, Dec. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m., Santa makes his appearance for Santa’s Holiday Celebration at Underground Atlanta. Visit with Santa and his reindeer, sing-a-long to your favorite holiday tunes, get festive with face painters and balloon artists and have fun at the arts and crafts activity table. For more information, visit underground-atlanta.com.

Experience a dazzling extravaganza featuring nearly 1 million lights crafted into

displays inspired by nature at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown. Highlights include a galaxy of stars in the woodlands; whimsical bees, butterflies, and other lighted pollinators in the Edible Garden; and 200 show-stopping, color-changing topiary forms choreographed to holiday music on the Great Lawn. The lights were turned on in November and will remain until Jan. 7.

Tickets are $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids ages 3-12. AtlantaBotanicalGarden.org For the eighth year in a row, Lindy Promotions & USA Entertainment, along with Metromix, Dave FM and Heineken, are coming together to present Atlanta’s largest New Year’s Eve party at the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Hotel. It’s conveniently located in the heart of Atlanta’s Peachtree Center, and in close proximity to the Georgia Dome, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca Cola, and the CNN Center.

The all inclusive party ticket will get you a premium open bar, an array of the Hyatt’s top notch cuisine, decorations, party favors, access to all areas of entertainment, and Atlanta’s largest balloon drop at midnight as well as a late night breakfast buffet. You must be 21 or older to attend the event.

Dress is formal, creative black tie, optional. downtowncountdown.net.

Garden Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Holidays at the Aquarium

ANY Degree, Diploma or Certificate framed for $69.95 (pre selected Black frame and White acid free Mat)

30 INtown | l December 2011

KeepitINtown.com

Dec. 2-4

Tour four different art studios of the Euclid Arts Collective from Dec. 2-4 at the Holiday Open Art Studio Tour, Show & Sale at the Little 5 Points Community Center. Guests can meet a variety of local artists including EAC artists Hollis Hildebrand-Mills, Carla House, Michelle Jordan, Henry Leonard and TW Meyer and their guests Obayana Ajanaku, Kathy Colt, Ann Davis, Jessica Sabatine Diaz and April Hart. A wide selection of artwork will be available including hand-woven wearables, watercolors, jewelry, ceramic sculpture, photographs, drawings, collage, mixed media and more. The event hours are 7-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 12-5 p.m. Sunday.

Dec. 4

The Toy Party & Silent Auction will be held Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the atrium of at AmericasMart 3 in Downtown.

Admission is an unwrapped new toy or gift card valued at $25 or more. Items in the auction include exclusive vacations in Costa Rica and Puerto Vallarta, tickets to the Grammy Awards, the primetime Emmy Awards, a culintary experience at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and more.

There will also be complimentary holiday cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and DJ Vicki Powell will be spinning party beats. The event benefits For The Kid, a nonprofit for underprivileged children. Visit the Facebook page for more information.

performers as well as additional local artists will be available for purchase. The event will also feature Poverty is Real T-shirt sales. For more information, visit povertyisreal.us.

Dec. 10

Janke Studios will host the Winter Glass Fest on Dec. 10 from noon to 6 p.m. at its gallery in Studioplex, 659 Auburn Ave., Stuido 69. There will be an interactive kids hour from noon to 1 p.m. and activities all afternoon. There will be artists’ studio market, glass bead making, hot glass demos and music. For more visit, jankestudios.com.

The Children’s Garden Preschool in historic Grant Park invites you to the third annual Candlelight Holiday Fair and Silent Auction on Dec. 3 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Unique items crafted by the children will be available for purchase and the silent auction consists of donations offered from the community and beyond.

Entry to the event is $15 per person or $25 per couple in advance and at the door. The entry ticket includes hors d’oeuvres, wine & beverages, a dessert

Poverty is Real, a non-profit group based in Decatur, will host its second concert at 40 Watt Club in Athens on Tuesday, Dec. 6. All proceeds from the event will benefit Whatever It Takes, an Athens-based nonprofit organization working to break the cycle of poverty locally through education.

The show line-up includes Futurebirds, Patterson Hood, Woodfangs, Claire Campbell (of Hope for Agoldensummer) and My Cousin, The Emperor. In addition to the performances, a CD comprised of songs donated by many of the event’s

1)

2)

an all-expenses-paid trip of a lifetime.

Participants will run a short course down Peachtree Street and head back to Hudson Grille for the event celebration.

All race participants are asked to raise a minimum $200 in support of Bert’s Big Adventure. Wearing a Speedo (or similar attire) is required and runners are encouraged to accessorize with holiday themed flair such as Santa hats, beards, stockings and other festive accents. See the following page for information about becoming a participant or sponsor. Last year’s event was a huge success with more than 200 registered participants and over $50,000 raised for a local charity. For registration or information on becoming a sponsor see atlantasantaspeedorun.org.

Dec. 11

Dec. 6

Dec. 3

Tripster Events, Fun & Festivals

bar, entertainment, a reusable shopping bag and parking. All proceeds benefit The Children’s Garden Preschool, 486 Park Ave. For more information (404) 624-8591 or thechildrensgardenpreschool.org.

Dec. 10

Atlanta’s Santa Speedo Run is Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Hudson Grille in Midtown. This year’s runners will be braving the elements to benefit Bert’s Big Adventure, a non-profit organization that provides Atlanta-area children with terminal and chronic illnesses and their families an opportunity to travel for five days to Walt Disney World for

3)

SWEA Atlanta’s traditional Swedish Christmas Market will take place on Sunday, Dec. 11,from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The market will be at the Trolley Barn on Edgewood Avenue in historic Inman Park. Vendors will be selling baked goods, holiday flower arrangements, traditional and modern handicrafts, Swedish Christmas ornaments, Scandinavian design and delicious homemade foods.

There will also be a Swedish Café with traditional drinks and food. The market also offers kid’s activities hosted by the Swedish School of Atlanta. Admission: Adults $5, 12-18 $2, under 12 free.

4)

Outside the Loop

1) The 2011 Winter Wine Highway event will be held in North Georgia Dec. 2-4. This year the event will feature a “Barrel Tasting” at each of the 10 participating wineries, which include Blackstock Vineyards, Cartecay Vineyards, Cavender Creek Vineyards, Crane Creek Vineyards, Forgtown Cellars, Habersham Winery, Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards, Tiger Mountain Vineyards, Wolf Mountain Vineyards, Yonah Mountain Vineyards. Several of the vineyards will offer special events, from hayrides to live music. The cost is $25.00 per person, which includes the Barrel tastings and a souvenir wine glass. For more information on the event and how to purchase tickets, visit georgiawine.com.

2) The North Charleston Christmas Lighting, Festival and Parade are on Dec. 3 this year. Experience dozens of Christmas trees decorated by local churches, schools, businesses, and civic groups on display, then enjoy the dancing troupes, hayrides, pony rides, visits with Mr. and KeepitINtown.com

Mrs. Clause and the annual Christmas parade available before watching the Christmas Tree Lighting on Marion Square and the parade of boats on the water front. The night ends with a fireworks display. Admission is free. northcharleston.org or (843) 740-5854.

3) Ring in the new year and rock out the old at Nashville’s New Year’s Eve Party on Lower Broadway.

Bring your party hats. Make some noise. Count down to the fireworks and the drop of midnight. The festivities begin Dec. 29 with MusicFest and Battle of the Bands.

The New Year’s Eve celebration will take place on First and Broadway beginning at 7:00 p.m. Storme Warren, host of GAC’s Headline Country and Sirius XM Radio personality, will emcee the event featuring an exciting and rocking concert. Count down to fireworks and the drop of midnight. The event is open to the public. For more information, see visitmusiccity.com.

4) From Nov. 5 until Dec. 30, see the Smokies’ most spectacular light display and a lineup of live Christmas shows that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, all at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. 4 million lights drape the park in holiday splendor, casting a warm glow that sets the scene for a winter wonderland like no other. Create a family tradition at Dollywood’s sensational shows, including the triumphant return of perennial favorite Christmas in the Smokies. Let the heartwarming sounds of the season set the stage for a Christmas the entire family will enjoy. Don’t miss Santa’s Workshop, where larger-than-life-sized toys and an 18-foot-tall Christmas tree fill guests of all ages with wide-eyed wonder as they discover a giant wagon, sailboat, dollhouse and more amid the hustle and bustle as Santa and his helpers ready for their big night! Santa’s also the star of the Parade of Lights, along with a cast of brightly lit floats and colorful characters. For more information, visit dollywood.com. l December

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Invasion: Christmas Carol

A guide for arts and cultural entertainment for the entire family.

Visual Arts & Museums

understand refugees’ hardships. Closed Saturday. $4 to $12. thebreman.org

The Wolves, the Lambs and the Rev.: This exhibit at Marcia Wood Gallery features painting

by Kate Javens inspired by the Reverend Linnette C. Williamson, who spent her life dedicated in service to the people of Harlem. Closes December 10. Admission is free. marciawoodgallery.com

Watching Hands: Artists Respond to Keeping Well: The works in this exhibit at the David J. Sencer CDC Museum make a connection between handwashing and keeping well, and the depictions range from the humorous to the spiritual. Open weekdays. Free! cdc.gov/museum

Chagall: The Early Etchings of the 1920s: This exhibition at Oglethorpe University Museum of Art features 70 rarely viewed etchings and aquatints by the Russian-born painter and printmaker Marc Chagall. Closes December 11. $5. oglethorpe. edu/arts 3rd Annual Masterpiece and Its Minis: For this exhibit at Gregg Irby Fine Art, artists prepare a large masterpiece along with its mini counterparts to showcase in the gallery. Closes December 23.

Admission is free. greggirbyfineart.com Graphic Intervention: 25 Years of International AIDS Posters: This exhibit at Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) presents a comprehensive overview of the diverse visual strategies employed by government agencies, community activists and others to educate people about AIDS. Closes January 1. $5 to $10. museumofdesign.org Torn from Home: My Life as a Refugee: Through this inspiring hands-on exhibit at The Breman Jewish Museum, visitors of all ages can explore what it means to be a refugee and better

Paper-Cut-Project & Greg Lotus: This exhibit at Jackson Fine Art features works by Amy Flurry and Nikki Salk, Atlanta-based artists whose innovative paper wig sculptures have captured the imaginations of fashion’s most illustrious houses, as well as Greg Lotus’ photographs of their Italian Vogue collection. Open Tuesday through Saturday.

Admission is free. jacksonfineart.com

Performing Arts A Christmas Carol: A holiday tradition at the New American Shakespeare Tavern, this adaptation of the timeless classic returns for another season.

December 1 through December 23. $12 to $36. shakespearetavern.com The Rocky Horror Show: The original musical that ignited a 35-year non-stop cultural phenomenon comes to Fabrefaction Theatre for a wild, funny, tongue-in-cheek interactive time warp. December 1 through December 23. $13 to $22. fabrefaction.org Feet First in the Water with a Baby in My Teeth: Presented by Synchronicity Theatre at the Balzer Theater at Herren’s, this freewheeling one-woman

comedy by Megan Gogerty will have you laughing until you cry as she juggles motherhood, a career and her feminist ethos. December 2 through December 18. $18 to $20. synchrotheatre.com The Nativity: A Gospel Celebration: Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company will be showcasing a gospel rendition of the Christmas story December 2 through December 30 at the Southwest Arts Center. Told through a combination of scripture, poetry, dance and song this event unveils the true meaning of faith and life for the entire family. $20. truecolorstheatre.org.

Krampus Family Christmas Spectacular: Make naughty the new nice this season as Krampus, Germany’s twisted counterpart to Saint Nick, returns to 7 Stages with an all-new story.

December 8 through December 10. $20 to $25.

7stages.org The Colors of Love: Presented by the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, this funfilled musical journey explores the true meaning of the holidays, family, friends, and the love that is shared during the season. Closes December 9. $10. fhyea.org My Fair Lady: This show at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is a sparkling new production of the musical by which all others are measured. December 8 through December 11. $25 to $62. cobbenergycentre.com Holiday Jazz Vespers: Come experience the traditional songs of the season in swinging and surprising new ways at this concert featuring the Atlanta Jazz Chorus at the Rialto Center for the Arts. December 10. $41 to $67. rialtocenter.org Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker: It’s the most wonderful time of the year when this show returns to The Fabulous Fox Theatre for an enchanted evening the whole family will enjoy.

December 8 through December 24. $20 to $88. atlantaballet.com Madeline’s Christmas: This family holiday musical based on the beloved Madeline books is back by popular demand at the Horizon Theatre.

32 INtown | l December 2011

December 10 through January 1. $12 to $15. horizontheatre.com The Song of Christmas: This concert presented by the Decatur Civic Chorus at the First Baptist Church of Decatur features a selection of beautiful carols and music arranged by Roy Ringwald, with narration by John Lemley of WABE’s “City Café.”

December 11. Free! decaturcivicchorus.org Here We Come a Caroling: This holiday concert presented by the Choral Guild of Atlanta at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church features “A Ceremony of Carols” by Benjamin Britten and “Hodie” by Ralph Vaughn Williams. December 13. $5 to $15. cgatl.org David Benoit with Ethan Bortnick: At this special holiday concert at the Ferst Center for the Arts, five-time Grammy-nominated pianist David Benoit and his quartet will play songs made famous by Vince Guaraldi in the “Charlie Brown Christmas” TV specials. Ten-year-old child prodigy Ethan Bortnick will also perform. December 16. $40 to $65. ferstcenter.gatech.edu Christmas with the Georgia Boy Choir: Hear all five levels of the Georgia Boy Choir in their premiere musical celebration of the season at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church.

December 16 and December 17. $12 to $40. georgiaboychoir.org Libby’s at the Express: Don’t miss Libby Whittmore’s new holiday show at Actor’s Express featuring “Ho, Ho, Home for the Holidays” and “A Connie Sue Day Christmas.” December 16 through December 23. $40. actors-express.com Angels and Shepherds: Enjoy music of the season, both old and new, performed with period instruments at this concert presented by Atlanta Schola Cantorum at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. December 17. $10 to $15. atlantaschola.org Sex and the Second City: From legendary comedy theatre The Second City comes this play about relationships in the age of social networking on the Alliance Theatre’s Hertz Stage. Closes

KeepitINtown.com

Christmas with the Georgia Boy Choir

The Thinking Artist Patrick Dennis

Help from a Holiday Shopping Professional

Madeline’s Christmas

I am an artist and I’ve been thinking…

What with worrying that the holidays are creating a ripple in the time-space continuum, I decided to ask my very dear friend Patricia Shwartz-Gold to help me write the column this month with a little more holiday cheer than I felt I could muster. You’ll love her.

Although she is not an artist in the traditional sense, she has a great haircut, a stable marriage (to a dentist), two liberalminded children in private schools plus lots of social skills I lack such as understanding the subtleties of a 10 piece place setting and the need to get all paint residue off ones hands before entering someone’s home and accidentally leaving a mess on that priceless printed fabric from Italy that I’ve heard about forever. Take it, Patricia...

Hello! First of all let me clarify. I am an artist. Okay, maybe not a bigwig painter like my dear friend who is slightly delusional, but adorable just the same. But I have been known to lead the Paramus Ladies Craft Circle Benefit club meeting at least twice and I can tell you there is nothing that I cannot bedazzle so you’re warned.

Starting with the High Museum (high.org), the Picasso to Warhol exhibit is beautiful, and although there is admission, you’ll want to spend more in the gift shop at the end. Plenty of ideas for the modern art lover on your shopping list – from tchotchkes to the elegant.

Just up the road is the Tula Art Center (tulaartcenter.com). Who knew they could fit 30 artists into that space at the end of Bennett Street. They have a monthly “art walk” on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Please

do not miss meeting Cat Tesla (tesla-studios. com). She has a smile that my orthodontist husband would love. Her mixed media pieces of Cumberland Island make me feel so good I just have to get a coffee and sit down.

Now one thing I know from artists is that they love to “surprise” people by using some very weird materials that regular people try to use at home and end up with a popsicle stick and paper glue project that cannot even get an A in your son’s art class even though I sent muffins.

So at the Emily Amy Gallery (emilyamygallery.com) on Marietta Street close to the aquarium, which my children beg me to take them to every month because it’s like the ocean without the germs, I found Scott Ingram. He paints with nail polish, which I think is very wasteful but so beautiful that I want to donate my leftover O.P.I. amber glow to encourage him. Go support him on Dec. 9 for the reception in his honor. I promise the polish is dry.

You can support my friend Patrick at the Decatur Market and Gallery (decaturgallery.com) with his stable of 22 long suffering local artists by visiting on Dec. 10 at the Holiday Open House. There’s also the Little Five Points Holiday Art Studio Tour and Sale on Dec. 2 (jordandaystudio. com).

I just love the holidays… don’t you?

Patrick Dennis is an artist, gallery owner and President of the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces. He lives in Atlanta.

Patrick@affps.com

Christmas at Callanwolde returns Dec 5-18 Feet First in the Water with a Baby in My Teeth December 18. $35 to $40. alliancetheatre.org Invasion: Christmas Carol: See your favorite characters from “A Christmas Carol” acting in ways that might not be so familiar as improvisers create a whole new holiday experience right before your very eyes at Dad’s Garage. Closes December 24. $7 to $20. dadsgarage.com ASO New Year’s Eve: Ring in the New Year with Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at this evening of song and dance featuring London and Broadway stars performing the timeless music of George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin.

December 31. $30 to $68. atlantasymphony.org KeepitINtown.com

The 27,000 square-foot historic mansion is transformed by Atlanta’s top interior and floral designers. Period furniture, designer treasures, fine art and breathtaking Christmas trees reflect a glorious era when the Candler family lived in the mansion, from the 1920’s to the 1950s.

Visitors will enjoy tours of the mansion as well as the conservatory, home of “Charming ARTifacts” where Callanwolde instructors and students showcase and sell their works of fine art and crafts throughout the event.

Christmas at Callanwolde offers a variety of opportunities to celebrate the season with festive family activities, entertaining cabaret nights, holiday shopping and majestic music played on the Aeolian pipe organ.

More highlights include Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 10 and 17 at 9 a.m. (by advance

reservation only), Teddy Bear Tea, Dec. 11 and 18 at 3 p.m. (by advance reservation only), Battle of the Ice, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m., Cabaret Nights, Dec. 9 and 16; 6 – 9 p.m., and raffles to win Delta Air Lines Tickets throughout the event. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for children 4-12, and free for children 3 and under.

Special events may include an additional fee. All proceeds from Christmas at Callanwolde benefit the continuing operation of nationally acclaimed Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, a non-profit organization providing fine arts programs including classes and performing arts to thousands of metropolitan Atlantans year-round.

To purchase tickets and find more details about event times, visit christmasatcallanwolde.org. l December

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2011 | IN

pick

Switch Modern

By Pamela Berger An iconic mid century chair by Norman Cherner and a drool-worthy Orcus Secretary Desk are officially on my wish list and can be found at the

fabulous shop Switch Modern at 1193 Howell Mill Road and at the new retail space located inside the Museum of Modern Design Atlanta on Peachtree.

Switch Modern is a mix of furniture and accessories, from large and small, simple to extravagant. As owner Doug Henderson explains, “Our price points vary from a $15 vase to a $16,000 light.”

Most of their lines are European with a focus on Italian designers including Poliform, Flexform, Paolo Piva and Minotti.

The most striking feature when you enter Switch Modern is the array of gorgeous pendant lights. They carry ten different lines – from the readily available commercial lights to the more unique and handcrafted “Poppy Light” made of handmade paper by artist Kenneth Cobonpue.

Much of the design at Switch Modern makes you smile as each item seems to be its very own conversation piece. As Doug explains, “We’re the source in the Southeast for clean, contemporary and original design.”

The family team at ibride in France has created a series of whimsical trays that feature animals in regal settings.

Switch is the only company in the US that imports them and as Doug says, “They can work in the very traditional

home to the sleek, contemporary home.” Well priced, starting from $84, the trays can either be hung as art or be used for their functional purpose. I love the duck who seems to be ready for another cocktail.

We have Doug Henderson and Roy Otwell to thank for Switch Modern.

Doug used to work on the tech side of banking while Roy was a dentist. Ten years ago they ditched the day job for the design job. They both have a strong business background and enjoy being based in the South. As Doug explains, “The South is historically rich in every way – in literature, in cooking...and the South has always historically been tied to Europe such as Savannah and New Orleans.” The best part about Switch Modern is that no matter where you live, you can access Doug and Roy’s well curated shop as all their goods are also sold online at switchmodern.com.

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Dac Carver, Managing Broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

34 INtown | l December 2011

Rose Window Mood Lamp Bangladesh, $38

Virginia-Highland 1056 St. Charles Avenue Mon-Fri 11-6, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6 (404) 892-5307 atlanta.tenthousandvillages.com KeepitINtown.com

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KEEP IT INtown Choose Local • Shop Local

When you spend your money with a local business, more of your money stays in your economy. When you buy directly from a local farm 18% more money will be re-spent locally, plus the food is fresh, more delicious and has deeper meaning.

- Joe Reynolds & Judith Winfrey, Love Is Love Farm at Gaia Gardens

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town 35

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IN Business RETAIL | MONEY & FINANCE | DEVELOPMENT

Atlanta artisans selling their wares on

By Sydia Bell Every holiday the routine is the same – we drive all over the city hunting for that perfect gift for friends and family members.

We stand in long lines, try and catch the best sales, but usually wind up buying another tie for dad or the third vase that will just look great in your best friend’s living room.

Why not try something different this year and explore the online world of Etsy.com?

Launched in 2005, Etsy has fast become the spot to find eclectic vintage pieces, customizable jewelry, toys, clothes, original prints, paintings or photographs. There’s too much to even try to list here.

We decided to find some of the more interesting artisans from Atlanta selling their goods via Etsy. Here are a few of our favorites.

or geometric square necklaces, this Etsy shop is perfect for those looking for modern, yet timeless pieces for their collection.

Etsy.com/shop/agoraart $25- $120 With the combination of metal and glass, the Agoraat shop highlights the beauty of multi-dimensional color application in jewelry. Featuring the work of artist Nino Chumburidze, these intricate pieces are more reminiscent of framed portraits rather than everyday accessories and are perfect for those who are not afraid of color or standing out in the crowd.

2 Etsy.com/shop/mycellardoor $15- $40 My Cellar Door features quirky, vintage inspired pieces that you certainly won’t find the mall. Whether you’re looking for an emerald stone show stopper, gold pendants

2

Etsy.com/shop/milfordvintage $23- $70 Do you know someone who loves all things craft including vintage photos on rustic recyclable materials?

Milford Earl Thomas specializes in collecting vintage photos along with aged found objects to create these unique, ready to hang stories. These collectable pictures are perfect for those who are fond of reminiscing about days long gone but with a creative flare.

For Him

Vintage

7

4

Etsy.com./shop/Ibbyandrufus $10- $35 Ibby and Rufus focus on creating embroidered wood jewelry including earrings, necklaces and bracelets. This shop has items perfect for those who value having pieces not seen every day. With the option to customize any purchase, Ibby and Rufus have been able to take those commonly overlooked found objects and produce one of the kind pieces perfect for any jewelry lover.

So, if you find a piece you love and would like to trade it in for something you already own this is the place to do it.

6

3

Jewelry

1

Etsy.com

Etsy.com/shop/flattirevintage $5-$65 Find all of the best estate sale pieces without leaving your house. The shop owners have made it their mission to share all of the cool, antique and collectable pieces they have found at some of the best estate sales across the country. Whether you are looking for a vintage table fan or wooden barn pulleys, this shop is sure to make estate sale shopping as easy as point-and-click.

5 Etsy.com./shop/venividivintage $10- $750 Are you looking for that next phenomenal vintage piece for your wardrobe? Well, look no further. Veni Vidi Vintage offers the perfect shoes, home goods, clothing, and accessories for both women and men. While glancing through the goods, keep in mind that trading is allowed.

Etsy.com/shop/urbanheirlooms $25- $320 Boosting an array of belts and cuffs to messenger bags and wallets, Urban Heirlooms is known for their hand crafted leather goods. With the incorporation of antique keys, each piece found at Urban Heirlooms allows for older pieces to turn into to something new, innovative and extraspecial.

8 Etsy.com/shop/GenXBoutique $9- $46 Do you know someone that would love a pair of Darth Vader or Lego cufflinks? Then you are in luck, because that is exactly what the people at Gen X Boutique have created. Who said cufflinks had to boring or simply an afterthought? These cufflinks are for the man who still remembers the endless amount of hours playing with his action figures as a kid. Just because he is grown doesn’t mean he still can’t have a little fun.

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8 36 INtown | l December 2011

KeepitINtown.com

CoMMoN THrEAds

Icebox weaves philanthropy into their mission

By Wendy Binns Santa should have a twinkle in his eye when he flies over Icebox this month. In helping countless non-profits reach their goals for more than 10 years, it’s clear that this business is one that gives back to the community in a big way and, as the song goes, they’ve been good for goodness sake.

Icebox operates a philanthropic arm of their company with the sole purpose for outreach to help others. They call it Common Threads.

Co-owner Jordy Gamson says that they believe giving back to the community is “an essential ingredient for prosperity. It allows our company to connect with many great causes and opens our brand up to many new opportunities. We also believe in good Karma - what goes around comes around.”

Gamson and his business partner, Scott Alterman, saw a need to help people from the time they opened their doors in 2001.

With many non-profits seeking their help to create promotional materials, they began developing partnerships and eventually formalized their outreach with the Common Threads initiative.

In 2010, The Better Business Bureau presented them with the BBB Torch Award for Community Service. “We do not do the things we do to win awards but it is always nice to be recognized. It was really a surprise. I was not expecting it at all,” says Gamson.

Consistently rated one of Atlanta’s top 5 promotion product firms, Icebox specializes in branded products and clothing. From the basic to obscure, they find ways to get logos displayed in a memorable way.

When Atlanta INtown was in the market for KEEP IT INtown decals to promote the local campaign to support local (see p. 24), we headed to Icebox. They embraced the campaign and helped get it off the ground with decals for storefronts and fans for festivals. You can see Gamson and Alterman in our KEEP IT INtown video by visiting the link or scanning the QR code on this page.

Their office is in Inman Park and the

NON-PROFITS JORDY GAMON RECOMMENDS CHECKING-OUT: Wish for Wendy (Cystic Fibrosis) at wishforwendy.org

Dorsey Alston proudly welcomes

Georgia Ovarian Cancer at gaovariancancer.org World Children’s Center at worldchildrenscenter.org Georgia Transplant Foundation at gatransplant.org

company mascot, Ping the penguin, waves hello from the white building on Irwin Street. To get clients’ creative juices flowing they have a colorful display of banners, shirts, ice cubes that light-up, stadium mood cups that change color, license plate holders, golf bags and way more. There are things you didn’t even know you need, but will want (imagine your logo on a floating cooler at the lake).

Icebox regularly supports many nonprofits you’ve likely heard of, like American Cancer Society, Atlanta Community Food Bank, American Heart Association, Camp Twin Lakes, Fashion Cares (Susan G Komen) and more. They are also grassroots by getting involved in the local Inman Park Festival and helping non-profits, which might not be on your radar (see sidebar).

“Every time I meet the many different volunteers and staff members and hear their personal stories … I feel like we are doing the right thing,” says Jordy.

In their statement online, they sum it up nicely: “We believe strongly that you must first give in order to receive, and therefore, we take it very seriously when our customers come to us and ask us to sponsor their ‘good works.’”

Good work, Icebox! www.iceboxcoolstuff.com.

Harvin Greene & Stephanie Marinac 404-314-4212 Harvin 404-863-4213 Stephanie 404-352-2010 Office harvingreene@dorseyalston.com stephaniemarinac@dorseyalston.com Combined 10 years of real estate market expertise and 25 years of Fortune 100 sales and marketing experience Members, Atlanta Board of Realtors® Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club Intown Specialists and Morningside & Druid Hills residents

www.DorseyAlston.com Scan the QR code to watch the video

KeepitINtown.com

Atlanta’s Oldest Family-Owned Real Estate Company Celebrating 64 Years l December

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2011 | IN

Making Sense of Social Brigette Flood

Avoid the Mall and Drunk Texting Can you believe the holidays are here?

Along with them come those end-of-the year occasions you look forward to all year long: sharing time together with friends and family and time off from work.

There’s also the end of year blowout sales with sweet, deep discounts both in retail stores and e-tailers. You end up scoring amazing savings, if you can handle the crowds and the heavy online comparing/ sharing.

There are some great online resources to give you the inside scoop on sales, activities and events. Bloggers like ATL on the Cheap (AtlantaOnTheCheap. com, Twitter: @ATLCheap), The Mommy Insider (TheMommyInsider. com, Twitter: @mommyinsider) Atlanta Moms (AtlantaMoms.com, Twitter: @ atlantamoms) provide some great local information about where to go and what to do. Not to mention your handy dandy Atlanta INtown paper (AtlantaINtownPaper. com; Twitter: @ATLINtownpaper). The paper’s tweets are frequent and full of

helpful scoops about what’s going on in and around town.

So there’s the frugal part of the holidays, then there’s the other half: the over-indulging. Let’s talk about that for a quick minute. Some people (me included) tend to go overboard with sentimentality and consumption of food and beverages.

I’m all for throwing caution to the wind at the buffet and at the bar, but let me be your social media consciousness if you do.

Drunk Facebooking, tweeting, Google+ posting and texting are the new drunk dialing, but worse. Believe me, you can get yourself into a quick pickle in 140 characters or less. Social media has more far-reaching consequences. Texting, too. Ever looked at textsfromlastnight.com? You should. It’ll scare the pants off you.

Now that we know and agree few things give you true anonymity anymore, go ahead and make a pre-New Year’s resolution: to stay away from a computer and your phone after having enjoyed too much holiday cheer and merriment (like eggnog at the open bar). Your 2012 is much more likely to start out with a clean slate, if you stick to it.

With that, I’m Auld Lang Signing Off until January. A big holiday cheers Atlanta!

Business & Retail Briefs GWCC with eco-friendly advertising with its ability to provide space for up to six advertisers, cutting down on the number of printed signs. Designed and engineered to be energy efficient, NanoLumens displays consume significantly less energy per square foot than conventional digital displays, are composed of up to 50 percent reclaimed materials, and are completely recyclable. nanolumens.com or (678) 421-9694 for more information.

Shop local for the holidays at Holidays in Virginia Highland. Every Thursday in December, the shops of Virginia Highland will offer special events and promotions for holiday shoppers. Food and drinks will be available from local restaurants.

For more information, visit the Facebook page. Also happening every week through Dec. 15 is Decatur’s Terrific Thursdays, where shops will be open late and offering special deals for the season. For more, visit visitdecaturgeorgia.com.

The Georgia World Congress Center has recently installed a NanoLumens NanoFlex digital display that will be used as a portable signage and event banner in the center. Installed by Atlanta-based Revelation Outdoor Management, the display will help

Shoe store Abbadabba’s is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its first retail store in Little Five Points, which opened in 1981.

Since then, the company has expanded into five retail locations across metro Atlanta and served as a national testing ground for new products. If you wanted a pair of Dr. Martens back in the day, this was the place to find them. The store also carries brands

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like Toms, Vibram Five Fingers, Birkenstock, Dansko, Naot, Converse, Vans, Clarks and New Balance. coolshoes.com Divorce attorney Mari LaScala and life coach Sarah Levy have founded Divorce Concierge Service to demystifies the divorce process. The company’s goal is to help people at any stage of divorce and to ensure that investment in time and money will be minimized while satisfaction at the outcome will be maximized. divorceconciergeservice.com The owners of Eclipse One on One Fitness Studio, Amy Selig and Jeff Toney, have opened Stellar Bodies at 3872 Roswell Road.

Stellar Bodies is the first studio in Atlanta, and one of only a few on the East Coast, to feature the SPX Fitnessä, a Pilates-based, 50 minute, total body workout that combines strength and cardio training. The workout, which is executed on a specially designed Pilates reformer-style machine, called the Megaformerä, emphasizes core stability and functional movement. stellarbodiesatl.com.

Atlanta-based art consultants Sally Singletary and Molly Mears have formed The Art Connection, an art consulting firm for residential and commercial clients. The company offers art selection, education, placement and art-centric design, gallery orientation and more. taconnection.com Femfessionals, a national women’s networking group, launched its Atlanta chapter in October with a Connection Luncheon at Local Three. Founding member of Trees Atlanta, Marcia Bansley, was the featured speaker for the event.

Femfessionals connects professional women through a series of events: Connection Lunches, Coffee & Connections and Around Town Socials. They also offer connections via social media and femfessionals.com.

Gas South’s pledge to donate $50 for every strikeout recorded by the Atlanta Braves during the 2011 season has resulted in a total donation of $67,000, based on the 1,332 strikeouts thrown by the Atlanta

pitching staff this season – the most of any team in Major League Baseball this year.

The proceeds are being divided between the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta and the Salvation Army’s Project SHARE, which each received $33,500 from Gas South. Gas South President and CEO Kevin Greiner presented checks to the two agencies at Turner Field before the Braves last game. gas-south.com Sole, a shoe, clothing and accessories boutique, opened its second location in November at Atlantic Station, an addition to the boutique’s flagship location in the Edgewood Retail District. Featuring a mix of exclusive lines and fresh spins on the latest trends and classic mainstays, Sole carries dresses, tops, boots, tights, jackets and a variety of accessories. soleatlanta.com For those who work from home but need an occasional professional space, dShop and dTox provides tables available for rent by the hour, allowing customers to take meetings, print materials and more in professional space complete with a juice bar. Founded by husband-and-wife team of Tim and Shannon Sliger, dShop and dTox will bridge the gap between work and wellness. 305 6th St. For more information, visit dtoxjuice. com or call (404) 771-6500.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs approved Atlanta’s Opportunity Zone application for the Fort McPherson sub-area, a 488-acre military base closed last month by the U.S. Army and now in the jurisdiction of the City of Atlanta. An Opportunity Zone allows companies located within its boundaries to receive $3,500 per job per year for five years: a total of $17,500, for every net new job created. Any legal business entity creating two or more jobs within one year could qualify for these credits. The McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority, Inc. (MILRA) is actively marketing the site and hopes to announce the first tenant sometime next year. They are also seeking opportunities for private or joint development on the site in accordance with the approved master plan. For more information, visit mcphersonredevelopment.com or atlantada.com.

The Atlanta Regional Commission has appointed Douglas R. Hooker as the regional planning agency’s executive director. Hooker comes to ARC from Atkins (formerly PBS&J), where he served as vice president and southern states director since 2005. atlantaregional.com.

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News you can Eat EATING OUT | EATING IN | FOOD NEWS | WINE

A guide for buying holiday bubbly

By Julia Turner Making an informed decision on what sparkling wine to buy for New Year’s Eve can quickly become a paralyzing one when you walk into the store and see the overwhelming number of options.

Not to mention the confusion with labels and naming regulations.

The more you know, the more you realize you still have to learn – what’s the difference between Champagne and Cremant? Are Prosecco and Cava the same, and if they are, how do they compare to Champagne? Even if you are able to sort out all the distinctions, there’s still the actual choosing: what price range are you looking at? What occasion are you planning for? Are you a Champagne fan, or do you usually stay far away?

Fortunately, you don’t have to make these decisions alone. We’ve found five local wine sellers where you can learn which bottle will best fit your occasion. Whether the place is small or large, the wine buyers at these locations are more than happy to help you navigate the tricky path to your ideal bubbly for the holidays.

The Mercantile Owner Janea Boyles at the Mercantile can help you find quality wine for every day for under $20. For the holidays, Janea has a small, thoughtful selection of sparkling and dessert wines available. The Jacques Pelvas from Provence in southern France, Janea’s bubbly choice, is $14.99. For an elegant wine for holiday meals, she suggests the Valpolicella a feminine and fruity red from Italy. As the holidays approach, she will be adding to her seasonal selections. To stay updated, visit themercantileatl.com. 1660 Dekalb Ave., Suite 150, (404) 378-0096.

Ansley Wine Merchant Ansley Wine Merchants has been family owned and run for 25 years and has an extensive selection of champagne and other sparkling wines, but they concentrate on growers’ champagne around the holidays.

Wine purchaser, Amber Bradshaw is happy to educate

40 INtown | l December 2011

buyers on these smaller sellers that provide wines with a more complex taste at a less expensive price. Her top choices for New Years are H. Billiot ($53) and Roger Coulon ($59), and her favorite under $50, Claude Genet ($39.99). For under $20, the store has several Cavas (Spanish sparkling) and Cremants (French sparkling).

1544 Piedmont Road, (404) 876-6790 or ansleywine.com.

Perrine’s Wines Perrine’s Wines focuses on French wines, but they do offer a selection of bubbly choices from all over the world, and during the holidays, they will be looking into more grower’s champagnes to fill the shelves. For anyone looking to take French and fancy to the extreme this New Year’s, Perrine has Champagne S de Salon Grand cru Le Mesnil 1999, $499.99 on sale for $349.99. On the other end of the price spectrum, she suggests Charles de Fere Cuvee at $10 with fresh and fruity tasting notes. The store offers 10% off 12 bottles and 5% off 6, and they will be offering a few sparkling tastings in the coming weeks.

1168 Howell Mill Road, Suite B, (404) 254 5077 or perrineswines.com.

Wine Shoe While the Wine Shoe provides two excellent champagne choices—a Jean Pierre Lalouelle brut, $50, and Krug’s Brut Grande Cuvee, $185— and will order other varieties on request from customers, their real focus is on European sparklings without the Champagne designation. Owner and wine purchaser, Nova Wiley’s number one selection is their Spanish Cava, Saniger, a $17 brut. For a different and adventurous selection, she recommends the Portuguese Sottel, which is slightly sweeter than an Italian prosecco and has a lighter fizz than sparklings made in the Champagne style.

Another choice that’s less tradition is the Italian Brachetto

by Giribaldi, a sweet, sparkling red. Wine Shoe provides wine tasting classes year-round, but in December they have special “Bubbly” classes. The classes are $35 per person, but they often have Groupons and discounts running. For more information on dates and times, visit their website, wineshoeatlanta.com. 339 Nelson St., (404) 577-2000.

Mac’s Beer and Wine Located in Midtown, Mac’s offers a wide selection of champagnes and sparkling wines from all over the world.

With prices ranging from $4.99 to $500, you can go as upscale or low scale as you’d like. Dom Perignon, well-known and popular, is available for $140, but for something more affordable with the same Champagne seal, try the store selections like Nicholas Feuillatte at $30. Another top pick made in the champagne style is Gruett’s dry rose for $14. 21 Peachtree Place, (404) 872-4897 or macsbeerandwine.com.

Green’s Beverages This Atlanta staple has a formidable spread of choices for your New Year’s gathering, whether it’s a small party or large party. Green’s will be featuring Piper Sonoma, a California sparkling, this holiday season. Usually selling for around $15, Green’s will offer the label for $10 with a 15% case discount.

If you’re still looking to stick with classic champagne, Green’s has them starting at $26.98. For a nice and economical choice, wine purchaser Len Iris suggests Perrier Jouet at $29.99. 737 Ponce de Leon Ave., (404) 872-1109 or greensbeverages.com.

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Quick Bites News & Happenings Watershed, the Decatur restaurant co-owned by Indigo Girls’ Emily Sailer, has officially announced it’s relocation to the Brookwood condominiums in Buckhead. The new 175-seat space with private dining room, patio and ample parking is expected to open in the spring with Chef Joe Truex still in the kitchen. And, yes, Tuesday’s Fried Chicken Night will be back on the menu.

Last month’s Morningside Mile & Block Party, which also honored the occasion of Doc Chey’s 14th anniversary, raised $7,500 for the restoration of historic Fire Station 19 in Virginia Highland The Spotted Trotter Charcuterie is now open in Kirkwood at 1610 Hosea L. Williams Drive offering fresh sausage, bacon and pancetta as well as an array of exotic meats from rabbit and lamb tongue terrines to duck liver pate and veal bologna. thespottedtrotter.com After the tornadoes ravaged parts of the country last spring, Homegrown Restaurant Concepts owner Rich Chey spearheaded a Dine Out fundraiser to benefit American Red Cross and give back to those who lost so much. After a month-long campaign with Dine Out for American Red Cross, a check for $6,000 was presented to the local American Red Cross chapter to replenish the funds they used to help after the disasters.

The Flying Biscuit Café has opened its newest location at Town Brookhaven off Peachtree Road. The new restaurant marks the ninth location to open in Georgia. flyingbiscuit.com.

Karl Kondor has been named executive chef appointed as Morton’s The Steakhouse. mortons.com/atlanta.

Chuy’s, an Austin-based Tex-Mex restaurant, will open at 118 Perimeter Center West on Dec. 6. chuys.com Chef Micah Willix has opened Latitude at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead. Long a veteran of Atlanta’s restaurant scene and former chef at Ecco, Willix said the new restaurant will offer a concise, flavor-driven menu with a large wine selection/ A mix of globally and regionally sourced, high-quality meats and proteins, produce and dairy that is unique, yet approachable, will be menu highlights. latitudeatlanta.com Mary S. Moore, owner and founder of The Cook’s Warehouse, has been named president of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, an invitational organization of women leaders in food, beverage and hospitality whose mission is education, advocacy and philanthropy.

Czar, a “vodka ice bar,” is expected to open later this month at 56 E. Andrews Drive in Buckhead. Watch for more details about this establishment in the January issue.

Resturant RIP Bluepointe in Buckhead, Blue Frog Cantina in East Atlanta, Ben & Jerry’s in Virginia Highland, MF Sushibar in Midtown. LeRoy’s Fried Chicken in West Midtown.

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2011 | IN

pick

Grits Done Right

By Pamela Berger Delia Champion, above, is one of the original founders of the Flying Biscuit, the now famous Atlanta restaurant. One of the first items she put on the menu

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back in 1993 was polenta (very similar to the traditional grits) and she added Parmesan cheese. Her polenta became very popular as it was also a labor of love – getting up at 4 a.m. every morning to make enough to last each day. Within time, she transitioned to the more traditional quick grits recipe and soon Delia and her grits were making waves all over the city. Delia knows her grits.

As she explains, “When someone says ‘I don’t like grits,’ I don’t get that. I can win anybody over with my grits.”

I decided to ask Delia to share the secret to her incredibly tasty grits. And we are so lucky that she said yes. To begin, bring 6 cups of water, 2 cups

of half and half, salt to taste and 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper to a boil.

It’s very important to have a whisk when making grits and just as important to use it. Delia warns, “You must stir, you don’t want the grits to clump together because if you stop stirring for too long, they’ll become lumpy and you don’t want lumpy grits, they need to be creamy and smooth.”

Delia believes there’s a couple tricks to good grits with the first being to drizzle your grits in slowly and whisk the entire time. So when your water comes to a boil, add 2 cups of quick grits nice and slow. Reduce to a low heat and continue to whisk often, until thick and completely

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smooth, about 10 minutes.

Next, add 1/2 cup grated sharp, white cheddar cheese and allow the cheese to melt. Whisk again to combine.

This is the perfect consistency of good southern style grits. Not too thin, not too lumpy, but just right.

Delia’s next trick to good grits is of high importance. Turn the heat off and allow your grits to rest five minutes, then add 4 tablespoons of cubed, unsalted butter. All too often, people add their butter during the cooking time and that

will cause your butter to break and that’s when you get that oil reaching out to the side of the bowl. So turn the heat off and stir the butter in until completely smooth and silky.

Now you have yourself some delicious southern style, smooth and creamy grits. And don’t be afraid to cook grits any time of day. As Delia says, “I love grits because they are that staple that really complement almost anything – from proteins to vegetables – and it fills you up.”

Ben and Mark are cartoonMakers

For some extra fun, add some sautéed corn to your grits. Delia likes this as it adds a little extra sweetness and texture (Cook just under 10 minutes until you get that nice color and the corn softens slightly).

Grits from Atlanta’s ultimate grits artiste...can’t get much better than that.

-sweetpeachblog.com

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  ©2011 Ben & Mark. all rights reserved.

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I N TOW N ’ S m a r k e T l e a d e r * Harry Norman consistently outperforms the local competition. contact mike Wright, managing Broker Harry Norman, REALTORS® Intown Office 404-897-5558 | 1531 Piedmont road, Suite B | atlanta, Georgia 30324

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44 INtown | l December 2011

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real estate CITY LIVING | NEIGHBORHOODS | DEVELOPMENT

Homes for the Holidays Annual tours set in five Intown neighborhoods •••

Five Intown neighborhoods will mark the season with annual holiday home tours that will not only offer a glimpse inside beautifully decorated interiors, but also a chance to taste food from local restaurants and shop for last minute gifts. Mark your calendars.

Virginia Highland Tour of Homes The 17th annual Virginia Highland Tour of Homes is set for for Dec. 10-11. Presented by the Virginia Highland Civic Association, tour times are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The seven homes on this year’s tour include several beautifully renovated bungalows, a new construction that captures the spirit of the craftsman style in meticulous detail, as well as a new construction contemporary home in the Modernist/International style. Also featured is a renovation that appeared in an issue of Southern Living magazine earlier this year.

Food tastings from local restaurants will be held in each of the seven homes on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Restaurants will include Genki Noodles and Sushi, Atkins Park, Goin’ Coastal, La Tavola/El Taco and D.B.A. Barbeque.

Over the past six years the tour has raised over $100,000, which has helped create the playground at John Howell Park, renovate Orme Park, and plant trees with Trees Atlanta.

This year’s funds will benefit Highland Park, annual grants to local schools, and more.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 the weekend of the tour. Tickets may be purchased online at vahitourofhomes.org or Intown Ace Hardware, Aurora Coffee or San Francisco Coffee. This year’s tour is presented by Joel Kelly Design, Phillip Pettis Homes and Fourteen West Realty.

Peachtree Garden Club Christmas Home Tour Peachtree Garden Club’s annual holiday treat is set for Thursday, Dec. 8, and features four distinctive homes in close proximity in an exclusive northwest Atlanta neighborhood. The homes, two on Garraux Road, one on Garraux Place, and one on Nancy Creek Road, will be festively decorated and open to Tour goers from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online for $26 at peachtreegardenclub.org. Tickets are also available in person at Boxwoods, The Mercantile in Brookheaven, Erika Reade Ltd., Glen Weakley Ltd., and Gramercy Fine Linens & Furnishings.

Or you can urchase at the door of any of the homes on the day of the tour for $30 per ticket, cash or check only.

All proceeds benefit the Peachtree Garden Club Community Fund, which in turn supports charitable, scientific and educational needs in the fields of horticulture and conservation through the donation of funds to organizations in the Atlanta area.

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By Julia Turner & Collin Kelley

Avondale Christmas Tour of Homes & Holiday Market Visit some of Avondale Estates’ oldest homes on Dec. 11 from 3 to 8 p.m. The tour features seven homes starting with an English Tudor on Covington Road, built in the early 1920s. Other homes include a newly renovated ‘30s bungalow, a transformed ‘50s brick bungalow, and a brick two-story American foursquare built in the late ‘40s. Points of interest on the tour are The Museum School, a new addition to the community, a charter school that opened in the fall of 2009, and Avondale Baptist Church, with its sanctuary filled with members’ nativities from around the world.

The Holiday Market will be open from noon to 6 p.m. and feature 30 booths where shoppers can purchase a variety of items such as jewelry, pottery, purses, bottle stoppers, soaps, lotions, leather items, jams and jellies, baked goods, pecans, grits bits, and cured meats. The holiday café will serve delicious soups and desserts.

Trolleys for the tour will run from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 5:30-7:30 p.m., or participants may drive themselves to each location. Tickets may be purchased for $12 in advance at Avondale City Hall, Finders Keepers Furniture, REAL Salon and Seventeen Steps, or for $15 on the tour day at the Avondale Community Club. Assure your place on a trolley by signing up in advance at various Avondale businesses or contact Margaret Lunsford at mplcvl@aol. com. More information can be found at avondaletourofhomes.com.

Decatur Candlelight Tour of Homes The 29th annual Decatur Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes is Dec. 2 and 3 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The tour features homes in the Winnona Park and Glenwood Estates neighborhoods, including six single-family homes and one condo located in a completely renovated apartment building.

In addition to the seven beautiful homes, guests on the tour will also enjoy seeing points of interest that include the historic chapel at Decatur First United Methodist, the chapel at Agnes Scott, and the brand new 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue.

The tour supports several local non-profits that benefit the Decatur community. The Decatur Education Foundation works to help Decatur youth realize their full potential, not only in the classroom but also through learning experiences that contribute to personal development. The Decatur Youth Fund provides scholarships to low-income youth for summer camp programs. The DeKalb History Center collects, preserves and shares the history of DeKalb County. The Oakhurst Community Garden Project teaches environmental awareness through hands-on gardening and outdoor education programs.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and will be available soon at select locations in and around Decatur. For more, visit. decaturtourofhomes.com.

Continued on page 48 i December

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Real Estate Briefs

Jova/Daniels/Busby Architects was awarded the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Georgia 2011 Design Citation Award for the Atlanta Botanical Garden LEED Gold “green” expansion and renovation.

The Citation Award, among three of the awards AIA Georgia bestows, is awarded to a project of notable accomplishment.

Projects submitted for the AIA Georgia Design Awards were judged based on their exemplary skill and creativity in the resolution and integration of formal, functional and technical requirements, including ecological stewardship and social responsibility that acknowledges and advances social agendas. Additional criteria included the architect’s ability to reflect a strong sense of place, ecology, history or

purpose as an integral part of the

neighborhood is more than a 10-minute walk from one of the parks.

demonstrated design excellence. jova.com Developer Miller Gallman has drastically reduced pricing on studios, one- and twobedroom homes in Castleberry Point in order to sell out by the end of 2011.

The mixed-use, flat-iron development combines the best of urban design with the neighborhood’s historic industrial character in a bustling community of art galleries, restaurants and shops. The new pricing brings one remaining studio priced at $68,900, one-bedroom homes beginning at $100,900 and two-bedroom homes beginning at $155,900, with FHA financing and down payment assistance available. For more information about Castleberry Point Condominiums, visit castleberrypoint.com.

The APA also noted the sustainability and continued popularity of the 107-year-old neighborhood.

Atlanta’s Ansley Park community was recently selected as one of 10 Great Neighborhoods in the American Planning Association’s Great Places in America program for 2011. From more than 100 entries, Ansley Park – located near Piedmont Park in the Midtown area – was selected for its functionality, sustainability, unique character and public participation.

According to the APA, it was most impressed by the community’s 14 lush parks and the fact that no home in the 275-acre

Cousins Properties has announced the first retailers to sign leases at Emory Point, including CVS, Jos A. Bank, Marlow’s Tavern, Which Wich, Solar Dimensions and Carriage Cleaners. Located on Clifton Road near the CDC and Emory University campus, phase one of the project will include more than 80,000 square feet of retail space and 443 luxury apartments.

Construction began in July and is expected to be complete by fall 2012. The second and third phases of the project will be developed according to market demand. cousinsproperties.com Renewal Design-Build has recently added a project manager, project designer and project development assistant to its staff.

Allen Layson, Project Manager, has been renovating homes in Atlanta for 32 years.

Prior to joining Renewal, he owned and operated a design-build firm in Decatur for 14 years. Courtney Rogers, Project Designer, is an interior design graduate from the University of Georgia. She has designed kitchens and bathrooms throughout the metro area and recently won a 2011 Calla Award for Best Small Bathroom. Angela Ice, Project Development Assistant, earned her bachelor’s degree in residential sciences from Florida State University. She has worked in various aspects of the design industry, including: property management, project management, furniture and textile sales, and residential and commercial interior design. RenewalDesignBuild.com.

and $299,000 for two-bedrooms. One-, two- and three-bedroom homes, along with six two-story penthouses up to 4,154 square feet, feature luxury finishes, including Gaggenau appliances, Dornbracht fixtures, floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. Several model residences have been designed by nationally recognized interior designer Tim Hobby. For more information, see watlantaresidences.com or call (404) 524-4092.

Baker Barrios Architects is designing the new Northridge apartment complex in Sandy Springs. The firm will oversee all aspects of architecture, planning and landscape architecture for the property.

The 465,000 sq.-ft. cottage craftsman style complex will offer a combination of 216 one-and-two bedroom units with upgraded amenities such as granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, 9-foot ceilings, covered parking and balcony views overlooking heavily-wooded trails; a 10,300 sq.-ft. clubhouse including a high-definition theater and signature fireplace for evening gatherings; and a 1,500 sq.-ft., full-service fitness center offering a broad range of amenities in tune with resort-style living.

The project is expected to break ground in the first quarter of 2012 with the first phase complete by Spring 2013. bakerbarrios.com About Sales, Inc. has announced that Rockhaven Homes has two new construction homes available at Druid Hills East in Decatur. Homes are priced from $724,900. Standard features include two-car garages, gourmet kitchens, granite countertops, open plans, site-finished hardwoods and tiled baths and laundry. The Kincaid floor plan has four bedrooms, and fourand-a-half baths on a full, unfinished basement.

The home includes a large open plan with livable rooms. The gourmet kitchen includes granite countertops and semicustom cabinets with stainless steel appliances. The Trammel floor plan, the second home under construction, has four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths on a full, unfinished basement. For more information, call (404) 593-5319 or visit rockhavencommunities.com.

The Residences at W Atlanta in Downtown has re-launched sales for new homes beginning at $199,900 for one-bedrooms

46 INtown | i December 2011

KeepitIntown.com

pick

By Pamela Berger The home style I most love from the South is the Shotgun House. These are the long and narrow homes, often in a row, that catch your eye for their unique and endearing shape. They get the

name shotgun because if one fired a shotgun through the front door, the bullet would go straight through the back door.

The shotgun house is often no more than 12 feet wide, with 3-5 rooms set in a row without a hallway. This lack of a hallway allows for excellent airflow and cross ventilation throughout the home, which is a must for the hot southern summers, particularly before the invention of air conditioning.

You’ll often find that shotgun homes were built close or even flush with the sidewalk. There is a single door and window at the front of the home and a side door towards the back that leads to the final room. And there’s always just enough room for two rocking chairs on

the ever important front porch.

First popularized in New Orleans, the shotgun house was once the most sought after home in the South from the 1860s-1920s. Although many today have cement stairs, the original shotguns all had wooden steps. The homes are traditionally built 2-3 feet off the ground, a sure indication of their New Orleans heritage.

As manufacturing jobs become more plentiful in the cities during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, these homes were built to accommodate the influx of new workers- much like the rowhouses of the Northeast. They were quick to build and very sweet and stylish, if I do say so myself.

Often, several would be built in a row by the same builder, which lent to their similar appearance. On historic Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, you’ll see the preserved row of Double Shotgun homes or two shotgun homes joined together, sharing a central wall. As a sign posted outside the homes explains, “These duplexes are typical of the houses where Atlanta’s bluecollar laborers lived in the early 1900’s.

The Empire Textile Co. built them for its white mill workers, but they moved out after the 1906 race riot, and blacks began renting them.”

The best areas in the South to still see shotgun homes are at Bywater in New Orleans, Cabbagetown in Atlanta, or Portland, Butchertown and Germantown in Louisville.

A special thank you to Brian Brown who shared his really wonderful photographs of some of the oldest shotgun homes found in Georgia. He has a wonderful blog, vanishingsouthgeorgia.com that documents some of Georgia’s last remaining, yet historically rich structures.

- www.sweetpeachblog.com

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Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

i December

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2011 | IN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

Grant Park Candlelight Home Tour

UNDER CONTRACT

Alpharetta. $325,000 110 Northern Oaks Court 4BR/4BA FMLS: 4281715 Kaufman & Metcalf 770.337.7122

UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

Ansley Park. $1,069,000 170 Westminster Drive 4BR/3.5BA FMLS:4279149 Jim Getzinger 404.307.4020

Atlantic Station. $215,000 217 16th Street 3BR/3.5BA FMLS: 4282149 Chase Mizell 404.835.9595

Brookhaven. $775,000 1240 Brookhaven Hideway Court 5BR/4.5BA FMLS: 4276927 Kaufman & Metcalf 770.337.7122

OUR CLIENTS ENJOY GLOBAL MEDIA EXPOSURE FROM THE AMERICA’S TO THE PACIFIC RIM.

Brookhaven. $259,000 2236 Tanglewood Circle NE 3BR/2BA FMLS:4281752 Adrian Schmidt 404.924.6812

Buckhead. $4,900,000 3594 Tuxedo Court NW 6BR/7Full 2half BA FMLS:4281209 www.3594tuxedocourt.com Debra Johnston 404.312.1959

Grant Park captures the holiday spirit with their Candlelight Home Tour on Dec. 10 and 11 from 6 to10 p.m. The neighborhood is Atlanta’s largest historic district with homes built in the Victorian, Craftsman, Italianate and various other styles from the turn of the 20th century.

The Candlelight Tour of Homes features eight to 10 homes representing renovations as well as new homes built to reflect the historic district’s character. Adding to the festivity are caroling hayrides, visits with Santa, an Artists’ Market, and holiday concert by the St. Paul choir.

The holiday home tour provides funds to three of Grant Park’s community enriching non-profits – St. Paul, the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool and the Grant Park Parent Network.

All activities, including the ticket booth and where pre-purchased tickets are exchanged for programs, are at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 501 Grant Street. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the weekend of the tour and may be purchased by calling (404) 688-7501 or online at CandlelightTourofHomes.com.

YOUR ATLANTA INTOWN REAL ESTATE TAX ASSESSMENT EXPERT

Buckhead. $1,500,000 3579 Castlegate Drive NW 4BR/4.5BA FMLS: 4271778 www.3579castlegate.com Debra Johnston 404.312.1959

Buckhead. $650,000 1085 Alco Street 3BR/2.5BA FMLS: 4271538 Andrea Cueny 404.695.7040

Buckhead. $450,000 2411 Shenandoah Avenue NE 4BR/3BA FMLS: 4287100 Amy Santrock 404.427.6301

Buckhead. $4,995,000 2167 Mount Paran Road NW 5BR/5Full 2half BA FMLS:4284263 Jim Getzinger 404.307.4020 Jared Sapp 404.668.7233

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Buckhead. $390,000 265 Alberta Drive NE 2BR/1BA FMLS: 4292579 Erika Eaton 404.246.9330

Buckhead. $350,000 2832 Overlook Court 4BR/2Full 2half BA FMLS: 4289586 Chase Mizell 404.835.9595

Clairmont. $199,000 1933 Shalimar Drive 3BR/2BA FMLS: 4279562 Jim Glover 404.974.4420

Emerson. $3,495,000 460 Puckett Road 4BR/3.5BA FMLS: 4266308 Jim Glover 404.974.4420

Midtown. $285,000 805 Peachtree Street 2BR/2BA FMLS: 4265517 Chase Mizell 404.835.9595

Midtown. $125,000 275 13th Street 2BR/1BA FMLS: 4282072 Chase Mizell 404.835.9595

Morningside. $350,000 1864 Windemere Drive NE 3BR/2BA FMLS: 4289431 Kaufman & Metcalf 770.337.7122

Sandy Springs. $399,900 440 Forest Valley Road NE 4BR/3BA FMLS: 4264338 Chase Mizell 404.835.9595

KEEP IT INtown Choose Local • Shop Local

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OUR INTOWN OFFICE IS NOW OPEN! AtlantaFineHomes.com 404.874.0300

© MMXI Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Yellow House by Josephine Trotter used with permission. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

48 INtown | i December 2011

KeepitIntown.com

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i December

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2011 | IN

IN Your Home

HOME IMPROVEMENT | RENOVATION TIPS| HOME DECOR | BEFORE & AFTERS

By Collin Kelley Editor Decorating your home for the holidays doesn’t necessarily have to mean the usual red and green for the season. Everyday objects in your home can be repurposed for the holidays or consider adding a touch of whimsy with unexpected decorations.

Nandina Home and Design (nandinahome.com) owner John Ishamel said simple can make a statement as well as be beautiful. “You can simplify your decorating to fit your home and so that it doesn’t change the whole room,” Ishamel said.

On display at the Nandina store in Inman Park, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, there is a mix of “old world” and modern ideas for the holidays.

Simple stockings to hang from the fireplace were created using scrap material from the Nandina workroom, while mosscovered ornaments add a muted punch of color to a white-flocked tree.

More ideas from Barnett: Ishamel also likes to “tablescape” using colorful vases, silver-tinseled wire trees and hanging candlelit globes to set the mood for the season. Nandina also has whimsical bobble head and wood ornaments for the Christmas tree or that could be group on a table.

Margaret Barnett of Barnett + Co Interior Design (margaretbarnett.com) in Decatur says her ideas for decorating are “frugalista-friendly.”

“Scour your yard for pine cones, dried berries and colorful leaves or evergreen branches to put on the mantle,” Barnett suggested. “Trim back your holly bushes and pine branches and place the cuttings on your mantle with a few votive candles.”

Repurposing items such as old pitchers – any color and size – can be arranged on a sideboard with fresh, colorful flowers mixed with greenery to create a wonderful grouping, Barnett said.

leaves from bushes and fresh herbs such as mint, sage and oregano are still hardy.

••• Pull out an old basket lined with a

Bundle and tie with a piece of jute. Place

tablecloth along with a sprinkling of nuts

in the powder room for a nice touch.

and dried berries for a fresh and colorful

sidepiece.

••• Incorporate the vibrant colors of seasonal fruits such as apples, pears and pomegranates.

••• Fill old mason jars and jelly jars with grasses such as wheat and pampas, all cut to the proper size. Use jute twine to make an accent at the top of the jar. When you tie the jute place a colorful sprig of a holly berry in the knot for a colorful accent.

••• You may think your yard is done for the winter... take one last look and you will find lovely berries, dried flowers, beautiful

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KeepitIntown.com

pick

Luscious Acorns

By Pamela Berger For wildlife that lives near oak trees, acorns are one of their most important food sources. and there’s many to find this fall, as my friend Kathryn Kolb says, “it’s a banner year for acorns.” We took a walk on Saturday with our pups and found

some really wonderful ones, all manner of pretty, fall colors. the white oak acorns initiate their germination in the fall so they don’t stick around for long, whereas you’ll see the red oak acorns hang around a while, not germinating until the spring. deer (and people) prefer the white oak acorns as

they are sweeter in flavor with less tannins than their red counterparts. But nature always has a plan as the red oak acorns contain two to four times the fat content as the whites, which helps the animals of the forest get the sustenance they need to survive the chilly winter. to tell the difference between white oak acorns and red oak acorns, you need only look at the texture. Soft and smooth means white oak, fuzzy and scruffy means it’s from a red oak tree. red oak acorns also have more of a flat top and a rounder, fatter body than the white oaks.

Kathryn and i saw a ton of chestnut oak and white oak acorns on our walk. Both have smooth bodies and are therefore both from the white oak family. the chestnut acorns have more of a wide top with a long stem while the white oak’s cap is more snug and stylish. the acorns photographed by Kathryn look great in a bowl or on display, so while they provide nourishment for forest dwellers they can also add something special to a room or porch.

-sweetpeachblog.com

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i December

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10/17/11 10:47 AM 2011 | IN

OLDEST FURNANCE CONTEST RETURNS

Before & After These Intown homeowners wanted a full renovation for their dated kitchen and called on Construction Resources to do the job. Without much change to the kitchen’s footprint, the homeowners

Empire Heating and Air Conditioning is looking for the oldest furnace in the Atlanta area and will give its owner a new furnace free as part of a effort to highlight the potential for energy savings from new, high efficiency heating equipment. “We felt this contest was a good way to draw attention to the potential to save a lot of money by upgrading an old heating system,” said Martin Hoover from Empire Heating and Air Conditioning. “There are some very old furnaces around town and homeowners are wasting a lot of money and contributing a lot of greenhouse gases by continuing to operate them.” Homeowners who believe they might have the oldest furnace in the area are encouraged to complete Empire’s online entry form found on their website at empirehvac.com or to call (404) 294-0900 for one to be mailed. There are 25 great prizes being offered to all entrants by drawing so even if your furnace isn’t the oldest you still have a great chance to win.

Entries will be checked for age and the winner will be selected by Jan. 20, 2012.

Photo credit: Adams Elements

went for a sleek white and cream looking with marble countertops and backsplashes, stainless steel appliances – including a sixburner gas stove, double oven and prep sink with extendable faucet – and a generous bar area with seating. The kitchen is now a place to whip a gourmet meal, but to also to gather with friends and family. For more information about Construction Resources, visit the website at constructionresourcesusa.com.

Get performance improvement

Happy Holidays from Terry, Dawn and Yoshi.

Here's to many more beautiful renovations in 2012!

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More than half of our project costs were covered

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2011 | IN

Renovation Coach Jesse Morado

The Remodeling Relationship It is a well-known fact that two heads are better than one. Collaborating, sharing ideas, and working together results in a successful project, whether it is generating the latest greatest tech product for the market place or a kitchen remodeling project.

Remodeling is a relationship business and the success of the project hinges on both homeowners and contractor working closely together to produce a project that all parties can be proud of. If contractor and homeowner are not taking ownership for their part of the relationship the project will experience delays, cost overruns, and at the end of a day some very frustrated folks.

Contractors must work hard to closely identify and communicate what they are bringing to the party so that homeowners understand where the contractors responsibilities begin, stop and pick up again. In addition, if there are decisions that are required from the homeowner, these need to be clearly defined so the homeowner understands what he or she is responsible

for bringing to the project.

This clear communication up front helps establish the relationship and the deliverables that each member in the relationship need to work upon to ensure a successful project.

Compare it to two friends planning a trip with each one deciding what each is tasked to perform in preparation for the trip and one of the friends gets so immersed in what he or she is doing each day that he or she never gets around to buying the airline tickets in time to get the lower rate. Now the trip has to be either cancelled or postponed or the friends (which now one friend isn’t too happy with the other) have to reach into their pockets and shell out more than they planned. The trip has now been affected as well as the satisfying experience both friends were anticipating in this relationship.

Homeowners remodeling today have countless decisions to make and thousands of choices. This can be quite overwhelming.

In a remodeling relationship where the contractor is relying on the homeowner to

select products that are needed to complete the project such as plumbing and electrical fixtures, cabinets, flooring, paint colors, and more, it is important to clearly define the dates which these decisions are needed by in order to keep the project on track.

Homeowners also need to understand that if they don’t get around to providing the contractor what he or she needs to perform the work, that their project will be delayed and that the contractor is not the bad guy when the project isn’t completed within the timeline desired.

Failing to make key decisions in a timely manner or changing horses in the middle of the stream will always affect the end date. In order to produce a quality project on time and on budget both homeowner

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Information deemed accurate but not warranted. Subject to change without notice.

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i December

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2011 | IN

ATLANTA INTOWN OFFICE

Building the blocks of Atlanta’s best neighborhoods since 1979!

404-874-2262 Intown@ColdwellBankerAtlanta.com

Over 87% of homebuyers start their search online. Start yours at www.ColdwellBankerAtlanta.com. www.ColdwellBankerPreviews.com

MORNINGSIDE. Thoughtfully renovated w/granite kit, richly paneled den w/built-ins & wood burning fireplace, custom closets.

3Bed/2.5Bath $799,000 FMLS: 4127560 Marc Castillo 404-449-6862

DECATUR Best value in Leafmore/Creek Park. Large rooms, vaulted ceilings, new thermopane windows, freshly painted. 4Bed/3.5Bath $275,000 FMLS: 4282764 Wilma Richardson 404-327-4199

Luxury Properties need Previews Marketing

LAKE CLAIRE All brick home featuring 1 car garage, deck overlooking lovely backyard, refinished hardwoods, great moldings. 3Bed/1Bath $310,000 FMLS: 4294125 Clarke Weeks 404-932-0391

BUCKHEAD Pristine home in Morris Brandon School district. Gorgeous level lot, new family rm addition, renovated kitchen. 4Bed/3.5Bath $569,000 FMLS: 4285315 Sally Westmoreland 404-354-4845

Agent of the Month

DECATUR. Fabulous Traditional w/sep great room, 2 car garage, screened porch, huge separate artist’s studio, private fenced yard.

2Bed/2.5Bath $242,000 FMLS: 4282430 Ann Hudson 404-307-9902

DECATUR Very open & bright, sun room, updated baths & kitchen, hardwoods & new carpet, close to Emory/CDC. 3Bed/2.5Bath $255,000 FMLS: 4284297 Ann Hudson 404-307-9902

BROOKHAVEN. Well appointed home featuring gourmet kitchen, beautiful hardwoods, lrg master suite w/sitting area. 5Bed/4.5Bath $941,000 FMLS: 4286762 Derek Scheidt 404-593-4754 Stephen Simonson 404-326-0876

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND. Gracious classic home w/master on main, renovated kitchen & master bath, family room off kitchen.

3Bed/2.5Bath $534,000 FMLS: 4276586 Miriam Mathura 404-210-1715

OAKHURST Terrific basement lot with drive under garage from Stoney River Homes. Work w/builder now to customize. 5Bed/4Bath $624,900 FMLS: 4293968 Kathleen Sickeker 404-368-3234

LAKE CLAIRE Stoney River Homes custom built w/ open floor plan, screen porch, deck, sunroom off master, granite, hardwoods. 4Bed/3Bath $679,900 FMLS: 4296506 Kathleen Sickeker 404-368-3234

MORNINGSIDE Charming 1930’s home w/beautifully updated kitchen, 2 car garage, 3Bed/2Bath on main, 1Bed/1Bath upstairs. $409,000 FMLS: 4267620 Ann Hudson 404-307-9902

BRIARCLIFF WOODS Charming home w/finished terrace level, huge eat-in kitchen, granite & SS, fresh paint in & out.

4Bed/2.5Bath $447,000 FMLS: 4266316 Wilma Richardson 404-327-4199

Any House • Any Where!

Whether you’re moving across the state or across the country, we can help. We are networked with superior real estate professionals throughout the US. Give us a call and we’ll find you an agent.

404-874-2262

Jason Downey 404-593-5176

... We never stop moving!

Julie Duffy

678-570-4290

OAKHURST. New construction by Sullivan Homes. Custom kitchen, 2 car garage, spacious bedrooms, screen porch w/wood burning fireplace. 4Bed/3.5Bath $614,900 FMLS: 4273598 Melissa Stratton 404-713-5850

Careers in Real Estate:

There’s never been a better time to pursue a career in Real Estate! Whether you’re a new agent or had your license for years, Coldwell Banker can help you! For more information call 404-874-2262. ... We look forward to having you on our team!

Atlanta’s #1 Coldwell Banker Office - 2006, 2007, 2008 Intown Office - 1370 North Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 - (404) 874-2262 Lisa Johnson, Managing Broker ® Ow ne d & Ope r a te d by NRT, LLC , – G A R E LI C # 5 9 7 3 0 – A l l I n f or m a t i on i s b el i ev ed ac c u r a t e b u t not w arran ted – E q u al Hou s i n g O p p ortu n i ty

56 INtown | i December 2011

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