May 2011, Atlanta INtown

Volume 17• Number 5•©2011

Doria Roberts Returns 27

New Transit Hub 40

Asian Markets 32

Ultimate 14

MAY 2011

COCKTAIL QUEST A Trio of Adventurous Spirits Sample Intown’s Favorites 31 Piedmont Park

Coming AUGUST 2011 PiedmontParkArtsFestival com

Summer Arts & Crafts

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IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

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Living by Giving ........................................4 Letter from the Editor ...............................4 Intown Datebook ......................................6 HollabackAtlanta ......................................7 A Look Back .............................................8 Annie Gets Her Gun ...............................10 Scene & Heard ......................................10 The Hat is Back ......................................12 Ultimate Play ..........................................14 Health & Wellness ..................................15 Intown Runaround ..................................16 Pets.........................................................18 Street Fashion ........................................19

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Atlanta Urban Garden ............................20 Laura Turner Seydel................................21 Eco-Friendly Art ......................................22 10 Ways To Go Green ............................22 Eco-Briefs ...............................................22

Wendy G. binns PUBLISHER (404) 586-0027 wendy@atlantaintownpaper.com Collin kelley EDITOR (404) 586-0102 collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

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 CLASSIFIEDS 404-586-0002 x302 classifieds@atlantaintownpaper.com INTERN April McFadden Grady High School CONTRIBUTORS Cameron Adams, Matt Arnett, Kate Atwood, Ann Boutwell, Patrick Dennis, Brigette Flood, Helen Grebe, Rick Goldstein, Walt Harrison, Jesse Morado, Annie Nichols, Elizabeth Patrick, Laura Turner Seydel, Shandra Hill Smith, Tim Sullivan, Thom Volarath, 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.

Who We Are and Why

For 15 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.

THE STUDIO Spring Festival Guide ....................... 23-24 The Thinking Artist ..................................26 Doria Roberts .........................................27 Atlanta PlanIt ..........................................28

NEWS YOU CAN EAT A Twist on Cocktails ...............................31 Asian Markets.........................................32 Quick Bites .............................................36 New Nosh ...............................................36

Thom Volarath bellied up to the bar at H. Harper Station to take this month’s cover shot on the Cocktail Quest.

Dear INtown Readers, Flipping the scoreboard between games during an ALTA match, my tennis opponent asked me, “Who is Sharon Lester?”

This name appears on the scoreboard and is the name of my home team’s courts located in Piedmont Park: The Sharon Lester Tennis Center. The innocent question struck me. I scrambled for words, “She was a friend to all of us. And, she was the tennis facility manager here. She had a good laugh and was a great tennis player. She passed away a few years ago.” I had more to say, but it was clearly time to get back in the game.

Sharon passed away in 2007. I had interviewed her the previous fall for an INtown article in which I found her favorite take-out was Lemon Pepper Wings and all-time favorite movie was Imitation of Life. The best career advice she ever got was to do something you love. The Piedmont Tennis Center was renamed the Sharon Lester Tennis Center in her honor in 2008. Her legacy is alive.

INtown regularly tells stories about people, like Sharon, who make an impact with our community’s health and wellness. Tim Sullivan introduces us to different athletes each month in his INtown Runaround column. I typically laugh out loud when I read it. This month there is a slightly more serious tone as he talks with Indra Tobias who has a clear point of view on how running groups build community (page 16). This interview also ties-in with Tim’s coverage of Ultimate, a sport bringing together devoted players (page 14). As always, we thank Tim for his entertaining conversations with local athletes. He never disappoints.

The sun is out and it’s perfect for getting out to play. Be healthy and have fun!

IN BUSINESS Hollywood South ....................................37 Business & Retail Briefs .........................38 Making Sense of Social..........................39 Taste of Buckhead..................................39

REAL ESTATE Transit Hub or Dud? ...............................40 Real Estate Briefs ...................................41 Atlanta Fine Homes Expandsq ..............42

in YOUR HOME Spring Planting ......................................43 Before & After .........................................44 Gardens for Connoisseurs .....................45 Renovation Coach..................................46

AtlantaINtownPaper.com FIND US AT:

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SCOTT LOWDEN

ATLANTA INTOWN MEDIA, LLC

Table of Contents

Celebrating Outstanding Youth Volunteers NOMINATIONS DUE MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2011

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Please consider nominating a student living or going to school in metro Atlanta; who is under 20 years old; and, who deserves a salute for community service in the January ‘12 issue.

1. Nominee: full name, age, grade and school, contact info 2. Nominator: your full name, relationship to nominee, contact info 3. Short paragraph describing why this nominee deserves recognition for community service. Include any actions, characteristics, projects, goals and areas of interest that will help illustrate your point Email to: Wendy Binns, Wendy@AtlantaINtownPaper.com

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May 2011 | IN

IN the Neighborhood FEATURES, NEWS & EVENTS

Living by Giving

LaLona Richards, founder of Frankie’s First

Kate Atwood

Meet two Intowners who have created unique charitable organizations O’Brien and LaLona Richards are founders of unique nonprofit organizations here in Atlanta and each carry their own personality of compassion and creativity in striving to improve our community.

O’Brien’s organization, embraced, exists to ensure that all people have access to quality orthopedic and prosthetic medical equipment that can improve the quality of their lives. The mission of Richards’ foundation, Frankie’s First, is to fight literacy in Georgia by providing books to children in need.

Living by Giving discusses the impact of their work on the Atlanta community and beyond:

Lauren O’Brien, founder of Embraced

First, can you both tell us a little about your organizations?

RichaRds: The purpose of Frankie’s First is to get on-reading-level books into the homes of students in need. It is critical that students have a literary environment

Two young women, two wonderful causes, both carry one destiny to make a difference in the lives of others. Lauren

inside and outside of school. Yet so many of our students living in high-poverty areas do not have access to books at home. Frankie’s First exists to change that.

O’BRien: Embraced is a nonprofit organization that provides orthopedic and prosthetic equipment to those in need, both locally and globally. Embraced sets up collection bins in doctors’ offices, gyms and schools that collect equipment. We redistribute it to those in need.

Why did you start Frankie’s First?

What was your inspiration?

RichaRds: In 2002, during my very first week as a teacher, a seventh grade student named Frankie Ann asked me to walk her home from school. She lived in a very impoverished neighborhood and had a closet-size room that she shared with her little brother. Next to her bed was a stack of Scholastic Book order forms. When I asked her why she had so many order

forms, she explained that her grandmother, who was her primary caregiver, could not afford to buy her books, but she wanted to become a better reader, so she read those advertisements every night before she fell asleep. Seeing Frankie’s passion for reading stifled by her lack of resources at home ignited a fire within me. I began this journey as a teacher and advocator and finally was able to fulfill my dream of incorporating a foundation driven by this mission.

As a young founder, what has been the biggest challenges you have faced in getting Embraced off the ground? What has been the biggest reward?

O’BRien: Anything worth doing in my opinion, is difficult. So, I understood

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We have something very special coming up for our July issue of Atlanta INtown. We’ve partnered with Chris Bundy’s spring freelance writing class at the Savannah College of Art & Design for what we’re calling the INtown Takeover.

For the last two months, publisher Wendy Binns and I have been meeting with the students, who are eager, curious and full of fantastic ideas. When they pitched their stories to us in April, we were thrilled by how quickly they grasped INtown’s mission and we’re excited to have these new, fresh voices in our pages. The students have also given us plenty of feedback and ideas on how we can improve and we have been listening.

When the July issue hits stands and mailboxes, the theme will be “Rediscovering Atlanta,” and the Takeover Team will have created all the articles, photos and look of the paper. You can follow the SCAD team on Twitter by clicking on Lists at @ ATLINtownPaper and finding the link to all the team members’ accounts.

While we work toward that exciting July

SCAD’s INtown Takeover Team issue, there’s some pretty nifty stories in the issue you’re holding in your hands or reading online right now. Our cover story on unique cocktails (Page 31) offers tips on what to order at some of Intown’s local watering holes, while Chinese Southern Belle Natalie Keng shares her expeditions to metro Atlanta’s Asian markets (Page 32).

Grocery on Home’s Matt Arnett caught up with local musician and entrepreneur Doria Roberts to talk about her new album and bodega in East Atlanta (Page 27), while Kate Atwood transitions her Charity in the City column into a regular series of features called Living By Giving, which debuts above. collin@atlantaintownpaper.com w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

that taking on the challenge of starting a nonprofit at the worst economic time, compounded with the fact that I was just 24 years old, definitely put me at a disadvantage. However, I chose to concentrate on my strengths, which are determination, an entrepreneurial spirit and an undying commitment for all to have access to healthcare. Instead of focusing on grants, which can be hard for any young 501c3 organization, I chose to create an event called Battle of the Burgers, which netted close to $40,000 in its first year.

Along with great challenges also come great reward, and the biggest reward has been seeing the people, who at first were reluctant to buy into our mission, now understanding and fully endorsing Embraced.

What is your dream for Frankie’s First and Embraced, respectively? If money, time and resources were not an obstacle, what would you like to achieve with your organization?

Richards: I dream of having a dedicated, reliable group of staff members and volunteers at Frankie’s First, who desire to positively impact literacy in the homes of students in Atlanta. I would tackle my list of Atlanta’s most underserved communities and one-by-one ensure that every student had at least one book he or she could read at home.

O’Brien: My dream for Embraced is to provide a resource to those in need.

Mobility is so important to me. I am grateful for my ability to walk, run and just

move around. I hope that for those who do not have that luxury, whether it is because they are uninsured and can’t afford crutches or because they are missing a limb, that Embraced is able to assist them in becoming mobile again. I do see Embraced growing into a national platform, being able to fully serve the healthcare needs of so many Americans while bridging the gap between the budget deficits of hospitals, health clinics and government programs such as Medicaid.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking for a way to get involved in the community? How does someone take that first step to making a difference?

Richards: Decide what are you passionate about. Whether it is art, literacy, sports, gardening, a disease or ailment that has touched someone you know, there are numerous ways to get involved and give back. To discover your passion and/or find an organization that matches it, visit websites such as www.givingpoint.org (this one is designed for teens.) They can be a big help to get you started!

O’Brien: There is no substitute for passion. Find what it is that interests you, understand the needs of that particular interest, and be open minded about how you can make a positive impact on whatever it may be.

Kate Atwood is the Founder of Kate’s Club and Living by Giving. For more information, visit www.livingbygiving.com

Ways you can help Frankie’s First: Set-up a Collection Site: Additional businesses are needed to be central collection sites for new and gently-used books.

Bernhardt Interiors at

Volunteer: Help pick-up and distribute books at the designated collection sites.

Donate: Books are needed for pre-K through 12th grade students, but the biggest need right now is books for 5th-8th grades. Cash donations are also needed to purchase books and to cover storage costs.

For more information about Frankie’s First, visit mrsgeorgiaamerica2010.blogspot.com.

Ways you can help Embraced Donate: Whether it is $20 or $200, financial support is needed to support programs and operations.

Skill-based volunteers: Professionals who want to volunteer their skills to reduce overhead/operational expenses.

To help, send an email to info@embracedatlanta.org. For more information about Embraced, visit www.embracedatlanta.org.

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MAY 6

ALL MONTH

May is National Foster Care Month and will be celebrated in Atlanta at the Victoria Rowell & Friends Foster Care/ Mentoring Luncheon on Sunday, May 1 at visual artist Radcliffe Bailey’s studio.

The charity event, presented by the Rowell Foster Children’s Positive Plan and the Annie E. Casey Foundation/ Casey Family Services and the National Foster Care Month Partnership, will be held noon to 3 p.m. and includes lunch, performances by Kenny Lattimore and The Spelman Glee Club and a Arian Hat Trunk Show. Tickets are $200 (tax deductible). For ticket information visit rowellfosterchildren.org.

Arts in the Garden will be held Friday, May 6, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in observance Mental Health Awareness Month. The presentation of visual and performing arts celebrates the unique talents of individuals recovering from mental illness. This event gives consumers of mental health services the opportunity to display their talents and educate the community about mental health to reduce stigma. Event includes workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, performances, horticulture and art sale, mental health education, treasure sale.

Free admission. The event will be held at 1903 N. Druid Hills Road. For more information, call (678) 686-5955.

MAY 7

The 11th annual Run, Walk ‘n Roll, the principle fund-raising event of Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, is set for Saturday, May 7. Adults and children of all ability levels are invited to compete in a 5-mile run or a 2-mile walk and

roll at Confederate Hall inside Stone Mountain Park. The event will include a continental breakfast and other refreshments, door prizes, silent auction and raffle, and will be held rain or shine. to register and get more information, visit fodac.org.

MAY 7 MAY 7

Saturday, May 7, will mark the 21st anniversary of the Komen Atlanta Race for the Cure. Komen Atlanta plans to raise $2 million to enable Atlanta’s women to detect and survive breast cancer. The 5K/1 Mile Walk begins at Atlantic Station. To register for the race, komenatlanta.org

Summer Camp Information Now Available!

AtlantaGymnasticsCenter.com 2011

6 INtown | May 2011

The BeltLine Bike Tour, an annual group ride to tour the city’s 22-mile transit loop, is set for Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m.

There will be short, medium and fulllength routes planned to suit all ages and cycling levels. Environs Residential is sponsoring the event. During the tour riders will learn about Atlanta’s historic buildings and architecture, industrial and railroad heritage, and other landmarks one might otherwise motor past.The event begins in the Old Fourth Ward across from the Studioplex (659 Auburn Ave.) at the historic water tower.

Registering online saves $5 off the walkup registration price of $20. Register at atlantabike.org.

MAY 7

On Saturday, May 7, Young Audiences at Woodruff Arts Center (YAWAC) will host the 2011 Mad Hatter Event, where families will enjoy a morning of whimsical flair, artist performances, hands-on arts activities and sightings of the Mad Hatter and his friends.

Everyone is encouraged to arrive promptly at 9:30 a.m. and to join the event’s fun atmosphere by wearing wild and wonderful hats and brightly colored outfits. A flat “kids” ticket rate will be offered to all, which is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. All funds raised through the Mad Hatter event will support YAWAC’s mission of transforming the lives and learning of young people through the arts. yawac.org.

MAY 10

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

benefits GUFC’s statewide educational programming, will feature Low Country barbeque, the famous Sweetwater brews, music by Decatur musician John Zedd and a silent auction. Tickets must be purchased in advance for $35 at www.gufc.org.

The Georgia Urban Forest Council hosts its second annual ArborJam fundraising event on Tuesday, May 10, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sweetwater Brewing Company, 195 Ottley Drive. This lively evening, which

MAY 13

Skyland Trail’s inaugural Southern Shindig will be held Friday, May 13, 7 to 10 p.m. at the Chastian Horse Park, 4371 Powers Ferry Road. Tickets are $75 and include food and drink. Music by the band The Maxx. skylandtrail.org.

MAY 14

The American Lung Association in Georgia is hosting its 5th annual Fight For Air Climb in Atlanta and looking for hundreds of runners, walkers and those who love a challenge to go vertical on Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m. at One Atlantic Center in Midtown. Participants will climb 1,150 stair steps (50 floors) while w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

raising money for healthy air and the fight against lung disease. Registration is $25 with a commitment to raise $100. fightforairclimb.org

will be held at Ashford Park. Race details were still being decided a press time, so visit brookhavenbolt.com for the latest information.

hOllabacK, atlanta

How one organization aims to combat street bullying

MAY 14

The 16th annual Hambidge Art Auction & Performance Gala to raise funds for the 76-year-old artist residency program in North Georgia will be held Saturday, May 14, 7 to 10 p.m. at the Bradford Gallery, 764 Miami Circle in Buckhead. he evening will entertainment, amazing art and plenty of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres Tickets are $35 in advance or $50 at the door or purchase $150 VIP tickets, which includes the “Art-tini” event that begins at 6 p.m. Purchase tickets at hambidge.org.

MAY 14

The 2011 Brookhaven Bolt 5K Run/ Walk to benefit Ashford Park Elementary School is Saturday, May 14, at 8 a.m.

After the 3.1 mile race, a family festival

MAY 22

The fifth annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center on Sunday, May 22, with a registration and resource fair at 9:30 a.m. and the walk opening ceremony at 11 a.m. The event raises money for autism research and is presented with the Marcus Autism Center. For more information about the walk or to register, visit walknowforautism.org/georgia.

COMING UP

Register now for the Hands Around the Hill Race to End Homeless 5K on June 11 in Downtown and Grant Park.

Register at active.com.

sWiM, biKe, rUn

PATH Foundation unveils ‘triPATHlon’ May 8 The PATH Foundation will host the inaugural “triPATHlon” on Sunday, May 8, to a benefit the organization, Chastain Park Conservancy and Chastain Park Athletic Club.

The event starts at 7:30 a.m. and includes a 400-yard swim in the Chastain Park pool, a 15-mile bike ride through the neighborhoods around Chastain Park and concludes with a 5K run on the Chastain Park trail.

“This is a signature event to celebrate PATH’s 20th anniversary,” said Ed McBrayer, executive director of PATH Foundation.

“We have built over 160 miles of walking and biking trails since 1991, and our first triathlon is a great way to mark the organization’s birthday.”

“The unique part of this race is being able to have all segments of Atlanta’s first Intown triathlon at Chastain Park,” said Gip Johnson, executive director of the Chastain Park Conservancy. “Chastain Park is a valued resource to the people of Atlanta, w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

and we hope everyone will come out and support this great event.”

The triPATHlon is a fully sanctioned USTA sprint triathlon and one of a few city triathlon events in the country. Registration is limited to 550 participants. The entry fee is $75 for USTA members and $85 for nonmembers.

For more information, visit triPATHlonatlanta.com.

The Hollaback teams includes, L-R, Daphne Larose, Jill Diamond, Lauren Zink and Cyrstal Rodgers.

By Helen Grebe You’re walking down the street on a warm Atlanta day, clad in your white capri’s and an enviable summer top when an offensive slur from a passer-by stops you dead in your tracks. One Atlanta organization is putting an end to what can be a traditional affair for women and other minorities: street harassment.

HollabackAtlanta, (Atlanta.ihollaback. org) is part of an international movement dedicated to ending street harassment, a rarely reported and culturally accepted phenomenon targeting women, gay or transgender individuals with offensive slurs, gestures and lewd public exposures.

Utilizing the explosion of mobile technology, Hollaback documents street harassment through stories and pictures posted on the web, exposing perpetrators by invoking their motto, “There are two reasons to Hollaback: for you, and for the world.”

We discussed this growing movement with co-director Lauren Zink. how has hollaback made a difference in your life?

Hollaback gave me a platform to voice my own experiences with street harassment. I was inspired to co-found HollabackAtlanta after an unfortunate run-in with a pants-down creeper in Midtown. Disappointed that there were few ways I could fight back, I took to Facebook to share my experience.

A friend posted on my wall about the awesome Hollaback! website in Washington D.C., and how it was revolutionizing the way women and LGBTQ folks reacted to street harassment.

I was so relieved to see that other people were standing up to street harassers and that there was a whole movement dedicated to it.

Why atlanta and why now?

Street harassment is so pervasive, and yet, there aren’t many discussions happening about it. Our group of cofounders knew that if we all felt frustrated by the lewd comments, there must be

other community members who were feeling the same way.

The streets belong to us, too; we pay our taxes just like everyone else. We should be allowed to leave our homes without feeling scared that someone is going to assault us. We should have the right to walk down the street and feel safe, confident, and yes, even sexy. how can atlanta help or support hollaback?

Hollaback is seeking bloggers, promotions gurus, tech-savvy developers and community collaborators to help us kick street harassment to the curb. The best way to support Hollaback is to share your story. “Holla’ing back” provides data on and helps pinpoint the places in Atlanta where the highest number of street harassment instances are occurring.

Each time you hollaback, your story will shift people’s understanding of what harassment means. Some will walk away understanding what it feels like to be in your shoes, others will feel like they are not alone for the first time or that it’s not their fault. Your story can redefine safety in Atlanta – inspiring legislators, the police and other authorities and create policies that make everyone feel safe.

Where do you see hollaback growing in the future?

Right now, on our blog we’re conducting a MARTA research study to better understand the kinds of behavior occurring on the public transportation system in Atlanta. In New York, the transit system recently recognized that harassment occurs regularly on the subway, despite few people reporting their experiences.

Not only are transit authorities encouraging commuters to report instances of street harassment they experience on the subway, but they’re also encouraging riders to report street harassment they witness as well. We will present our data to the MARTA authorities to convince them to implement anti-street harassment policies on Atlanta’s trains and buses.

town 7

May 2011 | IN

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Georgia Commerce Bank

New Buckhead Location

A Look Back Ann Boutwell May 1, 1935: The Zahner Building at the northwest corner of Peachtree and 10th streets (now the site of the Federal Reserve Bank) was the site of the Play-Guild’s first theatrical production – three, one-act plays. The theater company had a performance space on the third floor, but the red brick also became home to Richards & Smith grocery and drug store and a quirky mix of tenants: answering services, architects, artists, ballet/dance schools, broadcasting school, cemetery sales, dentists, dressmakers, financial consultants, home repairs, insurance agents, law school, manufacturing agents, real estate agents, tax services and theatrical ticket agents. The popular Vietnamese Cha Gio restaurant was one of the Zahner’s last ground floor tenants as shown in the image. The building was torn down in 1987.

May 6, 1912: Eugene Muse Mitchell applied to the city for a permit to build a two-story frame residential dwelling at 1149 Peachtree St. (later, 1401), just north of 17th Street.

Estimated cost of the 12-room structure was $9,162, to be constructed by Winkle & McHugh of East Point. The family – Eugene, May Belle, Stephens, and Margaret – moved in September 14, 1912. The 1401 Office Building is the current site of the old Mitchell home, demolished in 1953. A plaque outside mark’s the spot as the childhood home of the Gone With the Wind author.

May 6, 2003: The Coca-Cola sign returned to Peachtree Street after 23 years. Gov. Sonny Perdue and Coca-Cola Co. Chairman and Chief Executive Doug Daft unveiled the new Coke sign near Five Points in Downtown. Because of rainy weather the event moved inside the City Grill in the historic Hurt Building. When the weather cleared the sign atop the Olympia called the “Neon Spectacular” was lit. About 200 people, including Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, attended the ceremony.

May 12, 1866: Atlanta’s first official competitive baseball game began promptly at 2 p.m., west of Oakland Cemetery on old Hunter Street (Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive). Most people walked to the ballpark, but wealthier, more fashionable folks drove out in carriages.

The contest was between the Atlanta Baseball Club, organized by Wall Street Ice House owner Captain Tom Burnett, and the Gate City Nine team headed up by Capt. Robert Dohme, later a well known grocer. The final score was 127 to 29, an overwhelming victory for the Gate City Nine. J.A. Taylor’s drug store displayed the trophy in his storefront window at Peachtree and Decatur streets.

Marvin Cosgray

Managing Director, Private Banking

LeeHester Rhodes

Senior Vice President, Branch Manager

Georgia Commerce Bank is proud to announce our newest location in Buckhead. We look forward to providing the highest level of customer service for your personal and commercial banking needs.

At Georgia Commerce Bank – your success is our business.

May 18, 1986: Singer and actress Lena Horne received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Spelman College at a ceremony at the Atlanta Civic Center. She urged the 298 graduates to use their education and energy to change the system. Two months later, Ms. Horne’s 48-year-old daughter Gail Lumet Buckley published The Hornes, An American Family, noting the family’s Atlanta connections. Horne’s grandmother, Cora C. Calhoun, received her diploma from Atlanta University in 1881 and once lived on Decatur Street. Her cousins, the Antoine Graves family, once lived at 522 Auburn Ave. .Horne died May 9, 2010, at New YorkPresbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center at age 92.

May 22, 1917: The day following Atlanta’s Great Fire of 1917, Southern Bell Telephone Co. set up an emergency telephone hotline: “Just tell the central operator ‘Red Cross’ and she will connect you,” noted The Atlanta Constitution. The general clearinghouse was Atlanta’s Municipal Auditorium on Courtland Street, opened by the Red Cross. The disaster caused $5 million in damage and left 10,000 homeless. It wiped out 1,938 dwellings and apartments; 42 businesses; 351 garages and outhouses; eight miscellaneous occupancies, including churches, and warehouses. Although one woman died of a heart attack, remarkably no one perished in the flames.

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May 2011 | IN

Scene and Heard

O’Neill Wanliss was one of INtown’s 2011 20 Under 20 honorees and recently won top athlete award at the Taco Bell Classic. He ran the 400 meters in 47.78, the ninthfastest time in the country this season.

O’Neal’s Spikes For Tykes program raises money and shoes for kids in Jamaica. hies.org

Annie Kinnett Nichols I was raised, quite liberally, by parents who were pro-peace. My mom and dad were political activists and were involved with the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, Feminist Movement and fighting Apartheid in South Africa just to name a few of their causes.

They have always been dedicated to peace on the planet and one organization they were in was Beyond War. This was a group that believed pointing fingers at the past was counterproductive, and it focused on the current world situation to help promote peace instead of war. Needless to say, all these causes had a big impact on me growing up.

Guns have always been something I have distrusted and disliked. My brothers had a bb gun, but other than that there was never a gun in our house. We believed violence begets violence, or some notion close to that.

Truthfully, guns have always scared me. I’ve walked out of movies or the living room because I don’t like to listen to gunshots, people screaming and blowing up on the TV. Not my style. So, when my friends Charley and Jim wanted me to go to a shooting range, I was still curious enough to say “yes” and thought it would help me understand guns.

Being a girl, my first thoughts were what to wear to the gun range. I thought I’d be all badass about it and went straight for the Charlie’s Angels and Angie Dickinson look. I wore big chunky heels, ‘70s attire and big hair.

We drove OTP, because that was our only choice at the time. We walked in, I pretended to be tough as we selected what we would shoot at – an alien (as in outer space), a terrorist-looking guy, a big guy with a gun or concentric circles with a dark bulls eye. I was ready. Then they gave us a gun, took us to a cubicle and KABLAM KABLAM! I nearly jumped out of my shoes like a cartoon.

The air pressure changed every time someone shot a gun. I was immediately

paranoid that someone would shoot me from another lane. Each time a gun went off, there would be smoke and a shell would pop towards me like bacon fat popping from the frying pan. I ran from the room in my fabulous heels without firing one shot.

I was eventually coaxed back into the room and calmed down enough to try and take one shot. I had to hold the gun in both hands and squeeze the trigger with two fingers. KABLAM! I screamed and promptly left the building to get some air. I was done with guns, or so I thought.

When Quickshot Shooting Range opened on Zonolite Road, Charley and Jim talked me into giving it another try. Matt Bacon (he was a former chef) manages the place and couldn’t have been a nicer guy. He and the owner, Tyler Perkins, made me feel right at home. Rather than a bunch of good ole boys, there was a mix of guys and gals from Intown practicing at the range.

Tyler said his mission is to educate people about guns so they aren’t afraid to use or be around them. My kind of place.

Tyler helped me choose a gun I could shoot with only one finger, a Ruger .22. It looked like something out of the Old West.

I was still terrified, but Tyler was super patient and he taught me how to load the bullets, put the magazine in the gun and then shoot it properly. I was shaking like a leaf as I loaded and shot my first round.

By my second round I started to relax – kinda. By my third round, I was feeling more confident and, dare I say, having fun shooting a gun. I actually had chill bumps as I fired my last round.

Thanks to Quickshot, my whole mindset on guns has changed. I understand the importance of being at least educated to know what a gun is and how to shoot one.

Now my big question is do I shoot a Glock next or a .45 Magnum? And do I shoot in heels next time like Charlie’s Angels or the urban city chic look I wore for my first outing at Quickshot? Look for me there – I’ll be the little girl with the gun.

Quickshot Shooting Range, 1199 Zonolite Road. quickshotshootingrange.com

10 INtown | May 2011

Midtown Rotary honors AID Atlanta’s Walter Bradley as Volunteer of the Year. Bradley serves as board member, peer counselor, facilitator and volunteer. He reaches tens of thousands of people each year with his personal message of overcoming substance abuse and HIV/AIDS. Midtown Rotary awarded Bradley with $500 and a $1,000 donation in his name to AID Atlanta. aidatlanta.org; midtownrotary.org

Greenfield Hebrew Academy (GHA) is proud to announce the release of the very first FREE Brachot (Blessing) app for Droid phones.

The app is the brain child of Mrs. Buckman’s 4th grade Chumash Class, who is studying brachot in class. ghacademy.org

Students in Ana Vizurraga’s hand-building pottery class handle their pieces during a raku firing at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. For class information, visit callanwolde.org.

Volunteers on the GreenPlate.org team participating in the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s Sweep the Hooch last month.

Over 360 volunteers and 3.55 tons of trash and recyclables were collected. chattahoochee.org who is studying brachot in class. ghacademy.org

Enjoying the Camp Kudzu Planning Luncheon are luncheon sponsor Travis Reed, hostess and board member Melanie Boltax and guests Jane Dean and Sandra Baldwin. Camp Kudzu has educational and recreational programs for children living with type 1 diabetes. campkudzu.org Musicians Morgan O’kane, Ezekiel Healy and Phillip Roebuck entertain an small crowd at Grocery on Home. This is a private venue with limited attendance.

Grocery on Home is on Facebook. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

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town 11

May 2011 | IN

the hat is bacK New westside millinery takes cue from the past Mark Cohen The vanishing art of hat making is alive and well in Atlanta thanks to Susan Morehead and her Suzseams Millinery. After a successful career in healthcare, Morehead finally had the time to put her fashion degree to use by creating a millinery studio nestled in a sunlit corner of the Intown loft she shares with her husband, Bryan, a professional photographer.

Raised in Maryland by parents with an affinity for American history, Morehead remembers exploring Civil War battlefields with her father and never leaving the house on Sunday without a hat and matching

gloves for church with her mother. It was this traditional upbringing that fostered a passion for an authenticity born from grassroots craftsmanship.

Morehead’s original designs are fashioned on custom pine blocks, also built by hand, with the carpentry skills of her husband. Her favorite materials are fur, felt, visca and sisal straw. And though they evoke a modern flair, Suzseams hats radiate an essence of the past, when a hat was more than a quick solution to a bad hair day, but the very cornerstone of an outfit.

You can find Susan Morehead’s hats at The Collective on 280 Elizabeth St. in Inman Park, online at suzseams.com or on etsy.com.

Selections from Suzeseams’ Spring/Summer 2011 Collection.

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May 2011 | IN

Disc Masters Ultimate is fun and keeps you fit – just don’t call it Frisbee Tim Sullivan It’s a sunny and warm Saturday afternoon in April and I’m taking in some Ultimate at Walker Park in Edgewood. Team Plinko and Team Communist Bananafesto of the Atlanta Flying Disc Club league (afdc.com) are engaged in a competitive, but preternaturally friendly game. In lieu of referees, a metronomic mantra of “Play Hard, Respect Your Opponent” seems to ably govern the field of play.

I’m struck by the absence of confrontation – confrontation that is as common to adult recreational basketball, soccer and flag football leagues as pulled hamstrings. Even the player-officiated ALTA Tennis league is notorious for contentious calls, but the vibe here is clearly different.

“I play soccer, too, and on the soccer field I fight,” says Katherine Kearns of Communist Bananafesto. “I never fight in Ultimate.”

The Spring League serves as a refresher for the upcoming summer season. The coed teams are comprised primarily of lithe, 20-and 30-somethings although some more

senior players are on hand as well. While the workout is clearly rigorous, the reserved nature of the competitors may be why some 800 Atlantans choose to get their exercise by chasing a flying disc.

Here’s how it works. Seven players on each side seek to successfully pass the disc the length of the field to score one point.

Games are played to 13 with a halftime at 7 and there is a 90-minute limit to each game.

Defense is somewhat similar to basketball in that it is usually man-to-man but many zone variations are employed as well, particularly when trying to defend highly skilled players.

And from where I’m sitting, there is some serious talent and athleticism on the field.

The league offers clinics to newcomers to hone their disc skills as there are a few different techniques to send it down the field. Some instances call for the backhand toss we all learned as kids, but the favored method is the forehand or the flick.

The more advanced players pull this off effortlessly, zipping the disc to an open area where their receiver is heading, usually in a sprint.

I witness a jaw-dropping hammer throw where one player throws the disc overhand from his shoulder, lofting it high in the air over the defenders and inverting it upside

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Ultimate players Ben Rainwater and Katherine Kerns.

down to cut through the wind. The disc drops perfectly in his receiver’s hands for a point.

A rare instance of bravado occurs when scoring after a particularly long point, Benjamin Rainwater of Team Plinko spikes the disc in mock celebration. An audible hush comes over the sidelines. Did he just do that?

“Did you see me spike the disc?” asks Rainwater at halftime. “I shouldn’t have done that. That is frowned upon,” he says with a chuckle.

Outside the lines of play the culture of Ultimate is on display as well. Relaxed spectators keep one eye on the action and another on small children, dogs or The New York Times. In addition to water bottles and orange slices, players sip on miniature Miller Genuine Draft beers. A growler of a mysterious beverage sits atop the cooler.

Save for a short, albeit serious strategy meeting at halftime, the teams intermingle and share laughs. The party, it seems, will continue after the last point is scored.

“There is a great sense of community in the Ultimate world,” says Brian Lynch, Summer League commissioner, “and an Ultimate player visiting or moving to a new city can find the local scene and usually just jump right in.”

Some folks play in adult recreational

leagues to work out stress and perhaps attempt to relive their glory days. Ultimate players play for the same reason they enjoyed team sports as a kid – it’s fun. What a grown-up concept.

The sign-up period for Summer League play is now open at afdc.com. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

Health & Wellness Briefs Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic has relocated to its new Inman Park address. Call (404) 589-8571 to take advantage of a special introductory new patient exam for only $47. Upper Cervical Specific is located in Studioplex, 659 Auburn Ave. uppercervicalspecific.org

The Transcend Self Limitations Symposium is Sunday, May 1, at The Solarium, 321 West Hill St., in Decatur from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. The event is designed to help women and men overcome self limiting behavior and habits in the areas of health, wealth, spirituality and over all well being. Local holistic healers and spiritual teachers will lead attendees through a series of presentations to empower themselves toward success in all areas of life. sisters-in-spirit.net

CURE Childhood Cancer announces that in just seven months, it has received nearly $200,000 in new and/or increased gifts to its annual giving campaign, triggering a matching gift of $125,000 from three extraordinary local families, the Gearons, Glavines and Yates. Last August, the families issued a challenge to new and current donors alike: Give to CURE’s Annual Giving Campaign, and we will match your gift, dollar for dollar, up to $125,000. In spite of a difficult economy, CURE donors were motivated by the opportunity to double the impact of their gift. In addition to establishing the new research fund, extra donations through the Challenge allowed CURE to add $20,000 to its Family Emergency Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to families of children with cancer who are struggling financially as a result of their child’s diagnosis. curechildhoodcancer.org

The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted its Outstanding Achievement Award to Northside Hospital’s Cancer Care Program, as a result of surveys performed during 2010. The Atlanta hospital is one of a select group of 90 currently accredited and newly accredited cancer programs across the United States – one of only two programs in Georgia. northside.com.

Atlanta Medical Center is the 2011 recipient of the Georgia Coverdell Champion Hospital of the Year Award, in the large hospital category (350+ beds), from the Georgia Coverdell Stroke Registry.

The award recognizes AMC’s success in implementing quality performance measures proven to improve outcomes and the hospital’s commitment to bettering stroke care across the state by sharing information and best practices with other Georgia hospitals. atlantamedcenter.com.

RAW, an organic bronzing studio, has moved into a chic, two-story loft space in Inman Park. RAW uses 100 percent organic, all-natural and odorless sunless tanning solution that is beneficial to the skin and leaves customers with a gorgeous, natural-looking glow. The space has three tanning rooms, a bar stocked with select teas and beverages and original local art available for purchase. 280 Elizabeth St, Suite A103. rawtans.com

intensity exercise, five days a week, delivered by preschool teachers during the regular school day. ymcaatlanta.org The Atlanta Jewish Gene Screen, a program launched last fall to promote awareness that genetic testing for those considering having children or expanding their family is now available for 18 serious and preventable diseases, will conduct a screening May 16, 3 to 8 p.m., at The Selig Center, 1440 Spring Street, N.W. Advance registration is required. atljewisgenescreen.org.

more than 1,000 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country to break the Guinness World Record for the most people doing jumping jacks. Nationally, more than 20,000 kids participated. bgcma.org

Kids at Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club take on the Guinness World Record for jumping jacks. More than 153 members of the Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club joined their peers from 25 other Atlanta Clubs and

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is adding a new wellness research and development program, Start For Life, which targets children ages 3 to 5 to prevent childhood obesity. A grant by Kaiser Permanente supports Start For Life, which consists of 30 minutes of moderate- and vigorous-

L to R: Bill Moore, CEO and President, Atlanta Medical Center; Debbie Camp, RN, Stroke Manager, at AMC; Husham Mishu, MD, Stroke Director at AMC; Kerrie Krompf, Coverdell Stroke Registry; and Lydia Clarkson, MPH, Coverdell Stroke Registry. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

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INtown Runaround Tim Sullivan

Urban Renewal Indra Tobias wants you to get off of your sofa. The Old Fourth Ward resident and Healthy Eating Liaison at Whole Foods has inspired scores of intown Atlanta couch potatoes to lace up their running shoes and get active.

What are the origins of the Urban Run Club (www.urbanrunclub.com)?

It started about two and a half years ago with three friends, and for the first three weeks we only had three people. We now have over 500 Facebook followers and about 700 people on our email list.

You employ an admirable practice of not leaving anyone behind on the runs. How do you know who won?

Everyone is a winner. The winners are the fast asses to everyone in the middle of the pack to those in the rear, to the supporters of the rear. We now support walkers too. We push them to keep up a brisk pace, but we don’t leave them behind either.

Aside from the nirvana of being ultra-hip and fit, what have you enjoyed most about the group?

Honestly, last year was a tough year for me. I closed my hair salon because I was planning a move to Portland but that didn’t happen. The Tuesday night runs picked me up – smiling faces, people sharing their stories with me.

Your (very large) group ran by my house last month and my 3-year-old son was clapping and shouting, “go runners!” He thought it was a sanctioned race!

Our largest group yet was last summer for a special event where we had nearly 100.

On a cold, rainy, winter night last year we had three girls who ran three miles in the pouring rain. Our neighborhood tavern gave us pints to celebrate our foolishness.

Even though it is called a “run club” your group promotes and supports a variety of active pursuits like…

We do events called “Are You Trippin’?” where we pick a location, carpool and spend the day running, hiking, swimming, overnight camping or whatever the location has to offer.

Now that’s original – a run club that promotes tripping! Who inspires you?

I think everyone who has gone from a chillout loafer to a half or full marathoner. We have a good number of runners who fit that bill.

I think organized run clubs actually thwart crime in the city. They liven up the corridors and keep the shadows more honest. At the very least there is safety in numbers right?

I agree. Most crimes against individuals take place because the knucklehead perpetrators take advantage of situations of opportunity.

I have zero tolerance for crimes committed against our neighbors. Love your neighbor as yourself. Every major city needs an Urban Run Club and I plan on finding a way to make that happen.

Although I suppose if some fitnessconscious criminals wanted to get out and case some joints while perfecting their getaway, this may be a perfect way to spend a Tuesday evening.

I often ask the neighborhood dope boys if they will be joining us for the evening and they always say, “one day, miss lady, but not this time.”

Indra Tobias

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May 2011 | IN

Pet Briefs

Pet Pick

Jack is a fun-loving and affectionate 5-year-old Corgi/Hound mix. He is 55-pounds of perfection. He loves people of all ages, tennis balls and taking walks. He was found as a stray, and now he is anxious to get into a permanent home. He appears to be housebroken.

Jack can be adopted at PAWS Atlanta.

5287 Covington Highway, Decatur, 30035. For more about PAWS and its programs, visit pawsatlanta.org.

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The 2011 K9 Pet Cotillion cocktail reception and fundraising event featuring owners and their dogs to benefit Pets Are Loving Support (PALS) will be held Sunday, May 1, 3 to 6 p.m. at Piedmont Bark, 501 Amsterdam Ave. At the event, celebrity emcee Vikki Locke of B98.5 will crown the 2011 PALS Spokespet. All attendees are welcome to bring their pet(s) to afternoon on the town in an effort to raise muchneeded funds in support of PALS mission.

A silent auction will feature trips, jewelry, home artwork, accessories and more.

Tickets are $20 per person and available at palsatlanta.org or by calling (404) 876-7257.

Enter your pet into the contest to become the 2011 PALS SpokesDog by visiting the website. Dogs and their owners compete to be the next PALS SpokesDog by raising funds for PALS. The dog that raises the most money will be crowned the 2011 SpokesDog and represents PALS for the next year. PALS helps more than 500 pets remain with their critically ill, disabled or senior citizen owners so that the pets can continue to provide much needed unconditional love and companionship.

Register now for the 21st annual Pet Parade – A Walk for Animals on Saturday, May 7, at Piedmont Park. This year’s goal is to raise $300,000 for the Atlanta Humane Society

LUXURY PET HOTEL & SPAS

Preparing for the Atlanta Humane Society’s Pet Parade are Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty Parade team members Bob Pruitt with “Murphy,” CEO and co-founder Jenny Pruitt with “Molly,” Senior Vice President Nancy See with “Nelson” and agent Sydna Worthington with her rescued Dachshund “Hudson” and English Cocker Lucy.

in support of the shelter’s programs and services. Walkers are required to register and are encouraged to sign up in advance for $30 per person. There is no alternate date scheduled and the walk will proceed rain or shine. Registration fees are non-refundable.

To register in advance, visit atlantahumane. org or atlantapetparade.org.

LifeLine Animal Project, a leader in lowcost spay and neuter services in the state of Georgia, is expanding their services to pet owners and will now offer low-cost routine care for cats and dogs at once-per-month events at their two metro clinics. Clinic locations are at 129 Lake St. in Avondale Estates and in College Park at 2533 Sullivan Road. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the last

Saturday of every month, pet owners can get the required and recommended yearly vaccinations and tests for their dogs or cats at greatly reduced prices with a veterinary exam included in each package for free.

Wellness packages start at $25 for puppies and kittens. Basic dog and cat packages are $40 and include yearly vaccinations and dewormer. atlantapets.org.

Tennis Round Robin Fundraiser for Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue at Sharon Lester Tennis Center in Piedmont Park on Friday, May 20, 6-9 p.m.

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Dr. Ware and clinic manager Robert Robinson examine a patient at LifeLine Animal Project’s College Park clinic.

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Street Fashion Cameron Adams Photographer Cameron Adams tracked down these stylish Spring ensembles on the streets of Atlanta. Maybe they’ll inspire your look for May.

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town 19

May 2011 | IN

Go Green

YOUR GUIDE FOR AN ECO-FRIENDLY LIFESTYLE

The Atlanta Urban Garden

Construction company Skanska USA and Atlanta Mission, an organization that aids homeless men in the city, have joined forces to create the Atlanta Urban Garden.

Located on a two acre plot at 377 Centennial Olympic Park Drive in Downtown, the garden is designed to provide healthy food options, vocational training and therapy to more than 500 homeless and recovering men served daily through Atlanta Mission’s men’s facility.

Atlanta Mission president and CEO Jim Reese said the idea for the garden came about last fall and came to fruition quickly because of Skanska and assistance from the Integral Group, which manages the garden property, and Long Engineering.

The garden consists of 24 raised beds, planted and supported by community partners. Reese said since last month’s

inaugural planting, there has been interest from the community.

“Projects like these bring the community together,” Reese said. “There’s an excitement among the men and volunteers at Atlanta Mission, who are very proud of the garden.”

The garden will be tended by Atlanta Mission clients, offering vocational training to help homeless men prepare to return to the workforce. It is expected the gardening will also provide a therapeutic avenue for men recovering from long-term life controlling issues and addiction.”

Atlanta Mission is accepting corporate sponsorships for the garden and the community is also invited to donate and participate. Visit AtlantaMission.org for more information.

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Think Twice Before Applying Lipstick A common fear among women when it comes to applying lipstick is whether or not they got any on their teeth, but that should be least of their worries. Did you know that a 2007 study revealed that of 33 brands of lipstick, two-thirds tested positive for lead?

And that’s not all. Through the 12 personal care products that you, the average American, use each day, you are exposing yourself to more than 126 unique chemicals, including hormone disruptors and carcinogens. Your skin, acting like a huge lung, absorbs these chemicals and allows them to enter your blood stream.

Over time, this can lead to a series of health problems, including skin rashes, respiratory issues and even some cancers.

For pregnant women, the chemicals can even affect their unborn baby, resulting in developmental issues and learning disabilities.

Fighting to eliminate these dangerous chemicals from everyday personal care products is the Campaign for Safe

Cosmetics (safecosmetics.org), a nonprofit coalition created to protect the health of consumers by securing legislative reforms.

Currently, due to major loopholes in federal law, it is perfectly legal for manufacturers of skincare and beauty products to add virtually any ingredient into the product recipes, even if those ingredients are health hazards like mercury, formaldehyde and phthalates. In fact, while the European Union has banned 1,100 hazardous chemicals from being used in cosmetics, the United States has banned only eight.

Just recently, the Campaign partnered with Southeast Green to host “Get the Lead Out,” an evening to educate Atlantans about the reality of what’s inside their makeup bags.

“With so little done by the government to protect the consumer from toxic ingredients, it is up to us and organizations like the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics to educate people about many ways they can make a difference in protecting themselves,” said Beth Bond, co-founder of Southeast Green (southeastgreen.com).

First, you can sign the Campaign’s petition (located on their website) to get their Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 reintroduced to the 112th congress. As legislation regarding the cosmetic industry has not been reformed since 1937, it is imperative for our health and future generations that we get this act passed.

Secondly, and most importantly, you can self-police the skincare and beauty industry.

When purchasing products, read ingredient labels. Look for products with simpler

ingredients and avoid using products with Parabens, TEG, PEG and trade secret fragrance ingredients, which are protected chemical ingredients that companies do not have to report.

Also, research before you buy. The Environmental Working Group continually updates their Cosmetic Database (safecosmetics.org) with the safety ratings on thousands of products ranging from foundation to lipstick to perfume to sunscreen. You might be surprised that Este Lauder, Covergirl and Neutrogena are just a few of the cosmetics that make the list of toxic products to avoid.

It is important that we educate each other – both men and women – about the products we so generously lather onto our skin. Continual use of these toxic ingredients will begin to show their affect in the form of illnesses, so pledge to use nontoxic, green products that enrich the skin and are beneficial to your overall health.

For more information about healthy skin care products and other eco-living tips, visit lauraseydel.com.

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town 21

May 2011 | IN

Eco-Briefs

The alive! expo highlighting the best in natural health and wellness and educating the general public, returns Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22, to the Georgia World Congress Center. There will be natural products, organic foods, eco-friendly pet and cleaning products, healthy cooking demonstrations, interactive fitness like Pilates and Yoga, lectures from cutting edge industry experts, food and wine sampling in the VIP lounge, fun and interactive activities for children and much more. Each year, Alive! Expo partners with various eco-related non-profit organizations. In addition to the participation of the Ovie Mughelli Foundation, Project Green will once again be the show’s partial beneficiary.

And throughout the weekend, Alive! Expo will partner with local food banks by hosting onsite food drives to benefit local communities. Last year, the event collected 2,000 pounds of food, which was donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. To purchase tickets and get more information, visit aliveexpo.com.

MaRTa’s premier “green” project, the federally-funded Laredo Bus Facility solar canopy installation is currently under construction. Once completed, the installation will be the largest structure of its kind in Georgia and the second largest at a U.S. transit system. The solar panels will generate enough electricity to offset a significant portion of the Laredo facility’s annual electricity consumption and will have the same environmental benefit as planting more than 285 acres of trees a year. This innovative and effective initiative will further enhance MARTA’s growing sustainability program which already includes clean fuel buses, water reclamation and harvesting operations, the installation of LED lighting and a waste recycling program. itsmarta.com atlanta smart Glass jewelry designer Kathleen Plate has a new feather in her cap: a chandelier she designed from recycled glass is now being sold by the Guggenheim Museum store in New York. The chandelier is based on the museum’s iconic spiral ramps designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. kathleenplate.com.

ecOFrienDlY art Castleberry Hill gallery goes for ‘eco-chic’

Take a raw vacant retail space, leftover, unused, reclaimed and recycled construction materials and one interior designer/gallery director with an eye for creating the unusual out of ordinary and you have the only true eco-friendly art gallery in Atlanta.

The Artist Trifecta Gallery space in the Castleberry Point building brings the outdoors indoors with the “lake,” “beach” and “meadow” areas carved out of the 10,000 square foot space by natural and

learn 10 easY WaYs tO GO Green

By Rick Goldstein MOSAIC Group Not a day goes by that we don’t hear the phrase “Go Green!” Most of us agree that saving the planet is a worthy cause. But saving money in a down economy also can be a strong motivator for going green. More than 70 percent of the people surveyed by The Shelton Group cited saving money as a reason to buy energy-efficient products.

Even the smallest individual changes can add up to a big change for the better. Changing our energy consumption practices can help make our impact on the climate essentially “neutral.” And future generations will thank us for our efforts.

7) Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine wash clothes goes to heating the water.

8) Take a shorter temperature extremes. Insulation is labeled according to its R-value. “R” is resistance to heat flow. Higher R-values provide greater insulation. Make sure your windows and doors are sealed so you don’t waste energy. Add foam inserts to electrical outlets and switches on exterior walls to prevent drafts.

3) Install a higher-efficiency water heater.

4) Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter

and a few degrees higher in the summer. The average home spends about half of its energy dollars on heating and cooling. If you have a lot of windows, keep the drapes or blinds closed when you’re not at home.

They are more energy efficient and last 10 times longer.

2) Evaluate your insulation. How much insulation is

6) Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. You also

22 INtown | May 2011

For more information, visit the Facebook page or artisttrifecta.com.

can use a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts “phantom” or “vampire” energy use.

1) Choose a programmable thermostat. If you have a manual thermostat, move the temperature up to 82 when you leave for the day. When you return, turn it down to 78. required depends on where you live and the expected

recycled materials such as sand, gravel and exposed concrete walls.

“The space finally has life in it,” said gallery director Amanda Brown. “For two years I walked past this retail space wishing that we could bring vitality to the building, after all it is the heart of our neighborhood.

We have now accomplished that while at the same time maintaining a 100 percent green footprint.”

Brown said her goal was to breathe life into the arts and doing so in an “ecochic” way, even in the midst of the country’s economic downturn.

The new gallery has even brought out the volunteer spirit in some of its neighbors.

Dominic Trimarchi bought a condo in the Castleberry Point building, motivated by Artist Trifecta and the neighborhood’s lively art scene.

“On my days off I pitch in and help with whatever is needed,” Trimarchi said about volunteering at Artist Trifecta. “Seeing the space transformed from nothing into a gathering spot full of vibrancy, art and people has reinforced my decision to move here.”

Brown views the space itself as a live art installation, constantly changing and morphing as elements and art are added.

5) Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.

shower and install a low-flow showerhead.

They don’t cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.

9) Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water.

Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.

Participate in recycling programs at home and at work.

10)Clean or change your air conditioning filter once a

month. A clogged filter makes your unit(s) work harder.

Located in Atlanta, MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers] is a design / build firm with Indoor and Outdoor Living Divisions. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

the Studio

If you thought April was busy, check out May. Last month we had a big feature on spring festivals, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re in search of weekend fun, check out one of the many

The historic Sweet Auburn district of Downtown comes alive with a weekend of music, activities, food and more on May 7 - 8.

Auburn Avenue is the focal point for the festival, which will feature a seniors pavilion, artists market, business and tech expo, car and bike shows, heath and fitness fair, sports zone, a theater performance by teens called “Through the Lens,” kids fun zone, green pavilion, voter registration drive and the annual Sweet Auburn 5K Run/Walk. For more information, visit

sweetaburn.com.

The 34th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival is a month-long event, capped off by a Memorial Day weekend festival in Piedmont Park. The Piedmont Park event will feature local and nationally-renowned artists including the Warren Wolf Quintet with Christian McBride, Sean Jones Quintet, Ninety Miles, Marea Alta, Myrna Clayton, The Infinite Sound Family, Oliver Santana & Ellison Jazz, Tropical Breeze, Wild Rice, Neo4 and Rua6.

There will also be a late night performance by Mike Phillips at the Lowe’s Atlanta Hotel on May 28, 10 p.m. and a special concert by George Duke, Marcus Miller and David Sanborn (calling themselves DMS) at Chastain Park on May 30, 7 p.m. For tickets, details and the full schedule, visit atlantafestivals.com.

w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

spring festivals happening around the city in May. From artisans and musicians to home tours and rooftop vistas, May is jam-packed with activities.

Atlanta’s Historic West End community will host West Fest 2011 May 6 -8. Presented by West End Neighborhood Development Inc., the event includes an annual benefit concert, dog parade, artist market and festival and tour of historic homes. The concert kicks off the weekend of events with performances by soul songstress Dawn McClain at the Wren’s Nest Amphitheatre on Friday at 7 p.m.

The West End Tour of Homes consists of a self-guided walking tour of over a dozen Craftsman, Victorian and Queen Anne-style private homes. Tour tickets will be available at the Wren’s Nest, where the tour begins.

The Dog Parade is Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to noon at White Street and Rose Circle. The Neighborhood Festival & Artists Market takes place Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. in Gordon-White Park.

Tickets for the concert are $25, while tickets for the Tour of Homes are $20, or $40 for a combo Concert and Tour of Homes pass. Tickets can be purchased online at Admission to the festival and artist market is free. For tickets and more information, atlantawestfest.com.

The 9th annual Kirkwood Spring Fling and Tour of Home is Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15, at Bessie Branham Park, 2051 Delano Drive. The festival will feature an open air artist market, 5k run, live music, children’s area and food and beverage vendors.

The home tour will showcase a diverse collection of building styles from classic Victorian cottages to Craftsman bungalows to Modern living spaces. The tour of homes will be held Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.

The festival portion of the weekend is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and admission is free. Music continues until 11 p.m. and will feature No Parachute, Wild Rice, Snaz, Third Candle, The Axis featuring Cherry Royale and a surprise guest. All proceeds go to benefit the Kirkwood Neighbors Organization, a local nonprofit group dedicated community improvement. For more information, kirkwoodfling.com.

Please turn to page 24 for more ............. town 23

May 2011 | IN

The 2nd annual festival is set for Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Chastain Park The festival will feature more than 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craftpersons, glass blowers, jewelers, an “antiques alley” and more. Organizer Randall Fox said more than 90 percent of the artists will be from the metro area.

The festival will also offer a children’s play area, food (including Moe’s, Barefoot Wines and Gigi’s Cupcakes) and live music. More than 150,000 people attended last year’s event and Fox said he’s expecting a bigger turnout for 2011. For a full line-up of events and artists visit, buckheadartsfestival.com.

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The 5th annual Fiesta Atlanta in celebration of Cinco De Mayo will be held Sunday, May 1, at Centennial Olympic Park. Hours for this year’s event are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and admission is free.

Fiesta Atlanta features a daylong celebration of Latino culture, featuring continuous live musical performances on two stages by international, national and local recording artists, sponsor displays with many free product samples, arts and crafts and authentic Latin foods. This years musical line-up includes classic rock band War, Tiger!Tiger!, Local 34, Bachaco, Con Clase, Orquesta Macuba and more. There is also a 5k race starting at 8:30 a.m. in the park to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. For details on the festival, visit fiestatlanta.com.

Reserved seating only.

No tables, coolers or carry-ins.

Single tickets available at the Woodruff Arts Center box office and all Ticketmaster outlets including Publix Super Markets • TICKETMASTER.COM • 1.800.745.3000 For venue information, visit

More than 160 artists from around the nation selling paintings, jewelry and more, live music, cutting-edge dance, literary events and a parade – these are just a few of the activities at the 23rd annual Decatur Arts Festival set for Memorial Day weekend, May 28 - 29.

This interactive, inclusive arts extravaganza, presented by the Decatur Arts Alliance, includes art and artists from all disciplines and features hands-on participatory art as well as demonstrating and performing arts. All events are free.

The weekend actually kicks off with the Art Walk on Friday, May 27, from 5 to 10 p.m. with special events and artists at local galleries and businesses.

The Artists Market will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, while live music will be staged on the community banstand on the square featuring ConunDrums, Cowboy Envy, Nicole Chillemi Band, Mieka Pauley, Von Grey, 7 Day Fool, Sewhee Village Percussion, Doria Roberts, The Bonaventure Quartet, Davin McCoy and The Coming Attractions and ending the weekend with Delta Moon. To see a full line-up of events, visit decaturartsfestival.com.

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The Artful Garden Tour is back for springtime inspiration on Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year’s self–guided tour highlights seven private gardens in Buckhead, Ansley Park, Midtown and Druid Hills.

Of special note is a 1935 Tudor home surrounded by a garden that blends formal English and natural styles, as well as a home featuring a multilevel water garden with a koi pond and a 60-foot stream that meanders around a stone patio.

The Artful Garden Tour distinguishes itself from other garden tours by showcasing art in the gardens. Plein–air painters will be working and other local artists will showcase their designs. All proceeds benefit the High Museum of Art. Tickets are $20 per person if purchased before May 12 and $25 thereafter. Visit high.org for tickets and details.

Concerts take place rain or shine. Artists and schedules are subject to change. All sales final. No exchanges or refunds.

Delta Classic Chastain Concerts promoted by ASO Presents support the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

STRINGS ROCK at LYRA Academy’s y’s

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excited to host Brad Johnston's Exit Show from SCAD entitled " The Magic Theatre" in conjunction with "The aPOPcalypse Show!" at Function Design featuring work by Sylvia Cross, Lance Haugan, Krispin Harker and Tina Pippin.

See www.treetopquartet.com for details.

Art Camp Registration is ongoing!

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The Thinking Artist

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Art can bring us together I am an artist and I’ve been thinking…

Recently I joined up with my daughter, who was fresh from Nicaragua, and my brother, who lives in Hawaii, to make the bi-annual pilgrimage to California for the purpose of seeing Fay. She is the matriarch of my family. She’s extremely well preserved and active for someone in her age bracket.

Fay lives in a virtual bubble of protected California coastline surrounded by people with lots of leisure time. We all come from extremely different worlds. Almost literally. Thankfully, we all have one thing in common: art.

When Fay heard we were coming, she got in gear to pressure her friends to host a series of “events” to show off her family and their respective talents. We knew this in advance because we are familiar with her maneuvers and prepared by practicing our drinking skills.

First, we met in San Francisco, wandered Sausalito, then met up with our exotic friend Jan, who lives in Oregon but can disappear at any moment and the next thing you know you get a postcard of her in front of the Sphinx or the Eifel Tower. We decided to head to Calistoga and “take the waters.”

This means you can sit in large pools of mineral water for several hours, alternating your beverages in time with the many semialarming German tourists in very small bathing costumes until it gets dark and you head back to the Inn feeling very limber and lightheaded.

In preparation for the eventual rendezvous with Fay, we made our way through Napa Valley and several wineries to stock up on mobile provisions. This was a very good idea since we would have exclusive bottles of wine to share with our hosts as peace offerings to assuage our potentially damaged reputations or at the least offset the disappointment.

Our first meeting was in Carmel. This is an artist enclave owned by Clint Eastwood and Doris Day I think. We had brunch at the Eastwood ranch, then hit the galleries. The single product of Carmel is art. The gallery directory is larger than most phone books. I was salivating non-stop but that could have been in anticipation of dinner at a private restaurant, Dimitri’s. We were greeted like family at this Greek/Italian stop, but not like our family. There was actual hugging and kissing and they mostly have luxurious dark hair.

In fact, one good quote from Fay that we all immediately typed into our phones was, “If you need a good hug, go to Dimitri’s (read: because you won’t get it at home).” We had a few more “events” before going our separate ways but despite our differences, we agreed on one thing: art is des i

g b M

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a

a

To register, go to museumofdesign.org, or call 404.979.6455

Patrick Dennis

26 INtown | May 2011

good for you.

After this social immersion, some reflection on family dynamics and a quick stint in rehab, I looked around to see how Atlanta compares. Although there is no beach cove to watch the sunset like in Carmel, where people bring a bottle of wine, their little dogs and stylized children to sit on handmade blankets, then clap when the sun finally sets, we can actually claim artistic progress here.

Unfortunately there is no more outdoor artist market at Atlantic Station since new owners felt it was not in line with their vision, but there are tons of artist opportunities this summer, and a variety of diverse ways for visitors to get their art fix and possibly realigned with their family members.

The “Pop Up” trend of opening vacant commercial buildings continues in Midtown. The Artist Market (facebook. com/MidtownArtistMarket)is housed in 805 Peachtree. Great exposure for new and established artists and crafters.

The First Thursdays Arts Walk (downtownfirstthursdays.com) downtown can be a great way to get reacquainted with Atlanta, art and whoever you’re with.

One of my favorite galleries, Kai Lin Art (kailinart.com) opened “Flora” on April 15, running through May 27. The exhibit features local artists Anne Elser, Drew Watts, Karen Divine and Lucha Rodriguez in this colorful show.

The Buckhead Spring Arts & Crafts Festival (buckheadartsfestival.com) at beautiful Chastain Park is May 14 – 15.

There are two new festivals this summer. The first is the Festival on Ponce (festivalonponce.com) on July 23 – 24 in the Olmsted chain of parks along Ponce de Leon Avenue. where you can see firsthand the talents of this famous landscape architect surrounded by local artists. Next up is the Piedmont Park Summer Arts & Crafts Festival (piedmontparkartsfestival. com) on Aug. 20 – 21 This brings back “the old days” of local art in the park and is a great way to relax, wander and discover.

So set your differences aside. You might need a fan this summer, but you’ll have plenty of choices to find the one thing that brings us all together whether you’re an artist, traveler or matriarch.Based on very personal experience I can say with conviction that art can bring us together, at least for two years at a time.

Patrick Dennis is an artist, gallery owner and President of the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces. He lives in Atlanta. Email: Patrick@affps.com w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

LOCAL BEFORE LOCAL WAS COOL Musician, entrepreneur Doria Roberts is back with new album

By Matt Arnett Doria Roberts is a force of nature. She is a musician, activist and bodega owner, in no particular order. Or I should say, in interchangeable order. As if that weren’t enough, she also started her own record label.

Whatever she has chosen to do in her life, she has done so with the force of a hurricane. So it should come as no surprise that when she started her record label, she named it Hurricane Doria Records (not to be confused with Tropical Storm Doria, the storm that hit the East Coast shortly before the Doria in question was born).

I was glad to learn that Doria was releasing a new record this month, Blackeyed Susan. It’s been five years since the release of her last record, Woman Dangerous.

But we should forgive her, because she’s been spending more time lately at Urban Cannibals Bodega & Bites, her East Atlanta Village establishment, than on the road touring or making music.

I remember when I was young, and exploring my dad’s record collection, I became interested in Bob Dylan. I listened to all of his records and wanted to know more about him. It was through him that I

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first learned about Odetta and listened to her music. What attracts you to Odetta and why a tribute album to her?

Well, there was a time when I was getting compared to Tracy Chapman a lot, you know when I was first starting out. I love Tracy but she wasn’t really an influence and more and more I realized what the comparison was really about. So, I guess because I was young and wanted my own identity as a musician I distanced myself from that as much as possible. But, as time went on I realized there weren’t many black women playing acoustic guitar let alone singing folk music and I started reaching out to find a community. I felt very isolated because the folk scene was very much a “club” and I was constantly in the position of having to prove myself, which doesn’t make for good art. In that search for community, I found Odetta and it was like finding the Holy Grail.

I had gotten some flack for being “politicized” a couple of times and, even though I never backed down from things, I wanted and needed to say through my music, it made me a little self conscious.

Finding Odetta validated and reinforced so much of my musical and social identity that I became less worried about ruffling feathers and more aware of my role and part in this tradition. I also realized that I did indeed have roots and my sense of duty to carry it on to the next generation was amplified.

I was able to tour with her a few times but I didn’t get a chance to work with her before she died in December 2008. My great shame. I’ve been grieving the loss everyday since the day I heard. The tribute came about mainly because whenever I mentioned her on stage I’d get these blank stares from my audience and I realized I hadn’t been doing enough to put her name out there.

More than just an album, Blackeyed Susan is a work of art. I noticed you have Susan Archie, who designed Dust-toDigital’s Goodbye Babylon (one of my favorite records of all time) designing the record. Tell me about all the special features you’ve packed into this record and what we can expect.

I didn’t want the packaging for the project to be secondary to the recording. I decided on a “keepsake box” to house the CD and a few mementos. There’s the CD of course, a lyric sheet that doubles as a poster, a Blackeyed Susan wild seed pack to plant in her memory, a copy of the only photo I have of us and a piece of SmartGlass jewelry (shaped like an O in her honor). I used to collect little keepsake boxes as a child that I would fill with found objects and such so it has some sentimental value as well. My hope is that people use the box for their own memories.

You are donating portions of the proceeds from the first 1,000 specialty boxes to a couple of great organizations. I am a huge fan of Tim Duffy’s Music Maker Relief Foundation. How did you select Music Maker as the recipients of these proceeds?

The Music Maker Relief Foundation assists Southern artists over the age of 55 with everything from medical bills to rent to acquiring equipment. I’ve “taken” so much from Odetta and those who came before me that it’s only fitting that I should give something back in this way. Also, my fans funded 100 percent of this project via a website called Kickstarter, so finding a way to “pay it forward” was important to me.

This project would not exist without their generosity and faith in what I do.

I’ve been on an extended hiatus from touring since 2008 because the economy has made cost effective travel nearly impossible. I was paying extraordinary fees for my guitars and baggage on flights, gas prices were rising, rental car costs were climbing, even hotels were charging extra for electricity and water! I came home with a little over $75 after expenses after one tour and I thought, “This is it. This is not viable.” The thought of stopping what I loved more than anything after 15 years was heartbreaking, but I really didn’t have a choice.

I actually had to break down and apply for assistance from an organization called MusiCares. They’re affiliated with the Grammy Foundation and are in place to help musicians who don’t have healthcare or trust funds (laughing). They were so efficient, kind and non-judgmental that I was able to walk away from the experience with my dignity in tact.

Despite a lot of national success over the years, you’ve really made a conscious decision to be a “local” artist? What does local mean to you and what has led you to that decision? And I should point out that you were local before local was cool Ha, thanks! Yes, I’ve always thought of myself as a local artist no matter where I‘m playing. When the road is your home, you really learn how to adjust – quickly. I made every hotel room familiar, I memorized long stretches of highway and I found favorite places to eat and get my coffee (always local) in every town I visited. I also always read the local newspaper before my shows to get sense of what was happening in a particular city. It made it easier to create a sense of community on stage.

Do you see a connection between what you are trying to do with your music and what you and Cal are trying to do with your restaurant, Urban Cannibals Bodega & Bites.

Absolutely. Just to clarify we’re a bodega not a restaurant, which is just another name for a neighborhood grocery corner store.

You’ll find the term bodega mainly in New York, where they are a cultural fixture.

We opened on the late side of the local food movement so for us it’s not a “trend” to keep up with but just the way to do business. Even though we focus on the needs of our immediate community our mission is universal – to make access to affordable healthy food a right not a privilege. Also, working with local farmers and vendors really changes the pace of doing business.

Sometimes we simply run out milk or eggs because the cows and chickens are too hot and people have gotten used to this pace and prefer to wait for good food than giving into the instant gratification of something that isn’t good for them.

Speaking of food, tell me about the tour you’ve set up in support of this record and the exciting ways you are combining food and farmers with music and musicians.

Yes, the “Farm to Ear” tour. We’re really excited. The store is going to be on the Food Network later this month so we thought it’d be great to take it on the road. I do all the baking for the store and my wife, Chef Calavino Donati, does all the cooking. In the spirit of “home is wherever I am,” I though it’d be great to book an entire support tour of just house concerts (no venues), visit local farms (urban and rural) in each city and then cook a pre-show meal for my fans inspired by their local products.

We’re hoping to reinforce the idea of eating local and maybe give them a little inspiration on how to do that but it’s also another way for me to get to know the people that support my work.

The “Farm to Ear” tour reinforces the mission of the project and my life as a local foods storeowner, which is to honor the past but bring it fully into the place and time I live in. I can’t wait to get back out there.

SEE FULL-LENGTH INTERVIEW AT AtlantaINtownPaper.com

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

Three girls on a quest to find the best Intown

What the trio liked: Drinks that are unique without being too complicated (two ingredients). Smart servers that know who’s pouring what around town. Ping-pong table by the bar.

Something to try: Jackyl Juice, which is a bottle of Mexican apple soda with a little poured out to top-off with Jack Daniels (served in the bottle). Bourbon Slushy, which is Jack Daniels poured into the slushy machine with CocaCola and then served in a mason jar.

By A Trio of Adventurous Spirits Once upon a time, the three girls packed their purses with notebooks and pens and set out to experience Atlanta’s cocktail revolution. It was a rich adventure, an education of sorts, into Intown’s world of handcrafted cocktails brimming with aromas and mysterious flavors.

No vodka sodas on this journey. They skipped the scotch on the rocks and said “bye-bye” to the cosmo. This is their story and a sampling of what they encountered (from the best of their recollection) as they bellied-up to a few bars.

656 North Highland Ave., 30306 • puravidatapas.com Highlight: Owner and chef Hector Santiago came out of the kitchen to talk about the drinks and how he is updating the menu to include some classics from his native Puerto Rico with his own inventive twist. Lauren, the amazing hostess, who knows everything about what’s going on behind the bar.

The Twist(s): House made everything, including an amazing sour mix. Sugarcane garnish. Herbal-infused cocktails.

What the trio liked: Attention to detail and tastes. Hector’s enthusiasm for infusing his Latin American roots into the cocktails. Pairing cocktails with tapas.

Something new to try: Sex In Santiago – their signature drink with Pisco brandy from Chili, Hibiscus tincture with ginger. Mojitos – the best in town.

483 Edgewood Ave., 30312 • thesoundtable.com Highlight: The girls got there early, 7:30 p.m., to beat the usual late crowd that comes with the live DJ. The bartender says the cocktail culture in Atlanta is a friendly one and the bartenders are excited and supportive to know what each bar is creating.

The Twist(s): Drinks change seasonally. Interesting selection of bitters, like grapefruit and baked apple. Extensive selection of drinks to accommodate a wide range of tastes.

What the trio liked: Awesome drink names (Whisper & Hush, Stone Mountain, Horse’s Neck). Sophisticated ambience. Friendly bartenders. DJ spinning tunes.

Something to try: The Toronto with rye, fernet-branca, sugar, angostura bitters and flamed orange was really nice with a smoky flavor (not bitter). For a lighter touch, the Mary Pickford is not too sweet and not too tart.

904 Memorial Drive, 30316 • hharperstation.com Highlight: The old train station is a great setting and the décor and bar give it an old-fashioned speakeasy vibe.

The Twist(s): Vintage punch bowls serving four to six can be ordered 20 minutes in advance (handcrafting takes time!) for communal drinking – Buford Highway Artillery Punch, AWP 290 Punch, Pisco Punch and Café Diablo.

What the trio liked: Again, a big list and great drink names (Ruby Slipper and Fox Confessor).

Bartenders wearing suspenders and bowties. Nice garnishes from the herb garden. Quarter-inch ice cubes from a Kold-Draft machine.

Something to try: Hands-down, try the Bufala Negra – a drink created in house with buffalo trace, basil, brown sugar, balsamic and ginger beer.

280 Elizabeth Street, Suite A-III, 30307 • vicsandwich.com Highlight: Realizing there is a grown-up version of a slushy. Inexpensive choices.

The Twist(s): A small drink menu, so makes the decision easier. Classic tastes, but in a different format. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

Honestly, this is a small sample of where the girls know they can find a good cocktail. One of them had amazing drinks at Westside’s Abbatior, another says Decatur’s Cakes & Ale, and Buckhead’s Capital Grille is known for their Stoli Doli, vodka infused with fresh pineapple (large jars sit on the counter filled with soaking pineapple pieces). The fun is exploring and not always settling for “I’ll have my usual.”

So, the arduous journey continues, a serious business but someone has to do it. The three cocktail gals will be exploring more parts of town for special drinks and even visits to institutions for some classics. What will they find at Leon’s or Trader Vics? Just wait until next month to find out.

Do you have suggestions or want to share your thoughts? Leave comments at the online version of this article at AtlantaINtownPaper.com. Please drink responsibly and call a cab or have a designated driver in tow.

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May 2011 | IN

EAT, SHOP & EXPLORE Asian supermarkets offer fresh, colorful delicious food

By Natalie Keng Chinese Southern Belle In their habits they are most depraved and vicious…they are also gross gluttons; everything that runs, walks, creeps, flies, or swims, in fact, everything that will supply the place of food, whether of the sea, or the land, and articles most disgusting to other people, are by them greedily devoured. – Edmund Roberts, American diplomat, 1832, on the Chinese people We’ve come a long way not only in cultural attitudes, but also culinary appreciation of different ethnic cuisines.

For longtime residents or natives of Atlanta like me, who have a passion for food, the changes are very welcome and refreshing.

Open Sesame!

The Asian supermarket scene in Atlanta has similarly undergone a sea change and is growing, vibrant, diverse and evolving, not to mention ultra-competitive. In USA Today, 1,000 new food items labeled “Asian” came onto the market between 2006 and 2010 with Thai and Indian products leading the way.

99 Ranch Market, the first Asian supermarket chain to open in Atlanta, apparently didn’t step up enough and

closed recently. Korean supermarket chains like Super H Mart along with Buford Highway Farmers Market, Great Wall in Duluth and Hong Kong Supermarket in Norcross have revolutionized the branding, image (and infamous “odor”) of oldstyle Oriental shops, lowered the bamboo barriers to less adventurous shoppers and become international supermarkets with an amazing, diverse array of pan-Asian, Hispanic, even Eastern European and Caribbean products that include fresh, pre-packaged and ready-to-eat selections.

To visit one of these supermarkets – large or small – is a fun, interesting and tasty multicultural fieldtrip.

As a kid, I hid my “weird” Chinese snacks out of sight (and ridicule) of schoolmates.

These days, you’ll find me on Twitter tweeting about my latest food find or presenting an Asian Snack Attack workshop.

From Wonton Soup to Masala Dhosa Chinese Southern Belle fans are familiar with my childhood stories of Mom teaching the area’s first Chinese cooking class when stores didn’t carry soy sauce. Wonton and egg drop soup were popular. Hot and sour soup was too exotic. If you wanted a wok or cleaver, you had to bring it over from Asia yourself. I brought back goodies and

gifts in my suitcase from New York City’s Chinatown.

Now, in our Asian market tours and cooking classes, many participants have traveled or worked in Asia and are more adventurous in trying unfamiliar flavors and textures. It’s quite exciting to have options around town for tasty regional specialties, like Szechuan Hot Boiled Fish, Cantonese Dim Sum, Masala Dhosas, Vietnamese Pho or Shanghai soup buns.

What Is That Smell?

One of the most compelling (and repelling) complaints about Asian grocers, derived from the tiny mom-and-pop “Oriental” shops, but still applied today to older or less polished Asian grocery, is the “stinky or fishy smell.” (The other top reasons why some non-Asians don’t visit Asian markets were fear of no English spoken to unfamiliarity with products.)

There is a cultural and practical explanation for the “odor” in some stores.

Food is connected to the philosophy of yin and yang and the ideal culinary goal is to achieve a balance of “she, xiang, wei” – color, aroma and flavor – with a variety of “cooling” and “hot” foods that draw from sweet, spicy, sour and bitter flavors.

Due to the lack of refrigeration and the need for preservation, a wide assortment of traditional Asian foodstuffs are dried, pickled, or fermented (squid, shrimp, mushrooms, fermented beancurd, kimchi).

Add to this the preference for live/fresh seafood and meats traditionally displayed open air market or butchery-style, and you’ve got an interesting mélange of “smells.” Today, improved sanitation, store design and vacuum packaging has reduced or eliminated the “odors.”

A Window to Asian American History While I conceived this article initially as a “guide” with handy tips and lists, in the process of my research – shopping dozens of stores, taking notes on product selection, store layout; reading reviews; getting survey feedback; overhearing customers talk in different languages about what to make for dinner; visiting the customer service desk; greeting the check-out cashiers – I realized that beyond product and price comps was a poignant story about Atlanta’s immigrant

PLEASE TUrN To PAGE 34

Chinese Southern Belle Natalie Keng leads tours of Asian markets as part of her cooking classes to help students get a taste for the selection of foods – and smells – on offer in metro Atlanta’s various shops.

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7TH ANNUAL TASTE OF BUCKHEAD BUSINESS MAY 23, 2011 5:30-8:30 PM

Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center 3405 Lenox Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30326 $10 General Admission To purchase tickets and for more information:

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photos by Mark Petko

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May 2011 | IN

retail economy that small Chinese-owned stores would fill and where both blacks and whites felt comfortable patronizing.

Chinese grocers also provided social services that often did not exist elsewhere and served in an informal banking role for black sharecroppers, extending credit and loans denied them by white institutions.

Continued from page 32

history, evolution and diversity. One customer commented: I grew up coming to this place. It’s old, and it’s got that strange Asian grocery smell, but I love it anyway. If you’re not a long-time shopper, or if you can’t read Chinese, it can be rather daunting.

One little known, but interesting fact of American history involved Chineseowned businesses and Chinese grocers, in particular. In the early 1920s, the impact of plantation slavery, Jim Crow laws and racial tension resulted in a void in the Southern

Tips and Highlights: Atlanta’s Asian Supermarkets Your store preference will largely depend on where you live (and how far you’re willing to drive), what you are shopping

NAVIGATING LOCAL ASIAN MARKETS A. Buford Highway Farmers Market

Buford Highway Farmers Market offers a fun, one-stop international shopping experience. The store is locally-owned and has been managed by a Korean American family for over 25 years. Store highlights include a newly-renovated interior, responsive customer service, fresh produce with a small organic section, wild-caught seafood, sushigrade fish, in-house tofu varieties, a Hispanic deli, and an impressive Eastern European department. Their aisles are organized by ethnicity: Korean, Indian, Chinese, Hispanic, etc. so you will find rice on multiple aisles.

Weekends are hustle bustle with more food samples but also more cart traffic.

Their cooking classes are popular and the best deal in town! 5600 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville, GA 30340. aofwc. com

B.

Hong Kong Supermarket The market opened in its new, spacious location in 2008 and offers an extensive selection of Chinese, Vietnamese and Filipino products.

Highlights include a Vietnamese snack bar, competitive prices, fresh fruit and vegetables, live seafood, Asian hot pot items, vegetarian “meat,” fresh rice noodles, long aisles organized by food type (rice, snacks, sauces), including selected American products.

I like Suno shaved ice dessert in the food court and Bento Café for bubble tea and Taiwanese street food in the same shopping center. 5495 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093. hongkongmkt.net

C. Great Wall Supermarket

Great Wall Supermarket is a large pan-Asian chain out of New York with several stores in the Northeast. They offer an extensive selection of popular Chinese and Taiwanese brands but also include Japanese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Hispanic and American products.

34 INtown | May 2011

Highlights include live seafood, multilingual produce signs (some with nutritional information), competitive prices, a large kitchenware section (mostly mainland China brands), less crowded store with wide aisles and a Chinese food buffet. 2300 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite B6, Duluth, GA 30096

D. Super H Mart

Heavily advertised and with multiple locations, Super H Mart, a Koreanowned chain is popular and wellknown in the Asian and non-Asian communities. With some store variations, highlights include their produce, live seafood and meat departments, Korean prepared foods, marinated Korean bbq meat, Korean and Japanese cake rolls, moiji (sticky rice) desserts. The Duluth store is much larger and preferred by many.

The Doraville store is closer to town but smaller. All of them offer food samples and get crowded on weekends.

Locations in Doraville, Duluth, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Riverdale. hmart.com

E. Assi Plaza

Assi Plaza is a competing Koreanowned supermarket that features a lively, diverse food court (China House hand-pulled noodles, Mozart bakery), produce specials, Hispanic deli, and a large selection of rice cookers, kitchenware, housewares. They also offer Pakistani, South Asian and Indian products. 1630 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, GA 30096. lotteplaza.com

F

. Cobb International Farmers Market The various International Farmers Market stores are a good balance of Asian, Hispanic, Caribbean and American products. Highlights include a good selection of frozen foods and produce specials. The Gwinnett store

for, how adventurous your taste buds are and your cultural comfort zone, in addition to price, quality, freshness, etc. It will also depend on your grocery list. For example, if you’re looking for live seafood, the best price on Korean BBQ ribs, a specific Indian spice, it may be three different stores.

Store offerings are often influenced by the ethnicity of the storeowner or corporate management. For example, Korean-owned Super H Mart, Assi Plaza and Buford Highway Farmers Market offer more Korean brands. Great Wall Supermarket has wider Chinese and Taiwanese selections. Hong

Kong Supermarket has unique offerings in Vietnamese, Filipino and Chinese brands.

Many older, non-English speaking Chinese immigrants still go to Dinho.

The larger Asian supermarkets also sell selected Hispanic and American products.

“Farmers Market” is a loosely applied (and outdated) term used in Asian and international supermarkets.

While notably lacking in the past, most of the stores have improved customer service due to competition. All of the stores had someone on staff who spoke English, Spanish or were multilingual.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

seemed better stocked and organized (impressive dried seaweed and mushroom sections) and had a much larger kitchenware department. There is also a Gwinnett-Lilburn) nsgifm.com.

G

. Cherians International Groceries This was an amazing discovery!

Cherians International is one of the largest Indian stores in Atlanta (and the United States). They offer a huge selection of Indian (and Pakistani) foodstuffs, including aisles of rice (bulk prices), spices, masalas, frozen entrees, dals, chutneys, beverages, baked goods and cooking utensils.

They also have a produce section, fresh chapatis, naan, Indian snack and dessert bar (request samples!) and friendly customer service. 751 Dekalb IndustrialWay, Bldg 4, Decatur, GA 30033. cherians.com

H. Tomato Japanese Grocery

Small but packs a wasabi punch!

Located next to Japanese restaurants (Sushi Yoko and Umezono), Tomato is easily overlooked since the signage is nonexistent (or hard to see). The store features everything from my favorite Japanese candies, snacks (e.g. moiji and ice cream) high-quality soy sauces, Japanese frozen foods and specialty drinks to sushi rice, sashimi-grade fish, roe, seaweed salad, miso, fermented soy products and pickled vegetables.

You can also rent Japanese movies, buy Japanese music and beauty/health products. 7124 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross, GA 30071 and 2086 Cobb Pkwy SE, Smyrna, GA 30080

Natalie Keng, right, is founder/owner of Chinese Southern Belle, is an Atlanta native and grew up working in the family restaurants then graduated from Harvard University. Through hands-on cooking classes, market tours and writings, Chinese Southern Belle merges the best of culinary delights, practical tips, entertainment and cultural exploration! Follow Natalie’s food and cultural adventures on ChineseSouthernBelle.com, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

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Quick Bites

first iPhone application. The TeaFlection app allows customers to order a variety of teas directly from their iPhone, login and manage their account, create a wish list and check the status of their orders. teaflection.com

Piece of Cake co-founder Helen Cleveland has returned after “an 18 year sabbatical” as the Piece of Cake Lady, who surprises random people and businesses with cakes and cupcakes. Piece of Cake will be posting clues on their Facebook and Twitter pages so followers can try to find the Piece of Cake Lady so that they can be “caked.” pieceofcakeinc.com

Restaurant RIP Saskatoon and CoCo Loco in Buckhead, Pacci Ristorante and Silk in Midtown and Geisha House in Atlantic Station, Baba Louz Café in Downtown.

Decatur’s Farmstead 303 in the old depot has changed its name to Rail Kitchen and Bar. The owners are the same and the menu will still focus on southern food, but in a more casual “neighborhood bar”-type setting, according to various media reports.

The March of Dimes Georgia Chapter has announced that more than 40 restaurants will participate in its 27th annual Dining Out fundraising event Friday, May 13. Top restaurateurs have each offered up a table of 10 for the evening to serve delectable threecourse meals and wine pairings from some of the best chefs in the city. Charity-minded Atlantans may purchase a table for the event for $1,000 (including Bacchanalia, Murphy’s and Two Urban Licks) or $1,500 (including 10 Degrees South, 4th & Swift, Abattoir, Aja, and Rathbun’s). For a complete list of restaurants visit marchofdimes. com/Georgia. After dinner at one of the restaurants, guests are invited to the “Stepping Out” after party at King Plow Arts Center from 9 p.m. to midnight, where they will nosh on desserts and complimentary cocktails.

Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream was expected to open this month in the former Cold Stone Creamery location at Edgewood Retail District. morellisicecream.com

Cheyenne Grille & Sports Bar has reopened in the Peachtree Battle shopping center in Buckhead. The restaurant is officially under new ownership and management, led by Red Door Tavern proprietor Steve Shamatta and managers Bret Bauer and Dallas Bond.

CheyenneGrille.com

Osteria 832 in Virginia Highland will celebrate it’s 8th anniversary on Saturday, May 7, from noon to 4 p.m. with $1.50 pizza slices, cheap beer, live music, including acoustic music by Carter Rude, and giveaways. Proceeds from the event will benefit the neighborhood’s Firehouse 19 and the new Highland Park. osteria832.com.

Denver-based Smashburger is entering the Atlanta market in a big way later this year: it

Atlanta-based TeaFlection, an online retailer of fine, loose leaf teas, has launched its

New Nosh

on the horizon, although we’re just as gobsmacked as you are about the trend toward more burger, taco and yogurt joints.

We’re excited about a couple of those burger places, so you’ll see them in the preview.

Visit our website at AtlantaINtownPaper. com, our Facebook page and find us on Twitter (@ATLIntownPaper) and tell us which restaurant you’re most looking forward to dining at this summer.

Zocalo was selected as a winner of the annual Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest in March. Jalapeno Tamales won first prize in the Other Products category of the annual contest. The tamales are prepared fresh daily at Zocalo Restaurant.

The restaurant has been located in midtown at the corner of 10th and Piedmont for 16 years. zocalocreativemex.com Fans of Octane Coffee can now get their fix at the Octane Pocket Bar at the Bank America Plaza at 600 Peachtree St. The famous coffee and pastries from H&F Bread Co. are on the menu. octanecoffee.com

Recently opened and new restaurants on the horizon

By Collin Kelley, Editor It seems like every month an Intown restaurant announces it’s closing, but those are quickly replaced by new offerings.

We’ve put together a list of what’s

plans to open 30 locations in the metro over the next five years with the first in Buckhead at 2625 Piedmont Ave. smashburger.com

locally-raised beef, pork and chicken as well as vegetarian options. wreckingbarbrewpub.com

Here’s a burger joint we love. The original location inside Sweet Auburn Curb Market has been a big hit, so the first stand alone location in a former gas station on Piedmont Avenue near Cheshire Bridge Road is now bringing the flavor to Midtown burger aficionados. Check the website, grindhouseburgers.com.

Our Way Café: After a devastating fire more than a year ago, the Avondale Estates favorite re-opened last month at 2831 E. College Ave. serving up tasty southern comfort food. ourwaycafe.com Briza:

36 INtown | May 2011

Double Zero Napoletana: Owners of Decatur’s popular Iberian Pig were expected to open this new concept in mid-April at 5825 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. Check doublezeroatl.com for updates.

Grindhouse Killer Burgers Midtown:

Lure: Many Intowners lamented the closure of the Midtown location of Vickery’s on Crescent Avenue, but Fifth Group has snapped up the space and will open a new seafood concept called Lure, which should open this summer. fifthgroup.com

GeorgesBarAndRestaurant.com

a Marriott Renaissance and the restaurant is now Briza, which serves “urban Italian” made with “farm-to-fork” ingredients. brizarestaurant.com

Located in the former Pacci Ristorante space in the former Hotel Palomar, both the restaurant and hotel have been transformed. The hotel is now

No. 246: Ford Fry, chef and owner of JCT Kitchen, and Drew Belline, chef de cuisine at Floataway Cafe, have partnered to open this new concept in the former Eurasia space in Decatur. The menu will include pizzas, pastas, seafood and more. A mid-May opening is expected. no246.com Another Broken Egg Café: The Destin5 Napkin Burgers: The former

Nickemoto’s site at the prominent corner of 10th and Piedmont in Midtown wasn’t empty long. New York-based 5 Napkin Burgers snapped up the building and has been doing renovations for months. Watch 5NapkinBurger.com for updates.

Wrecking Bar Brewpub:

One of the most anticipated openings of the year will be located inside the renovated Kriegshaber House (circa 1900) in Little Five Points.

Owners Bob and Kristine Sandage will brew their own beer onsite and there will be

based chain will move into Georgia with its first restaurant in Peachtree Battle shopping enter, expected to open in June. As the name suggests, this has all the favorite breakfast menu items. anotherbrokenegg.com

More coming soon: Fifth Group will open a Tex-Mex restaurant at the 191 Peachtree Building in Downtown this year, while the former Shaun’s site on Edgewood Avenue in Inman Park has been taken over by the owners of East Atlanta’s Holy taco for an unnamed new restaurant.

w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

IN Business RETAIL | MONEY & FINANCE | DEVELOPMENT

HOLLYWOOD SOUTH Fizz City Films part of moviemaking renaissance in Atlanta

By Collin Kelley Editor Back in the early 90s, there was a flurry of films being shot in and around Atlanta – including Driving Miss Daisy and Fried Green Tomatoes to name two – and the moniker “Hollywood South” was hatched.

There was a lull in the late 90s and early part of the century, but over the last few years a new renaissance has begun New tax incentives, the transformation of the old Lakewood Fairgrounds south of the city into a production facility and readily available talent have made Atlanta hot once again. AMC’s hit The Walking Dead films here, and so does Vampire Diaries and Drop Dead Diva. Major motion pictures have been filming here, too, with celebrities spotted all over town.

In the middle of all this new madness, is Mark Simon’s Fizz City Films, a company that produces commercials and films for emerging media. Simon’s expertise in the film business stretches back 30 years, including working as cameraman on some of the most iconic films and television shows of the 80s and 90s, including The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Sixteen Candles, Risky Business, This Is Spinal Tap, thirtysometing and In the Line of Fire.

Simon decided to move his family to Atlanta after the 1993 Northridge Earthquake and acted as director of photography on commercials around the world. Fizz City was the next evolution in his storied career. Since it’s creation, Fizz City’s client list has included Scana

Energy, Belk, Georgia Lottery, Hyatt Hotels, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and many more. We asked Simon about his venture and his life in film.

Are you still working on major motion pictures and TV or are you focused on Fizz City?

In recent years I have taken day calls on movies Intown to shoot a second unit or operate a camera. One Missed Call and The Rosa Parks Story would be two examples.

I have been entertaining some long form projects of my own. One is a green-centric animated kids’ show called Me, I am the Earth and the Earth is Me written by Atlanta writer/location manager, Mark Cottrell.

Another is a short about guns, prejudice and modern culture called Short Notice. But yes, most of my time is focused on Fizz City Films core business.

After so many years as a director of photography and camera operator, why did you decide to branch off and form a production company?

I spent three years teaching cinematography at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena while still working on movies and commercials in Hollywood.

When I first opened Fizz City, it was with the intention of helping launch the careers of five of my former students, who were rising stars in commercials and film, and creating an opportunity for the local advertising community to offer amazing new options.

Can you speak about the Atlanta area’s re-emergence as a place for movies and TV shows to set up shop and film?

The tax incentives are the keys to the film kingdom. We have gone from having barely a film industry to the envy of the rest of the country. All of a sudden major infrastructure is being built, studios, hotels, motion picture vendors are opening up shop here, and crew are moving to Georgia in droves.

Can you share a highlight about your time working with John Hughes?

The first day met John was on Sixteen Candles. I walked into the gymnasium of the high school in suburban Chicago where we were going to shoot the day’s work. John was barefoot wearing a white t-shirt and shorts kneeling on the floor playing 3 Card Monty with Anthony Michael Hall. He was a regular guy who liked to have fun and joke around, and even after his mammoth success, he was always still a regular guy who liked to have fun and joke around.

w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

Mark Simon was the cameraman on a number of John Hughes’ classic ‘80s films, including The Breakfast Club, pictured above. Below left, Simon with Jamie Lee Curtis on the set of Grandview USA and at work behind the camera.

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May 2011 | IN

Business & Retail Briefs

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Haworth, Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacturing of office furniture and organic workspaces, has opened a new location on the ground floor of Terminus 200 in Buckhead. Utilizing a new Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model for construction, the space includes a display of products and an Ideation Center. This will serve as a resource and learning center for designers and architects, regional and global clients, thought leaders, universities, dealer partners and the greater Atlanta. haworth.com

Owner Marlon Heard works local craftsmen create custom pieces for his customers and also supports local artisans including Sue Sullivan’s Hot Squeeze sauces, Elaine Callahan’s note cards, Himalayan Trading Post and Ele & Honey Company. Roost is located 32 North Avondale Road. shoproost.net.

Georgia Commerce Bank has opened a new 5,000-square-foot office in Buckhead.

Marvin Cosgray who was the former President of the Buckhead Community Bank, is serving as managing director/ The location is 2970 Peachtree Road next to Brio’s. gacommercebank.com Roost is now open in Avondale Estates, offering amixture of accessories, vintage and custom furniture, gifts and more.

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The City of Atlanta has hired journalist Stephanie Ramage (of the defunct Sunday Paper) as its Citizen Advocate, a new position that will help improve service delivery for residents and business owners across a broad spectrum, including water and sewer billing, permitting and licensing.

The Office of the Citizen Advocate will provide residents and business owners with an identifiable point of contact within the City of Atlanta to help them resolve problems that have failed to be addressed through traditional channels in various departments. “Stephanie Ramage’s track record as a reporter shows that she says what she thinks and she’s not afraid to critique anyone,” said Mayor Kasim Reed said. “As Citizen Advocate, I am certain she will work tirelessly on behalf of our residents and business owners and help make the city address problems in a manner that leads to better, faster and more efficient service.”

The Historic Oakland Foundation, which partners with the City of Atlanta to preserve, restore, enhance, and share Oakland Cemetery with the public, has welcomed five new board members to serve as trustees.

Rob Barnett, managing director of financial consulting firm Conway Mackenzie, Inc; Alan Elsas, who originally helped establish the foundation in 1976; Clyde Hurt Feil, staff attorney for Judge Charles B. Mikell ,Jr.; Father Austin M. Ford, founder of Emmaus House; and C. Randolph (Randy) Jones, founder and principal in The Randolph Partnership. The five new members join a 30-member board that oversees Historic Oakland Foundation’s finances, fundraising, restoration, landscaping and strategic planning.

Guy T. Gunter & Associates celebrated its 58th year in business by opening a new Appliance Gallery in Atlanta’s Westside Design District, 1610 Southland Circle. Guy Gunter started the company after returning from World War II and witnessing an emerging trend among post-war families in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The company is still family-run and offers complete in-house appliance installation and is stocked with the latest appliances from Sub Zero, Wolf, Miele, Thermador, Gaggenau, KitchenAid and Whirlpool. guytgunterappliances.com Children’s store Pretty Please is now

Making Sense of Social Brigette Flood Small things carry big news. And I’m not talking 140 characters small.

I’m talking delightfully small … as in screens, as in what Neilsen predicts 1 in 2 US residents will have adopted by the end of 2011: smartphones. They, along with iPads, tablets and other mobile devices, represent a big piece of the future social mediasphere. Would all the astonishing statistics for social networking sites have been possible without their mobile counterparts?

Highly unlikely.

Whether you’re vying for Mayorship of Turner Field via Foursquare, grabbing 50 percent off dinner at Top Flr thanks to Scoutmob, or checking flights via Delta’s app, the smartphone format harnesses powerful potential that we users often take for granted. Don’t unlock a badge of infinite boredom. Get excited. All the social, discount, geo-location, news and gaming goodness is bound to bring something interesting into your pocket or pocketbook.

Or it could come in little bigger format. While smartphones represent the largest market size, the mobile market is growing rapidly in size and proportion, a la iPads and tablets …

Join Atlanta INtown’s Social Network. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

any of those cool, techy things that combine social networking, angry birding, picture snapping and web browsing with portability. Current negative: nothing small about the hefty upfront investment.

Mobile will be an exciting place to watch over the next year, especially if Google’s Android operating system continues to grow in market share (it just surpassed Apple’s iPhone, taking over second place behind RIM’s Blackberry) and its app library (increasing daily. Around 100K to iPhone’s 350K, at last count). But no matter what your de-vice (pun intended), brand and social media experts see the “small market” growing in importance. Stay tuned to see if they’re right.

Speaking of experts, local social, mobile and digital gurus VertMob (Kevin, Michael and Matt) and I recently talked about what they see on the horizon in the social and mobile scene.

Read the full interview at makingsenseofsocial.com. You can also see what they’re up to at vertmob.com.

Follow them @vertmob. Follow me @ brigflood.

open in Buckhead at 3716 Roswell Road. Owned by Shayla Wingfield, the shop is the second outpost of Pretty Pleae, with the original owned by Wingfield’s sister in Sandestin, Florida. The shop will offer clothing, furnishings, accessories, gifts, lighting and art from around the country. prettypleaseonline.com Atlanta’s first Microsoft Store was schedule to open this month on the ground floor at Lenox Square in Buckhead.

The 7,900-square-foot store is one of only nine in the world. Customers can learn new technology skills in the store’s theater space and work with employees for personalized PC setup and training.

MicrosoftStore.com The British luxury womenswear shop L.K. Bennett has opened a new location on the first floor at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead. lkbennett.com

The White Box, an online interior design firm, has been launched Dawn M Trimble for clients wanting the unique experience of working with a professional designer on a room-by-room basis without breaking the bank. thewhiteboxonline.com Peter Michelson, founder/CEO of Decatur’s Renewal Design-Build was nominated for national Fred Case Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which will be handed out this summer. renewaldesignbuild.com.

7 ANNUAL TASTE OF BUCKHEAD BUSINESS TH

Enter into the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead on Monday, May 23 and you’ve found the Taste of Buckhead Business. Each year, a dedicated team of the Buckhead Business Association (BBA) volunteers puts on their party planning hats to coordinate a massive mix of food and something they do best – business. The result is an eclectic mix of networking made more delicious with the help of 20 local restaurants, such as East Andrews, Bluepointe, City Club of Buckhead and Shula’s 347.

Tickets are $10 and available in advance online, with proceeds benefiting BBA, an organization whose mission “is to bring together and promote business in Buckhead, as well as participation in the Buckhead community.”

Here’s a sample of what you will find: • Trays of the elegantly displayed desserts by the popular Seasons 52. These are ‘mini indulgences,’ like Key Lime Pie and Rocky Road.

These little parfaits have become a Taste of Buckhead tradition. seasons52.com • Buckhead residents are likely already fans of Pizzeria Venti and their famous Bocce Balls, Italian meatballs and cheese wrapped in crust and topped with marina. BBA can always count on Pizzeria Venti to support the event and to serve-up something special. Let’s hope for some Bocce! pizzeriaventi-atlanta.com •And, Johnny Rockets will be serving something off of their feel-good menu –

chocolate and vanilla shakes. johnnyrockets.com More than 50 businesses will have booth space at this year’s event. Some are offering drawings for prizes and some will have giveaways. Bring your business cards because this is, after all, about making connections.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit buckheadbusiness.org.

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May 2011 | IN

real estate CITY LIVING | NEIGHBORHOODS | DEVELOPMENT

tRAnsit HUB oR DUD? Opinions vary on viability of proposed Downtown project Shandra Hill Smith A major revitalization project for part of downtown Atlanta may be closer to fruition, with a vote on a development team for the proposed transit hub and commercial district expected this summer.

The Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal or MMPT – as billed by the Georgia Department of Transportation – will

bridge ground and rail transit services and spawn commercial and possibly mixed-use development in the so-called “Gulch” area near Five Points MARTA station and CNN Center.

GDOT has been in negotiation with Cousins Properties as the master developer.

With Atlanta-based Cousins, the team includes Forest City Enterprises and The Integral Group.

The GDOT board will have the final say and, according to Vicki Gavalas, special assistant to the commissioner for Strategies and Development, should vote on the issue by late summer.

“What we’re looking for is for this truly to be a multi-modal terminal,” says Gavalas, “and to include all modes of transportation, including transit, rail, bicycles, Smart Car, taxi, cars for hire, inner-city bus service, express bus service and the existing MARTA transit services.”

The idea in this area that now consists of parking lots and train tracks has been talked about for years, but picked up steam in 2010 following the creation of a Public Private Partnership (P3) program for the state, says Gavalas. The P3 program, as posted on the GDOT Web site, will help fund transportation projects that would not

be possible through “traditional processes and existing funding,” and allows the state to partner with the private sector for the facility’s development and operation.

Led by GDOT, the MMPT brings together several partners to include the city of Atlanta, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Georgia Regional Transit Authority (GRTA), Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and Central Atlanta Progress/Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (CAP).

“We’re cautiously optimistic that something positive will happen here,” says CAP President A.J. Robinson, adding that CAP has been working with DOT for years to make the multimodal project a reality.

“It feels good to finally be making progress, The area of Downtown near Philips Arena known as The Gulch is part of Atlanta’s origins as a railroad boomtown. The site is primed to become Atlanta’s new multi-modal passenger terminal and is expected to attract new office towers and retail as shown in the rendering.

Please turn to page 42

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40 INtown | May 2011

H I G H

P E R F O R M A N C E

H O M E

S E R V I C E S

w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

Real Estate Briefs The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) held its CotY (Contractor of the Year) Awards ceremony earlier this spring and Atlanta’s Home Rebuilders was honored in the “residential addition” category for its work on a local home in the $100,000-$250,000 range.

Atlanta Realtors, led by The BeltLine Team and EpiCity, are holding a community wide open house event on Saturday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which includes a free neighborhood cookout across the street from the Allene Avenue entrance to the Atlanta BeltLine, near Adair Park, 1052 Allene Ave. The event is aimed at encouraging residents to strengthen and stabilize their historic neighborhoods by eradicating vacant homes and increasing homeownership, and is garnering the attention of the Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and representatives at the city and state level.

Committed to Communities was created to showcase affordable, single family homes in various stages of renovation while inviting neighbors to show off the beauty and uniqueness of the BeltLine neighborhood.

The May 7 event will include walking tours of open homes in Adair Park and Westview from The BeltLine Team and EpiCity.

The Marketing Directors has sold all 18 townhomes at Huff Heights located at 1199 Huff Road in Atlanta. The sales effort was led by Vic Miller, while June Obondo spearheaded the on-site sales. After the success at Huff Heights, The Marketing Directors are now the exclusive sales and marketing team for 18 townhomes at Brownstones at Edgewood. The three-and four-bedroom townhomes embody the classic curbside

appeal of traditional brownstones, while the interiors are sophisticated and stylish. themarketingdirectorsinc.com Village Place Brookhaven has just 12 out of 41 residences remaining. Two-story condominiums, originally priced at nearly $600,000, are now $299,000. vpbrookhaven.com

Ryland Homes has opened Lenox Overlook, a gated community of luxury town homes priced from the $200s on Buford Highway in North Atlanta one-half mile east of I-85.

The development has 113 three-bedroom town homes that range in size from 1,735-square-feet of living space to 2,010square-feet with two-and-a-half baths and two-car garages. ryland.com WestMar Student Lofts, located less than five miles from five major Atlanta universities, is an innovative new option for students of institutions such as Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University. The property, located in West Midtown, offers a continual shuttle service to local campuses, Internet café, self-serve marketplace, fitness center, pool and study center. westmarlofts.com.

LEFT: Harry Norman, Realtors’ Margie Stockton is congratulated by company president and CEO Dan Parmer in recognition of her status as the No.1 Agent Company-wide in Units Closed, her rank as Top Agent in the firm’s Buckhead North office and her receipt of the Atlanta Board of Realtors prestigious Gold Phoenix designation.

Travis Reed of Harry Norman, Realtors has been recognized as the No. 1 agent company-wide and top agent in the firm’s Buckhead Office for sales volume for the sixth consecutive year. Reed also earned ranking as top agent for Christie’s International Real Estate, Georgia. Margie Stockston was recognized as the company’s No. 1 agent company-wide in units closed, top agent at the Buckhead north office and the prestigious Gold Phoenix designation, which denotes 30 consecutive years of sales of $1 million or more and membership in the Million Dollar Club. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

RIGHT: Harry Norman, Realtors No. 1 Agent Company-wide Travis Reed is congratulated for his receipt of this and two other top agent awards by Betsy Franks, Senior Vice President and Managing Broker of the firm’s Buckhead office.

Ansley Park. $1,295,000 30 Westminster Drive.

4BR/2.5BA FMLS:4183311 Jim Getzinger 404.3074.4020

Buckhead. $695,000 1195 East Beechwood Drive.

3+BR/3BA FMLS: 4195345 Carson Matthews 678.595.9286

Cabbagetown. $255,000 241 Powell Street.

2BR/2BA FMLS: 4175916 Judie Mattie 404.771.5194

Candler Park. $450,000 1225 Euclid Avenue.

6BR/4BA FMLS:4186524 Jim Getzinger 404.668.7233 Jared Sapp 404.668.7233

Castleberry Hill. $1,700,000 146 Walker Street.

3BR/3.5BA FMLS:4193286 Debra Johnston 404.312.1959

Glenwood Park. $172,500 943 N Ormewood Park #401.

2BR/1BA FMLS: 4204306 Robert Blaha 404.402.9741

Glenwood Park. $132,500 943 N Ormewood Park #302.

1BR/1BA FMLS: 4204169 Robert Blaha 404.402.9741

Midtown. $235,000 77 Peachtree Place #415.

1BR/1BA FMLS: 4185467 Patti and Adam Ellis 770.355.0549

Houston,TX Seattle, WA Midtown. $339,000 $1,950,000 $1,905,000 905 Juniper Street #116.

Capital City Realogics 2BR/1BA FMLS:4202121 Jim Getzinger 404.307.4020 Sotheby’s International Sotheby’s International Realty Realty Jared Sapp 404.668.7233

Midtown. $680,000 943 Peachtree Stree NE #1714.

2BR/2BA FMLS: 4200724 Jared Sapp 404.668.7233

Midtown. $157,000 1074 Peachtree Walk.

2BR/2BA FMLS: 4186603 Chase Mizell 404.835.9595

Midtown. $250,000 805 Peachtree Street #608.

2BR/2BA FMLS: 4192602 Chase Mizell 404.835.9595

Midtown. $650,000 788 Argonne Avenue.

4BR/3.5BA FMLS:4202183 Adam and Patti Ellis 770.355.0549

Midtown/Ansley. $1,245,000 153 Westminster Drive.

4BR/3BA FMLS: 4208030 Casey Keesee 678.618.1995

Morningside. $559,000 1209 E Rock Springs Road.

5BR/3BA FMLS:4191080 Jim Getzinger 404.307.4020

Sandy Springs $900,000 5341 Northland Drive.

4BR/3.5BA FMLS:4158431 Jere Metcalf 770.337.7122

Serenbe. $430,000 9142 Selborne Lane.

3BR/2BA FMLS:4167527 Sandra Storrar 404.310.3558 D. Harnell Cohen 404.313.7300

Serenbe. $525,000 9225 Se borne Lane.

4BR/3BA FMLS:4206059 Sandra Storrar 404.310.3558 D. Harnell Cohen 404.313.7300

OUR INTOWN OFFICE IS OPENING IN 2011!

AtlantaFineHomes.com 404.237.5000

© 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.

town 41

May 2011 | IN

but it is a very complex trail that is going to require a lot of effort from a lot of people. It has to be probably built with a combination of federal dollars, state dollars and local dollars and the private sector.”

Robinson adds that the project is a significant one for efficiency reasons in particular.

“We have an outdated Greyhound station that was built as a temporary structure prior to the Olympics and needs a place to go,” Robinson points out. “We have an Amtrak station that’s crumbling in Midtown. We have a desire by numerous people to create passenger rail from Atlanta to Macon and maybe some other places – maybe Atlanta to Athens. We have needs, but they’re just not being met by our infrastructure at this point.”

“As Atlanta remains among the fastest growing cities in the nation, it is vitally important to provide infrastructure that supports this significant growth,” says Larry Gellerstedt, president and CEO of Cousins.

“We expect the multi-modal project at the ‘Gulch’ to be an exciting and integral part of this process. The project will also drastically revitalize an important part of our downtown core while serving as a catalyst for economic activity throughout the region.”

One person who has been vocal about the project is architect Jeff Morrison, who leads walking tours of the “Gulch” area and owns Morrison Design.

“The first thing is they’ve detached

it from the commuter rail project,” says Morrison. “When I say commuter rail, I’m talking about a system that would really be within the metro Atlanta area that would relieve our daily automobile commuting. They say loosely that it’s going to accommodate that in the long term, but I really believe that should be our highest priority at this point. Instead, they’re investing a lot of money in a bus depot, which doesn’t seem necessary.”

Additionally, Morrison points to past developments, some failed, in the vicinity.

“When you look at the area – Castleberry Hill, the state capitol, the jail and Underground Atlanta – it’s been significantly underdeveloped for a very long time. The development that has come in hasn’t made any difference,” Morrison said.

Morrison said there needs to be a better understanding of the whole Downtown area. “They’re building this as this wonderful panacea that’s going to suddenly transform the neighborhood. They’re overlooking a lot of the more complex socioeconomic issues that are at play in that area.”

The need, supporters say, is still evident.

“Particularly in the downtown community, we need a place where all of this stuff meets – where we can have trains and buses and taxis and cars in a way that we don’t have today,” says Robinson. “We’ve begun a long journey, but at least I think we’re on the right road now.”

To learn more about the project, go to dot.ga.gov.

Atlanta Fine Homes plans new Intown office

By Collin Kelley Editor With the real estate market on the rebound, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty has decided its time to open a new office.

According to company president David Boehmig, a new Intown office will open this summer to serve homebuyers and sellers in Midtown, Ansley Park, Morningside and other Intown locations.

“We believe having a physical presence there is important to us and our clients,” Boehmig said. “Having a physical office will directly serve the needs of our clients.”

Atlanta Fine Homes already has offices in Alpharetta and in Buckhead’s Piazza on Paces complex, which it expanded in 2010 after a 29 percent increase in business at the height of the global recession.

Last year, the company saw an unprecedented 64 percent in total sales

volume, further evidence that the multimillion dollar home sales were steady despite the economy.

Boehmig is optimistic about the future.

“If we didn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel, we would not be moving on this capital expansion.”

He added: “We are optimistic, not just from a company standpoint, but from industry standpoint as well. Sales are definitely improving.”

Boehmig said negations on the space were still underway at press time, but said the company would be looking for new agents to join its team soon.

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty was co-founded by CEO Jenny Pruitt and Boehmig in 2007 and offers home sellers unprecedented access to buyers around the world, through the Sotheby’s International Realty network of more than 500 offices in 41 countries with 10,000 agents.

For more information, visit AtlantaFineHomes.com.

The INtown Takeover Has Begun.

We’ve partnered with the Savannah College of Art & Design-Atlanta’s freelance writing class to create a very special July issue, Rediscovering Atlanta. Fresh voices, fresh perspective.

To advertise, call (404) 586-0002

42 INtown | May 2011

w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

IN Your Home

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

Shedding light on sun and shade

By Walt Harrison A frequent question I get at Habersham Gardens is, “Do I plant this in sun or shade?”

A straightforward question deserves a straightforward answer, but as with most things in life, the answer is just not that simple.

The only general rule I know of that holds true concerning sun and shade is this: Almost every plant will benefit from morning and early afternoon (1 p.m.) sun.

Even plants that will handle moderate to high shade will do well in this situation.

Rhododendron and azaleas bloom more profusely and almost all plants have denser foliage and look more robust with this early-in-the-day sun. After all, plants need sunlight to produce food (remember photosynthesis?).

It’s the late afternoon, summer sun that separates the men from the boys, or women from the girls, so to speak.

Junipers and most conifers (notice I said “most” and not “all”) tolerate a full day of summer sun. Many flowering shrubs like spirea, viburnum and some types of azaleas (gumpo) seem to prefer full sun. Also,

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many perennials (be careful here) and all vegetables will do well.

Generally, all shade trees including oak, maples and ash prefer full sun while understory trees like redbuds and dogwoods will tolerate some shade. On the other hand, I know of few plants that will thrive or even live in dense shade; agarista, a beautiful, graceful arching native and aspidistra, ivy and certain perennials come to mind.

And let us not forget about grass.

Almost everyone has it. The hybrid turf grasses like Zoysia and Bermuda need about eight hours of sun a day although a new variety of Bermuda is said to be more shade tolerant. Centipede and St.Augustine seem to tolerate some shade pretty well. Fescue will not tolerate a full day of summer sun and usually looks pretty bad by July.

When thinking about planting, assess the sun/shade situation in your yard in both morning and afternoon. Notice which plants are doing well. Look at other yards in your neighborhood and see what’s working.

Consider asking an experienced landscape professional to evaluate your site and make suggestions (it will be money well spent).

I’m big on several plants for the Intown garden this year and would like to share a few favorites with you. Hydrangea

quercifolia ‘Pee Wee’ – as you might expect from the name, this one is smaller and more compact than other oakleaf varieties and is often called a dwarf oakleaf. In my garden, it’s four to five feet high and easily maintained at that height. Beautiful, deep maroon foliage late in the summer and prolific flowering along with its size makes this a natural for the urban garden. This plant does best with some sun but probably not a full day.

Another hydrangea that can tolerate and, in fact, needs more shade is Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ryan Gainey’.

This plant is named for the well-known Decatur plantsman, designer and author who noticed it in a group of Annabelle hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’). This plant looks very much like its famous relative, the Annabelle, but has characteristics that I believe make it a superior plant. The bloom on ‘Ryan Gainey’ is somewhat smaller than ‘Annabelle’ being 6” wide compared to 10” -12.”

Due to the truly large bloom, ‘Annabelle’ tends to flop over in rain, wind or simply due to the sheer size of the flowers. This is not a problem with Hydrangea ‘Ryan Gainey’. This plant blooms profusely with very white flowers and has deep green

foliage. All in all, a great bloomer for your garden.

There is still time to plant hydrangeas this spring. These two plants - Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Pee Wee’ and Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ryan Gainey’ - derive from species native to our region. Once established in your garden, they will need minimal care including watering.

I hope I’ve shed some light on this tricky subject of sun and shade. It is that time of year to be out in the yard, so let’s go have some fun.

Walt Harrison is the owner of Habersham Gardens Landscape Services & Intown Garden Center, 2067 Manchester St. For more, visit habershamgardens.com.

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Before & After Hawthorn Design and Construction took on this “man cave” project at an Intown home to fix a renovation from a previous owner. The space had been converted from the original garage into a den.

The room had saltillo tile on the old garage concrete floor, which Hawthorn removed and installed wood laminate. The soffit along BEFORE the ceiling in the corner housed the HVAC ducts that served the space, which were brought down to the floor through the space created by the adjoining bookcases, and then extended the ducting under the new built-ins with registers under each “furniture base” of the cabinets. TV components designed into the cabinet and surround sound make this den complete. To find out more about Hawthorn, visit hawthorninc.com.

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GARDens FoR connoisseURs

Annual tour slated for Mother’s Day weekend The Atlanta Botanical Garden is hosting the 27th annual Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour, May 7 and 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visitors will see a variety of design and planting ideas by local gardeners and landscapers in gardens both large and small throughout metro Atlanta.

There are nine stops on this year’s tour – from tranquil woodland settings to intimate urban spaces. The gardens are located in Buckhead, Vinings, Ansley Park, Midtown and Decatur as well as the Botanical Garden itself. You can see all the homes at atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on days of the tour. Children under 12 are admitted free. There are also $10 tickets available for single garden entry. Tickets are good for both tour days.

Tickets are also available in person at the Atlanta Botanical Garden Gift Shop, AsheSimpson Garden Center, Bates Ace Hardware, Boxwoods Gardens, C’est Moi, GardenHood, Habersham Gardens, Hastings and Intown Ace Hardware.

Please note, this is a self-guided tour and walking may include some rough terrain. The event will be held rain or shine.

Kitchens, Baths, Renovations, and Custom Construction since 1995

www.HAWTHORNINC.com (404) 325-1004

404-371-4419

Come Have a Seat

at the Morningside/Lenox Park traffic circle adopted and recently renovated by Habersham Gardens!

Landscape Services

Jerry Bell 404-873-4702, ext. 2302 jerry@habershamgardens.com

Garden Center

2067 Manchester Street Tues-Sat 10-6 Sun 11-6 404-873-2484

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May 2011 | IN

DIRECTORIES

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Jesse Morado

Do Reviews Make Your Contractor a Professional?

I recently met with an attorney friend of mine who represented a homeowner against a local contractor who was operating a remodeling business illegally in the State of Georgia. It seems this remodeling contractor was hired to renovate a basement for Jane Doe (let’s call her Jane Doe for the sake of this article), who ended up securing the services of my attorney friend to help her with a dispute she had with her contractor.

The attorney was successful in helping Jane win a judgment against her contractor for recovery of all monies paid plus attorney fees. So how did this all evolve and how did Jane manage get a judgment to collect every penny back and then some? It all started with Jane searching online for a remodeler to finish her basement.

Jane chose to conduct her search from a ratings/review website and began perusing contractors who had experience finishing basements. The contractor she hired had over a hundred positive reviews from customers and an appealing website. The contractor was a good salesperson and soon had Jane swept off her feet with all the promises of converting her simple basement into a space she would treasure for years to come.

Once the contractor had a contract and a check from Jane he started the project, but along the way Jane discovered she was not receiving what she was promised and had been paying for. A dispute ensued between her and the contractor and the rest is history. Jane’s attorney discovered the contractor was not a licensed contractor as required in Georgia, which resulted in the state issuing e pire a a cease lanta and ntow desist 12th letter R V p to f

Call James (404) 886-2889

AtlantaElectricalPros.com

Jesse Morado is President of Renovation Coach, Inc. & Education Committee Chair for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. renovationcoach.com /11 :1 1 M

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the contractor. It is illegal for a contractor to do business in Georgia if he or she does not hold the proper license for the type of contracting work he or she performs.

What did Jane base her buying decision on? Reviews and ratings posted about her contractor. But do reviews ensure your contractor is a true professional?

Does a positive review communicate the contractor is in compliance with state and local regulations? Does a positive review tell the homeowner the contractor holds the required insurance and is paying his or her premiums? Does a positive review communicate to the homeowner that the contractor has experience with the type of project they are considering? Most of these costly issues fail to show up in a review. If one homeowner is happy with his inexpensive simple $25,000 basement project and writes a positive review about his contractor does it mean the contractor has the experience to deliver a $125,000 basement project for another homeowner? All homeowners, their homes, expectations, and budgets are unique.

If you are solely basing your buying decision on a review you see posted online somewhere, you need to be diligent and continue to do your homework. Rating and review services are great and have simplified our buying decision based on experiences of others, but one must continue to be diligent in verifying the contractor’s credentials and experience.

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May 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

LORING HEIGHTS. Spectacular reconstruction of post war bungalow. Cook’s kit, master on main, hardwoods, open floor plan.

4Bed,3.5Bath $550,000 Amber Mason 678-637-3530 FMLS: 4204309

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4Bed,2.5Bath $319,000 Beth Smith 678-595-4448 FMLS: 4206921

Luxury Properties need Previews Marketing

DECATUR. Excellent condition – move-in ready w/large bright updated kit, 2 car garage, master with his/her closets.

3Bed,3Bath $309,000 Wilma Richardson 404-327-4199 FMLS: 4206393

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND. Lovely 1920’s all brick Craftsman w/modern conveniences. Private rooftp terrace, sunroom. 3BR,2BA. $449,000 Wilma Richardson 404-327-4199 Bradford Smith 404-210-4141 FMLS: 4197802

Agent of the Month

MORNINGSIDE. Designed by Atl architect Arthur Neal Robinson, Renovated w/tremendous care to keep integrity w/modern conveniences. 4Bed,4.5Bath $679,000 Sally Westmoreland 404-354-4845 FMLS: 4201831

SANDY SPRINGS. Charming & authentic replica of a Tuscan villa situated on 2.5 acres. Tile roof, beautiful pool, stunning stone work.

4Bed,3.5Bath $1,090,000 Sally Westmoreland 404-354-4845 FMLS: 4208615

INMAN PARK. Stunning Victorian Craftsman tastefully renovated w/ vintage details intact. Original woodwork, inlaid hardwoods, 5 fireplaces. 3Bed,2Bath $634,900 Erin Fye 404-771-9822 FMLS: 4204296

BUCKHEAD. Pristine w/banquet sized DR, master ste on main w/ dual closets. Next to 8 acre private reserve. 5Bed,3.5Bath $669,500 Erin Fye 404-771-9822 Doug Blanchard 404-822-6794 FMLS: 4206945

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MORNINGSIDE. Deceptively large bungalow featuring master w/ walk-in closet, roof top deck, 2 car garage w/bonus, private backyard.

3Bed,2Bath $625,000 Mike Kondalski 404-234-9379 FMLS: 4201144

DECATUR. Prime location!

Renovated 1930’s brick bungalow. 2BR + Den/3rd BR & 2BA w/1BR/1BA apt above the detached 2 car garage. $479,000 Michael Smith 404-786-2057 FMLS: 4205383

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND. Gorgeous renovation/expansion featuring gourmet kit, dual master suites, high end finishes throughout. 5Bed,4Bath $719,000 Margie Fischer 404-966-9099 FMLS: 4204484

MIDTOWN. Full designer renovation with 2 story foyer w/elevator, granite kit & wet bar, soaring ceilings in grand living room. 3Bed,3Bath $849,900 Marc Castillo 404-449-6862 FMLS: 4200218

LAKE CLAIRE. Coming soon! Fall completion.

Beautiful home by Stoney River Homes. 4br/3ba, 2 car det gar, built-ins, hwds, granite etc. Large open floorplan! $679,900 Kathleen Sickeler 404-368-3234

Any House • Any Where!

Jason Downey 404-593-5176

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.

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... We never stop moving!

404-285-9059

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, L L C , – 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 n ot war ran ted – E q u al Hou s i n g O p p ortu n i ty

48 INtown | May 2011

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