Focus
Kids Activity Book inside
City of Decatur
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APRIL 2016 Volume 26 • Number 8
Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia
NO PLACE FOR HATE Renfroe students marched to the square recently to rally against bias and bullying. See the Better Together Corner on page 11 for the story and more photos.
News 3 City
BUsiness DBA 12 NEWs 16 NEWs
Around School 17 DECATUR EVENTs 23 Town news 22
Focus City of Decatur
Decatur Economic Development Updates
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he streetscape construction around the Arlo development should wrap up by the end of this month, allowing for pedestrian and bicycling access again. The ground floor retail space will then be turned over to the tenants for interior build out. The sidewalk elevations and streetscape improvements might look a bit odd for a few months. They are being constructed to match elevation changes planned as part of the intersection improvement at the railroad crossing, which is scheduled to start later this year. We are also working with the developer to select an artist to create a mural on the south side of the parking deck, facing College Avenue and the railroad tracks.
Focus on Downtown Development
The Alexan apartment development (below) on Commerce Drive began leasing last month. The developer is installing bicycle lanes as part of a larger street improvement plan along the Commerce Drive corridor.
The Decatur Focus is a joint publication of the City of Decatur, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and the Decatur Business Association. It is a newsletter intended to provide announcements and information related to events, activities, and businesses in the City of Decatur. The purpose of the newsletter is to promote the city and encourage the exchange of information among residents, business owners and the school system. Letters to the editor, editorials or other opinion pieces are not published. All press releases, announcements and other information received for publication are subject to editing. Information found in the Focus is also posted on Decatur’s official website at decaturga.com. The deadline for submitting articles, announcements or advertising is the first day of the month preceding publication. Contact: Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, 404-371-8386; fax 404-371-1593; email: decaturfocus@decaturga.com. Clear zone
DECATUR CITY COMMISSION Patti Garrett...................................................Mayor Fred Boykin................................Mayor Pro Tem Scott Drake..................................Commissioner Tony Powers...............................Commissioner Brian Smith..................................Commissioner
DECATUR DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Board Chris Sciarrone, Chair Linda Curry • John Drake Bill Floyd • Scott Kentner Tony Leung • Fisher Paty
Decatur Business Association
DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Tim Martin.............................................. President Kyle Williams............................. President-Elect Susan Sparks.......................................... Treasurer Lisa Bobb................................................. Secretary Marc Brennan............................. Past President
Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com Information for the FOCUS should be submitted by mail to Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, or by email to decaturfocus@decaturga.com.
2 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2016
City News Comprehensive Planning Effort Underway There’s still time to participate, so please join us!
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fter a successful March launch exploring issues of economic development, population trends, and transportation, Decatur’s Comprehensive Planning process takes its next step forward this month with two opportunities for the community to consider housing, historic places, land use, and natural resources. Similar content will be presented and reviewed at each session. Georgia communities are required by law to perform Comprehensive Planning every 10 years to ensure a minimum level of planning Housing, historic places, land standards and procedures. use, and natural resources Because Decatur’s culture of planning far exceeds what’s Wednesday, April 20, 7-9 p.m. mandated by the state, we Public Works Community Room use the Comprehensive Plan 2635 Talley St. process as an opportunity to do a mid-term checkup of Sunday, April 24, 1-4 p.m. the strategic goals and acAs part of the Earth Day event complishments spelled out in Oakhurst Garden our far more extensive Strate435 Oakview Rd. gic Plan, which is scheduled to be updated in 2020. Can’t make it to a public input meeting? Participate by completing the online survey at surveymonkey.com/r/decaturcompplan. Stay updated on the Comprehensive Plan process via the city’s website and in future issues of the Decatur Focus. For more information, contact Angela Threadgill, 678-553-6575, or angela. threadgill@decaturga.com.
Public Input Meetings in April
Decatur Votes Seeks Committee Members
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he non-partisan Decatur Votes initiative seeks committee members to help encourage residents to vote and to educate them on the issues. In the 2015 election, only 39.5 percent of Decatur’s registered voters cast their ballots. The phrase “all politics is local” has been attributed to former Speaker of the House Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill. City, county, state and federal elections and ballot initiatives have a tremendous impact on everyone, especially on the local level. The right to vote is one of our most important rights. If you are interested in participating, please attend the inaugural meeting of the Decatur Votes committee on Thursday, April 7, 6:30 p.m., at Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St. Please RSVP to Olivia Burrell-Jackson at olivia.jackson@ decaturga.com or 658-553-6540.
MARTA Overpass Mural Update
Five Artists Selected for Interviews Plans for the MARTA Overpass Mural are moving ahead. Thirty-eight artists/teams responded to the request for qualifications in February. The steering committee, consisting of representatives from the area immediately surrounding the location, including the Decatur Housing Authority, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur Police Department, City Schools of Decatur administration, Ebster Recreation Center, Swanton Hill Neighborhood Association, Decatur Arts Alliance, City of Decatur, MARTA, and the community engagement consultant with Lord Cultural Resources, narrowed the selection to five artists/teams to bring in to interview. The five artists are: • Kyle Brooks • David Cogdill • Milagros Collective • Sanithna Phansavanh • Deanna Sirlin The mural artist will be selected after in-person interviews. The community engagement process will Reque include a variety community input opportunities st for Qofua lifications throughout the spring and early summer. For more information contact Angie Macon, admin@ decaturartsalliance.org, 404-371-9583.
Decatur MARTA Overpass Mural Project
a mural here West Trinity Place,
Project Overvie w
looking west
he City of Decatur received a grant fro m the Atlanta Reg Commission’s ina ional ugural Public Art Pro gram for a commu on the MARTA ove nity mural rpass at the interse ctio n of West Trinity and Atlanta Avenue in Decatur, GA. Using this grant and match Decatur seeks a pro ing local funds, fessional artist or art ist tea m to directly engage the Decatur commu with nity to create this APRIL 2016 • Decatur community-based mural. Decatur is an activ e and
vibrant city located in the metropolitan a walkable and bike Atlanta region. Dec able city with an emp atur is hasis on local part Interested artists/a icipation and com rtist teams a m
Focus | 3
City News Meet the New Neighbors
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he Place on Ponce apartment development began leasing last fall, providing the first new multi-family rental housing in our City since 1999. There are a total of 12 students enrolled in City Schools of Decatur out of 233 units. According to school officials, several of those students were already enrolled in the school system but had been living elsewhere in the city. Now that the Place on Ponce is closing in on 80 percent occupancy we thought it would be nice to introduce a few of our new neighbors. Michael Crawford moved to the Atlanta area in January 2016 when he was offered a new leadership opportunity in healthcare. Living in downtown Decatur means he is close to two of the hospitals he works with, which is a great convenience and keeps him off I-285 and out of traffic. Michael says downtown Decatur has its own unique vibe. He enjoys the combination of great restaurants and craft beer locations, and all the amenities within walking distance of his apartment. Mona Lisa Ward and her husband (who goes by Ward), moved into a new apartment downtown late last year. Already Decatur residents, they were attracted to the new apartments’ holistic approach to living. They like the connectedness with everything (schools, businesses, the fabric of community) and the friendliness of the neighbors. Mona Lisa teaches kindergarten in the DeKalb County School system (she started her teaching career more than 20 years ago at Glennwood Elementary) and Ward has worked at the Georgia Department of Transporation for 22 years. They have two daughters, one in college and one a Decatur High School senior, and a Maltese named Kiwi. Retired school teacher Connie Mayer (not pictured) moved into an apartment in downtown Decatur in October 2015 after relocating from Wichita. Because she is legally blind and unable to drive, she wanted to live within walking distance of her daughter. Connie has noticed a lot of retirees like her moving to Decatur to also be close to their adult children. She walks to the Decatur Recreation Center to take exercise classes and participates in other free events around the city, like readings by authors at the Decatur Library. Connie has found Decatur to be an easy town to meet people as everyone seems to be very open to meeting and including newcomers. 4 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2016
City News Last Call For Decatur Design Awards
Bob and Judy Koski downsized from a 3,500-square-foot house in unincorporated DeKalb County to a two-bedroom apartment in downtown Decatur at the end of 2015. While they looked at apartments, townhomes, and condos while deciding where to live, the no-commitment/no-obligation aspect of apartment living appealed to them. They also enjoy being able to walk across the street to eat dinner, and next door to the CVS for things like the Sunday AJC. They think the new apartments in downtown provide a great option for those who are at or near retirement age, and that it is a bit like living in a resort community, especially thanks to the pleasant and helpful staff at The Place on Ponce.
Betsy Lyles is originally from Davidson, N.C., and first moved to Decatur to attend Columbia Seminary. After graduation she spent a year in Charlotte before returning to work for Columbia Seminary as director of recruitment and admissions. She loves the short commute (it is only a couple of miles from downtown Decatur to the seminary) and being able to park her car on Friday and not use it all weekend. She also enjoys running into people she knows downtown, which gives Decatur the feel of a small town despite its metropolitan neighbor to the east. She says she talks about that to prospective Seminary students as a selling point.
April 8 is the final deadline for the 2016 Decatur Design Award nominations. If you want to nominate a project or individual that promotes excellence in preservation, design, sustainability, and advocacy go to decaturga.com/design-awards or contact Angela Threadgill, angela.threadgill@ decaturga.com.
Brad Weisburg moved to the Atlanta area in early January after graduating with a master’s degree in public health from Tulane University. He works as a health communication specialist at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Before deciding on downtown Decatur, he explored other neighborhoods like Virginia-Highlands and Midtown. One of the most important things for him is convenience, and downtown Decatur’s infrastructure of restaurants, bars, cafés, and shops within walking distance of his apartment was a necessity. He said that Midtown and Virginia-Highlands are both nice in their own ways, but don’t offer Decatur’s convenience. To him, downtown Decatur feels like one big community.
CYS After School Programs Achieve National Accreditation
All of Decatur’s Children and Youth Services after-school programs — Animal Crackers and Whiz Kids at the elementary schools and Project REAL at Renfroe Middle School — earned accreditation from the Council On Accreditation in February. Each of the programs went through the arduous accreditation process that requires assessment of every aspect of the program’s administrative processes, human resource policies and records, and the design and operations of programs. Thanks to the after-school parents and City Schools of Decatur principals and partners for your support. APRIL 2016 • Decatur Focus | 5
City News Decatur Fire Rescue – Citizen Fire Academy
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he Citizen Fire Academy, using the Georgia Supporting Firefighter Basic Training Course, teaches participants about the department’s mission and organization, fire scene safety, various types of operations, the equipment used, and equipment inspection and maintenance. In addition, students learn CPR and first aid, and they spend time shift riding and responding to calls with Decatur firefighters. Although not required, graduates are encouraged to become part of the Decatur Fire CAPS (Citizens Assisting Public Safety) volunteer program, which offers opportunities for continuing education and service to the Fire Department and the community. CAPS members meet periodically to learn disaster preparedness, additional fire/rescue related skills, and other ways they can help firefighters with community projects, incidents, events, and assist in the support operations on emergency scenes. The academy is free and will be conducted on Thursday nights, 6-9 p.m., with six weeks of classes beginning May 5 through June 9. For an application or more information, contact Ninetta Violante, Ninetta.violante@decaturga.com, or visit decaturga.com.
6 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2016
Decatur’s Smart911 Now Provides Weather Alerts
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ast year, Decatur transitioned to an enhanced Smart911 system to make communications between residents and public safety agencies easier and more convenient. In addition to providing household details to 9-1-1 dispatchers on emergency calls, Smart911 now allows you to opt in to receive emergency and general notifications from the city. The emergency notification option TM now includes automatic severe weather alerting. The automatic weather calls alert residents to threats of severe thunderstorms, flash floods, tornadoes, or other hazardous weather-related conditions. When severe weather threatens, the system alerts residents only in the areas immediately affected. The information is based on instant satellite feeds and latitude/longitude coordinates and uses new warning methodologies that eliminate many false alarms associated with prior notification methods. You must opt in to receive weather warnings. Only opted in residents will be contacted during an alert. Residents can visit smart911.com to sign up and create a free safety profile for their households, providing information such as the names and photos of family members, health conditions, medications, pets in the home, vehicle details, and emergency contacts. All profile information is voluntary and each household can determine what details are important to include. If a person already has an account, he or she can log in to update preferences and will be prompted to opt in for emergency and general notifications. All city of Decatur residential phone numbers in the AT&T system are currently included in the Smart911 database. Smart911 is a national service that has been adopted in 38 states and more than 1,000 municipalities. Because a safety profile can be tied to a mobile number, if a person dials 9-1-1 in any community across the United Sates that uses Smart911, his or her profile will be available to dispatchers to aid in emergency response. In Georgia, Smart911 is available in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Chamblee, Decatur, Dunwoody, DeKalb County, John’s Creek, Milton, and Sandy Springs. Users are reminded to update or confirm their household information every six months to ensure dispatchers and emergency management officials have access to current and accurate information during an emergency response.
Smart911
Stephanie Harpring Selected for Leadership Program
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he International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has announced that Deputy Fire Chief Stephanie Harpring of Decatur Fire Rescue has been accepted into the fourth year of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI). Chief Harpring competed with new fire chiefs and chief officers from across the country to become a member of the 2016 cohort program. Along with being accepted into the program Chief Harpring has been awarded a scholarship that covers expenses for attending the program. Motorola Solutions Foundation provided the IAFC with a grant to fund the program. The Fire Service Executive Development Institute is a yearlong leadership-development program created and implemented by the IAFC to provide new and aspiring chiefs with the tools they need to have successful and productive tenures. For more information: iafc.org.
City News It’s all about the trees!
Arbor Day in Decatur India Woodson, Decatur’s landscape infrastructure coordinator, spent Arbor Day visiting city buildings with Fred the tree puppet to celebrate. She visited the Recreation Center where she read children’s books about trees before heading to the cemetery to help plant trees. She is pictured at left with Fred. Many thanks to the volunteers from Decatur and Trees Atlanta who turned out to plant trees and help with tree maintenance in Decatur Cemetery on Georgia Arbor Day in February.
APRIL 2016 • Decatur Focus | 7
City News
Neighborhood Clean Up Days Schedule
School NewsAgain for It’s Time Spring Cleaning
DID YOU KNOW? Decatur now accepts bulky items – like furniture and appliances – as part of regular sanitation pickup all year. There is no additional cost for this except a $50 collection fee for items containing Freon.
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he City of Decatur offers Neighborhood Clean Up Days once a year to help residents to dispose of bulky items that would not normally be placed in Pay-As-You-Throw bags. Each street in the city is assigned to one Saturday each spring. For the complete street-by-street 2016 Neighborhood Clean Up schedule, visit decaturga.com/neighborhoodcleanup or telephone Sean Woodson at Decatur Public Works, 404-377-5571.
Instructions Place all items to be collected at the curb no later than 7:30 a.m. Collections run until 3:30 p.m.
How Do I Get There?
Choose from these options for getting around Decatur
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ecatur for a Lifetime is an initiative of the Lifelong Community Advisory Board. The group gathered information on transportation service options for Decatur residents last fall. There are many alternatives available when folks can’t or don’t want to drive, bike or walk. The list below offers some free options, as well as those that might not be as well known. Please share this information with neighbors who may benefit – and join the Decatur for a Lifetime movement. I-CARE – Volunteer Drivers for Seniors Volunteers provide free rides to medical visits for those 55 and older. 404-377-2273 • icareseniors.org Common Courtesy Ride sharing for people who cannot or should not drive. 404-809-2521 • ccrides.org
Acceptable items • Yard trimmings • Building materials (that are not from the work of private contractors) • Tires • Furniture • Appliances (not containing Freon) • Trash that would not normally be placed in Pay-AsYou-Throw bags
Go60+Shuttle Free shuttle for Oakhurst residents age 60 and over to downtown Decatur. 678-553-6548 • decaturga/com/60plus-shuttle
The city will not collect these: • Liquids • Dirt • Bricks • Blocks • Stone, rocks, or concrete • Motor vehicle batteries or parts
Cliff Shuttle Free shuttle service to and around Emory University, available to the public. 404-727-1829 • transportation.emory.edu
The Schedule by Neighborhood Oakhurst Neighborhood No. 1 – Saturday, April 9 Oakhurst Neighborhood No. 2 – Saturday, April 16 Winnona Park Neighborhood – Saturday, April 23 MAK Neighborhood/College Heights – Saturday, April 30 Westchester Neighborhood – Saturday, May 7 Decatur Heights Neighborhood – Saturday, May 14 Great Lakes – Saturday, May 21 Lenox Place – Saturday, June 4
8 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2016
Simply Get There One-stop trip planning for senior citizens and people with disabilities from Atlanta Regional Commission. 404-463-3333 • simplygetthere.org
MARTA Information on how to use public bus and rail service to get places in the Atlanta Area. 404-848-5000 • marta-atlanta.transit-info.com MARTA Mobility ADA Complimentary Paratransit Service for eligible people with disabilities. 404-848-5000 • itsmarta.com/accessibility-mobility.aspx Contact Lee Ann Harvey for more information at 678-553-6548 or leeann.harvey@decaturga.com.
City
Atlanta Community Tool Bank Named MLK Project MVP
News
The third annual Decatur Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project MVP (Most Valuable Participant) award was presented by Project Chair Paul Mitchell to the Atlanta Community Tool Bank at the Feb. 16 City Commission meeting. The MLK Project has rented tools valued at $100,000 for a cost of $4,500 from the Tool Bank since the project’s inception 14 years ago. This year, the project rented more than 1,200 tools. Patty Russart, executive director, C.J. Clark, Warehouse Facility and Operations manager, and Chad Pickett, Tool Lending Program coordinator, were on hand for the presentation.
Third Friday Bike Rides Begin April 15
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he Third Friday Bike Rides sponsored by Decatur Active Living begin rolling again on Friday, April 15. This year the rides start at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St., next to the Decatur Library. All levels of riders are welcome for this slow-paced 5-6-mile ride through Decatur. No riders will be left behind. Be ready to ride at 6:30 p.m. and afterwards plan to quench your thirst at one of Decatur’s watering holes. Helmets and lights are required. For more information on cycling in Decatur, visit decaturga.com/biking or contact cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com.
APRIL 2016 • Decatur Focus | 9
City News Decatur Artway Seeking Artists for Phase II
Walk & Roll to School
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alling all sculpture artists! Submit your works to be considered for the Decatur Artway, an outdoor sculpture gallery, this year. Phase 1 began in 2015 with five sculptures placed in locations around downtown Decatur. Phase 2 calls for five more to be installed in the Oakhurst neighborhood this year. A jury will select the works and each winning artist will receive a $2,000 stipend. Each piece will be exhibited for two years. The call for artists will begin on April 11. The deadline to apply is June 13. The jury will make selections in early July and the sculptures will be installed in mid-September. For application materials or more information, visit decaturartsalliance.org.
Decatur students, parents, Active Living and school staff, and administrators worked to make Walk & Roll Day the most successful yet. Above: Safe Routes to School Parent Champions, pictured with Dr. David Dude, Noel Maloof and Lowanda Bowman from City Schools of Decatur, and Mayor Pro Tem Fred Boykin. Right: Jesse Duroe at Winnona Park with the marble counter made by one of the parents. Below: Students from the St. Thomas More school participated, too.
Pictured is “Mortification” by Matthew Phillips
10 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2016
The Better Together Community Action Plan for Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement addresses specific ways to encourage a diverse and engaged community and is an outgrowth of the city’s 2010 Strategic Plan.
Renfroe 6th Graders Stage ‘No Place For Hate’ Walk
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enfroe Middle School 6th graders participated in a “No Place to Hate” walk designed to rally the entire school around the goal of creating a welcoming community committed to stopping all forms of bias and bullying. More than 350 students marched from Renfroe up to the Community Bandstand where Mayor Pro Tem Fred Boykin welcomed them and shared information about the Better Together initiative and the resulting Community Action Plan. Mayor Pro Tem Boykin told the students that the No Place to Hate Empowerment Walk helps carry out the Community Action Plan. Students from each homeroom shared the message they would spread to combat hate. Many thanks to parent Matt Lambert for submitting these photos. If you have information to share about implementing the Better Together Community Action Plan or would like to find out more about the initiative, email linda.harris@decaturga.com or call 678-553-6512.
APRIL 2016 • Decatur Focus | 11
Business & Nonprofit News Sidewalk
Spring Plant Sale
Talk
m News fro Decatur ’s t storefron d shops an s t n restaura
New Orleans Snoball Café owners Jared and Victoria invite the community to their Spring Break Blast weekends: April 2-3 and April 9-10. All students, teachers and PTA members who present their school ID will receive a free Snoball to geaux! The café is at 340 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. For information visit nolasnoball.com. Congratulations to Little Shop of Stories, 133 A E. Court Square, which is expanding into Vivid’s former space next door. Visit littleshopofstories.com for updates.
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he Wylde Center will host its annual Plant Sale Festival at Oakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Rd., April 15-17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Wylde Center members are invited to shop at a preview evening Thursday, April 14, 6-8 p.m. The center’s staff has propagated numerous vegetable transplants, including more than 50 varieties of tomatoes, 25 varieties of peppers and more than 10 varieties of eggplant, as well as okra, beans, soybeans, cucumbers, squash, culinary and medicinal herbs, and flowering annuals. Beech Hollow will supply native trees, shrubs, vines and perennials; Southeast Succulents will offer hardy and tropical succulents, hyper tufa pots, and dish gardens; Hall’s Garden Center will provide flowering annuals for purchase. Proceeds from the Plant Sale Festival will benefit the numerous educational offerings at the Wylde Center and help support the nonprofit organization’s four public greenspaces. Stephanie Van Parys, executive director, noted that volunteers have spent hundreds of hours sowing seeds in the greenhouse and potting up plants for the sale. She also said the sale only offers plants they know will thrive in Atlanta’s climate, and each plant is well labeled. The Wylde Center’s mission is to inspire communities of environmental stewards. They encourage new gardeners to participate in the sale. There will be plenty of experienced and professional gardeners on hand to answer questions and help you get started. Seasonal plants will be available for the public to purchase on a self-serve basis March 1-April 15 (greens, arugula, kale and Swiss chard), April 1-June 15 (summer vegetables and herbs) and Sept. 1-Oct. 15 (fall vegetable varieties). Plants will be labeled and on display in front of the Wylde Center’s main building at Oakhurst Garden. Visit wyldecenter.org/plant-sale for information.
12 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2016
Congratulations to the Decatur Craft Beer Festival for being one of the winners of the Best Beer Festival category in the 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest sponsored by USA Today. And also to the City of Decatur, which has been named a top beer city in the 99 Beers in 99 Cities list by Liveability.com. They chose cities that are producers of great beer, consumers of craft brews, and great places to live.
Decatur Farmers Markets – Spring Launch Wednesdays starting March 30 • 4-7 p.m. Saturdays, starting April 2 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Decatur Farmers Markets announce their official spring launch beginning the week of March 30. The Wednesday market will expand its hours to 4-7 p.m. beginning March 30 through Dec. 21. The Saturday market will be open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. beginning April 2 through Dec. 17. The opening dates celebrate the new lineup of vendors, offer fun activities for children and feature live music and prepared food. The markets will continue to offer rewards to first-, second-, and third-time shoppers as well as doubling the value of SNAP at the market. Both markets are located on the lawn of the First Baptist Church, 308 Clairemont Ave., with the parking lot entrance on Clairemont. Visit cfmatl.org/decatur for details.
Business & Nonprofit News Marchen Sagen Academy Launches Kickstarter Campaign Plans To Open in the Houston House in 2016 ecatur resident and music and video producer Couleen LaGon and his team aim to open a new after-school program in Decatur called the Marchen Sagen Academy for Visual Storytellers in the Houston House, 418 Church St. The academy will operate 2:30-6:30 p.m. and will teach the art and science of video and audio production to third graders. The free lecture series on video production was specifically designed for third graders and piloted at Clairemont Elementary last fall. It will be offered free of charge to all of the elementary schools in the city of Decatur, potentially serving around 400 children per quarter. In addition, the academy will provide weekend and evening classes on video and audio production, photography, painting, and film making regularly when the after-school program is not in session, as well as a free lecture series. The Marchen Sagen Academy for Visual Storytellers has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the project, including renovating, furnishing, and equipping the Houston House, and will open its doors in the fall of this year. For information visit marchensagen.org, call 678-698-5035, or email couleen@marchensagen.org.
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Decatur Prevention Initiative Hosts Communities Talk
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oin the Decatur Prevention Initiative and its partners for Communities Talk: Town Hall Meeting to Prevent Underage Drinking and Substance Abuse, on April 28, 7 p.m., at Ebster Recreation Center, 105 Electric Ave. • Hear the most recent local data on Decatur youth substance abuse and how Decatur compares to other communities. • Learn the consequences of underage drinking and substance abuse on the entire community. • Discover how to become part of the solution in this community, regardless of parental status or age of children.
Shop INDIE-CATUR
April 23 Mark your calendar for Decatur’s first Storefront Saturday shopping event. Decatur retailers will offer prizes, pop-ups, snacks, and specials throughout the day and the Decatur Arts Alliance will provide Sidewalk Saturday performers all around. Keep it Indie-catur!
The Decatur Prevention Initiative is a Decatur-focused prevention agency with more than 20 years’ experience working with Decatur youth and families. Their vision is to promote a healthy Decatur community free of the negative effects of alcohol and other drugs on youth and families. Activities are driven by the DPI coalition members using the latest local data and evidence-based strategies. Members include committed individuals from local law enforcement, schools, recreation, juvenile justice, the housing authority, Emory School of Medicine, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the local PTSA and other youth-serving organizations. Also included are parents and individuals who have a passion for this topic. For more information, contact Terrie Moore, 770-843-9698, or terriemoore@comcast.net. Join the online conversation at #communitiestalk. APRIL 2016 • Decatur Focus | 13
Business & Nonprofit News Mark Sanford Releases New Book
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ecatur resident Mark Sanford has released his new book, The Glen Paradox, featuring criminal investigator Detective Gunther Quinn. According to the book blurb, Detective Quinn believes he’s an average criminal investigator who possesses certain qualities that are unique and unusual. His refuge is spending time with nature in a small forest glen in the city park. There is murder, a connection to previous murders, riddles, and clues discovered at the crime scenes and more. For more information, here is a link to the book trailer: youtu.be/ PPtUHjCEmKU or visit mlsanford.com.
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Woodlands Wraps Up Capital Campaign
The Woodlands Board shares a moment on the newly purchased property at Clairmont Avenue and Scott Boulevard.
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oodlands Garden’s Campaign Chairs Genia Cayce, Betty Blondeau and Bill Floyd report the success of the Woodlands Garden’s capital campaign to Keep It Green Indie-catur. The garden received more than $1 million from 17 foundations and more than 250 individuals. More than half of the individual gifts were less than $100 and more than 275 Green Ribbons were purchased, showing that every amount contributed made this a grassroots effort. A primary goal of the campaign, the purchase of the one-acre property at 915 Clairemont Ave., was completed in December. Plans for the groundbreaking are set for the fall. Additional fundraising will take place over the next year to secure sufficient funds as plans are finalized by landscape architecture firm TSW for a children’s natural play area and pollinator gardens. Woodlands Garden Offers Tunes, Yoga and More Visit Woodlands Garden this season for spring blooms and upcoming events. Free programs in April include: • A Music in the Garden series that showcases musical talent on Sundays in the outdoor pavilion. The schedule is posted on the online calendar. • Yoga in Nature on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. – center your mind beneath the canopy during a relaxing session of Yoga in Nature. • New this spring: a poetry reading on April 23 at 4 p.m., featuring local poets. • A family-friendly talent jamboree of art and music on Saturday, May 21 (details coming soon). Woodlands Garden, 932 Scott Blvd., is open to the community every day from dawn to dusk. Its mission is to preserve an urban sanctuary and to educate and engage the community in the natural world. For information visit woodlandsgarden.org.
Business & Nonprofit News New Building Standards Delayed until March 2017
Alien Invaders in Decatur Cemetery
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igns of spring are everywhere and most noticeably in Decatur’s largest greenspace – the cemetery. Among the historic markers telling Decatur’s story also lurk Alien Invaders, those non-native plants that sometimes invade the landscape and smother many of the more desirable plants. Left unchecked these plants can even damage the gravestones. Many Decatur residents are familiar with these unwelcome visitors and call out their names: Chinese privet, English ivy, Kudzu, Bamboo, Honeysuckle and more. Some were lovingly and intentionally planted decades ago, others have been scattered by the wind, still others spread by two- or four-legged animals. Every Tuesday from 9 until noon, the Gardening Among the Graves group, sponsored by Friends of Decatur Cemetery, gathers to do combat with these invaders. If you would like to join the fray, the group meets at the cemetery gazebo every Tuesday, weather permitting. Bring gloves and your own tools. Don’t forget your water bottle! For more information contact Jim Toney, jimtoney2033@gmail.com, or friendsofdecaturcemetery@gmail.com.
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he effective date for High Performance Building Standards for substantial improvement renovations to singlefamily residential properties has been rolled back to March 1, 2017. Substantial improvement projects submitted after that date will require high-performance building certification. The recently adopted High Performance Building Standards for new residential and all commercial projects still apply. If you have any questions about these standards or a future building project, call Mark Ethun, building official, 678-553-6508, or mark. ethun@decaturga.com.
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Decatur Events Decatur Presbyterian Church Presents Brad Sherrill in Apostle Sunday, April 24 • 7 p.m. ecatur Presbyterian Church will host Brad Sherrill as he performs his one-man version of Apostle, a live theatrical performance created by off-Broadway actor Brad Sherrill and multimedia designer Mark Hickman. Apostle is an adaptation and live performance of the apostle Paul’s journey found in the book of Acts, along with segments from Paul’s letters. Apostle is presented with original 2015 multimedia, gathered at various Paul sites throughout Greece and Turkey, including Ephesus. A professional actor for more than 30 years, Brad Sherrill launched his series of one-man theatrical performances in 2001 with The Gospel of John and has completed more than 800 performances worldwide, including shows in 40 states, the United Kingdom, Canada and Ireland. Through the years Brad has been selected by Atlanta Magazine and Creative Loafing as Atlanta’s Best Actor. He has performed in more than 20 productions at the Alliance Theatre and has been an Artistic Associate for Georgia Shakespeare Company, where he acted in 50 productions over 24 seasons. The event also includes a gathering on the lawn of the church at 6 p.m. to hear the Wasted Potential Brass Band playing traditional New Orleans street music with an ATL twist. Decatur Presbyterian Church is at 205 Sycamore St. The performances are free, however donations will be gladly accepted. Call 404-378-1777 for information.
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April 26
Thank you to DBA SPONSORS
Location TBA for updates, visit decaturdba.com
Meeting Reminder
5:15 p.m. Networking Reception 6 p.m. Program
Butter & Cream • DeKalb Medical Private Bank of Decatur • Fidelity Bank Delta Community Credit Union
Dine Out and Support Decatur Farm to School
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he Wylde Center’s Decatur Farm to School will host its bi-annual Dine Out Wednesday, April 20, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at a number of Decatur restaurants – Farm Burger, Kimball House, Leon’s Full Service, Makan, Oakhurst Market, Raging Burrito, Sapori di Napoli, the Imperial, Universal Joint, Wahoo! A Decatur Grill, and many more.
Participating restaurants will donate a portion of the night’s profits to the organization to help support its farm-to-school initiatives, which include teacher training sessions, district-wide taste tests, student internships and other garden-to-classroom initiatives, all for the purpose of teaching children the importance of healthy eating. Raffle tickets for restaurant gift certificates and other great prizes will be sold at several of the restaurants. Plan to dine in or take out, and check out the Decatur Farm to School Facebook page, Twitter (@DecaturF2S) or wyldecenter.org/decatur-farm-to-school for a full list of participating restaurants and more details as the date approaches.
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Experience. Knowledge. Patience. Results. Emilie Markert. 318 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30030 markert@bellsouth.net 404-235-8900 C: 404.915.8222
Markert Helps Make It Happen!
APRIL 2016 • Decatur Focus | 17
Decatur Events Oakhurst Jazz Nights
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he Oakhurst Neighborhood Association presents the 13th season of Oakhurst Jazz Nights. The community is invited to hear live jazz every Thursday in April, 7-9 p.m., on the lawn of the Old Scottish Rite Hospital at 321 W. Hill St. in Oakhurst. Bring your blankets (no lawn chairs, please) and enjoy the free concerts. April 7 Matt Wauchope Trio April 14 Bonaventure Quartet (pictured below) April 21 Zodiak April 28 Darren English
2016 Decatur Shines Set for April 15 Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) will host the 2016 Decatur Shines on Friday, April 15. The event is designed to bring the community together and raise awareness around the issues of homelessness and poverty in Decatur, DeKalb County and beyond. Decatur Shines begins at 6 p.m. with a candlelight Requiem for the Living at the community bandstand on the square followed by a processional to the Lutheran Church of the Messiah. Local choral groups participate in the Sing Out at 7:30 p.m. in the Messiah Fellowship Hall. The event ends with a Sleep Out, inviting the community to show an act of solidarity to the cause by camping out in vehicles or tents in reserved outdoor spaces on the church property. Lutheran Church of the Messiah will provide a hot breakfast in the morning. For information contact Marlene White, marlene@decaturcooperativeministry.org, 404-377-5365, ext. 108.
Randall Bramblett and Geoff Achison Band to Perform at Eddie’s Attic In the event of inclement weather, Jazz Nights will be held inside The Solarium (located next door). Jazz Night sponsors for 2016 include Jaguar, Keller Knapp, Arlene Dean Homes, Private Bank of Decatur, State Farm, The Imperial, Wahoo! A Decatur Grill, DoubleDome Technologies, The Downtown Decatur Development Authority, King of Pops, Oakhurst Reality Partners, and The Solarium/CCSD. If you have any additional questions, please email concerts@ oakhurstjazznights.com.
Dynamo Swim School offers year-round swimming lessons in Decatur at Agnes Scott College! AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE 141 E. College Ave • Decatur, GA 30030 • 404.471.5493
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www.dynamoswimschool.com 18 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2016
Saturday, April 23 • 9:30 p.m. eoff Achison (right) is an Australian artist who lived in Decatur for two years and still uses the city as his base for touring the United States annually. The April 23 show will be a homecoming event – in addition to reuniting him with Athens multi-instrumentalist Randall Bramblett (left) and his band. They will do one show, at 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 9:15). The Randall Bramblett and Geoff Achison Band has played with Widespread Panic, The Band, The Allman Brothers, Steve Winwood, Hot Tuna, NRPS, Chuck Leavell, Delbert McClinton, and others. For details and a link to tickets, visit eddiesattic.com.
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Decatur Events Decatur GlassBlowing Open House
Saturday, April 16, 6-11 p.m. Decatur GlassBlowing’s spring open house offers live glassblowing demonstrations, food, drinks, and a D.J. The gallery will also be open during this time with items available for purchase. The event is free and parking is available in front of the studio and on side streets. Decatur GlassBlowing is at 250 Freeman St. For more information visit natenardi.com.
Agnes Scott Screens Homeless at Beacon Center
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gnes Scott College will present the motion picture Homeless on Saturday, April 30 at the outdoor amphitheater at the Beacon Municipal Center. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the film begins at 8:15 p.m. There will be a 30-minute Q&A with Clay Hassler, director and co-writer, following the film. There will also be an Agnes Scott Film Festival Award Presentation at 8 p.m. The film tells the story of an 18-year-old boy navigating homelessness after the death of his grandmother. Made on a shoestring budget in less than a month, the drama has received widespread critical acclaim. Tickets may be purchased at freshtix.com and space is limited to 500 seats outdoors and 500 seats indoors. Agnes Scott students must RSVP through the Agnes Scott Eventbrite link and show student ID at the entrance.
Frank Hamilton Folk School
Classes with an encouraging, communitybased approach by legendary musician Frank Hamilton and handpicked faculty on guitar, voice, ukulele, fiddle, banjo & mandolin. Come play with us! frankhamiltonfolkschool.org AEXURDNLM 10-Apr-2013 15:34 APRIL 2016 • Decatur Focus | 19
Decatur Events Earth Day Festival Bee Wylde!
Oakhurst Presbyterian Presents GospelFest
April 24 • noon-4 p.m. he Wylde Center, in partnership with the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association, will hold its annual Earth Day Festival at Harmony Park and the Oakhurst Garden. The bee-themed celebration of Earth Day is a fun and festive way for more than 400 members of the community to join the bee ranks in protecting our natural world on the 46th anniversary of Earth Day. At the Wylde Center’s Earth Day Bee Wylde Party, there will be events for children, youth and adults, including: • Costume parade • Earth-friendly bike ride • Yoga • Free arts and crafts for kids • Scavenger hunt for kids • Bee-oriented demonstrations • Live Music by No Comment and Carlos Danger • Announcement of Earth Day T-shirt contest winner • Refreshments for sale by local restaurants.
Saturday, April 30 • 6 p.m. akhurst Presbyterian Church will host its 20th annual GospelFest in the sanctuary at the corner of East Lake and Second Avenue. The event will feature some of the hottest gospel choirs around, and admission is free. An offering will be taken up to support the youth summer camp ministries. Bring your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to the GospelFest. For more information, call 404-378-6284 or visit oakhurstpresbyterian.org.
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Visit wyldecenter.org for information.
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Remembrance Walk at Decatur Toy Park Saturday, April 23 • 10 a.m.-1 p.m. he Georgia chapter of the TEARS Foundation is hosting its annual remembrance walk and fundraiser at Decatur Toy Park, First Christian Church of Decatur, 133 Nelson Ferry Rd. The “Rock and Walk” is a family-friendly community event where participants form teams and collect pledges to “walk” the path and to “rock” in rocking chairs in memory of a child they wish to honor, or in support of others who have experienced a loss. The heart of the walk is to let bereaved families know they are not alone, raise funds to support these families, and build community awareness about pregnancy and infant loss. Decatur resident Merry Pope is the Georgia Chapter Leader of the TEARS Foundation. They work directly with local hospitals, doctors’ offices and funeral homes to reach newly bereaved parents to provide them with services such as peer companion emotional support and financial assistance to cover burial expenses. In its first year in Georgia, TEARS provided financial assistance to more than 25 families who were not otherwise able to pay for their child’s funeral expenses. For information email georgiachapter@thetearsfoundation.org, call 404-642-1613, or find them on Facebook at Georgia Chapter of the TEARS Foundation.
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Grand Re-Opening! Now also carrying quality everyday shoes for infants, toddlers and children
Charles Cope, Proprietor 650-B East Lake Drive • Decatur, Georgia 30030 404-377-1030 • www.1stepatatime.net 20 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2016
Decatur events
Decatur Events
it’s a Date to Stay up late! DFUMC Hosts Food and ll Decatur residents, and everybody else, too, are invited Faith Conference to walk in the Decatur Lantern Parade on the evening of
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Friday, May 15. This is one of those “the-more-the-merrier” so planMethnow to participate and be a part of helping Decaturevents, First United to make lantern parade memorable. odist this Church’s annual CarMake your own lantern at home or ing for Creation Conference come a lantern-making workshop thistoyear focuses on food, where and guidance foodsupplies systems, and faith. are provided. At Find where and when by visiting itsout core, this conference decaturlanternparade.com. is about people and their To participate,with linecreation up at Color Wheel interactions Studio at 508food E. Howard Ave. after 8 p.m. through and food proTheduction, parade steps at 9 p.m.toled by The and isoffdesigned Black Sheep Marching help people to thinkEnsemble deeply and paradeabout gurufood Chantelle Rytter.and The parade production willconsumption. wend its way to thetwo-day community This bandstand in front of the Old event will include tours ofCourthouse on Living the square. Truly Well, Global The paradethe is sponsored by Color Growers, Atlanta BeltWheel Decatur Arts Alliance, line,Studio, and a bread-making Decatur Education Foundation, and workshop! Register at tinyurl.com/umcc4c2016. the Decatur Development Authority.
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APRIL 2016 • Decatur Focus | 21
School News Decatur Steps Up for Teachers
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he Decatur Education Foundation supports City Schools of Decatur teachers and students with its Teacher Innovation Grants program. This year, DEF gave $35,000 in grants this year allowing teachers across the school system to try out creative ideas for engaging students in learning such as: • Hydrogen fuel cell cars to help 7th graders explore hydrogen as an alternative fuel source. • A micro-centrifuge to help high school students extract and purify DNA as part of molecular biology studies. • Hot air balloon kits to help Glennwood students explore the principles of lighterthan-air flight.
Teacher Innovation Grants are partially funded through DEF’s annual Step-Up for Teachers campaign. Community members may honor a special teacher or CSD staff member with a donation and a tribute message for that teacher. DEF sends the teacher a message letting them know a donation was received in their honor with a link to the tribute page on the DEF website. The donor also receives a Step-Up for Teachers yard sign to display. To participate in the Step-up for Teachers campaign, go to StepUpforTeachers.com. To learn more about the impact of Teacher Innovation Grants in the City Schools of Decatur, go to decatureducationfoundation.org.
Westchester Hosts Battle of the (Dad) Bands
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estchester Elementary announces its “Battle of the (Dad) Bands” fundraiser on Friday, May 6, at the Avondale Theatre in Avondale Estates. The Voice contestant and DHS student Sydney Rhame will be part of a celebrity judging panel for the event, alongside City Schools Superintendent David Dude, Sister Hazel drummer Mark Trojanowski, local musician Michelle Malone, and singer/songwriter Shawn Mullins. Radio celebrity Yvonne Monet will serve as emcee. The lineup includes four bands based in Decatur, whose members have children in City Schools of Decatur. The bands include The Dammages, The Benders, Flock of Eagles, and Spackle. The money raised will go toward the purchase of computers and other technology resources for the school, teacher grants, and playground enhancements. Tickets are $40 and available for purchase at westchesterpta.org/battle-of-the-bands.html.
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Services Guided Detox's, Grocery Store Tours Tailored Juices
Around Town
spin class at Pace23. Owner participated in a team-building City of Decatur staff and friends ugh a 45-minute, high-enerthro p grou eling in front) led the and co-founder Emily Kinley (kne Corner Pub. Pace23 is an -workout group trip to the nearby gy ride that was followed by a post for information. om 23.c pace Visit on. Stati East Decatur Indoor Cycling and TRX studio in
Decatur residents Bob and Pam Marcus invite the community to Paws Atlanta’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, April 16, 3-7 p.m., at the historic Fourth Ward Park in Atlanta. The event includes unique food trucks, Creature Comfort Beer, artists, vendors, live entertainment, music, and a lantern-type parade on the Beltline. The event is free and open to the community (and dogs). Bob is on the board of directors at PAWS Atlanta and Pam is a longtime volunteer at PAWS. Visit pawsatlanta.org.
On a sunny day in March, the B-sh ift at Firestation Number 1 prac ticed extending and accurately locating the boo m ladder. The operator worked the controls on the truck to place the cone suspende d from the ladder atop the cone perched on the roof of the station
APRIL 2016 • Decatur Focus | 23
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