Decatur Focus May 2016

Focus

Playbook Inside

City of Decatur

Decatur Pools

Clear zone

MAY 2016 Volume 26 • Number 9

Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia

May is

Arts

DECATUR LANTERN PARADE

Month in Decatur

Friday, May 13, 9 p.m.

Downtown Decatur

C

elebrate the start of summer with the Decatur Arts Alliance and Decatur Education Foundation at the Decatur Lantern Parade. Gather at Color Wheel Studio at 508 E. Howard Ave. after 8 p.m., then parade to the downtown square along with the Black Sheep Marching Ensemble. Sign up for all sorts of lantern making workshops — lantern hats, illuminated parasols, globe lanterns, and more — hosted by Chantelle Rytter at Colorwheel Studio in the two weeks preceding the parade. Find out more at decaturlanternparade.com.

News 3 City

BUsiness 16 NEWs

Thousands of art lovers from all over the metro area will visit the Decatur Arts Festival (see pages 10-11) to browse through the booths of nearly 160 artists and craftspeople, and to take in performances by an exciting lineup of musical performers at the community bandstand.

There’ll be comedy and theatrical performances on the courthouse lawn, the fine arts exhibition at Agnes Scott, and dance performances too. And all month long the Decatur Business Association presents Blue Sky Concerts on Wednesday afternoons, and Concerts on the Square on Saturday evenings.

And the Decatur Lantern Parade (left) is nothing short of spectacular. Don’t miss it.

18

DBA NEWs

19 DECATUR EVENTs

Around

Town 23

Focus City of Decatur

Population Cycles

D

ecatur is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan. This document, required by the state, is used to inventory existing conditions and analyze trends, and also provides an opportunity for the community to check in on the city’s current 10-year Strategic Plan.

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

During the first public input session, information was provided showing Decatur’s population growth over the past 60-plus years. With our current development cycle, many assume that Decatur’s current population of 20,000 represents the largest population in the city’s history. Actually, Decatur’s population hit a historic high in 1960 with a population of more than 22,000. Population estimates made in comprehensive plans from that decade predicted that Decatur’s population would top out at 26,000 by 1980 and was again predicted as the construction of the MARTA rail system began in 1970.

At the time, no one predicted the impact that suburbanization would have on the Atlanta region over the next three decades. The chart below shows how Decatur’s population increase actually became a population decrease for 30 years. It wasn’t until 1990 that the city began to grow again as the migration out to the suburbs began to slowly shift back to city centers. continued on page 9

Focus on Downtown Development

DECATUR CITY COMMISSION Patti Garrett...................................................Mayor Fred Boykin................................Mayor Pro Tem Scott Drake..................................Commissioner Tony Powers...............................Commissioner Brian Smith..................................Commissioner

25,000 21,635

22,026

DECATUR DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

21,943

20,000

19.335 18,404 16,561

18,147 17,336

Board Chris Sciarrone, Chair Linda Curry • John Drake Bill Floyd • Scott Kentner Tony Leung • Fisher Paty

15,000 13,276 Decatur Business Association

10,000

DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 6,150

5,000

0 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 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 • MAY 2016

Tim Martin.............................................. President Kyle Williams............................. President-Elect Susan Sparks.......................................... Treasurer Lisa Bobb................................................. Secretary Marc Brennan............................. Past President

Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com

City News City Budget Process Moves Forward

Welcome New Decatur Employees

Decatur’s fiscal year 2016-17 budget process continues with the following important dates, subject to City Commission approval on May 16:

Renae Madison Renae Madison, Decatur’s new communications specialist, serves as the city’s public information officer and is responsible for the Decatur Focus, the website, social media, and other communications initiatives. She has nine years of experience working with the citizens of Decatur and serving within the community.

Renae’s background includes spearheading public relations campaigns following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans; leading community outreach and feed-the-homeless initiatives; conducting media networking events and social media campaigns; and writing for entertainment blogs.

She has a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and psychology from Xavier University in New Orleans.

May 16 Formal presentation of budget to City Commission and adoption of tentative 2016 millage rate June 6 Work session and public hearing on proposed FY 2016-17 budget and revised 2015-16 budget and 2016 millage rate June 13 Public hearing on proposed FY 2016-17 budget and revised 2015-16 budget (tentative) June 20 Public hearing and scheduled adoption of proposed FY 2016-17 budget and revised 2015-16 budget and 2016 millage rate All public hearings on the budget will be held at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St. Copies of the FY 2016-17 proposed budget and FY 2015-16 revised budget will be available at Decatur City Hall and at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., beginning Wednesday, May 18. They will also be posted online at decaturga.com/budget.

Contact Meredith Roark, 404-370-4102, or meredith.roark@decaturga.com, if you have questions or need more information. Visit decaturga.com/budget for details.

Hands-on Budget Workshop At the recent Touch-a-Budget event at Decatur Recreation Center, city staff discussed how their departments address Decatur’s strategic plan in day-to-day operations. And Mayor Patti Garrett (below) got suited up for a fire call.

Courtney Frisch Courtney Frisch joins the Decatur Planning and Zoning Division as a planner. She assists with the functions of the Planning and Historic Preservation commissions, provides plan reviews for subdivisions and commercial and multi-family developments, contributes transportation planning skills to the Complete Streets Team, and conducts other initiatives that support and fulfill the goals within Decatur’s Strategic Plan.

Courtney comes to us from the City of Roswell, where she worked as a transportation planner. Her projects in that position included sidewalk inventory analysis and policy change, the Jones Road Corridor Study, and creating and maintaining the interactive online map and fact sheets of current and future transportation projects.

A graduate of Decatur High School, Courtney received a bachelor’s degree in appropriate technology and a double minor in sustainable development and urban and regional planning from Appalachian State University. She also holds a master of science in planning degree, with a specialization in transportation planning, from Florida State University.

MAY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 3

City News

Decatur 101 Graduates 17th Class 4 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2016

Congratulations to the 90 graduates of the 2016 Decatur 101 class – 45 in the morning class and 45 in the evening class. Participants ranged from those who have lived in Decatur one week to those who have been here 48 years – with the majority having lived here 0-5 years.

Decatur 101 participants attended seven classes – six provided by the City of Decatur and one provided by City Schools of Decatur. They are pictured during the last city class, which featured activities led by Active Living and Children &

Youth Services as well as graduation certificates and T-shirts, and a talk delivered by Mayor Patti Garrett.

Decatur 101 is offered annually in February/ March. Classes are held in the morning and evening and are open to the community. If you are interested in taking the 2017 class, sign up now because there is usually a waiting list.

To sign up send your name, address, phone number, email address, and preference of morning or evening class to linda.harris@decaturga.

City News City Commission Creates Better Together Advisory Board Statement of Interest Forms Due May 20

T

he Decatur City Commission has created a Better Together Advisory Board to assist with the implementation of the city’s Better Together Community Action Plan. The plan identifies opportunities to strengthen our commitment to being a just, welcoming, inclusive, equitable, and compassionate city for all.

The Better Together Advisory Board will function similar to the Active Living and Lifelong Community boards, providing an opportunity for residents with an interest and expertise in the areas of equity, inclusion, and

engagement to assist the city in moving the Community Action Plan forward.

The City Commission will appoint nine members to serve three-year terms on the board. They should reflect the city’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and engagement and should have expertise in professional fields and interests such as conversations across difference, communications, community engagement, community organizations, community outreach, compassionate community initiatives, diverse populations, diversity training, education/school decatur-bike-month-poster-2016-fnl2.pdf

Senior Picnic in the Park Wednesday, May 18 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • Glenlake Park

J

oin us for the annual Senior Picnic. Enjoy lunch from Chick-Fil-A and learn about senior activities and classes offered by Decatur Active Living. Be sure to wear your sneakers or other comfortable shoes, and participate in outdoor table tennis, chair yoga, Broadway dance, and a special preview of the upcoming Silver Spokes bicycling program for seniors. Try out one of the new adult tricycles.

There will also be a cooking demonstration from the Decatur Farmers Market.

Activities begin at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon. After lunch enjoy an ice cream social. The Senior Picnic is free and is a collaboration of Decatur’s Lifelong Community, Active Living, and Police Outreach teams. Contact tracie.sanchez@decaturga. com or 678-553-6559 for more information.

1

4/18/16

systems, equity and inclusion, facilitation, fundraising, marketing, disability advocacy, research, and welcoming initiatives.

If you are interested in being considered for appointment to the Better Together Advisory Board, fill out a statement of interest form at decaturga.com, or pick up a form at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St., or call Linda Harris, 678-553-6512, and request a form to be mailed to you. The deadline to apply is May 20. For more information contact linda.harris@decaturga.com.

10:15 AM

in Decatur Registration Rides Fun! •

•

Saturdays in May: Sam’s Freight Room Ride, 2 pm Meet at 415 E. Howard Ave. for an easy 11-mile ride through Avondale Estates, Oakhurst and Decatur. No-drop ride.

May 4: Bike to School Day May 10, 17, 24, 31: Silver Spokes Program Ride with trikes. Preview May 18 at the Senior Picnic, Glenlake Park.

May 11: Bike Registration, 4-7 pm Decatur Farmers Market, 308 Clairemont Ave.

May 14: Active Adults Bike-to-Basics class Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St.

May 15: Ride to Stone Mountain Park, 9 am

Easy no-drop ride. Meet at Bicycle South, 2098 N. Decatur Rd. Refreshments at Bicycle South after the ride.

May 16-20: Bike to Work Week May 20: Bike to Work Day Commuter Breakfast Decatur Recreation Center, 7-10 am. Stop by for coffee and pastries on your bike ride to work, register your bike with the Decatur Police.

May 20: Third Friday Decatur Fun Ride, 6:30 pm Meet at Decatur Recreation Center. Followed by a visit to a local pub or restaurant for refreshments.

May 28-29: Bike Valet at the Decatur Arts Festival Sponsored by Bicycle South, Decatur Arts Alliance and City of Decatur.

Get more details!

Helmets required for all city-sponsored rides.

Active Living

decaturga.com/biking MAY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 5

City News Decatur for a Lifetime

Transportation Survey Report

L

ifelong Decatur will present the results of its Transportation Survey on Thursday, May 19, 6:30 p.m., at Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St. A total of 1,249 people participated in the survey. An important component of a great community is the ability to easily get from one place to another, within and outside of the community. Find out about transportation options currently used and options suggested for the future.

A reception with the Lifelong Community Advisory Board and committees will follow the presentation. Committees include both board and community members. The board invites you to join one of our committees: Communication Terri Kruzan, chair The goal of this committee is to share the “Decatur for a Lifetime” message, engaging the community in meeting the vision of a community where all people can live a quality life for as long as they like. The committee is currently using and exploring creative avenues, such as articles, presentations, webpage, blog, video/ podcasts, storytelling, and interviews.

Neighbor Elizabeth Burbridge, chair This new committee is being formed as a result of the board’s strategic planning process.

The various committees realized that many solutions could be found through neighbors helping neighbors. Many people are currently looking out for their neighbors through

various stages of life. The committee plans to explore what Decatur neighbors are currently doing and what other communities are doing, to seek creative ideas, and to share this information with our community.

Transportation Joann Majercsik, chair Objectives include identifying current transportation services; identifying and defining unmet transportation needs; and looking for alternative, creative solutions to local transportation issues.

Housing Linda Ellis, chair The committee is investigating ways to encourage new, and maintain the existing, variet-

ies of housing stock throughout the city, so there are choices available for all.

Taxation and Affordability Debra Furtado, chair This committee focuses on educating citizens about the tax appraisals; ensuring property owners know about available homestead exemptions; finding ways to help seniors afford property taxes; and finding ways for seniors to save money through discounts at businesses.

For more information on the Lifelong Community Advisory Board and its committees and the Transportation Survey, contact leeann. harvey@decaturga.com or 678-553-6548.

Free Home Repair Assistance for Decatur Senior Citizens Decatur homeowners who are at least 62 years old may be eligible for help with home and yard maintenance and repair, free of charge, through the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project. Since 2003, project volunteers have installed handicap ramps, replaced rotten wood, weatherized homes, repaired water damage, and worked with professional partners to do plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work.

The 15th annual project will take place Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 14-16, 2017. Criteria for eligibility: you must own and reside in your home, inside Decatur city limits, and have a fixed or lower income.

Contact Lee Ann Harvey at 678-553-6548 or leeann.harvey@ decaturga.com to sign up or to refer someone to this program.

6 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2016

City News Artists Chosen For MARTA Overpass Mural

T

he Decatur Arts Alliance and the MARTA Overpass Mural steering committee have announced that the artists for the project will be the MILAGROS Collective, consisting of Felici Asteinza from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and Joey Fillastre from Lakeland, Florida.

Felici and Joey have extensive mural experience, including a Public Art Commission for the New Orleans Public Library (right); 2015 Murals in Greensboro, North Carolina, hosted by the Elsewhere museum and funded by ArtPlace America; an Art in Public Places mural on the Yates Parking Garage in Jacksonville, Florida (below right); and others.

What sets the MILAGROS Collective apart, according to Angie Macon, director of the Decatur Arts Alliance, is their extensive community engagement experience in creating their murals and other pieces.

Angie says they have a commitment to and an excitement for the community engagement process around their projects.

Creating the MARTA Overpass Mural includes a strong commitment to community engagement as part of the grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission. In addition to the mural artist, the project includes a community engagement consultant, Joy Bailey Bryant with Lord Cultural Resources.

The next steps for the process will be to introduce the artists to the community and hold a series of stakeholder community engagement meetings beginning in May. For information about the MILAGROS Collective and to see samples of the artists’ past work, visit milagroscollective.com. For more information about the MARTA mural project, contact Angie Macon, admin@decaturartsalliance.org, 404-371-9583.

MAY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 7

City News School News

Women’s Self Defense Course and Crisis Intervention Training Congratulations to the two most recent graduating classes of the R.A.D. Women’s SelfDefense course, offered by the Decatur Police Department. If you are interested in taking the course, contact Lt. Jennifer Ross, jennifer. ross@decaturga.com or 678-553-6613. There is no cost to attend and courses are scheduled for various times throughout the year.

The Georgia Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program is a collaboration of professionals committed to assisting persons with behavioral health disorders (mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease and addictive disease). The collaboration includes local members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), mental health service providers, individuals in mental health recovery, family members, law enforcement officers and members of the judicial system. NAMI recommends agencies have 20 percent of officers CIT trained. The Decatur Police Department began hosting the CIT course in 2015 and currently has 50 percent of officers CIT trained. It is a goal in the police department’s 2016-2018 Strategic Plan to have all supervisors and officers CIT trained.

8 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2016

City

News

Comprehensive Planning Effort Continues Third Round of Input Opportunities • Wednesday, May 18 • 7-9 p.m.

A

fter successful March and April public input sessions, Decatur’s Comprehensive Planning process takes its next step forward this month with a community focus on prioritizing and implementing Strategic Plan goals in housing, economic development, transportation, parks and land use.

Join us on May 18 in the Decatur Housing Authority Community Center, 481 Electric Ave., to review the data and goals, ask questions, and provide input. Can’t make that? Then visit our booth at the Decatur Arts Festival, Saturday, May 28, any time between 1 and 4 p.m.

Georgia communities are required by law to perform Comprehensive Planning every 10 years, to ensure a minimum level of planning standards and procedures. Because Decatur’s culture of planning far exceeds what’s mandated by the state, we use the Comprehensive Plan process as an opportunity to do a mid-term checkup of the strategic goals and accomplishments spelled out in our far-more-extensive Strategic Plan – which is scheduled to be updated in 2020.

Stay informed on the Comprehensive Plan process via decaturnext.com and in future issues of the Decatur Focus. For more information, contact Angela Threadgill, angela.threadgill@decaturga.com, or 678-553-6575.

Public Input Meetings in May Wednesday, May 18 • 7-9 p.m.

Decatur Housing Authority Community Center, 481 Electric Ave. Saturday, May 28 • 1-4 p.m.

As part of the Decatur Arts Festival, Downtown Decatur Public Wrap-Up Meetings in June Wednesday, June 8 • 7-9 p.m.

Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St. Tuesday, June 14 • Begins at 7 p.m.

Decatur Planning Commission Decatur City Hall, City Commission Meeting Room 509 N. McDonough St. Can’t make it to a public input meeting? Participate by completing the online survey by May 31: surveymonkey.com/r/ decaturcompplan

Annual Decatur Holiday Ornament Call for Artists Calling all artists interested in submitting artwork for the 2016 Decatur holiday ornament. Submissions should take the following guidelines into consideration: • Ornaments must be designed to hang from a ribbon or tree hanger.

• Designs can be of any material.

• Artist must be able to provide 6001,000 ornaments by Sept. 15.

This is the fifth year an artist has been commissioned to create a unique Decatur holiday ornament. In the past, ornaments have been offered with two, three, or four different designs (different colors, patterns, or styles of the same ornament). Other options may be considered.

Samples are due by June 1 and should be delivered or mailed to Weatherly Munroe, Wild Oats & Billy Goats, 112 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030.

For more information contact Weatherly at weatherly@ wildoatsandbillygoats.com.

Focus on Downtown Development continued from page 2 While Decatur’s population declined between 1960 and 1990, the number of households actually increased because household sizes began to decline. In 1970, Decatur had 7,083 households. By 2010, the number of households had increased to 8,542. At the same time, the average household size went from 2.97 people in 1970 to 2.09 in 2010.

Remember, it was quite normal for a family of four or five to live in a three-bedroom, one-bath house in the 1960s. The decline in Decatur’s household size reflects a national

trend that is projected to continue. Even with continued population growth, Decatur’s household size is estimated to be down to an average of 2.03 people per household by 2025.

The anticipated development around MARTA transit stations and the resulting population growth predicted back in the 1960s has only started to become a reality over the past decade. Current Atlanta Regional Commission estimates show Decatur’s population getting back to the city’s 1960

population total by the 2020 census. And that topped-out population estimate made back in 1960 will more likely be reached by 2025.

Within Decatur’s 4.2 square miles, the amount of commercially zoned property and developable land is limited, controlling the city’s future population growth. To learn more about Decatur’s Comprehensive Plan update, visit decaturnext.com and participate in the remaining public input sessions scheduled.

MAY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 9

City News

presented by

Downtown Decatur decaturartsfestival.com comes alive Memorial Day decaturartsalliance.org weekend with nearly 160  decaturartsalliance  @decartstheir work artists displaying The Decatur Arts Alliance is a nonprofit partnership ofmusical artists, business and continuous owners, residents and government dedicated to celebrating and sustaining the arts in Decatur – throughout the year and throughout entertainment.

The 2016 the community. In addition to the annual Decatur Arts Festival the DAA produces and sponsors a public performance art series, student arts poster will be unveiled events, an outdoor sculpture program, artist seed grants, storefront gallery shows, special member events 5 and and more. Visit events our website to learn more.

May will On the cover: Andrew Catanese, "Love in Idleness," ink on paper, 45" x 36.5" continue throughout the month. Find out more at decaturartsfestival.com.

FiNe ArTs CommiTTee

ArtWalk on the MARTA Plaza

Brenda Leder | Lockey McDonald | Dot Moye | Leah Owenby Judy Parady | Nancy Snell | Jeffrey Whittle

Fine Arts Exhibition thanks to our sponsors May 24 Opening Reception The Dalton Gallery/Dana Fine Arts Building Agnes Scott College, 5-7:15 p.m.

Visit the annual juried fine arts exhibition, hosted by Agnes Scott College and held in conjunction with the May meeting of the Decatur Business Association.

ArtWalk May 27 All around Decatur, 5-11 p.m.

Decatur’s largest one-night gallery event – now with a DJ, fire twirler, and stilt-walker! Stroll around town to see exhibits at various shops and galleries and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks. Drop by East Court Square to visit beer sponsors Burnt Hickory Brewery, Creature Comforts and Decatur’s own Three Taverns Brewery (serving its Arts-Fest-only Three-Day IPA).

10 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2016

Kids Festival May 28 Decatur Recreation Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Arts and crafts, inflatables, juggling, clowns, and lots of fun. Join the parade! It starts at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Church Street and Commerce Drive.

Artists Market May 28-29 Downtown Decatur, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday More than 150 artists, artisans, and craftspeople set up their tents around downtown, offering jewelry, paintings, sculpture, photographs, glass work, and more.

There’ll be food vendors on East Court Square and beverages to help keep you cool.

City News FINE ARTS EXHIBITION

......................................................

......................................................

PERFORMING ARTS

ARTISTS MARKET

Meika Pauly

Baby Bee

Performing Arts May 28-29 Communty Bandstand, all day long Saturday performers will include Conundrums, American Hologram, Meika Pauly, Baby Bee, and Heather Gillis Band, with Markey Blue finishing out the day with a unique take on soul and R&B. Sunday kicks off with Sehwe Village Percussion, and continues with sets from Lola, Chelsea Shag, and Hannah Thomas Band. The A.J. Ghent Band wraps up the afternoon.

Lotsa Laffs & Lit May 28-29 DeKalb History Center, Decatur LOL, and Literary Arts Tents on the Old Courthouse lawn Check out Theater and Literary Arts activities and improv and comedy at the Decatur LOL tent all day Saturday and Sunday.

MAY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 11

City News Reducing the Mosquito Population in Georgia Tips from the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency and Decatur Fire Chief Toni Washington

S

pring has arrived – the trees are in bloom and the days are growing longer and warmer. Another sure sign of spring, though, is mosquitoes.

They’ve spent the winter in egg stage and, depending on temperature and rainfall, will soon emerge – going from egg to adult in a week to 10 days. Aside from being annoying, mosquitoes can carry disease. The Aedes aegypti (the yellow fever mosquito) and Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) can spread dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.

Zika outbreaks are ongoing in nearly 40 countries and territories in the Americas, Caribbean, Pacific Islands, and Mexico. Zika virus has been linked to serious birth defects in infants and studies are also being done to determine whether there is a connection between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

So far there are no reports of locally transmitted Zika cases in Georgia or anywhere in the United States, but cases have been reported in returning travelers. The virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes species mosquitoes, which can be found in Georgia. Zika virus is passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then transmit the virus to other people. Sexual transmission of Zika has also been documented.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in Zika virus infections in Brazil and neighboring countries since 2014,” said Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., commissioner of the Georgia Depart-

Adult mosquitoes live inside and outside ment of Public Health. “We must be cautious so it’s important to keep mosquitoes out of and we must take steps now to prevent Zika your home. Use screens on windows and from spreading to Georgia and other areas of doors, making sure they are in good repair our country.” and fit tightly. Use air conditioning when it’s So how can the spread of Zika virus infecavailable. Mosquitoes are not strong fliers, so tion be prevented in Georgia? It begins at using fans on porches and patios can also help home – both inside and outside. Female mosreduce mosquito exposure. quitoes lay several hundred eggs on the walls It is also important to use personal protecof water-filled containers – even a container tion to avoid mosquito bites when engaging as small as a bottle cap is a perfect breeding in outdoor activities. ground. When water Wear lightweight covers the eggs, they One of the most effective ways to conlong-sleeve shirts, hatch and become trol the mosquito population is to elimilong pants and socks. adults in about a week nate standing water. If you have things in and around your home and yard that Using EPA-registered to 10 days. They bite could hold water, get rid of them! After insect repellents primarily during the every rainfall and at least once a week, containing 20-30 day and at dusk. A few tip and toss. percent DEET or a infected mosquitoes • Dump out standing water in flowerproduct such as oil can produce large outpots and planters, children’s toys, or of lemon eucalyptus breaks in a community trash containers. will reduce exposure and put families at risk.

• Don’t allow water to accumulate in to mosquitoes.

Community cleanup old tires, rain gutters, or piles of leaves Controlling the campaigns, including or natural holes in vegetation. mosquito population free landfill or dump • Tightly cover water storage conwill take all of us – days or free trash picktainers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) working together as up days, encourage so that mosquitoes cannot get inside neighbors united in residents to clean up to lay eggs. a common cause – to and are very effective • For containers without lids and too prevent the spread in eliminating places big to tip and toss (bird baths, pools), of Zika virus in for mosquitoes to lay use larvicides such as mosquito Georgia. their eggs. The Georgia dunks or mosquito torpedoes (they For more inforDepartment of Public will not hurt birds or animals). mation about the Health is encouraging • Trimming vegetation and cutting Zika virus, visit dph. all Georgians to clean tall grass can help reduce the numga.gov/zika or cdc. up around their homes ber of adult mosquito resting places. gov/zika. and yards.

Decatur Cemetery Second Sunday Strolls Resume

S

econd Sunday Strolls will resume on Sunday, May 8, and continue the second Sunday of each month through October. Join Friends of Decatur Cemetery for a guided stroll through the grounds of Decatur’s largest greenspace.

Lace up your walking shoes and bring your sunscreen and water bottle.

Tours start at the wellhouse/gazebo off Commerce Drive at 2:30. Contact friendsofdecaturcemetery@gmail.com for information.

12 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2016

Touch A Truck Successful Despite Rainy Weather Patti Garrett Combines Duties as Mayor and Grandparent Rain did not deter participants from enjoying the annual Touch A Truck Day in Decatur – including Mayor Patti Garrett. Mayor Garrett is pictured at right with Gary Garrett and Mayor Nancy Steedman from the Village of Churchville, New York. The Village of Churchville is only one square mile and has 200 residents. Mayor Steedman enjoyed the event and plans to replicate it at home. Garrett also guided her grandchildren around the event, and spent some time with Decatur High journalism students who requested an interview.

Decatur to Honor Excellence in Design

T

he City of Decatur and the Decatur Historic Preservation Commission will hold the 2016 Decatur Design Awards ceremony on May 25, 6:30 p.m., at Decatur City Hall, City Commission Meeting Room, 509 N. McDonough St. The community is invited to attend and help celebrate projects that demonstrate excellence in design, historic preservation, adaptive use, and residential additions.

Each year the Decatur Historic Preservation Commission evaluates nominations and selects projects that are exemplary within our community. The award ceremony is held in May to honor National Preservation Month. Direct questions or RSVP to angela.threadgill@decaturga.com or 678-553-6575.

MAY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 13

City News Longtime Employees Recognized Congratulations to these City of Decatur employees who received pins for 15 and 20 years of service from City Manager Peggy Merriss at the State of the City address in January. From left: Merriss, 15year employees Antranette Robinson and Lee Ann Harvey, and 20-year employees Mike Booker, Fred Jones, and David Junger. Not pictured: Bridgit Christensen (15 years) and Kristi Boyette and Kerry Williams (20 years).

Nancie’s Pics

Cemetery Photo Contest Winners Congratulations to the latest winners of Nancie’s Pics – an all-season photo contest sponsored by Friends of the Decatur Cemetery (FODC):

1st place – Al “Buddy” Harrell for “Infrared image of Englett Monument” 2nd place – Carol McCullough for “Ascension” 3rd place – Jim Toney for “Shimmering Pond”

The winning photos will be displayed on the Decatur website and framed for display in the cemetery office or the Public Works offices on Talley Street. Nancie’s Pics is named in honor of the late Nancie Sill, a longtime supporter and chair of FODC. Nancie was a photographer who appreciated the cemetery’s peaceful beauty and was the driving force behind the cemetery photo contests.

14 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2016

SEE CLICK

FIX! See a problem?

Let the city know!

MyDecaturGA

REPORT | CONNEC T | ACCESS • IN CASE OF AN

EMERGENCY DIAL 911 •

Search your app store for

mydecaturga

City News Decatur Bike-to-School Poster Contest Winners Announced Cara Holecek (pictured at right), a kindergartener at Glennwood Elementary School, recently took first prize in the inaugural Decatur Biketo-School poster contest organized by Decatur Active Living, Safe Routes to School, and Bicycle South. Other winners are: Second place: Ethan Donald, second grade, Oakhurst Elementary Third place: Isaiah Guerrieri, second grade, Oakhurst Elementary Honorable mention: Caroline Tusher, kindergarten, Glennwood Elementary Congratulations to these student artists! Their posters will be reproduced to remind us all to be safe on our bikes so look for them around the city.

The top three winners and an honorable mention each received a gift certificate, courtesy of Bicycle South, which was presented at the May 2 city commission meeting.

Look for information about next year’s poster contest in early 2017.

Clockwise from right: posters

by Ethan Donald, Isaiah Guerrieri, and Caroline Tusher

MAY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 15

Business & Nonprofit News Ted’s Montana Grill Brings Back Favorites

Decatur Resident Pens Memoir

Ted’s Montana Grill is bringing back guest favorites to the spring menu, the Chicken Chopped Salad, the Snowcrest Chicken Sandwich, and Strawberry Shortcake dessert. The restaurant is also introducing daily chef ’s features.

Chicken Chopped Salad: grilled chicken, crisp iceberg lettuce with diced red onion and green pepper, roasted corn, garbanzo beans, smoked ham, cucumber and fresh basil tossed in housemade basil vinaigrette.

Snowcrest Chicken Sandwich: crispy, lightly fried chicken breast served on a cracked wheat bun, topped with shredded iceberg lettuce, vineripened tomatoes, dill pickles and a tangy mustard remoulade.

Strawberry Shortcake: fresh-baked sweet drop biscuits topped with vanilla ice cream and housemade whipped cream, fresh strawberries and strawberry sauce.

Ted’s has also launched Chef ’s Features. Each restaurant features an off-the-menu selection for lunch and dinner and pairs it with a signature beverage to complement the flavors of the dish.

These include many local favorites and new items such as the bison chopped steak, fried chicken, and seasonal fresh fish options. The fish are grilled and lightly seasoned, accompanied with lemon caper beurre blanc or fresh mango salsa.

Ted’s Montana Grill is at 201 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. below the Artisan. Visit tedsmontanagrill. com for more information.

ecatur resident Jeffrey Roach has written his first novel, PopDaddy: Boy Meets Boy Meets Baby. The book tells the story of his and husband Ken’s journey to becoming a family by adopting their son Jackson in Guatemala.

The launch event for the newly published novel was held in March at the author’s home. Approximately 75 people attended, including local resident Kyle Williams, a founding partner with the law firm of Williams Teusink, LLC, and Beth Thompson, an owner of Homegrown Decatur. Also in attendance were Jeffrey’s husband, Ken Manford, and their son Jackson; Jeffrey’s mother, Betty, and sister, Fara, from Kentucky; and his nephew Nick, a Decatur resident.

Roach started working on PopDaddy in 2007 and decided last year to write it like a novel instead of a traditional memoir. The book is available on Amazon in paperback, on Kindle and on Kindle Unlimited. You can also get a copy at tinyurl.com/getpopdaddy. For information visit popdaddy.com.

PopDaddy: Boy Meets Boy Meets Baby

D

Marco’s Pizza Now Open

M

arco’s Pizza is now open for business at 227 N. McDonough St., across from Decatur High School. The newly opened establishment is owned by the Sayani family and their goal is to offer personal attention so that the community receives a quality product and excellent customer service.

Italian-born Marco’s founder Pasquale Giammarco sought to create an authentic Italian pizza, an artisan pie created with the highest quality ingredients, delivered to your home in about half an hour.

Thirty years and several hundred franchises later, Marco’s has become one of the top delivery pizza franchises. The Sayani family invites the community to stop by and say hello and pick up a menu. They are open seven days a week. Order online at marcos.com.

Bohorquez Joins Williams Teusink Nicolas D. Bohorquez has joined Williams Teusink as an associate attorney. Nicolas earned his juris doctorate from the Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law where he served as chair of finance for the Mercer Advocacy Council and competed on the Student Trial Advocacy Mock Trial team.

Prior to earning his law degree, Nicolas earned a bachelor’s degree in international business from the Kennesaw State University Coles College of Business.

The six-attorney law firm of Williams Teusink is located in the historic High House on Sycamore Street and assists clients statewide in navigating litigation and transactions in real estate, commercial, and corporate law. For information visit williamsteusink.com or call 404-373-9590.

16 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2016

Business & Nonprofit News Accolades and Awards for Residents Decatur Attorney Receives ACLU Advocate of the Year Award Congratulations to Decatur attorney Mawuli Mel Davis who has received the inaugural ACLU of Georgia Advocate of the Year award, presented at the ACLU’s annual meeting at the John Marshall Law School Blackburn Conference Center.

The program included a panel discussion on Criminal Justice Reform, a keynote address from Stephen Bright, president of the Southern Center for Human Rights, and an awards program honoring Stephen Bright with the Lifetime Achievement award, Rogers Berry with the Volunteer of the Year award, and Mawuli Davis with the Advocate of the Year award.

Davis is co-founder and partner at the Davis Bozeman Law Firm, leading their civil rights and criminal defense trial sections. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he earned a master’s degree in public administration from Bowie State University while on active duty in Spain.

Davis is a graduate of Georgia State University College of Law and received the Eleanor Norton Holmes/Thurgood Marshall award for his outstanding contribution as a law student.

Decatur Resident Joins MODA Board Congratulations to Decatur resident Teresa Edmisten, who has joined the board of the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). Teresa is senior vice president-operations for tvsdesign, where she leads the company’s resource groups, including finance, information technology, marketing and human resources. She has been a member of the CIO Roundtable for the AIA Large Firms since 2000, joined the AIA LFRT CFO Roundtable

in 2009 and the newly organized AIA LFRT COO Roundtable in 2015.

Edmisten has been a speaker on building information modeling (BIM), process improvement in accounting, and mobility tools.

She graduated summa cum laude with bachelor of science and bachelor of architecture degrees from Ball State University in 1983.

Decatur Writers Studio and DEF Launch Young Writers Workshop

T

he Decatur Writers Studio, a project of the AJC-Decatur Book Festival, and the Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) have joined together to create the DEF Young Writers Workshop for Decatur High School students.

Young Adult author Terra Elan McVoy, whose books include Pure, After the Kiss, The Summer of Firsts and Lasts, Being Friends with Boys, and In Deep, will conduct the workshop, which will take place at Decatur CoWorks, home of DWS. With the involvement of Decatur High English Department Chair Cara Cassell, eight students were selected to participate in the workshop, which will be fully funded by DEF.

Derek Wood Receives Pinnacle Award Derek Wood of Golley Realty Group LLC celebrated his first year in real estate by earning the Pinnacle award from the DeKalb Association of Realtors for his sales performance in 2015. Many people recognize Derek from Taqueria De Sol where he worked for many years. He’s pictured at right above, with Frank Golley, broker of Golley Realty Group LLC.

Decatur Ministers Inducted as Honorees for Preaching Congratulations to Decatur resident Rev. Dr. David Lewicki, pastor of North Decatur Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Dr. James BrewerCalvert, senior pastor of First Christian Church of Decatur, who have been inducted as Honorees for Preaching by the MLK Jr. College of Ministers and Laity at Morehouse College.

“We want people to know that when they donate to DEF, we invest in organizations and activities like this that help to enrich the education of City Schools of Decatur students who come from all backgrounds,” DEF Executive Director Gail Rothman said.

“I’m really keen on sharing that with young people,” said McVoy, whose Being Friends with Boys was named among “10 Books All Young Georgians Should Read” in 2015 by the Georgia Center for the Book.

“It’s my ‘Pay it forward.’ There are fewer and fewer creative writing opportunities for young people. I want to do whatever I can do to provide encouragement and skillful instruction to young people who are passionate about writing.”

MAY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 17

DBA News

R U T A C E D

MUSIC! The Decatur Business Association’s two concert series crank up this month. Make your plans to join your friends and neighbors for good times on the square. Pack a lunch or a dinner and enter the prize drawings. All performances are at the community bandstand and absolutely free!

y t 7 1 e r n u j , a y a pfrid 5-11 pm

BLUE SKY CONCERTS Wednesdays in May, noon-1 p.m.

May 4 • Joshua Fletcher Americana, rock May 11 • Alex Cummins and Todd Prusin Folk, old-time, bluegrass May 18 • Alex Gordon Radio (LIVE) Children’s variety May 25 • Max Godfrey Country-blues, old-time

$12 adults $7 kids 4 12 free entry ¯ $15 at gate $10 at gate kids 3 and under

concerts on the square

tickets and more at decaturdba.com

music

dancing

games

sand

fun

Attaboy, Tim

decatur-beach-party-focus.indd 1

4/15/16

Saturdays in May, 7-9:30 p.m.

May 7 • The Gold Standard Band Motown, soul, Carolina beach music May 14 • Villain Family Americana, folk, bluegrass Special guests: 3:24 PMHalem Albright Band cover band

Congratulations to DBA President Tim Martin, who has been named a Top Advisor Under 40 by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Atlanta Chapter. This marks his sixth consecutive year for the award. The announcement ran in the Atlanta Business Chronicle in April.

May 24 Decatur Arts Festival Fine Arts Exhibition opening reception

Meeting Reminder:

Dalton Gallery/Dana Fine Arts Building Agnes Scott College • 141 E. College Ave. 5:15 p.m. Networking reception 6 p.m.

Program Sponsored by Decatur Arts Alliance and Agnes Scott College

18 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2016

May 21 • Flat Rock Swing Americana, country, rock May 28 • Bogey & The Viceroy 5 Motown, soul, funk

Thank you to DBA sponsors

Decatur Events Book Sale May 28

Sycamore Gallery Shows in May

he Friends of the Decatur Library will host a book sale on Saturday, May 28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., on the lawn in front of the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St. In the event of rain, the sale will be held inside the library.

Thousands of gently used fiction, nonfiction and children’s books as well as CDs will be available for purchase. Only cash or checks will be accepted. Dealers must scan at tables. All proceeds will benefit the programs and collections of the Decatur Library. Admission is free!

Donations of gently used books are always welcome at the library front desk. For information email publicityfodl@gmail.com.

Sycamore Place Gallery, 120 Sycamore Place, will host:

T

Music in the Garden Continues at Woodlands Woodlands’ Music in the Garden concert series is in full swing and the community is invited to come explore the garden while supporting talented local musicians.

The concerts take place on Sundays, 2-4 p.m., rain or shine, throughout the spring, summer and fall. They are free and open to the community. Guests can enjoy the music in the cozy screened-in pavilion that seats about 40 people.

Featured musicians perform in a variety of styles, including folk, blues, bluegrass and more. For a schedule of this year’s Sunday concert series and more information about the artists, visit woodlandsgarden.org.

Disquieted • May 20 • 7-10 p.m.

Artist Kodi Bobo currently lives and studies in Atlanta. Originally from Cullman, Alabama, she earned a BFA in printmaking and drawing at the University of Montevello and is studying printmaking as an MFA candidate at Savannah College of Art and Design. She uses a combination of printmaking methods and old family photos to explore anxiety in dealing with authoritative figures.

Human Nature • May 27 • 6-9 p.m.

Ceramics, paintings, and mixed media by artist Elise Roche portray the fears and anxieties that invade, provoke and inspire us. A recent graduate of the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia, Elise will begin work on a master’s degree in art therapy at Florida State University in the fall. The Human Nature show is a theme she has worked on throughout her undergraduate career.

Blackfoot Daisy performs May 15

Kay’s Kookies

Thinking Outside the Cookie Box 25 varieties of hand-crafted gourmet cookies, made with real butter and high quality ingredients www.kayskookies.com KKookieCo@gmail.com 404-808-9608 MAY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 19

Decatur Events Amplify Decatur Concert Series Includes Outdoor Festival on the Square

Elephant Revival

T

he Amplify Decatur Concert Series includes a June 18 outdoor festival on the downtown Decatur square and a three-night stand at Eddie’s Attic, June 17-19.

The Grammy-nominated band The Milk Carton Kids headlines the outdoor festival. NPR has called the band, “Gillian Welch and David Rawlings-meets-Simon & Garfunkel with a splash of The Everly Brothers.” Also performing are Elephant Revival, Penny & Sparrow, and Eliot Bronson.

The outdoor festival on June 18 features both a free festival during the day and a ticketed component at night.

All funds raised will be directed to Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) to support efforts to prevent and alleviate homelessness in Decatur and DeKalb County. Last year, Amplify Decatur raised $28,500 for DCM. The concert series is presented by Lenz and produced in partnership with Eddie’s Attic.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to amplifydecatur.org.

Milk Carton Kids

Eliot Bronson

Penny & Sparrow

Working for Strong Communities since 1979.

George Voegtlin

$629,000 4BR/4BA

105 Parkside Circle My client’s loss is your gain! Extraordinary reduction for renovated down to the studs brick ranch. Completely new wiring & plumbing. Foyer entry into large living room with fireplace & dining room. Master suite on main level with office & fully appointed bath. Kitchen features SS appliances, granite & custom cabinetry.

Two bedrooms on main floor with remaining two upstairs with a full bath. Interior access to the garage & basement storage. www.adamsrealtors.com 404-688-1222 20 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2016

24-hour emergency pet care and board-certified veterinary specialists.

All under one woof.

625 Dekalb Industrial Way, Decatur 30033 www.sfvs.com 404-924-2000

Decatur Events Camp Frontier House 1850 The Benjamin Swanton House 720 W. Trinity Place June 6-9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Play, work and have fun at the Swanton House and pioneer log cabins this summer as you become an early settler in DeKalb County. Explore the way people lived by performing chores, playing games, making crafts, and more. Learn about music and pastimes, food, shopping, early industries, and transportation. At this camp participants will play games, cook, do laundry, sing and dance, garden, and sew.

The camp is for ages 8-13 and the cost is $190 for DeKalb History Center (DHC) members and $210 for nonmembers. After care is available until 4 p.m. for $10 per day.

For information contact goldemund@ dekalbhistory.org.

Woodlands Celebrates Music, Art, and Youth

Pure Barre Decatur to Host Community Class

Woodlands Garden invites the community to its M.A.Y. (Music, Art, and Youth) Fair showcasing the talents of the community’s next generation of artists and musicians. The celebration will be held on Saturday, May 21, 11.a.m.-3 p.m., at Woodlands, 932 Scott Blvd.

During the event, visitors can shop an artists market featuring original, handmade art by the young artists. The artists will keep all earnings from the sale of their work, so plan to support their creative talents and take home an original piece of art to display in your home. In addition, you can watch live musical performances (from rock to classical) as these young people show off their ukulele, piano, cello, and singing talents.

Walking or carpooling is strongly encouraged as parking on site will be limited. Visit woodlandsgarden.org for information.

Pure Barre will celebrate its first anniversary in Decatur by hosting a free class for the community, on the square in downtown Decatur, Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m.

While classes at the studio use the ballet barre, the classes also work without the barre. The community is invited to get some fresh air and experience the Pure Barre technique.

The class is free, but space is limited.

To sign up, email decatur@purebarre. com. Online registration will open in May. Participants should bring a yoga mat and water and wear shoes or socks during class. For information email ashleyg@purebarre.com or call 864616-3766.

Your neighbor and intown real estate specialist.

Whether you are buying or selling — or simply exploring your options — call me to be sure you are positioned for success in today’s changing market.

• Top Ten Agent in Metro Atlanta: 2012, 2013, 2014 • More than 150 homes sold in City of Decatur since 2009 • More than 300 homes sold overall since 2009

chip@kellerknapp.com • 678.429.9731 ChipWallaceRealEstate.com AEXURDNLM 10-Apr-2013 15:34 MAY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 21

quarterfinals in a field of 66 teams in the final tournament of the season.

The 44 students on the DHS Robotics team gain valuable hands-on experience on the way Services to careers in engineering or other STEM-related fields. A coalition of funders – including VERTERBRAL DECOMPRESSION the school district, corporate sponsors, private donations, and the Decatur Education CHIROPRACTICADJUSTMENTS Foundation – supplies the $30,000 needed annually THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Expert, uncompromising to provide the materials, equipment, and tourLASER ACUPUNCTURE legal representation ll Decatur and everybody nament entry fees to residents, continue operating at a else, too, are invited when you need it most. tolevel. walk in the Decatur Lantern Parade on the evening of competitive Friday, May 15. This is one of those “the-more-the-merrier” top: Juniorevents, team members finalize preparations so plan now to participate and be a part of helping formake a match the smaller to thiswith lantern parade bots. memorable.

Make your own lantern at home or right: senior abigail Deweerth and sophomore • Personal Injury and Wrongful Death • come a lantern-making workshop Garnettosimpson show off the team’s Frc robot design development. where supplies and guidance are provid150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 260 • Downtown Decatur ed. Find out where and when by visiting 404-253-7860 • doug@carllp.com • www.carllp.com decaturlanternparade.com.

To participate, line up at Color Wheel Drafter Shelia T. Payton Studio at 508 E. Howard Ave. 8 p.m.

C&A-2col-ad-focus.indd 1 5/14/14 e l lled S pby rin gDecatur.com The parade stepsw offwatw9. W p.m.

The 4 0 4 and 3 7 7pa7263 Black Sheep Marching Ensemble rade guru Chantelle Rytter. The parade will wend its way to the community Services bandstand in front of the Old CourthouseGuided Detox's, on the square.

The parade is sponsored by Color Experience. Knowledge. Patience. Results.

Grocery Store Tours Markert Helps Emilie Markert.

Wheel Studio, Decatur Arts Alliance, 318 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30030 Tailored Juices Make It Happen 404-235-8900 C: 404.915.8222 Decatur Education Foundation, and markert@bellsouth.net the Decatur Development Authority.

Decatur events

it’s a Date to Stay up late!

DEDICATED. EXPERIENCED. RESPECTED.

A

WELLSPRING HEALTH & WELLNESS

Need to Find Another Nest?

4:47 PM

!

MaY 2015 • Decatur Focus | 21

Focus May 2015.indd 21

Experience is not Expensive…It’s Priceless!

“34 Years of Putting Your neighbor and Nice People in Fine Homes” intown real estate specialist.

Exceptional, Personalized Service,

Experience, Insight, Whether you are buying or selling —Integrity or simply exploringPAM yourHUGHES options — call me to be sure you are positioned success in 404.851.0732for / 404.250.9900 today’s changingpam.hughes@harrynorman.com market.

www.pam.hughes.harrynorman.com

4/21/15 12:10 PM

Giving you the time and attention you deserve

• Top 1% producer, Atlanta Board of Realtors (2009 – 2014) • More than 125 homes sold in City of Decatur since 2009 • More than 260 homes sold overall since 2009

chip@kellerknapp.com • 678.429.9731 ChipWallaceRealEstate.com 22 | Decatur Focus • MaY MAY 2015 2016 20

LISA CRONIC, REALTOR® lisacronic@atlantafinehomes.com 678.641.4325

Decatur Resident for Over 20 Years AtlantaFineHomes.com | 404.874.0300 © MMXIV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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

Around Town New in Blue Please welcome Officer C. Johnson to the Decatur Police Department.

ers are Decatur firefight to conle ab es m eti som in ills dr duct training molide for ted sla es hom ey th ril, Ap tion. Early in ining tra g nin or m a t spen ue inside a 2nd Aven w. alo bung

ur Still need to register yo lice Po ur cat De e? ycl bic will register bikes at the y: following events in Ma

Wednesday, May 11, 4-7 p.m. – Decatur Farmer’s Market, 308 Clairemont Ave. Friday, May 20, rk 7-10 a.m. – Bike to Wo ur cat De of nt Day, in fro Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St.

MAY 2016 • Decatur Focus | 23

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Construction lending Tailored Mortgage Solutions Home equity lines of credit SBA lending Mobile banking Checking & savings No-fee ATM usage* *We don’t charge; we refund theirs.

404.809.3930 | PRIVATEBANKOFDECATUR.COM ONE DECATUR TOWN CENTER, SUITE 120, 150 EAST PONCE DE LEON AVENUE Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Printed on Recycled Paper

■

P.O. Box 220 Decatur, GA 30031-220

■

Decatur

FIRST CLASS SERVICE. FIRST NAME BASIS.

Focus

We believe ALL customers should benefit from the heightened level of service other banks reserve for a certain few.

DATED MATERIAL May 2016

Clear zone

pre-sorted standard u.s. postage PAID Permit No. 199 Decatur, GA 30031

PBD.Ad.DecaturFocus2014_vF_Layout 1 6/17/14 11:11 AM Page 1

Art for the Body and Soul Join us Friday, May 27 from 7-10 p.m. in Decatur to kickoff the Decatur Arts Festival, plus help us celebrate our 8th birthday in Decatur.

Watch body painting by sQuishiepuss and Walter Arnold will be signing his book "The Art of Abandonment”.. Enjoy live music, food, drinks, great art and lots of fun!

Decatur Square . 117 East Court Square . Decatur . 404/370-3979 Amsterdam Walk . 500-L3 Amsterdam Ave . Atlanta . 404/892-8294 www.worthmorejewelers.com