Decatur Focus Newsletter / October 2015 by City of Decatur

Focus City of Decatur

Inside: DeF AnnuAL report Clear zone

OCTOBER 2015 Volume 26 â&#x20AC;˘ Number 3

Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia

#gawrites: Over Your Head in a Good Way Another successful Decatur Book Festival has come and gone, but the #gawrites public art installation remains as a lingering reminder of the literary fun we enjoy here. Decatur artist Larry Holland planned and installed this collection of 40 quotes from Georgia writers in a variety of genres from fiction to pop music. As you stroll the tree-lined streets of Decatur, be sure to look up and look out for these quotes, posted on light poles, that surprise, delight and amuse. The project is sponsored by the Decatur Arts Alliance. Find out more about Larry Holland at facebook.com/ fisbn. For more information about the arts in Decatur, visit decaturartsalliance.org.

News 3 City

9 BUsiness NEWs

16 DBA NEWs

Decatur events

School news

Around Town

Focus City of Decatur

Focus on Downtown Development Decatur Is a Finalist for Groundbreaker of the Year

The City of Decatur is one of only 11 finalists (and the only city) for Atlanta Magazine’s 2015 Groundbreaker of the Year award. The theme for this year is “Building (and Rebuilding) a Better Place to Live.” Decatur was selected for its commitment to sustainability in all aspects of community. The Groundbreakers Class of 2015 was selected from a wide range of fields, including developers, builders, preservationists, tech firms, universities, nonprofits, and individuals who are passionate about Atlanta’s civic life. The 2015 Groundbreakers are featured in the September 2015 issue of Atlanta Magazine (which can be viewed online) and will be recognized at an awards event in October, in which the Groundbreaker of the Year will be announced.

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: casie. yoder@decaturga.com. Clear zone

DECATUR CITY COMMISSION Jim Baskett....................................................Mayor Patti Garrett................................Mayor Pro Tem Bill Bolling....................................Commissioner Fred Boykin.................................Commissioner Scott Drake..................................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......................................... Treasurer Floyd Smith............................................ Secretary Marc Brennan............................. Past President Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com

2 | Decatur Focus • OCTOBER 2015

City News Decatur Neighborhood Alliance Meeting Wed., Oct. 28 • 6:30 p.m. • Eloise T. Leveritt Building • 2635 Talley St.

epresentatives from Decatur neighborhood associations, block associations, and anyone interested in starting a neighborhood group are invited to attend the October Decatur Neighborhood Alliance meeting. October is National Code Enforcement Month, so Codes Enforcement Officer Cynthia Hardnett will answer your questions about the importance of ensuring that homes and buildings are safe, secure, and properly maintained. The weather is nice and school is in session. This means there are a lot of walkers, runners, and cyclists on the streets and sidewalks. Property owners can help keep them safe by ensuring that sidewalks are clear by pruning all plants and vegetation, so children and other pedestrians will not have to walk in the streets. It is easier for pedestrians to walk down the sidewalk if low branches are trimmed. Learn how codes related to graffiti, signs, and tall weeds help keep neighborhoods and business districts inviting places for all. Email leeann.harvey@decaturga.com to confirm your attendance at the meeting or to update a neighborhood association listing that is currently posted on decaturga.com.

Decatur 101 Encore Classes Set For October Calling All Graduates! ecatur 101 Encore Classes will be Tuesday, Oct. 13, and Tuesday, Oct. 20, and will feature the newly renovated Beacon Municipal Center, with tours of Ebster Recreation and the Police/Municipal Court buildings. The program will include a history of the Beacon community as well as more in-depth information about Active Living, the Police Department and Municipal Court. Classes will be limited to the first 40 participants. You must be a graduate of Decatur 101 to attend. Email linda.harris@decaturga.com or call 678-553-6512 to register. Be sure to include your name, mailing address, and the year you completed Decatur 101.

Decatur Artway Five Sculptures Around Downtown

ive sculptures are now installed in downtown Decatur as part of the Decatur Artway, the public arts initiative established by the Decatur Arts Alliance and the City of Decatur. Be sure to check them out anytime, and join us Oct. 11, 2-4 pm, for the opening reception with the artists. Look for tents set up near each installation and enjoy light refreshments as you view the sculptures. Information about the art pieces and the artists, and the Decatur Artway program, will be available. To tour the Decatur Artway on your smartphone, download the free Otocast app from iTunes or Google Play. The artists and locations are: “Emphatic Lines 3” by Daniel Baerlecken Lower MARTA plaza / Church Street “AMUK” by Ira Hill 1 West Court Square, near Souper Jenny “Mortification” by Matthew Phillips Upper MARTA plaza, near Squash Blossom at 113 E. Court Square “Untitled” by Scott Gerard Old Courthouse square, near the community bandstand “This Is Something We Had to Go Through” (photo above) by James Davis Northeast corner, intersection of Sycamore and Church streets

Find out more about The Decatur Artway at decaturartsalliance.org. Information for the FOCUS should be submitted by mail to Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, or by email to casie.yoder@decaturga.com.

OCTOBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 3

City News Artists and Design Professionals:

Harmony Park Needs Benches and Bicycle Racks

he Decatur Arts Alliance announces a call to create three benches and three bicycle racks for Harmony Park in the historic Oakhurst neighborhood business district. Artists and design professionals are invited to design and create functional benches and bike racks for installation. The project is funded by a grant from the Decatur Craft Beer Festival and in collaboration with the Decatur Downtown Development Authority. Bicycle Rack Project Requirements Bike racks should be functional, fun, big, and visible. The bike racks should be weather resistant to the Georgia climate and accommodate three to eight bicycles. The specific City of Decatur bicycle guidelines are at decaturga.com. Bench Project Requirements The bench should be six feet long, 20 inches deep and 30 inches high. Variations in depth are acceptable but the height and the length should be consistent. The proposed project must be made of durable materials that are easy to maintain in the southeastern climate.

Submission deadline Oct. 31 Artist notification Dec. 1 Installation date Feb. 29, 2016 All entries must be entered through callforentry.org.

Budget Designers of benches or bike racks should submit a proposed budget for the design, fabrication, finishing and transportation of the bench or bike rack to the installation site. The budget will be considered as part of the selection process. Selection A review committee comprising art professionals and representatives from the City of Decatur, Oakhurst business district, and the bicycle community will be responsible for the selection of the winning designs. Proposals will be viewed on the basis of creativity, artistic merit, functionality for intended purpose, long-term maintenance, durability, budget, and public safety. Work deemed unsuitable for public use will not be accepted. Only completed, ready-to-install work will be accepted. Project concepts, maquettes and artists’ renderings will be considered. The City of Decatur is responsible for all cost for materials during installation, including but not limited to final site preparation, plinth, clean up, and repair of any damage caused during installation. Include three images per submission that clearly show a front and back and one detail shot. Artists may submit more than one submission for a bench and/or bike rack for consideration, but each sculpture submission must have the three images specified. Please describe the installation method of the bench or bike rack. Selected artists will be responsible for transportation to the installation site. Benches and bike racks must be delivered, stable, well fabricated, and installation-ready. 4 | Decatur Focus • OCTOBER 2015

Cemetery Walking Tour Season Wraps Up October 11

he last tour of Decatur Cemetery for the year will be Sunday, Oct. 11, 2:30 p.m. Join the Friends of Decatur Cemetery for a leisurely stroll through the Old Section and learn “old” and “new” facts about the people who created our community. Bring your water bottle and sunscreen, lace up your walking shoes, and enjoy the fresh fall air. The tour begins at the Gazebo just off Commerce Drive. The new, updated, self-guided brochure is now available at City Hall, the Visitor’s Center at 113 Clairemont Ave., and outside the Cemetery Office at the Bell Street entrance. Special tours can also be scheduled throughout the year by contacting friendsofdecaturcemetery@gmail.com.

City News Decatur’s STE(A)M Truck Among Finalists for STEM Education Awards Recognized for excellence in promoting science, technology, engineering, and math education in Georgia, Decatur’s STE(A)M Truck was among the finalists for the 2015 STEM Education awards in the Extracurricular Program category. This category recognizes extracurricular programs that provide opportunities for students to expand STEM skills and workforce readiness. The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) and the TAG Education Collaborative received more than 180 nominations for the fourth annual STEM Education awards. To learn more about the awards, visit tagonline. org/events/stem-education-awards/. For additional information, visit TAG Education Collaborative or contact Michael Robertson, 404-920-2038, or mrobertson@tagonline.org.

Floodplain Information Available

he Decatur Design, Environment, and Construction Division provides general floodplain information on property located within the incorporated city limits. The Decatur Library also provides references on flooding and flood protection. A map and information service, available for a $10 fee, explains: • If a property is in a special flood hazard area • If a property is in a floodway • Flood insurance rate map information • Flood depth information • If a FEMA elevation certificate for a property is available in city records

Trinity High Graduate Honored by Alma Mater

larence Scott, a Decatur native who played football on Trinity High School’s 1965 state championship winning team, was inducted into the K-State Ring of Honor for his contributions on and off the field. He is one of only 14 players to receive this honor. Scott’s name is permanently affixed to the facing inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium and is also prominently shown on the Ring of Honor display in the West Stadium Center concourse inside Gate B. Full details about the ceremony can be found at kstatesports.com. Scott was recruited to play football at Kansas State University at a time when colleges in the South would not recruit black students. A defensive back from 1968-70, Scott played in the first game at what is now the Bill Snyder Family Stadium. As a senior in 1970, he earned First Team All-America honors from Sporting News and Look magazine in addition to being a First Team All-Big Eight honoree. Drafted 14th overall in the 1971 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Scott played 13 seasons of professional football and helped the Browns earn four playoff appearances. He played in the 1973 Pro Bowl. He is also a member of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame. Clarence Scott photos and memorabilia are on display in the Ebster Recreation Center, part of the Beacon Municipal Center, which stands on the site where Trinity High School once stood. Trinity was the high school for African-American students during segregation, before fully merging with Decatur High School in 1966.

An accurate street address or DeKalb County/Decatur tax parcel identification number is needed to obtain this information. Contact: 404-370-4104 or jennings. bell@decaturga.com.

OCTOBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 5

City News Brighten the Holiday Season for Decatur Children and Seniors

Lifelong Decatur Presents:

oin A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur in making the holiday season brighter for children and seniors in Decatur. You can help by sponsoring a child or senior. Shop for them yourself or if you’re busy with your own holiday preparations, consider making a donation that will be used for clothing, books, and gifts. This is the 21st holiday season in which Decatur residents, places of worship, businesses, neighborhood associations, and clubs join together in this endeavor. Thanks to the continued generosity of our community, A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur has served thousands. Last year contributions from our community helped more than 600 children and seniors.

City Schools of Decatur Bond Referendum Information Session

Gift Giving: Donors are requested to spend between $100 and $150 on each recipient, based on a wish list they will receive. Wish lists specific to each recipient are created through an in-person conversation with seniors and each parent or guardian. Each list includes a good mix of wants (toys as well as a book for the children) and needs. Too busy to shop? Make a financial contribution instead and we will do all the shopping for you! Send contributions to A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031. Other Ways to Help: If you have a couple of weekday hours available, we can use your help checking phone messages, returning calls, making copies, preparing mail-outs, and doing other light office work. Times are flexible. For more information on sponsoring a child or senior or on other ways to help call 404-378-8068 or email aseasonofgiving@decaturga.com.

You are invited to an information session with City Schools of Decatur board members and staff on the upcoming bond referendum. To find out more about proposed school construction projects so you can make an informed decision when you vote, please attend one of these meetings: Saturday, Oct. 10 • 10 a.m. Oakhurst Baptist Church, 222 East Lake Dr. Thursday, October 15 • 6:30 p.m. Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St.

These meetings are presented by Decatur’s Lifelong Community Advisory Board. For more information about the bond, visit the City Schools of Decatur website: csdecatur.net or turn to page 22. For more information about Lifelong Decatur and the board, contact leeann.harvey@ decaturga.com or 678-553-6548.

14th Annual MLK Service Project Set for January 16-18

ecatur’s Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project is a volunteer home repair program that enables lower-income senior homeowners to remain in their homes safely, comfortably, and affordably. More than 1,000 people volunteer each year to provide these much-needed repairs at no charge. Volunteers weatherize, add handicap-accessible features, replace rotten wood, paint, and do yard work during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. The project committee invites your business, neighborhood association, place of worship, or civic organization to join in the effort. The MLK Service Project is supported through grants and private donations, both financial and in-kind. Your gift is tax deductible. For more information about sponsorship and donations, contact Paul Mitchell at sponsor@mlkserviceproject. com. For information about volunteering, contact Lee Ann Harvey, 678-553-6548, or leeann.harvey@decaturga.com.

6 | Decatur Focus • OCTOBER 2015

This water purification system outside Fire Station No. 1 provided more than 500 gallons of water to residents during the July water crisis.

City News SU N D

O c to b e r

2015

Recycle this hardware free

N DAY TU ES DAY 18 W ED N ES D AY TH 19 U R SDAY 20 FR IDAY 21 SATU R DAY 22 23 24

Autumn

Electronics Saturday Recycling Day October 31

29 Styrofoam Recyling 28 9 am-1 pm 30 & Shredding, too!

DHS

COMMERCE

DECATUR PUBLIC WORKS 2635 Talley St.

AVE.

COLUMBIA

AGNES SCOTT

CANDLER

MCDOONOU

E. COLLEGE

ENTER HERE

MARTA PARKING

TALLEY ST PUBLIC WORKS Electronics Recycling

Your favorite recycling events — combined! Recycle your old electronics and Styrofoam and safely shred and recycle your documents all in one place. It’s simple and convenient. Just drop off your recyclables 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Sorry, early drop-offs are not possible.) Contact Sean Woodson at 404-377-5571 or sean.woodson@decaturga.com for more information and last-minute updates, or visit decaturga.com/electronicsrecycling.

Paper Shredding

This is a great opportunity to ensure that your important personal documents are disposed of properly. AAA Security Shredding provides secure on-site document shredding, and all shredded documents will be 100 percent recycled. Most document types are acceptable, including bills, invoices, correspondence, canceled checks, tax records, financial statements, purchase orders, and blueprints and maps. These items cannot be shredded: Cardboard, glass, plastic, magazines, napkins, newspapers, paper cups and plates, plastic or spiral-bound notebooks, phonebooks, three-ring binders, and trash.

DeKalb Recycles Electronics Too

Styrofoam recycling

• Make sure foam has the “6” symbol on it • Rinse and separate food service containers from other foam • No straws, lids, tape, or stickers • No foam peanuts or insulation material

DeKalb County offers electronics reycling year-round, Monday through Friday. Drop off electronics for recycling at the DeKalb County Central Transfer Station on Memorial Drive. The service is offered by Keep DeKalb Beautiful in conjunction with the DeKalb County Sanitation Division and Atlanta Recycling Solutions. All residents of DeKalb County, including Decatur residents, may use this facility.

Adding machines Answering machines Batteries, any kind Cable converter boxes Cables Calculators Component parts Computer mouses Computers Copiers Digital cameras Digital projectors DVD players Electric lawn mowers Fax machines Garden equipment GPS receivers Game controllers Keyboards Label makers Mini-towers Monitors Pagers PDAs Portable CD players Portable game players Printer cartridges Printers Radios Remote controls Routers Scanners Servers Speakers Stereo equipment Telephones Telephony equipment 3-in-1 devices Typewriters UPS units VCRs Workstations Zip drives Recycling fee for TVs: $10 (cash only – exact change required)

DeKalb County Sanitation Division Central Transfer Station DeKalb Tax Commissioner’s Office 4380 Memorial Dr., Decatur 404-371-2654 Hours: Mon.-Fri, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. OCTOBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 7

City News School News

Development dynamics II Last month, the Focus provided a review of Decatur’s downtown development vision and development cycles over the last 30 years. That article also provided information about the positive impact multi-family developments have on property tax revenue, particularly for City Schools of Decatur. In addition, it showed that downtown multi-family developments account for only 2 percent of the growth in student enrollment in City of Decatur schools since 1999. Using existing enrollment numbers and the local tax revenue generated by downtown multi-family buildings, it was shown that these developments created a healthy, positive net income for the school system. For example, property taxes paid on a $700,000 single-family home generally provide enough school tax revenue to cover the local cost of educating one student. The local cost of educating more than one child from a $700,000 home or from homes valued below $700,000 must be covered by other taxpayers. Commercial and multi-family developments, as well as empty nesters and senior citizen homeowners, provide the needed school tax revenue to make up this loss.

Here are a few other issues that are frequently topics of conversation:

“Apartment developments will be flooded with school-aged children.” The primary market for these dwellings is singles and young professionals. These projects fill a gap in Decatur’s housing market by providing a new, urban rental housing option for those looking for the flexibility and free-

dom from maintenance that rental housing provides. The city has worked closely with the school system’s enrollment consultant to provide information on these anticipated developments so that enrollment effects could be incorporated into estimates of the school system’s growth and expansion plans. Many assume that these new developments will exceed the school system’s projections but it is important to consider the size of the units in the projects. Of the 624 units currently being built, approximately 69 percent (430) are efficiencies or one-bedroom units. The likelihood of any of these units being inhabited by more than one person is extremely unlikely. The remaining 194 units consist of approximately 30 percent two-bedroom units and only 2 percent three-bedroom units. Using the enrollment consultant’s estimate for potential students from residential apartments, these units would represent an enrollment growth of approximately 27 students. Even if all of the efficiency and one-bedroom units were included, the estimated number of students would be 87.

“Apartment developments will cost the school system money.” Unlike owner-occupied condominium developments, apartment developments do not qualify for homestead exemptions and are taxed at their full assessed value. The projected local property tax revenue for City Schools of Decatur from the three downtown apartment buildings under construction (Place on Ponce, the Alexan and the Arlo), will be about $715,000 per year. With an estimate of $7,000 in local tax revenue needed to educate one student per year, these three developments will provide local property taxes that cover the costs for 102 students. • Using a high-end estimate of potential enrollment of 87 students, the school system will receive at least $105,000 annually to cover costs for other students. • Using a mid-range estimate of potential enrollment of 57 students, the school system will receive at least $315,000 annually to cover costs for other students. • Using a low-end estimate of potential enrollment of 27 students, the school system will receive at least $525,000 annually to cover costs for other students. Coming next month in Development Dynamics III – “Decatur Lacks Affordable Housing Options.”

ore than 80 of the nation’s finest craft breweries will serve up samples of hundreds of different beers at the Decatur Craft Beer Festival, Oct. 17, noon-5 p.m. The 4,000 tickets are likely to be snapped up by the time the Focus makes it to your mailbox, but you can always try your luck and review this year’s “beer list” at decaturbeerfestival.com. Proceeds from the festival are distributed in January to Decaturarea nonprofits through a grant process overseen by the festival’s founders and coordinators. Over the years, the festival has distributed nearly $700,000 to Decatur-area nonprofit groups. Last year, more than $58,000 was distributed to groups like the Decatur Arts Alliance, Decatur Makers, Poverty Is Real, Literacy Volunteers of Atlanta, and many more.

8 | Decatur Focus • OCTOBER 2015

Business & Nonprofit News On the Same Page Events

n the Same Page is a citywide reading initiative whose goal is to foster a community of readers by bringing families together around the same book. It is sponsored by Little Shop of Stories, the City of Decatur, Decatur Book Festival, Decatur Education Foundation, Eddie’s Attic, Decatur Rotary Club and Jim Jarboe Realty Associates.

The 2015 book selection is El Deafo, a Newbery Honor book by Cece Bell. For more information visit weareonthesamepage.org or littleshopofstories.com.

Be a True Friend Challenge In El Deafo, Cece searches for a friend who will accept her for who she really is. Inspired by her story, On the Same Page encourages you to be a true friend to the people in your life this fall. You could sit with a new group at lunch, take a treat to a neighbor, or write a letter to a friend far away. Come into Little Shop of Stories to sign up for our Be a True Friend Challenge and see all the ways you can pledge to be kind, inclusive, and friendly this fall.

Decatur Day of Reading Saturday, Oct. 24 • all day Decatur Mayor Jim Baskett has proclaimed Oct. 24 the 2015 Decatur Day of Reading in honor of On The Same Page. To celebrate, we challenge everyone to spend 30 minutes reading El Deafo or any other book. Art Supply Drive Thursday, October 22-Friday, Nov. 6 On The Same Page will host an art supply drive in conjunction with the Georgia Art Therapy Association. Drop off new, unused art supplies at Little Shop of Stories to be given directly to the Elaine Clark Center, Red Cross, City of Refuge Shelter, as well as other organizations in need.

What’s Your Story? l Deafo is Cece Bell’s graphic memoir, which is a fancy way of saying that it’s the true story of her childhood, and this fall Little Shop of Stories challenges Decatur children (and adults, too) to write their own graphic memoirs. Choose a story from your life and create a comic strip or mini graphic novel about it. Write your story using panels, speech bubbles, thought balloons and sound effects. Drop your project at Little Shop of Stories by Nov. 1 and it will be put on display in a special gallery at the grand finale event. Please make sure to provide your name, age, phone number, and email address with each submission.

El Deafo Party* Thursday, Oct. 22 • 7 p.m. Now that you’ve read the book, it’s time to come together for a celebration! We’ll play games, make crafts, share stories with friends, learn some sign language. This is always a favorite event and will be a fun evening you don’t want to miss.

All events are free and will be held at Little Shop of Stories unless otherwise noted. Little Shop is at 133 A East Court Square. For information: 404-373-6300; littleshopofstories.com On The Same Page Book Club Friday, Oct. 9 • 5:30 p.m. Meet up with other kids (and their parents) who are On The Same Page to discuss how Cece uses her superpower to pop the bubble of loneliness and become a true friend. Exploring Deafness Workshop Sunday, Oct. 18 • 4 p.m. How do deaf people play sports? Is the sign for dog the same in China as it is here? At this interactive workshop your family can practice lip reading, learn some sign language, try to communicate without speaking, and have common myths about deafness dispelled. Space is limited – email info@weareonthesamepage.org to sign up your family.

Cece Bell Author Visit* Friday, Nov. 6 • 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Drew Charter Upper School Auditorium 300 E. Lake Blvd., Atlanta Don’t miss this special celebration, complete with performances, art, and, of course, a reading and signing with the author. This event will be first come, first seated. Peter Cook Storytelling Performance* Saturday, Nov. 21 • 4 p.m. Cannon Chapel, Emory University 515 Kilgo Circle, Atlanta Peter S. Cook is an internationally renowned deaf performing artist whose works incorporate American Sign Language, pantomime, storytelling, acting, poetry, and movement. Cook uses his whole body to tell stories without saying a word. Tickets can be purchased at petercook.eventbrite.com and cost $10 in advance or $12 at the door. This event is first come, first seated. Doors open at 3 p.m. *Sign language interpreters will be present at these events. OCTOBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 9

Business & Nonprofit News DeKalb History Center Offers School Programs The DeKalb History Center is offering special school programs this fall, some of them new programs for specific grade levels. The center is located in the historic Old Courthouse in downtown Decatur. Second-Grade History Day A new program for second-graders takes place on Oct. 6 at the History Center’s Historic Complex at 720 W. Trinity Place. Second-Grade History Day allows students to spend nearly two hours with living historians in period clothing who present the lives of James Oglethorpe, Mary Musgrove, Chief Tomochichi, and Sequoyah. Students learn about the early days of the Georgia colony, how the native people were affected by Europeans in their midst, the friendship between Oglethorpe and Tomochichi, and the many accomplishments of Oglethorpe’s Creek Indian translator, Mary Musgrove. Students meet Cherokee Indian Mark Eaton as he portrays Sequoyah. Students recite the Cherokee alphabet and learn about the man who singlehandedly created a written language. History Adventure In this program on Oct. 20-22, students will visit eight different living history stations at the Historic Complex, including the Benjamin Swanton House, the Mary Gay House, and two pioneer log cabins. The program will focus on the eighth-grade Georgia History curriculum on Oct. 20-21 and then switch to fourth-grade early U.S. History on Oct. 22. The stations range from Harriett Tubman and the Underground Railroad to Mary Gay, early Creek Indians, oldtimey mountain music, African storytelling, Sequoyah, Revolutionary War, early life in Decatur, and more. Third Grade History Day The last school program this fall is the Third-Grade History Day, a two-part program with the first part being held Nov. 4 at the Old Courthouse. Third-graders, who learn about the foundations of democracy and freedom as part of their curriculum, hear from individuals who made great sacrifices to further the cause of democracy and freedom in this country. At the event students encounter an actor playing Paul Revere, who was known for his midnight ride but who was also a mastermind of the American Revolution. Students talk with Frederick Douglass, who engineered his own escape from slavery and then wrote and spoke movingly of the inalienable rights of all people, regardless of race. Susan B. Anthony rallies students to her cause, women’s suffrage, with a passion that pulls them into the action of her story. Part 2 of ThirdGrade History Day will be on March 23, 2016. For more information on these special programs, school tours, and outreach programs visit dekalbhistory.org, call 404-373-1088, extension 20, or email goldemund@dekalbhistory.org.

10 | Decatur Focus • OCTOBER 2015

Children in the History Adventure program learn about prehistoric Native Americans.

Harriett Tubman interacts with students at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse.

James Oglethorpe portrays life in the early Georgia Colony.

Business & Nonprofit News Decatur Farmers Market: Shop Local for Fresh Produce Wednesdays, March-December • 4-7 p.m. • On the lawn of First Baptist Church Saturdays year-round • 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • 498 McDonough St. Michael Harbin, a member of the Decatur Active Living Advisory Board and chair of the Market Community Group for the Decatur Farmers Market, invites you to shop for organic, locally grown, sustainable foods at these market locations in Decatur. The individual vendors are happy to chat and explain what they have grown/baked/prepared or created for sale – an experience you can’t get at a traditional grocery store. A peach of a story: during the summer, a woman came to the Saturday market and bought several bags of Pearson’s peaches. A few hours later, she came back to the market with a just-out-of-the-oven peach pie she had baked for the market vendors. Needless to say, everyone dug in and enjoyed. To subscribe to the Decatur Farmers Market newsletter or for more information, visit decaturfarmersmarket.com.

Decatur resident Kate Christman conducts cooking chef demonstrations at the Wednesday market.

Ebster Teen Cooking Class

en girls graduated from the Ebster teen cooking class, sponsored by Cooking Matters-Open Hands, in August. The six-week program focused on meal preparation, grocery shopping, food budgeting and nutrition. Teen participants took home a bag of groceries at the end of each class. Classes were taught by a volunteer chef and nutrition educator. Cooking Matters has been featured by First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign and recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for excellence in nutrition education. A special thank you to Sally Brozek, Active Living board member; Joy Goetz, nutrition coordinator; Sarah Thorpe, Open Hands coordinator; and Kate Christman, nutrition educator, for making this program possible.

MAY 2015 • Decatur Focus | 11

OCTOBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 11

Business & Nonprofit News Ritson and Barrow Join Maxim

Fall Festival at Decatur First Christian Church

Rachel Ritson, aka the Hair Gypsy, and Charles Barrow have joined Maxim Barbers’ full-time staff. Rachel has been in the hair industry since 1998. Charles has been carrying on the family tradition of barbering for 25 years. His father and grandfather were barbers in Decatur. Maxim Barbers is at 218 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. The shop now offers straight razor face shaves. Ask for Charles and treat yourself to 40 minutes of pampering. Sporting a beard? Come on in for the MAXIMum beard trim with a straight razor clean up. No appointment necessary.

Place on Ponce Second Phase Complete, Residents Moving In

he Place on Ponce, downtown Decatur’s first new apartment complex in more than a decade, is now leasing the completed Phase II of the development. Located on the corner of W. Ponce de Leon Ave. and Ponce de Leon Place, the 234-unit, twobuilding, five-story development features contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and 10,000 square feet of street-level retail space. Amenities include a 4,000-square-foot resident clubroom, 1,700-square-foot fitness center, resort-style pool, dog spa, bike repair station, and two outdoor courtyards. The first phase, completed in late 2014, consists of 28 units and is fully occupied. The second phase has 206 units. For more information: theplaceonponce.com

12 | Decatur Focus • OCTOBER 2015

Saturday, Oct. 10 • 10 a.m.-1 p.m. What: Activities include a chili cook-off, a cake walk, games, arts and crafts, an inflatable, and exciting raffles. Chili, hot hogs, popcorn, and other treats will be available. Where: Decatur First Christian Church (across from the post office), corner of Ponce de Leon Avenue and Nelson Ferry Road. Fee: Entry wristbands for $5, $20 family max, including a coupon for free popcorn or chips for adults. Information: Call 404-378-3621

Volunteers Needed for Senior Connections

enior Connections, a nonprofit agency delivering meals to seniors throughout Decatur and DeKalb County, is gearing up for a busy fall. Volunteers are needed daily to pack meals Monday through Friday and to deliver meal routes Monday through Saturday. Deliveries can be done out of Decatur First United Methodist Church, Senior Connections’ Chamblee building and the Bruce Street Lithonia Senior Center. Volunteering for two-three hours per month is a great way to help senior neighbors who count on Senior Connections for a healthy meal. Often, the only person a senior Senior Connections Developmay see that day is a volunteer. ment Director Sharon Steele To learn more or to fill out a volunteer application visit seniorconnectionsatl.org/volunteer or call Allison Glass, volunteer manager, 404-488-6167.

‘Tis the Season for a Spooky Decatur History Lesson Take a walking ghost tour around Decatur’s downtown this October. Cost is $15 for adults, $12 for children under 10. Register in advance at decaturghosttour.com, or call 404-296-7771.

Business & Nonprofit News Empower Family Medicine Opens on Swanton Way

Fierce Reads Young Adult Book Tour Coming to Decatur

hat would make going to the doctor’s office amazing? Imagine an office with no wait time, where the doctor is waiting for you. Imagine your doctor being readily available by email, phone, same or next-day appointment to respond to your needs. That is the vision for an ideal medical clinic. Ideal medical practices are springing up around the nation with the philosophy of providing the healthcare people need and want, when they want and need it. Dr. Melissa Black has opened Decatur’s first community-designed ideal medical clinic at 209A Swanton Way, Suite 101. Empower Family Medicine is now accepting new patients ages 18 and up for primary care, integrative medicine and acupuncture. Community members are invited to contact Dr. Black with ideas for the ideal clinic. Artwork submissions for an art contest with the theme “Decatur, Healthy and Strong” are also welcome. Prizes will be awarded for all age groups. Selected art will be posted for display or sale in the clinic if desired. Contact: empowerdecatur.com or 404-981-6278.

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the Fierce Reads tour will stop by Little Shop of Stories, 133A E. Court Square, at 7 p.m. This young adult event will feature four authors who write across all genres (from left): Leigh Bardugo, Josephine Angelini, Emma Mills, and Leila Sales. For more information visit fiercereads.com/events.

Annual Yard Sale Oct. 1-3 First Baptist Church Decatur Corner of Clairemont Avenue and Commerce Drive Sale begins at 8 a.m. on Thursday morning, Oct. 1. Proceeds from purchases are used to fund special projects.

Days for Girls Open House Saturday, Oct. 3 • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lutheran Church of the Messiah 465 Clairemont Ave. ays for Girls International is a nonprofit organization (not religiously affiliated) that helps women and girls gain access to quality sustainable, reusable fabric feminine hygiene kits. Women and girls in certain areas of the world (and here in the United States) do not have access to, or cannot afford, disposable paper hygiene products. Not having sanitary supplies means days without school, days without work and income, days without leaving home. Many girls fall so far behind in school that they drop out, and then the cycle of poverty continues. Many women have to choose between feeding their children or buying sanitary supplies. Reusable fabric kits that are comfortable, effective, and discreet give women and girls back days of safety and dignity. Days for Girls kits have been distributed in more than 75 countries on six continents. The Decatur Chapter of DfG meets on the first Saturday of every month at Lutheran Church of the Messiah to cut fabric, sew, and assemble kits. No sewing experience is necessary. Donations of 100 percent cotton quilters’ fabric, girls’ size 12 or 14 panties, and washcloths will be taken at the Open House. Information: daysforgirls.org or facebook.com/dfggeorgia.

OCTOBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 13

Business & Nonprofit News Woodlands Garden News and Events Cirque De Catur • Oct. 24 • 5-8 p.m. Woodlands Garden, 932 Scott Blvd. Performances by artists from the Imperial Opa Circus will be featured. Prepare to experience the moving art of acrobats and contortionists and a demonstration of fire arts. Enjoy food prepared by Kevin Clark, local chef and owner of Homegrown GA, accompanied by beer from Three Taverns and Creature Comforts as well as signature cocktails and other circus fare. Guests can participate in raffles to win items such as an overnight at the Four Seasons, a bike from Bicycle South, or landscape planning services from Leitch Landscape Co. A silent auction will offer original artwork by photographer Virginia Twinam Smith. Event proceeds will support Woodlands Garden’s campaign Keep It Green Indie-Catur, raising funds to purchase the 915 Clairemont Ave. corner property adjacent to the garden and for improvements to make the garden a more user-friendly community amenity. Only 200 tickets are available – early bird tickets cost $60 per person; after Oct. 15 tickets will sell for $75. Tickets may be purchased at woodlandsgarden.org where information about the campaign can also be found. Free shuttle parking will be provided from the First Baptist Church parking lot.

Makers Play Games at Maker Faire “Making” isn’t always about solving a real-life problem with a creative solution – sometimes it’s just building something because it’s fun. Decatur Makers have been gathering twice monthly over the summer to work on projects they’re showcasing at Maker Faire Atlanta, Oct. 3-4, in downtown Decatur. Stop by their booth and play with their trebuchet cornhole, super-sized jenga, 3D-printed super spirograph, huge SOMA cubes, and more. They’ve also worked on a rocket ship photo booth and will display their Decatur Lantern Parade bee swarm. For more information: decaturmakers.org.

Green Ribbons in Decatur Support ‘Keep It Green Indie-Catur’ Campaign In the midst of ribbons and bows, Woodlands Garden rolled out the final phase of its Capital Campaign on Sept. 1. With $300,000 left to raise, the garden hopes to wrap up by year’s end its efforts to secure funds for the purchase of the lot at the corner of Clairemont Avenue and Scott Boulevard. The campaign opened with a flourish when colorful ribbons festooned the lot at 915 Clairemont Ave., marking the beginning of the “Keep It Green Indie-Catur” ribbon sales. Green ribbons have been cropping up all over town as residents rally around this campaign. You can support the preservation of a green Decatur by purchasing a $20 ribbon at woodlandsgarden.org or at local retailers Intown Ace or Little Shop of Stories. Tie your ribbon on a tree near your home and a matching one will be displayed at the Scott-Clairemont corner. A founding sponsor of the Woodlands Garden capital campaign is Private Bank of Decatur.

New Classes and Services at Solstice Urban Retreat

olstice Urban Retreat is growing and adding services for the Decatur community, including Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors, Storytime Kids Yoga, a Saturday barre class, and an in-house physical therapist, Lauren Sok. For more details on these and other services contact info@solsticeatlanta.

14 | Decatur Focus • OCTOBER 2015

Storytime Kids’ Yoga at Solstice Urban Retreat 2nd Monday of every month 3:30-4:15 p.m. $10/per child, ages 5-10 A 45-minute yoga class (about 30 minutes of yoga and 15 minutes of story time) incorporating positive lessons and themes – sharing, feelings, compassion, acceptance – is led by Heidi Schaffner, an experienced school and kids yoga teacher. Solstice Urban Retreat is at 302 E. Howard Ave. For information call 404-274-3844.

Business & Nonprofit News CORE Takes the Stage for Its 30th Anniversary Season

nnovative. Inspirational. Energizing. Thought-provoking. Risk-taking. These are just a few of the words that have been used over the past three decades to describe CORE, the award-winning contemporary dance organization based in Decatur and Houston (coredance.org). Now, as CORE begins its 30th anniversary season in Metro Atlanta and its 35th anniversary season in Houston, dance lovers can add “enduring” to the list of accolades. To commemorate this milestone year, CORE is partnering with Atlanta’s High Museum of Art to present a series of site-specific dance works inspired by two of the High’s exhibits – Habsburg Splendor: Masterpieces from Vienna’s Imperial Collection, and Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion. CORE Performance Company will showcase new works both inside the museum and on the grounds. The season also will include the commission of new work by guest choreographers, Museum as Space, to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the High Museum’s building addition. Performance Schedule Oct. 23 • 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. • Free, with museum admission ($10) Habsburg Splendor: Masterpieces from Vienna’s Imperial Collection High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta The High Museum of Art has commissioned CORE to create a new work in conjunction with the Habsburg Splendor exhibit. Joshua Rackliffe, a member of Core Performance Company, is the featured artist and choreographer for this world premiere.

Feb. 26 • 6:30 p.m. • Edge in Unexpected Spaces This performance is in partnership with the Rialto Center for the Arts and Off the Edge Contemporary Dance Festival. May 6 and 13 • 7:30 p.m. • Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion In addition to the 30th anniversary season performances, CORE will offer its popular Lunchtime in the Studio series throughout the year. The series invites the public to visit CORE’s Decatur studios, 139 Sycamore St., at noon to watch the dancers at work and to learn about the organization. Each session is free and lunch is provided to the first 40 guests. Upcoming Lunchtime in the Studio dates: Nov. 19 – Dance-Making as a Catalyst for Social Change Feb. 25 – Dance the Unexpected April 14 – CORE in the Community In Atlanta, the organization also offers classes, workshops, summer camps, teacher training and Dynamic X-Change, a program that provides safe, creative outlets for people in need of building self-awareness, communication skills, healthy body awareness, and movement appreciation. CORE’s 30th season in Atlanta is supported in part by the Pattillo Foundation, the O Fund for New Work, Cameron and Roberts Insurance Agency, Primary Care Chiropractic, Studio Lotus, Decatur Atlanta Printing, and Still Hot Yoga. For more information: coredance.org.

OCTOBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 15

DBA News

Slide the City Returns, Fully Pressurized

With the county water system working at full capacity, Slide the City returned to Decatur on Sept. 12, beginning on North McDonough Street at Trinity Place, and ending in front of the Decatur High School Performing Arts Center. Although the weather was coolish, the slide was busy all afternoon. Slide the City was presented by Decatur Business Association, to raise funds for concerts and other city events.

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Decatur Events AADD Salons Seek Innovative Solutions

The Wylde Center Hosts S’mores for All –

Oct. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Aging Families Oct. 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Transition to Adulthood 125 Clairmont Rd., Suite 300

Three Free Family-Oriented Gatherings Oct. 17 • 5-7 p.m. – Sugar Creek Garden, 415 East Lake Dr. (behind Oakhurst Presbyterian Church) Oct. 24 • 5-7 p.m. – Oakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Rd. Nov. 14 • 5-7 p.m. – Hawk Hollow, 2304 First Ave.

ll About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is hosting a series of open-dialogue salons this fall to generate new thinking for the future. The salons are designed to bring together parents, siblings, self-advocates, providers, and other concerned citizens in small group discussion and forward-thinking creativity on important issues and trends affecting the quality of life for people living with developmental disabilities. The first salon covered the topic of housing, which is a growing challenge for many reasons, including new Medicare definitions of approved, appropriate group housing, an aging population that requires significant planning (individuals with developmental disabilities are living longer and, in many cases, their parent caretakers are no longer able to care for them) and the fact that the first generation of people with developmental disabilities who have lived completely mainstreamed lives are now ready to live independently. For more information visit aadd.org.

In addition to roasting marshmallows over an open fire, the events will feature storyteller Christy Foelsch from Kids Go Wild LLC, and anyone who would like to bring a musical instrument to play is welcome to do so. To volunteer, email neida@wyldecenter.org. For more information: wyldecenter.org/smores-for-all.

Fourth Annual Doggie Day Friday, Oct. 30 • 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Decatur First Baptist Church 308 Clairemont Ave. The event offers an excellent opportunity to get resources, win prizes and support the work of disABILITY LINK. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Danny Housley, 404-687-8890.

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Decatur Events Wylde Center’s Farm to School Glennwood Elementary Fall Fall Dine Out Carnival Save the Date • Nov. 4 • 5-9 p.m. The Farm to School Fall Dine Out will include a wide variety of local favorites. Enjoy a meal at any participating restaurant and a portion of your purchase will go toward Decatur Farm to School. This event is a tradition that allows the community to support the City Schools of Decatur’s efforts to teach children the importance of healthy eating. Raffle tickets for prizes will be for sale at the restaurants. Visit wyldecenter. org/decatur-farm-to-school/ for more information.

Sunday, Oct. 11 • 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 440 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. Enjoy the boardwalk games, craft booths, inflatable slide, the Creepy Cafe, a haunted house, cake walk, costume contest, Angry Birds sling shot, ghost hula hooping, photo booth, and new activities such as creepy character drawings from art teacher Nick Madden. Funds raised will go toward the Glennwood Elementary PTA. For more information, contact Karen Burns at kbburns2@hotmail. com or visit glennwood.csdecatur.net.

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Decatur Events Ghostbusters at the Haints & Saints Halloween Parade

Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby Oct. 10

Sunday, Oct. 25 • 4 p.m. oin the fun – wear your spookiest duds, trick out your ride, make a stroller or wagon float, and indulge in any other creepy hijinks you can cook up. To celebrate the upcoming release of the new Ghostbusters movie, we’re setting aside a special section of the parade for tons of Ghostbusters wearing their best ghostbusting gear! Proton packs, containment units, anti-slime equipment, and uniforms are welcome. And of course, you can wear any other fabulous costume of your choice to march in the parade. Lineup is at the post office. The parade will end on the square with a band jam session and dance party. Plan to visit one of Decatur’s restaurants or watering holes after the parade. Many of them offer specials for parade participants. For more information: decaturhalloweenparade.com

To Benefit Hagar’s House he 5th annual Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby Day, Saturday, Oct. 10, will include local vendors with food and drinks, along with live music after the race. The competition challenges amateur racers to design, build and race nonmotorized, gravity-powered soapbox cars. With the support of the community and neighborhood businesses, it has grown from about 20 drivers in 2011 to almost 100 drivers in last year’s derby. Thanks to all the support of neighbors and neighborhood businesses, the event has donated more than $50,000 to local children’s charities. This year, proceeds will benefit Hagar’s House, an emergency night shelter and assessment center in Decatur offering support services for women with children, operated by Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM), a faith-based nonprofit organization supported by more than 35 congregations from 14 denominations. To learn more about DCM and Hagar’s House, visit decaturcooperativeministry.org. The focus of the Derby continues to be providing the children of our community with resources to support a great childhood experience and the opportunity to succeed. For registration or additional information, visit madisonavesoapboxderby.org.

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OCTOBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 19

Events Decatur events it’s a Date to Stay up at late! RUDuo Performance Agnes Scott

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Decatur and everybody else, too, are invited Saturday,ll Oct. 24 residents, • 7:30 p.m. to Richter walk in Uzur the Decatur he Duo Lantern Parade on the evening of Friday, May This is one of those “the-more-the-merrier” (RUDuo) will15. visit Agnes events, so plan to participate and be a part of helping Scott College asnow the second to make this lantern parade performance in thememorable. 2015your ownand lantern at Class homeSeor 16Make Kirk Concert Master come to aduo, lantern-making workshop ries. The founded in 2005, plays where suppliesblend and guidance areworld provida mashed-up of classical, ed. where by visiting andFind rockout music. Theand freewhen concert at decaturlanternparade.com. Presser Hall-Maclean Auditorium Tobeparticipate, linea reception. up at ColorParkWheel will followed by Studio at 508 E.in Howard Ave. after 8 p.m. ing is available the West Parking The parade steps off at 9 p.m. Facility on S. McDonough St.led by The Black SheepisMarching Ensemble RUDuo Viktor Uzur (cello) and parade Chantelle Rytter. The parade into classical virtuosi as students, Brad and Viktor Bradguru Richter (guitar). While developing will wendteeth its way thebands community cut their in to rock – Viktor as an electric guitarist and Brad as guitarist and singer. bandstand in front of theknown Old CourtRUDuo is perhaps best through its regular appearances on NPR’s “Performance Today” house square.national and international broadcasts on the Armed Forces Radio Network as wellon as the frequent The parade issuch sponsored Color and programs as PBS’sby WoodSongs and NPR’s Classical Guitar Alive, which named their Wheel Studio, Arts Alliance, debut CD “BestDecatur New Release” in 2010. Decatur Education and Questions? EmailFoundation, wbrown@agnesscott.edu, call 404-471-6049, or visit agnesscott.edu/the-arts. the Decatur Development Authority.

Clairemont Elementary Holiday Marketplace

ow in its 24th year, the Holiday Marketplace will again take place at Clairemont Elementary, 155 Erie Ave., the weekend of Dec. 4-6. The school will transform into an artists’ market with nearly 100 local artists and artisans selling handmade items, including paintings, glass art, jewelry, pottery, gourmet food items, and much more. The Café will offer soups, desserts and live music. All proceeds from the event support learning initiatives for Clairemont students.

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School News Waldorf School Holiday Fair

‘Life is a Highway’ Homecoming Parade and Football Game Oct. 16

Saturday, Nov. 7 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. t the Waldorf School of Atlanta’s annual holiday fair, children of all ages can participate in a range of activities, including candle dipping, jump rope making, a petting zoo, and an obstacle course. Shopping will be available for children in the Enchantment Shop. The fish pond will be fully stocked with hundreds of handmade fish and waterthemed treasures. The Pocket Lady’s cape gives children a multitude of options for choosing special items. An artists market and the forest shop offer gifts made from natural materials, including handmade dolls, plant dyed yarns, wooden toys, jewelry, knitted items, and more. Food and live music will be available throughout the day. On Friday, Nov. 6, 6:30-9 p.m., stop in for the adultsonly preview night for shopping in the expanded forest shop and the artists market. Admission to the event is free, with fees for activities. Parking is available at Columbia Presbyterian Church, 711 S. Columbia Dr. For information: 404-377-1315, waldorfatlanta.org.

ime to break out your Decatur pride and get excited about Decatur High School’s Homecoming Week. The theme this year is “Life is a Highway.” This road trip theme gives everyone a chance to travel down to the square Friday afternoon on Oct. 16 to watch the parade, which includes appearances by the Decatur High School cheerleaders, marching band and color guard, athletic team members, club representatives, and the 2015 homecoming court. After the parade all alumni and community members are invited to come home to the stadium to cheer loudly for the Decatur Bulldogs as they take on Douglas County High School at 7:30 p.m. The halftime show will feature a presentation of our DHS band’s program “Sounds of the Silent Era” and will culminate with recognition of the homecoming court and the crowning of this year’s homecoming king and queen. For updated times and details check the school’s website and Facebook page. If you have questions contact the DHS Student Government at sga@csdecatur.net.

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Doc Talks Upcoming Seminars at DeKalb Medical Empowered Birth – Explore Your Options Tuesday, November 17, 2015 6:30-8:00 p.m. Dr. Bobbie Bailey Auditorium North Decatur campus We invite you to meet our physicians at an open house, then talk with our panel of nurses on what you can expect when you have your baby at DeKalb Medical. See the first hospital in Georgia to reach the international “Baby-Friendly” Hospital Initiative (BFHI) designation. For a referral to a DeKalb Medical physician or to reserve your space for these free seminars, please call 404.891.1195. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is free. www.dekalbmedical.org

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OCTOBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 21

School News

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Around Town

, Cindy Popp, and Derrick Lake are Backwell, Ron Thomas, Harl Pike k Left to right: Mike Towers, Richard rs. They worked the Decatur Boo Assisting Public Safety) voluntee zens (Citi S CAP e Polic new six the owing experienced CAPS. Festival as their first event, shad

The residents of Ponce de Le on Court honored long-tim e letter carrie r Roger Bryant past recipien ,a t of a Decatur Hometown H award, as he ero retired from th e U.S. Postal Se vice. Neighbo rrs say he was always smiling and has a way of connectin g with people and bringing them closer to gether.

Scott Garden, behind the Decatur Recreation Center, has a new shed, with natural light and more efficient storage of gardening tools and supplies. Every gardener with a plot in Scott Garden has access to the shed and their own cubby in addition to the communal space.

Peter Kandet zki, a fourth gr ader at the 4/ Academy at Fi 5 fth Avenue, sp ent the last ye and a half ex ploring the Am ar erican Civil W with his family ar to commemor ate the 150th anniversary of the conflict. Pe ter and his family started their journey at Fort Sumte Charleston in r in September 20 13, and went to visit 34 mor on e national pa rks through Ap 2015, collectin ril g 282 Civil W ar trading card along the way s . The Kandetzk is also visited many museu ms, state park s and other ba fields, attend ttleed a Civil War play right here Decatur at th in e DeKalb Coun ty Historic Co house, and ev urten attended a battle reenac ment at Resa tca Battlefield in Resaca, Geo rgia.

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