Focus December 2017

Focus

INSIDE: TERRIFIC THURSDAYS & HOLIDAY FUN IN DECATUR

City of Decatur

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DECEMBER 2017 Volume 28 • Number 5

Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia

Elizabeth Wilson Receives ‘Decatur for a Lifetime’ Award

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ary Elizabeth Brown Wilson, Decatur mayor emerita and former commissioner, was honored in October for her extraordinary contributions in making Decatur a place where all people can live a quality life for all stages of their lives. Mayor Pro Tem Fred Boykin and Lifelong Community Advisory Board Vice Chair Terri Kruzan presented the award at Ebster Recreation Center in the former Beacon Hill Neighborhood. Ms. Wilson was instrumental in curating the museum at Ebster that provides a history of the neighborhood and its residents.

Continued on page 4

News 3 City

EventS BUsiness 13 NEWs Shopping 8 &Holiday

DECATUR School 17 EVENTs news 19

Focus City of Decatur

Experience

Holiday Shopping in Decatur

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s you probably are aware from recent media accounts, the retail industry as we know it has been disrupted, turned on its head, and flipped upside down. A number of big box retailers, established department stores, and popular designer brands have closed or downsized. Nationally, retail space is being overbuilt and a large number of mid-level malls are dying or already dead.

Everyone is blaming e-commerce, but that is only part of the story. The shift has more to do with the bigger change in shopping habits. Yes, people are purchasing items on Amazon, but they’re also spending more of their discretionary income on dining out and experiences. Despite the e-commerce hysteria, online sales are still a relatively small share of the market. The majority of purchases made in the United States are made in-store.

The main impact of e-commerce is how it influences the way consumers purchase products. Before going into a store to buy an item, consumers now research it online on multiple e-commerce sites. This new pattern means the recent changes in retail are less about online purchasing and much more about online influence.

So how do small independently owned businesses survive in a transitioning and increasingly online-influenced retail world? Retail experts are saying the answer is all about “experiential” retail. It’s a vague term that encompasses everything from offering great customer service to having a rock climbing wall in an outdoor store to hosting a DIY flower crown workshop. It’s about engaging customers in a way that fits a shop’s brand. The good news is that Decatur retailers already have experiential retail figured out. They’re ahead of the trend or, more accurately, they have always offered a great shopping experience that goes above and beyond just selling products.

If you’ve shopped in Decatur, you’ve already experienced experiential retail. It’s when you’ve walked into Found Co. on West Ponce de Leon Avenue and were greeted by the scent of a cedarwood/vanilla/amber candle and one of the friendly shop owners. It’s when you’ve attended a shibori tie dyeing class at Trinity Mercantile and Design. It’s when you’ve danced your way around Sq/Ft on Terrific Thursdays with the in-store DJ. It’s when you’ve gone into Splash of Olive intending to buy a housewarming gift, tasted a bunch of the oils and vinegars, and decided to buy five bottles of olive oil for yourself.

There’s no need to lecture you on the importance of shopping local this holiday season.

There’s no need to explain that for every $100 spent in locally owned stores, $68 returns to the community, but only $43 returns if it’s spent at a national chain. And there’s no need to tell you that shopping in Decatur is so much more enjoyable than trudging through the mall. You already know all of that. So instead, go out and enjoy all of the unique and wonderful experiences your favorite local shops have to offer this season. Show your local love

by Keeping it Indie-catur.

Focus on Economic Development

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 • DECEMBER 2017

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.

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

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

Decatur Business Association

DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Kyle Williams......................................... President Susan Sparks.............................. President-Elect Reshell Baldini...................................... Treasurer Lisa Bobb................................................. Secretary Tim Martin.................................... Past President

Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com

City News Help Decatur Senior Citizens Stay in Their Homes Volunteer During MLK Jr. Service Project Weekend, Jan. 13-15

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ou can still sign up to volunteer for Decatur’s 16th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project. This event brings together approximately 1,300 volunteers each year to do house repairs and maintenance, weatherization, and yard repairs so fixed- and low-income senior citizen homeowners can safely, comfortably, and affordably remain in their homes. The project honors the legacy and teachings of Rev. Dr. King and the spirit of the King Holiday, the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service.

Anyone can serve (age 12 or older, unless participating with a Scout troop). If you can rake leaves, do light carpentry, do repairs on your own home, paint, wash a window, lay floor tile and linoleum, caulk, or help with any of the hundreds of other tasks, please join us.

If you are a plumber, carpenter, electrician, HVAC technician, roofer, or other skilled tradesperson, or have an insulation company, please consider donating your skills and services to this worthy project. There are jobs for every skill level, including helping feed hungry volunteers by making and donating sandwiches, cookies and brownies.

Sign up for one or more volunteer shifts (must arrive 30 minutes in advance): Saturday, Jan. 13 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 14 1-5 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 15 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-5 p.m.

To volunteer or for more information, contact Lee Ann Harvey, 678-553-6548, or leeann. harvey@decaturga.com, or mlkserviceproject. com. Participants must have a signed release form (parent or guardian to sign for youth).

Commissioners Cauldron Awarded This year’s Commissioner’s Cauldron winners are Nancy Wilkinson and Susan Phillips, 205 Adair St. They created a spooky experience for all who passed, starting with a magic garden – home to giant grasshoppers, spiders, and a skeleton head among the flowers. If you were brave enough to venture up on the front porch, you would have felt the fires of a dragon and glimpsed a skeleton playing some tunes. There was plenty of candy for all who braved the spooky maze. The judges were highly impressed with the ominous antics at this home.

Thanks to everyone who decorated, submitted entries and made a showing for Halloween. See all of the entries at the Decorate Decatur Facebook page.

Holiday Solid Waste and Recycling Services Christmas • Monday, Dec. 25 Regular solid waste and recycling services for Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 25-26, will be on Wednesday, Dec. 27.

New Year’s Day • Monday, Jan. 1 Regular solid waste and recycling services for Monday will be on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Tuesday services will be on Wednesday, Jan. 3.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 15 Regular services for Monday will be on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Tuesday services will be on Wednesday, Jan. 17.

Focus Combined for January and February The January/February issue of the Focus is combined and will arrive the second week of January instead of the first week. The deadline for submission of information for both January and February is Dec. 10.

Send information to decaturfocus@decaturga.com.

DECEMBER 2017 • Decatur Focus | 3

City News WILSON Continued from page 1 Ms. Wilson played a key role in the desegregation of Decatur public schools and libraries in the 1960s. She co-founded the Beacon Hill Neighborhood Health Center, later renamed the Oakhurst Community Health Center, where she served as CEO. The centers provided medical care to residents who could not afford it. Ms. Wilson has been and continues to be an advocate for Decatur’s senior citizens. In 2001, she organized the Seniors Helping Seniors tax relief program and continued to be an advocate for senior tax relief through her tireless efforts in 2016 to pass senior homestead exemptions.

Mayor Pro Tem Boykin told attendees about his 40-year friendship with Ms. Wilson. The attendees who gathered to honor her were delighted when Mr. Boykin produced a South Decatur newsletter from 1980 that ran an article about Ms. Wilson’s plans to open the health center. Mr. Boykin also told the crowd about the challenges they faced with other community members with the

Elizabeth Wilson with members of the Lifelong Community Advisory Board, Commissioner Tony Powers, and Mayor Pro Tem Fred Boykin

restoration of the Old Scottish Rite Hospital in Oakhurst that had fallen into disrepair.

Ms. Wilson’s award was a bowl, made from a Decatur maple tree, created by John Madajewski, former City of Decatur engineer. Ms. Kruzan observed that the lifecycle of that tree, from its start and growth until it reached the

Open Office Hour Decatur wrapped its 2017 Open Office Hour series last month featuring all of the city commissioners and the city manager. Open Office Hour will return in 2018. If there is a topic you would like to see addressed by one of the city commissioners, please submit it to openofficehour@decaturga.com.

All of the Open Office Hours can be viewed online through the city website, decaturga.com.

East Howard Is Open A new storm and sanitary sewer system has been installed in one of the oldest sections of the city, and E. Howard Avenue is open again with new streetlights and wider sidewalks. If you haven’t done so already, make sure to reacquaint yourself with the surrounding businesses. Doggy Dogg will satisfy your late-night Bavarian-inspired hot dog cravings with its take away window shop. If you’re feeling fancy, stop by Kimball House for oysters and a cocktail or reserve the attached Bonanza Room for your office holiday party.

After filling your belly, make an appointment to check out the paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and photography at the nearby Different Trains Gallery. Keep your eye out for two Howard Avenue businesses that will be opening in the not-too-distant future: Decatur Market and Ammazza Pizzeria.

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end of its lifetime, mirrored the efforts of the Lifelong Community Advisory Board to help Decatur become a place where all people can live a quality life and be involved in the community for as long possible.

For more information call 678-553-6548 or email leeann.harvey@decaturga.com.

Sign Up to Receive eNotifications Sign up for eNotices to receive emails that notify you when news, meetings and agendas have been posted to the city’s online calendar. Here are the steps to sign up: 1. Visit decaturga.com and select the “sign up for eNews” button on the left side of the page.

2. On the next screen, enter your information and select the calendars from which you wish to receive a notification. To receive notifications from all of the calendars shown on this page, select “subscribe to all emails.”

3. Click submit and you should receive a confirmation email.

City News Decatur 101 Classes Begin in February Seven-week Decatur 101 classes are held on Thursdays, with a morning class at 10 a.m.noon and an evening class at 7-9 p.m. Participants meet department heads, visit city facilities, and enjoy interactive sessions about a variety of subjects, 2 including history, 1 70 economic development, quality of life programs, public works, public safety, emergency management and more.

Whether you are a new resident or business or have been here for years, you can learn something new about Decatur in these classes. If you are interested in being in the next Decatur 101 class, contact Shirley Baylis, shirley.baylis@decaturga.com, 678-553-6573, or Linda Harris, linda.harris@decaturga.com, 678-553-6512. There is usually a waiting list for the class so sign-up today.

Artway Phase 3 Sculptures in Place Around Downtown

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our sculptures selected for Phase 3 of the Decatur Artway Sculpture Gallery have been installed around downtown. A fifth one is scheduled for installation soon.

The sculptures will be displayed for two years. Five sculptures were installed in Oakhurst in 2017 during Phase 2.

The Decatur Artway is a public arts initiative established by the Decatur Arts Alliance and the City of Decatur. To get a personal tour of the pieces, with narration provided by the artists, download the free Otocast app from iTunes or Google Play. Learn more about each work at decaturartsalliance.org.

Plenum Orb

by Donald Gialanella

Seen at School

SEE CLICK FIX! See a problem?

Let the city know!

A Refusal to Stop and Ask for Directions

by Harry McDaniel

Helping SistersHands by by Derrick Charlie Spivey Newton

Sisters

by Charlie Newton

MyDecaturGA

REPORT | CONNEC T | ACCESS • IN CASE OF AN

EMERGENCY DIAL 911 •

Search your app store for

mydecaturga DECEMBER 2017 • Decatur Focus | 5

City News Decatur Receives Voice of the People Award At the 103rd annual ICMA conference in San Antonio, Texas, National Research Center announced Decatur as the winner of the Voice of the People Award for Excellence in Community Engagement. This award is given to top-performing jurisdictions that best listen and act for the benefit of their communities. Based on responses from the National Citizen Survey, residents in the Decatur community reported the highest ratings for this category compared with all other participating jurisdictions.

Sara Holmes Earns National Certification Sara Holmes, adult program supervisor at Decatur Active Living, has become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP). The certification is granted by the National Certification Board and the National Recreation and Park Association to individuals employed in recreation, park services and leisure services professions. Eligibility requirements include a combination of higher education and work experience. Candidates must also successfully complete the national CPRP examination.

Individuals certified as CPRPs meet standards of education, expertise and experience established in the field for park and recreation professionals, and many agencies require CPRP certification when hiring for professional positions.

Sara was hired as the adult program supervisor in 2016. She is responsible for adult programs and events, including 50+ Walks; a game day for seniors; jewelry making; and music therapy. She is also responsible for the Scott Park Community Garden.

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A ‘New’ Marker for a Little Boy’s Grave

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isitors to the Old Section of Decatur Cemetery may notice a “new” marker just to the left of the Commerce gate. This cast iron monument marks the grave of “Little Charlie Duncan,” who died in 1868 at the age of five-and-a-half.

The marker had been in storage for many years. Recently, Zack Ray, Decatur Cemetery Specialist, was able to recover it, restore it, and replace it in its original spot among the family graves. The marble panel tells us all we know of Charlie’s brief life, but the design speaks of a child who was much loved. In Victorian symbolism, the weeping willows, the lambs, the individual flowers, the lyre, all testified to childlike innocence and hope of heaven for this little boy.

Little is known about Charlie or his family.

Anyone with additional family information may contact Friends of Decatur Cemetery (friendsofdecaturcemetery@gmail.com) as part of the “Shared Memories” project.

Much can be learned by strolling the cemetery and pausing to read the inscriptions on the graves. Although regular tours are offered May through October, special tours may be scheduled by contacting the Friends of Decatur Cemetery.

2017 Citizen’s Police Academy Graduates Congratulations to the 25th Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA). Participants completed weekly sessions on topics such as recruitment and training, traffic enforcement, drug identification, firearms familiarization and safety, special units and criminal investigations, use of force, juvenile procedures, community policing and crime prevention. They also participated in a patrol ride-along and tours of the DeKalb medical examiner’s office and DeKalb County Jail.

The CPA is a program to attend if you want to become more informed about how your police department operates and get to know your officers. If you are interested in signing up for the Citizen’s Police Academy, contact Lt. Jennifer Ross, jennifer.ross@decaturga.com, or 678-553-6613.

City News

Get On Board!

Lifelong Community Advisory Board Has Openings Members of the Lifelong Community Advisory Board provide assistance with the expansion and implementation of Lifelong Community initiatives, including those in the 2010 Strategic Plan. The board currently has vacancies. Decatur residents interested in playing a role in city governance are encouraged to apply.

A lifelong community encourages people to be here throughout their lives and provides the ability to age in place and live a quality life for as long as they choose. The board meets the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Commission conference room in city hall. If you would like to apply, complete a statement of interest form (decaturga. com/city-government/resident-boards-commissions) and submit it to Peggy.Merriss@decaturga.com or mail it to the City Manager’s Office, Decatur City Hall, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031 by Friday, Jan. 5.

Better Together Advisory Board The Better Together Advisory Board provides 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. Members also work to convene, connect and create opportunities for conversations within the community. The board meets on the first Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m., in the City Commission Conference Room, Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St. For more information, contact Linda Harris at Linda.harris@decaturga.com or Renae Madison at renae.madison@ decaturga.com.

Active Living Advisory Board Active Living Advisory Board members serve as advocates and advisors on projects and programs that help residents safely incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. They also support the city’s ongoing efforts to improve sidewalks and intersections, calm traffic and expand the network of bike

News from Decatur’s Volunteer Boards and Commissions

paths and walking trails. The board seeks to educate residents about obesity and lifestyle issues and implement programs designed to change behavior and encourage healthier habits.

The Active Living Board meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 8 a.m. at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St. Ideas to help make Decatur a model healthy community are welcome.

For more information, contact Cheryl Burnette, cheryl.burnette@ decaturga.com.

The Environmental Sustainability Board The Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) provides recommendations to the City Commission regarding the city’s environmental regulations, plans and initiatives. The ESB also assists with implementing city projects that affect the natural environment to protect and improve the quality of life for citizens and property owners in Decatur.

Four active committees are responsible for researching specific issues and making recommendations to the board: Natural Systems, Resource Conservation, Energy and Transportation, and Education and Outreach. Upcoming projects for the ESB include the Green Restaurant Recognition program, festival waste management, the 2018 special “green” section in the Decatur Focus, and serving as liaisons for the Stormwater Master Plan.

The board meets the third Friday of each month at 8 a.m. at the Decatur Recreation Center. If you are interested in joining a committee or learning more about the ESB, contact Courtney Frisch at Courtney. frisch@decaturga.com.

Decatur Youth Council The Decatur Youth Council (DYC), an advisory body for the City of Decatur on youth-related issues, has begun its second year. The program, which promotes leadership skills among local teens and positive changes in the Decatur community, meets twice a month. DYC members were officially sworn in at a City Commission meeting last month. City Commissioner Brian Smith and planner Sean Yates serve as liaisons.

The group has begun a series of tours of Decatur facilities for greater insight into local government. Their first stop was Fire Station No. 1, where they learned the inner workings of the Decatur Fire Department.

At the third meeting, the group voted to adopt two separate initiatives to pursue: to lower the voting age in municipal elections to 16, and to help Decatur teens find part-time employment. DYC also toured the Decatur Cemetery to learn about the history of the site.

DECEMBER 2017 • Decatur Focus | 7

City News

n u f t a h w , oh r u t a c e d n i d n i f l 'l u yo

Enjoy glittering storefronts, holiday festivities on the square, local ornaments, pop-up shops, and weekly Terrific Thursdays filled with deals and local cheer throughout the season.

Deck Your Halls

only-in-decatur ornaments

Choose from four designs by artist Lisa Huggins, perfect for your holiday décor – or to give! They are available for purchase at the Decatur Visitors Center and local shops including Wild Oats and Billy Goats, HomeGrown, Little Shop of Stories, Worthmore Jewelers, Found Co., and Trinity Mercantile and Design. This is the sixth collection of handcrafted ornaments commissioned by the Decatur Tourism Bureau and the Decatur Arts Alliance. All proceeds go toward the 2018 ornament.

HoSt a Holiday Party Restaurants in downtown Decatur and Oakhurst make great locations for holiday parties. Go ahead and make that call, they fill up fast!

set of 3 | $45 t of Buy the pictured se three for $45. Single ornaments are $18.

PoP-UP SHoP p The Root City holiday pop-up sho , opens on Small Business Saturday ks.

Nov. 25, and runs for just four wee e Where? One W. Court Square, suit #110 – in the large gallery space next to Souper Jenny. Pop in and browse handcrafted wares created for with love by local Atlanta makers ’t gifts and stocking stuffers you won find anywhere else. It's a great way to #shoplocal! hellorootcity.com @hellorootcity | #rootcity

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City News festivities NEW! Holiday Movie Night on West Ponce

Dec. 8

Because we can! Frosty's Winter Wonderland (yes, the animated classic) lights up the screen at 6:30 p.m., followed by the iconic, glamorous White Christmas (Ladies on the lam! Gents with feather fans! A rustic mountain lodge, true love and loyalty!) Come out early to snag your spot, do some shopping, or grab dinner before showtime. Bring chairs and blankets to keep it cozy.

bonfithreeosnquare Dec. 14

grmanendorah lighting

Bonfire + Marshmallow Roast on the Square Roast a marshmallow (or two) around a roaring 10’ x 10’ bonfire, 7-8 p.m.

Register for this free event at freshtix.com so we have plenty of marshmallows for everyone! Hosted by the Decatur Business Association and supervised by the Decatur Fire Department.

Grand Menorah Lighting

Dec. 18

Join in the Chanukah celebration on the square at 6 p.m. Enjoy hot drinks, latkes, music, and photos with Mr. Dreidel!

Chabadintown.org has the details.

Plus shoP

terrific thursdays

every Thursday in December DECEMBER 2017 • Decatur Focus | 9

City News

Shop whimisical women's fashion, eye-catching accessories and winter booties at Squash Blossom.

shopdeaLms +erexrytended Hours NOV. �, �, ��, �� | DEC. �, ��, ��

c i f i r r e t s y a d thurs Get Gifty with Holly Octopus + Find Free Art Enjoy seasonal shopportunities, snacks, special in-store events, sales, and extended hours. Find all that you are looking for — - hostess gifts, standout party attire, toys for the little ones and more — - in Decatur. Plus, join the hunt for free art!

QuaLity tHreads + BoLd Prints

Foodie Faves + CraFt Beer + sweets

Boutique Karma 145 Sycamore St. boutique-karma.com @shopboutiquekarma

Ale Yeah!

906 W. College Ave. aleyeahbeer.com | @aleyeah

Collage 114 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. worldofcollage.com @shopcollageatl

Splash of Olive 201 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Entrance on Commerce. splasholive.com @splashofolive

Squash Blossom 113 East Court Square squashblossomboutique.com @squashblossomboutique

Butter and Cream 416 Church St. butterandcream.com @butterandcreamatl

Trés Jolie

Greene’s Fine Foods 141 E. Trinity Pl. greenesfinefoods.com @greenesfinefoods

427 Church St. tresjoliebtq.com | @tresjoliebtq

HandBags + Hostess giFts

Vivid Boutique 308 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. vividdecatur.com | @vividboutiquedecatur

finders, keepers #oCtoPideCatur

On each Terrific Thursday, 10 artsy octopi will be placed by artist Larry Holland in participating shops around Decatur. If you're lucky enough to find an octopus, you get to keep it!

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Let the shop clerk know you found it, then take a photo and post it on Instagram. Tag yourself, the shop, @fisbn and the artist (on the back of your new eight-legged friend). Use the #octopidecatur hashtag, too.

City News LoveLy dĂŠCor Found Co. Decatur 335 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. foundcodecatur.com @foundcodecatur Trinity Mercantile & Design 116 E. Trinity Pl.. trinity-decatur.com @trinitydecatur Found Co. Decatur

Trinity Mercantile & Design

toys + Books Little Shop of Stories 133 E. Court Sq. littleshopofstories.com @littleshopofstories Salon Red Kids 123 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. salonred.com @salonredkids Treehouse Kid & Craft 533 W. Howard Ave. treehousekidandcraft.com @treehousekidandcraft

Find a book for any age at Little Shop of Stories from baby's first classics to contemporary adult non-fiction.

Quirky Finds + sarCastiC soCks

Sq/Ft 149 Sycamore St. sqftdecatur.com | @sqft_decatur

styLisH Frames Eyeworks of Decatur 335 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. eyeworksatlanta.com @eyeworksatl

@fisbn @littleshopofstories

Salon Red Kids

vinyL+ Cds Decatur CD 356 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. decaturcd.com @DecaturCD.Vinyl

@fisbn @sqft_decatur

Treehouse Kid & Craft

@fisbn at Wild Oats and Billy Goats

oh, there's more

come and find 'em!

Business & Nonprofit News aLL tHat sParkLes

Aimee Jewelry and Fine Arts Gallery 335 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. aimeejewelryandgallery. com Kismet Jewelers 414 Church St. kismetfinejewelryandart. com

Aimee Jewelry

Kismet

Worthmore

Worthmore Jewelers 117 E. Court Square worthmorejewelers.com @worthmorejewelers

take a break e giFt Cards graB a Bit

+

Doggy Dogg 310 E. Howard Ave. heydoggydogg.com @doggydoggatl FarmBurger 410 W. Ponce de Leon farmburger.net | @farmburger

HomeGrown

Mellow Mushroom 340 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. mellowmushroom.com @mellowmushroom

dealS + UPdateS Find a complete, up-to-date list of participating shops and their special offers at visitdecaturgeorgia.com/ terrificthursdays.

LoCaL HandCraFted items + art

Natural Body Spa

HomeGrown 412 Church St. homegrowndecatur.com @homegrowndecatur

Natural Body Spa 225 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. naturalbody.com @naturalbodyspadecatur

Wild Oats and Billy Goats 112 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. wildoatsandbillygoats.com

Pure Barre Decatur 415 Church St. purebarre.com @purebarredecatur Solidcore 150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. solidcore.co @solidcore

STay COnneCTeD! decaturga

downtowndecatur cityofdecaturga holidaydecaturga 12 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2017

a LittLe LusH + sweat

decaturga.com/holidays

Business and Nonprofit News DHA and City of Decatur Named 2017 Partner of the Year

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n October, Southface Energy Institute and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association honored the Decatur Housing Authority (DHA) and the City of Decatur with the 2017 Partner of the Year award at the annual EarthCraft Celebration of Excellence event. The award was given in recognition of DHA and the city’s commitment to a world that is well built for well being and for continued support of the EarthCraft program, according to Southface.

DHA and the city recently partnered to develop Trinity Walk, an affordable housing community in the heart of downtown Decatur. Phases I and II of the redevelopment of the former Gateway Manor and Oakview apartments, 421 West Trinity Place, officially opened in October with full occupancy. The complex includes 121 one-, two- and threebedroom energy-efficient apartment flats and townhomes in six contemporary, three-story buildings. Thirty-two of the apartments were created for the elderly and/or disabled, while the remaining 89 units were designed for families.

An earlier DHA development project within the city, Oliver House, was named EarthCraft Multifamily 2012 Project of the Year by Southface and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. Oliver House is an 80-unit senior housing community at 1450 Commerce Dr. The Trinity Walk apartments were constructed to EarthCraft green building specifications and will receive EarthCraft Multifamily and EarthCraft Communities certifications.

Low- to mid-rise buildings that qualify must meet a number of sustainability standards, including environmental performance, indoor air quality, building durability, comfort and affordability.

The community was designed with a central Greenway featuring community gardens, seating and gathering areas, and a “tot lot.” A customized stormwater detention system includes enhanced bioswales that naturally filter the water and return it to the soil, three bioretention areas and an 8,000-gallon stormwater cistern that captures roof runoff for irrigation reuse. In addition, DHA worked with the city to obtain capacity in the new regional stormwater retention facility. A landscaped stream buffer has been created to protect adjacent Peavine Creek and provide outdoor amenities for the Trinity Walk residents. Plantings and trees within the buffer and throughout the development enhance Trinity Walk’s viability and aesthetics.

In addition to the City of Decatur and Trinity Walk residents, DHA’s partners for the redevelopment included City Schools of Decatur, MARTA, Hudson Housing Capital, Sugar Creek Capital, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and HUD. The architect for Trinity Walk was Lord Aeck Sargent. KimleyHorn was the landscape architect and project engineer. Bradley Construction served as general contractor.

DECEMBER 2017 • Decatur Focus | 13

Business and Nonprofit News A Night Out for a Cause: Southern Soiree and Auction

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he Community School is hosting its seventh annual Southern Soiree and Auction at the Smoke Rise Country Club in Stone Mountain on Feb. 10. The school is a local nonprofit organization providing services and programs to support the education and social-emotional development of adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Classes are tailored to meet the individual needs of each participant and to help them reach goals that they set collaboratively, including as much independence as possible. This event supports these programs.

The event includes a buffet-style dinner, a cash bar, a DJ and dancing, as well as live and silent auctions. Tickets go on sale Dec. 1. Sponsorships and auction items are welcomed and appreciated. For more information, visit thecommunityschool.net/ southernsoiree.

Decatur Makers’ New Year’s Resolution: Make Something Interested in learning to build a wooden chair, create stained glass art, program an Arduino, 3D print a vase, or make something else cool? Consider joining Decatur Makers, a welcoming, familyfriendly community of inquisitive, motivated people who work together in a safe environment to create interesting things.

Decatur Makers has been ramping up classes, hosting “Open Build Nights” on Wednesday evenings, and holding “Family Build Nights” the last Wednesday of every month. Memberships and class vouchers make excellent holiday gifts for the creative DIY person in your life. If your resolution is to de-clutter your workshop, Decatur Makers is happy to consider your donation of equipment and tools for its family-friendly makerspace.

For more information visit DecaturMakers.org.

Winter at the Decatur Farmers Market

Farmers markets may conjure up images of shopping for heirloom tomatoes on a hot summer morning, but markets are wonderful in winter too. Thanks to Georgia’s climate, farmers can grow a variety of delicious veggies all winter. Think collard greens, kale, beets, carrots, turnips, cabbages, and broccoli.

The cold temperatures cause these veggies to produce more sweetness so they are even tastier in the winter. There is also a selection of value-added goodies like pastries and cheeses.

Decatur Farmers Market Winter Schedule Wednesday, Dec. 13 – last Wednesday market of 2017 Saturday, Dec. 16 – last Saturday market of 2017 Dec. 17-Jan. 9 – holiday break Wednesday, Jan. 10 – opening day of the Wednesday winter market

14 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2017

Business and Nonprofit News Gardens Needed for Tour Wylde Center is currently seeking beautiful private gardens for its 2018 tour. The two-day event will take place Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, May 6, noon-5 p.m. If you have a garden in the greater Decatur-Atlanta area and would like Wylde Center to consider it for the tour, or know someone who has a garden you believe should be featured, contact Wylde Center at gardentour@wyldecenter. org or 404-371-1920.

Plants Creative Landscapes Receives Landscape Award Plants Creative Landscapes, 425 E. College Ave., has received an Award of Excellence Grand Award from the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Each year, the association recognizes exceptional landscape, lawn care, and interior plantscape design projects from around the nation. Plants Creative Landscapes has created and maintained beautiful, multi-functional landscapes in the Decatur area since 2005.

DBA Seeks Nominations for Thomas O. Davis Public Servant Award

D

o you know a public servant who goes far beyond his/her job to strengthen our community, serve as a role model, and contribute to our community on an ongoing basis?

The Decatur Business Association is calling for nominations for the 16th annual Thomas O. Davis Public Servant Award to honor a public servant – one who often goes unnoticed in his/her work but serves as an inspiration and who exemplifies honesty, integrity and professionalism in the performance of duties. The public servant can work in any government sector as long as they serve in a non-elected capacity. The award is not limited to City of Decatur employees.

The DBA established the award in memory of Thomas O. Davis, Decatur’s city attorney from 1968 until his death in 2000. Submit a nomination by writing a letter/statement explaining why the nominee should receive the award. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 20. For information or to submit a nomination, call 678-553-6548 or email leeann.harvey@decaturga.com.

Nominations may also be dropped off at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St., second floor, Community and Economic Development department, or mailed to P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031.

December 5

DBA Holiday Party Decatur Courtyard by Marriott Food by Taiyo Ramen

Meeting Reminder

130 Clairemont Ave. 5:15 p.m. Networking reception 6 p.m. Hometown Heroes, Beer Festival Grant Awards Sponsored by Decatur Development Authority, Courtyard by Marriott, and Taiyo Ramen

January 23

State of the City Address

at the Courtyard by Marriott Sponsored by City of Decatur and Courtyard by Marriott Visit decaturdba.com for details

DECEMBER 2017 • Decatur Focus | 15

Decatur Events Business and Nonprofit News School News

Woodlands Garden Receives $25,000 Grant

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n October, Woodlands Garden was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Imlay Foundation towards its streambed restoration project. The Imlay Foundation is a private charitable foundation established in 1990 by John P. Imlay Jr., the late Atlanta-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, to support charitable and cultural organizations within Atlanta and Scotland.

Woodlands sought funds to stabilize the banks of Morse Creek, a tributary of the Chattahoochee River that runs through the garden. In March this year, the garden hired Ecological Solutions Inc., a natural resources consulting firm, to assess the site and create a plan to repair the damage to the creek and surrounding area. Their report showed that erosion and poor storm water management upstream have compromised the creek’s water and banks over time. The grant will be used to purchase stream restoration materials, including root wads, boulders, and plants.

Woodlands will engage the community to help complete the restoration work. Sign up today to join the volunteer effort. The Morse Creek restoration project continues Woodlands’ ongoing work to preserve its Piedmont forest and engage the broader Atlanta community in the natural world. Follow in the footsteps of the Imlay Foundation by donating to Woodlands to support garden projects and programs in this community greenspace. Visit woodlandsgarden.org for information.

Decatur Bahá’í Community Celebrates Bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

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n October, inspired by the life and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, millions of people worldwide celebrated the 200th anniversary of his birth. Here in Decatur, the Bahá’í community welcomed friends and neighbors to the Decatur Recreation Center to share in a celebration of friendship, diversity and a hopeful vision for a society that embraces and practices reciprocity, fellowship, and service to the benefit of all.

The program consisted of prayers, stories and musical selections. It was planned by the Bahá’í community and included children and youth. More than 160 people attended, including Mayor Patti Garrett and members of the Decatur Police Department. At the

Registration Is Open at the Märchen Sagen Academy 16 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2017

event, Mayor Garrett proclaimed October 21, 2017, as the 200th anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh and commended its observance to all citizens.

The Bahá’í faith is a global religion founded

by Bahá’u’lláh. At the heart of Bahá’i endeavors is a long-term process of community building that seeks to develop patterns of life and social structures founded on the oneness of humanity.

Other bicentenary-related activities included a film screening of Light to the World at the Decatur Library, a scavenger hunt to find examples of virtues throughout downtown Decatur, and a cupcake party for toddlers and children at Glenlake Park.

For more information about the bicentenary celebrations around the world, visit bicentenary.bahai.org. For more information about the Decatur Bahá’í community, including local community-building activities for children, youth and adults, visit decaturbahais.org.

The Märchen Sagen Academy, Inc., a nonprofit at the historic Houston House, 418 Church St., has hosted an afternoon enrichment program in video and audio production for kids ages 6 to 12 over the past year. The second year of the program began in August and enrollment and programming is expanding.

Individual and group classes are now available for registration. Filmmaking, painting and music production classes are on the calendar, as well as a new robotics class for kids starting in January. Registration and class information are available online at marchensagen.org.

Decatur Events Breakfast with Santa in Oakhurst Friday, Dec. 22, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

The Solarium at Historic Scottish Rite 321 W. Hill St. Children and their families are invited to a light breakfast and a photo-op with Santa, sponsored by the board of the Community Center of South Decatur (CCSD). There will be craft stations and kid yoga minisessions. The event is free to the community. RSVP at contact@ thesolarium.com. CCSD thanks business sponsors Griffin & Company Insurance, MOCK, SCOUT and Kid’s Yoga with Coach Beauchamp.

International Dessert Bazaar

Christmas on Clairemont Concert

Sunday, Dec. 10, noon-6 p.m.

Decatur Recreation Center 231 Sycamore St. This holiday event, presented by the Atlanta Child Care Guide, includes desserts, pastries, beverages, sweets and treats from different cultures from around the Decatur and Atlanta Metro areas.

Unique desserts will be available to sample and purchase throughout the day. There will also be entertainment and prizes.

Admission is $5. Twenty percent of the profits will go to organizations that educate and advocate stopping abuses in our communities. Vendor opportunities are also available. For more information, call 404-288-8980.

Sunday, Dec. 17 • 7 p.m First Baptist Church of Decatur 308 Clairemont Ave. This second annual Christmas on Clairemont concert will feature Broadway lead actress Caroline Bowman (pictured) and Grammy-award-winning tenor Thomas Young. Caroline Bowman is known for her lead roles on Broadway in Evita, Wicked, and Kinky Boots, and Thomas Young has appeared on television with the group Three Mo’ Tenors.

The concert is hosted by Daniel Solberg, with full orchestra, organ, piano and a festival chorus of a hundred local voices. It is free of charge and open to the community, but an offering to benefit the Decatur-area Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM) is highly encouraged. DEAM typically serves 250 local families a month in the Decatur/DeKalb County area, assisting the homeless and often preventing homelessness.

Join the choir. Sign up to sing at christmasonclairemont.com.

DECEMBER 2017 • Decatur Focus | 17

Decatur Events Dance Hall Decatur – New Year’s Eve Sunday, Dec. 31 • 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

Historic DeKalb Courthouse 101 E. Court Square, second floor Let’s ring in the New Year in Decatur! The DeKalb History Center’s holiday extravaganza features a professional DJ playing dance hits. Admission includes appetizers from Soiree Catering and Events, two drink tickets, sodas, a champagne toast at midnight, and holiday party favors. Guests may purchase additional drink tickets for beer, wine or cocktails. Festive holiday attire is encouraged.

Tickets are available at the DeKalb History Center offices or online at dekalbhistory.org.

Advance tickets are $40/$55 per adult and are available until noon on Dec. 29 (all prices go up by $10 after this deadline). Advance tickets are $15 for guests under 21 only. For more information, contact Melissa Forgey, 404-373-1088 ext. 22.

Run with the Dogs 5K / One-Mile Pup Trot Saturday, Jan. 20 • 9 a.m.

Decatur dog-loving and running communities are invited to participate in the 14th annual Run with the Dogs 5K, sponsored by the Decatur Bulldog Boosters. The event will include a onemile Pup Trot at 8:30 a.m. for those who want a shorter distance or a warm-up.

The run/walk event will begin on Commerce Drive by the Decatur High School football stadium and take a scenic, if challenging, course through the neighborhoods. It will again feature a 5K and one miler where runners and dog-owners can run/walk with (or without) their dogs.

T-shirts, awards, and treats will be available to participants, as well as a sporty race kerchief for canine companions.

This will be the first race of the New Year in Decatur’s 2018 Grand Prix Fitness Challenge.

All proceeds from the event go to funding the uniforms, equipment, and awards for studentathletes at the middle and high schools. Register online at RWTD5k.com.

Follow RWTD5K on Facebook at facebook.com/RWTD5k or Instagram @RWTD5K. Send questions to Bethany Atkinson at BethanyAtkinson@yahoo.com.

Advent/Christmas at Decatur Presbyterian 205 Sycamore St. • 404-378-1777 • dpchurch.org Worship Service – Fourth Sunday of “What about Jesus?”

Advent Wed., Dec. 6 • 6:30 p.m., Slack FellowSun. Dec. 24 • 10:30 a.m. , Sanctuary ship Hall Rev. Dr. Todd Speed, Lighting the CanOpen House dle of Joy Thurs., Dec. 7 • 5:30-7:30 p.m., SanctuChild-Led Christmas Eve Service ary and Church Street entrance Sun. Dec. 24 • 5:30 p.m., Sanctuary Christmas Caroling at Philips Tower Children’s choirs and Beyond Candlelight Service of Lessons and Wed., Dec. 13 • 6:30 p.m., begins at Carols Slack Fellowship Hall Sun. Dec. 24 • 10:30 p.m., Sanctuary Longest Night Service – A Service of Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, and Prayer and Comfort Brass Quartet Wed., Dec. 20 • 6:30 p.m., Scott Chapel

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Decatur events

School News

Friends School Partners

it’s a Date Stay up late! with EasttoDecatur Greenway

A T

ll Decatur residents, and everybody else, too, are invited to walk in the Decatur Lantern Parade on the evening of he Friends School of Atlanta (FSA) is partnering with East Friday, May 15. This is one of those “the-more-the-merrier” Decatur Greenway (EDG) to expand its environmental educaevents, so plan now to participate and be a part of helping tion program. EDG sees the school, with its faculty expertise and to make this lantern parade memorable. commitment to service learning and environmental justice, as Make your own lantern at home or vital to sustaining and enhancing its own mission of creating community come to a lantern-making workshop greenspace. where supplies and guidance are providMichele Ritan founded EDG as a nonprofit to remediate the soil and waed. Find out where and when by visiting ter contamination at the former gas station at 890 Columbia Dr. in the Fordecaturlanternparade.com. rest Hills neighborhood. In May 2014, EDG received a U.S. Environmental To participate, line up at Color Wheel Protection Agency Brownfields Grant to restore the property, which was a Studio at 508 E. Howard Ave. after 8 p.m. public health concern as well as an eyesore. The space now offers a rain garThe parade steps off at 9 p.m. led by The den for conserving rainwater and a bike and walking trail.

Black Sheep Marching Ensemble and paFSA teachers Dennis Bauer and Joanna Gerber have been instrumental rade guru Chantelle Rytter. The parade in incorporating the space into their curriculum. In the early stages of the will wend its way to the community restoration, FSA students made design proposals to the EDG planning bandstand in front of the Old Courtcommittee for what the space should look like. Middle school students house on the square. have also become certified water testers for the nearby creek, sending their The parade is sponsored by Color findings to the state where it is counted as official data.

Wheel Studio, Decatur Arts Alliance, Decatur Education Foundation, and the Decatur Development Authority.

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DECEMBER 2017 • Decatur Focus | 19

School News Horticulture Stimulates Renfroe Special Ed Classes

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n October, the Special Education classes at Renfroe Middle School engaged in horticultural-focused activities coordinated by Renfroe parent Rachel Cochran, a trained horticultural therapist and co-founder of Trellis Horticultural Therapy Alliance, a new Decatur-based nonprofit organization.

Heather Gratske, special education teacher, enjoyed seeing her students experience sensory stimulation from a wide variety of cut flowers and herbs – from the spiky stems and intense scent of rosemary to the bright maroon color and soft, feathery feel of the annual plant celosia, or cockscomb. The students touched, smelled, and handled the plants, and the teachers enjoyed making flower arrangements in carved pumpkins to brighten up the classroom and embrace the season. Cut vegetables were used as natural stamps to make painted prints. A hand-over-hand technique was used to allow the students to fully participate in making art.

A second group of students, taught by special education teacher Drew Ann Tucciarone, designed and constructed fairy homes made of materials collected in nature. They created flower arrangements using mini pumpkins as the vase, which the students cut and cleaned out themselves. Students also planted two container gardens of fall annuals to enhance the school entranceway. They will be responsible for watering so the plants stay healthy.

Decatur resident Rachel Cochran co-founded Trellis Horticultural Therapy Alliance in 2017 along with friend and colleague Wendy Battaglia. Trellis serves as a resource for horticultural therapy and accessible gardening programs in the metro Atlanta area for the benefit of people with physical, mental, cognitive and emotional challenges. To learn more, visit the Trellis website at trellishta.org.

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Decatur Events The Hidden Issue of Hunger in Decatur

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he mission of the Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) is to harness community resources to provide educational and enrichment opportunities for Decatur’s kids. But sometimes the students have needs that are more critical. For many, meals provided at school may be the most consistent source of food. Approximately 700 families in the Decatur city school district qualify for free or reduced lunch based on federal income guidelines on poverty.

Food insecurity, defined as limited or uncertain access to adequate food, is an issue that often remains hidden in our community, and DEF is working with volunteers and organizational partners to ensure that families have enough food during break weeks from school.

According to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, 26 percent of children, or one in four kids in Georgia, live in food-insecure households. In conjunction with the Decatur Housing Authority, DEF recently launched an outreach effort to ensure that local families would have enough food during the Thanksgiving break week.

In early November, a team of DEF staff and volunteers gathered to fill approximately 100 food boxes with an assortment of nonperishable food items donated by the community. The boxes were then distributed to families who live in the Decatur Housing Authority communities.

If you are interested in helping, visit decatureducationfoundation.org/join-us to sign up for the next Volunteer Work Day.

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School News CSD Receives Golden Radish Award for Farm to School Accomplishments City Schools of Decatur was recognized at the gold level for these accomplishments during the 2016-17 school year: • Offering farm-to-school education that includes job skills training. Three students from Decatur High School were awarded Decatur Farm to School summer internships. Student interns spend the summer working at local farms and urban gardens, in Decatur’s most popular Farm to Fork restaurants, and at the Decatur Farmers Market.

• Providing farm-to-school-focused professional learning days in which all of the school nutrition staff participate in workshops, such as the Humane Society’s Food Forward training, and learn culinary skills with local chefs.

• Partnering with the Wylde Center and Georgia State University Nutrition stu-

dents to offer district-wide taste tests of vegetables grown in school gardens.

The Golden Radish Award publicly recognizes school districts for all aspects of farm to school, from local food procurement to

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hosting taste tests and gardening with students. This year, the Golden Radish partners awarded 26 new school districts and welcomed a new partner – University of Georgia Extension.

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Around Town

#decaturga

PD in the community

Show off your Decatur on social media and share it with your neighbors. Email renae.madison@decaturga.com.

Welcome to Decatur!

This young man was participating in a scavenger hunt on the square, needed a picture to “show love,” and wanted a hug from the police. Officer Johns happily obliged.

Decatur Smiles, a new dental office at 144 S. Columbia Dr., celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Visit decatursmilesga.com for information on services.

#decaturpd

#pearlywhites #southsidelife #bigscissors

#squarelife

#community

Hangin’ Out On Halloween

In October, Decatur Fire and Rescue, Decatur Police and Decatur Prevention Initiative hosted a Halloween Hangout Night for teens.

Thank you to these Decatur businesses for supporting Decatur teens: Ebrik Coffee Room, Steel City Pops, Dairy Queen, Rocket Fizz, Butter and Cream, and Comet Pub and Lanes. #happyhalloween

#trickortreat

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#andsomewheretogo DECEMBER 2017 • Decatur Focus | 23

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