Focus City of Decatur
INSIDE: Improving Energy Efficiency in Decatur Clear zone
JUNE 2018 Volume 28 • Number 10
Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia
Opening Day Youth Baseball and Parade
Saturday, June 2 • 11 a.m. • McKoy Park The community is invited to youth baseball opening day in Decatur. The parade begins at 11 a.m. starting at McKoy Park and concludes at Oakhurst Park. If you would like to participate in the opening day activities as a driver, cook, volunteer or parade watcher, contact Stacy Green, 678-553-6549. Pictured above with players and parents at Opening Day Baseball 2017: Robbie Gilbert (Decatur High School Baseball Coach), Mike Glenn (Atlanta Hawks), Peggy Merriss (City of Decatur City Manager) and Commissioner Brian Smith
News 3 City
BUsiness 10 NEWs
DBA 16 NEWs
DECATUR School 18 EVENTs news 21
Focus City of Decatur
Decatur Businesses Are FAR Accessible for Visually Impaired
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ast year, Decatur teamed up with Foresight Augmented Reality (FAR) to establish FAR-accessibility for seven locations throughout the city: Decatur City Hall, the Decatur Police Department, Ebster Recreation Center, Decatur Recreation Center, Decatur Visitors Center, the Community Bandstand and the Decatur MARTA Plaza. These locations have been made “visually-impaired friendly” with the installation of Bluetooth beacons that, when paired with the FAR Vision mobile app, provide users with descriptive information such as entrances and exits, restrooms, hazard warnings and more. Nine local Decatur businesses are now FAR-accessible as well: The Square Pub, Best Time Convenience Store, Raging Burrito, Sq/Ft, Sweet Melissa’s, Butter and Cream, Java Monkey, Splash of Olive and Taco Mac. Through the mobile app, the visually impaired can hear descriptive details about the businesses as well as listen to the menus at restaurant locations. Foresight Augmented Reality was founded in 2016 in Atlanta with the goal of creating smarter communities. FAR’s beacons provide compliance beyond ADA requirements for businesses looking to support those with vision-related disabilities. For more information, visit foresightar.com and download the FAR Vision mobile app for iPhone, iPad or Android devices.
The Decatur Focus is a joint publication of the City of Decatur, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and the Decatur Business Association. It is a newsletter intended to provide announcements and information related to events, activities, and businesses in the city of Decatur. The purpose of the newsletter is to promote the city and encourage the exchange of information among residents, business owners and the school system. Letters to the editor, editorials or other opinion pieces are not published. All press releases, announcements and other information received for publication are subject to editing. Information found in the Focus is also posted on Decatur’s official website at decaturga.com. The deadline for submitting articles, announcements or advertising is the first day of the month preceding publication. Contact: Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, 404-371-8386; fax 404-371-1593; email: decaturfocus@decaturga.com. Clear zone
DECATUR CITY COMMISSION Patti Garrett...................................................Mayor Tony Powers..............................Mayor Pro Tem Scott Drake..................................Commissioner Brian Smith..................................Commissioner Kelly Walsh..................................Commissioner
FAR founder David Furukawa guides a group of visually impaired people through a FAR-accessible community.
Treehouse Kid and Craft Expands
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reehouse Kid and Craft, 533 W. Howard Ave., is expanding next door to make room for more classes, events, and birthday parties. The additional classes will be for a wider range of age groups, including high schoolers and eventually adults as well. Treehouse has plans to partner with Atlanta Music Education, which will use the space for music classes throughout the week. The owners are currently building out the new space and are excited to have local artist Meredith Anne White paint a mural on one of the walls. The expanded store will be fully open in June. Stop by and check out the current selection of unique toys, games and art projects.
Bubble Tea in Decatur Decatur’s Poke Bar now serves boba tea (also known as bubble tea), a tea-based drink that is mixed with milk and served with tapioca balls. Tea flavors include black, green and taro. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the mixed-tea flavor, which is already becoming a customer favorite. Poke Bar is at 419 Church St. between Pure Barre and Tres Jolie Boutique. 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.
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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 Jill Joplin................................................. Treasurer Lisa Bobb......................................... Co-Secretary Emily Holden................................ Co-Secretary Tim Martin.................................... Past President Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com
City News FY 2018-19 Budget Schedule Here are important dates in the budget schedule for the City of Decatur’s fiscal year 20182019 budget process, subject to City Commission approval. The public hearings will be held at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St. June 4, 7:30 p.m.
Public hearing on Proposed FY 2018-19 Budget and Revised 2017-18 Budget and 2018 Millage Rates.
June 12, 6 p.m.
Public hearing on 2018 Millage Rate (if necessary).
June 19, 7:30 p.m. Public hearing and scheduled adoption of Proposed FY 2017-18 Budget and Revised 2016-17 Budget and adoption of final 2017 Millage Rate. Copies of the FY 2018-19 Proposed Budget and FY 2017-18 Revised Budget are available at Decatur City Hall and at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St. The budget is also available at decaturga.com/budget. Following a formal presentation of the budget to the Decatur City Commission, the city will publish a legal advertisement with more detailed information about the budget amounts and again identify the public hearing dates and times. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Meredith Roark, city clerk, 404-370-4102, or meredith.roark@decaturga.com. Check decaturga.com/budget for updates to the schedule and to view the online budget.
Floodplain Information Decatur’s Design, Environment and Construction Division provides general floodplain information on properties located within the incorporated city limits. The Decatur Library also provides references on flooding and flood protection. A map and information service is available for a $10 fee. This service provides inquirers with flood insurance rate map information and identifies whether a property is in a special hazard area. An accurate street address or DeKalb County/Decatur Tax Parcel Identification number is needed to obtain this information. Call 678-553-6529 or email jennings.bell@decaturga.com.
Garrett, Walsh, Meet Mexican Dignitaries
Celebrate the Solstice: Yoga on the Square Thursday, June 21 • 6 p.m. Come together with the Decatur community to celebrate the longest day of the year with a Summer Solstice Yoga practice. Throughout history, many cultures have associated the summer solstice with a renewal of mind, body and spirit. Join Cheryl Burnette as we celebrate the joyfulness and fun that the sunshine evokes in all of us. We will celebrate on Thursday, June 21, 6 p.m., on the square in downtown Decatur. Rain location is the Decatur Recreation Center. Free – but we encourage a $10 donation to the Decatur Youth Fund. Bring your mat, a towel and water. For more information contact Cheryl Burnette, cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com.
Focus Combines July/August Issues The July and August issues of the Decatur Focus are combined and will be available mid-July. The combined issue also features the city’s annual report. Send information for this issue by June 10 to decaturfocus@ decaturga.com (as a word document or in the body of the email only; please no PDFs) or to ATTN: Decatur Focus, PO Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031.
Holiday Solid Waste and Recycling Services Independence Day Wednesday, July 4 Recently, Mayor Patti Garrett and Commissioner Kelly Walsh were honored to meet Mexico’s Undersecretary of Foreign Relations for North America Carlos Manuel Sada Solana and Consul General Javier Díaz de León.
The holiday will not interfere with regularly scheduled solid waste and recycling services. JUNE 2018 • Decatur Focus | 3
City News Decatur Awards Outstanding Projects for 2018
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n May 9, the City of Decatur and the Decatur Historic Preservation Commission held the 2018 Decatur Design Awards ceremony at city hall. The event recognized outstanding projects in Decatur in the categories of historic preservation, additions, commercial construction, residential construction, sustainability and energy efficiency, landscape, and public/ institutional buildings. The Decatur Historic Preservation Commission was established to ensure that renovations and new construction in Decatur’s five local Historic Districts are consistent with the character of those districts. These districts currently include McDonough-Adams-King’s High-
way, Ponce de Leon Court, Old Decatur, Parkwood, and the Clairemont Historic District. The HPC works to educate residents about the value of preserving our historic built environment and assists neighborhoods interested in local district designation. The HPC recognizes and encourages good design, whether it’s a project involving a historic structure or a new building that contributes to the character of our community. The organization strives to preserve our historic structures and assure that new construction is worthy of preservation in the future. The annual design awards program, held in May during National Preservation Month, is intended to fulfill this role.
This year’s winners are: 159 Avery Street 312 Church Street – Steel City Pops 154 E. Parkwood Road 818 S. McDonough Street 321 W. Hill Street – Scout
Residential Historic Rehabilitation Commercial Historic Rehabilitation Residential Historic Rehabilitation New Residential Infill Commercial Historic Rehabilitation 159 Avery Street
818 S. McDonough Street 312 Church Street – Steel City Pops
321 W. Hill Street – Scout
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154 E. Parkwood Road
City News Decatur Walk and Roll Superstar:
Zack Ray
New ‘Hands Free Law’ Takes Effect July 1 Under the new law… • Drivers cannot have a phone in their hand or use any part of their body to support their phone. Drivers can only use their phones to make or receive phone calls by using earpieces, wireless headphones or a smartwatch. GPS navigation devices are allowed. • Headsets and earpieces can only be worn for communication purposes and not for listening to music or other entertainment. • A driver may not send or read any text-based communication unless using voice-based communication that automatically converts message to a written text or is being used for navigation or GPS. • A driver may not send or read any emails, social media or other Internet content. • A driver may not watch a video unless it is for navigation. • A driver may not record a video (continuously running dash cams are exempt). Visit headsupgeorgia.com/handsfree-law for exceptions, fines/penalties and FAQs. Decatur police will issue warning citations for violation of the new Hands Free Law for the first 60 days unless an accident is involved.
Decatur employee Zack Ray is this month’s Walk and Roll Superstar. He has been biking from Candler Park to work at the Decatur Cemetery every day for about five years. If it rains, he walks. He and his wife (who bikes and buses to work in Marietta) frequently don’t use their car. Their one-year-old son has learned to give directions from behind with his feet when he rides along. Zack rides because he enjoys the sense of freedom and peace that comes from getting out of the car. He promotes exercise as a lifestyle.
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City News Fire Department Promotions Congratulations to newly promoted fire personnel: Captain Gary Menard, Lieutenant Bridgit Christensen, Sergeant James Hutley, Inspector Garrett Range, and Fire Apparatus Operators (FAO) LaShawna Bussey, Justin Tubbs, Jeffrey Calvert, and Tyler Manning. The captain, sergeant and inspector promotion process included the completion of an incident command scenario, written test, priority testing, and interviews. The inspector promotion also included passing the state inspector test. FAOs had to complete a drivers’ test that included a driving course, parking tests, tool identification, pumping equation scenarios and a written test. They will be in charge of checking their assigned truck for all of the necessary equipment and ensuring it is in working order. FAOs must also be able to operate every truck in the department to its full capacity.
Menard
Range
Christensen
Bussey
Third Friday Bike Ride Friday, June 15 • 6:30 p.m. Join Decatur Active Living on the Third Friday Bike Ride. This month we will have a beach theme, so wear your festive beach wear and let’s ride through the city spreading some sunshine! This is a six-mile, no-drop ride through Decatur neighborhoods. Meet in front of the Decatur Recreation Center and be ready to ride at 6:30 p.m. Helmets are required for all city-sponsored rides. Lights and water bottles are highly recommended. For more information on biking in Decatur, contact cheryl. burnette@decaturga.com or visit decaturga. com/biking.
Hutley
Tubbs
Calvert
Decatur Fire Station Open House Saturday, June 23 1-3 p.m. Fire Station 1 230 E. Trinity Place Decatur residents are invited to meet and visit with the first responders of the community. Come and connect with fire personnel, receive information on programs and services, learn about fire prevention, and explore volunteer opportunities. Bring the whole family.
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City News
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Decatur
Join the Pied Piper Parade as it makes its way through downtown Decatur on Wednesday, July 4.
Gather friends and family, ride your bike, walk or skate in this community parade for anyone and everyone. Neighborhoods and organizations are encouraged to make floats and join the fun too. And don’t forget your red, white, and blue! Parade lineup is at 5:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave. Pedestrians will gather on the lawn and vehicles will be lined up by volunteers in the parking lot. The parade begins at 6 p.m. The concert on the square starts at 7 p.m. in the Community Bandstand, featuring the Callanwolde Concert Band. Fireworks begin at dark (approximately 9 p.m.). Anyone may participate in the parade, but those with vehicles must register by calling 678-553-6573 or emailing Shirley.baylis@decaturga.com. Thanks to the Decatur Business Association for their contribution. JUNE 2018 • Decatur Focus | 7
City News High School Student Invites Others to Join LLS Philanthropic Program
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ecatur resident and Decatur Youth Council member Ellie Munson has participated in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Students of the Year philanthropic leadership development program since 2017. Students in the program learn to utilize professional skills such as entrepreneurship, marketing, and project management to raise funds for LLS. Ellie, a student at Atlanta Girls School, and her co-candidate Libby Mitchell, raised more than $35,000. They won the Mission Awareness Award and were awarded college scholarships. Ellie then became a member of the leadership committee, which led to an internship with LLS. She is now director of CamEllie Munson & paign Excellence. From interning and mentoring other students, Libby Mitchell she has completed more than 100 hours of service to LLS, and invites other high school students to apply. Candidates form and lead a team to help with fundraising, planning, and communications. They receive guidance and support from LLS staff and past candidate mentors. During a seven-week competition, students win college scholarships, gain leadership and professional skills, become social advocates, network with business leaders, and build their resumes. Ellie was one of more than 30 students who competed in last year’s Atlanta area campaign, which set the milestone for the 69 outstanding students who participated in this year’s campaign. Those students raised more than $1.3 million for LLS in seven short weeks. The title “Students of the Year Winner(s)” is awarded to the candidate/co-candidates who raise the most funds during the seven-week competition. Applications are now being accepted at lls.org/ga/soy/apply. For more information, contact Chantal Robertson at chantal. robertson@lls.org or call 404-720-7849.
Summer Workshops for Adults and Seniors Join Decatur Active Living for a summer of fun and learning. All June workshops are free and include jewelry making, writing workshop, mystery trips and more. Visit decaturga.com/activeliving or contact sara. holmes@decaturga.com for more information. Registration is required.
Take a trip! Decatur Active Living visited the MLK Historic Site early this year.
Outdoor Tornado Warning Sirens and Safety Decatur has upgraded and expanded the Tornado Outdoor Warning Siren System, adding new sirens – one on the former Children’s Home property and one between the Decatur Police department and Ebster Pool. The system alerts residents and visitors who are outside that a tornado may be imminent. The system was not designed to be heard within a home or building, although if you live or work nearby, you will likely hear it indoors. The city sounds the alarm when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado warning for the Decatur area or when a tornado is spotted by a member of the public safety staff. The sirens will sound for three to five minutes per issued warning. If you hear a siren: In a building – go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Don’t open windows. In a vehicle, trailer or mobile home – get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a nearby, sturdy building or storm shelter.
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Never try to outrun a tornado in an urban or congested area in your vehicle. Outside with no shelter – lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or a bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Watch out for flying debris, which is the cause of most fatalities and injuries during tornadoes. . . . and if you don’t hear a siren Because the sirens are not meant to be heard indoors, the city has another way to alert residents who are inside their homes and offices when severe weather is threatening. Residents and business owners can sign up at Smart911.com to receive notifications for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash flooding warnings. If you already have a registered safety profile, just sign in and select or update the notifications you would like to receive. The alerts notify residents in the areas immediately affected and are triggered by NWS polygon technology. It is also suggested that you have a weather radio available to receive updates during a weather emergency.
City News Decatur’s First Pollinator Garden
I Tackle Football
for 5th and 6th grades Decatur Active Living is offering its second season of tackle football for 5th and 6th grade girls and boys this fall. The first league, offered in 2017 with the support of the Decatur High School football coach and Decatur parents, had more than 50 participants. The goal of this “feeder program” is to provide Decatur kids an opportunity to safely learn the skills and fundamentals for success in the middleand high-school leagues. Registration is open now. A parents meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 16, at Decatur Recreation Center. Practices begin June 11 and will be held at Ebster field. Helmets only for the first five days. The Decatur Bulldog Youth teams will play in a Metro-Atlanta league. Home games will be played at DHS. Decatur Active Living is considering offering a tackle football program for 4th grade girls and boys if there is enough interest in the community. For more information, contact stacy.green@decaturga.com or 678-553-6549.
n celebration of Earth Day, city arborist Kay Evanovich worked with volunteers from Beecatur, the Agnes Scott College Honey Bee Society, and the surrounding neighborhood to till new beds, amend the soils with compost, plant 75 new native plants, and transplant existing plants to new locations at Decatur’s first official pollinator garden. The garden, at 115 Willow Lane, was a corner flood plain lot that the city acquired through a FEMA flood plain acquisition program. Volunteers cleaned up the site, began removing invasive plants, installed more than 65 pollinator-friendly native plants, and rescued and relocated existing daylilies, hostas and sorrels. Many thanks to the volunteers and to Kavarna and Revolution Doughnuts for donating food and beverages.
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Business & Nonprofit News Decatur Rotary Foundation
Community Grants Recipients
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he Decatur Rotary Club presented checks to the 2018 Community Project Grants recipients during the May 4 meeting. These projects focus on either literacy or at-risk youth that are based in DeKalb County and serve DeKalb County residents. The 2018 recipients are: Friends of Refugees | $2,000 Purpose: Purchase books for literacy program that assists refugee families with children by providing them with one book a month for eight months. Amount recommended will pay for eight books each for 50 families. Clarkston Community Center | $1,500 Purpose: Purchase design software for art and entrepreneurship programs focused on teaching refugee children how to make furniture from recycled materials, some of which will be donated to newly arrived refugee families. Global Village Project | $1,000 Purpose: Support a school for newly arrived refugee girls 11 to 18 years old.
DeKalb Library Foundation | $2,500 Purpose: Buy materials for Mobile Makerspace Kits for use in DeKalb Public Library STEAM programs for children 8-15 years old. Amount recommended will pay for 5-6 kits. REAP | $2,000 Purpose: Fund summer reading camp for 40 economically disadvantaged Decatur students in grades 1 through 5 and to train 15 Decatur teachers in reading instruction. Amount recommended will pay for four students for a two-week camp experience. Gentle Spirit Church | $1,000 Purpose: Purchase supplies for personal hygiene kits to be distributed to homeless persons. Amount recommended will cover cost for 290 kits. Boys & Girls Club | $1,500 Purpose: Support a book club at Decatur Boys and Girls Club that will involve 75 children. Amount recommended will pay for materials for four book bins.
Wylde Center Adds Hobbit Houses at Hawk Hollow Garden Come take a stroll or spend the night at Wylde Center’s Hawk Hollow site, nestled beside Sugar Creek on the border of Decatur. It’s abloom and abuzz with butterflies, bees, birds, and other wildlife. We have been working hard for the past several years to plant native plants, trees, and shrubs, and also to install trails, Hobbit houses, picnic tables, a fire pit, and other fun things. For a backyard adventure, spend a night in the Hobbit houses – two unique, unfurnished, tiny homes available for campers. Families and scout troops have been enjoying nights by the campfire listening to the neighborhood owls and frogs, and then cozying up in a Hobbit house for the night. Hawk Hollow is at 2304 First Ave., Atlanta, just outside of Decatur. For more information about Wylde Center, Hawk Hollow, spending the night in the Hobbit Houses or volunteering, visit wyldecenter.org. 10 | Decatur Focus • JUNE 2018
Shalom International Ministry | $2,500 Purpose: Create a self-directed learning center for 26 refugee and immigrant children from the Clarkston area. Decatur Housing Authority | $2,000 Purpose: STAR academic summer camp for 70 children, grades 3 through 8, from Decatur Housing Authority residences. Amount recommended will pay for all supplies and instructors for camp. Our House | $1,000 Purpose: Purchase supplies and instructional materials for an early childhood education program focused on preparing homeless children for kindergarten. A six-week summer program. Decatur Makers Club | $1,000 Purpose: Expand Girl Makers Club, which provides STEM-related education to middleschool girls by involving them in hands-on creative programs. Funds will allow for expansion of club to students living in DHA residences and the Clarkston area.
Business & Nonprofit News Savi Provisions Open for Business on West Ponce
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avi Provisions is now open on the corner of W. Ponce de Leon Ave. and Commerce Drive (former home of Cook’s Warehouse). Open seven days a week, with complimentary on-site parking in the parking lot behind the store, Savi offers locally sourced gourmet and organic foods, fine wines, craft beers and will soon offer spirits too. The Savi menu includes breakfast options such as omelets, chia seed bowls, biscuits, bagels and croissants, as well as breakfast burritos, sandwiches and weekend brunch. Lunch highlights include the quinoa super food bowl, a simple salad and wild mushroom tart, and sandwiches such as a grilled cheese with three cheeses on sourdough bread with tomato soup and a shaved prime rib French dip complete with horseradish mayo and porcini au jus on French bread. Catering for large or small groups is also available. Special tastings and weekly specials will be scheduled. The market is open Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information, visit saviprovisions.com or call 404-600-6021.
Woodlands Garden Pollinator Plant Spotlight
Devil’s Walking Stick
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id you know that trees are great for attracting pollinators to your yard? One of the best native trees for pollinators and a favorite of local birds is Aralia spinosa. Commonly called devil’s walking stick because of its sharp thorns, this tree is found naturally occurring in and around wooded areas in Decatur, including Woodlands Garden. Devil’s walking stick is a small understory tree that typically reaches 15 feet in height, but can grow up to 25 feet under perfect conditions. Similar to coastal redwoods, devil’s walking stick grows clonally, each tree developing a grove over time that is supported by one connected root system. In addition to sharp thorns (upper photo), devil’s walking stick boasts the largest compound leaf of any native tree. And in keeping with its intimidating name, even the leaves sport thorns. When it flowers in early summer (lower photo) Aralia spinosa is covered with native bees. The large clusters of flowers rise above the foliage like a beacon enticing pollinators. After pollination, the tree produces a mass of deep purple berries that are consumed by birds as soon as they ripen. This tough tree requires little attention once established. Its small stature requires virtually no pruning and it is drought tolerant. Consider adding devil’s walking stick to your yard at the back of a border or along the edge of a woodland area to enjoy it most effectively. To see examples of this tree, including the champion or largest specimen in the Atlanta area, take a walk at Woodlands Garden. More pollinator-friendly plants are coming soon on the corner of Scott Boulevard and Clairemont Avenue. Woodlands Garden is free to explore and open during daylight hours seven days a week. For more information and the latest updates, visit woodlandsgarden.org.
JUNE 2018 • Decatur Focus | 11
Business & Nonprofit News David Lubell Receives Charles Bronfman Prize
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ongratulations to David Lubell, Decatur resident, Welcoming America’s founder, and founding director of the Welcoming International Initiative, for being honored at the Charles Bronfman Prize Award ceremony. The Bronfman prize “celebrates the vision and endeavor of an individual or team under the age of 50 whose humanitarian work has significantly improved the world.” Welcoming America’s movement has grown to a network of nearly 200 municipal government and nonprofit members building more inclusive communities, from Anchorage to Atlanta, Dayton to Boise and even to small-town Nebraska.
UPS Store Opens UPS Store No. 6956 is now open in the Commerce Square Shopping Center, 235 W. Ponce de Leon Place, Suites L-M. Services provided by the new store include packing, shipping, print services, mailbox rentals, notary services, shredding, computer access and graphic design. Conveniently located near the DeKalb County courthouse, the UPS Store also offers fingerprinting services.
VBS Reimagined at FBC Decatur This summer, Vacation Bible School (VBS) will look a little different around the halls of First Baptist Church of Decatur. Two all-day Saturday events – June 9 and July 21 – will be offered. Each day will have two parts. The first, in the morning, will look like traditional VBS, children will be in groups and will rotate between different stations. In the afternoon, there will be an activity or outing related to the Bible story from the first part of the day. Lunch is scheduled between the morning and afternoon sessions. In June, there will be outdoor water games and activities on the lawn. In July, participants will take a trip to the zoo or the aquarium. Super Saturday is available for children age 4 to 5th grade. Preschool and nursery care will be provided for adults who are volunteering for the event. The $10 registration helps cover the cost of a T-shirt, lunch, and other VBS materials. To register, visit fbcdecatur.com/summer-fun or call the church, 404-373-1653.
Total Fitness Control Celebrates 10 Years in Decatur Total Fitness Control (TFC), 431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., offers personal and group fitness training, customized nutrition plans, and training and coaching programs for novice and professional athletes in bodybuilding and bikini competitions. Owners Gartrell and Tamekia White are celebrating 10 years of marriage and 10 years of transforming the health, wellness and physiques of Decatur’s residents. TFC is honored to call Decatur their home and offers complimentary fitness consultations and 20 percent off of rates through June as a “thank you.” For more information visit totalfitnesscontrol.com, call 404-941-7144, or email contactus@totalfitnesscontrol.com.
New Picnic Tables at Decatur Cemetery
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uring warmer weather lots of folks take advantage of the peace of the cemetery to enjoy lunch outside and away from the office. Friends of Decatur Cemetery (FODC) has donated two picnic tables to be placed near the cemetery pond to enhance the enjoyment of Decatur’s largest downtown greenspace. Remember, as you enjoy these new additions, that Decatur Cemetery is not only a park and a downtown getaway, but also a sacred space to many whose loved ones rest beneath its soil. Please be respectful and clean up after your picnic. Trashcans are located nearby for your convenience. There are signs near each of the entrances detailing city ordinances regarding use of the cemetery. Stop by the office and pick up FODC’s latest edition of “Lives that Made the City” – an informative walking tour. Just inside the cover are listed “cemetery manners” that will help you enjoy your visit.
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Business & Nonprofit News Community Outreach with Decatur Farmers Market
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t Decatur Farmers Market (DFM), you’ll find Decatur Farmers fresh, local produce, fruits, and meats grown Market with organic practices, alongside artisan foods like pastries, breads and sauces. But did you 308 Clairemont Ave. know that the market is also active in community outreach? Wednesdays • 4-7 p.m. As part of the nonprofit organization Community FarmSaturdays • 9-1 p.m. ers Markets, DFM engages with the neighborhood through community cooking lessons in schools, neighborhood clubs, and senior centers. This year, DFM has worked with the Decatur YMCA to introduce kids to seasonal fruits and help them learn about plant parts. YMCA kids also visited the farmers market to meet the farmers and learn about vegetables. When kids are introduced to fruits and vegetables at a young age, they continue to make healthy choices in the future, so it’s important to engage them whenever possible. DFM will continue to work with the YMCA through the summer program and will help the Y create a learning garden.
New Art at Aimeé Jewelry and Fine Art Gallery
Tasting seasonal strawberries and sketching plant parts at Decatur YMCA. Photo by Jenna Shea Mobley
Pam Hughes 38 years of finding homes for wonderful people... like YOU!
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During the month of June Aimee Jewelry and Fine Art Gallery’s newest exhibition of paintings, Eclectic in Nature, will be on display. The paintings will represent schools of art from realism through abstraction. Aimeé is at 315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Visit the website at aimee-jewelry-and-fine-art-gallery.com
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PAM HUGHES, realtor® Cell: 404-626-3604 Office: 404-250-9900
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• Personal Injury and Wrongful Death • 150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 260 • Downtown Decatur 404-253-7860 • doug@carllp.com • www.carllp.com C&A-2col-ad-focus.indd 1
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Business & Nonprofit News
Springtime in Decatur
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he city’s event season kicks off in April and picks up steam all through May. See how your friends and neighbors got involved with touching trucks, riding bikes, enjoying picnics and running around town with firefighters.
Decatur Active Living’s annual Touch-a-Truck, at the East Lake MARTA station parking lot
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Third Friday Bike Ride – see story on page 6
Business and Nonprofit News
Senior Picnic at McKoy Park
Senior Olympics Pickleball Tournament at Ebster Recreation Center
Morning run with the Fire Department
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Decatur DBA News Events ates r b e School News l e C DBA
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The Decatur Business Association invited the city’s volunteers to the community bandstand on the square to say “thank you” for the many hours donated to help make Decatur a special place. Representatives of the Decatur Tourism Bureau, Decatur Arts Alliance, Decatur Book Festival, Decatur Craft Beer Festival, and other events praised the volunteers for their generosity and their community spirit. Interested in volunteering for events? Visit decaturga.com/volunteerdecatur or email sherry.jackman@decaturga.com.
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June 26 5:15 p.m. Networking reception 6 p.m.
Meeting Reminder 16 | Decatur Focus • JUNE 2018
Program
Meeting location and details to be announced. Check for information at decaturdba.com
Where the Beach Meets the Street Friday, June 15 • 5-11 p.m. ick off summer “Decatur style” at Summer in the City in downtown Decatur where the beach meets the street with pop-up performances, a DJ, live music, a sandy “beach,” and more. Best of all, admission is free. Gather up those sand toys and come ready to play. This year Summer in the City is bringing in even more beach than before, with 80 tons of sand hitting Ponce De Leon Avenue. Kids’ activities will line the boardwalk area. Older kids will enjoy a rock climbing wall and other exciting games. Enjoy pop-up entertainment by a variety of musical and dance acts, including Vintage Vixens, and come ready to get funky with DJ Quasi Mandisco. At 8 p.m. on the MARTA Plaza stage, Bogey and the Viceroy return to deliver classic soul, retro rock/pop, and current chart toppers, so get ready for a great evening of dancing under the stars. The food court will include food trucks, boardwalk fare, and a selection of local Decatur beers. Wine, soft drinks and water will also be available for purchase. All of the restaurants will be open for business and many will be serving special Summer in the City menu items. Thanks to our generous sponsors, this is no longer a gated event, admission is free, and the event has been expanded. There will be small fees for face painting, souvenirs, and some of the larger kids activities. All proceeds go back to the Decatur Business Association to help keep this event, May and September concerts, the holiday bonfire, and many others throughout the year, free to the community. For more information visit decaturdba. com, or the Summer in the City Facebook page: facebook.com/decbeachparty. JUNE 2018 • Decatur Focus | 17
Decatur Events The Wylde Center’s annual Beer Garden and Silent Auction Fundraiser brings together local brews, food and music for a casual evening outdoors at the Oakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Rd. A VIP happy hour begins at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers. VIP tickets are $250 per pair and include additional benefits such as admission to the VIP party, access to a sponsor/patron lounge, patio, and indoor restrooms, early bidding on auction items and more. Tickets are available for purchase now at wyldecenter-beergarden.squarespace.com. The event will be held rain or shine and all attendees must be at least 21 years old. Silent auction items will include vacation getaways, restaurant gift certificates, spa packages and other items and experiences. Each guest will receive a June 23 • 5:30-8:30 p.m. free souvenir Wylde Center pint glass so they can sample brews from Orpheus Brewing, SweetWater Brewing Company, Three Taverns Craft Brewery, Treehorn Cider, Urban Tree Cidery, Wild Heaven Beer and more. The menu will include tastings from a number of local restaurants including Cakes & Ale, Matador Cantina, Queen of Cream, Revolution Doughnuts, Scout, and The White Bull. Live music will be provided by The Benders. VIP Ticket holders will also enjoy signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and special desserts. The event is presented by Chip Wallace of Keller Knapp Realty and sponsored by Classic Tents and Events, CounterPoint Solutions, Private Bank of Decatur, In Bloom Landscaping, Bleakly Advisory Group, Stability Engineering, Studio 184, CompostNow, Garrett Daniel Architecture, and MixIt Marketing.
Wylde Center Beer Garden and Fundraiser
18 | Decatur Focus • JUNE 2018
Decatur events it’s a Date to Stay up late!
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ll Decatur residents, and everybody else, too, are invited to walk in the Decatur Lantern Parade on the evening of Friday, May 15. This is one of those “the-more-the-merrier” events, so plan now to participate and be a part of helping to make this lantern parade memorable. Make your own lantern at home or come to a lantern-making workshop where supplies and guidance are provided. Find out where and when by visiting decaturlanternparade.com. To participate, line up at Color Wheel Studio at 508 E. Howard Ave. after 8 p.m. The parade steps off at 9 p.m. led by The Black Sheep Marching Ensemble and parade guru Chantelle Rytter. The parade will wend its way to the community bandstand in front of the Old Courthouse on the square. The parade is sponsored by Color Wheel Studio, Decatur Arts Alliance, Brandon Moultrie discussesFoundation, his work, "Two B's inand College," at the 2017 Last Call closing reception. Decatur Education the Decatur Development Authority.
Your neighbor and intown real estate specialist. Whether you are buying or selling — or simply exploring your options — call me to be sure you are positioned for success in today’s changing market.
Decatur Events
Last Call
J
oin the Decatur Arts Alliance as it wraps up the 2018 Decatur Arts Festival on Sunday, June 10, 4-6 p.m., at the “Last Call” closing reception for the Fine Arts Exhibition at Agnes Scott College’s Dalton Gallery in the Dana Fine Arts Building. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments. Free parking can be found in the Agnes Scott Parking deck (entrance on South McDonough Street). Visit decaturartsfestival.com for more information and to see all of the artworks selected for the exhibition.
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• Top 1% producer, Atlanta Board of Realtors (2009 – 2014) • More than 125 homes sold in City of Decatur since 2009 • More than 260 homes sold overall since 2009
chip@kellerknapp.com • 678.429.9731 ChipWallaceRealEstate.com
20 | Decatur Focus • MaY 2015
LISA CRONIC, REALTOR® lisacronic@atlantafinehomes.com 678.641.4325
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JUNE 2018 • Decatur Focus | 19
Decatur Events Playmaking for Girls Public Performance June 16 • 6 p.m.
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ecatur resident Susie Purcell invites the community to attend the 2018 Playmaking for Girls Public Performance at Agnes Scott College Winter Theater. Playmaking for Girls is a program started in 2002 when Synchronicity Theatre produced a play called “Breath, Boom” that followed the life of a gang girl from age 16 to 30. To better prepare actors and give back to the community, Synchronicity teamed with the Wholistic Stress Control Institute’s SIMBA program to implement a pilot workshop with 30 teen girls detained at a local Regional
Youth Detention Center. The feedback from the pilot workshop was so overwhelmingly positive that, in 2004, Synchronicity expanded the workshop to what would grow into Playmaking for Girls, a program that has
gone on to change hundreds of lives. Now, more than 15 years later, Playmaking for Girls meets year round for afterschool and in-school workshops. Each year we work with as many as 20 girls who are now out of detention. We rehearse the best plays written in that year’s workshops and prepare for a public performance in June. There will be a postshow reception and a talkback opportunity with the performers and teaching artists. Tickets to this event are free, but reservations are required. Visit synchrotheatre.com or call 404-484-8636 for more information.
Working for Strong Communities since 1979. Winnona Park
D e c at u r
$649,900 3BR/2BA
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345 Mimosa Drive Mary Kathryn Kaye 404-694-0248 mk@adamsrealtors.com
321 Drexel Avenue Kate Godwin 404-441-2687 km_godwin@yahool.com
Walking distance to Winnona Park Elementary, Oakhurst & downtown Decatur! 2016 addition includes chef ’s kitchen, laundry, master, basement office, outdoor living spaces, wooded backyard. Huge attic & basement.
Three living/family rooms, hardwoods, flexible floorplan, fenced backyard w/ garden. Easy walk to schools, parks & downtown Decatur. Each bedroom has private bath, w/exterior & interior entrances. Off-street parking.
www.adamsrealtors.com 404-688-1222 20 | Decatur Focus • JUNE 2018
School News SEEN AROUND TOWN
Decatur firefighters visited Winnona Park Elementary and ate lunch at the “cool kids table.”
DeKalb Symphony Orchestra Presents Trumpeter Stuart Stephenson Tuesday, June 19 • 8 p.m. 308 Clairemont Ave. The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra will present its annual free community concert at the First Baptist Church of Decatur June 19. This concert will feature the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s principal trumpet, Stuart Stephenson, performing Hadyn’s Trumpet Concerto. The program will also include Schubert’s famous Unfinished Symphony and music by Dvorak, Gounod and Brahms. Admission is free, thanks to the support of the Decatur Tourism Bureau, Sharian, Inc., and other Decatur community sponsors. For further information, contact the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra, 678-891-3565, or visit dekalbsymphony.org.
24-hour emergency pet care and board-certified veterinary specialists. All under one woof. 625 Dekalb Industrial Way, Decatur 30033 www.sfvs.com 404-924-2000
JUNE 2018 • Decatur Focus | 21
School News DEF Honors Board Member Han Choi with Memorial Scholarship
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t the end of every school year, the Decatur Education Foundation honors distinguished high school seniors with scholarships to assist them in their post-secondary endeavors. Thanks to generous contributions from the community, DEF recently awarded 22 scholarships totaling almost $60,000. Many of these annual scholarships memorialize the life of a loved one who has passed away; it’s a meaningful way to honor a student’s life while positively impacting the lives of other DHS students for years to come. These memorial scholarships embolden our sense of community by investing in the futures of our students, making their career paths a little bit smoother and enabling them to pursue their dreams. DEF introduced four new scholarships this
year, which were presented at the Celebration of Excellence awards banquet in May at Agnes Scott College. One of the new scholarships honors the life of DEF board member Han Choi, who passed away recently after battling pancreatic cancer. In addition to his work as a lawyer, Han also served on the board of several nonprofit organizations, including DEF, where he served for six years. He left a tremendous legacy that strengthened the organization and helped it grow. In honor of that legacy, Han’s family and friends have established a scholarship in his name. The scholarship is awarded to a high school senior who has overcome significant challenges with determination, faith and resiliency, and must demonstrate leadership, service, academic excellence, and integrity with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This year, the Han
C. Choi scholarship was awarded to DHS senior Lauren Odom. In addition to postsecondary scholarships, six graduating seniors also received brand new laptops at the banquet, thanks to donors who support the Tools for Success Laptop Grant. Starting college armed with new technology will give these students the resources they need to enter the next phase of their education with confidence. Decatur Education Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that works in close partnership with City Schools of Decatur to help Decatur youth realize their full potential. If you’d like to learn more about how you can help DEF make a difference or to see a complete list of all DEF scholarships, visit decatureducationfoundation.org.
Charles Cope, Proprietor 650-B East Lake Drive • Decatur, Georgia 30030 404-377-1030 • www.1stepatatime.net
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Around Town
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Show off your Decatur on social media and share it with your neighbors. Email renae.madison@decaturga.com.
Commission Salutes Young Artists, Cyclists For the last three years Decatur Active Living has noted the arrival of May, which is national bike month, with a poster contest open to Decatur elementary and middle school students. The winning students were recently recognized by the Decatur City Commission. Pictured (from left) are: Bijou Proctor, Abel Chan Ying, Nikolay Brucherseifer, and Kathleen Buch. #safecycling
#happycycling
#bikemonth
Students Share Their Visions
Active Living LAX Team Scores
Oakhurst 1st graders and Renfroe Middle schoolers participated in the public input process for the former United Methodist Children’s Home property.
The Decatur Active Living U11 travel lacrosse team along with volunteer coaches Peter Campbell and George Grills ended the season with a 6-2 record.
#sharethevision #studentinvolvement
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JUNE 2018 • Decatur Focus | 23
pre-sorted standard u.s. postage PAID Permit No. 199 Decatur, GA 30031
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