Decatur Focus September 2018 by City of Decatur

Focus City of Decatur

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SEPTEMBER 2018 Volume 29 • Number 2

Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia

When the Rain Comes Stormwater Master Planning Kicks Off Join us Sept. 26, 6-8 p.m., at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St., to kick off a yearlong update to Decatur’s 2004 Stormwater Master Plan.

For most, it’s a topic considered only in times of crisis, obscuring just how important effective stormwater management can be. The city looks to spotl ight that importance through a community-wide examination of where we are and where we need to be. Call it planning for a rainy day – identifying infrastructure goals for the next decade will promote the health of the local environment, ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely, and contribute to the safety and quality of life in Decatur. Decatur residents can help by providing first-hand, on-theground insights into:

• Flooding issues on or around your property • Flooding within your broader neighborhood • Water quality in creeks and streams • Environmental priorities • Renovation and landscaping impacts • Issues with current regulations • Utility fee funding Over the next year, Decatur will host subsequent public meetings and workshops to further identify, discuss, and refine evolving goals and plans. Further details can be found at decaturnext.com/stormwater.

City Manager Announces Retirement

ecatur City Manager Peggy Merriss, who has helped direct and develop the city for the last 25 years, will retire effective December 31. Merriss joined the city as personnel director in 1983, was named assistant city manager in 1989, and became city manager in June 1993. During her tenure the city has renovated or rebuilt all city facilities, including City Hall, Decatur Recreation Center, Fire Stations 1 and 2, and Public Works, and the Beacon Municipal Complex, which includes the new Police Department and renovated Ebster Recreation Center. All of the City Parks have been renovated as well. The MARTA plaza was reimagined and rebuilt to make the area more pedestrian friendly and more appealing for shopping and dining. Underutilized parking lots were redeveloped with residential housing units – first condominiums and then apartments. And most recently Decatur purchased the Continued on page 8

News 3 City

BUsiness 10 NEWs

DECATUR 12 EVENTs

DBA 20 NEWs

School news 21

Focus City of Decatur

Trees and Greenspace – Looking to the Future

rees and greenspace are important to the quality of life of our city. The city’s recent purchase of the former United Methodist Children’s Home was a significant decision on the part of the Decatur City Commission and represents a major investment in our future. The addition of 77 acres of land, much of it greenspace, was a big deal for a city that is only 4.4 square miles in size. More than 22 acres of the site have been set aside as a conservation area but much of the remaining 55 acres will remain as open space and support large areas of tree cover. There is often a perception that urban areas have fewer parks and less greenspace than more suburban cities but an online tool called parkserve (parkserve.tpl.org/city) provided by the Trust for Public Land shows that isn’t always true. In more densely populated areas like the City of Decatur and the City of Atlanta, the quality of access to parks and greenspace can outweigh the quantity of parks in a city. For example, is the fact that a greater percentage of residents are within a 10-minute walk of a park more significant than the number of acres of parkland a city has in its inventory? The national average of the number of residents who live within a 10-minute walk of a park is 54 percent. In the City of Atlanta, it’s 71 percent. In Decatur, it’s 96 percent. Roswell? Just 24 percent. These facts become even more important when you consider that children’s use of a neighborhood park increases 400 percent when the park is within walking distance of home. Trees are also important to our quality of life. City Arborist Kay Evanovich says that while we work to protect our existing trees, it is critically important that we focus on planting new trees to maintain our tree canopy. Storms, disease, and age are the main causes of tree loss in Decatur. Most of the city’s residential neighborhoods were built out by the late 1940s, and now a lot of our large trees are at or near the end of their lifespans. Kay stresses the need for residents (and the city) to plant shade trees for future generations

Focus on Economic Development

See Focus on Downtown Development on page 4

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

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

What a difference a century makes . . . Adams Street now, and Adams Street then. 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

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 • SEPTEMBER 2018

City News Decatur PD Offers Out-of-Town House Check

lanning to be away from your home for a few days? Request an out-of-town house check and the Decatur Police Department will check on your house while you are gone. To sign up for this service complete the form in the city’s SeeClickFix system or call the police department at 404-373-6551. To aid the department in its scheduling processes, do not enter your information any earlier than seven days prior to your departure. If by chance you change your mind and do not leave town, be sure to let them know that as well. To complete the form online, visit decaturga.com/residents/make-a-request. Scroll down and look for the Report tab. Enter your address, hit next and then select “Out of Town House Check Request” from the category drop-down menu. Answer the questions and then hit submit. Once done, you will receive an auto-generated confirmation email from the SeeClickFix system. You may also download the SeeClickFix smartphone app to make your request. Look for MyDecaturGA in your app store.

A Season of Giving/ Christmas Decatur Seeks Volunteers A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur provides holiday gifts for Decatur’s low-income children and older residents through the help of individuals, families, neighborhood associations, clubs, places of worship, and businesses. Volunteer opportunities include: • Interviewing parents/guardians at one or more of our application sessions in October to determine appropriate gifts for the child’s wish list (must have good knowledge of children’s toys and clothing sizes); • Office work on weekdays October through midDecember (answering voicemail, sending “wish lists” to donors, and updating the client and donor lists); • Assisting with gift intake, gift organization, and gift pick up in December. No matter what holiday you observe, this is the perfect way to celebrate the true meaning of the Season of Giving. For more information, contact Lee Ann Harvey, 678-553-6548, or aseasonofgiving@decaturga.com.

CORRECTIONS

Who Is Your Hero?

t’s time to think of your favorite Decatur Hometown Hero – a friend, neighbor or co-worker who works hard, often behind the scenes, to make our community a better place to live, work and play. There’s no better way to let someone know how much they are appreciated than to have them receive a Hometown Hero award. Nominate that special person for recognition as a 2018 Hometown Hero by Sept. 30. Decatur began recognizing and celebrating Hometown Heroes in the summer of 1996 at the close of the Hometown to the World Festival held during the Olympics. It has since become an annual tradition to honor a new group of Hometown Heroes during the Decatur Business Association’s holiday meeting in December. Applications are judged by a panel of national professionals who work with volunteers and who do not know the nominees. Nomination forms are available at decaturga.com/about/community-spirit/hometown-heroes or at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St., second floor, Community and Economic Development Department. You may also write an essay describing your Hometown Hero and what she/he has contributed to the Decatur community. For information call 678-553-6548 or email leeann.harvey@decaturga.com. You may submit the nomination in person or by email.

The model house pictured on page 23 of the July/August Focus was built by Decatur residents Michael Gaertner and Bob Coleman, not the Decatur Makers. Author Bernice Yeung, a speaker at the 2018 Decatur Book Festival, was incorrectly identified in the July/August Focus. She is pictured at right.

Bernice Yeung

City Commission Holiday Meeting Schedule The regular first-Monday City Commission meeting in September will be Tuesday, Sept. 4, because of the Labor Day holiday. Meetings are held in the City Commission Room in Decatur City Hall. They are also streamed live on the website at decaturga. com/city-government/city-commission/streamingvideo. SEPTEMBER 2018 • Decatur Focus | 3

City News Have Coffee With a Cop Oct. 3 Save the date for National Coffee With A Cop Day, hosted by your Decatur Police Department. Take the opportunity to meet and build relationships with the officers serving your community. There is no agenda or speeches, just a chance for you to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know your officers. Locations and times will be announced on the police department’s Nextdoor, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Focus on Downtown Development continued from page 2

to enjoy. Over the past 20 years, the City of Decatur has planted more than 2,000 trees along neighborhood streets, in parks, and as part of the downtown streetscape program. A 2010 tree canopy study placed our tree canopy at about 45 percent and Kay estimates that as a result of the City’s planting efforts, the canopy cover remains at 45 percent. The City kicked off a tree-planting initiative for residents this year with a goal of planting 1,000 trees throughout the city over the next five years to mark Decatur’s 200th birthday celebration in 2023. Trees will be available to residents as part of Arbor Day celebrations each February. A bicentennial tree certificate will be given along with the tree and we will be recording the street address where these trees will be planted. That will allow us to create a map of these bicentennial trees so they can be identified and celebrated at Decatur’s 300th birthday celebration in 2123. 4 | Decatur Focus • SEPTEMBER 2018

Back-to-School . . . With superheroes! City of Decatur invited the community, and especially students, to the Ebster Gym for a Superhero Back-toSchool Movie Bash, which included a free showing of Black Panther on the big screen. King T’Challa made an appearance (as Black Panther) and other superheroes attended as well, including Thor, Spiderman, and Captain Marvel.

Hello to New Crossing Guards The Decatur Police Department recently welcomed five new school crossing guards – Angela Pointer, Rohanda White, Martina Humphries, Gwendolyn Anderson and Daija Gilmer.

City News Open Office Hour Returns with Kelly Walsh The Decatur City Commission Open Office Hour with Commissioner Kelly Walsh has been rescheduled for Oct. 3, 7-8 p.m. Commissioner Walsh will host a discussion highlighting shared spaces within the city. The community is invited to tune in virtually to watch and listen and may submit questions related to the topic live via Twitter, Facebook, email or telephone. For those unable to watch the live sessions, recordings of the sessions will be available on the website for viewing at any time. Watch the website, DecaturMinute blog, and other social media sites for announcements and updates. For information contact Renae Madison, 678-553-6561, or renae.madison@decaturga.com.

Mark Your Calendar: Sept. 16

National Neighborhood Day

hat will your neighborhood be doing to celebrate National Neighborhood Day on Sunday, Sept. 16? If your neighborhood is not able to hold your celebration that day, hold it any day – or multiple days – in September. If you haven’t already made plans, visit neighborhoodday.org for ideas. National Neighborhood Day is annually celebrated on the third Sunday in September. No matter how big or small your neighborhood is, it’s time to celebrate. A neighborhood is more than houses – it can be an apartment complex, condominiums, or townhomes. Nearly 40 neighbors gathered at Clairmont Oaks for the Decatur Neighborhood Alliance meeting. They discussed ideas for their neighborhoods and ways to partner with other neighborhoods. There are several apartment complexes in Decatur where older adults live. They would welcome a celebration with other neighbors, such as a movie night. Other ideas include holding a voter registration party or simply waving at your neighbors. Don’t overthink – be creative and inclusive. Your neighborhood can come up with its own unique idea. Decatur’s Lifelong Community Advisory Board would like to hear from you about your neighborhood’s plans. Make sure to take lots of pictures. Contact Lee Ann Harvey, leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or 678-553-6548, to share your plans. For more information visit neighborhoodday.org.

Congratulations, JPA Grads

Save the Date Welcoming Week Decatur Reception Friday, Sept. 14 • 5- 7 p.m. Welcoming America, the Better Together Advisory Board, and the City of Decatur will host a Welcoming Week Kickoff event on Friday, Sept. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Community Bandstand on the square. Bring your family and friends as we celebrate what it means to be a member of the Decatur community. The event is free and open to all who wish to join. Additional details will be posted on the city’s social media pages and the Decatur Minute.

Congratulations to the 2018 Summer Junior Police Academy graduates! The Decatur Police Department offers the Junior Police Academy once in the summer and during CSD fall break each year. If you have an 11-14 year old who may be interested, contact Lt. Ross, jennifer.ross@decaturga.com or 678-553-6613. SEPTEMBER 2018 • Decatur Focus | 5

City News Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15

Holiday Ornament Unveiling Sept. 27

ach year during National Hispanic Heritage month, people throughout the United States honor the many contributions of Latin American communities to our country and celebrate the histories and cultures of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observation started with President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. Sept. 15 was declared the start of this celebration because of its historical and cultural significance as the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and other Latin American countries. In partnership with Little Shop of Stories, the Better Together Advisory Board is honoring the long and storied presence of Latin American communities in the United States and the substantial contributions they have made to our nation’s advancement. The board asked Little Shop staff to recommend a few books about Latin American people, culture and history that we can read in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Here are their suggestions.

The community is invited to a reception and the unveiling of the 2018 Holiday Ornament on Thursday, Sept. 27, 6-7:30 p.m. at Wild Oats and Billy Goats, 112 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. Each year the Decatur Tourism Bureau and the Decatur Arts Alliance commission an artist to create a unique City of Decatur ornament. After the official unveiling the ornaments will be available for sale at Wild Oats. They will go on sale at other Decatur locations the following week, including Little Shop of Stories, Found Co., Trinity Mercantile, HomeGrown, and more. The event includes a reception and special music in addition to meeting the artist. For more information email linda.harris@decaturga.com or sherry.jackman@ decaturga.com.

Call for Artists:

Downtown Fire Hydrants Need You The City of Decatur is seeking artists, individuals or groups, to decorate the city’s fire hydrants. Artists must be old enough to paint. For additional information and to submit your proposal, visit decaturga.com/hydrant-art. The deadline to submit proposals is Sept. 28.

Dreamers, by Yuyi Morales (children). This autobiographical picture book describes Yuyi Morales’ journey with her son from migrant to award-winning illustrator, and how, despite finding themselves strangers in a strange land, they found a welcoming, wonderful place in the public library. It was there that, through the stories of this new land, they discovered everything they needed to make the United States their home. Us, in Progress: Short Stories about Young Latinos, by Lulu Delacre (young adults). This collection of short stories presents a portrait of Latino boys and girls living in the United States. With prose, poetry, and illustrations, the award-winning author paints a wide-ranging picture of what it means to grow up Latino in America today. Into the Beautiful North, by Louise Alberto Urrea (adults). Nayeli is a young woman from a small town in Mexico where most of the men, including her father, have gone to the United States to find work. After seeing the movie The Magnificent Seven, she decides to cross the border to find seven worthy men to return with her to repopulate the town and protect it from the threat of bandidos. You can find these great books and many others at Little Shop of Stories, 133 E. Court Square. Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month!

6 | Decatur Focus • SEPTEMBER 2018

Your Art Here

City News DeKalb County Board of Health Arbovirus Program Reporting Activity January through July 31, 2018

he West Nile virus (WNV) season had an aggressive start this year. There is a lot of virus in the mosquito population at this time. While there have not been any human cases of WNV in DeKalb County, August, September and October are the months when most cases are reported. Take precautions, including using repellent, particularly at dawn and dusk when these mosquitoes feed. Also remember to check around your property and eliminate any standing water that could last for five or more days. There is a checklist on the DeKalb Board of Health website that can assist you in locating mosquito breeding sites around your yard or business. The mosquito species in our area do not travel far. Therefore, if you have mosquitoes in your yard, they are probably breeding there. Eliminating breeding sites will help minimize the mosquito population. DeKalb County’s 2018 season WNV positive activity total now consists of no human cases of WNV infection and 47 WNV positive mosquito collections from 16 WNV positive mosquito trap locations. For more information, visit dekalbhealth.net/envhealth/west-nile-virus or call 404-508-7900.

Cemetery Upgrades Continue Over the summer, there have been several projects to beautify and clean up in the Old Section of the cemetery. The warm, dry weather of early July made possible the much-needed cleaning and painting of the gazebo and the fencing around Emily Pittman’s grave. FODC (Friends of Decatur Cemetery) is now undertaking the reconstruction of the grave box of Pvt. John E. Renfroe (1833-1903). Many visitors to the cemetery are familiar with this site as the one behind the high ground across from the gazebo. For many years, it has had a cover of weathered plywood and was rumored to hide many treasured, or notso-treasured, artifacts. Work has begun, and the contents of the tomb box, rather than hiding Pvt. Renfroe’s mortal remains, are a collection of bricks and mortar from the early 20th century. FODC plans to stabilize the tomb box and – with the help of our Tuesday morning gardeners and craftsman Mr. John Callaway – make it a spot of beauty and remembrance. As the work progresses, there will be updates. Stay tuned.

Fido and Fluffy, Mind Your Manners, Please

The Friends of Decatur Cemetery and the City of Decatur want to remind pet owners to be respectful when visiting the cemetery. While Decatur Cemetery is the largest greenspace in the city, it is also the sacred resting place of thousands of people who helped to create the community we enjoy today.

There are four dog poop bag stations in the cemetery – or bring your own bags. Remember that leash laws are in effect at all times. A list of guidelines for cemetery use is available at the Bell Street entrance. Several marked receptacles for pet waste (even bio-degradable bags, if you forget your own) are located throughout the cemetery. Your taxes have paid for these bags. Please respect the rights of other residents and take only what you need for the moment. SEPTEMBER 2018 • Decatur Focus | 7

City News IN

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Recycle all of your old electronics gear, your Styrofoam, and shred sensitive documents, too! DECATUR PUBLIC

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2635 Talley St.

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Saturday Oct. 20, 2018 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

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Autumn electronics recycling day MARTA PARKING

TALLEY ST.

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PUBLIC WORKS

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Find details at decaturga.com/electronicsrecycling WORKS 2635 Talley St. Public works will recycle just about any electronics equipment you have in your attic, basement, closet or office. See decaturga.com/ electronicsrecycling for a list, and for answers to frequently asked questions. Recycle your Styrofoam as well and safely shred and recycle your sensitive documents all in one place. It’s simple and convenient. Just drive through and drop off your recyclables 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Sorry, early drop-offs are not possible.) Since we started in 2005, we’ve diverted more than 1,000,000 pounds of electronics from landfills. Contact Sean Woodson, 404-377-5571, or sean.woodson@decaturga.com for more information and last-minute updates, or visit decaturga.com/ electronicsrecycling.

Paper shredding AAA Security Shredding provides secure on-site document shredding, and all shredded documents will be 100 percent recycled. These items cannot be shredded: Cardboard, glass, plastic, magazines, napkins, newspapers, paper cups and plates, plastic or spiralbound notebooks, phonebooks, binders, and trash.

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

NOTE: Fee required to recycle cathode ray tube equipment (exact change only): Monitors $5; TVs $10 City Manager Announces Retirement continued from page 1

former United Methodist Children’s Home on Columbia Drive, with its 77 acres of greenspace. Under Merriss’ management, Decatur maintains a strong financial position by continuing to utilize conservative fiscal practices and by making strategic decisions that support the community’s vision. The city maintains a Standard & Poor’s AA+ bond rating and a rating of Aa1 from Moody’s. Mayor Patti Garrett said, “All of us have reaped the benefits of Peggy’s visionary leadership, her ability to think creatively, and her passion for developing a strong management 8 | Decatur Focus • SEPTEMBER 2018

team. She is an innovative thought leader, a model of integrity, and has a unique ability to help the city pursue vibrant community engagement and healthy infrastructure while maintaining strong, conservative fiscal management for the city.” Decatur operates under a Council-Manager form of government which means the City Commission hires a professional city manager to run the day-to-day operations while the Commissioners formulate policy. Decatur has only had two city managers in the last 45 years – Curtis Branscome served as city manager for 20 years and Merriss has served for the past 25 years. Garrett said the City Commission will engage an executive search service to recruit

applicants for the city manager position. She also said the process will include an opportunity for input on the characteristics, traits, and experience the community would like to see in a city manager. A new city manager should be appointed before the end of the year. Merriss is a resident of the City of Decatur and said she intends to stay in the community and remain active in local government professional organizations as she explores roles that will continue her passion for great local government. She was the first woman and the youngest person to serve as President of the International City County Manager Association (ICMA) in 2002. She currently serves as the chair of the ICMA-RC board of directors and will continue in that office.

City News Decatur Active Living Hosts Capstone Financial Classes Decatur Active Living has partnered with Capstone Financial and Robert Cox the Retirement Guy to offer free monthly educational classes at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St. Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. Understanding and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits • Sept. 13 A great resource for anyone who plans to retire in the next 15 years and wants to learn when it’s best to start their benefits. College Planning • Sept. 18 Gain an understanding of college costs, ways to fund college, financial aid, and options for decreasing costs.

Family Fun Bike Ride Sunday, Sept. 9 • 2 p.m. • Harmony Park Join Decatur Active Living for a family bike ride. Meet at Harmony Park and be ready to put wheels down at 2 p.m. All ages are welcome. The ride is slow-paced and no one will be left behind. Pick up some safety information and a special I Bike Decatur spoke card. Bike registration will be held before the ride, 1-2 p.m. Helmets are required for all participants. Adult volunteers are needed to assist with the ride. Contact cheryl.burnette@ decaturga.com for more information.

Financial Goal Setting • Oct. 16 This lesson covers income, savings, retirement, and debt payment goals. Common Money Mistakes • Nov. 13 Learn to manage finances, mitigate financial setbacks, stay on track, and make financial decisions.

Rainy days are inevitable. Being prepared is not.

Make the most of the rain. c We’re updating the Stormwater Master Plan and we need your expert opinion. You’re the expert on stormwater. You know what’s happening, where flooding occurs, where streams are compromised. That’s the information we need to kick-off our work. So please join us and help get us up to speed. Everyone’s welcome. Wednesday, September 26, 6-8pm Decatur Recreation Center (231 Sycamore Street) More information: www.decaturnext.com/stormwater

Bike Rodeo Oct. 6 • noon-2 p.m. Ebster Recreation Center Join Decatur Active Living for a bike rodeo. Children will learn about rules of the road, helmet fitting, bike safety and more during this free event. Participants should know how to ride their bikes. Helmets are required. For more information contact cheryl. burnette@decatu rga.com or 678-553-6541.

Walk Your Wheels You may have noticed the Walk Your Wheels stencils in the downtown area around the square. Bicyclists and skateboarders should not ride on the sidewalks in the downtown pedestrian zone. Let’s all be courteous to pedestrians and “Walk Your Wheels.” SEPTEMBER 2018 • Decatur Focus | 9

Business & Nonprofit News Global Health Nonprofit Moves to New Decatur Headquarters

he Decatur-based Task Force for Global Health has moved to 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. This move will allow the organization to meet growing program needs and launch new initiatives to reduce the burden of diseases affecting people around the world. The task force strives to eliminate neglected tropical diseases, eradicate polio, and help countries prepare for pandemics. It recently launched a new partnership to eliminate leprosy and is considering new programs in viral hepatitis elimination and non-communicable diseases. A Strong and Growing Demand The Task Force has experienced significant growth in recent years, reflecting a strong and growing demand for its services. Program revenue has increased by more than 50 percent and new positions are being added annually. It currently employs about 140 people in Decatur. Over the years, the task force has built a reputation for bringing organizations together to solve some of the world’s toughest large-scale health problems. Dave Ross, president and chief executive officer, said the new facility will have space to host other public health nonprofits that could potentially become new partners for the organization. The new headquarters features a 15,000-square-foot conference center that will support its vital role as a hub for coalitions working to eliminate diseases and to address other health threats. Facility Renovations The 30-year-old building on West Ponce de Leon Avenue has required extensive renovations. The six-story building was previously owned by DeKalb County, which is leasing back three floors for a period of up to five years. After the entire facility is renovated, it will be LEED certified and meet City of Decatur building requirements for energy efficiency and environmentally friendly materials. About half of the task force’s staff and programs are currently housed in the W. Ponce facility. Three programs remain at the organization’s former headquarters on Swanton Way until the new headquarters is fully renovated. Purchase and renovation of the West Ponce facility was made possible by a $10 million grant from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation and more than $2 million in gifts from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Pittulloch Foundation, and Mary and Wendell Reilly. The task force also received $7 million in bonds from the Decide DeKalb Development Authority.

Preparing for the Next Pandemic:

Lessons from the 2017-18 Flu Season The 2017-18 flu season was one of the deadliest in years and exposed our vulnerability to a flu pandemic. A panel of the world’s leading flu experts will discuss what happened and how we can prepare for the next global outbreak. The inaugural symposium of “Topics in Global Health,” sponsored by The Task Force for Global Health and the Georgia Global Health Alliance, is Thursday, Sept. 27, 6-8 p.m., at 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Space is limited and RSVP is required. RSVP to events@taskforce.org. 10 | Decatur Focus • SEPTEMBER 2018

Blessing of the Animals at Decatur Presbyterian Saturday, Oct. 6 • 10:30 a.m. Decatur Presbyterian Church invites the community to join Dr. Todd Speed and his yellow lab, Chevy, for a blessing of the animals. This event is celebrated annually on or near the date of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi and is conducted in remembrance of the saint’s love for all creatures. The blessing ceremony will take place in the Terrace Garden of the church at 205 Sycamore St., corner of Church and Sycamore streets. In case of rain it will be moved to Slack Fellowship Hall. If you cannot bring an animal, bring a picture of an animal you love or an endangered species in the wild. Following the blessing, there will be a time of fellowship, including some pet contests. Call Decatur Presbyterian, 404-378-1777 for more information about the event.

Pinnacle Wins Design Awards A Decatur home built by Decatur-based Pinnacle Custom Builders, Inc., has been recognized by Builder and Custom Home magazines as one of nine award-winning international projects. The aesthetically pleasing LEED Platinum and EarthCraftcertified home was designed by Atlanta architect Robert M. Cain A.I.A. It features eco-friendly building materials as well as excellent design and construction. Pinnacle is also named one of the best Green Home Builders in the United States by Home Builder Digest. Robert J. Soens, Jr., president and owner of Pinnacle Custom Builders and a resident of Decatur, says he is proud of the results he and his team have achieved. The firm strives to meet the highest level of environmentally responsible building standards and is affiliated with EarthCraft, LEED for Homes, and Energy Star Certified Homes.

Business & Nonprofit News Community Center of South Decatur/Solarium Announces 2018 Grant Award Winners The Community Center of South Decatur (CCSD), the volunteer board responsible for the Solarium in Oakhurst, is proud to announce this year’s grant award winners: • A Través (flamenco dance and Spanish immersion for children) • Beecatur/Bee City USA (native pollinator garden) • Decatur Cooperative Ministry (transitional housing) • Decatur Education Foundation (equity training for key CSD administrators, teachers and staff) • DeKalb Library Foundation (STEAM Makerspace kits) • Frank Hamilton School (Learn to Busk for Decatur/children’s program) • Our House (employment readiness training) • Reading is Essential for All People (summer children’s program) • Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence (Camp PEACE children’s program) • Wylde Center (Cob House/playground repair) A celebration was held at the Solarium in May for the CCSD Board to personally meet and award representatives from each of these nonprofit organizations. They look forward to continued success with fundraising efforts and thank contributors in advance for ensuring that the 2019 grant awards are even more robust. The CCSD Board also thanks everyone in the community who helped raise funds through the 2017 Decatur BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Festival and the annual Solarium fundraiser Sips & Small Plates. Your generosity has allowed them to support the work of the 10 community nonprofit organizations listed here.

Decatur Makers Summer Update and Fall Event During summer vacation Decatur Makers got together with makers from the International Rescue CommitteeAtlanta to design and build their own aquaponics system. Aquaponics blends aquaculture (raising aquatic animals) with hydroponics (raising plants in water) into a single environment. Come and connect with Decatur Makers at Maker Faire Atlanta, Oct. 27-28, at the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot. Or stop by 605 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. for an Open House/Open Build Night (except the first Wednesday of the month, which is the members’ meeting). Visit decaturmakers.org for more information.

Atlanta Music Ed Partners With Treehouse Kid and Craft

tlanta Music Education is partnering with Treehouse Kid and Craft, 533 W. Howard Ave., to provide music and art learning opportunities for kids. The organization has acquired classroom space at the Treehouse location where families can also purchase quality toys, books and crafts. New class programming for babies, toddlers and elementary students starts this school year in the new studio. Middle school and high school students can enjoy private lesson programming and new monthly workshops in audition preparation, performance and group jams. Atlanta Music Education is directed by Elexa Bancroft and a team of local actors, musicians and singers. Interested students can register for group classes by visiting TreehouseKidAndCraft.com and for private lessons and workshops at AtlantaMusicEducation.com.

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Decatur Events YEA! Event for Young Emerging Artists Sunday, Sept. 30 • 2-6 p.m. This wildly popular one-day arts event has been embraced by local students in grades K-12 as a way to showcase their creativity and talent to the public. Shop at the juried outdoor artists market or enjoy live performances at a stage in Harmony Park in Oakhurst Village. Tents will line Harmony Park, packed with student artists showing off a bounty of jewelry, paintings, photography, drawings, culinary delights, and handcrafted goods, all for sale. On a stage in the center of the area is a nonstop line-up of highenergy performances, from wild-and-woolly rock combos to blues acts, singer-songwriters, soloists, and more. The young artists gain practical experience in event organization, marketing, and sales of their artwork. This event is brought to you by Decatur Arts Alliance and sponsor Tim Martin Wealth Strategies. Visit decaturartsalliance.org for more information.

Wildlife Sanctuary Tour Saturday, Sept. 15 • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Save the Date: Oct. 5

Movie on the Lawn at First Baptist Church of Decatur The community is invited to movie night on the lawn of First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave. Enjoy inflatables and food at 5 p.m. The movie will begin at 7 p.m. (movie TBD). This event is free and suitable for the entire family. There will be food available for purchase. For more information visit fbcdecatur.com.

he Atlanta Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary Tour will feature six properties, including two public properties and four private homes, in Decatur/DeKalb County. Each property has been certified by Atlanta Audubon as a wildlife sanctuary because it provides four essential elements for attracting wildlife and birds: food sources (including at least 50 percent native plants), nesting sites, shelter, and water sources. Visitors will see a wide variety of native plants in a diversity of settings that attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Guests must provide their own transportation and travel between sites at their leisure. Private property addresses will be provided to those who purchase tickets in advance of the event. Tickets are $20 for Atlanta Audubon members and $25 for nonmembers and are available at atlantaaudubon.org/wildlife-sanctuary-tour.

12 | Decatur Focus • SEPTEMBER 2018

Financial Peace University Offers Class at FBC Decatur First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave., has partnered with Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University to offer a nineweek class on financial freedom, beginning Sept. 12. Learn how you can take control of your money, get out of debt, and create a plan for your future with this class. Visit fbcdecatur.com/fpu to learn more.

Decatur Events Oakhurst Porchfest Returns

Saturday, Oct. 13 • Noon-7 p.m. Georgia’s largest, most diverse, and totally noncommercial musical spectacle returns, bringing its spirit of “radical generosity and good will” to the thousands of residents and visitors expected to fill the streets of Oakhurst. Powered by the voluntary contributions of more than 900 neighbors and musicians, this fourth installment of the Oakhurst Porchfest will feature roughly 200 performances spread across the neighborhood’s one square mile. It’s completely free and open to all. Driving is available as a very limited option, though attendees are strongly encouraged to walk, bike, rideshare, or take MARTA to the East Lake station. Visit oakhurstporchfest.org for the latest news, including the lateSeptember release of the map and performance schedule.

Haints & Saints Halloween Parade Returns

West Ponce Music Stroll Oct. 6 Take a stroll, feed your soul with music On Oct. 6 West Ponce businesses will open their patios and parking lots, transforming them into stages for a day full of free, live music. Eight venues, eight bands, eight different times. It all starts at Dancing Goats, 419 W. Ponce, at noon and ends at the Marlay House, 426 W. Ponce, at 8 p.m. For more details about bands, locations and start times visit gowestponce.com.

By Community • With Community • For Community

he Haints & Saints Halloween Parade returns to the streets of downtown Decatur on Saturday, Oct. 27. The parade has grown steadily since its introduction in 2011 and this year promises to be the best yet. Local marching bands, tricked-out hearses, floats, classic cars and, best of all, Decatur residents and visitors will be taking to the streets to get their weird on. Local retailers will host Storefront Saturday, beginning at noon, and will offer specials and hand out candy for trick-or-treaters. Line up for the parade begins at 4 p.m. at the Decatur post office at 520 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Anyone may walk or roll in the parade; floats, bands, and groups larger than five can register online at decaturhalloweenparade.com. As the parade begins at 5 p.m., the police will do a rolling closure in front of it. The parade will culminate with a musical jam session on the square. Get involved! Individuals, community groups, local businesses, bands, and performers are encouraged to join the parade. Visit decaturhalloweenparade.com for more information. SEPTEMBER 2018 • Decatur Focus | 13

Decatur Events Jazz Nights at Scottish Rite Every Thursday in September • 7-9 p.m.

DIANE DURRETT

BONAVENTURE QUARTET

he Oakhurst Neighborhood Association kicks off its Oakhurst Jazz Nights Fall Concert Series in September. The community is invited to hear live jazz on the lawn of The Solarium, 321 W. Hill St. in Oakhurst. Bring your blankets (no lawn chairs, please) and enjoy the free concerts. This is a rain or shine event; the concert moves inside the Solarium in case of inclement weather. For a front-row view of the concert, candlelit bistro tables are available for reservation. Each table seats up to four and comes complete with chairs, table covers, and a custom candle-lit centerpiece. Reservations are $25 per table, per night. If you are interested, go to the OakhurstJazzNights. com table reservation PERFORMERS page or email concerts@ Sept. 6 • Bonaventure Quartet oakhurstjazznights.com. Sept. 13 • Kermit Walker As always we will acSept. 20 • Diane Durrett commodate the elderly Sept. 28 • Will Scruggs Trio and mobility restricted. Oakhurst Jazz Nights is made possible by the support of sponsors: Keller Knapp Realty, 2U Laundry Services, Arlene Dean Homes, Private Bank of Decatur, Heather Tell of Atlanta Intown Realty, Wahoo! Grill, DoubleDome Technologies, Downtown Decatur Development Authority, Hammertime Construction, King of Pops, Oakhurst Reality Partners, and the Solarium/ CCSD. In addition, a generous donation from the Oakhurst Wine Crawl helps to fund the concerts each year. Visit OakhurstJazzNIghts.com for more information.

Decatur Tiny House Festival Plans Amazing New Features Sept. 29-30 • 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. The 2018 Decatur Tiny House Festival will feature more tiny houses, food trucks (a.k.a. tiny restaurants), speakers, local and national vendors, and bicycle parking than ever before. New features this year include a Tiny Travel area and an interactive Kid’s Corner. Visitors will see surprising new tiny houses. Three of last year’s favorites, Bigheart Tiny House Co., Hummingbird Tiny Housing and Mustard Seed Tiny Homes will be back with examples of high-end tiny living. Wind River Tiny Homes will bring a sample of 14 | Decatur Focus • SEPTEMBER 2018

living small from Chattanooga, Lighthouse Tiny Homes will present DIY possibilities, and Lamon Luther will be onsite to display a tiny house outfitted with the company’s own handcrafted furniture. This year, the festival includes an interactive Kid’s Corner for tiny visitors. Participants from Little Shop of Stories, Atlanta Parent magazine, Stars Gymnastics and others will be on hand to offer fun activities. Throughout the festival, tiny talks will be offered by a variety of speakers including SCAD Atlanta. At these mini-lectures, attendees can insights into the benefits of the

the micro-lifestyle, and learn tips on how to minimize, organize, and make the transition. Tickets are on sale and several ticket options are available. Advance general admission is $35 for a weekend pass, $20 for a single-day ticket and free for children 12 and younger. Early Access VIP passes are $45 and include early access to tour all homes, a festival T-shirt, six-month membership to MicroLife Institute and admission for one day. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tinyhousefestival.com.

Decatur Events Soapbox Derby Returns to Madison Avenue in Oakhurst

n Oct. 6, Madison Avenue in the Oakhurst neighborhood will once again transform into a raceway, complete with creatively themed soapbox racecars on pit row, live music, food, drinks and more. This 8th annual non-motorized racing event challenges amateur racers to design and build humanpowered soapbox cars and compete against the clock in a downhill race. Competitors are divided into age groups, with awards given out for fastest times and most creative car themes. The family-friendly event is free for spectators and open to the community. The Decatur Education Foundation’s (DEF) “Lighten the Load” initiative and City Schools of Decatur Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) have been chosen as the beneficiaries for the 2018 race. This is the first time in the event’s history that multiple nonprofit organizations will receive financial support in the same year to grow their impact on Decatur youths. DEF and SEPTA both work with City Schools of Decatur to support student achievement. DEF’s “Lighten the Load” provides food, clothing and other resources to families of students living in need. SEPTA serves families and educators of children receiving special education and gifted services in the district. Visit madisonavesoapboxderby.org For details on making a donation to support DEF and SEPTA, signing on as an event sponsor, competing in the derby, or volunteering. Follow the Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates.

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Decatur Events UPS Store Open House and Ribbon Cutting Sept. 27 Open House • 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Ribbon Cutting • 1 p.m. UPS Store No. 6956 invites the community to an open house and ribbon cutting event at its Commerce Square Shopping Center location, 235 Ponce de Leon Place, Suite M. The new store is one of five under the IER Enterprises LLC umbrella, an Atlanta-based franchise group. Services provided include packing, shipping, print services, mailbox rentals, notary services, shredding, fax services, passport photos, computer access, graphic design, fingerprinting and office space rental. Office space rental includes 24-hour access, a secure mailbox with a real street address, free parking and utilities. Restaurants, retail and all UPS Store services are at your fingertips. Interested candidates may obtain a job application in person from The UPS Store No. 6956, or apply by emailing their resume to store6956@theupsstore.com with “The UPS Store 6956 Employment Application” in the subject heading.

Pollinator Habitat Community Workday Saturday, Sept. 8 • 10 a.m. eecatur seeks volunteers to assist with planting native flowers and shrubs, spreading mulch, weeding and other garden upkeep at the site of Decatur’s Pollinator Habitat. As part of Decatur’s commitment as a Bee City USA, the property at 115 Willow Lane (corner of Willow Lane and Superior Avenue) was set aside to help support pollinator species. Participants should bring their own shovels, trowels, garden gloves and shoes or boots for possibly muddy conditions. Please mark all tools with your name. On-street parking in the neighborhood is limited; car-pooling is strongly encouraged. For more information, visit beecaturga.com or email beecaturga@gmail.com.

A Beacon of Hope Walk 4 Life 5K Sept. 23 • 8:30 a.m. The community is invited to A Beacon of Hope Walk for Life 5K in Chastain Park. This familyfriendly event will include official chip timing, a pre-race warm-up and stretch, a professional announcer, and one-of-a-kind event gear. All fitness levels are welcome. A Beacon of Hope is a nonprofit, faith-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization located in Decatur and Johns Creek. Its mission is to empower women and families through pregnancy diagnosis, decision support, and sexual health education by providing compassionate medical, emotional, and long-term care that specializes in hope, healing and recovery. Visit abeaconofhope.greatfeats.com to register. Proceeds benefit A Beacon of Hope. 16 | Decatur Focus • SEPTEMBER 2018

Oakhurst Recovery Program Hosts Fundraising Event

he Oakhurst Recovery Program (ORP) is having its annual fundraising event on Saturday, Sept. 29, in Fellowship Hall at Oakhurst Baptist Church, 222 East Lake Drive. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a silent auction, followed by a “Soup Kitchen Buffet” at 6 p.m. A program of entertainment and information presented by ORP residents will begin around 7 p.m. Tickets are required for a seat at the table for the buffet. A tax deductible donation of $50 is suggested for a seat but more or less will be accepted with appreciation. The Oakhurst Recovery Program has served homeless men for more than 35 years. ORP offers free, long-term residential support services for indigent, homeless men with drug and/or alcohol addiction. ORP’s goal is to restore life to our residents by treating the underlying problems of chemical dependency, not just the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual consequences of addiction. ORP residents may complete our program in nine to 24 months. All donations help the mission to continue.

Decatur Events Core Dance Events Meet the Core Dance Artists at Lunchtime in the Studio Thursday, Sept. 13 • noon-1 p.m. • 139 Sycamore St. Lunchtime in the Studio offers an opportunity for the community to actively participate in the Core Dance environment. Core Dance uses dance to connect people, and Lunchtime in the Studio amplifies the purposeful artistic risk taking, invention, community participation, led collaboration, knowledge sharing and enquiry that form the heart of the studio’s vision. A complimentary lunch will be served in the warm and welcoming studio on the square in downtown Decatur. To register, visit giveffect.com/campaigns/7426-lunchtime-in-the-studio-9-13-18.

Fall Fieldwork Sessions Begin Monday, Oct. 1 • 7:30-9:30 p.m. • 139 Sycamore St. Fieldwork is a unique forum for artists to meet weekly and share developing works and exchange feedback, peer to peer, culminating in the Fieldwork Showcase performance. Fieldwork is for creators: solo performing artists, writers, composers, choreographers, playwrights, multidisciplinary artists, poets, vocalists and more. Weekly sessions begin on Monday, Oct. 1. For more information visit coredance.org/fieldwork.html.

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Therapist Offers Parenting Enrichment Course Sundays, Sept. 16-Oct. 21 • 10-11 a.m. First Baptist Church of Decatur 308 Clairemont Ave., Room E-206 Monique Wischusen, a licensed marriage and family therapist, will lead a free six-week parenting version of the Prepare/Enrich for Couples course. The course contains 11 categories of skill-building exercises that help attendees understand and apply the insights from the assessment. Participants gain insight into parenting styles, family dynamics and couple communication. The course is $35 for couples. This includes an assessment of parenting styles and parenting stress. It also provides condensed insight into a couple’s relationship, including communication and conflict resolution. Childcare is provided if needed. For more information contact Monique, 404-369-1041.

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SEPTEMBER 2018 • Decatur Focus | 17

Decatur Events School News

Different Trains Gallery Presents Art and Music Performances Friday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. • Holy Trinity Parish, 515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. Friday, Nov. 2, 5-8 p.m. • Different Trains Gallery, 432 E. Howard Ave.

ifferent Trains Gallery will present a collaborative art exhibition/storytelling/musical performance by Natalie Twigg, an English-born, Atlantabased composer and musician. “The Gallery” is a story of searching and renewal, as layer upon layer of the tale weaves within Natalie’s music. The story is set in a theatre with 12 pieces of artwork created by Todd Alexander taking center stage. The result is a powerful audio and visual collaboration inspired by the biblical character Bathsheba. “The Gallery” will open in two parts, the first as a premier concert performance by Natalie on Friday, Oct. 26, in which she will open with an oboe improvisation. She will then perform “The Gallery,” narrating the story from her piano. On the following Friday, Nov. 2, the exhibition of Todd Alexander’s art will open at Different Trains Gallery. Visitors to the gallery will hear a recording of Natalie’s performance while viewing the show. Natalie Twigg invites the community to attend any or all of a series of open rehearsals that will take place on the Fridays of Sept. 28 and Oct. 5, 12 and 19, noon-1 p.m., at the sanctuary inside Holy Trinity Parish, where she has a studio residency. Admission is free and childcare is available.

A Novel Affair: Tapas + Trivia Join the DeKalb Library Foundation to test your wits while supporting the library. A Novel Affair: Tapas + Trivia will be held at the Decatur Marriott on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. Visit dekalblibraryfoundation.org to purchase your ticket.

L’Arche Atlanta’s Sixth Birthday Benefit & Bash

oin L’Arche Atlanta on Sept. 9 at 4 p.m. for the sixth annual Birthday Benefit & Bash fundraising celebration. The event will feature electronic bidding for all auction items this year. All bidding will be done through your cell phone or computer. Tickets are $50 each or $475 for a table of 10. Visit larche6.givesmart. com to register. This year’s auction items include a Porsche Driving Experience; a tour of CNN led by news anchor Christi Paul; dinner for four and a conversation with the chef at Pricci; a family membership to the High Museum; and tickets to the Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony.

18 | Decatur Focus • SEPTEMBER 2018

DPC Celebrates Agnes Scott Campus Ministry Decatur Presbyterian Church and Agnes Scott College will hold a very special worship service on Sept. 30. The service will highlight the past, present, and future relationships between the two organizations, celebrate the impact of campus ministry at Agnes Scott College and the plans that Decatur Presbyterian Church has for deepening this connection in the church’s charge to welcome the community with “wideopen doors.” Reverend Kate Collusy-Estes, Julia Thompson Smith, chaplain for Agnes Scott, and Reverend Sarah Hooker, Presbyterian campus minister for UKirk, will preach the service. Sunday School meets at 9:15 a.m., followed by the start of worship at 10:30 a.m. at Decatur Presbyterian Church, 205 Sycamore St. Afterwards, there will be fellowship on the lawn with students and alumnae. For more information about this event, contact Reverend Kate Collusy-Estes, kcolussyestes@agnesscott.edu; Betty Scott Noble, bsnoble@comcast.net; or visit sites.google.com/site/ ascdecpres/Home.

Judge Presents The People’s Law School DeKalb County’s Chief Magistrate Judge Berryl A. Anderson invites Decatur residents to apply for the inaugural People’s Law School. This program is designed to provide a general overview of the court system in Georgia, magistrate court and DeKalb County specialty courts. The curriculum will include education on civil, criminal and ordinance matters. After completing all class sessions, participants will “graduate” from the People’s Law School. The program is for adults only. Classes will take place on Monday evenings, 6-8 p.m., Oct. 15-Nov. 5. For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite.com and enter “People’s Law School 2018” in the search box.

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Decatur Events Decatur Craft Beer Festival Celebrates 20 Years Oct. 20 • noon-5 p.m.

elebrate the Decatur Craft Beer Festival’s 20th year. Each general admission ticket includes a special tasting glass and sips from more than 80 breweries. Rock out to live music throughout the festival, while a DJ keeps you moving between sets. Get a VIP ticket for the ultimate beer festival experience with an exclusive VIP entrance and special beers made just for this event by Georgia craft brewers. Get special prices on tickets for 20 hours (to celebrate the festival’s 20 years), beginning at noon on Sept. 17: $40/general admission and $80/VIP. At 8 a.m. on Sept. 18 ticket prices return to $50/general admission and $100/VIP. The party starts early with pre-festival events happening on Friday, Oct. 19. Connect with the Beer Festival on Facebook and Instagram for all the updates. Proceeds from this event benefit Decatur community nonprofit organizations. Visit decaturbeerfestival.com for more information.

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SEPTEMBER 2018 • Decatur Focus | 19

DBA News PRESENT

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