Focus April 2017 web

Focus City of Decatur

inside: kids activity book Clear zone

APRIL 2017 Volume 27 • Number 8

Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia

We Remember Beacon Hill

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uring the Decatur Business Association’s Black History Month program, Renfroe Middle school students performed a scene from their play, We Remember Beacon Hill: Stories of History and Hope through the Eyes of Elizabeth Wilson, written by attorney Mawuli Mel Davis and his wife, Jana Johnson-Davis. The scene highlighted the contributions of several members of the Beacon Hill Community, including restaurant owner Tom Steele, Federal Judge Clarence Cooper, Herring Street School Principal and Attorney Charles Clayton, business owner M.A. Ebster, and Presbyterian minister Allen Wilson.

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The play was developed in 2015 through conversations with Decatur’s first and only African-American mayor, Elizabeth Wilson. The Davises met Mayor Wilson shortly after moving to Decatur in 2013 and were deeply affected by her contributions and dedication to preserving the history of Decatur’s Beacon Hill community. As a teacher at Renfroe, Johnson-Davis wanted to make sure

DECATUR 14 EVENTs

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School news 21

Focus City of Decatur

Decatur Youth Council Sworn In

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 editDecatur Volunter ing. Information found in the Focus is also posted on Coordinator Decatur’s official website at decaturga.com.

The deadline Leeann Harveyis for submitting articles, announcements or advertising the first day of the month preceding publication. Contact: Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, 404-371-8386; fax 404-371-1593; email: decaturfocus@decaturga.com.

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

DECATUR DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

At a February meeting of the city commission, Mayor Patti Garrett conducted a swearing-in ceremony for the the Decatur Youth Council. Pictured (from left): Julia Conley, Qiu-ee Neiditz, Alix Wagner, Ben Snedden, Eriana Ellis, Shadi Abdalla (beside Mayor Garrett), Mason Koski, Harriett Mycroft. Not pictured: Bailey Tocups.

City of Decatur Logo Use

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

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The City of Decatur logo is a registered trademark and may only be used with permission from the Decatur City Commission. For-profit businesses that wish to sell items with the City of Decatur logo on them must make a request and receive permission from the commission. An annual licensing fee and a percentage of the net profits are part of each agreement.

City of Decatur nonprofit organizations that wish to incorporate the logo for a one-time special use are considered on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, contact Linda Harris, linda.harris@decaturga.com, 678-553-6512.

Decatur Business Association

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

Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com 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 • APRIL 2017

City News Arbor Day Celebration:

Decatur Honored as a ‘Tree City USA’ Community Georgia Forestry Commission Director Robert Farris, Mayor Patti Garrett, and Landscape Infrastructure Coordinator Kay Evanovich.

Open Office Hour Returns April 24 Features Mayor Pro Tem Fred Boykin

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n Monday, April 24, 7 to 8 p.m., watch live streaming video of the city’s second Open Office Hour. Mayor Pro Tem Fred Boykin will discuss transportation for approximately 20 minutes, covering walkability, proposed bicycle lanes, and more.

Boykin will then answer questions posed by viewers live via Twitter, Facebook, email, or telephone. Open Office Hour will also be available online after the broadcast for those who are unable to view it live.

Let’s all Pitch In to Keep Downtown Clean

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ecatur was among 19 Georgia cities honored during the 2017 State Arbor Day celebration at Trees Atlanta, for being one of Georgia’s Tree City USA communities. The city was recognized for its commitment to caring for and managing its public trees. The Tree City USA program provides direction, assistance and national recognition for the community and is the framework for a healthy, sustainable urban forestry program.

The city has installed more of the new combination litter and recycling cans around Oakhurst and downtown as as part of the expanding streetscape project. Make sure you dispose of your litter in the proper can and take a minute to pick up trash on the sidewalk if you are out walking.

And, don’t forget to pick up after your dog, too. City ordinances require you to pick up after your pet in city parks, sidewalk planting strips and along neighborhood streets. Dog poop stations are located throughout the city and more will be added soon. Look for these new colorful reCLEA minder signs AF TER YOU N UP R PET coming soon.

Poop Fairy

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During the Decatur Arbor Day celebration in February, the city gave away 50 catalpa and 50 redbud tree seedlings. Representatives from Women Arborists of the Southeast, a group whose mission is to promote and educate young women in the field of arboriculture, participated in the event to assist the public with tree-related questions.

Please

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APRIL 2017 • Decatur Focus | 3

City News Artists Return to Finish MARTA Mural

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ilagros Collective, the artists chosen to design and paint the mural on the MARTA overpass at the corner of W. Trinity and Atlanta avenues, will return to finish the mural in April. If you see Felici Asteinza and Joey Fillastre (the artists who make up the Milagros Collective) around town, please say hello and welcome them back to the community.

In addition, Decatur Active Living has received a grant to help transform the area under the mural into a KaBOOM! Playspace and the Milagros Collective will help with that project as well. The mural and the Playspace should be complete by the end of April and there will be a special event to celebrate the transformed space.

Watch for details about the celebration from the Decatur Arts Alliance, the City of Decatur website, or the DecaturMinute and BeActiveDecatur blogs.

Appleseed Tree Service Helps MLK Service Project Seniors Arborist Mark Collins and Appleseed Tree Service have spent more than a decade managing the urban forest surrounding the homes of senior citizens helped by the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project.

Mark and Appleseed have done everything from pruning trees close to homes to removing dead and fallen trees.

The MLK Service Project appreciates Mark’s commitment to helping Decatur’s seniors live safely in their homes. Visit appleseedtreeservice.com or call 404-3782774 or email admin@appleseedtreeservice.com.

At right: Mark Collins and Mrs. Jones

4 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2017

What’s Better Together?

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ecatur’s Better Together Initiative began as a year-long, communitywide visioning process designed to cultivate a more just, welcoming, inclusive, equitable and compassionate experience for all who live, visit or work in Decatur. It included conversations across differences and an extensive community engagement outreach designed to reach all, particularly those who might not typically feel included or welcome “at the table.” More than 800 diverse citizens contributed more than 1,300 hours, making it the largest citizen participation process since the 2010 Strategic Plan.

The initiative resulted in the Better Together Community Action Plan for Equity, Inclusion and Engagement, with 60 action items (around an equitable and inclusive city, racially just community policing, and diverse and affordable housing) for individuals, organizations and local government to undertake together and independently.

The Decatur City Commission established the Better Together Advisory Board in 2016, appointing 15 community members with an interest and expertise in the areas of equity, inclusion, and engagement to guide and advise the commission and the community on issues of equity, inclusion and engagement, and to assist the city in moving the Community Action Plan forward.

For more information, visit decaturga. com/bettertogether or contact Linda Harris, linda.harris@decaturga.com, 678-553-6512.

City News BEACON Continued from page 1 that students also knew the stories of Mayor Wilson and the residents of Beacon Hill.

Renfroe students jumped at the chance to portray Mayor Wilson and other residents of the Beacon Hill Community, many of whom lived in the same housing communities as students today. As the students prepared for their performances, they learned how Mayor Wilson and her friend Dorothy Scott – both mothers of young children who wanted to check out library books like white families did – desegregated the DeKalb County Library.

Students also learned that Beacon Hill was a thriving community of black-owned businesses, churches, and schools, despite the oppression of legal segregation, and prior to the urban revitalization programs that forced many residents and businesses to move.

Mayor Wilson made a surprise visit to Renfroe during one of the after-school rehearsals and shocked most of the students, who did not realize she was still alive. Students had many questions, including whether Mayor Wilson had ever seen members of the Ku Klux Klan. Mayor Wilson described how the Ku Klux Klan would parade around Beacon Hill on their way to rallies on the DeKalb County Courthouse steps.

Before concluding the visit, Mayor Wilson urged students to be proud of where they come from. She also asked students to always refer to their housing community by the name, and never as a “project.” At the end of the rehearsal, students flooded Mayor Wilson with hugs as they promised to always remember Beacon Hill.

B E AC O N Herring Street School about 1913

of Decatur’s A brief history n community African-America

Nurse Ivey collects height and weight information for the children of Decatur Nursery School at the Odd Fellows Hall at the intersection of Herring and Oliver streets, early 1940s. Among the children are Jackie Lowe Simmons, William Heard, and Julius Shaw.

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See more photos of the Renfroe students’ performance on page 13.

Pick up a copy of Decatur’s new brochure about the history of the city’s African-American Beacon community at the Decatur Visitors Center, and see the exhibits in the lobby of the Ebster Recreation Center.

APRIL 2017 • Decatur Focus | 5

City News Decatur Police Department Hosts Crisis Intervention Training Courses

The Decatur Police Department hosted its fourth Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)training course in February. Nineteen officers from seven law enforcement agencies took the course and gained knowledge and skills to assist community members with mental health, behavioral, and developmental disorders in crisis. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) recommends police departments have 20 percent of officers CIT trained. Currently, the Decatur Police Department has 83 percent of officers CIT trained.

Decatur PD at Work in the Community “Mending Bridges” is an outreach project benefiting Atlanta’s homeless conducted by Agnes Scott College police officers and students and Decatur police officers. The Decatur community went above and beyond supporting the project’s first donation drive, contributing two truckloads of clothing, personal care items, and food. Officers and students visited and distributed items in the Courtland Street/Pine Street area. Follow the Decatur Police Facebook page for information on future donation drives and visits.

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Be Nice

The Decatur Police Department partnered with the downtown Decatur Chick-Fil-A for Random Acts of Kindness Day in February. Officers surprised 30 unsuspecting recipients with gift cards all around the city.

City News Recycle Your Old Electronics

Saturday May 13 9 am-1 pm Styrofoam Recyling & Paper Shredding, too!

DECATUR PUBLIC WORKS | 2635 Talley St.

Fee required to recycle cathode ray tube equipment (exact change only): Monitors $5; TVs $10

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Since 2005, we’ve diverted more than 1,000,000 pounds of electronics from landfills. Contact Sean Woodson at 404-377-5571 or sean.woodson@decaturga.com for more information and last-minute updates, or visit decaturga.com/ electronicsrecycling.

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Paper Shredding This is a great opportunity to ensure that your important personal documents are disposed of properly. AAA Security Shredding provides secure on-site document shredding, and all shredded documents will be 100 percent recycled. Most document types are acceptable, including bills, invoices, correspondence, canceled checks, tax records, financial statements, purchase orders, and blueprints and maps.

These items cannot be shredded: Cardboard, glass, plastic, magazines, napkins, newspapers, paper cups and plates, plastic or spiral-bound notebooks, phonebooks, three-ring binders, and trash.

COMMERCE

Portable CD players Portable game players Printer cartridges Printers Radios Remote controls Routers Scanners Servers Speakers Stereo equipment Telephones Telephony equipment 3-in-1 devices Typewriters UPS units VCRs Workstations Zip drives

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Adding machines Answering machines Batteries, any kind Cable converter boxes Cables Calculators Component parts Computer mouses Computers Copiers Digital cameras Digital projectors DVD players Electric lawn mowers Fax machines Garden equipment GPS receivers Game controllers Keyboards Label makers LED/LCD Monitors Mini-towers Pagers PDAs

Recycle your old electronics and Styrofoam and safely shred and recycle your sensitive documents all in one place. Just drop by 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Sorry, early drop-offs are not possible.)

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And keep it out of the landfill, too!

Your favorite recycling events – combined!

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Get this junk out of your house

ENTER HERE

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TALLEY ST. PUBLIC WORKS Electronics Recycling

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 APRIL 2017 • Decatur Focus | 7

City News Congratulations, Captain Violante Decatur Fire Captain Ninetta Violante has been selected to present a session titled “Winning Psychology of Fire Officers” at the 2017 Fire-Rescue International Conference in July. The conference offers educational opportunities for emergency service professionals and uses experts in the industry to develop excellence in fire officers.

Fire Pit Safety – Do’s and Don’ts

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pring is here and the Fire Department would like to remind residents that while having a fire pit in the backyard can be fun, it is also a big responsibility. If you have a fire pit, or are considering using one, please review the following safety tips from the National Fire Protection Agency.

DO: Build your fire pit on a level surface Make sure the ground or surface is even to reduce the risk of fire escaping beyond your fire pit.

DO: Keep the fire at a safe distance Build the fire pit at least 10 feet from your home, fences, trees and the like.

DO: Monitor guests around fire pits Make sure guests maintain a proper distance and do not exhibit risky behavior. Keep close tabs on children and pets.

Citizens Fire Academy Begins May 4

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he Decatur Fire Department’s Citizens Fire Academy is a program designed to teach residents what the Fire Department does, how they do it, and why they do it. It will be held on Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., for six consecutive weeks, beginning May 4.

Using the Georgia Supporting Firefighter Basic Training Course, the academy teaches participants about the department’s mission and organization, fire scene safety, various types of operations, the equipment used, and equipment inspection and maintenance. In addition, students learn CPR and first aid, and spend part of a shift riding and responding with firefighters.

Although not required, graduates are encouraged to become part of the Decatur Fire CAPS (Citizens Assisting Public Safety) volunteer program, which offers opportunities for continuing education and service to the Fire Department and the community. CAPS members meet periodically to learn disaster preparedness, additional fire/rescue-related skills, and other ways they can help firefighters with community projects and assist in the support operations at an actual fire scene.

The academy is free to the community. Graduation is June 8. For an application or more information, contact the Decatur Fire Department, 404-373-5092.

Fire Hydrant Servicing April 3-May 14 The Decatur Fire Department is conducting fire hydrant servicing to ensure all hydrants are functional with the proper amount of water flow and to meet insurance requirements.

Hydrant testing signs will be posted in various locations during service testing. Flowing water is used to test the hydrant and flow times will be Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. It is best to avoid doing laundry during flow times in your neighborhood. If you have questions or concerns call 404-373-5092.

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DO: Check the weather report Avoid using your fire pit on windy days, since flames or embers can spread to your home, yard and nearby trees.

DO: Put your fire out safely Once you extinguish your fire with water, gently stir and spread the ashes to cool. Leave only when they’re cool to the touch.

DO: Have an emergency plan Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of sand close to douse the fire in case it gets out of hand. If you can’t put it out quickly, call 9-1-1.

DO NOT: Use gasoline or lighter fluid Such fuels can cause a fire to get out of control quickly. Instead, use dry wood as kindling that doesn’t extend beyond the edge of the pit.

DO NOT: Build a fire pit with river stones Smooth stones from riverbeds may have absorbed moisture over time and can heat rapidly and explode. Build your fire pit with dry, rough stones.

DO NOT: Leave a fire unattended Even if your fire pit is small, flames can spread quickly if left unattended. Monitor at all times.

City News Congratulations, Firefighters Diamond and Byrd Decatur firefighters Bryan Diamond and Kelvonte Byrd recently graduated from the Georgia Fire Academy. To learn more about these firefighters and to read about their experience, visit decaturfirehouse.com.

Decatur Farmers Market Celebrates Spring Launch

Welcome Aboard Be on the lookout for Decatur’s two newest school crossing guards. Roger Schuppert (at left) and Jerry Hawkins (below) recently assumed their new duties.

Wednesdays, starting April 5 • 4-7 p.m.

Saturdays, starting April 8 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Decatur Farmers Market is celebrating the opening of its main market season on Wednesday, April 5. The Wednesday market will be open from 4-7 p.m., offering prepared food, children’s activities with Big Story Time, music by the Decatur Ukulele Society and fresh, locally grown produce from a host of vendors.

On Saturday, April 8, the celebration continues with a ribbon cutting by Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett at 10 a.m. The Saturday market will be open 9 a.m.1 p.m. and will include farm animals, more activities for children and music by He Sang She Sang.

Both markets are located on the lawn of the First Baptist Church, 308 Clairemont Ave., with free parking in the church lot and parking deck. Visit cfmatl.org/decatur for details.

APRIL 2017 • Decatur Focus | 9

City News Celebrate National Walking Day Friday, April 7 • noon Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St.

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oin Decatur Active Living for a 30-minute walk around downtown Decatur to celebrate National Walking Day, sponsored by the American Heart Association. The purpose of the walk is to remind people about the health benefits of walking. Everyone is encouraged to take a 30-minute walk at some point during this day, so don’t forget to wear your sneakers (or take them with you) to work.

The regular 50+ Walk will take place on Wednesday at 10 a.m. This walk is approximately three miles and lasts one hour. Both walks will begin and end at Decatur Recreation Center.

Here’s how to make a 30-minute walk more enjoyable: • Wear comfortable clothes.

• Take a friend to pass the time.

• Make sure to stretch those muscles.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Move your arms.

• Make sure you have good posture.

To learn more about National Walking Day or opportunities for walking in Decatur, contact Sara.Holmes@decaturga.com or 678-553-6559.

Agnes Scott Saluted for Institutional Transformation

From left: Lynn Gangone, ACE; Debra Frey, Fidelity Investments; Agnes Scott College President Elizabeth Kiss; Brandman University Chancellor Gary Brahm; and Molly Corbett Broad, ACE.

Agnes Scott College is the recipient of the 2017 ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Transformation. The award was created to recognize institutions that have responded to higher education challenges in innovative and creative ways and achieved dramatic changes in a relatively brief period, and includes a $10,000 prize. The American Council on Education (ACE) invited nominations and applications for the award from any U.S. college or university eligible for ACE membership. The award is divided into two categories: the first for institutions with student populations of 5,001 and more, and the second for institutions with student populations of up to 5,000, the category in which Agnes Scott College has won.

10 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2017

April is 9-11 Appreciation Month 9-1-1 dispatchers are the unseen backbone of emergency services, the first, first responders. The entire month of April Smart911 would like to recognize these individuals for their ability to bring calm to Decatur Volunter chaos and their dedication to helping others.

Coordinator Every day. Every call. When everyLeeann secondHarvey counts, 9-1-1 is there. All month long Smart911 is challenging individuals to thank 9-1-1 dispatchers by sharing their appreciation on social media. Get personal: identify an individual or agency that has helped you, or just simply say, “Thank you,” including the hashtag: #thankyou911.

City News What to Plant and Where in Decatur

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1. Find the Right Tree.

Trees come in all shapes and sizes, and often change dramatically over their lifetime. Some grow tall, some grow wide and some have extensive root systems. Before selecting your tree, make sure you know how tall, wide and deep it will be at maturity. For lists of trees recommended for our area, see the City of Decatur Tree List at the end of the Decatur Tree Ordinance.

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s springtime weather turns warm and mild, gardening becomes a weekend chore and/or a favorite pastime for Decatur residents. If you decide to plant trees or bushes this season, please consider the following, particularly when planting near your property line or within the landscaping strip between the sidewalk and street.

2. Choose the Right Spot.

Where you plant your tree is just as important as what type of tree you plant. Blocking an unsightly view or creating some shade may be a priority, but you must also think about how your tree will impact existing property lines, utility lines, the sidewalk network, and visibility as it grows taller, wider and deeper. At maturity, will its canopy reach the overhead lines or your neighbor’s roof? Will the roots buckle or crack the sidewalk and create unsafe conditions for pedestrians?

If planting a tree near a sidewalk, consider installing a root barrier to prevent additional damage to the sidewalk infrastructure. Taking the time to consider location now can prevent avoidable problems for years to come.

3. Plan for Future Growth.

By planting the right tree in the right place, you’re doing your part to prevent power outages and flickers in your neighborhood. Tall trees growing under or near power lines ultimately require pruning or removal by the Georgia Power Company to maintain safe clearance from the lines. Remember, you should never attempt to trim any vegetation growing on or near power lines. Planting the right tree in the right place avoids possible civil litigation for the damage your tree may cause to a neighbor’s property.

INDIE-CATUR

Get your shopping done locally, Saturday, April 15, noon-5 p.m. – the first Storefront Saturday of the year. Shop at participating businesses and enjoy raffles, prizes, snacks and specials when you Keep It Indie-Catur at this special spring shopping event.

Make a purchase at any Storefront Saturday shop, bring your receipt to the tent on the square, and enter to win. Visit thedecaturminute.com for an up-to-date listing of participating stores.

4. Toxic Plants.

Do not plant Nandina bushes, also called Heavenly Bamboo. Nandina berries contain cyanide and other alkaloids that produce highly toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN), which is extremely poisonous to all animals. Sudden death may be the only sign of cyanide poisoning and death usually comes in minutes to an hour. You can help by choosing to remove the Nandina and plant native species in your yard. If you don’t want to rip out your Nandina, please prune the berry-laden branches.

For questions, contact Kay Evanovich, Landscape Infrastructure coordinator, kay.evanovich@decaturga.com.

APRIL 2017 • Decatur Focus | 11

Business & Nonprofit News Wylde Center Spring Plant Sale Set for Mid-April

The Wylde Center will host its annual plant sale at Oakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Rd., April 14-16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Savvy planters and backyard gardening enthusiasts can choose from a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials and much more. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wyldecenter.org/spring-plant-sale-festival. Proceeds benefit The Wylde Center.

New Therapy and Supplements Available from Wellspring Chiropractic Dr. Shelia Payton of Wellspring Chiropractic, 235 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., announces the incorporation of soft tissue mobilization into the practice, along with standard process supplements. Soft tissue mobilization is a deep tissue therapy that clears any scar tissue that may have developed under the muscles during physical activity.

Since 2007, Wellspring Chiropractic has offered services that range from pain relief to functional correction and nutritional guidance to the Decatur community.

To learn more, visit wellspringindecatur.com or call 404-377-7263.

12 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2017

Arts Festival Events Begin May 4 The Decatur Arts Alliance officially kicks off the arts festival season when it unveils the event poster at the Solarium, 321 Hill St. in Oakhurst, on Thursday, May 4, at 5 p.m. The poster for 2017 features the work of Milagros Collective artists Felici Asteinza and Joey Fillastre, who are also wrapping up work this month on the MARTA overpass mural adjacent to the Beacon Municipal Center.

Other notable arts festival events include the opening of the fine arts exhibition at Agnes Scott’s Dana Gallery on Tuesday, May 23, and the ArtWalk on the evening of Friday, May 26.

On Saturday and Sunday, May 27-28, downtown is transformed into a pedestrian-only artists market with a full schedule of music, theater, and comedy events. Look for details in the May Focus, at decaturartsfestival.com, and in the arts festival program that will be available around the city beginning May 4.

Easter Egg Hunts Decatur Business Association Saturday, April 8 • 10 a.m.-noon Hop over to First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave., for the annual DBA Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter bunny will arrive at 10:30 a.m., and the hunt will begin at 11 a.m. There will be other fun activities as well. The event is presented by the Decatur Business Association in partnership with the First Baptist Church of Decatur.

Lutheran Church of the Messiah Saturday, April 15 • 10 a.m.

The free event will feature special golden eggs, a dedicated section for ages 3 and under, face-painting, a puppet show, a cake walk and crafts. The hunt will be held indoors in case of rain. Bags are provided, or bring your own basket. The church is at 465 Clairemont Ave. Call 404-373-1682 or email office@messiahdecatur.org for information.

DBA News

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iddle Renfroe M nts de u st l o Scho a scene d te n se pre based y la from a p r Emerita on Mayo Wilson’s Elizabeth s of memorie historic s r’ Decatu merican African-A ity ommnun Beacon c r story) (see cove ebruary F ’s at DBA at the old meeting se. courthou

Mayor Emerita Elizabeth Wilson with DBA President Kyle Williams

Meeting Reminder

April 25 On the Square 5:15 p.m. Networking reception 6 p.m.

Program: Saluting Volunteers in Decatur

APRIL 2017 • Decatur Focus | 13

Decatur Events Dianne Durrett

Oakhurst Jazz Nights Begin April 6

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he Oakhurst Neighborhood Association presents the 14th season of Oakhurst Jazz Nights in April. The community is invited to hear live jazz every Thursday, 7-9 p.m., on the lawn of the Old Scottish Rite Hospital, 321 W. Hill St. in Oakhurst. Bring your blankets (no lawn chairs, please). The concerts are free.

For a front-row view of the performances, candlelit tables are available for reservation. Each table seats up to four and comes complete with chairs, fresh linens, and a custom candle-lit centerpiece. Reservations are $25 per table, per night. For more information email concerts@oakhurstjazznights.com

Faith Carmichael Quartet

Jazz Nights Lineup April 6 Diane Durrett April 13 Matt Wauchope Trio April 20 Faith Carmichael Quartet April 27 Bonaventure Quartet with Amy Pike In the event of inclement weather, Jazz Nights will be held inside the Solarium (located next door).

Jazz Night sponsors for 2017 include Keller Knapp, Arlene Dean Homes, Private Bank of Decatur, State Farm, Heather Tell of Atlanta Intown Realty, Oakhurst Market, Steinbecks, UJoint, Wahoo! Grill, DoubleDome Technologies, Decatur Downtown Development Authority, King of Pops, Oakhurst Realty Partners, and the Solarium/CCSD. For more information email concerts@ oakhurstjazznights.com.

14 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2017

Bonaventure Quartet

Decatur Events Lunchtime in the Studio

Farm to School Spring Dine-Out

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ore Dance will open the doors of its Decatur headquarters, 139 Sycamore St., at noon on Thursday, April 27, for “Lunchtime in the Studio.” This free, informal program invites the public to enjoy a first look at works in progress, meet the dance artists, offer feedback and learn about upcoming Core performances and programs.

The topic for the event is “Engaging Community Through Dance.” There is no charge to attend, but guests must register in advance at coredance.org. A complimentary lunch will be provided to the first 40 people to RSVP. The studio is located on the Decatur Square. Doors open at 11:45 a.m.

Wednesday, May 3 • 5-9 p.m. he Wylde Center’s Decatur Farm to School Spring DineOut is set for Wednesday, May 3. Dine in or take out from any participating restaurant and a portion of your purchase will go toward Decatur Farm to School (DF2S). Support the Wylde Center’s efforts to work closely with City Schools of Decatur to bring local foods into the cafeterias and develop curriculum opportunities such as gardening, taste testing and cooking demonstrations to encourage our school community to savor fresh foods. DF2S also funds teacher workshops each year so faculty can meet with farmers and chefs and explore classroom ideas.

For more information on Decatur Farm to School and participating restaurants, visit wyldecenter.org/decatur-farm-to-school.

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Decatur Fitness Crawl April 29 Join [solidcore] Decatur, Pure Barre Decatur, OrangeTheory and Big Peach Running for the Decatur Studio Fitness Crawl on Saturday, April 29, 1:30 p.m.

Registration will begin at 1 p.m. at Parker’s on Ponce. Participants will start at [solidcore], Pure Barre or OrangeTheory and get a 20-minute workout at each studio – with a coordinated run in between studios.

After you experience these Decatur fitness offerings, you are invited to an after-party on the patio at Parker’s on Ponce. Tickets are $22, and are available on FreshTix. Your ticket includes event access, an entry into a raffle (prizes from all four studios as well as Athleta) and participation in the after party. Space is limited to 60 participants, so sign up soon!

DEDICATED. EXPERIENCED. RESPECTED. Expert, uncompromising legal representation when you need it most.

• 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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APRIL 2017 • Decatur Focus | 15

Decatur Events School News Into the Wylde: A Tour of Gardens

Saturday, May 6 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday, May 7 noon-5 p.m.

The Wylde Center will showcase a variety of private and public gardens and greenspaces in Decatur and Atlanta. Into the Wylde: A Tour of Gardens will be held rain or shine. Proceeds will benefit the Wylde Center, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Tickets are $15 for Wylde Center members, $20 for nonmembers in advance and $25 the day of the tour. They may be purchased at wyldecenter. org/into-the-wylde-a-tour-ofgardens or at Oakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Rd. Children under 12 will be admitted free.

TEARS Foundation Rock & Walk Saturday, April 22 • 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Decatur Toy Park 133 Nelson Ferry Rd.

T

he Georgia Chapter of the TEARS Foundation is hosting its annual Rock & Walk fundraiser on April 22. The family-friendly community event is designed to let bereaved families know they are not alone, to raise funds in support of these families, and to build community awareness about pregnancy and infant loss. It is open to the public and includes food, music, a silent auction, children’s activities, a Home Depot kid’s workshop, face painting, walking and much more. For more information and to register, visit crowdrise.com/georgiarockandwalk.

16 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2017

Decatur Events Spring Events at Woodlands Garden The Woodlands Garden’s calendar is in “full bloom,” with many spring events in April and May. Guided Walking Tour Woodlands’ once-a-month guided tours of the garden include an overview of the seasonal changes taking place. The casual walking tours will be led by a different expert each month.

Music in the Garden Beginning April 23, the Music in the Garden series will continue on Sundays, 2-4 p.m., in the Pavilion. Musical guests represent a variety of genres, from bluegrass to country to acoustic solo acts and duos.

M.A.Y. Fair The garden will host the second annual M.A.Y. (Music Art Youth) Fair on Saturday, May 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. M.A.Y. Fair

will feature an artists market with dozens of young artists (grades 2-12) selling their handmade artwork and crafts.

Contact the garden (director@woodlandsgarden.org) to reserve space for your young artist today – booth space is going quickly. In addition to the artists market, M.A.Y. Fair will include music by young performers in the garden.

Poetry in the Pavilion Join Woodlands on May 13 for an evening Poetry Reading in the Pavilion, beginning at 4 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public. For detailed information on all upcoming events, visit woodlandsgarden.org or find Woodlands Garden on Facebook.

APRIL 2017 • Decatur Focus | 17

Decatur Events NAMI DeKalb Candlelight Vigil May 19 The National Alliance on Mental Illness, DeKalb County affiliate, invites you to gather on the Decatur Square on May 19 for the Out of the Darkness into the Light Candlelight Vigil. The event honors those living with a mental health condition and their loved ones. Join them for the Street Theater, which begins at 7 p.m., and the vigil, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Participants are asked to wear green and bring a blanket or lawn chair.

NAMI DeKalb promotes education, support and advocacy for those living with a mental health condition and their family members. For information, contact 404604-2350 or info@namidekalb.com, or visit namidekalb.com.

Beat the Street for Little Feet 5K April 29 • 7 a.m.

B

Race day timeline: ring the family and join the fun at the 7 a.m.

Packet pickup and race Beat the Street for Little Feet 5K. The day registration opens event, now in its 10th year, features a 8 a.m.

5K race 5K run/walk course with a stroller divi9 a.m.

One-mile race (immedision, a one-mile fun run, and a Tot Trot – so even ately after 5K finish) the littlest runners can participate. It is hosted by 9:15 a.m.

Tot trot (immediately Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool (OCP) and prefollowing the one-mile) sented by Stivers Subaru.

9:30 a.m.

Awards During and after the race, family-friendly activities will include an art project sponsored by Treehouse Kid & Craft, along with games, music, and dancing. You can also enjoy treats from local shops like Revolution Doughnuts and the new Banjo Coffee. After the race, runners big and small will be recognized in an awards ceremony.

Location: Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool, W. College Avenue between Feld Avenue and Thankful Missionary Baptist Church. Registration and post-race events will take place in the parking lot shared by OCP and the church.

Beat the Street for Little Feet is one of seven local races included in the Team Decatur Grand Prix Series.

To register for the race, visit ocprace.com. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact 5k@oakhurstcoop.com. To learn more about OCP, visit oakhurstcoop.com.

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Decatur Events

Decatur events it’s to Stay up late!& 4tha Date Annual Smoke

A

Glory Showdown

ll Decatur residents,p.m. and everybody else, too, are invited Sunday, April 2 • noon-4 to walk in the Decatur Steinbeck’s Ale House, Pine StreetLantern Parade on the evening of Friday, May 15.Design This is one of those “the-more-the-merrier” Market, and Dos Diablos events, so plan now to participate and be a part of helping are gearing up for the fourth anto make this lantern parade memorable. nual Smoke & Glory Showdown at Make your659 own lantern at home or Steinbeck’s, East Lake Dr. come to a lantern-making workshop Tickets are $65 for adults, $25 where supplies and guidance are providfor ages 13-20, $10 for 6-12, and ed.

Find out where and when free for children under five. by visiting decaturlanternparade.com.

Ticket prices include a full afTo participate, line up at Color ternoon of food from some of theWheel Studio at 508 E. Howard Ave. after 8 p.m. hottest chefs in Decatur and AtThe parade steps off at 9 p.m. led

by The lanta, unlimited beer tastings from Black Sheep Marching Ensemble and pacraft brewery participants, and DJ rade guru Chantelle Rytter.

The parade Keiran Neely (Music Room) spinwill wayand to the community ningwend soul, its funk, vintage hipbandstand in front of the Courthop. Proceeds benefit TheOld Giving house on the square.

Kitchen and Camp Horizon.

The is sponsored by Color Visitparade smokeandglorycookoff.

Wheel Studio, Decatur Arts com or culinarylocal.com toAlliance, purDecatur Education Foundation, and chase tickets. the Decatur Development Authority.

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APRIL 2017 • Decatur Focus | 19

Decatur Events Decatur Makers To Celebrate Grand Opening How does a maker do a ribbon-cutting ceremony? With drones, soldering irons, 3D printers, saws and knitting needles, just to name a few. Join Decatur Makers May 6 when the group celebrates the grand opening of its maker space at 605 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. in the old Decatur First Christian Church gym. See demos and projects from members, get tours of the rehabbed and renovated space, and learn more about what the makers are doing in the community. You’ll also get hands-on with DIY builds, so bring the whole family to build, share and explore the world of making. Visit decaturmakers.org for more information.

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School News CSD Parents Launch Georgia’s First Special Education PTA

C

ity Schools of Decatur Special Education PTA (SEPTA) is the first in Georgia. The SEPTA has been going strong since it’s chartering in October, with monthly board meetings that host expert speakers on topics of interest to parents, students and teachers involved with special education and gifted services in all CSD schools.

SEPTA has also been busy recognizing Super Heroes for Special Education with a monthly spotlight on special education and gifted teachers who demonstrate outstanding leadership.

The mission of SEPTA is to serve families and educators of children receiving special education and gifted services in all City Schools of Decatur.

SEPTA holds meetings the last Monday of the month, 6:30-8:15 p.m., at 125 Electric Ave. For F.AVE fourth grader Logan more information, visit csdsepta.com. Membershows off team trophies. ship is open to all.

A recent CSD field trip for special education students included lunch at Farmburger.

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APRIL 2017 • Decatur Focus | 21

School News Step Up for Teachers This Spring Each spring, the Decatur Education Foundation supports City Schools of Decatur and offers the community a chance to Step-Up for Teachers and students with its Teacher Innovation Grants program.

During April and May, community members may honor a CSD teacher, administrator or school support staff member with a gift and a short note of gratitude. DEF notifies the teacher with an invitation to read the tribute on the DEF website. The donor will also receive a Step-Up for Teachers yard sign to display.

All the funds raised during the Step-Up campaign support grants that allow teachers to find creative ways to engage students in learning, such as: • A woodworking learning center that allows Pre-K students at College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center to work on a building project that develops their hand-eye coordination while also learning real-life skills.

• Expansion of a phonics program at Oakhurst to help kindergarten students practice letter acquisition and sound recognition.

• Purchase of five Chromebook computers that will allow students in the Alternative Learning Environment at Decatur High School online access within a supervised setting to complete important coursework necessary for graduation.

• Purchase of a collection of djembe and dundun drums to establish a West African Drum Ensemble at F. AVE.

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Decatur restaurateur Mike Gallagher (Brick Store Pub, Leon’s Full Service, Kimball House) at left with the bank’s new Decatur President, Brent Adams.

• More than 180 homes sold in City of Decatur since 2009

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Around Town

DHA Youth Celebrate Black History

#decaturga

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

Trees Atlanta at Work in Great Lakes

The City of Decatur and Trees Atlanta planted 114 trees in the Decatur Cemetery and along Superior Avenue. Mixtures of native trees were planted to replace the failing canopy existing in those locations. This year, the city added a few new varieties to the planting mix, including the American linden and hornbeam. #newtrees #treesatlanta #neighborhoodfacelift

New McKoy Park Concession Stand

Patti Garrett

The Decatur Housing Authority held its annual black history program at Ebster Recreation Center. This year’s theme was “Crisis in Black Education.” Organizers were Eve Helms with the housing authority and Yvonne Hill, Ebster garden/art instructor.

Mayor Patti Garrett cut the ribbon for the new concession stand at McKoy Park in February. Both the concession stand and the pavilion at McKoy have been renovated.

#blackhistory #inspiration

#newstuff #jobwelldone #bigscissors APRIL 2017 • Decatur Focus | 23

DATED MATERIAL APRIL 2017

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