Decatur Focus April 2020

Focus City of Decatur

BIG FUN INSIDE! Clear zone

APRIL 2020 Volume 30 • Number 8

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF DECATUR, GEORGIA

Response Timeline By now you have probably heard that 2020 is the year for the U.S. Census and that this census will be the first to utilize an online response option. Responding by phone and mail are also still options.

To assist you in getting ready to complete the information for your household, we’ve compiled this list of important dates. You should have already received an invitation to respond online

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CITY NEWS

8 BUSINESS NEWS

to the 2020 Census. Some households will also receive paper questionnaires and a reminder letter.

March 26-April 3: A reminder postcard April 8-16: A reminder letter and paper questionnaire April 20-27: A final postcard reminder before a U.S. Census Bureau worker follows up in person

May-July: U.S. Census Bureau workers visit households that did not fill out the questionnaire on paper, online or over the phone.

The census workers collect information at the door of each house they visit. This process is called non-response follow-up.

Want to know more? Visit 2020census.gov, census.georgia. gov or the city’s Census webpage at decaturga.com.

SCHOOL AROUND 12 NEWS DBA EVENTS 13 DECATUR 14 NEWS TOWN 15

Focus City of Decatur

Support Local Business in These Challenging Times

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he health, safety, and well-being of the Decatur community are always the City’s top priorities. It is recognized that this challenging period has immediate and long-term impacts on our city’s businesses and their employees. During this time of adjustments in social events, work schedules, and travel, we encourage the Decatur community to remember our many small businesses in downtown Decatur and throughout the Decatur community, and to continue supporting them even if you cannot visit them as you normally would.

Focus on Downtown Development

Decatur – open for business, in unexpected ways Currently, many of Decatur’s restaurants and retail stores have moved their businesses online, or to a pickup model.

Here are some tips for supporting local business during this challenging period:

Seek virtual options. You can shop online at many of our retailers as an alternative to inperson shopping. Local and independent shops will help you get what you need via phone or other methods, too, if necessary. Local fitness studios, personal trainers, music and secondlanguage teachers are offering classes and services online at reduced rates. For a comprehensive list of these businesses go to visitdecaturga.com to connect with them.

Buy gift cards. Purchasing gift cards and gift certificates for yourself and others is a great way to support local businesses, and will allow you to pay now and shop later, once the current situation is resolved. Some businesses will sell gift cards over the phone or through their websites, allowing you to help from home.

Get delivery or takeout. Call restaurants directly to place an order for curb-side pick-up or use an online order and delivery service. You can buy gift cards for many local restaurants, too.

The Decatur Focus is a joint publication of the City of Decatur, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and the Decatur Business Association. It is a newsletter intended to provide announcements and information related to events, activities, and businesses in the city of Decatur. The purpose of the newsletter is to promote the city and encourage the exchange of information among residents, business owners and the school system. Letters to the editor, editorials or other opinion pieces are not published. All press releases, announcements and other information received for publication are subject to editing. Information found in the Focus is also posted on Decatur’s official website at decaturga.com. The deadline for submitting articles, announcements or advertising is the first day of the month preceding publication. Contact: Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, 404-371-8386; fax 404-371-1593; email: decaturfocus@decaturga.com.

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DECATUR CITY COMMISSION Patti Garrett........................................ Mayor Tony Powers................... Mayor Pro Tem George Dusenbury........Commissioner Lesa Mayer.........................Commissioner Kelly Walsh.........................Commissioner

BOARD Chris Sciarrone, Chair Darren Comer • Linda Curry Tony Leung • Conor McNally Noah Peeters • Lisa Turner

Tip well. Tip more if you are able to do so. Service workers make much of their living on tips, and your generosity can help make up for fewer people ordering food or buying services.

Keep paying your service providers. Dog walkers, house cleaners, and lawn care providers are just some of the small businesses that depend on regular incomes, as well. If your household income allows, keep paying them although their services may be on pause.

Shop for friends, family and neighbors. When shopping, consider asking those who are vulnerable or less mobile if you can purchase anything for them.

Our community health as a whole depends on working together. A healthy business community contributes to a healthy Decatur.

Stay up-to-date on COVID-19 developments by visiting decaturga.com/covid19.

If you are a small business owner and would like to be included in future business communications, please send an email to Shirley Baylis at shirley.baylis@decaturga.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 2020

Decatur Business Association

DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Susan Sparks................................President Daryl Funn........................President-Elect Jill Joplin.......................................Treasurer Emily Holden...............................Secretary Kyle Williams...................... Past President Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com

City News City Adapts to COVID-19 Emergency

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he health, safety, and well-being of our community are our top priorities. The city’s emergency management team is coordinating with and following the guidance of the Georgia Department of Public Health, DeKalb Emergency Management Agency, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While essential public services such as Police, Fire, and Public Works are continuing normal operations, certain community events, meetings, and programs are being cancelled and/or rescheduled to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

To continue to protect the health and safety of our employees and community, City of Decatur office buildings are closed to the public until further notice.

Police Patrol functions and response to 911 calls will operate as normal.

• Incident reports that do not involve a suspect present at a scene or the processing of evidence will be handled by phone.

• The Police Department is closed to the public. However, if you need to visit inperson, please press the button on the intercom at the front door and an officer will meet you.

• Open records requests for police matters should be made via email to Deputy Chief Scott Richards at scott.richards@decaturga.com.

• We urge you to obtain accident reports through the buycrash.com website.

• Background check services, alcohol server permits and door-to-door solicitation permits are not being provided at this time.

• All classes, meetings, events, ride-a-longs and tours are temporarily suspended until further notice.

• For all non-emergency questions and concerns call 404-373-6551.

Sanitation Sanitation and recycling services will remain as scheduled with the following exceptions beginning Thursday, March 12: • Curbside pickup only. Please call 404-3775571 if you are unable to bring your trash to the curb.

• Curbside collection of yard waste has been suspended. Please do not place bundled and bagged yard waste at the curb until further notice. Instead, identify a place on your property away from roads, creeks, and drainage ditches to store any collected materials until curbside collection of leaves, sticks, and grass clippings resumes.

• Neighborhood Clean Up days have been rescheduled for the fall.

Design, Environment & Construction (DEC) All DEC services will continue during the building closure. Services will require the following modifications: • For permitting questions and trade permitting (electric, plumbing, HVAC) call 404-377-6198. For now, payments shall be made by check only until other options become available. Checks should be made payable to City of Decatur and mailed to: Design Environment & Construction Division, 2635 Talley St., Decatur, GA 30030 • For all inquiries regarding construction, tree, engineering, and pre-application meetings, contact staff directly to arrange a phone call or teleconference.

• Plan submittals will be carried out on an appointment basis or by email depending on the scope of work. Drop-off boxes located in the vestibule at the front of the Public Works building will be available daily from 10 a.m.- noon for larger project submittals. Contact staff at 404-377-6198 or email andrew.burnette@decaturga.com or kathryn.snow@decaturga.com • As-Built Plan Submittals should be emailed to andrea.hedgebeth@decaturga. com.

• Inspections will be handled as usual by online requests only at decaturga.com/ inspections.

Call 404-377-6198 with questions.

Municipal Court Municipal court sessions are canceled through April 13. Canceled sessions will be rescheduled for at least 60 days out. Court

staff will contact defendants via mail with new court dates. Defendants for court sessions related to the School Bus Crossing Arm will be contacted by American Traffic Solutions via mail with new hearing dates.

However, the ability to pay a citation online remains available in most cases. Continue to check the city’s website for updated and ongoing information regarding court operations. You may also contact the court at 678553-6655.

Visitors Center Decatur Visitors Center is closed until further notice.

Active Living and Children & Youth Services • Ebster and Decatur Recreation Centers are closed until further notice.

• Oakhurst Indoor Pool is closed • Playgrounds are off-limits until further notice.

• Afterschool activities are canceled until further notice.

• Glenlake Tennis Center is closed.

• McKoy Skate Park is closed.

Other Now is a good time to make sure you are registered for Smart911, Decatur’s emergency alerting system. To register, visit smart911.com.

And don’t forget to take a few minutes to check on the seniors in your neighborhood.

Additional updates and closures will be posted on the city’s website, the Decatur Minute, and all official City of Decatur social media platforms.

Due to the ever-changing recommendations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, some information included in this publication may change.

Please visit decaturga.com, call 404-370-4100, or email info@ decaturga.com for updates.

APRIL 2020 • Decatur Focus | 3

City News Decatur Streets Alive – New Season, New Location Sunday, May 3 • 2-6 p.m.

The City of Decatur and Bike Law Georgia invite the community to the second Decatur Streets Alive at its new location on Ponce de Leon Avenue in downtown Decatur. The city will close Ponce de Leon to vehicular traffic for one mile (from Commerce Drive at East Ponce to Saint Thomas More School) to allow walking, biking, and activities. The event will also feature a kick-off parade beginning at East Court Square. Decorate your bike, wear a costume, and join the parade. Businesses along the route will offer activities, exercise miniclasses and more. Streets Alive is free, but if you plan to participate, please check in at freshtix.com/events/decatur-streets-alive.

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Volunteer are needed!

Volunteers will receive a coveted Decatur Streets Alive T-shirt. For more information or if you are interested in volunteering, contact cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com or call 678553-6541.

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Decatur Safe Kids Day Saturday, May 9 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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Join Decatur Active Living and Safe Kids DeKalb for an interactive Safe Kids Day. The event will be held in the upper parking lot of Decatur High School and will feature safety information, inflatables, a rock wall, a trackless train and more. Learn about bicycle and pedestrian safety, gun and home safety, canine and water safety. Learn the correct way to put out a kitchen fire from a fire demonstration at noon. Ride your bike to the event, participate in the bike safety course, and enter for a chance to win a free child’s bike.

Community members of all ages are invited to attend and volunteers are needed. For more information and to volunteer contact cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com or call 678-553-6541.

City News Celebrate Earth Day with Books

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arth Day is Wednesday, April 22. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the modern environmental movement. Since its birth in 1970, the celebration has grown to include events in more than 190 countries.

Gaylord Nelson, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, established the national day focus on environmental awareness and protection after witnessing a massive oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara in 1969. Senator Nelson surmised that the increased consumption of oil and gas throughout the U.S. would produce additional environmental catastrophes without a national response. Earth Day 1970 challenged the expanding popularity of the air-polluting automobile and was the first national campaign to advocate for bicycling as a protector of human health and the environment.

Fifty years later, the theme for 2020 Earth Day is climate action, recognizing that we all need to get involved in climate solutions and work toward a zero-carbon future. As part of that effort, bicycling and other alternative means of transportation are an excellent strategy to engage our communities and reduce our dependence on nonrenewable fossil fuels.

The Better Together Advisory Board (BTAB), in partnership with Little Shop of Stories, offers the following book recommendations that we hope will inspire you to read, ride, and take action. You can find these books and many others at Little Shop of Stories, 133 E. Court Square, or online at littleshopofstories.com.

Greta and the Giants

by Zoe Tucker and Persico More than one Greta Thunberg book has come out in the last few months, but this one is a picture book that gets at the heart of what makes Greta such an inspirational figure. With illustrations and a folk-tale-like approach, Tucker and Persico have created a book that will inspire young children to tackle big injustices.

You Should Meet: Kids Who Are Saving the Planet

by Laurie Clakhoven and Monique Dong Nonfiction for early readers can be a drag, but this book makes learning about kids who are fighting for environmental consciousness fascinating and interactive. It includes recent biographies of kids who have worked to change their communities through direct

action and activities that challenge all kids to take action to make a positive difference for our planet.

Cycle City

by Allison Farrell On the way to visit her aunt, Etta the Elephant takes a trip through Cycle City, where everyone rides a bike to get to everywhere they need to go. Reminiscent of Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things that Go, this book will have young readers eager to search out the many different kinds of bikes and all their various uses in the residents’ daily lives.

How Cycling Can Save the World

by Peter Walker To offer a counter to car culture, Walker explores European cities that have become bike-centric and looks at the impact of fewer cars and more bikes on traffic congestion, air quality, physical health and safety, as well as social connectivity. In interviews with urban leaders, he offers a plan to make our lives better, one bicycle at a time.

Volunteer Service Opening

Better Together and Lifelong Community Boards The Decatur City Commission is accepting statements of interest from residents for volunteer service on two advisory boards.

The Better Together Advisory Board advises the City Commission and the community on issues of equity, inclusion and engagement. The board also serves as advocate and advisor in implementing the recom-

mendations of the Better Together Community Action Plan for Equity, Inclusion and Engagement.

The Lifelong Community Advisory Board works to further establish Decatur as a place that encourages residents to age in place, and works to engage senior citizens into the fabric of the city.

More information about the boards and access to the Statement of Interest form can be found at decaturga.com/resident-boardscommissions. You can return the form via email to City Manager Andrea Arnold, andrea.arnold@decaturga.com or mail it to her attention at City of Decatur, PO Box 220, Decatur GA 30031.

APRIL 2020 • Decatur Focus | 5

WAIT WAIT WAIT ERE HERE HERE

City News

WHAT IS A WAIT HERE

?

WAIT HERE

BIKE BOX

WAIT HERE

It’s a green pavement marking installed at intersections to more safely accommodate cyclists and drivers, especially when cyclists are turning left.

GET BEHIND IT!

WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT

A QUICK GUIDE

WAIT HERE

to Decatur’s new bike box system Drivers must YIELD

Cyclists can use the bike box to make left turns where permitted.

to through cyclists.

Cyclists can ride into the bike box to wait for a green signal. Stop before the crosswalk.

At red or yellow lights, drivers must stop and wait behind the stop bar.

6 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2020

WAIT HERE

WAIT HERE

Drivers can’t make a right turn on a red signal. When the light turns green watch for cyclists on your right.

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Agnes Scott

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MAY 9, 2020

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PRIVATE AND FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS

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ENTER HERE

Cortland Apartments

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Styrofoam recycling, too!

2635 Talley St.

Drop off in back

SHREDDING • Limit 4 boxes per vehicle 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.

STYROFOAM RECYCLING • Must bear the recyclable “6” symbol • Rinse and separate food service containers from other foam • No foam peanuts or insulation material

NO ELECTRONICS OR BATTERIES RECYCLED AT THIS EVENT. MORE INFO AT DECATURGA.COM/RECYCLING

Decatur Walk & Roll Superstar This month’s roll star is Nick Jeanfils, who has been a Decatur resident since 2010. He rides his bike to downtown Atlanta for work almost every day and rides for errands and additional health benefits as well. Last year he only put 840 miles on his car.

Nick is very comfortable riding on roads, but does not think all roads should be made accessible for bikes.

Rather, he thinks a sharing policy makes more sense: improve some roads for bikes and others for cars so both sides can be happy.

APRIL 2020 • Decatur Focus | 7

Business & Nonprofit News Cemetery Friends Celebrate Agnes Scott College

Each April Agnes Scott College celebrates a weekend when alumnae return to Decatur to renew friendships and connections made during their years on campus.

Many are unaware of the links between the college and Decatur’s largest downtown greenspace – Decatur Cemetery. Resting among the 58 acres are presidents, administrators, faculty and students who over ASC’s 130-year history have led it to become one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the country.

Burials include: Col. George Washington Scott, who donated $112,000 to name the school after his mother, Agnes Irvine Scott; presidents Wallace Alston and James McCain; Margaret Pepperdene, a much-loved English professor; and Leila Ross Wilburn, a noted architect.

Friends of Decatur Cemetery has developed a walking tour highlighting the lives of many connected with the college. This tour is available by reservation. For more information, contact FODC at friendsofdecaturcemetery@gmail.com.

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8 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2020

• 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

5/14/14 4:47 PM

Business & Nonprofit News FolkArt Restaurant Now Open in Downtown Decatur FolkArt Restaurant recently opened in Decatur at 172 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., serving up fresh takes on southern classics and presenting comfort food as an approachable, yet indulgent “anytime.”

The restaurant began offering its fresh spin on classic diner fare in historic Inman Park in 2013 and now brings its legendary secret recipe for breakfast/brunch/lunch (offered any time of day) to the heart of downtown Decatur.

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Giving you the time and attention you deserve LISA CRONIC, REALTOR® lisacronic@atlantafinehomes.com 678.641.4325

Why is the study of women’s health pronounced “Guy”-necology?

Our diverse group of all-female physicians, midwives, and nurse practitioners, shares your unique perspective and experience. Let us partner with you to make the best decisions for your total health.

Decatur Resident for Over 20 Years Deputy Fire Chief Vera AtlantaFineHomes.com | 404.874.0300 Morrison, Assistant Chief Ninetta Violante, and © MMXIV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Chief ToniEqual Washington Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

Learn more at AtlantaGynOB.com

APRIL 2020 • Decatur Focus | 9 19-AGOB-0423 Decatur Focus - Guy-necology 3.625x4.75 APR.indd 1

3/2/20 11:21 AM

Business & Nonprofit News EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Please contact organizers to determine if events have been canceled or postponed.

KICK OFF

ARTS

MONTH

Arts Fest Poster Unveiling Party, Thursday, May 7

May is Arts Month in Decatur, leading up to the Decatur Arts Festival over Memorial Day Weekend, May 23 and 24. Don’t miss it. Help the Decatur Arts Alliance get the ball rolling by attending the unveiling of the poster for the 2020 festival at the Solarium in Oakhurst, 321 W. Hill St. This year’s poster is by Atlanta-based illustrator Rachel Eleanor, rachel-eleanor.com.

Decatur Resident Launches App for Sorority Recruitment

Saint Thomas More School Recognized as Top Workplace

Longtime Decatur resident Giffney Nagel and her husband Geoff recently launched a SaaS software web app, RecHub, that guides collegebound high school seniors in preparing for sorority recruitment. The app auto builds a social resume and manages letters of recommendation activity, including workflow with recommendation writers, so all parties stay on top of deadlines.

Visit myrechub.com to learn more.

Saint Thomas More Catholic School, 630 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., was recently named one of the top five winners in the Atlanta JournalConstitution’s Atlanta 2020 Top Workplaces contest. The school was one of 150 companies selected and is ranked number five on the list of Atlanta’s Top 65 Small Workplaces.

The Top Workplaces Award annually recognizes the best employers around the country for their commitment to developing and sustaining a culture that supports, promotes and values its employees.

To determine the winners in the Greater Atlanta area, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution collaborated with research company Energage, LLC., which administered online surveys to the employees. Employees anonymously answered 24 questions assessing their workplaces and companies were ranked solely on the these surveys.

W E LL SP R I N G C H IR O P R A CT IC & W EL LN E S S "I am a practicing Chiropractic Physician. For the past 20 years I've been passionate about healthy living.

The prevention of pain and chronic diseases are the focuses of my practice.

I manage these conditions through Chiropractic Care, Functional Medicine and Nutrition."

235 E. Ponce De Leon Ave. Suite 109 Decatur, GA 30030 OF F IC E - 4 0 4 .37 7 . 726 3

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10 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2020

TREE PRUNING, SOIL ENHANCEMENT, PLANTING, AND REMOVAL

CALL FOR FREE WOOD CHIPS!

Business & Nonprofit News Earth Day 50th Anniversary Celebration

Decatur Rotary Salutes the STARs In February, the Decatur Rotary Club hosted the annual DeKalb County STAR Student and Teacher awards, in partnership with Georgia United Credit Union, and welcomed members of Decatur High School’s Interact Club.

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program honors high-achieving students and teachers in DeKalb County’s public and private schools. Decatur High School student Tannus Vollmer was recognized for having one of the highest SAT scores in the county. She received $100 gift cards from the club and will move on to the district competition.

The Decatur Rotary Club welcomed members of the newly formed Interact Club at Decatur High School along with their teacher and sponsor Vanessa Layne. During the meeting, club president Zoe Talmadge (above, left) presented Marlene White of Hagar’s House a check for $375, thanks to a recent Interact club fundraising activity.

April marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and the natural beauty of Decatur is all around us. Enjoy a stroll among champion trees at Decatur Cemetery, birdwatch or catch sight of the beavers at Legacy Park, visit the diverse plant world of the Georgia Piedmont forest and the camellias of Woodlands Garden, tour the Wylde Center gardens, skate around McKoy, walk your dog at Dearborn, play sports at Glenlake, or relax at Oakhurst Park. For more ideas of ways to enjoy nature and make a difference for the environment, visit earthdaydecatur.org.

NEW Summer League Recreational Swim Team!!

Call for a Free Consultation

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Located in the Heart of Decatur - At Agnes Scott College “We will be SMALL in numbers so we can be BIG on instruction” Practice Starts May 1st For More Information go to our website at www.intowndolphins.com

Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers Dedicated to Advocating for Victims for Over 30 years

One Decatur Town Center Suite 300 150 East Ponce de Leon Avenue Decatur, GA 30030

Or Email us at - Intowndolphins@daqswim.com

APRIL 2020 • Decatur Focus | 11

DBA News Fire Chief Toni Washington

Mayor Emerita Elizabeth Wilson

ts DBA Hosstory Black Hi eeting Month Mand author

sident Decatur re e Chief o and Fir d e lc a S i Nick hared hington s Toni Was es during g messag in g ra u o meeting enc ck History la B A B D the ry. in Februa

DBA President Susan Sparks

Danita Knight, Agnes Scott College

City Commissioners Lesa Mayer and Kelly Walsh

12 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2020

Nicki Salcedo

Decatur Events EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Please contact organizers to determine if events have been canceled or postponed.

Decatur Lantern Parade Celebrate the arts and the start of summer with the Decatur Lantern Parade. Gather at Color Wheel Studio, 508 E. Howard Ave., after 8 p.m., then parade to the downtown square along with the Black Sheep Marching Ensemble.

Make your own lantern at home or attend

Friday, May 8 • 9 p.m. Downtown Decatur the parade.

For more information and lantern-making resources visit decaturlanternparade. com. The event is co-sponsored by the Decatur Arts Alliance, Color Wheel Studio, Decatur Education Foundation, and the Downtown Development Authority.

a lantern-making workshop where supplies and guidance are provided. Start dreaming up your lantern now! Sign up for all sorts of lantern-making workshops – lantern hats, illuminated parasols, globe lanterns, and more – hosted by Chantelle Rytter at Color Wheel Studio in the two weeks preceding

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APRIL 2020 • Decatur Focus | 13

School News It’s Time to Step Up for Teachers!

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f there was ever a good time to show our CSD teachers and staff just how much they are appreciated, that time is now.

There aren’t enough words of praise for our educators who are rising to meet the challenges facing our students this spring.

During the COVID-19 pandemic they are creating online content while also trying to manage their own families’ needs. What better way to show the love than to make a gift to DEF in honor of a favorite teacher or staff member. As in the past, we want you to also leave a tribute message but this year, since we can’t see our teachers in person, we encourage you to shoot a short video (on your phone is fine) or leave a text tribute.

DEF notifies the honored person of their tribute, and posts all of the tributes on the DEF website. In addition, a “We Step Up for Teachers” yard sign is delivered to each donor.

Funds raised during the Step Up campaign support teacher innovation grants that are awarded at the beginning of each school year, and allow teachers to find new and creative ways to engage their students and elevate their learning. Our schools will need more support than ever this fall and your donations will help us expand teacher grants.

This year, DEF awarded more than $53,000 in grants to almost every school in the district.

Some of the grants awarded this year include: • Audio-visual equipment for F.AVE’s Morning News Studio • STEM materials for Oakhurst first graders • Stories Alive program for Westchester • Supplies for wheelchair-accessible raised bed planters for biology and culinary classes at DHS.

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14 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2020

• Music education for RMS special education students • A Lego wall for collaborative play at Talley Street • Music rights to produce Lion King Kids at Clairemont • A library of diversity books for first grade at Winnona Park • Supplies for wheelchair-accessible raised bed planters for biology and culinary classes at DHS.

#decaturga

Around Town

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

New Mural at Oakhurst Pool

Renfroe Students Investigate Legacy Park

Stop by Oakhurst Pool, when it reopens, to see the new mural created by UGA art student Carleigh Hyser. Visit decaturga.com/activeliving for the pool schedule and a list of activities. #theartofswimming

#oakhurstpool

#decaturmurals

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon at Westchester

The new Scott Boulevard Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) at Westchester Elementary School is now fully operational. In February, the Safe Routes to School committee and other community members celebrated the signalized crosswalk with parents and students. #decaturphb

decaturga

#westchesterwalks

downtowndecatur

#saferoutestoschool

cityofdecaturga

The Decatur Housing Authority middle school outdoor program meets at Legacy Park once a month to explore the wetland and pond. #explorelegacypark #decaturgreenspaces #keepdecaturgreen APRIL 2020 • Decatur Focus | 15

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16 | Decatur Focus • APRIL 2020

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