Focus City of Decatur
FAB FRIDAYS
DEC. 4,11,18
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DECEMBER 2020 Volume 31 • Number 5
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF DECATUR, GEORGIA
COMMUNITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THIS MOST EXTRAORDINARY YEAR
CITY News Strategic Plan 202s: Learn & Discuss The Roundtables process included 800 registrants who contributed thousands of comments. Many of these comments about Decatur’s future were in agreement, but some topics revealed conflicting perspectives about how Decatur should chart its course for the next 10 years. The 202s will allow for a deep dive on these topics. After hearing from subject matter experts, we will join together in virtual discussion groups to help understand tradeoffs and find common ground among differing perspectives. Input from these groups will be used to form recommendations on how the Strategic Plan should address these issues. The 202s will seek to answer the question: “What does success look like in a community of 25K people within a metropolitan region of nearly six million people?” Speakers will be announced closer to the event. Visit decatur2030.com for all details. All events will occur on Zoom and will be recorded and available after the meeting. To
Focus City of Decatur
SUBJECT MATTER LINE-UP: Housing: Thursday, Dec. 10 • 4-5:30 p.m. Equity & Racial Justice: Thursday, Jan. 14 • 4-5:30 p.m. Climate Change: February 2021, Date TBD participate, you may call in at 312-626-6799, then type in the access code assigned to each meeting, or register for the video conference at decatur2030.com. Can’t make it at the scheduled time but still want to be part of the conversation? Watch the recordings, download the discussion guides, and form a small group to discuss the questions. Submit your notes at decatur2030. com/get-connected or decaturdestination@ gmail.com.
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 George Dusenbury........Commissioner Lesa Mayer.........................Commissioner Kelly Walsh.........................Commissioner
A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur Celebrates the Holidays with Virtual Giving
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he volunteers with A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur were determined that Decatur’s children and senior citizens would be able to celebrate the holidays in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. A team of three creative women, Christine Russell, Anna Summerlin and Vandy Vail-Dickson, developed a plan to provide gift cards and vouchers for books from Little Shop of Stories for children and to order actual gifts from senior citizens’ wish lists that would be mailed directly to them. The plan hinged on the Decatur community stepping up and making monetary donations. Many donors had been purchasing gifts for children and seniors since the program began 26 years ago. They loved to go shopping for an actual person. As much as they would have loved to directly purchase gifts, they cared more about making the holidays a happy memory for these children and senior citizens. Thanks to Chris, Anna and Vandy, and the many, many donors who thought of others first, Decatur was able to have its first (and hopefully, last) Virtual Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur. Donations are still being requested to help finish covering the cost of the gifts. Go to legacydecatur.com/give and designate your donation to A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur. Legacy Decatur is a 501 (c) (3) registered charity.
Information for the FOCUS should be submitted by mail to Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, or by email to decaturfocus@decaturga.com.
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BOARD Chris Sciarrone, Chair Darren Comer • Linda Curry Tony Leung • Conor McNally Noah Peeters • Lisa Turner
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 Meet Decatur Fire Inspectors Congratulations to Robert Solovey, Decatur’s newest fire inspector. Did you know that Decatur has three inspectors? In addition to Solovey, Craig Dubose and Nate Dansby also serve as inspectors. The City of Decatur perSolovey Dubose Dansby forms fire inspections on new construction, renovations, and existing businesses. The more compliant people are with the safety regulations, the fewer fires and tragedies occur. Fire inspectors protect life and property by enforcing city fire codes, ordinances and regulations. They enforce regulations by reviewing architectural drawings for proposed construction and site development, along with issuing operations permits to include regulating special events and activities where large crowds and hazardous conditions exist. Inspectors educate, prevent and mitigate incidents in their early stages of development, making our city safer. Decatur’s fire inspectors are also responsible for administering fire safety programs and inspections. The programs are designed to meet the responsibility of minimizing risk to life safety, ensuring proper storage and handling of hazardous material and the elimination of fire code violations through education and code enforcement.
HARLAN ON HALLOWEEN
Harlan, age 2, is one of Decatur Fire Rescue’s biggest fans and showed it during Halloween.
Summer Camp Registration Opens Jan. 2
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ummer Camp 2021 registration opens Jan. 2 at 9 a.m. online. Look for the Camp Edition of the Playbook on the City of Decatur website on or after Dec. 10 to plan and select your camps for Summer 2021.The city will use a new software system called CommunityPass for camp registration in January 2021. Here’s how to create a new family profile on the platform: 1. Visit register.capturepoint.com/cityofdecatur and select “Create an Account.” 2. Add family members to the account in the My Account > Account Information area. Ensure all campers have been entered. 3. Complete the Summer Camp Information and Release Form before Jan. 2 at 9 a.m. The form is a prerequisite to registering for camp so completing it ahead of time will expedite your registration. 4. Spend some time with the Camp Playbook and map out some first and second choices for each camper in your household. Check out pages 10-11 for week-by-week camp options, grades and ages. Questions about camp registration for 2021 or the new CommunityPass software? Contact cys@decaturga.com.
Holiday Solid Waste and Recycling Schedule Christmas Holiday Friday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Dec. 28 Regular service for Thursday, Dec. 24, will be on Wednesday, Dec. 23 Regular service for Friday, Dec. 25, will be on Thursday, Dec 24 Regular service for Monday, Dec. 28, will be on Tuesday, Dec. 29 Regular service for Tuesday, Dec. 29, will be on Wednesday, Dec. 30 New Year’s Holiday, Friday, Jan. 1 Regular service for Thursday, Dec. 31, and Friday, Jan. 1, will be on Thursday, Dec. 31 Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 18 Regular service for Monday will be on Tuesday, Jan. 19 Regular service for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, Jan. 20 The complete solid waste and recycling holiday schedule (through September 2021) is at decaturga. com/sanitation and in the 2020 November Focus.
Focus Combined for January and February City of Decatur will publish a combined January/February issue of the Focus, scheduled to arrive in mailboxes during the second week of January. The deadline for submissions for the issue is Dec. 10. Send information to decaturfocus@decaturga.com. DECEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 3
CITY News ICU Nurse Connects Neighbors During Pandemic Decatur resident and ICU nurse Ashley Goldman Howle is keeping her neighbors connected during the pandemic through the creation of Mimosa Milers. On Fridays at 4 p.m., Ashley rallies neighborhood teens to meet at the corner of Mimosa Place and Mimosa Drive in Winnona Park and lead a 60-minute outdoor physical activity for the youth in the neighborhood. To maintain safety, masks, hand washing, and social distancing are required, and attendance is limited to Ashley’s neighborhood circle. As participants surpass milestones, they earn charms with inspirational quotes on them – and build confidence. • Teens step away from their computers and learn leadership skills; • Little kids get some exercise, dancing, music and fun;
• Parents get a few minutes of free childcare (or some social interaction with other parents if they choose to join); and • Elderly neighbors come along to cheer everyone on, and reap the benefits of the strong community they built while their own children were young. The result: A burst of exercise, mental health, and joy during an otherwise sobering year.
Stop English Ivy from Killing Trees
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nglish ivy is a silent tree killer. It presents a real and immediate danger to your trees and poses a serious threat to our urban forests. With no natural enemies, English ivy is an aggressive, non-native invasive ivy that can topple trees and create a monoculture on our urban forest floors by choking out all other flora. English ivy weakens trees by stealing sunlight, water and nutrients. It can add up to one ton of extra weight to tree limbs and trunks, and can act as a sail, causing trees to blow over in storms. Ivy produces fruit as it climbs trees, which birds eat and then spread the seeds into unaffected yards and healthy forests, thereby starting new ivy infestations. This and other exotic woody vines, such as wisteria and kudzu, eliminate native plants and reduce the available nourishment for birds, beneficial insects, and animals. Fall and winter are a great time to remove these invaders and plant native replacements, such as Creeping Phlox, Foamflower, Crossvine, Partridgeberry, Wild Ginger and Christmas Fern. How Do You Remove Ivy From a Tree? 1. Wear gloves and protective eyewear and keep skin covered to prevent accidental contact with poison ivy or other irritants. 2. Using tools like crowbars, clippers and loppers, pry the vines off the tree. Try to do this without removing too much of the tree bark and focus on one section that circles the tree. 3. You don’t have to remove all of the vines; rather you just have to sever the roots from the vines above by cutting a two-foot “belt” around the tree. Once the vines above are completely severed, they will die. 4. Pull back all of the vines at least four feet from the base of the tree as much as you can to prevent re-growth. 5. Educate others about the evils of English ivy! Remember, ivy can live for hundreds of years, and someday it will be out of your control – so it’s best to get rid of it now and protect the flora that is meant to grow here. For more information on successful ivy eradication, follow @antiivyleague on Instagram.
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CITY News
Decatur Holiday Events Virtual Tree Lighting Thursday, Dec. 10 • 7 p.m.
Join Little Shop of Stories and City of Decatur for a virtual tree lighting on Zoom at 7 p.m. Grab some goodies and hot chocolate and join your neighbors on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. for story time with Santa. The event is free, but registration is required. To register, visit visitdecaturgeorgia.com/events.
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Shop locally Earn $20 gift cards for the holidays,
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FAB
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Streeteries Expanded Patios Pop-ups Curbside Storefronts Open-Air Market Deals
shop and dine outside DEC. 4, 11, 18
decaturga.com/fabfriday Get out of the house for holiday merriment and safe and socially distanced good times! Wear your mask and join your neighbors for FAB Fridays. Shop and dine outside with some of Decatur’s favorite independent shops and restaurants at curbside storefronts and parking lot pop-ups around the city and at the open-air market on the MARTA plaza. Free gift-wrapping at the Decatur Visitors Center tent on the plaza. While out shopping, save your receipts! For every $200 you spend with local City of Decatur retailers through December 24, the Decatur Visitors Center will give you a $20 gift card to a local Decatur restaurant. (Limited to three cards per person.) Bring your receipts to the Visit Decatur tent on the square during any FAB Friday from 4-9 p.m. DECEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 5
CITY News Better Together Advisory Board
Celebrate Human Rights Day and Dignity for All
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ecember 10 is Human Rights Day, marking the day of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948. Drafted by a committee led by Eleanor Roosevelt in the shadows of World War II, the Declaration passed with a vote of 48 to 0 (with eight abstentions). Far from being a document that was widely adopted and then forgotten on a dusty shelf, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has influenced nations, movements, and other important human rights documents through the years, and has been part of an ongoing global conversation about the realization of rights across the world. The text of Article I begins with words that echo our own Declaration of Independence: “All human beings are born and equal in dignity and rights.” Among the rights that were declared in this document as inherent in the human being – as opposed to rights bestowed by kings or queens or presidents or parliaments – are: life, liberty and security of person; the right to being equal before the law without any discrimination; the right to freedom of movement within the borders of each state; the right to leave any country, including one’s own; the right to seek asylum in another country; the right to a nationality; and many more. Although each of these established rights is violated regularly in one place or another
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in our world, this does not mean that the Declaration has no force. Indeed, it has been a catalyst for constitutions and rights-based movements across the globe. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history, translating the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration into a commitment to protect the rights of all children. The CRC has been used to improve child well-being all over the world. Before the onset of the current pandemic, over the past three decades, education enrollment rates for all children have seen a steady increase across the world, the under-5 child mortality rate has seen a remarkable decrease, and hundreds of millions more children and families have access to clean water. Originally ratified in 1989, the CRC has
since been ratified by every member nation of the United Nations except the United States. On a number of important indicators of child well-being, our nation has a long way to go: according to UNICEF’s latest Global Report Card on child well-being in industrialized nations, the United States ranks 36th out of 38 nations. In our world today, establishing and protecting basic human rights is critical to advancing humanity, to securing justice for all, and to facing the challenges of our times. On Human Rights Day, we celebrate these rights, which are the building blocks of cooperation, compromise and the common good. In this season of giving, the Better Together Advisory Board encourages us all to spend time learning with our families about human rights, and the importance of these rights to protect the dignity of every human being. Enjoy these selections chosen by Little Shop of Stories at 133A E. Court Square. I Have the Right To Be a Child by Alain Serres With a very simple text accompanied by vibrant illustrations a young narrator describes what it means to be a child with rights: from the right to food, water and shelter, to the right to go to school, to the right to be free from violence, to the right to breathe clean air, and much more. The book emphasizes that these rights belong to every child on the planet, whether they are black or white, small or big, rich or poor, born here or somewhere else. It also makes evident that knowing and talking about these rights are the first steps toward making sure that they are respected. (Ages 4-7)
CITY News Free?: Stories About Human Rights by Amnesty International A boy who thinks that school is “slavery” learns the true meaning of the word when he stumbles on a secret child-labor factory. A Palestinian boy, mute from trauma, releases kites over a wall to a hilltop settlement, each bearing a message of peace. This inspiring, engaging anthology gathers an international roster of authors to explore such themes as asylum, law, education, and faith – from a riveting tale of an attempt to find drinking water after Hurricane Katrina; to a chilling look at a future where microchips track every citizen’s every move; to a hilarious police interrogation involving the London Tower, the Crown Jewels, and a Ghanaian boy with a passion for playing marbles. (Ages 10+) The New Human Rights Movement: Reinventing the Economy to End Oppression by Peter Joseph In our interconnected world, self-interest and social-interest are rapidly becoming indistinguishable. If current negative trajectories remain, including growing climate destabilization, biodiversity loss, and economic inequality, an impending future of ecological collapse and societal destabilization will make “personal success” virtually meaningless. Yet our broken social system incentivizes behavior that will only make our problems worse. In this book, Peter Joseph, founder of the world’s largest grassroots social movement – The Zeitgeist Movement – draws from economics, history, philosophy, and modern public-health research to present a bold case for rethinking activism in the 21st century. Universal Declaration of Human Rights by Eleanor Roosevelt, et al In 1948, Eleanor Roosevelt served as chairwoman of the United Nations committee to create this declaration of moral conscience, now used by Amnesty International as their founding document. This hardcover edition contains the international document in six languages: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Russian, and Arabic.
DHS Grad Releases Followup to Vegas-based Bestseller Matthew O’Brien, journalist, social worker and Decatur High School graduate, has announced the release of his latest book, Dark Days, Bright Nights: Surviving the Las Vegas Storm Drains, the follow-up to the bestselling Beneath the Neon. The book shares stories of Sin City’s most marginalized people, from bottoming out in the underground flood channels to mending relationships with family and adjusting to jobs, housing, and sobriety. These redemption stories cast light on a rarely seen side of Vegas and offer a portrait of homelessness and recovery in America.
Matthew O’Brien
The stories of Ricky Lee (left) and Ande are included in O’Brien’s new book.
Music Together of Decatur to Host Benefit Concert for Our House Dec. 11 • 5 p.m. • via Zoom Join Music Together of Decatur and Uncle Gerry as they sing, dance, and jam together via Zoom. Gerry Dignan, also known as Uncle Gerry, has been traveling the world virtually, bringing communities together with singing, dancing, and instrumentplaying since the start of the pandemic and his in-person concerts were put on hold. Reserve your spot at musictogetherofdecatur.com/specialevents-in-decatur-ga.html. All proceeds from this event will go to support Our House. Our House’s interrelated programs, consisting of Housing Services, Family Services, Early Childhood Education, and Employment Training Services, address the root causes of homelessness and ensure that every family that leaves Our House has the tools needed to achieve lasting self-sufficiency. DECEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 7
CITY News A Message from Commissioner Lesa Mayer
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t is difficult and humbling to summarize 2020 and do it justice. It has been a year filled with challenges, frustration, loss without closure, illness and fear. But, 2020 may be one of the most significantly pivotal years of our lifetime. When I was sworn in as Commissioner in January, my primary focus was implementing meaningful policy change to improve housing affordability in Decatur. I did not expect a public health crisis and the exposure of traumatic, blatant racial inequities to shift our collective priorities so swiftly. I am proud we bravely implemented a mask ordinance, valuing the health and safety of residents over political posturing and threats. I was honored to coordinate our Black Lives Matter mural painting, bringing our community together in a symbolic act with deep meaning.
I am proud of the equity work we have done including the Speaker Series, supporting the Commemorating King team of DHS, the work of all of the boards and coalitions within the city and the approval of funding to include our Public Works staff as essential workers in pandemic hazard pay while still knowing that there is much more work left to do. The shift in priorities did not halt the work to improve housing affordability in Decatur. The Commission’s approval of the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing ordinance represents the most significant policy achievement for me this year. It requires any new development
of five or more residential units to set aside at least 10 percent of those units as affordable. It is the first of many policy changes I will work for to help bridge the equity gap in housing in Decatur and is an example of our actions aligning with our values. The small business and non-profit grant programs implemented this year provide another example, and I am grateful to the city staff for their tireless work on those efforts. In addition to the policy work, I was able to connect with this community in ways I never expected. I am grateful for the opportunity to stand with you at rallies and marches where you expressed both outrage at current racial injustice and hope for future change, and as we watched in awe and celebration as the Confederate obelisk was removed from our welcoming square. I have bonded with you over the challenges of virtual school while working remotely and watched us demonstrate a strengthened resilience and creativity from which we continue to draw as we navigate the temporary “new normal.” Through all of the challenges, we have experienced a deeper connection with our families, our neighbors and our community. We have supported our local businesses through lean and uncertain times, dropped warm meals on the porches of neighbors, demonstrated countless acts of kindness and become more involved than ever in the processes that lead to policies in our government. All of these are bright lights in, for what has been for many, a dim year. It is impossible to ignore the hardships of 2020 but I leave it with the optimism and excitement I experienced coming in. Let us carry all the lessons learned this year to inspire an even better, more inclusive, more equitable Decatur. Have a happy and safe holiday season and thank you for allowing me to serve you as one of your Commissioners. – Lesa Mayer Commissioner, District 2
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DBA News Hometown Heroes! Coming soon to a computer near you!
DBA Holiday Meeting Tuesday, Dec. 1 5:30 p.m. The Decatur Business Association’s annual holiday meeting will go virtual this year. During the meeting, the Decatur City Commission will present the annual Hometown Heroes awards, the Better Together Advisory Board will announce the second annual Welcoming Business Award recipients, and the DBA will announce officers for 2021. To register, visit decaturdba.com.
Save the Date: Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021
Check City of Decatur and Decatur Business Association social media for details
BUSINESS & NONPROFIT
News
DeKalb History Center Lunch & Learn: Artist Athos Menaboni
Motion and Emotion: the World of Galina Herndon Opens at Aimée Join Aimée Jewelry and Fine Art Gallery for a solo exhibition featuring a unique collection of paintings by Russian artist Galina Herndon. The exhibit opens Dec. 3, 5-8 p.m., and runs through Feb. 4.
Tuesday, Dec. 8 • noon-1 p.m. Grab your lunch and tune into the DeKalb History Center’s next Lunch and Learn, featuring Russell Clayton. He will discuss the life and artwork of his long-time friend Athos Menaboni, who was born in Italy in 1895 and became well known in Georgia from the 1930s on. Often compared to the genius of John James Audubon, Menaboni painted more than 150 species of birds in his lifetime and rendered countless botanicals, fantasies, landscapes, and seascapes. He used a multitude of mediums, including glass, silk, wood, and even eggshells. You can find one of his pieces, a massive eggshell mural, inside the Brick Store Pub. Russell Clayton is a retired educator from Marietta, Georgia, and was a personal friend of Sara and Athos Menaboni. He became acquainted with the Menabonis through his interest in the history of the Coca-Cola Company, and the company’s long-time leader, Robert W. Woodruff. Menaboni was Woodruff ’s favorite artist. Clayton met Sara and Athos in 1987 and soon became an avid collector of all things associated with Menaboni. This Lunch & Learn will take place online via Zoom. Tickets are free for members, $5 for nonmembers, and can be purchased at dekalb-history-center.square.site/. The Zoom link will be sent out via email to members and those who purchase tickets on the day of the event. DECEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 9
BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News Virtual Holiday Marketplace + Café The 29th annual Holiday Marketplace + Café, hosted at Clairemont Elementary School, will take place virtually beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, until 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec 11. Links to artists’ sites will be available at Clairemontpta.org for shopping online. A description of the shop and owners, along with photos of their crafts will be available to preview. Merchants will ship purchased items where possible. A special pick-up day for local customers will be available at the school on Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-noon. Proceeds will benefit Clairemont Elementary School’s educational programs. For more information, visit DecaturHolidayMarketplace.com.
Little Shop of Stories Holiday Shopping Although Little Shop of Stories is closed for browsing, they want to help you find the perfect gifts this holiday season. Gift selections range from custom activity boxes and family-friendly games to loads of stocking stuffers. Visit littleshopofstories.square.site for book needs and gift ideas. The site also features all of Little Shop’s non-book ideas, including their traditional holiday events like Hanukkah and Gingerbread Story Times and Make Your Own Ornament. Contact 404-373-6300 or visit littleshopofstories.indielite.org to schedule a contactfree appointment with a bookseller.
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One Love, One Heart Virtual 5K for CdLS Jan. 8-10 All are welcome at the annual One Love, One Heart Virtual 5K for CdLS for family fun and community support. Event organizers Hannah Pomfret and Kira Czech will host the event, which is in honor of Maya Pomfret, who has Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS), a genetic disorder that causes a variety of physical, cognitive and medical challenges. Maya attended College Heights Elementary and currently attends Decatur High School. Hannah, Maya’s sister, and Kira, a close family friend, are 10th graders at Decatur High School, who decided to bring back the 5K as part of their sophomore personal project. Since 2005, the 5K event has raised much-needed funds to help people with CdLS live better, fuller lives. Inspired by children affected by CdLS, local families and friends have made the event an annual success. All pre-registered runners will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt. Gift card awards will be given to the winners in various categories. For more information and registration, visit sites.google. com/csdecatur.net/oneloveoneheartvirtual5k.
BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News Beecatur Introduces Young Readers to the World of Bees
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ee City USA-Decatur, GA (“Beecatur”) has published The A BEE C Book, an alphabet book designed to introduce young readers to a variety of bees found in Decatur. Through rhyming text and whimsical illustrations, readers can learn about bumble bees, mason bees, sweat bees, honey bees and more. The A BEE C Book was written and illustrated by bee enthusiast and graphic designer Peter Helfrich, who also chairs the Beecatur committee. According to Helfrich, the project is one he has long wanted to complete. Cancellations of most of the group’s other activities due to the Coronavirus pandemic allowed work on the book to finally move forward. The 40-page, full-color, softcover book is available for purchase for $12.99. Proceeds from the book support Beecatur’s ongoing work creating and maintaining sustainable pollinator habitats in Decatur, and educating the public about pollinators. The A BEE C Book is available for online purchase at Beecatur’s website, beecaturga. com/abc. Beecatur also offers other gifts for holiday giving, including handmade mason bee houses, the native plant “Gifts That Grow!” program, and Decatur Pollinator Pledge yard signs.
Plumb Works: Giving Back and Making a Difference For more than 30 years Plumb Works has had a tradition of helping those in need. In Decatur and the surrounding area, Plumb Works participates in fundraising efforts for schools and organizations supporting educational institutions, including Decatur Education Foundation. In addition, Plumb Works has worked with Kirkwood Cares, a nonprofit assisting Kirkwood residents in need. The company has provided deeply discounted services to those receiving aid from the organization. They also have a charitable relationship with Amplify My Community, a nonprofit that organizes music events to help raise funds for other nonprofits working to relieve poverty and homelessness at the local level. According to Plumb Works owner and President Jerome Sabol, the company allows its staff to play a part in philanthropy, too. When providing staff bonuses, Plumb Works often makes a donation to a charity of each employee’s choice. For example, Plumb Works recently made a donation in an employee’s name to Ahimsa House, an organization dedicated to helping the human and animal victims of domestic violence reach safety together. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, with pink being the official color, Sabol ordered pink shirts for employees to wear for the occasion. Plumb Works also made a company donation to the virtual Winship Win the Fight 5K road race, which benefits the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
Author and illustrator Peter Helfrich
DEF Announces Five New REACH Georgia Scholars After a rigorous application process, five eighth grade students from Renfroe Middle School have been chosen to participate in REACH Georgia, a mentoring program established by the Georgia Student Finance Commission. The program provides guidance and support to students who demonstrate true academic promise. This year’s REACH scholars are Hawa Abshiro, Jada Ponder, Javonte Ponder, Keith Simon, Timaya Varner. The Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) serves as the funding partner for the program and oversees the mentoring component, which matches local community volunteers with each student. The mentors help the students navigate through high school and prepare for college. The students’ selection was celebrated via Zoom on Wednesday, Dec. 2, with RMS principal Greg Wiseman, some RMS teachers, the students’ families, and Rob Townley of Townley Kenton, who sponsors the program. The students will join the other 10 REACH scholars currently in the program. Upon program completion, REACH mentees can receive college scholarships to Georgia schools – up to $30K. To learn more about DEF’s two mentoring programs, visit decatureducationfoundation.org/mentoring. DECEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 11
THE CITY • Purchased the Samuel L. Jones Boys and Girls Club property adjacent to Oakhurst Park. • Saved $7 million with bond refinancing. • Partnered with the Atlanta Dream Center for efforts to assist the homeless population. • Completed protected bike lanes and downtown cycle track along Commerce Drive. • Supported a team of Decatur High School students working to place a historical marker in Decatur recognizing Martin Luther King Jr.’s misdemeanor arrest and subsequent sentencing to a DeKalb County chain gang. • The City of Decatur became a general member of National Main Street in August. In October, two Decatur businesses were selected to receive the organization’s HartBeat of Mainstreet grant in the first round of offerings and were the only businesses in Georgia to receive the grant. A second round of applications has opened, and as many as seven businesses have applied. Fingers crossed that more of our businesses will be selected to receive the grant.
ACTIVE LIVING • Decatur Active Living (DAL) has worked to keep the community active. They created a Virtual Recreation Center, a Mobile Recreation Center, and offered virtual classes as well as free tai chi and yoga, and youth classes on the square. The tennis courts and outdoor pools successfully opened with no reported cases of COVID-19, and the playgrounds and skate park reopened in October. DAL also offered a walk and a bike challenge.
SUPPORT
FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS • Launched a small business assistance program using federall CARES Act funds. • The Decatur City Commission established a nonprofit grant program using federal CARES Act funds to provide assistance to local nonprofit organizations for needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $300,000 in funding is available.
FAB
FRIDAYS The city’s Department of Community and Economic Development launched FAB Fridays, an outdoor COVID-safe shopping and dining experience for the community to come out to shop, eat and enjoy.
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• Decatur Active Living partnered with the Decatur Library to place three different StoryWalks in Glenlake Park, which children and their families were able to enjoy. They also partnered with Chick-fil-A to serve 60 sandwiches a day to youth at Ebster Recreation Center during the month of July. A partnership with Decatur Housing Authority supplied youth in the community with school supplies. • Decatur Active Living won three awards from the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association: Sara Holmes won the prestigious Mike Daniel Award, Lee Goldsmith won Volunteer of the Year, and the department won a media award for beactivedecatur.com. • Seniors are staying active with walks Sarah Holmes and virtual classes, as well as maintaining their plots at Scott Garden. A partnership with Kaiser Permanente also offered seniors a virtual bingo game.
EQUITY • The Better Together Advisory Board and the City of Decatur hosted four speakers as part of an Anti-Racism Speaker Series, which is designed to generate awareness of equity concerns in the city and to hold the city and community accountable for meeting established goals and implementing policies that ensure an inclusive, equitable and just city. The Speaker Series seeks to mine the knowledge and wisdom of numerous thought leaders to challenge and inspire our community to take actionable steps to instill anti-racism throughout our norms and practices.
• The city joined the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), a national network of government working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. The Decatur City Commission pledged $50,000 in the current year’s city budget to fund community anti-racist education and training.
• The city, in partnership with the Decatur Arts Alliance and MARTA Artbound, supported Black artists with public art installations at all three MARTA stations and worked with community members on a Black Lives Matter art installation on North McDonough Street.
EQUITY TEAM To do this, the team will: In January, City Manager Andrea Arnold created a cross-departmental Employee 1. Educate employees about the Better Together Community Action Equity Team. The team’s goal is to create an Plan and address goals that are focused on the city organization. environment of equity and inclusion where 2. Review internal structures, processes, policies and outcomes everyone in the organization is treated through an equity lens. fairly, has equitable opportunities and out3. Recommend activities, training and professional development that comes, and truly feels welcome and valued. will support and promote equity, inclusion and engagement within Through education about systemic racism all departments and throughout the organization. and bias a plan will be developed to address barriers to equity and inclusion within the 4. Serve as a resource for all City of Decatur employees. organization DECEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 13
POLICE
• The City of Decatur partnered with Trees Atlanta to establish a front yard tree program. Residents pay a $25 application fee and Trees Atlanta will plant a tree in their front yard, and maintain the tree for two years. Homeowners can choose from a list of trees suitable for our area.
• The Decatur Police Department became fully staffed for the first time in more than 20 years.
• The City of Decatur received the inaugural Visionary City Award presented by Georgia Trend magazine and GMA during the association’s Cities United Summit in Atlanta in January. Decatur was recognized for its Better Together initiative, which brought together more than 800 residents, who contributed more than 1,300 hours to the yearlong visioning and outreach project aimed at creating a more diverse and welcoming city. • Communications Manager/PIO Renae Madison was recognized by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Georgia Chapter as a “40 Under 40” award recipient. Now in its second year, the 40 Under 40 awards program honors rising stars who excel in public relations, marketing, advertising and/or social media roles, while also giving back to their industry and community.
• In January 2020, the Police Department announced these promotions: Jennifer Ross to captain, Richard Phillips to lieutenant, Michael Johns to sergeant, Eric Jackson to sergeant, Cassandra Bradley to Communications Team leader, and Jessica Hughes to Communications Team leader. • Captain Billy Woodruff graduated from the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course and was elected treasurer of the class by his peers. Captain Woodruff also made the Dean’s List for his academic accomplishments while attending the rigorous course.
Renae Madison
Decatur Joins AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities In August, the City of Decatur joined the AARP Age-Friendly States and Communities Network. This will allow the Lifelong Community Advisory Board to continue to fulfill goals of the 2010 Strategic Plan, primarily to assure our city is a safe, healthy and inviting community for all ages. According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, the 10-county Atlanta Region PopufEime AlpyprSevA ent cr SanTd he lation Age Breakdown was 16 percent for those 60+ in 2015. In 2030, it is 11 estimated to grow to 24 percent of the population. E all 9 C f e A im r tc yapreScommunity The Age-Friendly process includes conducting needs asven SnTd A help sessment; developing an action and evaluationa plan based on the assessment results; implementing the work and goals of the plan; and repeating the process in order to have continuous improvement.
• The Police Department reinstituted its Quality of Life Enforcement Initiative on the Decatur square during the summer and fall.
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Decatur partnered with Living Walls and the Decatur Arts Alliance for this new mural at the railway underpass where Columbia Drive and East College Avenue intersect. 14 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2020
DECATUR PD SHARES WHAT IS SUSPICIOUS? The “What is Suspicious” brochure, which was created in 2018, was adapted by the Dunwoody Police Department to educate its community on suspicious behavior. The brochure was also printed in the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police monthly publication.
CITY News DECATUR STRONG 2020 Decatur Business Association
Reese
Thompson
Sanders
• Officers Kanice Reese, Katherine Thompson, Joshua Sanders, and Estaffon McCall (pictured below with Deputy Chief Scott Richardson and Chief Mike Booker) graduated from the Georgia Piedmont Technical Law Enforcement Academy. • The police department worked collaboratively with other law enforcement agencies in DeKalb County to address protests and demonstrations that occurred around racial equality. There were no incidents of violence and the department received praise for how it responded to the incidents. • The Police Department continues to work with state and local law enforcement agencies to address street racing. The intelligence gathering and collaboration among agencies has been beneficial in addressing this illegal activity. • The Police Department embraced the use of virtual technology to conduct monthly crime meetings. The meetings allow the supervisors opportunities to discuss the crime that has occurred, what they did to address it, and what steps will be taken to address anticipated crime.
Over the past nine months, the Decatur Business Association has worked to make adjustments and support Decatur small businesses in the best way possible during the pandemic. In the spring they hosted the Decatur DeCanTour series that invited participants to sip and shop from home and enjoy cocktail classes with local bartenders, while also highlighting several local retailers. Recently, DBA launched “60 Second Props,” a social media campaign spotlighting local business owners and introducing them to the community. To continue supporting members, DBA moved their monthly networking meetings online. Each meeting included a virtual cocktail demonstration and updates from City Commissioners. The meetings also offered legal updates for small businesses in the time of COVID-19 and tips from a social media expert on how to best utilize social media for your small business. The DBA thanks all of their members and sponsors who have supported them through this challenging time, and plans to continue to support the business community as well.
Decatur-Area Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM) Closed for only a week, DEAM reopened ready to deal with the new reality and safely maintain their mission to serve neighbors in need. The pandemic has required strict health procedures and increased the need for food and financial support. Large increases in donations from places of worship and individuals since March have enabled DEAM to offer $750 per household per year for utilities rather than the previous $250 per year; groceries once a week rather than once a month; and support for the homeless once a week rather than twice a month. As COVID-19 wreaks financial havoc on neighbors, DEAM strives to meet growing needs and keep workers and clients safe. To maintain social distancing, financial assistance is provided over the phone and grocery orders are distributed outside the office. A new 10-ft x 12-ft awning protects clients, volunteers and food orders. The two office managers now work on separate days and six stalwart volunteers distribute prepackaged groceries twice a week. Masks are given to those who come without one. Strategic procedural changes and community generosity have kept DEAM a resource in these dire months.
DECEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 15
DECATUR STRONG 2020 Friends of Decatur Cemetery While the pandemic shut down the customary Second Sunday Strolls sponsored by Friends of Decatur Cemetery (FODC), 2020 was still a productive year for the all-volunteer group that works with the city to maintain the historic cemetery and educate the citizens about its importance to the community. • Walkers, joggers, and small family groups were encouraged to respectfully enjoy Decatur’s largest greenspace during a time of isolation and social distancing. • The Tuesday morning Gardening Among the Graves volunteers continued to clear out invasive weeds and uncover the granite walkways in the Old Section. • New signage along Commerce Drive and at the Bell Street entrance was installed in October – a cooperative effort between the City of Decatur and the Friends of Decatur Cemetery. • Although the traditional Veterans Day Commemoration had to be scaled back, a socially distanced cooperative service between the Harold Byrd Post No. 66 American Legion Auxiliary and FODC was held on Nov. 11, as customary. In compliance with city pandemic protocols, flags were posted at the cemetery entrances rather than on individual graves as in past years. • A new storyboard sign detailing the history of the historic African-American burial grounds was placed near Section Six. In conjunction, volunteers worked to clean the gravestones nearby. For more information about Friends of Decatur Cemetery, visit legacydecatur.com/friends-of-decatur-cemetery.
Commerce Drive Entrance
16 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2020
Church Street Entrance
DECATUR STRONG 2020
COMMUNTY
Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights
Amplify My Community Gives $36,500 to Charities in 2020
The Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights empowers, advocates, educates, and organizes people of African descent affected by systemic racism and oppression on issues of equity in education, housing, and the legal system in the city of Decatur and surrounding communities. To learn more, visit beaconhillblackalliance.org
The nonprofit organization Amplify My Community provided $36,500 to three community-based nonprofits addressing issues surrounding homelessness and poverty. The 2020 gifts were made possible by Amplify’s sponsors and supporters, who helped raise funds despite cancelations of the organization’s largest 2020 events due to COVID-19. The gift recipients are: • $30,000 to Decatur Cooperative Ministry • $5,000 to Family Connections-Community in Schools of Athens • $1,500 to Decatur-area Emergency Assistance Ministry The gift to Decatur Cooperative Ministry reflects the generosity of Amplify’s sponsors and the community, many of whom declined to accept ticket refunds for the canceled Amplify Decatur Music Festival. With this gift, Amplify has directed more than $265,000 to Decatur Cooperative Ministry. Amplify is especially grateful for the continued support of its corporate sponsors, including Lenz, Eddie’s Attic, Leafmore Group, Decatur Package Store, and Iris and Bruce Feinberg Additional supporters include Oakhurst Realty Partners, Natalie Gregory and Co., Plumb Works, Verisail Partners, and Dynamo Swim Club. During the pandemic, Amplify has focused on socially distant music events, including its streaming series and the upcoming Drive-By Flatbed Truck Concert featuring Kevn Kinney of Drivin N Cryin. For more information on upcoming events and to donate to Amplify My Community, visit AmplifyMyCommunity.org.
• Facilitated the commemoration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and protested the cannon on Decatur square. • Supported the development of the first-ever Decatur High School Black Student Union. • Hosts monthly Student Leadership Series intended to inspire all high school students to aspire to the greatest heights possible. Each session features a career speaker and focuses on leadership skills. • Distributed books and candy to K-5 students who reside at Trinity Walk and DHA during Halloween. • Co-sponsored ice cream and multicultural books giveaway in September. • Assisted with creating the Black Lives Matter street mural in front of Decatur High School.
Hector Amador
• Promoted Take 12 – two minutes to register to vote and 10 minutes to complete the 2020 census. Beacon Hill Alliance advocated for the removal of the Confederate monument on the square.
Global Growers In May, Global Growers Network launched its online Farm Stand that allows for safe, nocontact ordering and pickup. A pivot from their past community-supported agrictulture (CSA) program and selling produce at Freedom’s Farmers Market, the Farm Stand has been a success. The produce sold is grown at the Umurima Wa Burundi Farm, located in East Decatur Station. With the support of community members, returning Farm Share customers, and new faces, GGN has been able to sell more than 2,000 pounds of produce with at least 75 percent of revenue going directly back to the growers. To learn more about GGN, visit globalgrowers.org. DECEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 17
DECATUR STRONG 2020 Better Living Together The mission of Better Living Together is to create a co-housing community where people with and without developmental disabilities live and thrive together. Before the pandemic, the group held monthly potlucks that brought together seniors, young adults experiencing disability and others with an interest in living in an inclusive community. The gatherings provided opportunities to develop deeper relationships with each other and foster new friendships. Throughout the first half of the year, founders Tim and Beate Sass attended a series of workshops for mission-driven organizations that want to create built environments that promote sustainability and catalyze community impact. Once it was realized that a return to “normal” wasn’t coming soon, they adapted and hosted virtual meetings in the second half of the year. These included a presentation on supported employment and another from Georgia Options, which supports individuals experiencing disability to live independently in their communities. While it has been a challenging year, the group looks forward to broadening connections with the greater Decatur community and moving ahead in the new year. For more information, visit betterlivingtogether.org.
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DECATUR STRONG 2020 Woodlands Garden The greenspace at Woodlands Garden has continued to thrive with many exciting accomplishments this year. Julia Bryant was hired as the garden manager of the eight-acre urban sanctuary. She has successfully organized weekly volunteer projects with new safety protocols in place to keep volunteers engaged (and masked!). Woodlands hosted a socially distanced board retreat led by consultants with Purpose Possible and will produce a strategic plan to help guide the organization. We welcomed four diverse professionals – Terrence Burroughs, Anna Dunn Tabke, Holly Fletcher, and Phil Polk – to the garden’s board of directors. Volunteers organized a fall plant sale featuring plants donated from local gardeners and a one-way route for the plant buying experience. The capital construction project, including visitor center updates, is complete and the garden will be open to the public before the end of the year.
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BUSINESSSTRONG & NONPROFIT DECATUR 2020 News Glennwood Estates Neighborhood Community During this challenging time of COVID-19 the Glennwood Estates neighborhood has united in many community building activities, reinforcing its already strong bonds of generosity, kindness and humor, including: April’s Art-in-the-Yard Stroll, followed by May’s graduating senior driving parade, June’s Emancipation Proclamation reading, an early October work day in the Glenn Creek Nature Preserve, and a scout-led retirement ceremony of the Triangle’s American flag on the Saturday before Veteran’s Day, coordinated by scout leader and neighbor Carroll Knabe. For Halloween, the Glennwood Estates neighborhood rallied together to celebrate in four ways:
Upcoming events to finish out the year include the neighborhood’s annual collective participation in Decatur’s Season of Giving, coordinated by neighbor Mindy Simon. These events and many other random acts of kindness and generosity (despite COVID-19) exemplify the strength and connectedness of the community.
1. A neighborhood yard decoration contest with certificates designed by DHS neighbor Leah C. 2. Jack-o-lantern illumination nights. 3. Trick-or-treat “opt-out” signs designed by DHS neighbor Orion Buckley. 4. A contactless treat tossing drive-by parade on Halloween, the brainchild of neighbor Molly Evans.
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BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News DECATUR STRONG 2020
DECATUR EDUCATION FOUNDATION
it’s a Date to Stay up late!
Making Connections to Help Fulfill Community Need
A
ll Decatur residents, and everybody else, too, are invited to walk in the Decatur Lantern Parade on the evening of The biggest winMay for the Decatur Friday, 15. This is oneEducation of those “the-more-the-merrier” Foundation was seeing the community come events, so plan now to participate and be a part of helping together to support students and families durto make this lantern parade memorable. ingMake COVID-19. Community contributions have your own lantern at home or provided supplemental food to 100 families, and come to a lantern-making workshop have allowed working parents to keep their jobs. where supplies and guidance are providLighten the Load doed.DEF Findcurrently out wherehas and34 when by visiting nors giving weekly or monthly to support the decaturlanternparade.com. response to food insecurity. In addition, they To participate, line up at Color Wheel have been able to support 30 kids with childcare Studio at 508 E. Howard Ave. after 8 p.m. grants. DEFsteps hasoff also Black Parents AlThe parade at 9helped p.m. ledthe by The liance establish a learning pod so students have Black Sheep Marching Ensemble and paarade place to do virtual learning. guru Chantelle Rytter. The parade DEF hasitsworked with other community orwill wend way to the community ganizations to establish the Decatur Cares Cobandstand in front of the Old Courtalition, a “collective impact organization” that house on the square. meets via Zoom to share resources and comThe parade is sponsored by Color municate community needs. To see the coalition Wheel Studio, Decatur Arts Alliance, list, visit decatureducationfoundation.org. Decatur Education Foundation, and the Decatur Development Authority.
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DECEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 21
SCHOOL News DECATUR STRONG 2020 Agnes Scott College Accolades Keep Coming Agnes Scott has been recognized again as a Best Value School by both U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review. The ranking reflects a combination of the school’s academic quality and net cost of attendance. In the Princeton Review’s 2021 edition of “The Best 386 Colleges,” Agnes Scott placed in the top 20 in six categories, including Top 50 Green Colleges, Best Counseling Services, Best Alumni Network and LGBTQ-Friendly.
• ASC is the recipient of an estate gift of more than $8 million for facilities improvement and scholarships.
Other Agnes Scott Achievements • ASC’s Science Center for Women was awarded a three-year $300,000 National Science Foundation Improving Undergraduate STEM Education grant to improve supplemental instruction.
• Leah Trotman ’21 was named a 2020 Truman Scholar.
• ASC received the NAFSA 2020 Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award for its innovative SUMMIT Global Learning curriculum.
• ASC launched the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Courageous Conversation Series and initiative in partnership with the City of Decatur and City Schools of Decatur.
• Agnes Scott Professor Srebrenka Robic received a 2020-2021 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award. • Abisola James ’20 received a 2020-21 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Award. • Furyal Ahmed ’21 was named a 2020 Barry Goldwater Scholar.
Abisola James
• ASC received a 2020 Second Nature Climate Solutions Acceleration Grant for its innovative cross-sector climate action activities.
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