Focus January-Februray 2015

Focus

INSIDE:

Big Camp News in the

City of Decatur

PLAYBOOK

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January-February 2015 Volume 25 • Number 6

Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia

First Grade Expedition

What Can One Little Person Do?

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ll five first-grade classes at Oakhurst Elementary School have been busy working on their expedition, “What Can One Little Person Do?” Students began by researching important American figures in history, their character traits, risks, and great contributions to the country. After completing their research they asked the question, “What contributions can I make to create a positive change in our community?”

The first grade then researched differences people in their community might have, including vision, hearing, mobility, and learning differences.

Experts in each area came in to share their knowledge, the difficulties they face, and accommodations they might need on a daily basis.

Oakhurst first graders with their tour guide, Mr. Eli

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Decatur events

After learning about these differences, the students ventured out into the community.

Their first field study was the see Expedition, page 7

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School news

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Around Town

Focus City of Decatur

It’s All Coming Together

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fter months and even years of delays, many of the projects that have been waiting in the wings are under construction in downtown Decatur and in Oakhurst. As always, citizens have expressed their curiosity about many of the projects and are wondering how all the pieces will fit together. While this column isn’t a comprehensive plan, it should help to answer some frequently asked questions.

Focus on Downtown Development

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: casie. yoder@decaturga.com.

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Alexan Decatur

The parking deck that will be shared by the Fidelity office building and the Alexan residential development is nearly complete. As with most of our downtown mixeduse developments, the deck is being constructed first so that tenants in the commercial building can use it while the residential project is being constructed. When the residential component of the project is complete, the parking deck will be screened from view along the Commerce Drive frontage.

The large concrete wall of the parking deck at the driveway entrance closest to the Fidelity office building will be fronted by the residential building. The main lobby entrance and leasing office will be on the ground floor level at this location. Upper floors at this point will have singleloaded apartments and a corridor providing direct access from the parking deck to the residential

DECATUR CITY COMMISSION Jim Baskett....................................................Mayor Kecia Cunningham................Mayor Pro Tem Fred Boykin.................................Commissioner Scott Drake..................................Commissioner Patti Garrett.................................Commissioner

see Focus on Downtown Development, page 13 DECATUR DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Board Chris Sciarrone, Chair Linda Curry John Drake Bill Floyd Scott Kentner Tony Leung Fisher Paty

DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION The Place on Ponce is prospecting for residential and commercial tenants

Tim Martin.............................................. President Kyle Williams......................................... Treasurer Floyd Smith............................................ Secretary Marc Brennan............................. 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, by fax to 404-371-1593, or by email to casie.yoder@decaturga.com.

2 | Decatur Focus • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

City News

Decatur Salutes Hometown Heroes

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ecatur honored 11 Hometown Heroes in 2014 for contributions made to the city: Mary Davis, Gayle Gellerstedt and Bill Funk, Annie Godfrey, Michelle Kuperman, Joann Mayor Pro Tem Kecia Cunningham presided Majercsik, Rob Pegel, Jennifer Rhett, Brian Smith, Deanne at the meeting, filling in for Mayor Jim Baskett Thomas, and Michael Vajda. They are pictured with members of who was under the weather. the City Commission after receiving their medals at the Commissioner Scott Drake with December Decatur Business Association meeting.

Bill Funk and Gayle Gellerstedt

Decatur began its Hometown Heroes program in 1996 at the close of the Hometown to the World Festival held during the Olympics. The 14-day festival was a success because of the hundreds of volunteers who helped. At the close of the festival, the City Commission honored the volunteers. Since then the Hometown Hero awards have been presented annually.

With the 2014 presentation, Decatur has designated 284 Hometown Heroes. For detailed information about the Hometown Heroes and their contributions to the Decatur community, visit decaturga.com.

A plaque with the photo and names of 2014’s Hometown Heroes will join the “Wall of Heroes” outside the City Commission Meeting Room in City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St. JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 • Decatur Focus | 3

City News Homestead Exemptions Reduce Your City Taxes If you live at the property you own, you may qualify for one or more homestead exemptions or assistance programs for city taxes in 2015 • General homestead exemption: In 2014, this exemption reduced property taxes for eligible homeowners by $231.60.

Homeowners who reside at their home are eligible to apply online or in person.

• GS-1 exemption: The GS-1 saved most eligible homeowners $1,604 in 2014.

You qualify to apply if you’re at least 62 as of Jan. 1 and your total household income does not exceed $25,000.

• S-1 exemption: The S-1 saved most eligible homeowners $205 in 2014. You qualify to apply if you are 62 or older as of Jan. 1 and the household income of you and your spouse does not exceed $10,000 (excluding retirement income).

Pensions and Social Security payments do not count toward income for this exemption, but income such as salary, wages, rental income, interest and dividends are included.

• GH-2 exemption: Owners who are 65 as of Jan. 1 may file for the GH-2 regardless of income. It can save homeowners about $12 a year.

• S-3 exemption: Owners who are age 70 as of Jan. 1 may file for the S-3 regardless of income. It saved eligible homeowners up to $1,025 in 2014.

• S-2 exemption: To qualify for a 100 percent exemption from school taxes, the homeowner must be over the age of 80 as of Jan. 1, and the federal adjusted gross income of you and your spouse cannot exceed $40,000. This includes any type of income. The tax savings varies according to the value of your home.

• Disabled veterans can qualify for a special exemption saving up to $2,290 if they reside at the property and have a 100 percent disability documented by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Tax deferral allows the taxes on the first $100,000 of assessed value of your home to be deferred for owners 62 and above, payable with interest upon the sale or transfer of the property, allowing a total deferral of up to $3,208 annually. Additional conditions apply.

• Year’s support provides an exemption of taxes for one year upon the death of a spouse if approved by the DeKalb County probate court.

• Un-remarried surviving spouses of U.S. service members, peace officers, or firefighters killed in the line of duty may qualify for additional exemptions. Call 404-370-4100 for details.

• Rehabilitated historic properties may qualify for preferential tax assessments.

If you have already applied, you do not need to re-apply. But you will need to apply if you qualify for a new exemption based on age, income, or if you are a new owner.

If you have only applied with DeKalb County, you must also apply with the city.

By law the city can accept homestead exemption applications for 2015 anytime between now and Apr. 1, 2015. However, all eligible homeowners are encouraged to apply for any new exemptions by March 16, 2015, to ensure your exemption appears on your first installment 2015 property tax bill.

For details on how homestead exemptions are calculated or to apply for the general homestead exemption online, visit decaturga.com/homestead. Applicants for all other exemptions can apply in person at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4 | Decatur Focus • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

City Commission Holiday Schedule City Commission meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month unless there is a Monday holiday.

The January and February meetings are affected by the MLK holiday and Presidents Day and will be held: • Monday, Jan. 5 • Tuesday, Jan. 20 • Monday, Feb. 2 • Tuesday, Feb. 17 Meetings are at 7:30 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St. Agendas are posted by the entrances to City Hall and online at decaturga.com/CityCommission.

Can’t attend a meeting in person? There are three ways to watch at home: • Watch the live broadcast on Comcast channel 25.

• Watch the re-broadcast at 2 p.m. on the Saturday following the Monday night live broadcast on Comcast channel 25.

• Watch online, live or any time after the meeting, by going to decaturga. com/CityCommission and clicking on “streaming video.”

Solid Waste and Recycling Holiday Schedule Martin Luther King Jr. Day Mon., Jan. 19 Regular solid waste and recycling services for Monday will be on Tuesday, Jan. 20; regular services for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Presidents Day • Mon., Feb. 16 Regular solid waste and recycling services for Monday will be on Tuesday, Feb. 17; regular services for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

City News City Commission Salutes 2014 Decorate Decatur Winners

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here is no denying that Decatur really gets into the spirit of the holidays! Drive around our beautiful city and you will see everything from traditional wreaths and bows to sparkling light displays and giant inflatable reindeer. Thank you to everyone for all of the wonderful decorations.

Winners of the coveted Decorate Decatur Commissioners Cup for 2014 are John and Gabbi Stewart, 467 E. Pharr Rd. Mayor Jim Baskett presented the trophy to the Stewart family at the Dec. 17 City Commission meeting.

The city’s anonymous judges found eight other Decatur homes worthy of honorable mentions. The “Decorate Decatur” yard sign was posted at these homes between Christmas and New Year’s.

The judges also commended the Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur for the Christmas fashion display in its West Ponce de Leon Avenue gallery and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority for the new (and improved) downtown streetscape decorations.

Honorable Mentions 908 S. Candler St. 1034 S. Candler St. 239 W. Hill St. 133 W. Hill St. 307 S. McDonough St. 123 Feld Ave. 207 Glenn Circle 860 Sycamore Dr. 228 Harold Byrd Dr.

At left, new holiday decorations help to make spirits bright on East Court Square.

John and Gabi Stewart with the Commissioners Cup for 2014. Their East Pharr Road home is pictured below.

Dec rate Winner

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 • Decatur Focus | 5

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Decatur MLK Service Project:

Still Time to Volunteer

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olunteer opportunities are still available for the 13th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project on the weekend of Jan. 17-19. Join with other volunteers doing greatly needed repairs and yard work that the fixed- and low-income elderly homeowners have been unable to afford. Volunteers may work one or more of the following shifts:

Saturday, Jan. 17 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 18 • 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 19 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

There are jobs available for all skill levels and for unskilled volunteers. Youth groups are welcome.

There is a minimum age of 12 to volunteer unless volunteering through a supervised organization such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. Please check first before signing up a youth group. A release form and other information regarding the service project are available at decaturga.com/mlk and mlkserviceproject.com. If you would like to volunteer contact Lee Ann Harvey, 678-553-6548, or leeann. harvey@decaturga.com.

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Decatur 101 Begins 16th Class

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ecatur 101, designed to educate the community about city government, begins Thursday, Feb. 19. The class runs for seven weeks and includes information about how the City of Decatur works, who is responsible for what and what steps you can take to make a difference. The class ends on Thursday, April 2, with a session devoted to City Schools of Decatur.

Classes are held on Thursdays in city buildings and cover such topics as history, development, budget, emergency management, boards and commissions, and volunteer opportunities. The school session will be held at one of the school facilities.

The morning class is 10 a.m.-noon and the evening class is 7-9 p.m., with optional tours of various city buildings at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The program includes an optional Smart Growth Walking Tour for both classes on one Saturday in March.

Decatur 101 classes are free and open to the first 35 applicants. The 2015 class is almost full so if you are interested email linda.harris@decaturga.com or call 678553-6512. Be sure to include your mailing address along with your name, phone number, email address and preference of morning or evening class.

Decatur Seeks Submissions for 2015 Postcards Project

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he 2015 Decatur Postcard Project is looking for artists, students, residents, businesses and members of the community who would like to submit images that reflect different aspects of the city. If you have photos or other artwork that capture the essence of what Decatur is all about and would like to share, send in your work. Submissions are welcome from all ages.

A jury will select six pieces that best represent Decatur for a set of 6 x 4 postcards, which will go on sale in May. The cards will be available at the Decatur Visitors Center and local retailers. Keep in mind as you select your entries: brides like to use the postcards for wedding “Save the Dates” and parents like to use them for children’s thank you notes.

Project details will be posted online by Jan. 15 at DecaturArtsAlliance.org and on the Decatur Tourism website, VisitDecaturGeorgia.com. The Decatur Postcard Project is sponsored by the Decatur Arts Alliance, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority, and the Decatur Tourism Bureau.

For additional information, email tourism@decaturga.com.

6 | Decatur Focus • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

City News

Oakhurst first graders and Mr. Eli take inventory of mobility improvements on the square.

Expedition continued from page 1 Decatur square, where they looked for positive changes that have already been made to accommodate all people.

When the Oakhurst first grade teachers asked city staff if they knew of anyone who could talk to the students about their expeditionary learning, they suggested Eli Dodson, a long-time Oakhurst resident who uses a wheelchair to get around. He is a Citizens Police Academy and Decatur 101 graduate and regularly volunteers as a part of the Citizens Assisting Public Safety (CAPS) program with the Decatur Police Department.

Mr. Eli, as he is widely known, led the students on a guided tour of the city to point out some of the changes that have already been completed on and around the square. Using the information they gathered from their first field study, the students traveled to Oakhurst Village the very next day and looked for things that need to be changed to accommodate everyone. Again Mr. Eli served as their guide.

When the first grade research is complete, students will create a public service announcement with an original song and present change projects to the Decatur City Commission to make a real difference in their community.

Comments from the Oakhurst Elementary First Graders

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We have been going on field trips to look for things in our community that we can change to make things better for people who are different.” – Nadia

“

We’re fixing stuff in downtown Oakhurst for people with differences. There are no ramps in downtown Oakhurst so people with wheelchairs won’t be able to get up on the sidewalk.

It would be really difficult for them to live here.” – Watts

“ “

We are exploring how we can make a difference in our community for people with certain needs.” – Endie We can change parts of the city to make it a better place to visit for people with differences. We can make more handicapped parking spaces and aprons for the street.” – Kate V.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 • Decatur Focus | 7

City News School News

Overwhelming Response to the Fire Dept. Coat and Food Drive

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ecatur fire fighters had to make an early delivery to the Decatur Cooperative Ministries during the holiday season. The community donated so many coats and food items, people were unable to walk through the halls at Fire Station No. 2. For more information go to Facebook.com/DCMDecaturFan or call 404-377-5365.

Decatur Active Living Receives Marketing Awards

Holy Trinity Parish Preschool Open House Saturday, Jan. 24 • 9 a.m.-noon Families can take a tour, sign up for next year and learn more about Holy Trinity Parish Preschool, located in Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. The preschool serves students from ages 16 months to 5 years and has a studentplanted garden. The school also has a cultural diversity program (called Globetrotting) that involves studying countries around the world, especially those represented by the parents and grandparents of students. This year the school went “green” by using chemicals that are eco-friendly, reducing the use of disposable items, and trying to keep products environmentally safe. For information: holytrinitypreschool.org; 404-371-1310.

8 | Decatur Focus • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

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he Decatur Active anente er Pn/erWm 11 Kais alk • Sept.

Living Division received Corporate Ru two awards at the GeorFREE gia Recreation and Parks Weekly Training Sessions Association annual conference in November. The Team Decatur 2014 With poster won a “Marketing and Visibility Award for a Single Event” and the new Athletics brochure won for WiN TeR “Multiple Events in the MarketDecatu r Ac tive Livin Adult ing and Visibility Category.” Both A thleticsg Athletics the poster and the brochure were Get with designed by Decatur graphic de!

SpRiNGthe Team Su MMeR sign firm Lampe-Farley Marketing Communications.

Decatur Active Living staff members were on hand to receive Team Sp for Youthorts the awards. The Georgia Recreand Adults ation and Parks Association is We Love Our Volunteer Coaches the professional organization for recreation professionals. Active Living Director Gregory White is on the board of directors of the organization and several staff members are active committee members. ecatur .com/TeamD at DecaturGAget registered. to Get started now rmation and for more info

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• Coed teams for ages 5-7 , 8-10, and 11-12 • Six-week program for ag es 5-7 and eight-week program for ages 8-12

Registration August-Septem ber Season begins end of September Practices held at local fields in the City of Decatur Games held at Samuel L. Jones Boys and Girls Club

Youth Lacrosse Clinics

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Decatur Active Living offers summer and select teams for lacrosse and girls softball.

These are invitationonly teams. Players must be invited to join by the team coach.

Designed for girls new to the sport and those who have played a season but are still working master the fundamental to skills.

• Returning Girls Clinic –

Designed for girls who have experience playing and want to work on fundamental skills course to develop basic skills for future lacrosse players ages Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thurs4-6. Classes are held on day in October.

• Lil Lax – Four week introductory

Enjoy playing sports? Love

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Volunteer as a coach!

All volunteer coaches must complete an application, certification and a background check. Certification is obt ained by completing the online certification at www.nays.or g.

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City News

Beer Festival Shares Proceeds ver the years, the Decatur Craft Beer Festival has raised nearly $700,000 and delivered the proceeds to nonprofit groups in and around Decatur for a variety of purposes.

Checks from the 2014 festival were distributed at the December meeting of the Decatur Business Assocation. These organizations received funding: Community Farmers Market, Inc. To expand access to fresh, locally grown food for Decatur residents, with an emphasis on reaching low-income families.

Decatur Arts Alliance. To commission artists to design and create three benches and three bicycle racks for the Oakhurst neighborhood; to offset the costs of workshops and marketing for the second annual Decatur Lantern Parade.

Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM).

To support the Family Transitional House (FTH) program, which provides six-month interim housing for families seeking to establish stable housing and self-sufficiency.

Participants also receive job counseling, case management, financial education, life skills, and personal budgeting sessions.

Decatur Education Foundation. To support activities, field trips, and service projects for the Partnerships for Success program.

Decatur Fire Department. To repair the Fire Prevention Mini Fire Truck, a popular tool used in fire prevention education as well as community events throughout Decatur.

cessibility project for the L’Arche (“The Ark” in French) house in Decatur. Currently three adults with intellectual disabilities and three assistants reside there.

Decatur Police Department. To purchase equipment for a free self-defense course for women in the community.

Our House, Inc. To purchase classroom materials and supplies for Early Childhood Education programs for homeless children.

Decatur Preservation Alliance/MLK Service Project. To directly assist low-income senior homeowners in Decatur by providing house maintenance and repair work.

Parkwood Garden Club, Inc. To create a self-sustaining prairie of native plants to increase wildlife diversity in the park.

Decatur-Area Emergency Assistance Ministry. To provide food, prescription, and utility help to families. Funds will support the reinstatement of a rent assistance program for clients facing immediate homelessness.

Friends of Decatur Cemetery. To purchase a permanent grave marker and memorial for Dr. Ormand L. Morgan, the first known burial in Decatur Cemetery (c.1823).

Global Village Project, Inc. To support a mentor program for young refugee women in middle and high school by paying for meals, admission, and transportation in the Decatur area.

HomeGrown Decatur. To pay for marketing efforts and procure musical talent for the Haints & Saints Parade, a family-friendly Halloween event in Decatur.

L’Arche. To help pay for a hard-surface driveway and parking pad to complete an ac-

Poverty is Real. To help fund local-level charities who work to combat poverty on the frontlines.

Reading is Essential for All People, Inc. To support the professional development of two CSD teachers in reading instruction for struggling students.

Tanyard Creek Community Garden.

To purchase native plants to replace the invasive species growing throughout the stream buffer.

The Community School. To support weekly hiking trips around Atlanta as part of an outdoor program for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders.

Wylde Center. To install an herb garden in Oakhurst Garden for use in education classes and culinary herb sales. It will include raised beds, maintained paths, instructional signage, and tools for harvesting herbs.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 • Decatur Focus | 9

Business & Nonprofit News Twisted Soul Kitchen + Bar Open on Howard Avenue

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hef and caterer Deborah VanTrece has taken over the space at 314 E. Howard Ave. (previously home to Marbar).

She is focused on reviving a soul food concept from the late 1990s called Edible Art. The restaurant is Southern based with a soulful twist – a little different from the farm-to-table Southern fusion. She works with local farmers and offers seasonal menus.

Menu items include cocoa-crusted rack of lamb with sweet potato pone and spoon bread, shrimp and crab fritters, seafood macaroni, barbecue chicken spring rolls, and award-winning southern fried chicken. Vegetarian and gluten-free offerings are available.

At the bar, the focus is on Southern spirits such as bourbon along with moonshine-infused signature cocktails, pecan and sweet potato vodkas. There is a sweet potato martini, white whiskey cobbler, and a Georgia sunrise. Local craft beers are also available on draft and bottled.

For information, visit twistedsoulkitchenandbar.com or facebook.com/ twistedsoulsouthernfusion.

Gibbs + Mabe Firm Refocuses on Family Law Practice

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ince it opened in 2011, Gibbs + Mabe has offered legal services that include family law, civil litigation and criminal defense. As they enter 2015, attorneys Jennifer Gibbs and Carolyn Mabe are now focused on realigning their services to match the growing need for family law practice in the Decatur community.

Whether your legal issue deals with pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements, marriage, divorce, child support, custody, wills or estate planning Gibbs + Mabe will handle your case with the respect, sensitivity, and legal savvy it deserves. For more information visit gibbsmabe.com.

Decatur Biggest Loser Contest Returns

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ertaPro Painters and Pinnacle Fitness Center challenge Decatur with a weight-loss contest to benefit the Decatur Education Foundation. Grand prize winners in the men’s and women’s categories will each receive $250 in cash, one month of unlimited group fitness classes, an introductory massage from Attista’s Bodywork, and a $400 CertaPro gift certificate for painting services. Prizes will be awarded for second and third place, too.

The contest kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 7, 8-10:30 a.m., with a weigh-in at Pinnacle Fitness Center, 141 Sams St., Suite B1.

Registration is $30 (must be 18 to participate), and includes a weight loss information packet. Five dollars from each registration benefits the Decatur Education Foundation. All body measurements will be kept private and progress will be tracked via percentage.

Participants interested in a one-month promotion can sign up for fitness classes at Pinnacle Fitness Center for only $40.

Be among the first 10 to register and CertaPro Painters of Atlanta will pay the fitness class registration fee (new customers only). Early weigh-in is available on the preceding Wednesday, Feb 4, between 6 and 8 p.m.

To view the testimonials from the 2013 and 2014 winners of the Decatur Biggest Loser Weight Loss Challenge visit PinnacleFitnessCenter.com.

Program Benefits • Weekly coaching emails from fitness instructor and nutritionist David Nash.

• Weekly online performance tracking to help drive friendly competition.

• 10 percent discount on interior or exterior painting projects by CertaPro Painters of Atlanta.

To register or for more information, email David Nash at PinnacleDecatur@gmail.com with the subject line: “Decatur Biggest Loser.” Participants may also register at PinnacleFitnessCenter.com.

10 | Decatur Focus • JANUARY-FEBRUARY OSCTOBER 2014 2015

Business & Nonprofit News Woodlands Garden Expands

Youth artist market

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oodlands Garden of Decatur plans to acquire the property at 915 Clairemont Ave., at the northeast corner of Scott Boulevard and Clairemont. The Decatur Downtown Development Authority presently owns the property. Last August, Woodlands made an agreement with the DDA giving the garden 18 months to raise funds to purchase the property, which is adjacent to the existing Woodlands Garden.

More than a decade ago Gene and Chet Morse gave their home and surrounding seven acres for public use, for the purpose of enjoyment in and education about the natural world. Woodlands Garden of Decatur, Inc., is the nonprofit entity administering this property through the volunteer efforts of a board of directors. The addition of the adjoining 915 Clairemont site will make possible improved access and parking for the garden. It offers the opportunity to expand Woodlands’ demonstration collection of native plants to include those requiring a sunny location.

In addition to being an urban sanctuary for all to enjoy, the garden regularly hosts free community events such as a Youth Artist Market, Fairies in the Garden, and Sundays in the Garden, which feature performances by local musicians. Decatur schools use the garden as a living classroom to teach hands-on lessons that enhance the science curriculum. Daily visitors seek respite from the stresses of urban living. Gardeners from the metropolitan area practice their skills, including propagation techniques in the extensive camellia patch of more than 100 shrubs that bloom throughout the winter.

Woodlands serves as a venue for cultural events such as art exhibits, acoustic musical performances and poetry readings. Members of the community can rent the screened pavilion and meeting rooms above the office to conduct classes or retreats in an intimate setting conducive to concentrated focus and reflection. For more information or to arrange for a group visit or rental, see woodlandsgarden.org or contact Executive Director Claire Hayes, 404-373-2222.

The Porch Bottom Boys in the pavilion during a recent Sunday in the garden.

Woodlands is a popular field-trip destination for Decatur students.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 • Decatur Focus | 11

Business & Nonprofit News Dos Madres Cantina Joins Decatur Restaurant Scene

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ecaturites Steve and Pamela Councill recently opened Dos Madres Cantina at 340 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. The restaurant is a family-friendly cantina offering authentic Mexican dishes. The name Dos Madres was inspired by the owners’ mothers and is intended to honor “all mothers who feed us, raise us, and make us feel at home around the dinner table.”

Dos Madres features a menu of specialty cocktails developed in collaboration with Miles Macquarrie of the Kimball House.

The general manager is Geoff Holland. The head chef is Jorge Yzaguirre (right), a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu. During the 2014 Decatur Wine Festival, Dos Madres received a Best Bite Winner award from festival attendees.

Follow the restaurant’s Facebook page at facebook.com/dosmadrescantina or visit dosmadrescantina.com for more information or to review the menu.

The Cask Room Opens on W. College Ave.

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o-owners Novi Deverell and Vita Wilson have opened the Cask Room at 900 W. College Ave. The full-service wine and beer establishment uses automatic wine dispensers, allowing customers to create their own tastings. Wine selections will change throughout the year and will showcase wines from around the world.

The Cask Room also offers specialty beers and small plates, including charcuterie plate, cheese plate, paninis, and sweet and savory crepes. Visit thecaskroom. com for more information or call 404-384-7147.

12 | Decatur Focus • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

Spring 2015 QuickBooks classes

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ristin Diver, an Advanced Certified QuickBooks professional advisor, is offering a half-day QuickBooks class at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St. QuickBooks is an accounting software used by many small businesses.

Class topics include: • Seven mistakes that most nonprofessional bookkeepers make with QuickBooks • Three reports you need to keep cash flow moving • Three important ways to set up new clients and customers • Three easy shortcuts that will save you dozens of hours every week using QuickBooks • Four ways to cut accounting expenses by covering daily tasks of data entry • One way to solve your payroll problems that makes the most economic sense The course is offered Thursday, Jan. 15; Thursday, Feb. 26; Thursday, March 19; Tuesday, April 14; and Thursday, May 21 Space is limited to eight people per class. The cost is $147 and includes a comprehensive manual, a one-on-one consultation, snacks and drinks. Register online at systemhappy.com/quickbooks-classes.html or by calling 404-402-1701.

15th Annual English Afternoon Tea Sunday, Feb. 8 • 2 and 4 p.m. • Holy Trinity Episcopal Church The community is invited to the parish hall at 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. for tea, scones, sandwiches and sweets. The proceeds benefit community outreach programs, which in the past have included Hagar’s House, Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry and Our House.

Advance tickets are $15 and must be paid for in full by Friday, Feb. 6. After Feb. 6, tickets will be available at the tea for $20. In celebration of our 15th year, a cookbook of recipes served at the tea will be available for purchase.

Holy Trinity is at 515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. For additional information, tickets and reservations for parties of four or more, call the church office, 404-377-2622.

Pregnancy and Mom & Baby Exercise Classes Oh Baby! Fitness offers a wide variety of pregnancy and mom-and-baby exercise classes. Pregnancy classes include Water Aerobics, Yoga, Pilates and Toning. Mom & Baby classes include H2Oh Baby, Fitness, Pilates, Yoga and Stroller Workout. All instructors are certified in pre/postnatal fitness, so exercise is safe. Join a class and get fit, bond with your baby and make new friends.

Classes in Decatur are offered at Agnes Scott College and DeKalb Medical. Go to ohbabyfitness.com to register online and to view class schedules, or call 678-5281390 for more information. Use discount code DECATURFOCUS to receive 10 percent off a full session.

Business & Nonprofit News Focus on Downtown Development floors. Residential units in the remainder of the building will be double-loaded with a central corridor. Interior units in this area will look down into a central courtyard that will include a swimming pool. The development will also include a rooftop deck.

continued from page 2

Sitework for the Trinity Triangle project is underway.

Trinity Triangle This project is finally underway. The contractor has agreed to construct a temporary sidewalk at the eastern end of the site and a new pedestrian crossing that allows the PATH trail to be reopened. As work progresses, access around the site may change several times to accommodate construction requirements and assure safety but we will keep you informed of these changes.

The Place on Ponce Phase One of the Place on Ponce is complete and the leasing for the residential units fronting W. Ponce de Leon are being signed.

The developer is finishing work on the retail space and is actively pursuing commercial tenants. Construction on Phase Two is currently underway. Check out their website, theplaceonponce.com, to see the awesome video that has been produced about downtown Decatur and to get a look at the floor plans being offered.

Oakhurst Streetscape At long last, work on the Oakhurst business district streetscape project has begun. Weekly updates are provided to businesses and property owners and through the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association. Access to all businesses will be maintained throughout the project.

Downtown Streetscape Project Work on streetscape improvements in the Trinity corridor is scheduled to begin

Seen Around Town

this month. This project will expand the streetscape network from the area surrounding the square to the N. Candler intersection.

The developer of the Trinity Triangle will pay for streetscape improvements around this project to close the gap and create a muchimproved pedestrian and cycling experience.

This portion of the streetscape project will also extend improvements down Church Street from Trinity Place to the tunnel under the railroad tracks.

Middle school students who participate in Decatur Children and Youth Services’ Project R.E.A.L. after-school program visited senior residents at Phillips Tower during the holidays.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 • Decatur Focus | 13

Business & Nonprofit News Winter at the Wylde Center Third Annual Seed and Scion Swap Jan. 24

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ardeners of all experience levels are invited to celebrate National Seed Swap Day with experts, members and friends of Decatur’s Wylde Center, Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St. The free event is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and will be held in partnership with the City of Decatur, Park Pride and Slow Food Atlanta.

Seeds will be packaged in envelopes with labels containing the name of the plant, cultivar, date seeds were purchased or saved, planting instructions, days to maturity, growth habits, special details and contact information for the person who provided the seeds. Those who have not saved seeds to share are welcome to participate and may choose to bring purchased seeds to add to the assortment.

Experts will be on hand to talk about how to save seeds and graft cuttings. Participants can choose from heirloom seeds and scions, seeds from local gardens and even purchased seeds. Tables will be set up for tomatoes, summer vegetables, flowers, herbs, winter vegetables, bulbs and miscellaneous seeds and cuttings.

Visit wyldecenter.org for more information.

Winter Volunteer Opportunities at the Wylde Center The Wylde Center maintains four public greenspaces and relies on volunteers yearround to help each of the gardens look its best, even when it’s chilly outside. These greenspaces are free and open year-round for the community to enjoy: Oakhurst Garden, the Wylde Center’s first public greenspace, includes community garden plots, a cob adobe house, a flock of chickens, working beehives, a pond, and a mini-farm.

Sugar Creek Garden is where the Wylde Center grows annual vegetables, fruiting bushes and trees and a variety of perennial vegetables and medicinal herbs.

The Edgewood Community Learning Garden includes a chicken coop, raised vegetable beds, a butterfly garden, fruit orchard, and a composting site.

Hawk Hollow is an urban wild space, and home to numerous native plants and animals.

Currently, the center is working on streambed restoration and water quality improvement, along with invasive plant management and reintroduction of native plants to the site.

Regular garden workdays are posted on the Wylde Center’s website, wyldecenter.org.

All ages are welcome. Let the center know in advance when you plan to volunteer by emailing jc@wyldecenter.org so the staff can match volunteers to the available projects.

14 | Decatur Focus • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

Business & Nonprofit News DivorceCare and DivorceCare for Kids

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ecatur First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., offers DivorceCare for people who are going through a divorce or separation. Also offered is DivorceCare for Kids for children ages 5-12 whose parents are going through a divorce or separation. Classes for both groups will begin Sunday, Jan. 18, 5-6:30 p.m., and run through April 26.

The workbook for DivorceCare is $15.

There is no cost for DivorceCare for Kids.

If you need financial assistance, please contact the church at 404-378-4541. If you have questions, contact Meg at mlchoi2@ gmail.com for DivorceCare and contact Alana at alanamay88@gmail.com for DivorceCare for Kids. To sign up online, visit decaturfirst.org.

New Family Law Firm in Downtown Decatur

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enise D. VanLanduyt, Esq., and Jennifer L. Giles, Esq., recently formed the law firm VanLanduyt Giles, LCC. The firm is at 160 Clairemont Ave., Suite 450, and provides representation in all family law matters.

Contact 404-373-9446 or vanlanduytlaw.com for information.

Decatur Photographer Beate Sass Creates ‘Real Stories, Real People’

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ecatur resident Beate Sass creates photo essays about people who live with developmental disabilities, or DD. The goal of her “Real Stories, Real People” project is to educate the public and policy makers in Georgia about DDs and to increase awareness of the need for funding through the Medicaid waiver to support the needs for this population. One of her stories features a resident living in Decatur, Patrick Barlow (pictured above and below), and L’Arche Atlanta.

This project came about from Beate’s participation in “Partners in Policymaking” through Decatur-based All About Developmental Disabilities. To learn more about how to get involved, visit realstoriesrealpeople.org and click on the “How I Can Help” tab.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 • Decatur Focus | 15

DBA News Seen at the DBA Holiday Party Incoming DBA President Tim Martin (at right) presents outgoing president Marc Brennan with the traditional street sign keepsake at the close of the DBA holiday party in December.

Meeting Reminders PHOTOS from last year’s golf tournament January 27 February 24 Mayor Jim Baskett’sSeptember DBA Meeting

Sept.

23 State of the Tues., City Address

Mayor Emerita Elizabeth Wilson presents

Black History Month Meeting

Chai Pani, 406 W. Ponce De Leon Ave. Courtyard Marriott Hotel Conference Center 5:15 p.m.

Networking Reception 130 Clairemont Ave. 6 p.m. Program Location TBA 5:15 p.m. Networking reception Food and drinks provided by Chai Pani Indian StreetNetworking Food 5:15 p.m. reception 6 p.m.

Program 6 p.m.

Program Food and beverages provided by the Courtyard Mariott Hotel Sponsored by the City of Decatur and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority

16 | Decatur Focus • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

Learn more:

decaturdba.com

Decatur Events Mead Road Mardi Gras Parade in Oakhurst

Francine Reed Returns for Black History Month Concert

Saturday, Feb. 7

Francine Reed has performed a special concert in celebration of Black History Month and in honor of Mayor Emerita Elizabeth Wilson for many years. She returns in 2015 on Sunday, Feb. 8 at Eddie’s Attic for a special show at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are $20 in advance and $26 at the door, or you can purchase a table with four reserved seats for $100.

Tickets are on sale at eddiesattic.com.

The fun begins at Fifth Avenue Elementary on Oakview Road at 1 p.m. There will be face painting and float decorating and general merrymaking. Beads will be provided and costumes are encouraged.

The parade steps off at 2 p.m., marching up Oakview to Mead Road then on to The Imperial, at the corner of Mead and West College.

The Imperial will feature a special menu of red beans and rice, chicken and sausage gumbo and jambalaya. Proceeds from food and beer sales will support Decatur Education Foundation music grants for the City Schools of Decatur.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Emily Kean Berg, Mead Road Mardi Gras co-founder and media coordinator, keanbergkrewe@gmail.com, 404-3091133.

February is for Library Lovers Support your library on Thursday, Feb. 12, 5-9 p.m., by dining out on Grilled Cheese Night at Souper Jenny, 1 W. Court Square. Proceeds from this night will go to the DeKalb Library Foundation’s Love Your Library campaign, which supports the DeKalb County Public Library.

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Our Physicians Groups are in your neighborhood to provide you a personal healthcare experience. Call today to find a physician near you or to schedule an appointment. www.dmpg.org 404.596.4769

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 • Decatur Focus | 17

Decatur Events Southern Soiree Friday, Feb. 6 • 7-10:30 p.m.

Old Decatur Courthouse 101 E. Court Square Southern Soiree, an annual fundraiser of The Community School (TCS) in Decatur, benefits programs for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders and related challenges (see the photos at right). The event will include wine and beer donated by Sherlock’s Wine Merchant, a buffet of hors d’oeuvres provided by Zest Atlanta, music by DJ Aaron Richmond, and live and silent auctions featuring an assortment of items including gift certificates from local restaurants and businesses, sports memorabilia, and vacation packages.

This year the event celebrates TCS’s 10th anniversary.

Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 after Jan. 23, $70 at the door. They may be purchased online at thecommunityschool.net/southernsoiree or by calling 404-573-2012. Donations in support of the event are also welcome.

Saint Francis Veterinary Specialists of Decatur is pleased to announce the opening of our new 24-hour veterinary emergency center.

625 Dekalb Industrial Way, 30033 www.sfvs.com 404-924-2000

AEXURDNLM 10-Apr-2013 15:34 18 | Decatur Focus • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

Decatur Events Urban Coop Tour Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29 Noon-5 p.m.

The Wylde Center’s eighth annual Urban Coop Tour showcases Decatur and in-town homes with backyard flocks. The homeowners will be on hand to talk about the many benefits of raising chickens, including fresh eggs and natural pest control. The featured coops range from artistic to utilitarian and vary in size. Many of them are key components of an edible landscape or serve as a focal point for the garden.

The tour is self-guided and will be held rain or shine.

Early-bird tickets are $20, or $25 at the tour. Free for children 12 and under. For information: wyldecenter. org/urban-coop-tour or 404-371-1920.

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

Decatur Resident for Over 20 Years AtlantaFineHomes.com | 404.874.0300 © MMXIV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 • Decatur Focus | 19

School News DHS Freshmen Study the Price of Feeding the World

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n Feb. 10, Decatur High School freshmen will take part in The Price of Poverty, a one-day symposium focusing on issues of poverty funded by the Funk Global Awareness Fund through the Decatur Education Foundation. Students will participate in three activities during the day – a documentary film about the impact of poverty on the overall economy; a poverty simulation developed by Michael Rich, Decatur resident and Emory professor; and a service project that will provide high-nutrition, grain-based meals to people in food-scarce regions.

For the service project, the students intend to raise $17,000 to cover the cost of supplying 60,000 meal packets (29 cents each) that will provide 360,000 meals. In order to meet this ambitious goal, students are encouraging community members to calculate how many meals could be provided for the cost of one night out in a local

Kyra Ellison, Mai Allison, and Jatin Bedi display packets of high-nutrition meals that are part of a service project connected to The Price of Poverty symposium.

restaurant and to donate that amount toward this effort. For example, at 29 cents per meal, a $40 donation could provide more than 138

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School News Saint Thomas More Catholic School Open House Wednesday, Jan. 21 7 p.m.

Families will have the opportunity to meet the faculty and staff and sign up for school tours to be held on Jan. 26, 27 and 29 at 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. Come and see how St. Thomas More Catholic School can serve your child with a faith-filled and academically challenging education.

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School News Get to Know the Friends School of Atlanta

Walktober Builds Healthy Habits at Winnona Park School

Saturday, Jan. 10, or Saturday, Feb. 7

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earn more about Quaker education and The Friends School of Atlanta’s Pre-K through 8th grade offerings at an open house on the FSA campus, 862 Columbia Dr., Saturday, Jan. 10, or Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-noon.

The Friends School of Atlanta also regularly conducts school tours during school hours that give an overview of Quaker education and offer an in-depth discussion of the academic program and the school community. Families can meet with students, tour the school and observe in classrooms. Separate tours are offered for Pre-K-4th grade and 5th-8th grade families.

For more information about the school, tour dates, and the application process, visit friendsschoolatlanta.org or contact Waman French, head of school, 404-373-8746 x 8136, waman.french@friendsschoolatlanta.org; or Kelli Moore, admissions coordinator, 404-373-8746 x 8139, kmoore@friendsschoolatlanta.org. Deadline for the 2015-2016 school year admissions and financial aid applications is Feb. 9.

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innona Park Elementary students participated in their first Walktober, a month-long challenge for children and their parents to build consistent habits by walking, biking or scooting to school every day during the month of October. The initiative was supported by local sponsors Big Peach Running Company, Fleet Feet and Bicycle South, who provided prizes to be distributed at the end of the challenge.

The last day of Walktober fell on Halloween – the perfect opportunity for a Zombie Walk. Students were encouraged to get creative with their best zombie impressions as they lurched their way to school that day.

The sidewalks were filled with Winnona Park’s own “walking dead.”

Winnona Park’s Safe Routes to School committee reported a 25 percent increase in participation for October’s Walk and Roll to School Day compared to September. Recent studies have demonstrated that children who commute to school by walking or riding perform better on tests of concentration than those who are transported by car.

Students also report feeling calmer and healthier. Walking, biking or scooting to school on a regular basis allows children to reap these benefits while also reducing carbon emissions, alleviating traffic congestion, and building community with friends and neighbors.

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Around Town

ts edia Specialis ur Library M at le ec tt D Li of d s an City School la for all she ading iane Caprio the love of re e celebrated D ot om pr to as do w s ne ie ia or D St .

Shop of ur students ols of Decat Mayor Jim ho m Sc fro n ity io C at in lam ith the proc la Day.” presented w “Diane Caprio it g in ar cl Baskett de

Commissioner Patti Garrett brou ght Ms. Louise and Mr. Eli to the Oakhurst Neig hborhood Association potluck dinner at the Solarium, where they reconnected with two class mates from the Decatur Citizens Police Academy .

hosted a grand The MARTA plaza on the square . 17 on the Dec on y menorah lighting ceremon mony included cere The kah. nnu Cha of t nigh third traditional Jewish prayers and music, warm cider, Mr. Dreidle, too. snacks, a magician, a clown, and

Decatur Focus • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 | 23

pre-sorted standard u.s. postage PAID Permit No. 199 Decatur, GA 30031

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