Focus march2015 final sm

Focus City of Decatur

100 Camps This summer more than

PLAYBOOK Inside

Clear zone

March 2015 Volume 25 • Number 7

Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia

Welcome to the Fiberhood It’s Official: Google Fiber Is Coming to Decatur

D

ecatur is one of the metro Atlanta cities selected to receive Google Fiber, an Internet and TV service that provides Internet speeds up to one gigabit per second, along with hundreds of HD TV channels. Google will work closely with Decatur and other local cities in designing and constructing the fiber-optic network. After a planning and design stage that may take several months, construction will begin.

What does designing the network entail?

Google Fiber must build thousands of miles of fiber throughout the city – but they can’t just put it wherever they want.

When the comprehensive plan is completed, Google Fiber will: see Fiber, page 8

News 3 City

BUsiness DBA 12

NEWs 16 NEWs

17

Decatur events

20

School news

23

Around Town

Focus City of Decatur

On the Horizon

S

everal new businesses are slated to open in Decatur this spring and summer. They promise to add unique and exciting dining choices and workout options to our vibrant retail and restaurant scene.

Big Boss Chinese (BBC) is the most recent concept from Atlanta chef Guy Wong.

Construction will soon begin on the new restaurant, which will be located in the old book-bindery building at 312 Church St. The restaurant will be designed by Smith Hanes Studio, which also designed No. 246 at 129 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. BBC will serve authentic Cantonese, family-style dishes. Rumor has it there will be a karaoke room.

Focus on Downtown Development

Revival, Kevin Gillespie’s family-style “meat-andthree” restaurant, will open in the former Harbour House Pub space at 129 Church St. Kevin is eager to take advantage of the large yard and the patio space at that location.

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.

Clear zone

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

Pure Barre is opening in the former Seen Gallery space on Church Street next to the Yogurt Tap. For those unfamiliar with the franchise, it specializes in workouts using a ballet barre to sculpt muscles.

Solstice, a yoga and pilates studio, will open this spring at 302 E. Howard Ave. The studio will offer yoga, pilates, barre, kids’ classes, on-site childcare, parenting resources, workshops, and support groups.

Kale Me Crazy, an Inman Park favorite, will open its second location at 358 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. next to Decatur CD. Their menu includes cold-pressed juices, smoothies, salads, and coffee.

If you like peanut butter in your smoothies, then you’re in luck too. Smoothie King is opening a location at The Artisan in the former Chocolate Bar space.

What’s Your Business Plan?

Decatur, with its vibrant restaurant scene, is primed to have an equally vibrant retail environment. If you are thinking about starting a business, growing an existing one, or know of anyone interested in opening up a retail concept, call the Decatur Community and Economic Development Department, 404-371-8386. We can talk with you about developing a business plan, put you in touch with local lenders, and find the perfect storefront location for your business.

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 • MARCH 2015

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

DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Tim Martin.............................................. President Kyle Williams......................................... Treasurer Floyd Smith............................................ Secretary Marc Brennan............................. Past President Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com

City News Decatur Holds Annual Touch-a-Truck March 7

Touch-aBudget Event Tuesday, March 31 • 5-7 p.m.

Decatur Recreation Center 231 Sycamore St.

G

et an up-close and personal look at the city’s budgeting process at the free Touch-a-Budget event.

See what “pending spending” is planned for the 2016 city budget and how it supports the 2010 Strategic Plan principles developed by Decatur residents. Talk to representatives from all city departments and play Budget Bingo for fun prizes.

For more information, check decaturga.com/ budget.

Ride Your Bike to the Event and Have It Registered.

Bring a Canned Good to Feed the Hungry.

Saturday, March 7 • 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

T

his popular community event gives children of all ages an opportunity to touch, explore, and see their favorite trucks or equipment on wheels. The City of Decatur and DeKalb County dump trucks, fire trucks, tractors, police cars, and motorcycles and many other types of vehicles will be on display.

Ride Your Bike We encourage folks to ride their bikes to the event to have it registered by the Decatur Police Department. All those who do will also receive a special bike pin.

Bring a Can or Two Decatur Active Living is celebrating National Nutrition Month at this annual event. The National Nutrition campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. When you come to Touch-A-Truck, join in the effort by bringing a canned or non-perishable food item. All items will be delivered to DEAM, Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry.

Touch-a-Truck, sponsored by Decatur Active Living, takes place in the Callaway Building parking lot, 120 W. Trinity Pl. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, April 25. For more information, contact Cheryl Burnette, 678-553-6541, or cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com.

Save Your Decatur Cemetery Photos Photo Contest Postponed

T

he Friends of Decatur Cemetery has announced the postponement of the Fall/Winter Photography contest. Nancie Sill, former chair of FODC and the driving force behind the contest since 2010, passed away in November 2014.

A new contest named in her memory will be announced later this spring and will be open as an all-season competition showcasing Decatur’s largest green space. Photographers need not be a Decatur resident to enter, but all photos should be identifiable as Decatur Cemetery. Every day, many people from Decatur and the surrounding areas visit the cemetery to walk, jog, or just enjoy its peace and beauty.

Entries sent to FODC for Fall/Winter 2014-2015 will be retained for the contest opening Spring 2015. For more information email friendsofdecaturcemetery@gmail.com.

MARCH 2015 • Decatur Focus | 3

City News Decatur Leads the Way in Sustainability

T

he City of Decatur became the first local government in the 10-county metro Atlanta region to reach Platinum certification by the Green Communities Program of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). This is the highest level of certification possible.

ARC developed the Green Communities Program in 2009 to recognize local governments that invest in programs and policies that lead to a more sustainable region. The nationally recognized program showcases the ways in which local governments are helping to transform the region by reducing their environmental footprint.

Decatur first achieved Green Communities certification at the Bronze level in 2009 and upgraded to the Gold level in 2010. Some of the actions Decatur took to become Platinum certified include: • Developing an Environmental Sustainability Plan in direct response to a charge from the people of the city seeking to become even more environmentally responsible. The plan outlines goals and strategies that the city and community should take to deepen their commitment to serving as good stewards of the environment and resources.

• Expanding the Safe Routes to School program to include all eligible elementary and middle schools in the City Schools of Decatur (CSD) system along with College Heights Preschool and two private schools. An average of 55 percent of students participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day each year.

• Committing to building LEED-certified facilities, the latest of which, Fire Station No. 1, is on course to obtain LEED Platinum. Sustainable technologies at the station include high efficiency equipment and lighting, a green roof garden, a geothermal vertical-closed loop heat pump system, solar water heating, rainwater harvesting, and gray-water reclamation. The building is designed to achieve a 33 percent reduction in energy consumption and in water usage.

• Supporting several community gardens with financial and in-kind support. At Decatur’s Kitchen Garden, more than 30 refugee families grow hundreds of pounds of fresh food each season, combating hunger that their families and neighbors face. The produce is also sold at the Decatur Farmers Market and used by a number of Decatur restaurants.

Complete information about ARC’s Green Communities Certification Program is available at atlantaregional.com/greencommunities.

4 | Decatur Focus • MARCH 2015

Publix Georgia Marathon

T

he Publix Georgia Marathon is coming through Decatur on Sunday morning, March 22, and we would love to have you participate! As the marathon organizers say, “Volunteers are the heart and SOLE of the marathon.”

Volunteers are needed to staff one of two hydration stations, one at the East Lake MARTA Station and one in downtown Decatur. Volunteers will hand out water to the runners and cheer them on.

Check out georgiamarathon.com to sign up as a volunteer.

Decaturites are also needed at the official cheering station on Ponce de Leon adjacent to the Old Courthouse on Sunday morning, 7:30 a.m. We need signs, noisemakers, and tons of people cheering to help remind the runners that Decatur is the best city around.

Runners will vote for their favorite hydration station and their favorite cheering section so we want them to remember us! Prize money will go toward Team Decatur, the official group of Decatur residents, employees, and friends who participate in the annual Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk 5k and Fitness Program.

For more information on the marathon, contact Katie Abel, 678-553-6573, or katie.abel@decaturga.com.

MLK Service Project

City News

Another Great Year!

T

vey@decaturga.com or 678-553-6548. he 2015 Decatur Martin LuSeniors must be at least 62 years old, ther King Jr. Service Project own and live in their home in Decatur, benefited from beautiful and meet financial guidelines. weather and more than 1,270 enthusiastic volunteers who donated MLK MVP Award approximately 10,160 hours of their The second annual Decatur Martin time to the projects. The estimated valLuther King Jr. Service Project MVP ue of the volunteer hours was $226,000 (Most Valuable Participant) award (based on Independent Sector’s value was presented to Mitch Sosebee of of a volunteer hour). A total of 30 Sosebee Services – a heating and air homes were repaired. Most of those Mitch Sosebee Louis Rice conditioning company. Mitch has yards and an additional 15 were “rehelped the MLK project for three paired” thanks to volunteers supervised years, assisting homeowners with by the landscaping committee. heating issues and providing soluAmong the work completed: tions. For example, he added an entire • Installed two handicap ramps and heating system and ductwork for one made modifications on a third. homeowner. Another homeowner’s • Replaced two water heaters. furnace had failed on the coldest day • Alleviated structural issues, such as of the year and he replaced it. Mitch repairs to stairs to make them safer rerouted a furnace exhaust flue to fix and code compliant and the addition an issue that caused a homeowner to of support beams under homes. temporarily move out of her home.

• Made two bathrooms handicap acAll this was done with a cheerful discessible, including replacing tubs. position and a strong dedication to One senior in a wheelchair can now Volunteers from Decatur Public Works replace a driveway. the seniors. Mitch does whatever it be rolled into the shower by her takes to get the job done to help the daughter. senior homeowners.

• Repaired roof leaks.

Roof repairs in Oakhurst • Secured doors and replaced windows.

MLK Golden Rake Award • Laid floor tile and linoleum.

Louis Rice has been an integral part of the • Repaired a driveway and rotted stairs at MLK Project since it began in 2003. He is one home where the owner was notified moving out of town with his wife Sandy, that she would lose her homeowners insurMLK Food Committee co-chair, so this was ance if those issues were not addressed. his last year on the project. He has served • Removed a chimney that was left behind as a member of the nonprofit board, house when the fireplace below was removed. The captain, tool “czar’” (coordinator) and coorweight of the unsupported chimney was dinator of yard repair work (his most recent causing the ceiling to buckle. effort)—all major roles for the MLK Project.

• Completely weatherized two homes, inrented from the nonprofit Atlanta CommuLouis got to know, and is remembered well cluding sealing ductwork and cleaning nity Tool Bank to do a wide range of repair by, all of the homeowners. He met with them, vents in preparation for insulation. projects. This work makes a positive impact walked their yards, prepared work plans, and on health, safety, affordability, and quality of directed the yard volunteers. He is fondly Yard repair crews filled 2,470 yard-waste life for these senior citizens. The recurring called the Yard General. Caring about the bags, including 500 that were used in the comment heard from the 45 very appreciative people and helping the seniors is the essence Oakhurst Dog Park to control erosion. The homeowners was how happy all of the volunof Louis. His 13 years of service are greatly Decatur Fire Department installed smoke teers were, no matter what they were doing. appreciated. and carbon monoxide detectors in the If you or someone you know needs assishomes. Volunteers used nearly 1,400 tools tance with home repairs, contact leeann.harMARCH 2015 • Decatur Focus | 5

City News

The Facts on

Flooding in Decatur

A

lthough the city is located at the top of the watershed, Decatur periodically experiences minor to moderate localized flooding.

These conditions are a symptom of the fully developed nature of the city. Several flood problems were documented in a January 1988 report prepared by the City Manager’s Office. Flooding problems have occurred along Peavine Creek at a condominium complex near Coventry Road. Along Peavine Creek Tributary, five houses at the end of Westchester Drive, two houses on the south side of Garden Lane, and two houses on the south side of Lamont Drive, are subject to occasional flooding.

Two isolated locations in the upper Peavine Creek Basin, Landsdowne Avenue at Hibernia Avenue, and an area along North Candler Street, have some problems with flood damage due to poor localized drainage. Occasional flooding on South Fork Peachtree Creek Tributary has been a continuing problem for property owners in the vicinity of Willow Lane just downstream of the Church Street crossing.

In 1971, a flood on this tributary resulted in substantial personal property damage near Landover Drive and North Decatur Road. Potential for flood damages appears to be minimal in the southern half of the city, which is drained by Shoal Creek and Sugar Creek Tributary. The lack of any significant history of flood damages to residences and other buildings along Shoal Creek and its tributaries is due to the absence of development on the floodplains in the southeastern section of the city. Because of extensive storm drainage improvements in the past, no recent flood damage problems have been experienced along Sugar Creek Tributary.

Although damage to buildings generally is limited, ponding behind drainage pipes and culverts and flooding of streets, driveways, parking lots, and yards are a recurring concern at some locations in Peavine Creek,

6 | Decatur Focus • MARCH 2015

Shoal Creek, and South Fork Peachtree Creek Tributary basins. For example, the Peavine Creek basin often experiences flooding problems. Channel erosion and damage to drainage and bank stabilization structures are also a problem in some areas of these three basins. As a result of basin improvements, areas drained by Sugar Creek Tributary have been relatively free of ponding or erosion problems for many years.

City Flood Services Decatur’s Design, Environment and Construction Division provides general and sitespecific flood and flood-related information on property located within the city limits.

To obtain site-specific responses, individuals making inquiries must provide a survey of the specific property and elevation data relating to existing structures and site topography.

The Design, Environment and Construction Division and the Decatur Public Library also have reference documents on flooding and flood protection available for review.

A map information service is available from the division for a $10 fee. This service provides inquirers with the current Flood Insurance Rate Map information and identifies whether a property is in a Special Flood

Hazard Area. An accurate street address or DeKalb County/Decatur Tax Parcel number is needed to obtain this information. Anyone desiring this service should contact the Design, Environment and Construction Division, 404-370-4104, or john.madajewski@ decaturga.com.

What You Can Do Several of the city’s efforts depend on your cooperation and assistance. Here is how you can help: • Do not dump debris or throw anything into the ditches or streams. Depositing debris, trash, and other items in ditches and streams is a violation of the city’s Solid Waste Ordinance Section 82-38. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and clog channels. A clogged channel cannot carry the necessary volume of water. When it rains the water has to go somewhere, usually flooding yards and streets, thus damaging property and endangering public safety.

Every piece of trash contributes to flooding.

• Individual property owners are responsible for maintenance of the creeks and drainage ditches on their property. Please do your part and keep the banks clear of brush and debris. In addition to maintaining the public roadways and public drainage facilities, the city can help remove major blockages from the creeks, such as fallen trees.

• Please report the depositing of debris and trash into streams and storm drains and blockages to the Design, Environment and Construction Division, 404-370-4104.

• Always check with the division before you build on, alter, re-grade, or fill on your property. Such activities in floodplains are strictly regulated and permits may be needed.

City News City of Decatur Design, Environment and Construction Division 404-370-4104 • DecaturGa.com • Report illegal construction activities to the Design, Environment and Construction Division, 404-370-4104, or john.madajewski@decaturga.com.

will get much warning, so a detailed checklist prepared in advance will help ensure that you don’t forget anything.

Floodproofing

If you don’t have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from floods.

However, because the City of Decatur participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and implements activities that exceed the minimum NFIP standards, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy at discounted premiums. This insurance is backed by the federal government and is available to everyone, even for properties that have been flooded in the past. There is a 30-day waiting period from the time the insurance is applied for until it becomes effective.

Some people have purchased flood insurance because the financial institution required it when they got a mortgage or home improvement loan. Usually these policies just cover the building’s structure and not the contents. Property owners need to verify with their insurance agent what the extent of contents coverage is available. During a flood in 1990, the damage to the contents of a property near the South Fork Peachtree Creek Tributary exceeded the damage to the structure.

At last count, there were 202 active flood insurance policies in the city of Decatur. If you are covered, check out the amount and make sure you have contents coverage. Remember: even if the last flood missed you or you have done some floodproofing, the next flood could be worse. Flood insurance covers all surface floods.

There are several different ways to protect a building from flood damage. For example, you can re-grade your lot or build a small floodwall or earthen berm. These methods work if your lot is large enough, if flooding is not too deep, and if your property is not in the designated floodway. Please note that permits are required prior to undertaking these and similar activities.

Another approach is to waterproof your walls and place watertight closures over the doorways. This method is not recommended for houses with basements or if water will get more than two feet deep.

You can also consider raising the house above flood levels. You may drive by and check out the dwellings at 504 Westchester Dr. and 249 S. Columbia Dr. to see examples of elevated buildings.

Many houses, even those not in the floodplain, have sanitary sewers that back up into the basement during heavy rains. This may be due to stormwater infiltration into the sanitary sewer line. A plug or standpipe can stop this if the water doesn’t get more than one or two feet deep. These can be purchased at a hardware store for under $25. For deeper sewer backup flooding, talk to a plumber.

The above measures are called floodproofing or retrofitting. More information is available from the Decatur Engineering Department or the Decatur Public Library.

Please note that re-grading or filling in the floodplain requires a permit. Also, any alteration to your building or land may require a permit from the Design, Environment and Construction Division.

If you know a major flood is coming, you should shut off the gas and electricity and move valuable contents upstairs or raise items off the floor. Fortunately, the flooding experienced in Decatur is localized and most floodwaters will recede within a matter of a few hours. However it is unlikely that you

Flood Insurance

Flood Safety Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure the ground is still there. Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don’t drive around

road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the Georgia Power Company by dialing toll free 1-888-660-5890.

If your house or other structure is flooded, contact the power company to turn off the electricity. Some appliances, such as television sets, keep electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Don’t use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried by qualified personnel. Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals.

Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be slippery. Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames, unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.

Inspections – Repair and Maintenance Activities The Drainage Division of the Design, Environment and Construction Division is available to conduct site visits to review flood, drainage, and storm sewer problems and determine if corrective repair or maintenance action is the responsibility of the city or the private property owner. For more information regarding this service or to request an inspection call 404-370-4104.

Learn More For more information call the Design, Environment and Construction Division or visit decaturga.com and follow the links to the floodplain information. Copies of this document can be obtained at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St., or the Leveritt Public Works Building, 2635 Talley St. MARCH 2015 • Decatur Focus | 7

City News School News

Wanted: 2015 Decatur Design Award Nominations Every year in May, the City of Decatur and the Decatur Preservation Commission recognize and honor projects or individuals that promote excellence in preservation, design, sustainability, and advocacy. Categories include: • Historic preservation • New residential infill • New commercial construction • Landscapes/public spaces • Public/institutional buildings • Sustainable design/energy efficiency • Leila Ross Wilburn Award for individuals or organizations that promote preservation and/or excellence in design Nominations for projects for the 2015 Decatur Design Awards are now being accepted. Projects must have been permitted and completed within the last five years and must be located in the city of Decatur. For application requirements, contact Amanda Thompson, amanda.thompson@decaturga.com, or decaturga.com/index. aspx?page=684.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 3, 4 p.m., and nominations must be turned in at Design, Environment and Construction, 2635 Talley St. The awards ceremony will be held in May. Below are photos of one of last year’s winning projects.

Fiber continued from page 1 • Use the infrastructure data to create a map of where they can put fiber (e.g., existing utility poles, conduit) and areas to avoid (e.g., water, sewer and electric lines), as well as the most efficient sequence of construction within the city.

• Send out a team of surveyors and engineers to fill in any missing details. You may see crews out surveying – lots of staring up at poles and even a bit of geological rock testing.

The surveyors and engineers will take the information they gather back to the office and create detailed network design maps with it. They will work with the city to locate network infrastructure and fiber huts, and start to prepare permitting packages.

Then they will design the network, street by street.

When will Google Fiber start service?

This is hard to pinpoint so early in the process. Designing the network may take several months before construction can begin. The Focus will keep you posted.

Google Fiber is currently available in Kansas City; Provo, Utah; and Austin, Texas. For more information visit googlefiberblog.blogspot.com.

8 | Decatur Focus • MARCH 2015

Walk Decatur – Explore, Connect and Get Fit Thursday walks begin March 26, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday walks begin April 12 • 2 p.m.

To encourage residents of all ages and abilities to explore, connect and get fit, the Active Living Board’s Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PAC) has scheduled a series of walks around Decatur. The walks will take place on the second Sunday and fourth Thursday of every month.

“The walks on Sunday afternoons are planned for members of the community interested in learning about various aspects of Decatur and will occur at a leisurely pace,” said Danielle Suchdev, PAC member.

“The Thursday evening ‘Bright at Night’ walks will provide an opportunity for a brisker pace.”

The walks will follow a “no drop” policy, meaning that no walkers will be left behind. This will provide an opportunity for participants of all abilities to walk for exercise in a group setting.

Walks will begin and end at the Decatur Recreation Center and will include tips on pedestrian safety. The first Sunday walk, April 12, will feature Master Gardener Moira Bucciarelli leading a tour of local community gardens.

Be sure to check decaturga.com/walking for the latest scheduling information and facebook.com/ decaturactiveliving for information and updates. In the event of questionable weather, call the Decatur Recreation Center, 404-377-0494, or check the Facebook page.

Sign up to be among the first to receive updates about Google Fiber in Decatur: fiber.google.com/cities/ atlanta. Share your thoughts on social media with hashtag #FiberIsComing.

City News Neighborhood Cleanup Days Scheduled

T

he City of Decatur is hosting Neighborhood Cleanup Days on Saturdays, March through June, to allow residents to dispose of bulky materials that would not normally be placed in pay-as-you-throw bags. Every street in the city has been assigned to one Saturday. The full schedule is available at decaturga.com/neighborhoodcleanup. If you have questions, contact Sean Woodson, sean.woodson@decaturga. com or 404-377-5571.

Instructions All items to be collected should be placed at the curb no later than 7:30 a.m. This ensures that we do not have to rerun routes for late setouts. Collections run until 3:30 p.m., or until finished, whichever is sooner.

Acceptable Items • Yard trimmings • Building materials (that are not from the work of private contractors) • Tires • Furniture • Appliances (not containing Freon) • Trash that would not normally be placed in pay-asyou-throw bags

Unacceptable Items • Liquids • Dirt • Bricks • Blocks • Stone, rocks, or concrete • Motor vehicle batteries or parts

10th Annual Georgia Rides to the Capitol March 24

J

oin Commissioner Fred Boykin and other Decatur staff members for the Decatur leg of “Georgia Rides to the Capitol,” a bicycling event. Participants will leave from the north parking lot of the East Lake MARTA Station, 2260 W. College Ave., at 10:45 a.m. on March 24 and arrive at the Capitol at approximately 11:40 a.m. The ride from Decatur is five miles one way with some hills and will proceed at a slow pace.

The “Georgia Rides to the Capitol” bicycling event is designed to raise support for the development of a regional-scale bicycle network of both on-road facilities and multi-use trails, and cycling connections near major facilities, activity centers and schools. It is co-sponsored by the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association.

The bike ride is free and open to the community but participants should preregister at GeorgiaRidesToTheCapitol.org. Pre-registered cyclists will receive a free reflective leg-band.

Visit georgiabikes.org for more information.

Schedule for March and April Oakhurst Neighborhood No. 1 – Saturday, March 28 Oakhurst Neighborhood No. 2 – Saturday, April 4 Oakhurst Neighborhood No. 3 – Saturday, April 11 Oakhurst Neighborhood No. 4 – Saturday, April 18 Winnona Park Neighborhood – Saturday, April 25 More details, including the schedule for May and June, online at decaturga.com/neighborhoodcleanup

Reminder from Public Works Decatur now accepts bulky items like furniture and appliances as part of regular sanitation pick-up all year. There is no additional cost for this except for a $50 collection fee for items containing Freon.

Order Online from Decatur Farmers Market A new online ordering systems allows you to pre-purchase products from local vendors between Friday morning and Monday evening every week, and then pick up your order on Wednesday evenings, 3-6 p.m., at La Calavera Bakery, 747 E. College Ave. Sign up at decaturga.locallygrown.net.

MARCH 2015 • Decatur Focus | 9

City News SU N D

AY

10

M O N DAY

TU ES DAY

SPRING 11

10

W ED N ES D

march 2 015

AY

11

TH U R SDAY

FR IDAY

SATU R DAY

Saturday Electronics March 21 Recycling Day 12

13

14

Recycle this hardware for free

Adding machines Answering machines 16 17 Batteries, any kind 18 19 Cable converter boxes 20 211 2 Cables Calculators

Component parts 22 23 Computer mouses 263524 Talley St.25 Computers 18 Copiers 28 Digital cameras TR IN IT Digital projectors Y N DHS DVD players AVE. E. COLLEGE Electric lawn mowers Fax machines MARTA PARKING Garden equipment AGNES SCOTT GPS receivers Game controllers TALLEY ST ENTER HERE Keyboards PUBLIC WORKS Label makers Electronics Mini-towers Recycling Monitors Pagers PDAs Recycle your old electronics and Styrofoam and safely shred and recycle your documents Portable CD players all in one place. It’s simple and convenient. Just drop off your recyclables 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Portable game players (Sorry, early drop-offs are not possible.)

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

Routers Scanners Servers Speakers This is a great opportunity to ensure that your important personal documents are disStereo equipment posed of properly. AAA Security Shredding provides secure on-site document shredding, Telephones and all shredded documents will be 100 percent recycled. Most document types are acTelephony equipment ceptable, including bills, invoices, correspondence, canceled checks, tax records, financial 3-in-1 devices statements, purchase orders, and blueprints and maps.

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

Workstations Zip drives

15

Styrofoam Recyling & Shredding, too!

9 am-1 pm

COLUMBIA

CANDLER

MCDOONOU

GH

COMMERCE

at DECATUR PUBLIC WORKS

Your favorite recycling events — combined!

Paper Shredding

Styrofoam recycling

• Make sure foam has the “6” symbol on it • Rinse and separate food service containers from other foam • No straws, lids, tape or stickers • No foam peanuts or insulation material 10 | Decatur Focus • MARCH 2015

Recycling fee for TVs: $10 (cash only – exact change required)

City News

Seen at Decatur Mayor Jim Baskett’s

State of the City Address

D

ecatur Mayor Jim Baskett delivered the annual State of the City Address at the January 27 meeting of the Decatur Business Association. There he announced Decatur had been selected as a Google Fiber city (see page 1), and discussed annexation and financial matters. He also invited school board chair Garrett Goebel to provide an update on the state of City Schools of Decatur.

Baskett also recognized city staff who reached employment milestones last year, including Willie Shoemake, who has been employed with the Public Works Department for 40 years.

MARCH 2015 • Decatur Focus | 11

Business & Nonprofit News Private Bank of Decatur Names Rob Beall Senior VP

R

obert C. “Rob” Beall, a banker with 30 years’ experience, was recently named senior vice president by Private Bank. Beall, a Georgia native, is a graduate of State University of West Georgia (BBA in Finance) and the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. He has worked in a number of banks across the metro area, focusing on community banking. He last served as regional president of Hamilton State Bank (formerly McIntosh State Bank and First State Bank).

Congratulations, Elaine!

Classes at Sycamore Place Gallery Draw with Scissors Like Flora Polish Wycinanki Papercutting Collage Workshop March 8 • 2-4 p.m.

The Sycamore Place Gallery and Studios, 120 Sycamore Place, offers a Sunday afternoon collage workshop for both the novice and the experienced artist. It is led by one of Sycamore’s teaching artists, Flora Rosefsky, who will show how to create colorful symmetrical botanical-inspired art using the traditional folk art Polish paper-cutting process called wycinanki. The $45 workshop fee includes supplies. To register or for more information, contact ms.sylvia.cross@gmail. com. To learn more about Rosefsky’s work, visit florarosefsky.com.

Three-day April Art Camp at Sycamore Place Theme: Peter Max Psychedlic Paintings 9 a.m.-noon • 4-11 years 1-4 p.m. • 8-14 years $95 for a.m. or p.m. session To register: decaturartclasses.com; ms.sylvia.cross@gmail.com Call/text: 404-660-9967

Travis Hudgons/TheChampionNewspaper.com

Elaine Hayes Is McDonald’s Crew Person of the Year

A

familiar face to anyone who regularly dines in the McDonald’s in Decatur, Elaine Hayes is the Crew Person of the Year for the six-state region that includes Georgia. She is one of only 21 people in the nation to receive this honor this year, selected from 600,000 McDonald’s employees across the country.

Elaine has worked for McDonald’s for seven years and has never been late or missed a shift. She volunteers in the community at a basketball camp for the deaf and hard of hearing, and won two gold medals in the Georgia Special Olympics last spring. The City of Decatur, the DeKalb County Commission, the Georgia General Assembly, and Governor Deal have all recognized Elaine for her accomplishments.

12 | Decatur Focus • MARCH 2015

Cartoons, Comics, and 3-D Creatures!

Children ages 8-13 are invited to join Wanda Rose Stewart for drawing and creating during days off from school in April for summer art camps during June and July. Students can draw cartoon characters, comics, and make 3-D creatures/characters using their creative skills. There will even be some Edible Art included. There will also be opportunities to make creatures from socks, felt, yarn, and buttons, and to curl up in a bean bag and enjoy Ms. Wanda’s library of cartoon books.

Contact Ms. Wanda Rose at gypsyrosalia@ comcast.net or at 404-312-0366, or Ms. Sylvia Cross at sylvia.cross@gmail.com for pricing and to register. More information: decaturartclasses.com

Business & Nonprofit News Holy Week and Easter at First Baptist Decatur

Easter Events at Decatur First Christian Church

308 Clairemont Ave. First Baptist Decatur welcomes the community to its services, especially:

April 5 • 9:30-10:30 a.m. • Front Lawn

Sunday, March 29 – Palm Sunday 8:45 a.m. • “Fresh Start” worship in Fellowship Hall (first floor) 10 a.m. • “Coffee Talk” breakfast for guests in the parlor (first floor) 11:15 a.m. • Sanctuary worship in the main sanctuary.

Thursday, April 2 – Maundy Thursday

601 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Children’s “Jesus, Lamb of God” Easter Event features live sheep and lambs, and an egg hunt.

9:30 a.m. • Children 3 years-5th grade can pet a lamb and take part in a variety of lamb-themed craft projects 10 a.m. • Egg hunt – please bring your own Easter basket.

Families are welcome to attend the Easter service at 10:30 a.m. following the egg hunt. For information, email nancyoliver1@bellsouth.net.

Congratulations to DAA Seed Grant Artists

7 p.m. • Main sanctuary

Friday, April 3 – Good Friday 7 p.m. • Service of music and readings in the main sanctuary

Sunday, April 5 – Easter Sunday 8:45 a.m. • “Fresh Start” worship on the front lawn (weather permitting) 10 a.m. • “Coffee Talk” breakfast for guests in the parlor (first floor) 11:15 a.m. • Sanctuary worship in the main sanctuary Everyday clothes are appropriate for every service at First Baptist Decatur, although some people follow the traditional custom of “dressing up” on Easter Sunday.

Pregnancy Loss Support Group Wednesdays • 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.

Beginning March 4, First Baptist Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave., will offer a support group for women and couples who have experienced miscarriage. The group will be led by Ben and Ashley Neal. Ben is a pastoral counselor and he and Ashley have experienced pregnancy loss. They are eager to offer a safe place for others to begin to heal. For more information: fbcdecatur.com/groups.

Congratulations to the first recipients of the Decatur Arts Alliance Seed Grants.

The recipients, from left, are Mary Pousner (digital art), Larry Holland (Tiny Doors Project), Stephanie Smith (printmaking), and Synthia Williams (Domestic Violence Play). Look for information soon about these art projects.

The 2015 grant application deadline will be announced in late spring. Thank you to the HomeGrown Grant for the Arts program for their contribution to the Seed Grant program.

MARCH 2015 • Decatur Focus | 13

Decatur YMCA Completes Renovations

T

he Decatur Family YMCA, 1100 Clairemont Ave., completed a major renovation in January and Decatur residents are invited to stop in for a tour. A new and expanded wellness center with strength training and cardio equipment has been added to the facility. In addition, there is a free weight area, a new group exercise studio, family dressing areas, free play center for children while parents work out, an updated aquatic center with a new whirlpool, adult dressing areas, teen center, and a new elevator.

Additional off-street parking, green space, and sidewalks were included in the renovation.

For a guest pass to try the Y, or for more information call 404-377-9622 or visit ymcaatlanta.org.

2014 Team Decatur Grand Slam Fitness Champions

I

n January, 56 walkers and runners were recognized for achieving Team Decatur Grand Slam Fitness Champion status at the annual Run With the Dogs 5k. To become a GSFC they participated in three of the qualifying races held in Decatur as well as the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run Walk held in downtown Atlanta last September.

To find out how you can become a Grand Slam Champion in 2015, visit decaturga.com/teamdecatur.

14 | Decatur Focus • MARCH 2015

Congratulations to Meredith Anderson, Delaney Anderson, Nolan Vickers, Danielle Perry, Lartesha Chaney, Shirley Bayliss, Meridith Yancey, Arma Benoit, Jeanne Reed, Brian Westlake, Michael Kavanaugh, Joy Provost, Susan Keenan, Laura Baker, Peggy Baker, Enid Steinbart, Joyce Washington, Stephanie Batson, Casey Todd, Jim Camp, Helena Harrison, Richard Cohen, Sally Brozek, Laurie Ford, Gregory Washington, Toni Washington, Diane Loupe, Ross Palumbo, Michael Harbin, Don Hooten, Danny Cortese, Sheila Fehrenback, Bill Adams, Leif Terry, Katie McLennan, Karen Scarborough, Clay Scarborough, Pat Godbee, Kathy Morelock, Coleman Hayes, Alison Kyle, Gene Clower, Joanne Hauserman, Artesha Chaney, Pamela Brown, Felicia Chaney, Mary Burt, Kore Breault, Laura Willard, Mark Thomas, Sharon Urban, Kathy Allen, Veronique Tragett, Kylie Ainslie, Kelly Walsh, and Srebrenka Ingram.

Kaaren Nowicki

Business & Nonprofit News

Business & Nonprofit News DeKalb History Center Offers New Programs

T

he DeKalb History Center offers a variety of new programs this spring for the public, children, and schools.

The Civil War Walking Tours continue, mainly on Fridays and Saturdays, March 6-June 13. Exact dates can be found at dekalbhistory.org, along with the select Saturdays when the Swanton House and pioneer log cabins will be open for tours.

All tours are $10 for adults and $6 for children (no charge for 6 years and under). The restored Swanton House, W. Trinity Place near Ponce de Leon, is the original home of prominent local businessman Benjamin Swanton, who moved to Decatur in 1850.

Over spring break, April 6-10, children can learn about life in the mid-19th century at Frontier House 1850 Camp. Campers will play, work and have fun at the Swanton House and pioneer log cabins while simulat-

ing the lives of early settlers in DeKalb County.

The DHC has new school programs to engage students in learning about history. School tours called Life in the 1850s, The Civil War, and Pioneers and Natives make up the core of these programs. Steve Daniel, a volunteer who participates in many of the school tours, knows how well students respond to the programs, “I am continually impressed with how well-behaved the children are and how attentive they are to the presentations,” he said. “They always ask interesting questions, and they are eager to participate in the interactive portions of the tour.”

In addition to tours, several special school

programs are offered throughout the year. Third Grade History Day, March 27, features Paul Revere, Susan B. Anthony, Lyndon Johnson, and Cesar Chavez. The Center’s Ranch House exhibit plays an important role in illustrating for students the way people lived during the time of LBJ. Outreach to schools is a new offering this spring. A play about the Civil War in DeKalb County, Shadows of the Past, can be performed as part of a tour at the history center or at schools. Other outreach programs include Harriett Tubman and Creek Indians of Georgia.

For more information visit dekalbhistory. org or call 404-373-1088, ext. 20.

Woodlands Celebrates the Vernal Equinox March 21

W

oodlands Garden, 932 Scott Blvd., invites the public to celebrate the vernal equinox at a concert and poetry reading presented on March 21, 4-6 p.m. Cellist Jean Gay (jgcello.com) will perform original compositions that reflect upon the energetic and physical changes we see in our external world at this time of the year. Poetry readings will be interspersed with the music.

Parcel Preservation Campaign Woodlands Garden is excited about the opportunity to preserve a one-acre parcel at 915 Clairemont, at the corner of Scott Boulevard.

In an agreement with the Decatur Development Authority, Woodlands can purchase the property if funds are successfully raised by February 2016.

To accomplish this goal, the garden launched a $1 million capital campaign in December 2014. In addition to preserving the corner, these funds will go toward improvements that will allow Woodlands to become more public and user friendly for Decatur and beyond. Community commitment at all levels will make this possible, and the campaign is off to a promising start. The Woodlands board of directors and all descendants of the original Morse property donors have

pledged their support. The public phase of the capital campaign will kick off in early fall 2015 with a fundraising event.

Enjoy the Spring Awakening Woodlands is open to the public every day during daylight hours at no charge. During March, visitors can enjoy hundreds of spring ephemeral flowers. Throughout the year volunteer gardeners lovingly tend these native piedmont plants. The volunteers donated a record 1,430 hours in 2014, installing more than 300 additional specimens. For additional information: woodlandsgarden.org

MARCH 2015 • Decatur Focus | 15

DBA News Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 28

H

op on over to the front lawn of Decatur First Baptist Church for the Decatur Business Association’s annual Easter Egg Hunt. The bunny arrives at 10:30 a.m. and the hunt begins at 11 a.m. sharp. Be sure to arrive on time, because the bunny waits for no one!

In case of rain, the egg hunt will take place in the gym at the church. The event is presented by the Decatur Business Association in partnership with Decatur First Baptist Church.

Meeting Reminders March 24

NEW DBA OFFICERS

Fidelity Bank 160 Clairemont Ave. 5:15 p.m. Networking reception 6 p.m.

Program Food and beverages provided by Fidelity Bank Sponsored by Fidelity Bank

The Decatur Business Association elected new officers and committee chairs recently. From left, President Tim Martin; Membership Chair Brian Smith; Treasurer Kyle Williams; Sponsorship cochair Melanie Funk; Communications Chair Donald Hackett; and Past President Marc Brennan.

16 | Decatur Focus • MARCH 2015

Decatur Events Lawyers and Doctors Compete in ‘Jawbones vs. Sawbones’ Basketball Tourney

Presents

Event benefits people with traumatic brain injury UR DECAT UNDATION FO TION EDUCA

CE / 1 AD RA 5K RO

N UN RU MILE F

The 13th annual Tour deCatur will be run on March 14 – Pi Day! Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter – which is 3.1415 . . . (the number goes on infinitely). This year is the one and only time that the date will be the first five numbers of Pi (until 3015). Register at tourdecatur.com.

15% OFF

on all tax services for new clients ONLY

Saturday, March 7 • 6 p.m. • Decatur High School Gym

J

oin Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse for its fourth annual Jawbones vs. Sawbones basketball benefit. The family-friendly evening includes a silent auction, live music, and food. Presented

by Long and Holder, LLP, and Cash, Krugler and Fredericks, LLC, the tournament will see the Sawbones team of physicians attempt to even the 2:1 score against the Jawbones team of attorneys.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet members of Side by Side and hear their stories. Side

by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse Former NBA star and event emcee is Georgia’s only nonprofit that Gerald Wilkins presents the 2014 provides lifelong support to people MVP ball to Justin Miller of Morgan and Morgan, PA. with TBI. In 2014, this basketball benefit raised $50,000 and drew a crowd of more than 500. This year, the notfor-profit organization will honor its long-time participant, Deputy Cynthia Hall, for the great progress she has made since she acquired a TBI in the line of duty during the Fulton County Courthouse shootings of 2005. Side by Side has provided extensive social and cognitive support to Deputy Hall since she joined the organization six months after she was injured.

For more information, contact Side by Side Development Director Marian Dickson, 770-469-9355, or visit sidebysideclubhouse.org.

Tax Returns Prepared by Licensed CPAs

Accountants & Consultants

Alliance CPA Group, LLC 160 Clairemont Ave., Suite 455 Decatur, Georgia 30030 info@alliancecpagroup.com

404-419-6085

Individual and Business Tax Return Preparation Professional • Affordable • Reliable www.alliancecpagroup.com

Dressed in plaid, attorneys Dick Ingwersen (back) and Jackie Saylor (front) collect their bounty as the silent auction concludes.

MARCH 2015 • Decatur Focus | 17

Decatur Events Augusta Read Thomas Gala Concert at Agnes Scott

The Fisherman and the Quiltmaker

Thursday, March 12 • 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 21 • 11 a.m.

hi Beta Kappa and the Agnes Scott music department will present a special gala concert of Grammy-award-winning composer Augusta Read Thomas’ works, including the world premiere of her newly commissioned solo violin piece by Agnes Scott’s own Dr. Qiao Solomon. The concert will be followed by a short artist talk and champagne reception.

Augusta Read Thomas is University Professor of Composition at the University of Chicago and her piece Astral Canticle was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2007. She composes chamber and choral music, along with ballets, orchestral works, and concertos. Thomas was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2009.

The event takes place at Agnes Scott College, Presser Hall-Gaines Chapel, 141 E. College Ave. The concert is free, but reserve your spot by registering online: http://goo.gl/forms/aPyjZm1Dyz. For more information, email wbrown@agnesscott.edu or call 404-471-6049.

Decatur Library auditorium • 215 Sycamore St. The Waldorf School of Atlanta invites the community to attend The Fisherman and the Quiltmaker, a marionette puppet show. In this story, the fisherman journeys to meet a quiltmaker, and along the way he shares his treasures with those in need. When he thinks all is given away, he receives a wonderful gift.

As the puppeteers move the marionettes, their voices blend with the storyteller and the percussion accompaniment as they sing original music created for this show. The puppet show is provided free as a gift to the community by the Waldorf School of Atlanta’s Early Childhood faculty. For more information visit waldorfatlanta.org.

P

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 • MARCH 2015

Decatur Events Bonaventure Quartet Plays at the Library

Seen around Town

Tuesday, March 10 Decatur Library • 215 Sycamore St. The Bonaventure Quartet is an Atlanta-based confederation founded by guitarist/composer Charles Williams. Music styles in the quartet’s repertoire include le jazz, hot and cool, Broadway show tunes, Latin noir, folk ballads, sea shanties and the occasional twinge of rock ’n’ roll. Funding is provided by the Friends of the Decatur Library.

Decatur firefighters trained in emergency medical service (EMS) were tested by representatives from Grady EMS, Emory EMS, and the department’s medical director. The test takers reviewed starting IVs, trauma assessments, and cardiac arrests using advanced airway tools. It was a three-day process that ensured all of the fire department’s shifts could receive the training.

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.

MARCH 2015 • Decatur Focus | 19

School News Decatur Makers Supports Local Students

Illuminating!

T

he Georgia Technology Authority has awarded a contract to Decatur Makers to bring together teachers and students in middle school, high school, and college to create a handson activity and curriculum guide.

Through the arrangement, Decatur Makers will pilot a scholarship program and help facilitate the building activity.

Partners in the endeavor include Georgia’s own CreatomBuilder.com, which will offer design training, and WorkReadyGrad.com, which will help students build a “digital resume” that captures their maker experiences.

Opening doors to the younger maker community is a focus of the nonprofit Decatur Makers. Local FIRST Robotics teams have practice tables inside the maker space at 605 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. to prepare for competitions, and area Cub Scout troops have gathered to build Pinewood Derby cars in the space.

For more information on Decatur Makers, including its upcoming grand opening, visit DecaturMakers.org.

Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool hosted its inaugural “Illumination” Lantern Parade, a community event, last December. Located behind Thankful Baptist Church on W. College Ave., OCP provides a child-led, play-based education program for two- to four-year-olds. OCP is currently accepting new family applications for the 20152016 school year. For more information and tour dates: oakhurstcoop.com

TheDecaturMinute.com

your best source for Decatur announcements, news, and notes Est. 1823 Pop. 18,000

Relocating With Your Brood?

Est. 1823 Experience. Knowledge. Patience. Results.

Emilie Markert.

318 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30030 markert@bellsouth.net 404-235-8900 C: 404.915.8222

20 | Decatur Focus • MARCH 2015

Markert Helps Make It Happen!

Willow School Opens March 2 The Willow School, a Reggio Emilia-inspired school for children ages three months to five years, opens March 2 at 141 Sams St. The curriculum is intended to create a partnership between children, educators, and parents and deems strong relationships to be of the highest importance.

The Willow School is currently enrolling students for the 2015-2016 school year. Enrollment will be ongoing until all classes are full.

To receive more information about the school or to inquire about enrollment email Teresa Cole at willowschoolga@gmail.com. To learn more about the Willow School visit willowschoolga.com.

School News DEF Helps CSD Students Engineer Their Future

F

our Renfroe Robotics Teams have won a total of five trophies over the course of the season with one team, the Band Geeks, capturing the coveted State Championship trophy at the First LEGO League World Class Robotics Tournament at Georgia Tech in January. A few months ago, the team received funds from the Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) to purchase eight new Lego Mindstorm EV3 Robots. They have been practicing programming skills that send the robots through a competitive obstacle course. The winning teams also present their programming innovations to a panel of judges.

DEF is supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) efforts at other schools as well. Teachers at Oakhurst Elementary have formed an “Engineering the Future” after-school club. The students engage in hands-on exploration of sound and acoustical engineering principles. At the 4/5 Academy, DEF recently funded a grant that will purchase inventor’s kits that will help students learn basic computer coding and will reinforce the 5th grade science standards on electricity.

PBD.Ad.DecaturFocus2014_vF_Layout 1 6/17/14 11:11 AM Page 1

Celebrating 35 Years Let us make your Decatur dreams come true.

Anne Morris 404-290-1111 anne@adamsrealtors.com

Kelly B. Walsh 404-788-4248 kellywalsh@adamsrealtors.com

We believe ALL customers should benefit from the heightened level of service other banks reserve for a certain few.

FIRST CLASS SERVICE. FIRST NAME BASIS. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Anne Smith 404-374-2293 apsmith@adamsrealtors.com

Maya Anderson 404-374-4206 maya@adamsrealtors.com

www.adamsrealtors.com 404-688-1222

■

Construction lending Tailored Mortgage Solutions Home equity lines of credit SBA lending Mobile banking Checking & savings No-fee ATM usage* *We don’t charge; we refund theirs.

404.809.3930 | PRIVATEBANKOFDECATUR.COM ONE DECATUR TOWN CENTER, SUITE 120, 150 EAST PONCE DE LEON AVENUE Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

MARCH 2015 • Decatur Focus | 21

School News Holy Trinity Parish Preschool Wins Captain Planet Garden Grant

T

he Holy Trinity Parish Preschool’s dedication to gardening for each student has resulted in the school winning a Captain Planet Early Childhood Project Learning Garden Pilot Grant. With this grant, valued at $3,000, the preschool plans to add additional garden beds and trellising as well as fruit trees and berry bushes. Captain Planet will assist the school in establishing a pollinator garden by providing milkweed and other plants to add to the existing butterfly garden. Future dreams for the garden include a sensory garden and a space for native plants.

The garden was the vision of Preschool Director Kay Watkins. Under the direction of Mary Miller, it has grown over the last five years. “Ms. Mary” is a product of the DeKalb County Cooperative Extension Services Master Gardener Program and was responsible for the establishment of the Scott Park Community Garden in Decatur.

Every student at Holy Trinity attends a gardening class each week, working outside when weather permits or having indoor activities to incorporate science, nutrition, and healthy living. A highlight this year was harvesting tomatoes, peppers, and sweet onions, and then making fresh salsa and tasting it during class. The preschool theme “Children Grow Here” reflects the school’s commitment to experiential learning and teaching children and families about healthful living.

The garden before . . .

. . . and after

Charles Cope, Proprietor 650-B East Lake Drive • Decatur, Georgia 30030 404-377-1030 • www.1stepatatime.net

Custom Fitting • Personal Service

DEDICATED. EXPERIENCED. RESPECTED.

Experience is not Expensive…It’s Priceless!

Expert, uncompromising legal representation when you need it most.

“34 Years of Putting Nice People in Fine Homes” Exceptional, Personalized Service, Experience, Insight, Integrity

• Personal Injury and Wrongful Death • 150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 260 • Downtown Decatur 404-253-7860 • doug@carllp.com • www.carllp.com 22 | Decatur Focus • MARCH 2015

C&A-2col-ad-focus.indd 1

5/14/14 4:47 PM

PAM HUGHES 404.851.0732 / 404.250.9900 pam.hughes@harrynorman.com www.pam.hughes.harrynorman.com

Around Town ss, lson’s busine nt Erick Car man de er si G re in ur g at in Dec nics, specializ ha pair, ec re M d an um Quant e service se automotiv 7 DeKalb 25 to .

St and Japane y lle from 2601 Ta square-foot has moved e new 8,000Th . zipper ay W l Industria 1958 to be a inally built in before location, orig ent major renovations rw more factory, unde oved in. For echanics m .

95 Quantum M 39 4call 404-48 information

er Judith Kenen, L.Ac., a practition d at InTown Acupuncture, 340 Mea Rd., volunteers with the Atlanta Veterans’ Acupuncture Clinic to t offer free acupuncture treatmen This lies. fami their and rans vete to treatment is offered in a group , setting and aims to address PTSD and , bility irrita n, essio depr ety, anxi stress. The clinic is offered every Monday evening at the Church of the Epiphany, 2089 Ponce de ent is necessary, but please Leon Ave., Atlanta. No appointm tact Judith at jkenen@ Con arrive between 6 and 6:45 p.m. s. tion ques with m e.co ctur intownacupun

After hearing abou t the Decatur Fire Departm ent’s clothing/food drive , Lee Rachel Carlomagno, a fou rth grader at 4/5 Academy at 5th Ave., created her own flie r and distributed it to he r neighbors on Garden Lane. Th e flier asked “Can You Make a Diff erence?

The answer is Yes!” It explained about the clothing and food drive and asked ne ighbors to give the Fire Depa rtment “a Garden Lane helpi ng hand!”

Lee Rachel also cre ated a poster for her front lawn that asked for donations . Garden Lane’s residents res ponded in a big way. In just on e week, Lee Rachel collected 43 coats and jackets in adult an d children’s sizes and 100 food items.

She is pictured delive ring the donations to the De catur Fire Department.

Decatur Focus • MARCH 2015 | 23

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

Whether you are buying or selling — or simply exploring your options — call me to be sure you are positioned for success in today’s changing market.

• Top 1% producer, Atlanta Board of Realtors (2009 – 2013) • More than 120 homes sold in City of Decatur since 2009 • More than 250 homes sold overall since 2009

chip@kellerknapp.com • 678.429.9731 ChipWallaceRealEstate.com

Fine jewelry, watches and art...

Decatur Square . 117 East Court Square . Decatur . 404/370-3979 Amsterdam Walk . 500-L3 Amsterdam Ave . Atlanta . 404/892-8294 www.worthmorejewelers.com (Ask us about trading in your old gold jewelry. It's a great way to buy a great gift, update your jewelry collection–or just increase the contents of your wallet!)

24 | Decatur Focus • MARCH 2015

DATED MATERIAL MARCH 2015

Printed on Recycled Paper

P.O. Box 220 Decatur, GA 30031-220

Decatur

Focus

Clear zone

Your neighbor and intown real estate specialist.

Enlarging Your Family Jewels Since 1994