Focus City of Decatur
PLAYBOOK INSIDE Clear zone
MAY 2019 Volume 29 • Number 9
Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia
Happy Belated Birthday Decatur resident Willie Mae Hardy celebrated her 111th birthday in March. Ms. Hardy, who was born on a plantation in Talbot County, Junction City, Georgia, has lived in Decatur for more than 50 years. She has been recognized as the oldest person in Atlanta, and the second oldest living person in the state of Georgia. Ms. Hardy had one daughter, and has eight grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 31 great-great grandchildren, and four great-great-great grandchildren. News 3 City
BUSINESS DECATUR School AROUND 12 NEWs 14 NEWs DBA 16 EVENTs news TOWN 20 23
Focus City of Decatur
Let the Festivals Begin!
M
ay kicks off festival and event season in the city of Decatur. The Mother’s Day pop-up event is Saturday, May 11; Saturday night Concerts on the Square are back every weekend in May; and the Decatur Arts Alliance brings a month’s worth of arts-related activities to town, culminating in our favorite Decatur Arts Festival on Memorial Day weekend. Warm Weather and Welcomes Warmer weather means it’s time to join family and friends at one of the many outdoor dining spots located throughout the city. Enjoy a bit of people watching while you enjoy some fresh air and great food. And of course, our local retailers have stocked up on great new items for the spring season, so take some time to visit them while you are out and about. The Decatur Farmer’s Market is now open for the season every Wednesday and Saturday at First Baptist Church of Decatur. We have some new business openings to celebrate as well. Stop by and say hello to Lenox Cupcakes, 114 E. Ponce de Leon, next to Wild Oats and Billy Goats, and then dash across the street to Olive Branch, a green beauty boutique at 123 E. Ponce de Leon, to indulge in some organic skin and bath products. Decadent cupcakes and healthy skin and body items – they balance each other out, right? These are just a few of the new businesses joining our Decatur community. Look for more openings soon and help us make all of our businesses feel welcome.
Focus on Downtown Development
Calling All Party Planners Decatur will celebrate its 200th birthday in December 2023. That’s sooner than you think! We are looking for residents with enthusiasm and creative ideas to help us plan the best celebration possible. While birthday parties are great fun, and an important milestone like this one calls for a great party, we also want to include a year’s worth of activities to honor this special place. Help us engage everyone in our city, and find ways to leave a lasting tribute for future residents to enjoy. If you would like to participate in this effort, please contact us at info@decaturga.com. Say “hello” to Lenox Cupcakes, 114 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
The Decatur Focus is a joint publication of the City of Decatur, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and the Decatur Business Association. It is a newsletter intended to provide announcements and information related to events, activities, and businesses in the city of Decatur. The purpose of the newsletter is to promote the city and encourage the exchange of information among residents, business owners and the school system. Letters to the editor, editorials or other opinion pieces are not published. All press releases, announcements and other information received for publication are subject to editing. Information found in the Focus is also posted on Decatur’s official website at decaturga.com. The deadline for submitting articles, announcements or advertising is the first day of the month preceding publication. Contact: Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, 404-371-8386; fax 404-371-1593; email: decaturfocus@decaturga.com. Clear zone
DECATUR CITY COMMISSION Patti Garrett...................................................Mayor Tony Powers..............................Mayor Pro Tem Scott Drake..................................Commissioner Brian Smith..................................Commissioner Kelly Walsh..................................Commissioner
DECATUR DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Board Chris Sciarrone, Chair Linda Curry • John Drake Bill Floyd • Scott Kentner Tony Leung • Fisher Paty
Decatur Business Association
DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Susan Sparks.......................................... President Daryl Funn.................................. President-Elect Jill Joplin................................................. Treasurer Emily Holden........................................ Secretary Kyle Williams............................... Past President
Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com Information for the FOCUS should be submitted by mail to Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, or by email to decaturfocus@decaturga.com.
2 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2019
City News Decatur Welcomes a New Assistant City Manager
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he City of Decatur welecomed Teresa Taylor as the new assistant city manager-administrative services, in April. The city conducted a nationwide search and received more than 200 applications for the assistant city manager position. Candidates were interviewed in March. Ms. Taylor previously served as assistant city manager for the city of LaGrange and as assistant to the city manager in Chamblee. She also served as an ICMA Fellow with Decatur in 2012-2014. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Emory University and a Master of Public Administration in Management and Finance from Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University. She is a member of the International City-County Management Association and the Georgia City-County Management Association. She is a graduate of ICMA’s two-year leadership program and completed ICMA’s Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
Decatur PD Welcomes New C.A.P.S. Members The Decatur Police Department welcomes eight new C.A.P.S. (Citizens Assisting Public Safety) volunteers to the family. Be sure to say hello when you see them out and about working with officers at city events. Below (l to r): Sylvia Walker, Chris Breston, Carol Murff, Kathleen Maloney, Nha Nguyen, and Kimi Shimabukuro. At right: Melinda Mobley and Jan McGill
High School Students: Apply Now for the Decatur Youth Council Applications are currently being accepted from rising 9th through 12th grade students for the 2019-2020 Decatur Youth Council (DYC). The council is a city-sponsored, community-based leadership program for high school students who live within the city limits of Decatur and attend public, private, and home-based schools. Members of the DYC can develop into young leaders through structured monthly educational programs and team-building activities. If you would like to serve on the Decatur Youth Council, complete an Application of Interest, available at decaturga.com/dyc, by Monday, June 17. For further information, contact staff liaison Lee Ann Harvey, 678553-6548, or leeann.harvey@decaturga.com.
Advisory Board Seeks Interested Decatur Residents The Decatur City Commission is accepting Statements of Interest from residents for volunteer service on the Lifelong Community Advisory Board. Descriptions of the board responsibilities and access to the Statement of Interest form can be found at decaturga.com/ resident-boards-commissions. You can return the form via email to City Manager Andrea Arnold at Andrea. Arnold@decaturga.com or mail it to her attention at City of Decatur, PO Box 220, Decatur GA 30031
Solid Waste and Recycling Holiday Schedule Memorial Day • Monday, May 27 Monday trash and recycling pick up will be on Tuesday, May 28. Tuesday trash and recycling pick up will be on Wednesday, May 29.
MAY 2019 • Decatur Focus | 3
City News Decatur Housing Authority Excellence Awards Ceremony May 29 • 5-7:30 p.m. The Decatur Housing Authority’s 28th annual Excellence Awards Ceremony will be held at Ebster Recreation Center, 105 Electric Ave. The ceremony recognizes youth that have performed well academically during the school year. The Decatur community is invited to attend the ceremony and celebrate their accomplishments. decatur-bike-month-poster-2019.pdf
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MAY IS NATIONAL
BIKE MONTH Decatur Celebrates with a Variety of Bicycling Opportunities!
Every Saturday, 2 pm: Sam’s Freight Room Ride Meet at 415 E. Howard Ave. for an easy 11-mile ride through Avondale Estates, Oakhurst, and Decatur. No-drop ride.
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Silver Spokes Program Ride with adult trikes at Legacy Park. Pre-registration is required. $25 per month.
May 5, 2 pm: Family Bike Ride
Meet at Harmony Park for this short ride around Oakhurst. All ages welcome. Helmets required.
May 8: Bike-to-School Day May 13-17: Bike-to-Work Week Helmets required for all city-sponsored rides.
May 17: Bike-to-Work Day
Riders are invited to stop by Decatur Recreation Center 7-9 am for coffee and pastries on their way to work.
May 17, 6:30 pm: Third Friday Decatur Fun Ride
Meet at Decatur Recreation Center. Followed by a visit to a local pub or restaurant for refreshments. Not recommended for children.
May 19, 9 am: Bicycle South Ride
Easy no-drop ride to Stone Mountain Park, beginning from the store at 2098 North Decatur Rd. Refreshments at Bicycle South after the ride.
May 24, 10 am: Senior Bike Ride
Let’s ride! Bring your own bike for this fun, slow-paced ride geared toward seniors. Helmets required.
May 25-26: Bike Valet at Decatur Arts Festival
Sponsored by the Decatur Arts Alliance and the City of Decatur.
Get more details!
May 25, 10 am-2 pm: Bike Registration at Decatur Arts Festival Bike Valet Bring your bike to have it registered by the Decatur Police, and pick up some bike safety information, too.
Active Living
decaturga.com/biking • beactivedecatur.com 4 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2019
Better Together Creates Welcoming Business Award The Better Together Advisory Board has created the Welcoming Business Award, to be given annually. The purpose of the award is to: • Reward and publicly recognize leadership actions that create a welcoming and inclusive business environment in Decatur; • Encourage businesses to prioritize inclusivity as a “best practice”; and • Publicize and share “best practices” among local businesses. The Better Together Advisory Board will name recipients of the award every year. The award will be presented by the City Commission in conjunction with Decatur’s Hometown Hero Awards. Award criteria include: • Increasing accessibility for people with disabilities; • Creating a welcoming environment for people who are historically marginalized based on race, gender, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age; • Recruiting and hiring practices aimed at creating a diverse staff; • Training of staff to be aware of diversity and offer welcome to all patrons; • Anything else that creates a welcoming and inclusive environment. A call for nominations will go out in July with a deadline to submit nominations in September. Nominations may be submitted online or on paper and nomination details will be announced in multiple ways – including the Focus, the website, social media, e-news alerts, and on the DecaturMinute blog – as soon as they are available. Contact Linda Harris, linda.harris@decaturga.com, or Renae Madison, renae.madison@decaturga.com, for more information.
City News Free Home Repairs for Older Residents Decatur homeowners who are 62 or older may be eligible for help with home and yard maintenance and repair, free of charge, through the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project. Since 2003, project volunteers have installed handicap ramps, replaced rotten wood, weatherized homes, repaired water damage and worked with professional partners to do plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work for older residents of Decatur.
The 18th annual project will take place Jan. 18-20, 2020. Other criteria include owning and residing in your home inside Decatur city limits and having a fixed or lower income. To sign up or to refer someone to this program, contact Lee Ann Harvey, 678-553-6548, or leeann.harvey@decaturga.com. More information about the project is available at mlkserviceproject.com.
8th Annual Restaurants for Repairs – Same Event, Different Month
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elp support the 2020 Decatur Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project by dining out at a participating restaurant on Tuesday, May 14. A percentage of the day’s proceeds will be donated to the project, which provides much-needed repairs to help Decatur’s older residents live safely, comfortably and affordably in their homes. Three to four homes will receive large-scale repairs, thanks to the participating restaurants and their patrons. This event is one of the main sources of funding for the project that takes place over the King Holiday weekend in January. Enjoy a delicious meal and help some of Decatur’s older residents. This year’s participating restaurants include:
Big Tex Dog Towne Franks Cafe Lily The Corner Pub Ebrik Coffee Room Farm Burger Grindhouse Killer Burgers Kelly’s Market LEONs Full Service The Marlay House Mezcalito’s Cantina
Mojo Pizza Parker’s on Ponce Raging Burrito & Taco Scout The Square Pub Sushi Avenue on the Square Steinbeck’s Ale House Taiyo Ramen Universal Joint Bar The White Bull
Decatur Bike-toSchool Poster Contest Winners Announced
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ara Deshpande, a 7th grader at Renfroe Middle School, recently took first prize in the Decatur Bike-to-School poster contest for 2019, organized by Decatur Active Living, Safe Routes to School, and Bicycle South. Her poster is reproduced below. Other winners are: Second place: Maggie McClung, fifth grade, 4/5 Academy at 5th Avenue. Her poster is reproduced at bottom. Third place: Ying Abel Chan, second grade, Clairemont Elementary School Fourth place: Haley Hogan, third grade, Glennwood Elementary Their works will be reproduced and posted around town to remind us all to be safe on our bikes so look for them around the city. The four winners each received a gift certificate, courtesy of Bicycle South. The certificates were presented at a City Commission meeting. Look for information about next year’s poster contest in early 2019.
2019 Poster Contest
1st Place Sara Deshpande Renfroe Middle School 7th grade sponsored by Clear zone
2019 Poster Contest
2nd Place Maggie McClung 4/5 Academy at 5th Ave. 5th grade
sponsored by Clear zone
Visit mlkserviceproject.com for more information on the project and an updated list of participating restaurants, or call 678-553-6548, or email leeann.harvey@decaturga.com. MAY 2019 • Decatur Focus | 5
City News City Budget Process Moves Forward Decatur’s fiscal year 2019-2020 budget process continues with these important dates, subject to City Commission approval on May 20. May 20: Formal presentation of the budget to the City Commission and adoption of tentative 2019 millage rates. June 3: Work session and public hearing on proposed FY 2019-2020 budget and revised 2018-2019 budget and 2019 millage rates. June 10: Public hearing on proposed FY 2019-2020 budget and revised 2018-2019 budget (if needed). June 17: Public hearing and scheduled adoption of proposed FY 2019-2020 budget and revised 2018-2019 budget and 2019 millage rates. All public hearings on the budget will be held at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St. Copies of the FY 2019-2020 budget and revised 2018-2019 budget will be available at Decatur City Hall and at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., beginning Wednesday, May 22. They will also be posted online at decaturga.com/budget. Contact Meredith Roark, 404-370- 4102, or meredith.roark@ decaturga.com, if you have questions or need more information. Visit decaturga.com/budget for details.
Did you make it to Decatur’s annual “Touch-a-Budget” expo on the Square in March? It’s a great opportunity to meet with city staff and to learn how your city tax dollars are spent. Watch the Focus for details about the 2020 Touch-a-Budget.
6 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2019
City News Walk & Roll Star
Maia Polemitis Teens and young adults frequently do not have cars, and often do a lot of walking. Here in Decatur, Maia Polemitis is one of them. She takes the bus both ways to work, takes the train for social opportunities or hangouts on the square, and walks to and from school. She also watches many of her friends get around on bikes or longboards.
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Cemetery Second Sunday Strolls Begin May 12 MyDecaturGA
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Have you ever wondered about the lives behind some of those gravestones at Decatur Cemetery? Sunday, May 12, marks the beginning of the Tour Season for FODC. Come learn about the people who created Decatur from its beginnings in 1823. Lace up your walking shoes, slap on the sunscreen, fill up your water bottle, and join the Friends of Decatur Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. for a stroll through Decatur’s history. Tours start at the Gazebo near the Commerce Drive gate. For more information, contact friendsofdecaturcemetery@gmail.com. MAY 2019 • Decatur Focus | 7
City News Celebrate Asian and Pacific Heritage Month in May
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ecatur joins the rest of the nation in celebrating the rich culture and history of Asians and Pacific Islanders residing in the United States. Starting as a congressional proclamation supporting Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week in 1977, the observance was expanded to the entire month of May by President George H.W. Bush in 1990.
May was chosen as the month to commemorate the contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders to U.S. history because of these and other significant events that have occurred during this month: • On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants entered the United States. • May 10 is the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, which enabled coast-to-coast communication and commerce. As a nation, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Chinese immigrants who worked tirelessly under duress and pervasive racism to complete the system in that year.
8 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2019
Want to learn more about the transcontinental railroad and many other contributions Asian Americans have made to our country and its people? Check out these book recommendations from the Better Together Advisory Board, along with Little Shop of Stories, in honor of Asian/Pacific Heritage Month. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Lin
Young Minli decides to leave her small village to find out how she might change her family’s fortune by seeking out the wisdom of the Old Man on the Moon. Inspired by Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain
Meets the Moon is a lush and fantastical tale of friendship, perseverance, and family. This illustrated book is aimed at middle grades (ages 8-12), but is the perfect read aloud for even the youngest listeners. Drawn Together, by Minh Lêand, illustrated by Dan Santat
Facing both a language and generational barrier, a boy and his Vietnamese grandfather learn to communicate through their shared love and passion for drawing and art. Seeking to understand each other, they both find that “all the things we could never say come pouring out and we build a new world that even words can’t describe.” This picture book is aimed at ages 4-8. The Best We Could Do, by Thi Bui
Like many of the best memoirs of the last 10 years, artist Thi Bui’s achingly beautiful memoir of her family’s escape from Vietnam and subsequent immigration to the United States as refugees is a graphic novel. Her soulful brushstrokes and strong use of color expose the difficulty in maintaining any sense of self amidst cultural and personal upheaval. A great read for adults, it touches on universal themes of family, love, and growing up.
City News Fire Hydrant Servicing in May The Decatur Fire Department will conduct fire hydrant servicing during May to ensure all hydrants are functional with the proper amount of water flow and to meet insurance requirements. Hydrant testing signs will be posted in various locations during service testing. Flowing water is used to test the hydrant and flow times will be Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. It is best to avoid doing laundry during flow times in your neighborhood. If you have questions or concerns call 404-373-5092.
Decatur 101 Graduates 20th Class
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ongratulations to the 70 graduates of the 2019 Decatur 101 class – 31 in the morning class and 39 in the evening class. Decatur 101 participants attended six classes provided by the City of Decatur and one provided by the City Schools of Decatur. They are pictured during the last city class, which featured Active Living, Children and Youth Services, and Communications and Lifelong Community. Graduation certificates and T-shirts were presented, along with talks delivered by Mayor Patti Garrett and Commissioner Kelly Walsh.
Decatur 101 is offered annually, February through April. Classes are conducted on Thursdays in the morning and evening, and are open to the community. If you are interested in the 2020 class, please email your name, address, phone number, and preference for the morning or evening class to Shirley Baylis at shirley.baylis@decaturga.com.
Home Fire Sprinkler Week: May 19-25 Home Fire Sprinkler week, initiated by the National Fire Protection Association and Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, aims at raising awareness of this life-saving technology while breaking down the myths and legislative barriers to its use. Fires in residential dwellings, especially one- and two-family homes, continue to kill nearly 3,000 people each year in the United States – more than all other natural disasters combined. Visit nfpa.org/firesprinklerday for more information, or contact Fire Chief Ninetta Violante at ninetta.violante@decaturga. com. MAY 2019 • Decatur Focus | 9
City News Downtown Decatur comes alive Memorial Day weekend with nearly 160 artists, continuous musical entertainment, comedy, dance, and a special “3-day IPA” brewed by Three Taverns specifically for the festival. Find out more at decaturartsfestival.com.
Poster Unveiling Thursday, May 9 The Solarium, 321 Hill St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Get the Arts Festival started and get a first look at the poster, meet the artist, and pick up a copy of the program. Enjoy snacks, cake, and beverages, courtesy of the Arts Alliance and its sponsors.
Fine Arts Exhibition Opening Reception Tuesday, May 21 The Dalton Gallery/Dana Fine Arts Building Agnes Scott College, 5-7:15 p.m. Visit the annual juried fine arts exhibition, hosted by Agnes Scott College and held in conjunction with the May meeting of the Decatur Business Association.
ArtWalk Friday, May 24 All around Decatur, 5-10 p.m. Decatur’s largest one-night gallery event. Stroll around town to see exhibits at various shops and galleries and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks. Drop by East Court Square to visit beer sponsors Steady Hand Beer Co., Arches Brewing, and Decatur’s own Three Taverns Brewery (serving this year’s Arts-Festonly specialty, 3-day IPA).
Kids Festival Saturday, May 25 Decatur Recreation Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Arts and crafts, inflatables, juggling, clowns, and lots of fun, artoriented activities for the entire family.
10 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2019
Business & Nonprofit News Artists Market May 25-26
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
More than 150 artists, artisans, and craftspeople set up their tents around downtown, offering jewelry, paintings, sculpture, photographs, glass work, and more. There’ll be food vendors on East Court Square and beverages to help keep you cool.
Lotsa Laffs & Lit May 25-26 DeKalb History Center, Decatur Between the Lines tent Comedy on Saturday, storytelling on Sunday, and theater events all weekend. Don’t miss any of it.
Theater
MR DAMON’S SHADOW PUPPET THEATER SATURDAY NOON
Performing Arts May 25-26 Performing arts stage, all day long Saturday performers include Conundrums, Kitty Rose and the Ramblers, Hunter Callahan, No Solution, and Chelsea Shag, with JohnBoy and Surround Sound providing a funky end to the day’s performances. On Sunday, look for Sehwe Village Percussion, Mike Killeen, Red Sugar Blues, and Hannah Thomas. Closing out Sunday’s performances is local favorite Delta Moon. It’s quite a lineup. Don’t miss any of it. Kitty Rose & The Ramblers Saturday Noon
Chelsea shag saturday 3 pm
Comedy
Shaunak Godkhindi 2:30 PM
SAM GORDON 3 PM
Storytelling
hannah thomas band Sunday 3 pm
CHETTER GALLOWAY 12:30 PM SATURDAY
MISS LUVDROP 12:30 PM SATURDAY
Get the Details
The Arts Festival program will be available beginning May 11 at the Decatur Visitors Center, 113 Clairemont Ave. Pick up a copy and plan to make the most of your Memorial Day weekend in Decatur.
MAY 2019 • Decatur Focus | 11
Business & Nonprofit News First Baptist Church Decatur Offers Vacation Bible School July 8-12 • 9 a.m.-noon.
Memorial Holiday Book Sale May 25 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St.
First Baptist Church Decatur invites children who have completed PreK5th grade to attend Vacation Bible School (VBS). Children will learn through music, Bible stories, games, snacks, and imagination. The cost for VBS is $25 (which covers the cost of supplies and a theme T-shirt). To register your child, or for more information, visit fbcdecatur.com/vbs.
L’Arche Atlanta Launches Its First Community Council
Proceeds from the annual Memorial Day Book Sale, hosted by the Friends of the Decatur Library, will provide funds for library materials and programs for children and adults. Only cash or checks will be accepted. Dealers must scan at tables.
Holy Trinity Parish Preschool Invites Families to Come and Enjoy the Music
L’Arche Atlanta’s new Community Council (LACC) is made up of 14 young adults who work on a variety of strategic projects to extend the organization’s mission in the community. Already this year they have played a key role in L’Arche Madness and created plans for a volunteer day to install three garden beds at the L’Arche house, 305 Mead Rd. in Oakhurst. They will also host the L’Arche Open House on May 11. Members commit to one year of service at a time and serve on at least one subcommittee. Applications for the 2020 council will be available in August. For more information visit larcheatlanta.org.
Storytelling Advocacy Project Launched L’Arche Atlanta has officially launched the 2019 GCDD Storytelling Project. This year the team has three projects: produce a mini-documentary to amplify the voices of four Georgians living with a developmental disability; create a seven-episode podcast exploring themes of disability in Georgia; and release 25 deep dive stories from the 75 we collected in 2018. Visit, larcheatlanta.org/gcdd-storytelling-project to see all of the people and organizations involved. 12 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2019
Decatur Pre-K students and their families are invited to enjoy the music program at Holy Trinity Preschool. Students learn to identify different types of notes through songs and games. They learn the order of the Treble Clef, how to find a C on the piano, and they learn about different composers, from Beethoven to John Williams. Of course, no music class is complete without a dance party. To learn more, visit holytrinitypreschool.org or call 404-371-1310 to schedule a tour. Don’t forget to check them out on facebook.com/ holytrinityparishpreschool/ or on Instagram @holytrinityparishpreschool.
Business & Nonprofit News Decatur Fitness Center Celebrates Golden Anniversary of Jazzercise
Elizabeth Wilson Building Re-Dedication Celebration
Saturday, May 4 • 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | 114 New St.
The Community Center of South Decatur (CCSD) Board invites you to celebrate the re-dedication and ribbon cutting of the Elizabeth Wilson Building, 321 W. Hill Street in Oakhurst. The building, a historic part of the Solarium at Historic Scottish Rite, has recently been converted to a multi-purpose event facility and is focused on enhancing the community engagement mission of the CCSD Board. Make plans to attend the celebration to honor Ms. Elizabeth Wilson and her long-standing commitment to Decatur and the Oakhurst Community, which includes decades of service, breaking barriers and pouring time into the city we all know, love and call home. The namesake building continues her mission of putting community first. The celebration will include a toast, ribbon cutting and personal sharing from Ms. Wilson, bites and sips, and a tour. RSVP by email, by Wednesday, May 22, to: contact@the solarium.com.
Jazzercise Decatur will host a Family Fitness Fun Day in front of their location in East Decatur Station. This community event will feature a free fitness and health expo for the whole family in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Jazzercise. There will be food, music and puppetry, Jazzercise demos for adults and kids, preventative health screenings for stroke and diabetes, unique local crafts and gifts, and more. Net proceeds will benefit the Georgia Coalition against Domestic Violence and Nicholas House. Jazzercise – founded in 1969 by CEO Judi Sheppard Missett – catapulted “aerobic dance” to notoriety in the 1980s and is the first-ever dance fitness brand to celebrate the 50-year mark. Jazzercise has been in the Decatur area since the 1980s and has been in the East Decatur Station location for the past nine years. For more information about the event or to be a vendor, contact Jazzercise Decatur business owner Vanita Johnson, 770-763-7142, or jazzerciseatl@gmail.com.
Tuesday, May 28 • 3:45 p.m.
Trees at Woodlands to Celebrate 90th Birthday and Life of a Friend
The Morse family gave Woodlands Garden to the community. Now the community can give back to Woodlands as a way to celebrate loved ones and mark major life events through the garden’s newly launched Tribute Tree Program. By donating to plant a Tribute Tree at Woodlands, individuals or groups can celebrate a milestone birthday, remember a beloved friend, or commemorate other special occasions or relationships. Woodlands Garden is at 932 Scott Blvd. The 10 Tribute Trees sponsored thus far will be planted during Woodlands’ construction project alongside native shrubs and pollinator-friendly perennial plantings. To learn more about Tribute Trees, visit woodlandsgarden.org/tribute-tree-program.
Float Atlanta To Open on Clairemont Float Atlanta is set to open in May at 111 Clairemont Ave., next door to Decatur Visitors Center. The full-time float center will feature one float pod and two of the state’s first open float rooms. Massage therapy will also be available. Flotation pods contain 10 inches of water in which 1,100 pounds of pharmaceutical grade epsom salt has been dissolved, making it possible to float effortlessly, relieving your body of the stress of gravity. You are wrapped in a virtual cocoon of warmth, with only you and silence, as your senses – touch, taste, vision and smell – vanish. During a 60-minute float session your brain will naturally move into the theta wave state, similar to that very relaxed point just before sleep and during deep meditation. For more information and to book your appointment online, visit FloatAtlanta.com.
MAY 2019 • Decatur Focus | 13
DBA News
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Saturday, May 4, 5-9 p.m.
SALSA on the SQUARE! MUS I C • DAN C IN G • F UN !
Saturday, May 18 • Diggity
Wednesday, May 1 • Laura Benjamin Trio 14 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2019
Saturday, May 25 • Afterglow
Wednesday, May 15 • Jason Pomar
DBA News Come for the Beach, Stay for the Party Friday, June 21 • 5-11 p.m.
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ick off summer “Decatur style” at the Decatur Beach Party. The event will include 80 tons of sand on Ponce de Leon Avenue, kids’ activities that will line the boardwalk area, and entertainment by Old 4th Ward Boogie Band and DJ Quasi Mandisco. The food court will include food trucks, boardwalk fare, and a selection of local beers. Wine, soft drinks and water will also be available. All restaurants will be open for business. Thanks to generous sponsors, this is no longer a gated event, admission is free to the community, and the event has been expanded. There will be small fees for souvenirs and activities for older kids (rock-climbing wall, dunk tank, etc.). All proceeds will go to the Decatur Business Association to help keep this event, May and September concerts, the holiday bonfire, and many others throughout the year, free to the community. For more information, visit decaturdba. com, or the Decatur Beach Party Facebook page, facebook.com/decbeachparty.
Meeting Reminder May 21
Kick off the Decatur Arts Festival at the opening reception of the Fine Arts Exhibition The Dalton Gallery/Dana Fine Arts Building, Agnes Scott College 5:15 p.m. Networking Reception 6 p.m. Program Check for details and updates at decaturdba.com
MAY 2019 • Decatur Focus | 15
Decatur Events Celebrate Literature at Little Shop of Stories
Arts Alliance Presents Architecture Pub Crawl
oin Little Shop of Stories all month for interactive story times, author events, and other fun for readers of all ages. Little Shop is proud to be an official site for the coast-to-coast celebration of children’s literature. All events take place at Little Shop of Stories, 133 E. Court Square, unless otherwise noted.
Saturday, May 18 • noon-6 p.m.
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May 1: Celebrity Voice Story Time – Imagine Christopher Walken reading Green Eggs and Ham or Marisa Tomei (think My Cousin Vinnie) reading Where the Wild Things Are. May 4: Mo Willems’ beloved characters – Elephant and Piggie, Knuffle Bunny, and Pigeon – are hitting the road to engage book lovers across America, and they are coming to Decatur. Little Shop of Stories, together with the Georgia Center for the Book and the Decatur Library, will host a celebration with costume-character meetand-greets, crafts, games, and prizes. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., 4-6 p.m. May 4: Local author Roshani Chokshi presents her follow up to the bestselling Aru Shah and the End of Time, 7 p.m. May 5: Picture book author Sheri Dillard, 2 p.m. May 6: Fancy Nancy illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser, 6 p.m. YA author Rachel Hawkins, 6:30 p.m. May 7: Picture book illustrator Loren Long, 5 p.m. May 10: Mother’s Night Out event with author Kate Rope and Dr. Catherine Bonk, 7 p.m. May 11: Local author Laurel Snyder on the square for Mother’s Day Celebration, 11 a.m. May 15: YA Author Stephanie Garber at the Decatur Library, 7 p.m. May 19: Ramadan Story Time, 2 p.m.
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Join Decatur Arts Alliance on Saturday, May 18, noon-6 p.m., for a unique experience that combines contemporary art, architecture and history, served up with a side of beer. It’s a first-ever pub crawl with an educational twist. At each pub stop a docent will reveal the backstory of its building, and offer fascinating insights into its past. In between you’ll learn about murals and sculptures encountered along the crawl. The crawl begins at Steinbeck’s, 529 East Lake Dr., in the heart of historic Oakhurst village. A trolley will transport attendees to the square for the downtown Decatur portion of the tour. Stops include Steinbeck’s, Scout, Brickstore Pub, Square Pub, Deer and Dove, and Kimball House. Tickets are $40 and include one beer at each of the six locations. Designated driver ticket price is $20. Purchase tickets at freshtix.com/events/buildings-art-and-brew.
Music at Decatur Library Tuesday, May 14 • 7-8 p.m. | 215 Sycamore St. Susan Ottzen, a member of the Decatur community, will perform, accompanied by jazz clarinetist Don Erdman. Susan is an accomplished harpist with a repertoire that includes classical, jazz, and blues music. Funding for this event is provided by the Friends of the Decatur Library. For more information, visit Susanottzen.com. Limited, free parking is available at the Decatur Library. Visit, decaturga.com/parking for other parking options in downtown Decatur.
Decatur Events Joy Night at First Baptist Church of Decatur May 5 • 5 p.m. | 308 Clairemont Ave. The community is invited to celebrate the diversity of the human spirit at First Baptist Church of Decatur’s gospel music celebration, Joy Night. There will be music sung by choirs of all types, including Kevin Styles and Psalms, Decatur High School, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Greenforest Baptist Church, and others. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will also be honored for her humanitarian work. The concert is free of charge and will be followed by a potluck dinner.
High Noon History at DHC Fridays in May • Noon | 101 E. Court Square
T
he DeKalb History Center announces the return of “High Noon History,” a walking tour highlighting the history of Decatur Square. The tour is 45 minutes total, and perfect for anyone wanting to get a bit of history during their lunch break. “High Noon History” tours take place every Friday in May and start at noon. The tour begins on the south steps of the historic DeKalb Courthouse. Reservations are not required. Tickets are $3 for nonmembers and free for members.
Working for Strong Communities .since 1979. Please view all of our listings at www. adamsrealtors . com 458 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30312 404-688-1222
MAY 2019 • Decatur Focus | 17
Decatur Events School News
Hops at the History Center
The Tubman Command
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Wednesday, May 22 • 6-8 p.m. Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 2nd floor. 101 E. Court Square
DeKalb History Center Bus Tour to Athens Saturday, May 19 • Bus departs at 9 am, returns at 5 pm. Historic DeKalb Courthouse, south steps • 101 E Court Square The DeKalb History Center will host a bus tour to Athens, Ga. Participants can take a guided tour of the Georgia Museum of Art, explore the Special Collections at the University of Georgia, or just wander around downtown and enjoy the many destinations Athens has to offer. For an extra $10, we will offer a guided Historic Athens Heritage Tour encompassing the city’s most historic spots. All activity levels are welcome! For tickets, visit dekalbhistory.org.
Giving you the time and attention you deserve
Elizabeth Cobbs will discuss her newest historical novel, The Tubman Command, which finds Harriett Tubman in the midst of the Civil War in 1863, planning to raid a plantation so large it will turn the tide of the war. Faced with challenges from dangerous wildlife to slave catchers, Tubman must successfully lead her team of scouts up the Combahee River to safety. Wildly underestimated by fellow Union soldiers, Harriet Tubman uses this to her advantage, thus making her the perfect spy. Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers, and include one drink ticket. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit dekalbhistory.org.
Estate Planning Wills & Trusts Probate As your family grows, or you prepare for retirement, it’s important to have a plan.
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.
18 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2019
246 Sycamore Street, Suite 150, Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 793-2510 Brooks@Mackintosh.law www.mackintosh.law
Decatur Events A Musical Weekend in Downtown Decatur
June 9 2-8 p.m.
Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9
West Howard Avenue
Decatur joins the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition in sponsoring the Streets Alive Bicycle Event, which features a 10-mile route. The city will close W. Howard Avenue from N. McDonough Street to the city limits near the East Lake MARTA Station. Volunteers as well as sponsors and activity partners are needed. For more information visit decaturstreetsalive.com or email cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com.
Teens Activate!
M
eridian Herald presents a weekend of music in downtown Decatur. On Saturday, June 8, families are invited to join in musical activities, try finger painting, enjoy ice cream and sing. The event is free and will feature children’s choirs, jazz, instruments and activities. At 3:30 p.m., attendees will participate in a community singalong. The music continues on Sunday, June 9, at the historic DeKalb Courthouse. Steven Darsey will lead the Meridian Chorale and soloists in an evening of popular songs, from show tunes to popular opera selections to American standards, sung by the region’s finest concert singers. There will also be a pre-concert light supper and beverages (including a signature cocktail), at 5:30 p.m., and an opportunity to browse a selection of auction items. Concert tickets are $20 and are available at meridianherald.org. They will also be available at the door. Tickets for the pre-concert supper and concert must be purchased in advance. For more information, call 404-698-5873, or email info@meridianherald.org.
Summer program for teens 15-18 This July, Core Dance is presenting Teens Activate!, a program for teenagers that will integrate the art forms of spoken word and movement. Teens will also activate their ideas, guided by spoken-word artists and Core Dance movement artists Stefanie Boettle and Emily Bullington. In addition to the workshop, there will be work in progress showings Friday, July 19 at 2:45 p.m. and Friday, July 26 at 2:45 p.m. Scholarships are available. Contact Stefanie Boettle at outreach@ coredance.org for more information. For more information on the workshop or to register, visit coredance.org/teens-activate.
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• Personal Injury and Wrongful Death • 150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 260 • Downtown Decatur 404-253-7860 • doug@carllp.com • www.carllp.com
404•564•5560 MAY 2019 • Decatur Focus | 19
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School News Westchester Third Graders Build a Single-Person Structure
W
estchester Elementary third graders have been busy building a home for a person who is homeless. During their learning expedition – Shelter in America: Then and Now – students have been learning about different types of shelter and how shelters have evolved throughout history. The single-person structure took eight days to construct and measures 6 ft. x 8 ft. – complete with a sleeping loft and small living/ storage space. There’s also a door that is secured with a chain lock and two open spaces for fresh air. Mad Housers – an Atlanta-based nonprofit that helps secure shelter for people who are homeless – provided a plan and a list of materials needed for the project, which included studs, sheets of plywood, insulation, roll roofing, cinder blocks, nails, paint, and Coroplast. Third grade teachers Lori Frix, Stacey Foster, and Dawn Stephen prepared for the build by organizing, measuring, pre-cutting, and marking all the materials. The students then got to work, building the floor, walls, and roof with some adult guidance. As part of the expedition, students learned about interior spaces from Krista Blackburn, a third-grade parent and interior designer. Through their book club, students read about children and families who are struggling with homelessness. They worked with dance and
interpretative movement expert Erika Shannon to dramatize their expedition for their Learning Celebration, thanks to a grant from the Decatur Education Foundation. The students purchased the materials for their shelter with a “pre-construction loan” from an anonymous donor, which will be paid back with proceeds from the Third Grade Marketplace – a pop-up craft sale put on by the third graders to raise money for worthy causes. Mad Housers will determine the location of the home and its owner.
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20 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2019
School News Decatur Students Win a Trophy in ‘Drones for Good’ STEM Competition
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n March, seven Decatur-area elementary students, “The Flying Nuggets,” participated in the G3 Drones For Good STEM competition. One of only two elementary teams among 20 middle school teams, they developed an inspiring drone-based solution to fighting forest fires. They also designed, built and successfully flew their own drones. Ultimately, they were awarded the coveted “Innovative Use of Materials” trophy. Competitors complimented the group on their effectiveness as a group and their team spirit. “The Flying Nuggets” were assembled, mentored, challenged and encouraged by their coach, Robert Hill, a proud Winnona Park parent and founder of Decatur Drones and Robotics Club. For more information on future drone and robotics opportunities, contact Robert at steampoweredkids@gmail.com. “Flying Nuggets,” pictured left to right, front to back: Daniel GwynnSteele, 4th grade, The Children’s School; Opal, 3rd grade, Clairemont; Jaden Mosca-Bolton, 2nd grade, Winnona Park; Desmond LutgendorfHill, 2nd grade, Winnona Park; Joshua Black, 4th grade, F.AVE; Elena Martinez, 3rd grade, Winnona Park; Caleb Black, 2nd grade, Winnona Park; Robert Hill, coach; Nic Morgan, assistant coach.
Support can come with four legs. Or four carats.
No matter where you find support, no matter where you find comfort, diamonds never fail to make you feel—and look—great! Join us for our Worthmore/Decatur 11th Anniversary Party! Music, Refreshments, Fine Art and More - Friday, May 24 Details at worthmorejewelers.com
117 East Court Square . Decatur . 404/370-3979 500 L-3 Amsterdam Ave . Atlanta .404/892-8294 www.worthmorejewelers.com
MAY 2019 • Decatur Focus | 21
School News Time to Step Up for Your Teachers!
E
very spring, the Decatur Education Foundation supports City Schools of Decatur and its teachers by offering the community a chance to Step Up for Teachers through online personal tributes. During May, community members may honor a CSD teacher, administrator or school support staff member with a gift and a short note of gratitude. DEF notifies the honored person with an invitation to read the tribute on the DEF website. In addition, a Step Up for Teachers yard sign is delivered to each donor.
Funds raised during the Step Up campaign support teacher innovation grants that are awarded at the beginning of the school year and allow teachers to find creative ways to engage students and elevate their learning. The grants awarded this year include:
stepupforteachers.com
• Supplies to create an outdoor makers’ space at Winnona Park Elementary • Six mini-trampolines at Clairemont Elementary for cardiovascular PE challenges and classroom sensory stimulation breaks • Twenty-five ukuleles for Westchester Elementary • Baby dolls for pre-K students at College
TREE PRUNING, FERTILIZING, PLANTING, AND REMOVAL. CALL FOR FREE WOOD CHIPS! 22 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2019
Heights to practice empathy and learn about their emotions • Classroom and book club books at Oakhurst Elementary and Renfroe Middle School that celebrate diversity • Scholarships for high schoolers to attend the Close-Up trip to Washington, D.C. • Six Spheros robotic balls for STEM projects at F.AVE • Seventy-five white board writing tablets to help Glennwood kindergartners learn to read. Do you have a graduating DHS senior? Acknowledge their accomplishment with a yard sign just for the graduating class of 2019. To honor your graduating senior or a special CSD person, visit decatureducationfoundation.org/stepup.
Visit us in Downtown Decatur www.trinity-decatur.com
Around Town
Walsh Cuts Farmers Market Ribbon
#decaturga Show off your Decatur on social media and share it with your neighbors. Email your news and photos to renae.madison@decaturga.com.
New Bike Racks in Town
Commissioner Kelly Walsh and Decatur Farmers Market manager Casey Hood recently cut the ribbon for a new season of shopping for local, organic produce, baked goods, soaps and more. #growingseason
#localproduce
#bigscissors
The Wurst Part of Decatur
Mayor Patti Garrett officially welcomed Dog Towne Franks owners Chris Day and Alan Makrewicz to Decatur recently. Dog Towne, at 307-B E. College Ave., serves up “couture” hot dogs, sausages, perogies, and a carefully curated selection of canned and bottled beers.
Thanks to local attorney Aaron Marks, of the Marks Law Group, LLC, there are eight more places to lock up your bike in downtown Decatur. Mr. Marks donated bike racks to the city to fill a need on Ponce de Leon Avenue. The new racks are located along the downtown business corridor and were especially welcomed by the cyclists who bike commute to work in Town Center.
#notjustanydog
#bikedecatur
decaturga
#friesortots
#takeabiteofdecatur
downtowndecatur
cityofdecaturga
#thanksaaron
#lockitup
MAY 2019 • Decatur Focus | 23
chip@kellerknapp.com 678.429.9731
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CHRISSIE BURNS decided to transition h experience in sales, ma negotiation in the corpora a career in real estate afte her own Intown Atlanta ho That singular experience sp love for the neighborhood and the goal to assist people with their real es with the respect and professionalism she Chrissie is passionate about the direction Atla developmentally, and how the real estate m with growing Atlanta into the world-class city it poised to be. Having the opportunity to work w finding their real estate success stories in this