Focus City of Decatur
MASK UP! EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT INSERT INSIDE
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NOVEMBER 2020 Volume 31 • Number 4
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF DECATUR, GEORGIA
Get Out of the House for
FAB Fridays Decatur’s Masked-up, Physically Distanced, Socially Responsible Outdoor Shopping and Dining Holiday Promotion see page 10
SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN!
see page 11
CITY News
Focus City of Decatur
Destination 2030:
Strategic Planning Process Continues Virtual Street Forums Maybe you’ve seen these yard signs around Decatur? The 2020 Strategic Plan update, Destination 2030, is back in full swing, and we want to hear from you! A lot has changed since Opening Night back in January, when we were in a room of 600+ people, full of hope for the new decade. Halfway through those discussions the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic put us on hold. The pandemic, along with local and nationwide civil rights demonstrations that unfolded throughout the spring and summer, have highlighted challenges and inequities that we aim to address in our planning for Decatur’s next 10 years. Roundtable discussions were interrupted as the pandemic emerged, but they resumed and finished virtually in September. Now, we’re diving into the biggest topics affecting Decatur’s future: Equity and Racial Justice, Climate Change, Civic Trust, Housing, Transportation, and Economic Development. You can use the QR code or short link (https://bit.ly/300tKT6) to visit our virtual street forums to submit ideas, add photos and answer a few questions about each topic.
The Decatur Focus is a joint publication of the City of Decatur, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and the Decatur Business Association. It is a newsletter intended to provide announcements and information related to events, activities, and businesses in the city of Decatur. The purpose of the newsletter is to promote the city and encourage the exchange of information among residents, business owners and the school system. Letters to the editor, editorials or other opinion pieces are not published. All press releases, announcements and other information received for publication are subject to editing. Information found in the Focus is also posted on Decatur’s official website at decaturga.com. The deadline for submitting articles, announcements or advertising is the first day of the month preceding publication. Contact: Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, 404-371-8386; fax 404-371-1593; email: decaturfocus@decaturga.com. Clear zone
DECATUR CITY COMMISSION Patti Garrett........................................ Mayor Tony Powers................... Mayor Pro Tem George Dusenbury........Commissioner Lesa Mayer.........................Commissioner Kelly Walsh.........................Commissioner
Meanwhile... Breakout Your Chalk and Take Your Ideas to the Street Answer this question with drawings or words on your sidewalk or driveway: How can Decatur ensure a high quality of life for all? Take a picture of your ideas and post to social media, and use #decatur2030.
BOARD Chris Sciarrone, Chair Darren Comer • Linda Curry Tony Leung • Conor McNally Noah Peeters • Lisa Turner
Coming up Next! Decatur 202s The roundtables process included 800 registrants who contributed thousands of comments. Many of these comments about Decatur’s future were in agreement, but some topics revealed conflicting perspectives about how Decatur should chart its course for the next 10 years. The 202s will allow for a deep dive on these topics. After hearing from subject matter experts, we will join together in virtual discussion groups to help understand tradeoffs and find balance among differing perspectives. Input will be used to form recommendations on how the Strategic Plan should address these issues. The first 202 will happen online later this fall. Stay tuned to decatur2030.com for details.
CORRECTION
The correct name of the teacher on the screen on the cover of the October Focus is Ms. Braxton.
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 • NOVEMBER 2020
Decatur Business Association
DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Susan Sparks................................President Daryl Funn........................President-Elect Jill Joplin.......................................Treasurer Emily Holden...............................Secretary Kyle Williams...................... Past President Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com
CITY News 2020-2021 Decatur Youth Council
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ongratulations to the 2020-2021 Decatur Youth Council (DYC). Sixteen local high school students were selected to serve on this year’s council. DYC is a City of Decatur-sponsored, community-based leadership program for high school students who live within the city limits of Decatur. Members learn about local government and how it functions. They will also inform city leaders about the youth perspective for Decatur and their hopes for the future of the city. Returning DYC members: Sage Arnold, Lily Bulson, Sydney Fessenden, Erin Gaul (chair), Sammy Mulatu, Salmoncain SmithShomade, Charlie Wheelock, Ivie Wildman, Alden Wright. New DYC members: Flora Burdette, Bahiyyah Grant, Miles Moorfield, Amani Saleem, William Stone, Ana Villavasso, Lauryn Williams.
Waste and Recycling Holiday Schedule November 2020 to September 2021 Thanksgiving Holidays Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27 Regular services for both days will be on Wednesday, Nov. 25, before the holiday
Christmas Holidays Friday, Dec. 25 and Monday, Dec. 28 Regular service for Thursday, Dec. 24, will be on Wednesday, Dec. 23 Regular service for Friday, Dec. 25, will be on Thursday, Dec 24 Regular service for Monday, Dec. 28, will be on Tuesday, Dec. 29 Regular service for Tuesday, Dec. 29, will be on Wednesday, Dec. 30
New Year’s Day Friday, January 1 Regular service for Thursday, Dec. 31, and Friday, Jan. 1, will be on Thursday, Dec. 31
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Alden Amani Ana
Bahiyyih
Monday, Jan. 18 Regular service for Monday will be on Tuesday, Jan. 19; regular service for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, Jan. 20
Presidents Day Monday, Feb. 15 Regular service for Monday will be on Tuesday, Feb. 16; regular service for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, Feb. 17
Memorial Day Charlie Erin
Flora
Ivie
Monday, May 31 Regular service for Monday will be on Tuesday, June 1; regular service for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, June 2
Independence Day Holiday observed Monday, July 5 Regular service for Monday will be on Tuesday, July 6; regular service for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, July 7
Labor Day Lauryn
Lily Miles Sage
Monday, Sept. 6 Regular service for Monday will be on Tuesday, Sept. 7; regular service for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, Sept. 8 Please note: if your day is not on the schedule, your regular scheduled day has not been affected.
Salmoncain Sammy
Sydney
William
Keep this page as a reminder of changes in collection due to city holidays. Disregard DeKalb County solid waste and recycling notices. Please note: this schedule is subject to change. Check the Decatur Focus and official city communication channels for updates and reminders. NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 3
CITY News
Set-Out Time All garbage, trash, recyclables, yard trimmings, bulky items and appliances for collection must be ready for pickup by 7:30 a.m. on collection day. Pickup times will vary, but collectors will not arrive before 7:30 a.m.
Containers on the Curb Refuse and recycling containers may be placed at the curb after 5 p.m. the day before collection and must be removed from the curb by midnight on collection day.
Recyclable Materials Decatur’s curbside recycling program accepts paper products, plastic, glass and metal. Glass must be separated in its own bin. For a complete list of items visit decaturga.com/recycling. For more tips on items that are hard to recycle, visit livethrive.org.
Bulky Items Reminder Decatur now accepts bulky items like furniture and appliances as a part of your regular sanitation pickup. Just set them at the curb. There is no additional cost for this service except for a $50 collection fee for items containing freon.
Christmas Tree Recycling Monday, Dec. 28-Saturday, Jan. 9
Decatur residents may drop off live Christmas trees at Decatur Legacy Park, 500 S. Columbia Dr. Look for signs indicating the drop-off area to the right of the chapel. Please do not leave Christmas trees anywhere else on the Legacy Park property.
For more information about solid waste and recycling services, call 404-377-5571, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., or visit decaturga.com/sanitation.
4 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020
Commission Passes Temporary Weekend Open Container Ordinance Effective October 30 through January 3 The Decatur City Commission passed a temporary ordinance in October that allows restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages in open containers within the boundaries of five business districts – Decatur Downtown Business District, Old Depot District, West Ponce Business District, East College Business District, and Oakhurst Business District. The temporary ordinance expires Sunday, January 3, at 1 a.m. The ordinance permits sales from 4 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday, and from 3 p.m. Saturday until 1 a.m. Sunday, every week. Patrons are permitted to sit outdoors and enjoy take-out, including alcoholic beverages in open containers from participating restaurants. Patrons must remain within the designated boundary of the district where the alcoholic beverages are purchased. Restaurants serve the alcoholic beverages only in approved and labeled neon-green “Keep It Indiecatur” stadium cups. Patrons 21 years of age or older will also wear approved neon green wristbands. Participating restaurants will post maps of their particular business district so that patrons are aware of the boundaries. Information may also be found on various social media channels and on signage placed around each district. For information contact Shirley Baylis, shirley.baylis@decaturga.com.
CITY News A Message from Commissioner Kelly Walsh
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s we approach eight months of living through a pandemic, it is clear that we are forever changed by this experience. Our city has had its own challenges and setbacks, but has also seized opportunities for growth and transformation even in the midst of uncertainty and extremely stressful conditions. While the calendar year is not over, now is a good time to take stock and ask ourselves, how are we doing and what have we accomplished since the world changed around us last March?
Reacting to a public health crisis: Our city was prepared and swift to react to the announcement of the pandemic, and promptly shut down businesses and schools. In fact, the city already had a pandemic plan that it has executed since the start of the crisis. City government quickly went virtual and streamlined services to keep operations running efficiently and safely for both employees and residents. We held our last in-person City Commission meeting on March 16 with only three Commissioners in attendance, to have a quorum and to ensure social distancing, as we handed emergency powers to the Mayor. Top priorities included maintaining service delivery while sheltering in place, keeping our seniors safe, and doing everything possible to flatten the curve. In July, we passed a comprehensive mask mandate, one of the first few cities in Georgia to do so. We are thankful for the concentration of scientists, researchers, physicians and health care workers in our community who have helped and continue to help us better understand and face this health crisis together. We have had less than 500 reported cases of COVID-19 in the 30030 zip code and consider it a testament to the power of public health measures embraced by an entire city and practiced with vigor.
Responding to racial injustice: As the shutdown stretched out and our spirits flagged, we were buffeted by the tragic news of the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd. Our community values demanded that we not stand for this, while at the same time we faced the truth that we must continue to battle racism and inequity in our own small city. As we confronted the harms of racist actions around us, our community pulled closer together to meet on the Square, have peaceful protests with thousands of people in our midst – and came out stronger on the other side. This momentum created a new climate of activism in which our city took the bold step to accelerate the removal of the Lost Cause Confederate Monument, to contribute $50,000 toward anti-racist teaching and education, and began to engender and promote public art throughout the city that speaks to Black Lives Matter, gives tribute to Representative John Lewis and elevates the value and importance of diversity here where we live. Leveraging resiliency in an economic crisis: As a public health crisis gave way to an economic one, the city undertook a quick and concerted effort to support our local businesses. The Decatur United project, with support from the Downtown Development Authority, Legacy Decatur and the generosity of so many residents, created a $550,000
business relief fund, activating it and distributing funds to local businesses by early June. Some businesses had not yet received PPP or were waiting on other federal relief programs, and Decatur offered a lifeline in a time of need to patch them through. As we move into fall there are some real bright spots. WeWork is opening as an anchor tenant in the AMLI building downtown. The all-virtual 2020 Decatur Book Festival was a huge success. Our restaurants and shops continue to adapt and change and serve us well. Planning for the future beyond the pandemic: A track record of financial health and conservative monetary decisionmaking helped the city maintain its AA+ bond rating and allowed for the refinancing of several bonds that will result in a total savings of more than $7 million. Although some cities are furloughing employees and cutting services, we are able to look to the future and plan for brighter days ahead. The City Commission continues to move forward on key policy measures such as passing an inclusionary housing ordinance. The Stormwater Master Plan is nearing its last phase and our 10-year strategic plan, Decatur 2030, is getting back on schedule. We plan to purchase the Samuel L. Jones Boys and Girls Club property, which will add an additional five acres of greenspace and community amenities for all residents to enjoy. Leading through adversity: I believe Decatur has been doing a great job of finding a common thread to hold onto while staying healthy and safe during the most challenging time we’ve known in generations. What’s getting us through? I think it’s our collective understanding that we are all in this together and that we need each other to thrive and survive. We are neighbors, we are friends, and we are Decatur. – Commissioner Kelly Walsh NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 5
CITY News
Decatur Holiday Events & Fab Fridays, too! Holiday Ornament Unveiling Nov. 5 Decatur will hold its annual Holiday Ornament Unveiling from the store window of Wild Oats and Billy Goats, 112 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. Two parking spaces will be closed off in front of Wild Oats so there will be room to safely remain socially distant. Ornaments will be on sale outside and inside the store. Follow @visitdecaturga social media channels for more details or email sherry.jackman@decaturga.com.
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Virtual Tree Lighting on Zoom Thursday, Dec. 10 • 7 p.m. Join Little Shop of Stories and City of Decatur for a virtual tree lighting on Zoom at 7 p.m. Grab some goodies and hot chocolate (holiday recipe provided) and hop on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. for story time with Santa. The event is free, but registration is required. To register, visit visitdecaturgeorgia.com/events. Nutella Hot Chocolate Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 2 Ingredients: 2 cups milk 1/3 cup chocolate hazelnut spread 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder, optional, for a stronger chocolate flavor Marshmallows or whipped cream for topping Instructions: Place all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, whisking until combined. Serve warm. Author: Allison, Celebrating Sweets
Order take-out treats from one of these local businesses: Butter & Cream Online orders: decatur.butterandcream.com/decatur-order-form/ Phone orders: 404-378-7272 24 hour advance notice for larger orders preferred (four or more individual items) Ice cream deliveries through Doordash and UberEats
Lenox Cupcakes
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Online orders: lenoxcupcakes.com Phone orders: 404-949-0409 Same-day ordering for same-day pick up or delivery
Piece of Cake, Inc. Online orders: pieceofcakeinc.com
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Streeteries Expanded Patios Pop-ups Curbside Storefronts Open-Air Market Deals
NOV. 20 • DEC. 4, 11, 18 decaturga.com/fabfriday
Get out of the house for holiday merriment and a safe and socially distanced good times! Wear your mask and join your neighbors for FAB Fridays. Shop and dine outside with some of Decatur’s favorite independent shops and restaurants at curbside storefronts and parking lot pop-ups around the city and at the openair market on the MARTA plaza. While out shopping, save your receipts! Shop For every $200 your lly loforca the holidays, spend with local City Earn $20 of Decatur retailers in s November through carestrd t atur gifto Dec aurants. December, the Decatur ipts! keep your rece Visitors Center will give you a $20 gift card to a local Decatur restaurant. (Limited to three cards per person.) Bring your receipts to the Visit Decatur tent on the square during any FAB Friday from 4-9 p.m. CEMBER 24 NOVEMBER 1-DE
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Greene’s Fine Foods Online orders: greenesfinefoods.com Phone orders: 404-378-2001
Bonfire Canceled for 2020 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and out of an abundance of caution, the Decatur Business Association’s Bonfire/Marshmallow Roast, previously scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 10, has been canceled. We will miss celebrating with the community and look forward to when we can come together for this and other outdoor events again. We look forward to bringing the Bonfire back in 2021. Mark your calendars for Dec. 9, 2021, and join us next year to roast marshmallows around the giant bonfire on the square. 6 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020
The first Fab Friday happened in September.
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PARADE ROUTE START at Fire Station One, 230 E. Trinity Pl. Right on W. Ponce de Leon Avenue CLAIREMONT ELEMENTARY Right on Sam’s Crossing Right on E. College Avenue DECATUR BELL ST. Left on S. Candler Street CEMETERY Right on Brower Street Right on Garland Avenue DECATUR Right COURTYARD on S.& McDonough Street HOTEL CONFERENCE Left on Oakview Road to END at 2nd Avenue CENTER
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park ride westchester Join us to seecove Santa through elementary town in a Decatur fire engine, spreading holiday cheer. Santa will travel all over town along several MO major streets. Remember to wear your mask and remain socially distant, while waiting for Santa to arrive. For more information, visit visitdecaturgeorgia.com/events.
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NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 7
CITY News
Decatur Walk & Roll Superstars The Pack family has discovered some of the silver linings of the pandemic. Instead of going their separate ways, Mom, Dad, three boys and one dog all stay home and go walking as a family. Every day. Together. It’s partially for exercise, partially for getting out of the house, and partially because they want to. The kids – and the dog – all know when it’s time to go, and they congregate around the door. Their ideal time is when all the schools have overlapping lunchtimes, but weekend mornings also work. Dad is a woodworker and in his “Garage Garden” he has built the desks and facilities needed for everyone to work from home. He even lost weight doing it. The unexpected silver lining is that the walks allow them to build community with neighbors they see out working in the yard as they pass by. Being forced to stay home takes them out into the world and connects them with more people.
DBA Seeks Thomas O. Davis Public Servant Award Nominations
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o you know a public servant who goes far beyond his/her job to strengthen our community, serve as a role model, and contribute to our community on an ongoing basis? The Decatur Business Association is calling for nominations for the 19th annual Thomas O. Davis Public Servant Award to honor a public servant – someone who often goes unnoticed in his/her work but serves as an inspiration and who exemplifies honesty, integrity and professionalism in the performance of duties. The public servant can work in any government sector as long as they serve in a non-elected capacity. The award is not limited to City of Decatur employees. The DBA established the award in memory of Thomas O. Davis, Decatur’s city attorney from 1968 until his death in 2000. Submit your nomination by writing a letter/statement explaining why the nominee should receive the award. The deadline for nominations is Nov. 20. Submit your nomination to leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or mail it to: City of Decatur, Davis Award, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031. 8 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020
Helping Our Neighbors This Holiday Season – It’s Not Too Late! There is still time to make the holiday season brighter for children and senior citizens in Decatur by participating in A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur. This year, more than ever, your assistance is needed to help provide holiday gifts. For this year only, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will have virtual giving. Donors are asked to provide monetary donations, rather than purchasing gifts. Traditionally, donors have spent $100 to $150 on gifts for a specific person. Your assistance in any amount will help us to purchase gift cards so parents may purchase winter coats and other necessities. We have also made arrangements for each child to receive a voucher for a book from Little Shop of Stories. You can also help provide actual gifts for our older residents by making a donation that will be used to order gifts that will be sent directly to the older resident. We are striving to make this a safe program this year for parents, children, donors, volunteers, and older residents. Go to legacydecatur.com/give and designate your donation to A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur. Legacy Decatur is a 501 (c) (3) registered charity. For additional information, email aseasonofgiving@decaturga.com or call 404-378-8068.
CITY News
Grove Street Mural Honors Georgia Congressman John Lewis
Decatur resident Margot Ecke created the Good and Necessary Trouble John Lewis mural on Grove Street in honor of the late Congressman John Lewis. For more than 20 years Lewis represented Georgia District 5, which included portions of Decatur. Mayor Patti Garrett and Commissioner Kelly Walsh attended a dedication ceremony with the artist.
Mayor Patti Garrett helped to unveil the new mural with artist Margot Ecke.
NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 9
CITY News Better Together Advisory Board and City of Decatur Present
Anti-Racism Speaker Series
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he Better Together Advisory Board and the City of Decatur are hosting an Anti-Racism Speaker Series designed to generate awareness of equity concerns and to hold the city accountable for meeting established goals and implementing policies to achieve the aspiration of being an inclusive, equitable and just city. While the board and the city are committed to addressing the injustices and inequities that creep into our practices and norms, we know this cannot be done without ongoing conversations with community members and experts focused on studying and resolving racism’s influence on governmental policies. With that in mind, the Anti-Racism Speaker Series will engage nationally renowned scholars, educators, and activists as they help us formulate a better approach for meeting the established goal of being an inclusive, equitable, and just city. The speaker series seeks to mine the knowledge and wisdom of numerous thought leaders to challenge and inspire our city to take actionable steps to instill anti-racism throughout our norms and practices. Each series consists of a set of presentations over five months and will conclude with a citywide event dedicated to exploring community-informed policy changes.
Goals: • Demonstrate a sustained commitment to incorporate anti-racism into Decatur’s planning and governance. • Leverage national and regional expertise to aid community members, organizations, and city officials in formulating strategies for combatting racism in policies, practices, and norms. • Create an easily accessible repository of anti-racism lectures and other educational materials. • Create a model for using national and regional experts to guide local decisionmaking for responding to other complex governance issues.
Speaker: Andra Gillespie Friday, Nov. 6 • 6-7:30 p.m. Andra Gillespie is an associate professor of Political Science and director of the James Weldon Johnson Institute at Emory University. She teaches classes on political participation, experimental methods, race and elections. She is also the author of The New Black Politician: Cory Booker, Newark and
Holiday Decorating Contest Coming Soon! The holiday season is here and that means it’s time to pull out your holiday decorations. Decorate your home or business in the colors and traditions of the season and enter the Holiday Decorating Contest. Submit a photo of your, or your neighbor’s, best decorations by Friday, Dec. 4, to Jackie Moore at Jacqueline.moore@decaturga.com to be entered in the contest. Be sure to include the name and address for the decorations in the email. Visit decaturga.com/decoratedecatur to vote for your favorite entry by Tuesday, Dec. 8. Winners will be posted on the Decatur Minute blog and the Decorate Decatur Facebook page. They will also receive special yard signs to display in their yards for the holidays. The Commissioners Cup will be presented to the winner at the Dec. 14 City Commission meeting. Formore information email Jackie Moorejacqueline.moore@decaturga.com. 10 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020
Post-Racial America and is the editor of and a contributor to Whose Black Politics? Cases in Post-Racial Black Leadership. The Urban Section of the American Political Science Association honored her as a 2009 Norton Long Fellow. She was a 2009-2010 Ford Foundation Diversity PostDoctoral Fellow in the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University and in 2011-2012, she served as a Martin Luther King Visiting Scholar in the Political Science Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She has appeared on local ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS and PBS affiliates as well as CNN, NPR and FamilyNet. Speaker: Tim Wise Thursday, Dec. 3 • 6-7:30 p.m. Tim Wise is among the most prominent antiracist writers and educators in the United States. He has spent the past 25 years speaking to audiences in all 50 states, on more than 1,000 college and high school campuses, at hundreds of professional and academic conferences, and to community groups across the country. He has trained corporate, government, entertainment, media, law enforcement, military and medical industry professionals on methods for dismantling racism in their institutions. Wise is the author of eight books, including his forthcoming Dispatches from the Race War (December 2020 from City Lights Books). Named one of “25 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World” by Utne Reader, Wise has contributed chapters or essays to more than 25 additional books and his writings are taught in colleges and universities across the nation. Visit decaturga.com/speakerseries to register and view recordings of past speakers.
CITY News Decatur Active Living Announces Mobile Rec Center, Outdoor Classes, and More Visit BeActiveDecatur.com to stay up to date with Decatur Active Living activities and announcements. Tai Chi Flow Saturday, 11 a.m. Legacy Park 500 S. Columbia Dr. (next to administration bldg.) This class explores the myriad possibilities to assure your Tai Chi form practice flows like water, and you maintains connectivity throughout. To register contact Steve Dorage, sdorage@mindspring.com or 404-617-0071. Beginning Tai Chi-Qigong Saturday, 9:30 a.m. Decatur Square A way to de-stress and regain health, balance and fitness. Contact Neil Norton for further information, 404-271-6526.
NEW! Mobile Rec Center Active Living staff is offering small group activity time in Decatur neighborhoods. Staff will re-introduce recreational games and activities such as hula hoops, corn hole, ladder toss, jump rope and hopscotch. Each game will follow social distancing guidelines. Hand sanitizer will be given to each participant and masks will be required. To find out when the Mobile Rec Center is coming to your neighborhood and to register, visit signupgenius.com/go/60B054EA4A62CAAFE3mobile. Limited to 10 children per visit. Wednesday Walking Group Is back! Decatur Recreation Center 231 Sycamore St. Meet Sara Holmes at 10 a.m. in front of the Decatur Recreation Center for a 2-3-mile walk around Decatur neighborhoods. Masks are required. Limited to 10 walkers. Register here: signupgenius.com/ go/8050E48A9AD2BAAFB6-decatur.
Basic Dog Obedience Training by Terri’s Training for Dogs and People Decatur Recreation Center Green Space 231 Sycamore St. Saturdays, Nov. 7, 14 and 21, 10-11 a.m. Three-week session, $84; register via decaturga.com/webtrac. Dogs must be at least six months old. Youth Karate Classes Wednesday 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. Decatur Recreation Center Green Space 231 Sycamore St. We are offering limited in-person classes with Sensei Adesi in our greenspace next to Decatur Recreation Center. Register on decaturga.com/webtrac. For more information contact portia.langley@decaturga.com.
The Solarium Hosts Community Blood Drive Nov. 7 Solarium Ballroom • 319 W. Hill St. The Community Center of South Decatur and the Solarium are partnering with LifeSouth for another community blood drive. The event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. All donors will receive a complimentary COVID19 antibody test, cholesterol screening and promotional gift with their donation. Visit donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/676757 to schedule your donation and help save the lives of people right here in our community.
Environmental Sustainability Board Hosts Webinar The Environmental Sustainability Board will host an online talk on climate change and health with Decatur resident and pediatrician Dr. Rebecca Philipsborn, on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. Dr. Philipsborn is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the Emory University School of Medicine and cares for children at Hughes Spalding Primary Care Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She is a founder of Georgia Clinicians for Climate Action (GCCA) and serves on its executive committee. GCCA is a coalition of health professionals and health organizations concerned about the impacts of climate change on Georgia residents, especially those in vulnerable populations. For more information and the Zoom link, visit earthdaydecatur. org/schedule. NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 11
CITY News Artway Adds New Sculptures in Oakhurst
Phase
Five sculptures selected for Phase 6 of the Decatur Artway have been installed around Oakhurst and will be displayed for two years. Five sculptures were installed around Downtown in 2019 during Phase 5. The Decatur Artway is a public arts initiative established by the Decatur Arts Alliance and the City of Decatur. Learn more about each work at decaturartsalliance.org.
The Trinity Series by Bob Doster (at Fire Station No. 2) By Rollin Karg (On East Lake Drive, south of Oakview Road)
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CITY News Better Together Advisory Board
Hunger and Homelessness
H
unger and Homelessness Awareness Week highlights two issues that our nation and our community must reckon with in a more serious way in the years ahead. Both issues, while complex, can be significantly improved – reducing the suffering of millions of our fellow Americans – through the choices we make, together. Here in the United States, more than 35 million people, including 10 million children, live in a world where there is significant uncertainty about having regular access to enough food to support a healthy life. With the onset of the pandemic, it is estimated that as many as 130 million more people around the world could be driven into food insecurity by December – meaning that a quarter of a billion people may experience ongoing hunger by the end of the year. Despite this need, it is estimated that in the United States alone, we throw away 80 billion pounds of food each year – the equivalent of 1,000 Empire State Buildings. Because the scope of the issue is so large, the issue of hunger has nearly incalculable costs: research suggests that hunger and food insecurity in our nation costs the U.S. economy $160 billion every year in health care costs alone. This number is conservative, and does not include the additional costs to educational outcomes, labor productivity, crime rates, and GDP. In a world that produces more than enough to feed everyone, the inequitable distribution of food through our current global economic system – due to poverty, globalized and centralized food systems, and more – is one of the main drivers of humanity’s significant imbalance when it comes to food. Similarly, homelessness was a significant problem in our nation, and in our world, before the pandemic. More than half a million people experience homelessness in our country each year. Of these, more than 170,000 are families with children, more than 37,000 are veterans, and more than 35,000 are unaccompanied youth. Homelessness is primarily concentrated in larger urban areas, particularly in California, New York, and Florida. In 2019, it was
14 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020
estimated that just over 10,400 people were homeless in Georgia. Since 2007, there has been an overall downward trend in homelessness in the United States, but in the past three years there has been an increase, with the expectation of more significant increases due to the COVID pandemic. Beyond the costs to the individual human beings who are suffering from not having adequate regular shelter, studies have shown that a chronically homeless person costs an average of more than $35,000 per year. In our nation, our response to the issue of homelessness is not based, as it is in other countries, on a rights-based approach – starting from the basic notion that shelter is a basic human right. Instead, the response is often focused more on responding to homelessness as it emerges, rather than in preventative approaches. With the holiday season upon us, the Better Together Advisory Board encourages the Decatur community to spend time learning with your families about these two important issues, and what we can do to reduce hunger and homelessness here at home, around the country, and around the world.
Little Shop of Stories offers the following selections to help young and not-so-young readers explore the multiple dimensions of both of these issues. Shelter by Céline Claire This picture book story delivers a message about the importance of kindness and generosity. With simple and evocative language, it explores how even small gestures can make a big difference to the strangers or “outsiders” in a community. The book provides an opportunity for discussions about being welcoming and helping others in need, including how children can put this into practice by reaching out to the new kid or the one who seems different. (Ages 4-8) Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate Winner of the Newbery Medal, Katherine Applegate delivers a story about family, friendship, and resilience. Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There’s no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again. Crenshaw is a cat. He’s large, he’s outspoken, and he’s imaginary. He has come back into Jackson’s life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything? (Ages 8-12) continued on page 15
CITY News Consider Planting Native Trees in Decatur
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he benefits of trees in cities are numerous and include reducing air temperature and pollution, decreasing urban noise and preventing soil erosion (which contributes to poor water quality). Native trees are best suited to our soils and usual temperatures, but due to the rising climate some diversity of species is recommended. Here are some great native and naturalized trees to consider: Large canopy American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) or Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba) Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) or Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) or Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) Medium canopy American Holly (Ilex opaca) or Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum) American Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) or Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) or Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) Small canopy Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina) or Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) Once you have chosen a tree or two, prepare to plant your trees. The planting season in our area is between Nov. 15 and March 1. Trees are partially dormant during this time so they are not putting energy into making
food through their leaves, but instead are putting energy into growing and strengthening their roots. If you are ready to dig a hole right now there are a few native plant sales going on, many of which are offering online ordering. Check out Trees Atlanta and the Chattahoochee Nature Center. The City of Decatur has a list of native trees that do well in our area and support native pollinators and wildlife. The city arborist has a tree planting guide available – email kay. evanovich@decaturga.com. Another way to make a difference is through Trees Atlanta NeighborWoods Program. Register your street at treesatlanta.org/ programs/treeplanting, and organize a small group to help plant. Trees Atlanta provides trees that are suitable for your street, support during planting and tree maintenance after trees are planted. Recently the City of Decatur joined other metro Atlanta cities and 10 nonprofit groups in a partnership to plant and conserve 1 million trees over the next 10 years in the metro area. To learn more about this program visit One Million Trees Initiative at treesatlanta. org/support-us/one-million-trees-initiative. Decatur is also partnering with Trees Atlanta to set up a front yard tree program. When this program starts residents can pay a $25 application fee and Trees Atlanta will plant a tree in their front yard. The tree will be maintained for two years by Trees Atlanta. This is a great way to replace the lost canopy from recent storms and past hurricanes.
Homeowners can choose from a list of suitable trees for our area. Watch for the upcoming announcement on the decaturminute.com for how to apply. There are a limited number of trees in the first year of the program and it will be first come, first served.
COD Tree Canopy Conservation Ordinance Administrative Standards Pruning and Maintenance Requirements Protected trees shall be maintained in a healthy and structurally sound condition by the owner. At a minimum, conserved trees shall be pruned to maintain public health and safety. After the establishment period, ongoing maintenance that includes mulching, clearance, structural and deadwood pruning, inspections and pest management as necessary is recommended to keep trees healthy and structurally sound. It shall be the duty of any person owning or occupying real property bordering on any street upon which property trees may exist to prune such trees in such a manner that they will not obstruct or shade the streetlights, obstruct the passage of pedestrians on sidewalks or vehicles on streets, obstruct vision of traffic signs, or obstruct views of any street or alley intersection. The minimum clearance of any overhanging portion thereof shall be 10 feet over sidewalks and 12 feet over all streets except truck thoroughfares, which shall have a clearance of 16 feet.
Hunger & Homelessness continued from page 14 Homecoming by Cynthia Voigt The Tillerman kids’ mother just left them one day in a car in a mall parking lot. Their father, too, had left them a long time ago. So, as usual, it was up to 13-year-old Dicey, the eldest of four, to take care of everything, make all the decisions, feed them, find places to sleep. But above all, Dicey would have
to make sure to avoid the authorities who would split them up and place them in foster homes. Deep down, she hoped they could find an adult they could trust, someone who would take them in and love them. (Ages 14+) Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond Desmond illuminates the connection between the stress of finding consistent housing, the long-term effects of discriminatory
housing laws and lending practices, and the ways in which both of these trap families in cycles of poverty. Award winning – and quite relevant to the pursuit of economic justice for those living in poverty and the working poor, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic. A repeat from September’s suggestions. NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 15
CITY News Open Burning in Decatur
Leaf It Be
Decatur Fire Rescue reminds Decatur residents to remain safe while keeping warm during the cooler months. Here are the city’s rules on open burning. • No person shall burn leaves, rubbish or trash of any kind. • No open burning unless people are cooking food, using items with flames such as kettles, blow torches, or portable heaters. • Recreational fires in commercially available chimineas or outdoor fireplaces are okay – if they are used according to their intended use, under the manufacturer’s recommendations, and have a chimney, screen, or other approved method to contain sparks. • Untreated wood, lumber, manufactured fire logs, or charcoal are the only substances permitted to be burned in chimineas or outdoor fireplaces. • Chimineas or outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated inside structures, on combustible surfaces or balconies, or within 25 feet of combustible construction. • Chimineas or outdoor fireplaces shall have a non-combustible surface underneath to catch sparks. • Aerial luminaries – such as sky lanterns, flying luminaries, floating lanterns and fire balloons – are prohibited.
Leaves left in your yard and garden provide many benefits. • Warmth and cover. Plants and animals benefit from protection from the cold. Decomposing leaves generate warmth, which beneficial organisms and animals living in your yard need to survive. • Feeds your lawn. When the leaves break down, tiny organisms return nutrients back to the soil. • Provides food. There is an entire food web that takes place under the leaves. Fungi and bacteria breakdown leaves, smaller organisms feed on them and the broken down leaves then become food for predators like salamanders, birds and frogs. • Butterfly helper. Butterflies will lay their eggs in leaves and will emerge in the spring. • Increases biodiversity. From bacteria and fungi to birds and amphibians, leaving leaves for shelter, nesting and food increases biodiversity in your yard. • Free mulch. Leaves deompose and return essential nutrients to the soil. They also help plants retain water and prevent soil runoff. You can mow the leaves that are on the grass into smaller pieces making them less obvious, or rake leaves off of your lawn into side beds or other areas to still provide benefits.
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NATALIE GREGORY & CO 404.373.0076 | 404.668.6621 | natalie.gregory@compass.com nataliegregory.com | @nataliegregoryandco Natalie Gregory is a real estate licensee affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.
CITY News Olive Branch Wellness Receives Brown Girl Jane Grant
O
live Branch Wellness Boutique recently received a $5,000 business grant from Brown Girl Jane. In August, Brown Girl Jane announced the #BrownGirlSwap $255k Grant Fund supporting Black women-owned businesses, in partnership with SheaMoisture and Vaseline. Thanks to votes from fellow Decatur business owners and business supporters, Olive Branch was selected from 100 applicants and 15 finalist to receive a grant. Congratulations to Olive Branch owner Ty Jenkins. Visit the shop at 123 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., or go to shoptheolive.com.
Carrick Counseling and Consulting Carrick Counseling and Consulting provides space for both parenting strategies and the child’s expression of emotions through play, and the emotional space necessary for teens and adults seeking clarity and peace. Licensed therapist and owner Christina Carrick specializes in anxiety, grief and loss, anger, behavioral difficulties, complex trauma, difficult life stressors and family dynamics. Virtual sessions, as well as inperson (with safety protocols) appointments are available for children, adolescents, and adults. Carrick is located at 108 Ponce De Leon Ave., Suite 205 (second floor, above Wild Oats and Billy Goats and Lenox Cupcakes). To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit carrickcounseling.com or email christina@carrickcounseling.com. Follow @carrickcounseling on Instagram or Facebook for mental health tips.
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BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News Core Dance Presents REEL ART: Speak, Outdoors and Distant Decatur’s Core Dance is using its Sycamore Street storefront as a screening room for REEL ART: Speak, a series of film and video works highlighting and magnifying the voices of Black and in-
digenous artists of color. The outdoor screenings can be viewed responsibly, recognizing social-distance guidelines. Speak is on view outside of the Core Dance studio, 133 Sycamore St.,
May Gray, June Gloom, Horatio Baltz
Veterans Day at Decatur Cemetery
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n light of the worldwide pandemic, Veterans Day 2020 at Decatur Cemetery will be unlike those of the past. The American Legion Auxiliary Harold Byrd Unit 66, along with American Legion Post 66 and the Friends of Decatur Cemetery, will gather, as is customary, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. In compliance with City of Decatur directives, attendees should wear masks and seating will be distanced around the Memorial Stone near the Church Street entrance. The time coincides with the Armistice that ended the Great War in 1918. To many at the time, it was considered “The War to End all Wars.” Then, as now, the world was facing a pandemic. A brief Memorial Service will commemorate men and women who served their country in both war and peacetime and earned their final rest in Decatur Cemetery. To comply with social distancing, the traditional placing of flags by volunteers on each veteran’s grave will be replaced with a display of flags at both the Commerce Drive and Church Street entrances.
18 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020
throughout the weekends until Nov. 15, starting at 7 p.m. each Friday night. For a list of works currently on view, visit coredance.org/reel-art.
That Old Black Magic, Zach Wolfe
BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News
Welcome to Decatur!
Virtual Alternative Gift Market Buy Holiday Gifts From Around the World Through NDPC
T
he annual Alternative Gift Market of North Decatur Presbyterian Church (NDPC) is going virtual for 2020. Copastors David Lewicki and Beth Waltemath invite you to purchase gifts from around the world from the convenience and safety of your own home by shopping online, directly from the websites of selected local and global vendors and humanitarian organizations. The 12 Days of Gifting will run Nov. 18-30 as NDPC highlights vendors and charities that shoppers have seen at the regular holiday market. Information and web links to vendors selling fair trade, environmentally sustainable and reasonably priced holiday gifts supporting refugees or disenfranchised populations will be provided through the NDPC website, ndpc.org/agm, and social media. Gifts for sale include items from Africa, Latin America, Asia, South America and the Middle East, as well as local products from emerging social entrepreneurs. NDPC also will provide links to websites where donations can be made in honor of or in memory of loved ones, such as buying cows through the Heifer Project, providing legal defense for detainees through El Refugio, supporting the Haiti EcoVillage School or sending a child to Peacemakers Camp.
Restaurant openings have been few and far between, but Ponko Chicken recently opened on Church Street, in the spot previoiusly occupied by Steel City Pops. Mayor Patti Garrett joined Shane Godfrey and Johnny Esposito on a sunny October Saturday for an official ribbon cutting. The restaurant grand opening featured live music and a socially distanced group of diners and well-wishers.
NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 19
BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News Veterans Day at Saint Thomas More Catholic School
S
aint Thomas More Catholic School will honor our nation’s veterans beginning Nov. 4 and concluding with a Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 11. Students have collected and displayed photos of veterans on the school bulletin board and will sell flags displayed on the front lawn of the church (beginning Nov. 4). The proceeds from this flag sale will raise money for Spikes K9 Fund, spikesk9fund.org. In November, the entire school will participate in an online program, during which all servicemen and women and veterans affiliated with the school or church will be invited to join the students online to honor them.
Glennwood Estates Works to Restore and Preserve Arborist Neil Norton and the Glennwood Estates Neighborhood Association spearheaded two COVID-safe workdays Oct. 10-11 to preserve and restore the Glenn Creek Nature Preserve. Organizers selected the weekend in part to commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day on October 12. Throughout the weekend, dozens of neighbors, ages 7 to 60+, following COVID guidelines, volunteered their time trail-building, mulching and removing non-piedmont vegetation. A number of DHS students, including Scouts from Troop 134 at Decatur Baptist Church, took time out to help, including Conor Burby and Daniel Stadler who assisted with leadership oversight. There is a rich history to the Preserve and its relationship to the Glennwood Estates neighborhood. To learn more visit glennwoodestates.org/about/glenn-creek-nature-preserve. To learn more about this two-acre preserve of native piedmont habitat and how you can get involved go to arboratlanta.org/glenncreek/ index.html.
Searching for Home Art Exhibition open 10 am to 4 pm through November Dana Fine Arts Building, Dalton Gallery 141 East College Ave. We have all searched for home. Some are fortunate enough to have found it, while for others it is a lifelong quest. The search may be a physical progress or a journey of the spirit; the seeking may be voluntary or forced; tragic or hopeful. The goal is a better life and safety for ourselves and our families – the security of home. . The exhibition, made possible by the Margaret Virginia Philip Art Endowment Fund, will be available virtually and in person by appointment. To experience the show virtually, check the gallery’s website at daltongallery.agnesscott.org. To make an appoinutment to see the show in person, go to eventbrite.com and search for “Searching for Home.” 20 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020
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BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News Local Companies and Nonprofits Step Up to Support Decatur Education Foundation Decatur Education Foundation was established in 2002 to solve the challenges Decatur kids face that prevent them from learning and thriving. Throughout the years, local companies, families and individuals have pledged their support to help DEF tackle some of the biggest issues facing our kids – racial and economic inequity, food insecurity, behavioral health and currently virtual learning due to Covid-19. In 2019, DEF debuted its Step Up Circle as a way to honor donors who have pledged their continued commitment to supporting DEF’s mission. During a year in which every family and every industry has been tested in some way, DEF is pleased to announce that as of Oct. 1, businesses, families and individuals have stepped up once again to make sure that all of Decatur’s kids have the support they need during this challenging time. If you or your organization would like to become a Step Up Circle supporter, you can learn more at decatureducationfoundation.org/ stepup or email leah@decatureducationfoundation.org.
2020-2021 Step Up Circle Members (As of October 1, 2020) $10,000+ Townley Kenton
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SCHOOL News
Saint Thomas More Catholic School Offers Virtual Open Houses Nov. 17, 9:30 a.m., and Jan. 6, 6:30 p.m. Virtual Kindergarten Q&A on Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m. Saint Thomas More Catholic School, at the intersection of W. Ponce de Leon Avenue and W. Trinity Place, invites parents of prospective students to the Virtual Open House and Kindergarten Q&A opportunities. Participants can meet faculty, hear from students and parents, and learn how academic excellence, service, and faith are the heart of the school. For more information and to register, visit stmga.org.
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