YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD TREE SERVICE.
Tree Care Tips
• Check for Hazardous Trees: Winter storms can bring down weak trees or limbs. Inspect for dead branches, leaning trunks, or decay. Call an arborist if unsure.
• Prune for Safety & Health: Late winter pruning strengthens trees and prevents disease. Remove weak or overgrown branches to promote healthy spring growth.
• Mulch & Protect Roots: Add mulch around the base (but not against the trunk) to insulate roots, retain moisture, and prevent soil erosion.
• Plan for Spring Planting: Now is the time to choose native trees and schedule early spring planting for the best start.
• Watch for Pests & Disease: Even in winter, pests and fungal infections can threaten trees. Look for holes, sap oozing, or discolored leaves. Early action can save a tree!
Community Impact
Community Impact is more than a buzzword; it’s the fabric of Decatur. This month, we celebrate the individuals and organizations investing in our community and making a tangible difference. When passion meets purpose, incredible things happen. Whether through time, resources, or ideas, every investment creates ripples of change that strengthen us all.
Take Decatur Makers, a haven where creativity meets problem-solving. More than a makerspace, it’s a hub of ingenuity where partnerships turn ideas into contributions. From welding workshops to supporting adaptive equipment for veterans, this community of tinkerers proves that making isn’t just about what you create— it’s about what you build in the world around you.
Live Thrive and CHaRM DeKalb started with one woman’s need to dispose of hazardous waste responsibly. That simple need has evolved into a movement, providing transparent recycling solutions and educating thousands on sustainability. Small actions can lead to systemic change.
For pet lovers, Canine PhD strengthens the bond between dogs and their humans through compassionate, science-backed training. Their work goes beyond obedience, fostering trust and communication that enriches lives. Investing in education and training ensures a better quality of life for pets and owners alike.
At Fleet Feet Decatur, community isn’t just about running—it’s about connection. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a beginner, their run club offers camaraderie and support. And through partnerships like EcoSneakers, they show that every mile run can also make a difference for the planet. Investing in movement, health, and sustainability creates a foundation for long-term community well-being.
Finally, Green Office is reimagining business and leisure. More than a place to perfect your golf swing, it’s a space where connections thrive and opportunities grow. Founder CM Milien has made the tradition of business on the golf course more inclusive, ensuring that access and community are at the heart of every swing. Investing in inclusive spaces means investing in a more connected, innovative future.
These stories remind us that impact isn’t measured in grand gestures but in the steady, daily work of those who show up ready to invest, collaborate, and innovate. We hope they inspire you to find your own way to contribute—because in Decatur, the future is built together.
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Caroline Ficken | caroline.ficken@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Natalie Fox | natalie.fox@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Brooke Felder | brooke.felder@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Grace Boudreau | grace.boudreau@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Natalie Fox, Josh Cornwall, Brooke Felder, Brandon Malcolm
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Connelly Crowe, Ben May
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
CAROLINE FICKEN, PUBLISHER
Create, Innovate, and Collaborate with Decatur Makers
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CHaRMed New Life
Turning waste into action, CHaRM DeKalb is reshaping recycling through education, transparency, and community engagement.
Find Your Perfect Fit Enjoy
TACKLING YOUR TOUGHEST HOME RESTORATION PROJECTS
Advocating for and guiding you throughout the
Supporting
business monthly
Downtown Holistic and Wellness Businesses Invite You to Connect
The Peaceful Place and partnering downtown holistic/wellness-focused businesses are inviting everyone in the community to join us for informative and interactive experiences, tours of our beautiful spaces, and ways to meet the incredible people helping this health-conscious community heal and thrive. Familyfriendly fun open to everyone on April 26 from 10 AM to 3 PM. Partnering Providers: The Peaceful Place, Clarity Fitness, Grounded Wellbeing, Orozco Nutrition, Intown Retreat, Kemper Pelvic Physiotherapy.
Parker's on Ponce's Easter Brunch
Don’t miss out on our annual Easter Brunch at Parker’s on Ponce! Indulge in our exquisite carving station, enjoy a delightful selection of classic breakfast and lunch items, and satisfy your sweet tooth with an amazing array of desserts. Make your reservations now to ensure you and your loved ones have a memorable celebration!
(R)Evolution's Mike Kelleher Recognized
Mike Kelleher, MMS, PA-C, is a leader in non-surgical cosmetic medicine and the visionary behind (R) Evolution Med Spa in Decatur, GA. A former U.S. Army combat medic and Emory-trained PA, he has over 30 years of experience. Mike pioneers cutting-edge, science-backed treatments, including Georgia’s first EndoLift and LightScan Fractional Laser. Committed to “Positive Aging,” he helps patients achieve natural, confident results. His practice has won multiple awards, including Best Med Spa in Decatur.
Photography by Jonathan Wade
CREATE, INNOVATE, AND COLLABORATE with Decatur Makers
A FAMILY-FRIENDLY MAKERSPACE OVERFLOWING WITH SUPPORT, EXPERIMENTATION, AND HIGH-TECH TOYS.
ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNELLY CROWE
Decatur Makers is where you go to figure out how to make almost anything. Their membership includes access to a wood shop, laser cutters, 3D printers, welding materials, and more. There’s an electric shop where you can find ways to make something move, go, or light up. The arts and crafts area is perfect for textile work, while their Open Build Nights allow anyone to come in and make something they’ve dreamt up. Resources and helpers are always available, even via their virtual Slack channel. Volunteer-led and professionally supported, the community hub comprises over 600 members who love to tinker, build, and creatively problem-solve.
Founded by a group of parents whose children were on the school robotics team, Decatur Makers has expanded its reach from every angle. In addition to their exponential membership growth, the community partnerships are wide-reaching and lovingly impactful. They recently hosted an “Intro to Welding” workshop with The Shepherd Center, built birdhouses for Wild Nest Bird Rehab, consistently make looms for PaintLove, and are about to begin constructing a play place at Waller’s Coffee Shop alongside Compassionate Atlanta. Utilizing creativity and innovation to positively influence the mental well-being of everyone they come in contact with is a top priority. One of their newer collaborations is with Cherney’s Journeys; they’ll assist founder, Matt Cherney, in developing adaptive equipment for veterans in wheelchairs to use on high adventure explorations.
Sights are set on expanding their space, forging even more partnerships, and contributing as much as possible to the residents of Decatur - all while maintaining affordability and accessibility. The all-access membership fee is $35 a month and there’s even a volunteer membership program that is free as long as you chip in every so often with your expertise or willingness to tidy up. It’s easy to be a part of Decatur Makers, and that’s not changing. One of the only kid-friendly makerspaces in the state, this vibrant community is filled with a wide range of ages, talents, and skill levels. It’s an important place to so many people and they are dedicated to ensuring there aren’t any financial barriers.
As they work to expand the space, they want to continue welcoming in more and more people. As Executive Director Kalia Morrison assures me, “Everyone is a maker - a lot of people just don’t know it yet.”
“People have dreams, and they come here and figure out how to make those dreams come true.”
Decatur Makers is a place where it’s okay to fail. Experimentation and innovation are the cornerstones of creativity, and this hub engenders resilience for all. By building a skillset that includes imagining new ways to achieve an end result, a ripple effect is caused, enhancing one’s emotional intelligence. Honing the ability to be okay with failure, accept it, and then switch gears to try another way enhances adaptability and versatility. This sense of mental flow helps one stay open to connection, and the ability to give and receive help is heightened. “Making an art project and a real-life crisis both relate to how you perceive and react,” Morrison says. She’s seen the proof firsthand. Last year, they sent out mental well-being surveys to their members, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. This safe space, filled to the brim with makers of all ages working together to figure out projects brings immense comfort and stability. The community itself is giving not only with their creative ideas; they have shown up time and time again for donations of all kinds. The makers have donated backpacks and feminine hygiene supplies to City Schools of Decatur while keeping the food pantry outside fully stocked. Generosity flows creatively, socially, and scientificallyDecatur Makers encourages the artisan in us all.
CHaRMed
New Life
ARTICLE BY JOSH CORNWALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE FICKEN
Turning waste into action, CHaRM DeKalb is reshaping recycling through education, transparency, and community engagement.
When Peggy Whitlow Ratcliffe founded Live Thrive, she wasn’t setting out to start a movement—she just needed a place to dispose of old pesticides from her father’s garden. But when she discovered there were no municipal solutions for hazardous waste disposal in Atlanta, she realized she wasn’t alone.
“That first event in 2010, I thought would be the end of the conversation,” she said. “Instead, a thousand people showed up.”
What started as pop-up hazardous waste collection events quickly grew into something much bigger. Live Thrive launched the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) in Atlanta, a permanent facility designed to give residents a
responsible way to dispose of hazardous and hard-to-recycle materials, from paint to electronics. But even with the success of the original location, demand remained high.
With the support of DeKalb County officials and environmental advocates, Whitlow Ratcliffe and her team opened CHaRM DeKalb in June 2024. The facility, already drawing thousands of visitors, provides an accessible and transparent recycling option in a region where trust in recycling programs is often low.
“People come here because they don’t believe their recycling is actually getting processed,” Whitlow Ratcliffe said. “Transparency is everything. If we take something, we make sure it has a home.”
CHaRM DeKalb doesn’t just accept materials, either. It educates the greater community about sustainable habits, both big and small. Program Manager Emma Dufresne emphasizes that seeing the process firsthand can be transformative.
“People want to do the right thing, but they need to know why it matters,” Dufresne said. “When they watch something like Styrofoam get densified into a reusable material, it clicks.”
Education is at the heart of CHaRM’s mission. The center hosts school field trips, community tours, and corporate volunteer days to engage people of all ages. Events like Kids Day introduce children to sustainability in a hands-on way, while the Corporate Challenge encourages businesses to step up their recycling efforts.
Live Thrive also reminds residents that recycling isn’t just about the environment—it’s about the economy, too. Georgia ranks second in the nation for remanufacturing recycled materials, supporting over 120 businesses that depend on sustainable waste streams.
“When we explain how recycling supports Georgia’s economy—it changes the conversation,” Whitlow Ratcliffe said.
Ready to make a difference in your community? Visit ChaRM DeKalb to learn how to recycle properly and join a collective working toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. Join the movement in person at Kids Day on April 26th! https://www.livethrive.org/kids-day/
“PEOPLE WANT TO DO THE RIGHT THING, BUT THEY NEED TO KNOW WHY IT MATTERS,”
PROGRAM MANAGER
EMMA DUFRESNE SAID. “WHEN THEY WATCH SOMETHING LIKE STYROFOAM GET DENSIFIED INTO A REUSABLE MATERIAL, IT CLICKS.”
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TAILSOFTRA NSFORMATION
For pet parents seeking effective, evidence-based dog training solutions, Canine PhD in Decatur stands out as a beacon of excellence.
Born of a passion to help shelter and care for homeless dogs, Owner and Lead Dog Trainer, Meredith Minkin, founded Canine PhD in 2008. She started teaching classes in a parking lot in Inman Park. Canine PhD has now grown into a comprehensive training facility that offers a range of services to cater to every dog’s needs. "We really focus on the dog-human relationship. It's not just about the human nor just about the dog, but how you work as a team,” explained Sarah Currier, one of the facility’s Certified Professional Dog Trainers.
At Canine PhD, training is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you have a puppy needing basic life skills or a dog struggling with challenging behavior issues, their team is equipped to handle it all.
“We do everything from puppy basics to complicated behavior cases like human-directed aggression, dog aggression, resource guarding, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, and more," explained Minkin.
From Ruff to Refined: How Canine PhD can train your furry friend into a next-level pup.
ARTICLE BY BROOKE FELDER
They also train service dogs specializing in hearing assistance dogs, medical alert dogs, mobility assistant dogs, and psychiatric service dogs.
What sets Canine PhD apart is their philosophy: “Do no harm”. That includes staying apprised of the latest scientific understanding of dog behavior. Minkin emphasizes the importance of staying at the forefront of ethical dog training through continued education, often sending her trainers to workshops, conferences, and seminars across the country. “We take time away from the facility to learn about the newest training techniques used by leading scientists, veterinary behaviorists, certified applied animals, behaviorists, and trainers,” said Sarah Currier.
The team also employs the LIMA approach, “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive”. This minimally aversive strategy utilizes humane and effective tactics that achieve a training or behavior change objective. This means no fear, intimidation or conflict during the dog’s learning process. The team works collaboratively to meet every dog’s needs. "Our team really works well together,” explained Currier, “Our collaborative approach allows us to provide holistic care for the dog-human relationship.”
Beyond basic life skills and reactivity training, Canine PhD offers performance-based work such as agility, nose work, swimming, dock diving, and more. The facility also has board-and-train programs and day training programs to accelerate dogs’ learning in their own environment.
The passion for dogs and their owners is at the heart of every service provided by Canine PhD. It is certainly the case for Practice Manager Michael Malone who says, “We love dogs here, and we get to work with wonderful clients too.” This deep connection between the trainers and the dogs they work with creates an environment where both dogs and owners thrive. Whether you’re looking to improve your dog’s behavior or want to try something fun like swimming lessons, Canine PhD is where every dog can reach their full potential.
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Find Your Perfect Fit
Enjoy pain-free movement and a community clubhouse feel at Fleet Feet Decatur.
Brandy Madson fell into running on a bit of a fluke. She spontaneously signed up with three friends for a half marathon, and then they each dropped out one by one; Madson, demonstrating her steadfast resolve, stayed committed. Completely new to long-distance running, she serendipitously saw a mutual friend she knew was a runner at the grocery store. After asking for advice on training, she was invited to run with her group, with the assurance that they would help. Her first run with this handful of women, in the early morning hours, was a turning point. They were all faster than her and she was barely holding on, but Madson got a taste of the sacred nature of the sport. Not only did she not give up, but she completed the half marathon and continued to run with them for five years before moving away. This determination and discipline, amplified by running alongside a supportive community, is exemplified at Fleet Feet Decatur.
Their run club meets three times a week, welcoming new faces each session, alongside others who have been running together for over seventeen years.
“Sometimes, whenever you’re struggling mentally or emotionally, physically matching that feeling helps,” Madson explains.
ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN MAY
Long distance runs serve as a teacher, as you learn over and over again: I can suffer and be okay. This character and esteem building comes alongside a built-in social network. The Decatur running scene is diverse in age, ability, gender, and race. Running is a commonality that bonds people; chatting to distract yourself through physical trials and then the endorphins that follow solidify friendships. At Fleet Feet Decatur’s robust run club, you are guaranteed to get faster while finding community and accountability. They also offer training programs, allowing you to hone in on your goals with intentionality and direct guidance.
The store isn’t only for runners, as perfectly fitted shoes can be life-changing for many people. Decatur residents who work in emergency rooms, grocery stores, restaurants, and schools have found exponential relief in their fit process. When once daily pain evaporates, everyday life is much more enjoyable. Fleet Feet Decatur utilizes a three-pronged approach: interview, fit id, and pressure plates.
The interview hones in on the shoe’s purpose, one’s current goals, and any recurring aches and pains. The fit id static scanner takes sixteen measurements of your foot, developing a virtual 3D model, and walking along the pressure plate will outline your motion path. With all this data, they narrow down the expansive shoe selection into (typically) three options for you to try. If you don’t like how your purchase fits, feels, or performs, there’s a 30-day return policy. Anything you could ever need for running seems to exist on the walls and displays of the store. From storage solutions and nutrition to high-tech headphones and specialty socks, your every running need can be met in one place.
Fleet Feet Decatur serves the community in another way: sustainability. Partners with local Atlanta company, EcoSneakers, you can drop your shoes off here to rehome or recycle. If they aren’t in a condition to donate, they are sanitized, placed in a grinder, and used as stuffing for stadium seats, pet beds, and even sustainable stuffed animals. Many people drop by the store simply to donate their old running shoes. This sustainability story works to decrease their environmental impact while positively contributing to greater Atlanta. The store was recently awarded #2 for its culture, community involvement, and reviews. Store Manager Max Heaberlin runs a diverse team of high school students, retirees, and all ages in between. Here, everyone is welcomed in with warmth and earnest encouragement. It’s become a haven for so many, serving as a space that supports your unique goals and physical needs. Step into Fleet Feet Decatur for the perfectly fitted shoes, and stay for the fast friendships and stress-relieving self-care.
“Fore” Business
GREEN OFFICE IS A NEW GATHERING SPACE FOR GOLF LOVERS.
ARTICLE BY BRANDON MALCOLM PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNELLY CROWE
When you ask Corinne “CM” Milien what she does, she’ll tell you she’s a “people plug”.
“I try to be a resource for as many people as possible,” she says.
Founder of WRK boutique human capital firm, CM centers her work around building connections and helping businesses and individuals tap into their full potential through leadership coaching and future-minded planning. CM’s passion for people and community combines her lifelong love of golf to create her new community-centered co-working and practice space: Green Office.
“I was spending a lot of time thinking about golf, but not a lot of time playing it,” explains Milien. “I realized I could make myself more available to the people I serve if I brought golf to me.”
The result is a unique space designed with the working golfer in mind. Two state-of-the-art simulators allow guests of Green Office to practice their game virtually on a driving range or hundreds of world-class courses. Green Office is meant to provide a place where those passionate about golf can not only work on their game but also make meaningful connections with others in the community with shared goals and ambitions.
“I wanted to create a place where I can serve people in a new way,” says CM about her new space. “At the end of the day, I’m about community. Business happens on the golf course, so I’m making the golf course more accessible to the people of Decatur.”
Day passes and monthly memberships are available to individuals or organizations looking for a unique perk for their team. Whether you’re looking for a place to reimagine business meetings, hone your game with legendary LPGA master instructor Oneda Castillo, or just hit a few balls after work, Green Office offers a new experience for golfers of all levels.
Corrine “CM” Milien
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAYS
Oakhurst Jazz Nights
The Solarium | 7:00 PM
Jazz lovers, head to Oakhurst on Thursday evenings in April! Picnic at sunset outside the Solarium and enjoy a free outdoor concert on the lawn from 7-9 pm. Concerts are free and open to the public. Remember to bring a blanket -- no high-back chairs!
APRIL 24TH
Spring Sake Tasting
Kelly’s Market | 6:00 PM
Experience Japan through a curated Sake Tasting! Join Luxury Travel Advisor Erin Camin of Brilliant Escapes for a journey through Japan’s finest regions—no passport needed. Sip, savor, and enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms from Decatur. Tickets available at kellysmarketdecatur.com
APRIL 25TH - 27TH
Furnish with Love’s Spring Pop-Up Sale
Furnish with Love, 508 E. Howard Avenue, Decatur, GA | 9:00 AM
Furnish with Love’s annual Spring Pop-Up Sale is happening in April! Join us for our popular fundraiser, April 25 - 27. Shop for generously donated designer furniture, home decor and gifts. We'll have designer samples that we’re selling at deeply discounted prices. 100% of the profits support our mission of helping families transition out of homelessness. www.furnishwithlove.org Instagram: @furnish.with.love
APRIL 26TH
Downtown Decatur Holistic Health Open House
Downtown Decatur | 10:00 AM
Meet your holistic health and wellness community in the heart of downtown Decatur on an interactive walking tour of six innovative groups from 10am to 3pm. Engaging experiences, insightful learning, and fun for the whole family with raffle prizes and promos. Partnering providers: The Peaceful Place, Clarity Fitness, Grounded Wellbeing, Orozco Nutrition, Intown Retreat, Kemper Pelvic Physiotherapy.
MAY 2ND - 4TH
Historic Druid Hills Home & Garden Tour
Historic Druid Hills | 10:00 AM
As the longest-running home tour in Atlanta, the Historic Druid Hills Home & Garden Tour has showcased many stunning homes and landscapes over the years. Brought to you by the Druid Hills Civic Association and organized by an army of volunteers, it is the one Atlanta home tour you don't want to miss. Purchase tickets at druidhillstour.org
MAY 3RD - 4TH
Decatur Arts Festival
Downtown Decatur | 10:00 AM
Celebrate the arts in Decatur with a weekend full of creativity! Enjoy 130+ artist booths, over 200 performances, a Fine Arts Exhibition, and the vibrant ArtWalk Friday evening. Bring the kids to Kids Fest, explore the Artists Market, and grab a drink in Decatur’s open-container zone. Don’t miss this dynamic showcase of art, music, theater, and more!
