With Gratitude
November is a natural time to reflect on the themes of gratitude and generosity. Decatur City Lifestyle wants to acknowledge the people and organizations that enrich our community, not only during the Giving Season but all year round.
Our cover story highlights Furnish with Love, a Decatur-based nonprofit whose work restores more than just furniture to families transitioning out of homelessness. Their mission is a reminder that true transformation starts when we provide others with the resources to feel at home in their own lives.
Core Dance has been a cornerstone of Decatur’s arts community, creating moments of connection through movement. Celebrating its 45th season, Core Dance is more than a performance company—it’s a place where artists are empowered to express truth, push boundaries, and foster empathy.
This issue also invites you to Parker’s on Ponce, where brothers John-Thomas and Christopher Scott have spent over 16 years crafting a neighborhood steakhouse that blends familial warmth with fine dining. The Scott brothers have built their restaurant not just on great food, but on the belief that shared meals bring us closer together. Their dedication to local partnerships and sustainability speaks to their deep-rooted love for this community.
And finally, we celebrate the work of the Decatur Education Foundation (DEF), whose commitment to removing barriers to education impacts every corner of our city. DEF goes beyond the classroom to ensure every child has the tools and support they need to succeed.
As you dive into these stories, I hope you feel as inspired as I do by the sense of purpose and generosity that runs through each one.
In a world that moves so quickly, especially this time of year, our publication strives to be slow, intentional, and a reminder that giving back is at the core of who we are as a community. This season, let’s carry forward that spirit of gratitude—not just in our words, but in our actions.
We are grateful for you, our readers, and our partners for supporting local stories and for the ways you help build this vibrant, caring community.
May your November be filled with moments of thankfulness, connection, and warmth.
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Caroline Ficken | caroline.ficken@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Natalie Fox | natalie.fox@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Josh Cornwall, Brandon Malcolm
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jonathan Wade, Matt Boggs, John Wachs
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
Simmons Vet Introducing Pet Plans
DEF’s annual fall FUNdraiser is back! Join us on Thursday, November 14th at
The Chapel on Sycamore for a fun (and delicious!) evening in support of our kids!
Supper & Sips raises crucial funds for DEF programs that help ensure Decatur students have what they need to learn and thrive. Get your tickets for the Supper today!
On sale now at www.defsupper.com. For sponsorship opportunities, email Meagan@DecaturEducationFoundation.org.
decatureducationfoundation.org | info@decatureducationfoundation.org 404.377.0641 | b Decatur Education Foundation | v @decatureducationfoundation
Futures
Soul-Stirring Artistic Movement
A Family Affair
Breaking Down Barriers for Decatur
CY HUME, CFSP President & Co-Owner Funeral Director
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Kelly's Market + Brilliant Escapes launch Traveling Wine Tasting Event
Indulge in a curated selection of wines from around the globe, expertly paired with local bites. Erin Camin of Brilliant Escapes leads a wine-tasting event like no other! Sip, savor, and explore new flavors while learning about exciting wine destinations. A perfect evening for wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Mark your Calendars for November 21st. Event information and tickets are available at kellysmarketdecatur.com
Decatur Education Foundation's Fall Fundraiser Supper + Sips
DEF’s annual fall FUNdraiser is back! Join us on Thursday, November 14th at The Chapel on Sycamore for a fun (and delicious!) evening in support of our kids! Supper & Sips raises crucial funds for DEF programs that help ensure Decatur students have what they need to learn and thrive. Get your tickets for the Supper today! Tickets can be purchased at www.decatureducationfoundation.org/defsupper
Parker’s on Ponce Celebrates 16 Years
Parker’s On Ponce is celebrating 16 years with a week of specials from November 18th-24th! Enjoy a 3-course prix fixe menu for $50 on Monday, $30 off your $60 purchase on Tuesday, half-priced wine on Wednesday, and a dinner for two for $120 on Thursday. Friday offers a free drink with Parker’s Buffalo Trace bourbon, and on Saturday, bring the family for 20% off dinner. Sunday wraps up with a 16 oz. Prime Rib for $30. Reservations recommended!
Psychotherapy & Holistic Health
Where compassion, mindfulness, and creativity meet evidenced-based practice.
Counseling l Art Therapy l Mindfulness Practices l EMDR Neurofeedback & Brain Mapping l Ketamine Assisted Therapy Holistic Prehabilitation & Complete Lifestyle Coaching
Contact Us Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation.
thepeacefulplacellc.com | 404.491.7751 116 E Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
B thepeacefulplacedecatur
EVERY HOME DESERVES TO BE A PLACE OF WARMTH, SAFETY, AND DIGNITY.
Furnishing
Futures
ARTICLE BY JOSH CORNWALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN WADE
Warmth, safety, and dignity are the ideals that propel Furnish with Love, a Decatur-based nonprofit founded by Kathleen Kelly. The organization offers families coming out of homelessness a new lease on life by providing them with furniture and professionally designed spaces that work for their lifestyles. With each thoughtfully designed room, Furnish with Love is restoring hope and helping families imagine a brighter future.
Kelly’s journey to starting Furnish with Love is rooted in her passion for both service and design. “My background is in nonprofit management, and I’ve worked with a variety of other organizations,” Kelly shares. “I actually worked for a similar nonprofit that was based in another city. I managed an Atlanta chapter that they opened for a short stint; and, when they closed it, I decided to start an Atlanta-based version. This type of program does exist in many different US cities under many different names. And I thought to myself, ‘This is brilliant. Why not bring it to Atlanta?’”
With her experience and belief in equity, Kelly knew that this concept—transforming spaces for families who had endured hardships—was precisely what her city needed. But despite her passion for the cause, Kelly is quick to admit she’s not a designer herself. “I love design, although I don’t have any creative talents in it,” she says with a laugh and pausing. “But I am an organizer, and I can organize people who do have the talent. I reached out to people in Atlanta’s vast design community and asked, ‘What do you all think about starting something like this here?’”
The response was overwhelmingly positive.
“Atlanta has AmericasMart and ADAC, two of the biggest sources for furniture in the U.S., and the design community here is huge, so it felt like a natural fit,” Kelly explains.
But first, Furnish with Love needed a place to live itself. Tapping into her knack for creative solutions and organization, Kelly found a solution that required some thinking outside the box.
“My husband and I have lived in Decatur since 2001,” Kelly says. “While I was looking for a space for Furnish with Love, he was looking for a new space for his law firm. Coincidentally, we both stumbled upon the same place.” Kelly recalls the moment her husband called with excitement. “He called me with a real estate agent and said, ‘I’ve found this great place.’ And I said, ‘We need to do this together.’”
photo by Ellen Walton
The result is a beautifully functional shared space in Decatur where Furnish with Love and her husband’s firm coexist, benefiting both organizations.
At the core of Furnish with Love is its unwavering mission: transforming spaces for families transitioning out of homelessness. Kelly is deeply intentional about the wording of that mission statement. “We thought carefully about the words—families, children, functional, dignified, beautiful. We believe strongly that every family should experience dignity in their home, which is why we provide new sheets, towels, and functional items, like desks for kids, places for family meals, and the essentials—from forks to headboards.”
Adhering to the mission has enabled Kelly and her team of volunteers to complete nearly 50 homes, a mark she could have only dreamed of when she first started the non-profit.
Many of the families served by Furnish with Love are survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking, making the organization’s work all the more impactful. “When we meet them, they often have very little,” Kelly explains. “It’s hard to live in those conditions, so we focus on making their homes not just pretty but functional and dignified.”
When families return for reveals after a six-hour whirlwind of transformation, it often is deeply emotional for everyone involved. “One woman told me, ‘You took my brain and put it on the walls.’ That’s the kind of connection we strive for. We want to make their space feel like a home.”
While the work is rewarding, Kelly is transparent about the challenges. They could always use more inventory and more hands. Furnish with Love also relies heavily on twice-a-year pop-up sales, which allows them to keep supporting their mission. The next one, scheduled for November 15-17, is one of Kelly’s favorite events.
“The community really comes out for it,” she says. “We have everything from furniture to holiday decor. It’s fun, and it supports our work.”
The vision for Furnish with Love is clear: to create functional, beautiful, and dignified homes for families who need them most. “It’s about creating a space where these families can feel safe and inspired,” she says.
As they quickly approach the next milestone of families helped, Kelly keeps herself focused on one project at a time.
For her, each reveal is a reminder that the effort—the long hours, the challenges, and the meticulous details—is all worth it when a home becomes a place of hope and possibility.
“That’s what makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
For more information on how to get involved with Furnish with Love or to donate, visit their website furnishwithlove.org , or stop by the next pop-up sale in November.
Decatur Award Program
Artistic SOUL-STIRRING MOVEMENT
Photo by John Ramspott
At Core Dance, the experience of art enacts empathy for all.
ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX
If you’ve ever spent an evening walking through the Decatur Square (and I’m betting you have) there’s a good chance you’ve stumbled across the epic video displays at Core Dance. Their front windows have large screens set up, wherein gorgeously directed dance videos play on a loop, magnetizing bystanders to the magic that must take place in this fairly nondescript building.
Photo by Jonathan Wade
Entering their 45th season with a global reputation and penchant for innovation, this is one organization we are immensely grateful for in our Decatur arts community. Nonverbal and nonlinear art experiences have the power to create a culture of empathy across surface-level divides. Sue Schroeder (Cofounder and Founding Artistic Director) speaks passionately about the reverberating impact of art-making. A self-identified idealist, she still believes artists can create something that truly matters while catalyzing social change.
As Executive Director Elizabeth Labbe-Webb was once told, to facilitate art is to be “a first responder to the soul.”
All Core Dance programs are guided through a practiced awareness and unspoken reverence for the gift of our bodies. Their ensemble is wholly collaborative, wherein each person contributes with an unwavering dedication to truth. Core Dance catalyzes creation by granting artists the ability to take risks without worry. The company has always been a laboratory, where new work, new creations, and new possibilities are brought to life. “You’re always working with what’s in the room,” Sue explains. “It’s like sculpting. How do you sculpt the world?” Their artist-driven residency program, LIFT, supports experimental dance-makers by giving them the freedom of time to create or practice pieces that push forward dialog on contemporary social issues. This type of movement empowers and reclaims, and Core Dance directly works with underserved communities with the full force of their passion in an accessible manner.
Dance is every human’s first form of expression. By connecting to this piece that’s been within us all from our earliest beginnings, we tap into a deeper sense of ourselves, and humanity as a whole. Take part by attending Morning Class, a $15 session led by professional dancers and choreographers. They also provide artist-friendly rates and a rental program for other nonprofit organizations to utilize their flexible space. Designed to be accessible and of service, this offering is tailor-made for the space-starved arts community.
Through modern dance performances, space for art-makers to explore without confines, and outreach that changes lives, Core Dance enables empathy with potent panache.
Photo by Jonathan Wade
Photo by Jonathan Wade
Photo by Lynn Lane
Photo by Lynn Lane
Each CertaPro Painters® business is independently owned and operated.
Gildan Ultra Cotton or Similar
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Holidays present the perfect time for feasting with family. The simple act of sitting around a dinner table while enjoying good food and illuminating conversation is vastly underrated in our often siloed society. This primal delight is readily available at Parker’s on Ponce, where two brothers have been serving up classic steak dinners for over 16 years. Decatur’s first independently-owned steakhouse was brought to life in 2008 by John-Thomas and Christopher Scott, in the very same building they worked in together during their twenties. Growing up in South DeKalb alongside their politician parents with offices in Decatur, they both fell in love with the history, culture,
and progressiveness of this community. Its vibrancy and close-knit energy inspired them to bring a neighborhood steakhouse right into downtown.
Parker’s on Ponce is named after JohnThomas’ daughter, and a sense of familial warmth is ever present in their multifaceted space. Community-driven approachability and elegance are their touchstones, with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients available all year long. The brotherly bond that hatched the restaurant imbues its walls with a feeling of warmth and sincerity. Their menu is “curated with a deep respect for both tradition and innovation,” the brothers say. Specializing in USDA Upper 2/3s Choice
Celebrating 16 years of Downtown Decatur’s coziest winter spot. CONTINUED >
ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT BOGGS
steaks and Prime Steaks, wet-aged 21 days for optimal tenderness, their menu offers an array of rotating seafood and seasonal items with creative twists to ensure a wide selection of exciting cuisine.
A neighborhood steakhouse run with the local community in mind wouldn’t be complete without a dedicated roster of excellent team members. Andrew Lewis, Executive Chef, is known for creative dishes that continuously push the boundaries of flavor. General Manager Sandra Waters, who started out as a lunchtime hostess at the restaurant’s inception, is now an exceptional leader who ensures every guest’s experience is seamless and enjoyable. Freddy Jones, Danny Walker, Eugene Grant, and David Wilson have all been mainstays for over fifteen years; they have run the gamut from prep cook to bartender to manager, and each contributes with their longevity and shared love for delivering an optimal culinary experience.
As temperatures cool and the holidays approach, Parker’s on Ponce is the ideal winter weekend spot. Their fireplaces serve as focal points, adding depth and warmth to the convivial atmosphere. Cozy yet classy, you’ll love settling in amidst the candlelight. Festive decorations and cocktail specials abound, while their private dining packages create an elegant ambience for family and business gatherings alike. Decatur’s welcoming and artistically-minded community serves as a complementary backdrop for Parker’s neighborhood haunt. Entering their next chapter after over 16 years of service, this team is focused on continued excellence and new tiers of innovation. Upcoming ventures include sustainability initiatives and increased collaborations with local producers. John-Thomas and Christoper are “committed to being a positive force in the community and an enduring part of Decatur’s culinary scene.” Local support and synergy from fellow Decatur businesses have helped create an environment where Parker’s on Ponce is able to thrive and give back.
Holiday Dishes
Parker’s on Ponce blends classic steakhouse fare with modern appetizers and creative cocktails for an experience of comfort and excitement. Below are some of the standout dishes you can enjoy over the holiday season.
• Fall Salad
• Grilled Octopus
• Seafood Risotto
• Prime Filet Mignon
• Rack of Lamb Chops
• Lump Blue Crab Cakes
• Farro and Quinoa Salad
• Sweet Chili Marinated Tofu
• Three Cheese Mac & Cheese
• Pan Seared Wild Striped Bass
• La Chesserie and Antipasto Plate
• Grilled Asparagus with Hollandaise
• Okonomiyaki Fried Brussel Sprouts
• Bone-in Dry Aged Prime Kansas City Strip
• Blue Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
ARTICLE BY BRANDON MALCOLM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN WACHS
Breaking Down Barriers for Decatur Students
If you ask someone who knows and loves Decatur what makes our city great, it likely won’t be long before you hear mention of the schools. The schools that make up City Schools of Decatur (CSD) are regarded for their excellence in academic performance, quality of teachers, and student engagement. And it doesn’t happen without the support of the entire Decatur community.
Formed in 2000, The Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) began as a traditional education resource intended to raise funds for CSD. In years since, they have adopted a more holistic approach focused on providing opportunities and eliminating barriers to learning for kids across the City of Decatur.
“We can’t expect our kids to show up to school ready to learn and be on their best behavior when there are underlying issues that haven’t been addressed,” explains foundation Executive Director Meagan Berardi. “We recognize there are obstacles students and families face that negatively impact their ability to learn. Our goal is to help them overcome those obstacles.”
Partnering with CSD, local businesses and organizations, and individuals across the community, DEF’s work goes well beyond the classroom (although it’s alive and well there, too). They work tirelessly to identify deeper barriers to learning- food insecurity, housing instability, mental health, racism, learning differences- and work with the community to provide resources and solutions to create true equity and access for every student.
To take on such a diverse set of challenges, DEF employs diverse solutions. In addition to the work of providing essential resources and materials for students- weekly meals for those who need them, tutoring and mentorship, and housing and transportation support- the foundation offers a number of unique opportunities for students and teachers alike.
Every CSD school has benefited from DEF’s Teacher Innovation Grants which have provided
opportunities and improvements for schools from communication tools for neurodiverse kids to cutting-edge science equipment that engages students in new and exciting ways. DEF just wrapped up this year’s Teacher Innovation Grant cycle and will be sharing about the new ways they’re supporting CSD students and educators on their social media accounts.
There’s also no shortage of exciting community programming you can find throughout the year hosted by DEF, like the recent Battle of The Bands in Legacy Park which brought together more than 400 families for a day of fun, food, and music (congratulations to the Glennwood Elementary band “Flock of Eagles” for their big win). The organization will host Supper & Sips at The Chapel on Sycamore on Thursday, Nov. 14th, as well as Tour deCatur, the city’s largest 5k (with a one-mile fun run and a tot trot for the 4 and under crowd), in March.
“DEF is this community's foundation,” says Berardi. “If you live here, our work affects you. Yes, our mission is to help kids and youth overcome obstacles. But that only goes to benefit the entire community. There’s something for everyone here.”
To learn more about Decatur Education Foundation, donate, or get involved, visit decatureducationfoundation.org
REVIEWS MATTER.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 9TH
Decatur Wine Festival 2024
Downtown Decatur Square | 12:30 PM
Festival attendees can sample 350+ wines, and enjoy vendors, a live DJ, fun photo ops, and a lively and unforgettable experience. All proceeds from the event benefit the Decatur Arts Alliance, a nonprofit that serves the Decatur community by producing free art experiences and events. This event is rain or shine! Learn more at decaturartsalliance.org
NOVEMBER 9TH
Advanced Wellness of Atlanta Open House
Advanced Wellness of Atlanta, 1549 Clairmont Rd #105 | 4:00 PM
Join us in celebration of the new and improved Advanced Wellness! Meet the practitioners, enjoy food and beverages, and mingle with like-minded people. RSVP to info@advancedwellnessatl.com
NOVEMBER 14TH
Decatur Education Foundation Supper & Sips
The Sycamore Chapel | 6:30 PM
DEF’s annual fall FUNdraiser is back! Join us on Thursday, November 14th at The Chapel on Sycamore for a fun (and delicious!) evening in support of our kids! Supper & Sips raises crucial funds for DEF programs to ensure Decatur students have what they need to learn and thrive. Tickets can be purchased at www.decatureducationfoundation.org/defsupper
NOVEMBER 15TH - 17TH
Furnish with Love Holiday Pop-Up Sale
Furnish with Love, 508 E. Howard Ave | 9:00 AM
Furnish with Love’s annual Holiday Pop-Up Sale is happening in November! Join us for our popular fundraiser, November 15 - 17. 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. Learn more at furnishwithlove.org
NOVEMBER 16TH
The Fifth Annual West
Ponce Music Stroll
W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 | 8:00 AM
West Ponce businesses transform their patios and parking lots into stages for a day of free live music and family-friendly fun. The day kicks off with a 5K run and dog walk hosted by Fleet Feet. There will be an artist market, chalk artists, movement classes, and bands along West Ponce all day long! Proceeds benefit the non-profit Decatur Makers.
NOVEMBER 30TH
Small Business Saturday + Santa on the Square
Throughout Decatur + Downtown Decatur | 10:00 AM
Shop small this time of year and celebrate the creativity and passion that fuel our town! There will be free gift wrapping on the Square for City of Decatur purchases from 10am to 4pm. Plus Santa is coming to town! Bring your wish list and a camera to take pictures with Saint Nick on the square from 10am - 2pm.
