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HOLIDAY 2017 IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION:
City of Decatur: ..............................................www.DecaturGA.org Police (non-emergency): ............................................404-373-6551 Fire (non-emergency): ................................................404-373-5092 Active Living (Recreation Center): ............................404-377-0494 Children and Youth Services: .....................................404-378-1082 City Clerk: ..................................................................404-370-4100 City Manager: ............................................................404-370-4102 Economic Development: ...........................................404-371-8386 Mayor / Commissioners: ...........................................404-370-4102 Planning & Zoning: ...................................................404-370-4104 Sanitation & Facilities Maintenance: ........................404-377-5571 City Schools of Decatur: ....................www.Decatur-City.k12.ga.us Oakhurst Community Garden Project: ....... www.OakhurstGarden.org The Solarium at Old Scottish Rite: ..............www.TheSolarium.org YMCA – East Lake: ................................. www.ely.ymcaatlanta.org Samuel Jones Boys & Girls Club: ........ www.bgcma.org/club.jones
ADVERTISER PHONE LISTINGS:
Ace & A: .....................................................................404-373-4074 Avondale Veterinary Hospital: ..................................404-294-4800 Camp Smiles Pediatric Dental ...................................404-609-1517 Chip Wallace, KellerKnapp Realty: ...........................678-429-9731 Decatur Pest Control: ................................................404-296-4044 Dekalb Medical Hospital: ..........................................404-501-5200 Double Dragon ...........................................................404-832-0016 Downtown Decatur Food Tours: ...............................770-999-9663 Finders Keepers: ........................................................404-296-0285 Griffin & Co. Insurance: ............................................404-378-2888 Hammertime Construction: .....................................404-525-3332 Heather Tell, Atlanta Intown Realty: ........................404-219-4078 Intown Expert Realty: ...............................................404-788-6729 Jack n Jill Consignment: ............................................404-508-0611 Linda Lehsten, Keller Knapp Realty: ........................404-784-8779 mCary & Daughters: ..................................................404-370-0999 Matador Cantina: ......................................................404-377-0808 Mezcalitos: .................................................................678-471-6135 Miss Nails Salon .........................................................404-378-0011 MoJo’s Pizza: ..............................................................404-373-1999 Mustang Computers and Supplies .............................404-373-1321 Oakhurst Electric: .....................................................770-256-7174 Oakhurst Market: ......................................................678-732-3109 Pam Hughes, Harry Norman Realty: ........................404-250-9900 Plants Creative Landscapes: ......................................404-309-7175 Pure Gas Station: .......................................................404-856-0393 Scout Restaurant: ……………………………………404-496-6863 Second Life Store : …………………………………… 678-974-5671 Shelter Lending: ………………………………………404-277-6044 Steinbecks Pub: ………………………………………404-373-1116 Universal Joint: ..........................................................404-373-6260 Wahoo Grill: ..............................................................404-373-3331 Wahoo Wine & Provisions: ........................................404-687-9463 Wildheart Salon: ........................................................404-228-7365 Disclaimer: The Clarke Agency LLC publishes the Village Magazine bi-monthly with the support of the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association (ONA) and the Winnona Park Neighborhood Association (WPNA). The content, including ads, articles and photos are not authorized or endorsed by ONA or WPNA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ONA or WPNA, The Clarke Agency or the Publisher. Therefore neither The Clarke Agency nor the Publisher may be held liable for the business practices of the advertisers in the Village Magazine. The content reflects the views of its authors and we have provided the email addresses of the writers for direct response. We encourage Decatur residents to contribute content often. The Village Magazine staff reserves the right to modify, edit or not publish submitted content.
@2017 The Clarke Agency, LLC Mailing Address: 931 Monroe Dr. NE #282, Atlanta, GA 30308 Phone: 404-587-7887
HOLIDAY 2017
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Holiday issue Lorelei Cooper loreleimcooper@gmail.com This time of year, is always filled with so many hopes and wishes. We spend time together celebrating all the joys that the holidays bring. Some of us have huge family gathering while others find comfort with close friends. Some are busy trimming the trees and decorating the outside of their house with displays of lights and decorations that we all enjoy until the new year comes. One of my favorite things to do by the campfire is make s’mores. We may get stressed sometimes thinking about all of the things that we have to do to prepare for this time of the year but instead lets all stop and appreciate the season of giving by being kind to one another. We are all in a hurry everyday of the year and now even more so. Try and let someone else go ahead of you in line or let that car go first in the drop off line in the morning. Make sure to enjoy all the festive events our community had to offer. Winnona Park is having their annual cocoa crawl and Oakhurst has its tree lighting at Harmony Park coming up. Make sure to stroll the Square in downtown Decatur to soak up all of the holiday spirit and décor. Be sure to shop around and support our local merchants during this season of giving. The Village Magazine is written by neighbors; for neighbors! Please email your story suggestions to OakhurstMag@gmail.com or call directly 404-587-7887. We publish every other month and are happy to hear about local news, accomplishments, events, and anything you all find interesting! —Lorelei Cooper, Managing Editor
Anne Clarke, Owner/Publisher
Rob Boeger, Graphic Designer
The Village Magazine is written by neighbors; for neighbors! Please email your story suggestions to OakhurstMag@gmail.com or call directly 404-587-7887. We publish every other month and are happy to hear about local news, accomplishments, events, and anything you all find interesting!
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HOLIDAY 2017
CITY NEWS: OAKHURST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Mead Road Church property top of agenda By Blair Keenan secretary@oakhurstga.org The Oakhurst Neighborhood Association regular meeting was Monday, Nov. 13. The Solarium Board Members in attendance: Greg Reihing, President/Treasurer; Anne Clarke, VP/Jazz Nights; Blair Keenan, Secretary Treasurer report shows strong financials thanks to Jazz Nights sponsorships, which will allow for more neighborhood events and grants. Events like the upcoming Oakhurst Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 10. Merchandise Report shows an uptick in sales during the holiday months. Items like home flags, wine holders, koozies, caps and magnets are available for purchase on the website: OakhurstGA.org. It is a great way to support the community. Construction Projects topped the agenda. The Thankful Baptist Church on College at Mead Road is selling an acre of their land currently zoned commercial and institutional. Wesley Knapp, owner of Keller Knapp real estate was hired by the church as a consultant to help broker a deal for the church. He presented a diagram of a new proposed project, showing 16 new townhomes on the parcel. This plan was developed after spending time with Angela Threadgill at City of Decatur and with consideration of the Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool
staying on the property. Mead Road residents were well represented and voiced several concerns about the proposed projects including traffic impact; parking, green space and storm water drain off. Knapp spoke at length and responded to questions and concerns from neighbors. The church passionately explained that the parcel of land being sold is to fund repairs on the 100-year-old building. Their goal is to get the highest and best use of the property. The next step is the city-planning meeting in December. Commissioner Brian Smith presented the government update, which included updates on more construction projects in the city. n 111 Oakview: the lot has been cleared and Decatur Housing Authority did get funding to rebuild in spring 2018. 34 residences will be built; 27 are affordable housing and 7 are workforce housing. n Oakhurst Pool at the Boys and Girls Club is open. City of Decatur is leasing the pool, working through Dynamo to manage the pool. n A community survey was sent out for the Community transportation plan. n The United Methodist Children’s home property is now owned by the city of Decatur. It includes 77 acres, 22 of which will be green space further planning for the property will begin in 2018. n The city has been trying to buy a parcel (16 lots) in Dearborn Park to fulfill a need for green space. The property owner
wants to develop the land, but the city has taken steps to enforce the process of eminent domain – a decision not taken lightly and a power the city has not used in the past, according to Commissioner Smith. On another construction project, Amy Stanitzke from The Holbrook, spoke about their new senior living on Clairmont and McConnell (near VA Hospital) which is near completion. There are 91 assisted living units, 200 senior living units, two pools – one open to the public, two restaurants – one with a wine bar open to the public, plus a parking lot on the bottom floor. The facility is pet friendly and locally managed and operated. Police Report provided by Lt. Jennifer Ross showed an uptick in car-break-ins and burglaries. She pointed out that robbers backed a truck up to a ‘home for sale’ and took all furniture. Bikes have been stolen from detached carport, TV’s stolen from screened porch and other crimes of opportunity. If you are out of town during the holidays, you can ask for house checks by Decatur Police. In response to neighbor questions surrounding Lt. Govenor Casey Cagle immigration complaint, Lt. Ross explained that the city of Decatur does not have a jail and does not detain people. The city of Decatur, like many other cities, uses the Dekalb County jail. Go to OakhurstGA.org for full reports
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HOLIDAY 2017
CITY NEWS: WINNONA PARK
Double Dragon hosted community networking By Lorelei Cooper loreleimcooper@gmail.com On Oct. 25, the Winnona Park Neighborhood Association invited the community to the recently opened Double Dragon in Oakhurst for an opportunity to sample great food, enjoy some lively conversation, and meet some new friends and catch up with some old ones. Michael Lo, the proprietor of Double Dragon was kind enough to offer up some incredibly delicious free appetizers and signature cocktails to all of the participants. If you have not been to the restaurant yet, you might not know that it also hosts a wonderful ice cream spot called Dairy Bar, which is owned by Winnona Park residents Amy and Wrighton Jackson. The kids (and some grown up kids) in attendance were thrilled to find out that Dairy Bar was giving away free ice cream as part of
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Michael Lo, Double Dragon owner, at the networking event for Winnona Park residents. (Courtesy photo) the event. With the amazing food, cocktails, and ice cream for all, the attendees walked away with big smiles on their faces. If you did not get a chance to attend the event and would like to know more about the Winnona Park Neighborhood Association, please
reach go to WinnonaPark.org for more information. Or, keep an eye out for our next community event. We are always happy to welcome new members who share our interest in doing good works and bringing our community closer together.Â
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BUSINESS PROFILE: WAHOO GRILL
WaHoo Grill serves locally sourced fine-dining delicacies like delicious shrimp risotto and an occasionally featured Ox tail dish that is to die for. (Courtesy photo)
A hidden gem in South Decatur Owner Pamela Ledbetter, chose this location because of her love for trains and the Oakhurst community By Estrell Young III just.estrell@gmail.com WaHoo Grill is a precious diamond hidden in the charming shell of a commercial building on the outskirts of Decatur’s historic area of Oakhurst. Located at the corner of West College Ave and East Lake Drive, just across the street from the railroad tracks, this lovely European-themed neighborhood bistro is a place where “kind
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people who generally like to take care of others…” serve locally sourced fine-dining delicacies like delicious shrimp risotto and an occasionally featured Ox tail dish that is to die for. “Where else can you get seafood and southern-inspired cuisine whipped up by a James Beard award nominee?” one proud customer bragged. Opened in October of 2004, owner Pamela Ledbetter, a military brat turned Atlanta native, chose this location because of her love for trains and the Oakhurst community. “I started my business here because I had witnessed the city of Decatur and Oakhurst rise up and stand behind their own time and time
again. There’s a symbiotic relationship here and I want to play my part by being of service to my neighbors,” she told Oakhurst Magazine. When asked why she decided to open her own restaurant, Ledbetter chuckled and said, “Insanity. I had been in the food service industry since I was old enough to have a fake ID. I figured it was time to put my money where my mouth was. I had done everything from waitress to district manager so…” To build the restaurant, Pam teamed up with her sister who is an architect. “She and I designed it and I was the general contractor,” Pamela explained. “I was inspired
HOLIDAY 2017
BUSINESS PROFILE: WAHOO GRILL
Clockwise from above left: The Garden Room at the Wahoo Grill. Wahoo Grill owner Pamela Ledbetter. Enchanted Springs Trout, sea island pea curry, ginger, onions, cilantro and almond dust. Tagliatelle Pasta! chanterelle mushrooms, heirloom tomatoes and delicata squash. (Courtesy photos)
“We are only as good as the community that surrounds us”
WaHoo Grill owner Pamela Ledbetter
by a trip I took to Barcelona. That’s why I bought these 18th century columns and why we installed these floating shelves,” she went on to say as we toured the bar. To make the patio feel like home, she also purchased bricks and beams from a demolished house in mid-town. “We believe in repurposing and farm to table. Those things are not a fad to us.” The restaurant can serve 250 guests and features a covered patio with additional mixed-use event spaces and a few private dining rooms. WaHoo regularly hosts weddings, fundraisers, and other catered events. WaHoo Grill, a name suggested by a dear friend, Pete, because of Ledbetter’s infectious laugh and adventurous personality, has been a staple in the community for 13 years now, a fact that she is very proud of. “For me, the highlight of owning my own business is being able to create a space that
HOLIDAY 2017
I am proud of and I want to participate in. There is a culture here that I am very proud of. This place has surpassed all of my expectations.” But this isn’t your typical success story. Driven by mission, good service and consistent business, WaHoo has been afforded the ability to expand in every sense of the word. In 2006, Ledbetter made a power move by adding a husband and partner, Ski Peterson, in to the mix. These like-minded individuals formed a union, together in holy matrimony and, by all accounts, it looks like they’re going for the win. The business now includes WaHoo Wine and Provisions, which is a little boutique shop, run by him. And if that wasn’t enough, this dynamic duo just purchased the hair salon! “Once the licensing is complete, we will be able to provide all of the bridal hairstyling needs.”
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HOLIDAY 2017
SCHOOL NEWS: AGNES SCOTT RANKINGS
WHEN YOU WANT YOUR MORTGAGE DONE RIGHT!
Agnes Scott College No. 2 Most Innovative School in the Country By Anne Clarke OakhurstMag@gmail.com Agnes Scott moves up in prominent college rankings, now ranked by the US News and World Reports 2018 edition of best colleges as the No. 2 Most Innovation School in the country. Making the list for the second year in a row, the college moved up two spots from last year. Agnes Scott is also recognized for its study abroad and first year experience programs. The colleges overall Best Colleges ranking is No. 61 among national liberal arts colleges, nine spots higher than last year and No. 22 among colleges identified as a Best Value based on schools academic quality. The Most Innovative Schools ranking identifies schools with cutting-edge changes being made on their campus. It is based on peer assessment survey in which college presidents, provosts and admission deans nominate colleges that are making innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life and technology or facilities.
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©2017 Shelter Lending Services, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved. This communication does not constitute a commitment to lend or the guarantee of a specified interest rate. All loan programs and availability of cash proceeds are subject to credit, underwriting and property approval. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions apply. Shelter Lending Services, L.L.C., 4000 W. Brown Deer Road, Suite #E, Brown Deer, WI 53209. Corp NMLS#: 1033753 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #38779. 321 W. Hill St., Suite 3A, Decatur, GA 30030.
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HOLIDAY 2017
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Village Magazine 11
9/6/16 10:48 AM
SCHOOL NEWS: REACH SCHOLARS
Six Renfroe Middle School eighth graders have just been selected as REACH Scholars: Sequoia Dudley, Emanjale “Nicole” Negussa-Little, Morgan Roach, Zakaria Salem, Brandie Shepherd, and Nashon Smith. The REACH Georgia Scholarship is a public-private scholarship opportunity with the mission to provide Georgia's academically promising students with the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from college. Funded locally by the Decatur Education Foundation, this career achievement program focuses on providing guidance for high school students. To be part of an initiative that impacts local students and unites our community by mentoring Decatur students visit decatureducationfoundation.org/mentoring. Go to Reach.org for information on the REACH Georgia scholarship. —Staff report
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HOLIDAY 2017
ART OPENING: O.M. NORLING
A curious art spectacle at Solarium By Anne Clarke OakhurstMag@gmail.com It was the mid-1800’s when a young Swedish farmhand Olaf Magnus (O.M.) Norling mysteriously disappeared. In a letter addressed to his mother, O.M. wrote that he missed his family dearly but that he had to see America with his own eyes. He stowed away on a trans-Atlantic steamer to make his ambition a reality. O.M. worked his way up the Mississippi river, changed his name to Alexander Wilson and settled in Effingham, Illinois — never to return to Sweden. Today O.M.’s adventure is the impetus for great, great grandson Jay Wilson, a local artist who adopted the pen name O.M. Norling for his latest series, “A Curios Art Spectacle.” This pop-up art show featuring 20 paintings will be on display Jan. 26
HOLIDAY 2017
Local Artist Jay Wilson through Feb. 4 at the Solarium in Decatur’s Oakhurst Village. Jay Wilson has lived and worked in the Oakhurst neighborhood for 17 years. He and his wife Amy have three boys attending FAVE, Renfroe and Decatur
High. For years he has worked on private commissions and also donated paintings to Oakhurst Elementary School fundraisers as well as the High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction. Jay Wilson was born in 1971. He’s the youngest of three brothers and son to a career army father and mother who put up with the testosterone family. Growing up Jay found himself frequently adjusting to new surroundings as is typical with Army families. Six formative years of living and attending school in Germany and South Korea exposed Jay to European and Asian cultures. This mixture of influences and experiences are apparent in his O.M. Norling pen-named series titled A Curious Art Spectacle. For more information go to www.OMNorling.com
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GARDEN NEWS: WYLDE CENTER
Seeds and Scions Swap in Decatur By Julie Herron Carson jhcarson@bellsouth.net Gardeners of all experience levels are invited to share seeds and scions (cuttings from fruit trees) with experts, Wylde Center members and friends on Sunday, Jan. 21, from 2-5 p.m. at the Decatur Library (215 Sycamore St.) and the adjacent Decatur Recreation Center (231 Sycamore St.). The Wylde Center’s Seed and Scion Swap is free to the public, and is sponsored by Food Well Alliance. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance at www.wyldecenter.org/seed-and-scion-swap/. “This annual event joins local gardeners with others across the nation who gather each year in January to exchange seeds, ideas, scions, enthusiasm and information,” said Stephanie Van Parys, Wylde Center executive director. “The Seed and Scion Swap is a great way for gardeners to meet each other, learn what varieties
grow well in this area and have the chance to take home some seeds they might not have planted before. We’ll swap all sorts of seeds and scions including locally-grown, heirloom varieties and even purchased seeds. There will be experts on hand to answer questions about how to save seeds and graft cuttings and offer advice about what varieties grow best in our area.” Those who bring seeds to share may set up a table with their offerings, and are encouraged to talk to participants about their plants and gardening experiences. Attendees can expect to find seeds for tomatoes, summer vegetables, flowers, herbs, winter vegetables, bulbs and miscellaneous seeds and cuttings. Seeds will be packaged in envelopes with labels containing the name of the plant, cultivar, date seeds were purchased or saved, planting instructions, days to maturity, growth habits, special details and contact information for the person who provided the seeds. Those who have not saved seeds to share are welcome to participate and may choose to bring purchased seeds to add to the assortment.
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Photos from Wylde Center’s Seed and Scion Swap event last year.
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HOLIDAY 2017
GARDEN NEWS: NALP AWARD
Plants Creative Landscapes receives national award By Hope Smith hope@plantscreative.com The National Association of Landscape Professionals has awarded Plants Creative Landscapes an Award of Excellence— Grand Award for their renovation of a Decatur backyard. The backyard renovation features three distinct spaces; each includes similar design elements, like custom fabricated steel dividers, to create the perfect place for outdoor entertaining! The first area, the main gathering space, is a bluestone patio, featuring an outdoor kitchen, dining area and fireplace lounge. The second area, the play space, steps off the patio and contains a lawn, vegetable garden, and custom steel bocce court. The main gathering space and the play space are divided by an 18’ long custom fabricated steel water feature and boxwood planters. The final area, the re-
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laxation space, steps down from the play space and contains a wood burning fire pit, custom steel planters planted with Willow Oaks, accent lighting and access to the mother-in-law suite. Each year, the National Association Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence recognizes exceptional landscape, lawn care, and interior plants cape design projects from around the nation. This year, 136 awards were bestowed for maintenance, design/build or contracting projects. “I believe this award is a direct reflection of the quality of team that we’ve assembled at Plants Creative,” says Pam Dooley, owner of Plants Creative. “Having been a maintenance client for more than 10 years, this homeowner has had multiple interactions with most of our staff, has witnessed the growth and maturity of the company, and has developed the confidence to allow us to create this amazing
space. We are thrilled to be recognized with the nation’s best landscape companies and we’re already looking forward to next year’s awards!” Since 2005, Plants Creative Landscapes has been committed to creating and maintaining uniquely beautiful, multi-functional landscapes with both the principles of design and empathy in mind. When you work with us, you are going to love our ideas, our work and how you are treated. We choose to put you in the center of your landscape. The National Association of Landscape Professionals represents an industry that employs nearly a million landscapes, lawn care, irrigation and tree care professionals who create and maintain healthy green spaces for the benefit of society and the environment. For more information, go to PlantsCreative.com
Village Magazine 15
GARDEN NEWS: WYLDE CENTER
Nichole Lupo, Wylde Center’s Farm to School manager shows students at Winnona Park Elementary how clover adds nitrogen to the soil. (Courtesy photo)
Decatur farm to school By Stephanie Van Parys Executive Director Wylde Center stephanie@wyldecenter.org Farm to School is a movement that has swept across the nation, and since 2009, has been active in Decatur. Eight Decatur schools have a garden that is used to interpret what the students are learning in the classroom and to grow food. The nutrition department has gone from serving already prepared meals to now serving mostly from scratch meals as well as expanding the fresh vegetable and fruit options. Decatur Farm to School’s (DF2S) success and national recognition is a result of community members, organizations, businesses, and schools working together to make it happen.
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Like many successful initiatives, DF2S began with the seed of an idea planted by parents of Decatur school children. In 2007, these parents began discussing ways to improve the nutrition of meals offered in the City Schools of Decatur (CSD) cafeterias. Wylde Center, which was already offering environmental education programs in the schools, and Georgia Organics, helped germinate the idea and grow it into the Decatur Farm to School program. In 2009, the group took the concept of DF2S to the CSD School Board and they voted unanimously in favor of a district-wide Farm to School program. In 2010, DF2S became an official Wylde Center program. Wylde Center organized the first vegetable taste test at Oakhurst Elementary in
2009 using produce grown in the school garden. Served as a sample during the lunch, the students loved the fresh, sautéed kale asking for 3rd’s and 4th’s! Encouraged by this success, Wylde Center expanded the taste test program to the entire CSD district the following spring. From that point on, twice a year, fresh vegetables are harvested, prepared and served in every CSD cafeteria. Parent volunteers hand out the samples and collect feedback from the students. Taste tests have definitely changed attitudes about eating. Kelly Whelchel, a CSD teacher shares that, “not just the kids get to try, so do the teachers. I learned to like a new vegetable Continued on page 17
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GARDEN NEWS: WYLDE CENTER
Clockwise from above left: Oakhurst Elementary students harvest Napa cabbage from their school garden. 7th and 8th grade students prepared the Swiss chard used for the November taste test for all 9 CSD schools. From scratch vegetable pizzas are served alongside salads, fruit salads, smoothies, and many other fresh choices in the CSD cafeterias. (Courtesy photos) Continued from page 16 because of the taste tests.” Robin Shetler, writes that her 4/5 Academy son loved the Swiss chard that was sampled this past November, and says “Nice work getting him to eat his greens!” Studies show that children that have positive, hands-on experiences with foods are more likely to try them and enjoy them. We also know that our youngest learners in particular need repeated exposure to healthy foods while their taste preferences are forming. Not only does DF2S serve our students’ needs in this way, it also provides experiential opportunities to address learning objectives in science, math, language arts and social studies. From simple preschool concepts, such as alike and different, to more advanced studies of the water cycle, food webs, and geometry, edible gardens are an engaging way to get students outside while simultaneously learning the lessons of growing, harvesting, tasting, and connecting with each other
HOLIDAY 2017
around fresh, healthy food. Since Wylde Center educators made DF2S lessons a regular part of the school day in 2012, 30,095 students have spent 316 days learning where their food comes from and tasting their garden-grown produce. During the 2016/17 school year, the nutrition department sourced and purchased 41,231 pounds of fresh produce from southeastern farmers. Prompted by the increased interest in eating fresh vegetables and fruits, the nutrition department has now expanded their offerings to include salads, smoothies, and fresh fruit cups along with traditional school lunch items. Funded by DF2S, school nutrition staff members regularly participate in professional learning workshops to sharpen their culinary skills. Started in 2012 as a way to engage students and to expose them to the local food system, DF2S offers three internships each summer to Decatur High School students. They spend the summer working at local farms and urban gardens, in Decatur
restaurants and at the Decatur Farmers Market working 60 hours and receiving a $500 stipend. Gabe Boortz shares after his 2017 summer internship, “I know now how physically and mentally taxing it can be to work on a farm, and doubled my respect for the people who work every day to provide us with food.” DF2S believes that our work has resulted in broadening environmental awareness, changing eating habits, increasing awareness of where our food comes from, and giving students hands-on opportunities to cultivate, cook, and taste fresh produce. To get involved simply add your name to our volunteer list by emailing decaturf2s@ gmail.com. You can make a tax-deductible donation to support DF2S at WyldeCener. org/donate and you can participate in our Dine Out where Decatur restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds. Follow Decatur Farm to School and Wylde Center on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Village Magazine 17
AROUND TOWN: MEAD ROAD MARDI GRAS PARADE & PARTY
Mead Road Mardi Gras Parade & Party is marching through the ’hood! By Erin Murphy erin@decatureducationfoundation.org Every February, the blare of brass and the clash of cymbals can be heard all over Oakhurst as the Mead Road Mardi Gras parade marches past Harmony Park on its way to The Imperial, where the parade culminates with live music, Cajun food and kids’ activities. It’s hard to believe, but next year’s parade and party are just a couple of months away – Saturday, Feb. 10! The Berg family started this homegrown
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event back in 2003 with just a few wagons and tricycles. Since then, the parade and party have grown in size and popularity and has turned into a community fundraiser. For the past four years, MRMG has raised more than $20,000 through Krewe fees, business sponsorships and food and drink sales to fund Decatur Education Foundation grants that support music and arts programs for City Schools of Decatur. Want to be part of the fun? If you’ve got elementary school-aged kids, you can march with their school’s krewe, or you can
grab some friends and create a community Krewe! A Krewe is a group of people who dress up, march (no motorized vehicles allowed), play instruments and toss beads. There will be a panel of judges who will choose “Best Community Krewe.” Do you have the creativity and enthusiasm to win this year’s coveted distinction? To learn more and to sign up for a Krewe, please visit www.meadrdmardigras.org, and “like” our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ meadrdmardigras. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
HOLIDAY 2017
AROUND TOWN: DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND
The Decatur High School Marching Band won Class AAAA for Percussion and Overall Band. They earned runner-up to Grand Champion for playing The Twilight Zone at Twilight. Congratulations to Robert Truan, band director; Mark Little, percussion instructor; and Jessica Tinney, auxiliary instructor. (Decatur High band photo by Mark Little from Facebook)
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Village Magazine 19
PET ROUND UP: EMU’S IN TOWN
Farm animals enjoying life in Oakhurst By Anne Clarke OakhurstMag@gmail.com When you live in town you don’t expect to see ‘farm animals’ running down a residential street. ‘Welcome to Decatur’ is what many residents will tell you! David Sample and his partner Craig Hawkins purchased an additional lot behind their home on Fayetteville Road to house their farm family. Remember those Emu’s in the 4/5 Academy parking lot? That was Dino and Dina, the couple pet Emu’s. “The gate may have opened by accident,” David said. “We have since shored up the fencing.” Emu’s are a more recent addition to the pet pack since moving to Oakhurst in the 1990’s. Back then the couple rescued a puppy from roaming wild dog packs in the neighborhood. By 2000, the couple had a rabbit, chickens, macaw parrot, peacocks and a squirrel that you can usually see on the front porch. Seamus the squirrel was rescued, clinging to life on a fence near the East Lake Marta station. They nursed her back to health and tried to acclimate Seamus to the wild but she is much too tame at this point. “It is safer to have her in this environment on the patio, she loves it,” David explained. Mocha the bunny does live inside, apparently he is accustomed to using the litter box quite like a cat. The birds do live outside; in fact you may see a peacock on the roof or in the neighbors yard. “They typically stay in the pin with the chickens,” David would say. “Their wings are clipped.” Mario the Macaw does enjoy being outside in a cage and talking to the neighbors. He has quite the vocabulary! The neighbors do not seem to mind having such an array of animals around. Nathan Grif-
PET ROUND UP: EMU’S IN TOWN fith across the street said; “it was pretty cool watching these dinosaur looking birds running down the street,” when they slipped the fence this fall. David would say that they haven’t had anyone object or complain. The neighborhood kids come by to visit the pets. In fact, they have a neighbor whose son pet sits when David and Craig travel. Pet sitting would be important since some of these pets may outlive their owners. The Emu’s and Peacocks can live over 30 years in captivity while the Macaw can probably live beyond 50 years. The couple does have a pair of Australian Shepherds, Ozzie and Trixie, who are getting up in age. They do see to keep an eye on the entire brood. Ozzie is known for getting to the eggs laid by the chickens before David. David seems right at home with the ‘farm animals’ in the back yard. “I work a corporate job so it is a great escape to come home,” he said as the Emu’s cuddle with him. Dino and Dina both seem very curious, coming right up to us as we visited. Mario the Macaw was also chatty while we visited and Seamus the squirrel seemed to love the company. David would say they are lucky to live in town where they have Village Vets and For Pete’s Sake both to treat their more exotic animals. The birds are fed chicken feed, which is readily available since many folks do have chickens in town. Yes, ‘welcome to Decatur’ is the sentiment around town especially with 3 chickens, a rooster, 2 dogs, a rabbit, 3 peacocks, a squirrel, a Macaw, and those 2 Emu’s living in Oakhurst!
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David Sample at home with his pet Emu, pet squirrel, pet peacocks and pet Macaw. All living happily at his Oakhurst home. (Photos by Anne Clarke)
Village Magazine 21
HOME MATTERS: DECATUR PEST CONTROL
Four tips to keep a pest-free home By Esther Lang Reeves estherlangreeves@gmail.com Decatur Pest Control wants your home to be a healthy, pest-free environment, so I spoke with them and gathered the top four tips you need to know to make sure you are not sharing your home with any unwelcome guests! Dave Ryan, the owner of Decatur Pest Control, and Burt Parker, a manager at Decatur Pest Control, took some time to talk to me about this business. Mr. Ryan is going on twenty-five years of experience, and Mr. Parker is nearly at twenty years of experience. Both of these men began their careers in this field because they were simply looking for a job, but as time passed, they developed a true passion for customer satisfaction and helping customers create safer, healthier homes. This passion was made clear to me by their thorough answers to my questions about pest control and the great advice they gave me on how to keep a pest free home! First thing’s first, they told me that the home needs to be sealed. It is important to check the home from the bottom to the top for any cracks, crevices, or holes that pests may be able to enter through. If there is point of entry, the pests will find it, and as tedious as this task may sound, it is still easier to keep the critters out than to try to get rid of them after they have already found their way in! You should know that the Decatur Pest Control offers free inspections, and while they cannot do any major structural repairs, they can assist in the sealing of your home. The second tip on the list is to keep the exterior as well as the interior of your home tidy. Over grown shrubbery and leafclogged gutters will surely lead to some unwelcome guests just like any snack crumbs in the bedroom or improperly stored pet foods. Mr. Parker warns that one of the most overlooked problems is clogged gutters. Ants and roaches are quite fond of those leafy homes in the gutters, and once they make a nest there, it would only be a matter of time before they found a way to the inside of your home. Mr. Ryan noted
22 Village Magazine
that one of the more overlooked problems he has seen is improper storage of pet food. He warns that if left out, your pet food could become pest food, so it is best to make sure that it is put away. Next on our list is moisture! If there’s anything more alluring to the critters than poorly sealed food or crumb trails, it’s moisture. Mr. Ryan says it is so incredibly important to keep moisture away from the foundation of the home, and to help you do that, Decatur Pest Control has a patented way of sealing crawl spaces along way many other methods of sealing your home against moisture. Lastly and most importantly, if you see a line of ants by the window or a roach scurry across the kitchen floor, do not wait. Act immediately. Mr. Ryan would like to stress this piece of advice because while the pests may be small, they can cause big problems in a relatively short amount of time. The issue as he explained it to me is that the birth rate on roaches, rats, and other type of rodents expands geometrically. He told me that for them, one and one does not equal three; one and one equals twenty-eight, and that for every roach you see, there is proba-
bly two hundred and fifty that you don’t see! Mr. Parker warns that, especially in the case of the German Roaches, it is so important to act immediately because they multiply so fast, and long-term infestations of these kind of roaches have been known to cause asthma and other health problems. Decatur Pest Control understands that pest problems are more than annoying. Pests can damage homes and create unsafe living conditions for the people in the homes, and at Decatur Pest Control, the safety and health of their customers is the top priority. They have spent time with entomologists to learn the habits of bugs, so they can target the problem and gain more effective results. Pest control is no longer blinding spraying baseboards with a kill-all product. The technology is more advanced, so they have product that can target specific pests and even be as direct as targeting the reproductive systems of specific pests. There are also newer, greener products available, and they can advise you on natural remedies if you prefer. No matter what kind of pest control help you need, the folks at Decatur Pest Control would love to be of service, so give them a call!
HOLIDAY 2017
AROUND TOWN: HOMETOWN HERO AWARDS
Honorees awarded for raising money Decatur chef raises more than $100,000 raised for Global Growers over past 5 years By Anne Clarke OakhurstMag@gmail.com Our very own, Andy Gonzales, was honored as a Hometown Hero for his work on Decatur’s Dinner Party raising money for Global Growers. As part owner with Oakhurst Market and head chef at Steinbeck’s Ale House, Andy has supported the Giving Kitchen, Camp Horizon, the Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby, Oakhurst Jazz Nights and many more charitable contributions. His role as Head Chef for Decatur’s Dinner Party has resulted in more than $100,000 raised for Global Growers over the past 5 years. Other honorees include: Bill Adams
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Top: Decatur Hometown Heros for 2017. Above: Andy Gonzales, Hometown Hero award winner pictured with Commissioner Brian Smith and Mayor Patti Garrett. (Photos by Anne Clarke) for his work on the Active Living Advisory Board; Jenny Penick Garner and Tracy Rylands for their work on the Decatur Cemetery records project; Marnie Grodzin for her volunteer work on many committees with the schools; Nancy Hostetter for her initiatives with Decatur’s traffic circle and the Global Village Project; Mia Maekofsky, “Miss Mia” as she is known through Decatur Library children’s section has done wonders to benefit students in Decatur; Amy Marti for her leadership at Winnona Park Elementary school as well as other community building programs; Gwen Bair, Kara Campbell, Amy Logan and Nura Moshtael for their work with the City Schools of Decatur Special Education
PTA, SEPTA, the short abbreviation. Decatur began its Hometown Heroes program in 1996 at the close of the Hometown to the World Festival held during the Olympics. The 14-day festival was a success because of the hundreds of volunteers who helped. At the close of the festival, the City Commission honored volunteers. Since then the Hometown Hero awards have been presented annually. To date Decatur has designated over 300 Hometown Heroes. Shown with the Hometown Hero award winners are Decatur City Commissioners: Brian Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Fred Boykin, Mayor Patti Garrett, Kelly Walsh, Tony Powers and Scott Drake.
Village Magazine 23
SCHOOL NEWS: DECATUR SCHOOL BOARD
Heather Tell extends community support to School Board By Amy Marti AmyeMarti@yahoo.com This summer Heather Tell announced her candidacy for the district 2 school board seat vacated by Bernadette Seals. Heather actually ran unopposed for the City Schools of Decatur (CSD) Board of Education seat probably because she is a perfect fit. Heather lives in Oakhurst with her husband, Joe, and two daughters, who currently attend CSD at the 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue and Renfroe Middle School. She’s served the Decatur community and schools since moving to the neighborhood 15 years ago, volunteering thousands of hours in the community and classroom. During her terms on the Oakhurst Elementary and the F.AVE School Leadership Teams (SLTs), she worked on elementary school redistricting efforts, reviewed school budgets, crafted school improvement plans, and interviewed many new teachers and staff to support CSD’s growth. Heather currently serves as chairperson of F.AVE’s SLT. “I have a track record of getting things done in our community,” Heather said. “I bring people together and build consensus around issues to move projects forward. Through my years of service in the schools, I’ve supported our teachers and staff to make our schools the best they can be.” Heather has defined specific goals for CSD as she begins her term this year: n Enable every child to reach his or her highest potential, regardless of ability n Provide for all students an equitable and challenging education n Collaborate with city leadership on development and annexation n Proactively identify innovative partnerships in the community n Emphasize fiscal responsibility to manage student growth n Encourage the integration of Science,
24 Village Magazine
Heather Tell and family. (Photo by Monique Davidson) Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) into the curriculum n Create well-rounded students through foreign language, art, music, and athletic education “I take this responsibility very seriously and feel passionately about helping our great schools become even better,” Heather expressed. As a dedicated community advocate, Heather initiated several community ser-
vice projects to improve pedestrian safety including: creating a new pedestrian path from Olympic Pl to Mead Rd, improving sidewalks and crosswalks, and improving city parks adjacent to schools and school grounds at Oakhurst and F.AVE. As Georgia Safe Routes to School representative for Oakhurst Elementary from 2011-2015, she led the school to win the Metro Atlanta Continued on page 25
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SCHOOL NEWS: DECATUR SCHOOL BOARD Continued from page 24 Partner of the Year Award in 2015. “My grassroots involvement in community initiatives has allowed me to develop lasting relationships with many city and CSD leaders,” Heather said. “These meaningful relationships will enable me to foster trust and goodwill with the decision makers in our community to help bring out the best in our schools and students.” Heather has a BS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Environmental Engineering from Northwestern University and professional experience in engineering, information technology, and real estate. She is currently a Realtor and top-producing agent at Atlanta Intown Real Estate Services, where she has worked since 2007. “My professional skills and experience allow me to provide a technical perspective and analytical approach to support planning and responsible expansion of our
Heather Tell (Courtesy photo) schools,” Heather points out. “In my career, I leverage effective project management, communication, and negotiation skills. I’ve also hired and managed teams of people, and always maintain high expectations for achievement and performance.” Heather’s real estate experience is focused on the City of Decatur and nearby
neighborhoods. This has given her great insight into the city’s growth trends, which ultimately affect and impact the schools. These professional skills should be a great asset to CSD as goals are set for the future. Heather has truly set the bar high beyond her distinction as the #1 agent in the Atlanta Intown Real Estate Services Midtown office last year, she is a top producer with the Atlanta Board of Realtors. In 2001, Heather founded the Young Professionals Chapter of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce where she served on the board of directors from 2000-2006. She also served on the Board of the Swedish Women's Educational Association from 1998-2000. She graduated from “Decatur 101” the Government Civic Leadership Education and served on the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation. Well, it is safe to say that Heather Tell will be a great asset for the City Schools of Decatur Board of Education.
Your neighbor and intown real estate specialist. Whether you are buying or selling — or simply exploring your options — call me to be sure you are positioned for success in today’s changing market. • More than 180 homes sold in City of Decatur since 2009 • More than 400 homes sold overall since 2009 • Top Ten Agent in Metro Atlanta: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
ChipWallaceRealEstate.com chip@kellerknapp.com 678.429.9731
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Village Magazine 25
REAL ESTATE RESOURCE Home sales were supplied by Keller Knapp Realty via the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The information has not been verified and may not be listed by the office or agent advertised on this page.
Address
Area
List Price
Sale Price Sold Date DOM Beds Baths Sq. Ft.
1010 Adams St
Oakhurst
$1,295,000
$1,260,000 10/2/17
71
5
5.0
3594
128 W Benson St
Oakhurst
$1,092,000
$1,040,000 11/16/17
7
5
4.5
3642
217 Winnona Drive
Winnona Park
$989,000
$970,000
10/5/17
12
4
3.0
3495
139 Winnona Drive
Winnona Park
$925,000
$890,500
9/26/17
84
5
4.0
3783
401 Ansley St
Oakhurst
$959,900
$885,000
9/26/17
63
5
4.5
3165
204 Cambridge Ave
Oakhurst
$845,000
$840,000
10/19/17
63
4
3.0
2800
326 2nd Ave
Oakhurst
$824,900
$817,500
11/1/17
42
5
4.0
3178
223 S Columbia Drive
Winnona Park
$735,000
$790,000
9/29/17
4
4
3.0
2702
1031 S Candler St
Winnona Park
$799,900
$780,000
10/27/17
63
4
3.5
3508
224 2nd Ave
Oakhurst
$750,000
$760,000
9/29/17
5
4
3.0
2296
443 E Lake dr
Oakhurst
$739,000
$745,000
9/29/17
2
5
3.0
2874
530 Mckoy St
Oakhurst
$650,000
$610,000
9/29/17
39
3
2.0
1856
137 W Hill St
Oakhurst
$587,500
$578,500
10/31/17
10
3
2.0
1859
124 Cambridge Ave
Oakhurst
$514,900
$510,000
9/29/17
6
3
2.0
1490
1010 S Mcdonough St
Oakhurst
$515,000
$500,000
10/10/17
7
3
2.0
1540
327 Kings Hwy
Oakhurst
$450,000
$461,900
9/15/17
4
2
2.0
1580
611 S Mcdonough St
Oakhurst
$465,000
$449,900
10/10/17
44
3
1.0
1480
308 Greenwood Ave
Oakhurst
$449,000
$438,000
10/25/17
33
3
1.5
1236
102 Greenwood Pl
Oakhurst
$425,000
$410,000
9/13/17
20
3
2.0
1718
1225 Oakview Rd
Oakhurst
$395,000
$370,000
11/13/17
73
3
3.0
1534
802 S Candler St
Winnona Park
$369,900
$352,500
10/2/17
26
3
1.0
1426
1119 S Candler St
Winnona Park
$365,000
$325,000
9/25/17
35
4
2.0
1417
26 Village Magazine
HOLIDAY 2017
AROUND TOWN: DECATUR HOUSING AUTHORITY
City of Decatur honored for Trinity Walk By Julie Herron Carson jhcarson@bellsouth.net The Decatur Housing Authority (DHA) and the City of Decatur were honored by Southface Energy Institute and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association with the 2017 Partner of the Year Award at the annual EarthCraft Celebration of Excellence event. The award was given in recognition of DHA and the city’s steadfast commitment to a world that is well built for well-being and a continued support of the EarthCraft program, according to Southface. “We are honored to have our work recognized with this prestigious award,” said Douglas Faust, DHA executive director. “We believe in creating transformational communities that go far beyond bricks and mortar. In addition to incorporating energy efficient design, appliances and materials into the communities we build and manage, we look for ways to enhance the lifestyles of our residents through community gardening programs, play areas for the children, academic resources for students and mentoring programs.” DHA and the City of Decatur recently worked in partnership to develop Trinity Walk, a beautiful and innovative affordable housing community in the heart of downtown Decatur. Phase I and II of the redevelopment of the former Gateway Manor and Oakview apartments at 421 West Trinity Place officially opened Oct. 5, 2017 with full occupancy. The complex includes 121 one, two and three-bedroom energy-efficient apartment flats and townhomes in six contemporary, three-story buildings. Thirty-two of the apartments were created for the elderly and/or disabled, while the remaining 89 units were designed for families. Southface and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association named Oliver House, another DHA development project within the City of Decatur, EarthCraft Multifamily 2012 Project of the Year. Oliver House is an 80-unit senior housing community located at 1450 Commerce Drive. The Trinity Walk apartments were constructed to EarthCraft green building
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(L-R): Mary Beth Hemenway of Hemenway, Inc., construction inspector for Trinity Walk, Douglas Faust, Decatur Housing Authority executive director and Don Dressel, Decatur Housing Authority program manager. specifications and will receive EarthCraft Multifamily and EarthCraft Communities certifications. Low to mid-rise buildings that qualify must meet a number of sustainability standards, including environmental performance, indoor air quality, building durability, comfort and affordability. The community was designed with a central Greenway featuring community gardens, seating and gathering areas and a “tot lot”. A customized storm water detention system includes enhanced bio-swales, which naturally filter the water and return it to the soil, three bio-retention areas and an 8,000-gallon storm water cistern, which captures roof runoff for irrigation reuse. In addition, DHA worked with the City of Decatur to obtain capacity in the
city’s new regional storm water retention facility. A landscaped stream buffer has been created to protect adjacent Peavine Creek and provide outdoor amenities for the Trinity Walk residents. Plantings and trees within the buffer and throughout the development enhance Trinity Walk’s viability and aesthetics. In addition to the City of Decatur and Trinity Walk residents, DHA’s partners for the redevelopment included City Schools of Decatur, MARTA, Hudson Housing Capital, Sugar Creek Capital, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and HUD. The architect for Trinity Walk was Lord Aeck Sargent and Kimley-Horn was the landscape architect and project engineer. Bradley Construction served as general contractor.
Village Magazine 27
AROUND TOWN: MONSTER OBJECTS
Minecraft model home display Oakhurst always has the most interesting neighbors, especially when it comes to home displays. Leif Terry created his Monster Objects (@ MonsterObjects) in 2015 and has been adding to them each year. These are life-sized monsters that he hand made from real life, well computer life, Minecraft models. Each piece took him about 6 weeks of nights and weekends to create. Made out of plywood boxes and held together by wing nuts, these Monster Objects are stored in his attic for assembly before Halloween each year. They are disassembled mid November when the snowman goes up for the Christmas season. This unofficial fan art is not associated with the Minecraft game (Mojang or Microsoft) but its pieces are a favorite for Minecraft enthusiasts. Kids flock over to the house at 254 3rd Avenue each year to view these Monster Objects. I should emphasize photos because the kids are not allowed to touch or climb on the Monster Objects. MonsterObjects.com
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HOLIDAY 2017
AROUND TOWN: ELIZABETH WILSON AWARDED Mayor Emeritus Elizabeth Wilson is the recipient of Decatur’s first Leadership award. This award will be named after her and presented annually to an outstanding leader. Elizabeth Wilson has been leading the Decatur community her whole life. She was one of the first black people to get a library card at the Decatur library. Wilson became the City of Decatur’s first black mayor. Well she is the only black mayor to date. She played a key role in desegregating Decatur’s school system. In fact there is a sculpture located in the Decatur Plaza titled ‘celebration’ that was made in her honor. Ms. Wilson co-founded the Oakhurst Medical Center, a community health center in Decatur, where she served as CEO. She organized Decatur’s Seniors Helping Seniors tax relief program. Her advocacies lead to the passing of the senior homestead exemptions. She continues to be an integral part of the Decatur community and her leadership will endure by honoring future leaders in Members of the Lifelong Community Advisory Board with Mayor Pro Tem Fred Boykin presenting Elizabeth her name. Wilson a leadership award taken at the Ebster Recreation Center. (Photo by Arthur Ratliff)
“Best of Atlanta 2017”, Atlanta Magazine
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Village Magazine 29
AROUND TOWN: PORCHFEST PHOTOS
Festival’s boasts more than 220 musical acts More than 220 musical acts littered the Oakhurst porches this year for another amazing pop-up festival created by Scott Doyon. Porchfest, now in its third year, is a free one-day festival from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14. It is the largest crowdsourced music festival with neighbors opening their porch (or yard) for a one-hour musical show. Many homes raise money for their favorite charity by selling their favorite artist wares or food and drinks. Porchfest was an exceptionally fun day this year! Take a look at some of the photos by John Morris.
30 Village Magazine
HOLIDAY 2017
AROUND TOWN: PORCHFEST PHOTOS
ART MATTERS: SECRET FAIRY DOORS Tucked away on the sides of buildings all around Decatur are the tiny secret fairy doors. The newest is a holiday rendition at Oakhurst Elementary School (pictured right). Organized by Decatur artist Larry Holland, the Secret Door project features 24 local artists who created 32 of these miniature fairy doors. The concept was inspired by the “Fairy Doors” that appeared around the world more than 100 years ago. The artists set out to create bits of whimsy for discovery in unexpected places all around Decatur. The Secret Door project is funded by a seed grant from the Decatur Arts Alliance. For more information go to SecretDoorsDecatur.com
HOLIDAY 2017
—Staff reports
Village Magazine 31
So far in 2017 a combined 52 real estate deals with over $20.4 million in sales. “Chris is great. Very knowledgeable about the area and detail oriented. She took note of our needs and wants and picked out houses she knew we would love. She goes over Chris Aiken and beyond her duties, especially if we were out of town, she'd go look at the house and Decatur resident report back to us. She made sure we weren't only content, but very pleased and satisfied chris@intownexpert.com with our home purchase.” (404) 735-6027 - Bought a home in 2017 “We could not have had a better experience working with Alex. She's incredibly knowledgeable, proactive (multiple times I would think of a question and then find she had emailed me the information before I could even ask her), responsive, professional, Alex Smith Meier full of great character (and fun!). We love our home and we wholeheartedly recommend Decatur resident alex@intownexpert.com Alex to anyone looking to buy or sell.” - Bought a home in 2016 (404) 788-6729
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