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MARCH/APRIL 2016 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 Dekalb County: www.Co.Dekalb.ga.us Agnes Scott College: www.AgnesScott.edu Oakhurst Community Garden Project: www.OakhurstGarden.org The Solarium at Old Scottish Rite: www.TheSolarium.org Trees Atlanta: www.TreesAtlanta.org YMCA – East Lake: www.ely.ymcaatlanta.org YMCA – Decatur/Dekalb: www.ddy.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 Butch Whitfield: 404-897-5558 Chip Wallace, KellerKnapp Realty: 678-429-9731 Decatur Pest Control: 404-296-4044 Dekalb Medical Hospital: 404-501-5200 Ensphere Services: 404-283-3186 Escuelita de Lita School: 678-764-8617 Finders Keepers: 404-296-0285 FitWit: 888-534-8948 Halo Salon: 404-390-3629 Heather Tell, Atlanta Intown Realty: 404-219-4078 Linda Lehsten, Keller Knapp Realty: 404-784-8779 mCary & Daughters: 404-370-0999 Matador Cantina: 404-377-0808 Mezcalitos: 678-471-6135 MoJo’s Pizza: 404-373-1999 Oakhurst Electric: 770-256-7174 Oakhurst Market: 678-732-3109 Pam Hughes, Harry Norman Realty: 404-250-9900 Parent Coach Atlanta: 404-990-3187 Plants Creative Landscapes: 404-309-7175 Pure Gas Station: 404-856-0393 Universal Joint: 404-373-6260 Steinbecks Pub: 404-373-1116 SugarMoon Bake Shop: 404-377-3354 Wahoo Grill: 404-373-3331 Wahoo Wine & Provisions: 404-687-9463 Disclaimer: The Clarke Agency LLC publishes the Oakhurst Village Magazine monthly with the support of the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association (ONA). The content, including ads, articles and photos are not authorized or endorsed by ONA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ONA, 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 Oakhurst 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 the Oakhurst Village residents to contribute content often! The Oakhurst Village Magazine staff reserves the right to modify, edit or not publish submitted content.
@2016 The Clarke Agency, LLC Mailing Address: 931 Monroe Dr. NE #282, Atlanta, GA 30308 Phone: 404-587-7887
MARCH-APRIL 2016
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Splendors of Springtime
I cannot express how wonderful Oakhurst is in the spring. Starting with the Mead Rd. Mardi Gras then the Oakhurst Wine Crawl, our tradition of neighborhood bonding comes alive. Thanks to local business owners Marc Brennan and Melissa Stratton, proceeds from the annual Oakhurst Wine Crawl will fund future Oakhurst-based events like Porchfest and Jazz Nights. Please come out on Thursday nights in April to enjoy live local jazz artists performing on the Solarium lawn. Jazz Nights is a rain or shine (free) picnic blanket style event with kids, dogs and dancing. You may run into your local commissioners at the event. We can relish in the fact that newly appointed city of Decatur mayor, Patti Garrett, who kicked off her initiatives with the ‘State of Decatur’ address, is truly a local Oakhurst neighbor! To keep local news flowing, please send suggestions or stories to OakhurstMag@gmail.com. I would love to hear about your home, your neighbor, your pet, your kids, and whatever you find interesting in your neighborhood. This is a magazine from residents produced for residents! Anne Clarke OakhurstMag@gmail.com 404-587-7887
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CITY NEWS
zone (Oakhurst) showing very little activity! Residents should all have the non-emergency City of Decatur Police line: 404-373-6551. Big news is that Oak Brew Pub will be opening in the former Mulligan’s space in the Dollar Store building. Owners Dan McKinney and Brewmaster, Chuck Duffney presented their redevelopment progress in hopes of opening this summer. Commissioner Brian Smith reported that the Oakhurst Street improvements hardscapes are complete while the soft-scapes (planting) are delayed because of inclement weather. The art and sculptures will be added to Harmony Park this summer. Doug Faust presented the 1111 Oakview Redevelopment project known as Trinity Walk III. While zoning is complete, they are working on updated designs based on neighborhood comments. In the meantime, the Decatur Housing Authority will proceed with the construction on Trinity Walk I in downtown Decatur. DHA expects families to move from 1111 Oakview Rd into the Trinity Walk I by May 2016. They should be able to start demolition and construction work on the 1111 Oakview Rd project in 2017.
The Oakhurst Neighborhood Association quarterly meeting on February 8th at the Solarium featured 2016 objectives from the new board of directors:
2016 Oakhurst Neighborhood Association Board
Paul Mitchell provided the update on the 14th Annual Decatur MLK Jr Service Project. There were 1330 volunteers who donated 11,600 hours at the weekend long event. There were 47 elderly homeowners in Oakhurst who benefitted from the service project. Amazingly 1,180 tools were used to repair home and 3000 lawn bags were filled. The financial impact was $258,000! We were encouraged to reach LeeAnn Harvey, city of Decatur Community Coordinator to volunteer in January 2017! Lt. Jennifer Ross and Lt. Eric Jackson provided the police report for the southwest
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Elizabeth Kobe, D.O. Stuart Pancer, M.D. Leslie Anne Pope, D.O. O LE E
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With Jazz Nights a high priority, the board secured new volunteers to manage the April & September Thursday night events led by Derek Boudreau. Marc Brennan offered to fund the Jazz Nights from the Oakhurst Wine Crawl proceeds. Those funds, plus the sponsorships and table rentals will allow the Jazz Nights to continue at the Solarium. General objectives are to increase funding for events; increase participation with more social media exposure and membership outreach; improve business relationships and forge partnerships. Kate was excited to coordinate with the Oakhurst Village magazine for neighborhood communication.
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· Kate Swett (President) · John Schiener (VP) · Greg Reihing (Treasurer) · Leigh Anne Nipper (Secretary)
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COVER STORY
Mayor Patti Garrett, invested in Decatur By JOSETTE MURRAY sowrite@bellsouth.net “Oh, that’s so Decatur” is a phrase frequently heard in conversations about Decatur life, reflecting the city’s philosophy of ensuring an optimal lifestyle for all its citizens. The city’s ten-year strategic plan reflects that, constructed around no less than 16 wide-ranging goals with multiple accompanying time-framed tasks. The goals include managing growth while retaining the city’s character (that’s no. 1), to encouraging diversity, strengthening communication among all, providing quality services within fiscal limits, supporting high-quality housing options, and providing programs and services to support/enhance a safe, healthy, active lifestyle. And that’s just a few of them. Who would want to lead such a daunting effort? Enter Oakhurst resident and Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett, a diminutive dynamo of leadership and community activism. A parttime nutritional counselor at Georgia State University’s counseling department, Patti has been married for 45 years to her husband Gary, whose job change brought the couple to Decatur from Chattanooga in 2001. Walking, biking, and visiting with her children and grandchildren are her high points of fun and relaxation. She and Gary can be seen several early mornings per week going to their midwalk reward (coffee at Kavarna Café) and in April they will go to New Zealand to visit their son and daughter-in-law. Upon arrival in Decatur, Patti almost immediately engaged in the community work that marked her life in Chattanooga. “I have always been interested in policy and community, and wanted to continue,” she said. Over time, her dedication was noted and she was invited to run for Decatur City Commission, to which she was elected in 2010. She this year became Decatur’s third
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Patti Garrett, newly appointed Mayor of Decatur, has been married for 45 years to her husband Gary.
female mayor. (Terms are annual, but historically are much longer; for example, Bill Floyd served as mayor for 16 years.) “I want to continue building our city’s economy by investing in each other,” Patti said, and she outlined how. With active
citizen participation, the city is developing its five-year comprehensive plan, which is aligned with the ten-year strategic plan. The schedule for the plan’s development reflects the city’s commitment to gaining public input. Every month, from February
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Patti Garrett, comfortable in her new role of Mayor of Decatur
to the anticipated October or November resolution to adopt the plan, includes one or multiple public meetings or other outreach activities to gain public input.
referendum in the fall. In another area, a city trust fund is being explored to partner with senior citizens and help them to stay in their homes. As ever, input sessions on the latter are being planned.
What makes Decatur great
Getting creative with land projects
There are many ways in which Patti is proud of Decatur. “One thing Decatur is good at is linking volunteers and what’s needed,” she said. An example of that is the success of January’s 14th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project. This assembled over 1,300 volunteers to work at 47 homes, producing a work impact equivalent to $269,000. “They put down new flooring, painted, helped seniors fix homes that are not as warm and safe as they could be. We do a lot of wheelchair ramps and insulation. We have yard crews from Scout and church groups, as well as adults, that raked and cleaned out gutters for seniors,” she beamed. She is also very proud of “the fact that Decatur engages its citizens in planning and in figuring out how we will move forward, and that we have plans that don’t just sit on the shelf. The comprehensive and strategic plans include the things that the citizens identified as important. And I’m proud of the fact that our city commission works together for the good of the city. There’s no personal ambition; we all want to do the right thing for Decatur. People might not always agree with the decisions that we make, but the decisions are vetted, and anyone can come and speak at any time to us. We listen and try to come up with a solution.” As new construction and remodeling increase property values, fiscal relief is on the commission’s agenda. The millage rate was recently decreased by one mil, and there are several efforts in the state legislature to increase the homestead exemption, as well as a proposal to exempt all those aged 65 and older from school taxes for five years. Such moves are hoped to maintain an age- and income-diverse Decatur population, priorities identified in both the strategic and comprehensive plans. The House is expected to soon address these bills and hopefully pass them, to result in a
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Decatur also is looking at innovative ways to ensure an income mix in its population. “I’m really excited about this,” exclaimed Patti. “Land is so expensive in Decatur, we have to get creative about some of these projects.” The 2008 Affordable Housing Study identified apartments as vehicles to ensure a mixed-income population, and current construction is testament to implementation of that approach. Another area of particular interest is a plan to move forward with the first Cottage Court project this year. “We hope to have a public/private partnership to identify properties for a demonstration project to build more small (~1200 square foot, one-level) houses on a smaller piece of property. That might attract parents of families in Decatur and help maintain a balance of income levels and ages and life stages,” Patti said. Building regulations also have been approved to allow for construction of in-law cottages behind a home. Another thing she is excited about is the citizen-led Better Together Initiative, which was designed by volunteers, “the heart and soul of the Initiative.” Its intergenerational and inter-socioeconomic class conversations aim to increase community engagement among all segments of the population “and to continue conversations about race and economic diversity,” said Patti. Activities will range to reflect the initiative’s six focus areas: 1) supporting community-wide engagement and participation, 2) prioritizing racially just law enforcement, 3) ensuring diverse and affordable housing, 4) cultivating a welcoming and inclusive retail environment, 5) maximizing the use of public spaces, and 6) facilitating low-cost transportation options. A citizens’ work session in March will examine the initiatives that can be implemented. Such productive conversations are sure to help Decatur advance and thrive, under the watchful eye of its committed mayor.
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Cyerra Burdette is a standout athlete at Decatur High School
ATHLETE PROFILE: CYERRA BURDETTE
Just one of the guys Decatur High School sophomore Cyerra Burdette turns heads by making boys baseball team By PATRICK SAUNDERS pSaunders@theGAvoice.com Cyerra Burdette has always been active in athletics, playing softball and swimming since she was a child. But she made
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heads turn around town with what she did last year while she was a freshman at Decatur High School. Softball season had wrapped up that fall and she wanted to do something to keep her active and in shape to be ready for the next season—have to keep up that .425 batting average she managed freshman year and make the all-star team again after all. So she talked to the head baseball coach, Gary Anderson, who is also an assistant
coach on the softball team, who allowed her to work out with the team. Then one night, she told her mother Coree her next step. “When tryouts came out, she was like, ‘Well mom, I think I’m just going to try out,’” Coree tells Oakhurst Magazine. “I was like, ‘Are you sure? It’s a bunch of boys. They probably play rough.’ And she’s like, ‘Yeah I wanna play.’ I’ve just always been like, okay if you can do it, do it.” Girls previously had been managers for
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Cyerra Burdette made an impression on Decatur High School coach, Gary Anderson.
the baseball team, doing things like running the scoreboard, but there had never been one on the roster—until Cyerra. She tried out for the junior varsity squad and made it. The season wasn’t without its hiccups due to Cyerra’s unique situation and some bitter opponents. She started one game and was routinely put in in the final three innings of most games. It was during one of those scenarios one game that she experienced the first bit of resistance. The second baseman made the plays to get the last three outs of the game, which her opponents didn’t kindly to. Traditionally, teams line up to shake hands with each other after games, but the other team froze Cyerra out, refusing to shake her hand. But that wasn’t all.
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“The other players got mad and told me I shouldn’t be playing because I’m a girl,” she says. “I just shook it off because when I tried out I knew that was going to happen.” Luckily, her teammates have been more supportive. “The guys on the team that I’m on were fine with it, they really didn’t care,” she says. Cyerra is now a 15-year-old sophomore and is in the middle of tryouts again for the junior varsity squad. She’ll know by January 18 whether she makes it again, but she’s pretty confident she will since she made it last year. So expect to see the unexpected again when Decatur High School’s junior varsity squad kicks off the season on February 17 with a game at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School in Lithonia.
Decatur High School Junior Varsity Baseball Schedule Feb. 17 at 5 p.m.: at M.L. King High School Feb. 18 at 5 p.m.: vs. M.L. King High School Feb. 22 at 5 p.m.: vs. Southwest Dekalb High School Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m.: vs. Chamblee High School Feb. 24 at 5 p.m.: at Southwest Dekalb High School Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m.: vs. Columbia High School Feb. 29 at 5 p.m.: vs. Drew Charter School Senior Academy March 1 at 5 p.m.: vs. Cedar Grove High School March 2 at 5 p.m.: vs. Druid Hills High School March 3 at 5:30 p.m.: vs. Lithonia High School March 8 at 12 p.m.: at Arabia Mountain High School March 10 at 5 p.m.: at Cedar Grove High School March 15 at 5 p.m.: vs. Arabia Mountain High School March 17 at 5 p.m.: at Columbia High School March 22 at 5 p.m.: at Druid Hills High School March 24 at 5 p.m.: vs. Lakeside High School March 26 at 5:30 p.m.: 1st Round of JV Tournament April 16 at 5:30 p.m.: 2nd Round of JV Tournament
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Sarah Roberts with Brett Bannor, Chicks in the City symposium at Atlanta History Center.
GARDEN TIPS
Chicks in the city By JULIE HERRON CARSON jhcarson@bellsouth.net The Wylde Center (www.wyldecenter.org) and the Atlanta History Center (AHC, www.AtlantaHistoryCenter.com) will team up for the first time to present the annual symposium, “Chicks in the City”, Saturday, March 26 from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30305. This will be the fifth year for the popular program designed for people who own or wish to keep a backyard flock, but it’s the first one co-presented by the two non-profit organizations. Tickets are $65 for the Symposium ($50 for Wylde Center or AHC members), or $30 to only attend the afternoon reception ($20 for
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Wylde Center or AHC members), and may be purchased at www. wyldecenter.org. “Chicks in the City” is designed for anyone interested in caring for chickens in their own yard. From novice to expert and even for those who are just thinking about the benefits of adding fresh eggs to their diet, the Symposium will provide instruction in a fun and lively atmosphere. Attendees will spend an exciting and educational day learning about raising chickens. The itinerary includes an introduction to The Atlanta History Center’s own adventures in urban agriculture, lecture/workshops for beginning and advanced chicken keepers, poultry-related exhibition and vendor offerings, a Virtual Coop Tour, update sessions on state poultry support services
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Popular Wylde Center chickens at the Oakhurst Garden
and Avian Influenza, and Biosecurity demonstrations. There are a variety of interactive sessions led by local chicken experts. Among the topics to be covered include: Chickens 101 (Getting Started with Chickens), Chickens 102 (Now Your “Girls” Are All Grown Up), a virtual Atlanta Urban Coop Tour, Chicken Health and Wellness 102 and Avian Flu. Plus attendees will have the opportunity to see the Atlanta History Center’s flock of Rhode Island Reds and Plymouth Rock hens at the Smith Family Farm on the AHC campus. The day will include a lunch break to enjoy an outdoor picnic or to purchase food from onsite food trucks, then the day concludes with the Grand Finale drinks mixer with light hors d’oeuvres, chicken-themed silent auction, entertaining demonstrations by costumed Atlanta History Center staff and an Easter Egg Hunt. “Just like the Atlanta History Center has done at the Smith Family Farm, the Wylde Center has featured chickens in the Oakhurst Garden for several years, and they are very popular, especially with our young members and visitors,” said Stephanie Van Parys, executive director of the Wylde Center. “As our experience organizing the Atlanta Urban Coop has taught us, more and more city-dwellers are discovering that it is possible, and enjoyable, to raise their own chickens. The dual benefits of farm fresh eggs and reclaiming ownership of the local food chain have inspired hundreds of people in and around Atlanta to give chicken raising a try. Plus, the chickens eat insects as well as some kitchen scraps, providing an environmental benefit, along with the fresh eggs.” For more information, go to: wyldecenter.org/chicks-in-the-city-symposium
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“State of the City” dinner on January 26, 2016 hosted by the Decatur Business Association. Tim Martin introduced the new DBA board and new Mayor, Patti Garrett who presented City employees Bridgit Christensen, Lee Ann Harvey and Antranette Robinson their 15-year service pins while Mike Booker, Kris Boyett, Fred Jones, David Junger and Kerry Williams received their 25-year service pins.
BUSINESS NEWS
State of Decatur yearly address By ANNE CLARKE OakhurstMag@gmail.com The Decatur Business Association hosted the “State of Decatur” event featuring Mayor Patti Garrett delivering her first address highlighting the 2015 accomplishments of the city and its employees. At the January meeting, Patti Garrett
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recognized the new City Schools Superintendent Dr. David Dude and introduced new city commissioners Tony Powers and Brian Smith. Tony Powers took the At-Large commission seat vacated by Jim Baskett who was recognized for his services. Commissioner Scott Drake was re-elected to his District 1 seat and rounding out the commission is Mayor Pro-Tem Fred Boykin.
School Board chair Annie Caiola provided an update of the City Schools of Decatur and DBA President, Tim Martin introduced the new officers. The highlight of the event was when Decatur resident, Emory professor and U.S. Poet Laureate, Natasha Trethewey read her poem, “Mediation at Decatur Square.” The poet autographed copies of the poem at the close of the event.
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PET ROUNDUP
LifeLine Animal Project makes history By KAREN HIRSCH khirsch@lifelineanimal.org
MORE INFO
LifeLine Animal Project is a local non-profit that is changing the face of animal welfare by improving the standard of care in the community and ending euthanasia. As the managing organization for both DeKalb County Animal Services (DCAS) and Fulton County Animal Services (FCAS), LifeLine is making history in Atlanta! Our FCAS shelter has been achieving no-kill levels, defined as saving 90 percent or more of the animals, since this past November! This is a first for any county/open admission shelter in the metro Atlanta area! And our DCAS shelter is very close to obtaining a no-kill level, with 85 percent of the animals being saved! Both DCAS and FCAS take in between 20-to-40 animals every single day, that’s over 15,000 animals a year! Additionally, the shelters are old, antiquated and were built decades ago to serve a much smaller popula-
tion. So how has LifeLine been able to make such significant progress? We’ve been successful, because we’re taking a holistic approach to the issue. This includes dealing with pet overpopulation, providing community outreach and creating and implementing innovative shelter programs. Spaying and neutering is the proven way to address pet overpopulation, and LifeLine is the largest low-cost spay/neuter resource in the region. We have performed over 95,000 low cost or free spay/ neuter surgeries at the two LifeLine Spay & Neuter Clinics. This includes 29,000 surgeries for our Catlanta program which helps neigh-
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LifeLine Animal Project www.lifelineanimal.org
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borhoods humanely manage their feral cat populations. We also reach out to underserved communities who may not have appropriate resources to care for their pets, keeping even more animals out of the shelter. We hold free vaccination events about four times a year, where hundreds of people show up with their pets to receive them. This event also allows us to educate the community on the importance of spay/neuter and provide free vouchers to people who’d like to have their pets fixed. We also help people find resources so they can properly care for their pets, such as kennels, straw and dog houses through our “Breaking Chains” program, referrals to free food banks and lowcost veterinary care. LifeLine also provides educational speakers for schools and other organizations on a variety of pet-related and animal welfare issues. LifeLine’s innovative shelter programs help thousands of animals get adopted each year. Our mandatory retention counseling program provides people with advice, training referrals and other resources, often enabling them to keep their pet. Our “Dog for a Day” program allows people to take dogs out of the shelter for the day, giving the dog a break from the shelter and exposure to more potential adopters. Our transport program takes groups of pets to Northern shelters where pet overpopulation isn’t as much of an issue and our expanded foster program and alliance with numerous rescue groups gets more animals out of the shelter and into homes. Other reasons for our increased adoption rates include enhanced social media publicity, several weekly “Pet of the Week” newspaper articles, a monthly “Pet of the Day” appearance on a TV morning show, monthly adoption promotions, numerous offsite adoptions on weekends and our Fulton Animal Control officers who act as educators, rescuers and counselors rather than dog catchers. LifeLine’s goal is to make Atlanta a no-kill city by the end of 2016, but we can’t do it without you. You can help save lives by: adopting or fostering a homeless pet; spaying or neutering, microchipping and vaccinating your pet, donating to support our work, volunteering with us, and advocating for LifeLine. To learn more, make a donation, volunteer or view pets available for adoption, please visit LifeLineAnimal.org. Together, we can make Atlanta a lifesaving city. Are you in?
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FINANCE
Manage your portfolio, help control your tax bill
By MARGIE ARCHER, CRPS® ADPA® margie.archer@wellsfargoadvisors.com Vice President - Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager
Keep tax costs top-of-mind
Investors need to consider many factors in the process of choosing investments. One at the top of the list is an investment’s tax cost. In fact, for some individuals, this issue may be among the more influential factors when selecting investments. The following are some points to consider about the tax efficiency of different investments you may hold in taxable accounts. Effective Jan. 1, 2013, Congress implemented a new Medicare surtax of 3.8percent on net investment income. The tax will affect taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $200,000 for single individuals and $250,000 for married couples. The appeal of some of these investments may change depending on whether you are subject to this additional tax.
The appeal of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
Stocks. If your goal is tax efficiency, consider stocks geared more toward growth with a low dividend yield to reduce your current taxable income. The growth is tax-deferred until you sell the stock. This ability to defer
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tax provides some flexibility because you can manage your gains and losses based on when you sell your stock. If you hold the stock for more than one year, the gain will be eligible for a lower long-term capital gain rate as opposed to the ordinary income tax rate. If you need an income-producing stock, consider one that will pay dividends that qualify for the reduced qualified-dividend rates versus ordinary income rates. The rate for qualified dividends is the applicable capital gains rate. Bear in mind, dividends are not guaranteed. A company may reduce or eliminate its dividend at any time. Qualified dividends are paid by U.S. corporations and some foreign corporations. A qualified foreign corporation is one incorporated in a U.S. possession, eligible for tax-treaty benefits with the United States, or traded on an established United States securities market. Income from preferred instruments qualifies to the extent it represents an equity instrument rather than
a debt instrument. Mutual fund dividends do not qualify unless the dividends passed through are from qualified corporations, as described above. It’s important to note that real estate investment trust (REIT) dividends do not qualify for the reduced rate. Keep in mind, the return and principal value of an investment in stocks fluctuates with changes in market conditions. Upon redemption, it may be worth more or less than the original investment. Bonds. Municipal bonds, which state and local governments issue, pay interest that’s exempt from federal income taxes – although some may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT). The interest is also often exempt from state taxation if you purchase bonds issued by either the state in which you reside or a local government within that state. Although the interest income is tax-free, capital gains, if any, are subject to taxes. Before purchasing a municipal bond, you must consider whether the tax-free interest
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is a big enough advantage to overcome the potential for higher yield a taxable government or corporate bond may provide. To compare a tax-free versus a taxable bond, consider the taxable-equivalent yield. Generally, a municipal bond with a 4 percent yield, for example, would compare to a corporate bond with a 5.3 percent equivalent yield (assuming you are in the 25 percent income tax bracket and excluding state tax). A decision between these two bonds might still favor the tax-free bond because the taxable bond would add to adjusted gross income (AGI) and the calculations related to AGI and AMT. In addition, tax-free municipal bond interest is not included in investment income for the 3.8 percent Medicare surtax. Interest from taxable bonds is included for the tax computation. Investing in fixed income securities involves certain risks, such as market risk, if sold prior to maturity and credit risk, especially if investing in high yield bonds, which have lower ratings and are subject to greater volatility. All fixed income investments may be worth less than original cost upon redemption or maturity. Bond prices fluctuate
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inversely to changes in interest rates. Therefore, a general rise in interest rates can result in the decline of the value of your investment. Mutual funds. You may be able to reduce your taxes by choosing funds historically managed with low turnover and minimal yields. The yield will provide an indication of the amount of interest and dividend distributions. The turnover ratio measures the fund’s trading activity. Funds with higher turnover ratios typically distribute more capital gains, which are taxable to the investor whether they are paid out or reinvested. To help evaluate the effects of taxes on mutual fund returns, use Morningstar’s Tax Cost Ratio, which represents the percentage reduction in an annualized return resulting from income taxes. This can provide an estimate of how much of your investment return you would lose to taxes. This type of planning can provide some guidance on the taxability of the annual distribution. However, the fund manager’s actions will ultimately determine the capital gains distributions for the year. This can have significant tax implications. Of course, as with any financial decisions, investment considerations should take priority over tax issues.
There are risks associated with investing in mutual funds. Your investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may receive more or less than your original investment when you redeem your shares.
Look at the whole picture
Though our focus here is on tax-efficient investing, remember: just because an investment offers tax advantages doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for your portfolio – look at the whole picture. However, it’s a factor to consider – especially if you’re in one of the higher tax brackets. Before you invest, you need to consider your goals regarding return and risk as well as your time horizon. Only by taking all of these factors into consideration can you determine whether a particular investment is right for you. Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.
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AROUND TOWN
Lots to do at Touch-a-Truck By CHERYL BURNETTE cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com Join Decatur Active Living on Saturday, March 26 from 10am until 1pm for the annual Touch-a-Truck Event. This fun community event gives children of all ages an opportunity to touch, explore and see their favorite trucks or equipment on wheels. The City of Decatur and DeKalb County dump trucks, fire trucks, tractors, police cars and motorcycles and many other types of vehicles will be on display. School Bus Safety! City Schools of Decatur will have a school bus on site and children have the opportunity to learn about school bus safety. Car Seat Installation Demonstration! Learn how to properly install child safety seats. Decatur Fire and a Decatur High School Senior will be demonstrating the correct installation. Bring your questions and keep your children safe. Ride Your Bike! We encourage folks to ride their bike to the event to have it registered by the Decatur Police Department. All those who ride their bike to the event will also receive a special bike pin! Decatur Active Living and Decatur Fire are celebrating National Nutrition Month at this annual event. National Nutrition Month is a campaign that focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. When you come to TouchA-Truck, join in the effort by bringing any canned or non-perishable food item. All items will be delivered to DEAM, Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry. Touch-a-Truck takes place in the Callaway Building Parking lot located at 120 West Trinity Place, Decatur. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, April 25.
Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, March 26th gives children a great experience.
For more information, contact Cheryl Burnette 678-553-6541 Be sure to visit www.beactivedecatur.com for up to date information on all Active Living programs throughout the year.
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FOR THE KIDS
It’s okay to say ‘because I said so’
is ther there anyone who can why is bedtime always a battle?
help me me?
By SUSAN MORELY susan@ParentCoachAtlanta.com Dear Susan, My two children (twin boys aged 9) are very argumentative. When I wake them up in the morning, they argue they should sleep in longer. When I tell them it’s time to get in the car, they don’t want to get off their iPads. When they come home from school, they argue about the snack I give them (they want cookies, I want them to eat fruit). When it’s time for dinner, they argue with me about eating in front of the TV. And don’t even get me started on how impossible it is when I ask them to do just one chore, put their dishes in the sink! Can you help me if I have argumentative children? Tired in Decatur Dear Tired, There is no such thing as an argumentative child. Today’s parents are uncomfortable with having authority over their children. They’re also frustrated when their children don’t do what their told. Parents can’t have it both ways! First, get comfortable with the notion that it is your JOB to have authority over your children. You are the adult; they are the children. It’s not only okay to tell children what to do, it’s necessary! We have wisdom and their best interest in mind and so why shouldn’t we? Second, become reflective and ask yourself if you’re actually “telling” your sons what to do. Many moms today “tell” their children to get in the car like this: “It’s time to get in the car, okay?” That’s not telling, that’s saying “It’s time to get in the car if it’s okay with you.” Another common parenting mistake is speaking a command like it’s a question. The last word in a command is in the low register of voice. The last word in a question is in the higher register. Think about it and check your commands. Third, start using “old-fashioned” phrases like “Because I said so.” And when they whine or ask “why?” or “why not?” after that, just walk away. Some parent’s worry this is mean. It’s not. If your child is mature enough to say something like “Mom, I heard you tell me to get in the car now. I’d like to point out that it typically takes 15 minutes to get where we’re going and if we left now, we’d arrive 15 minutes early. Is it okay if I finish my iPad game and we leave in 15 minutes?” then by all means, answer him. But if he’s not mature enough to ask you respectfully, then “Because I said so” is just fine. Good luck and let me know how it goes! Susan Do you have a parenting question for Susan? If so, please e-mail her at susan@ParentCoachAtlanta.com For more information about Susan or parent coaching, visit www.ParentCoachAtlanta. com You can also follow Susan on Twitter@ParentCoachATL
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Mead Rd. Mardi Gras By EMILY BERG keanbergkrewe@gmail.com The 2016 Mead Road Mardi Gras raised over $6500 for the Decatur Education Foundation to fund music grants at City of Decatur Schools. There were 20 Krewes that marched in the February 6th parade, which started at Fifth Avenue Elementary School. The parade continued down Oakview Road to Mead Road and ended at The Imperial restaurant. Dr. David Dude was the Big Chief (Grand Marshall) and Deb Baumgartner was the parade Queen. The judges; Mayor Patti Garrett, Chantelle Rytter (Lantern Parade Founder) and Vincent Lewis (Mayor of Mead Road) were set up at Harmony Park. They selected the parade winners: Best School Krewe: Krewe of Winnona Park Best Community Krewe: Krewe of Masters of Mischief Best Float: Yacht Club Krewe Best Decorated Bike or Scooter: Decatur Maker’s Krewe Best Costume: Queen of Hearts / Krewe of Masters of Mischief
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HEALTH MATTERS
Board of Health Gets an early start on National Children’s Dental Health Month By VICKIE ELISA vickie.elisa@dph.ga.gov February was National Children’s Dental Health Month and the DeKalb County Board of Health got an early start on the observation this year. On January 29th, the agency kicked off the observation by providing dental services to Avondale Elementary School students already diagnosed with dental problems. The students received services at the DeKalb County Board of Health’s T. O. Vinson Health Center. A grant from the Delta Dental Insurance Company provided transportation for the students to and from the clinic. On February 5th Georgia Perimeter Col-
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lege’s dental hygiene students provided oral health education, cleanings and sealants to first through third graders at Hightower Elementary School, then on February 19th funded by a grant from Delta Dental Insurance Company, the State Oral Health Office partnered with the DeKalb Board of Health to hold a special sealant and varnish clinic for the whole school. The Dental Program also distributed oral health products to the students at Indian Creek Elementary and DeKalb County Board of Health’s North DeKalb Health Center. The product distribution was part of the American Dental Association Foundation’s “Give Kids a Smile” program. In total the Board Health’s National Children’s Dental Health Month celebration provided
prevention education to over 2,000 children and treatment to almost 200 children. Poor childhood oral health is a significant issue in DeKalb County. “Almost one in six of the school-age children the Board of Health screens need either prompt or urgent dental care” said Dr. Dwayne Turner, Dental Health Services Manager. The statistic is from the agency’s 2015 Status of Health in DeKalb Report. “This high rate tells us that there is a great need for both prevention and treatment among our youth,” Turner continued. For more information about the DeKalb County Board of Health’s dental services, call (404) 294-3700 or visit dekalbhealth.net/hs/dental-health
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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.
742 Oakview Rd
Oakhurst
$415,000
$405,000
1/4/16
105
3
2.5
1466
242 W Hill St.
Oakhurst
$639,900
$624,000
1/8/16
25
4
3.0
2670
138 Madison Ave
Oakhurst
$349,900
$366,000
1/8/16
0
4
2.0
1412
224 Olympic Place
Oakhurst
$116,000
$116,000
1/11/16
0
2
1.0
780
209 Oak Lane
Oakhurst
$900,000
$957,366
1/15/16
207
6
5.0
4600
212 Maxwell St
Oakhurst
$1,099,900 $1,099,900 1/22/16
63
6
5.0
4298
118 Winnona Drive
Winnona Park $819,000
$815,000
1/28/16
131
5
5.0
3400
131 Mimosa Place
Winnona Park $750,000
$740,000
1/28/16
11
4
4.0
2906
7 McEvoy Place
Winnona Park $749,900
$749,900
2/3/16
191
5
4.0
3582
435 E. Pharr Rd
Oakhurst
$799,900
$800,000
2/5/16
74
4
4.5
3368
135 Olympic Place
Oakhurst
$319,900
$310,000
2/5/16
9
3
1.0
1324
5 McEvoy Place
Winnona Park $749,900
$749,900
2/8/16
189
5
4.0
3582
134 McLean Street
Oakhurst
$899,900
$899,900
2/12/16
34
6
5.0
3906
125 McClean Street
Winnona Park $719,900
$700,000
2/12/16
24
4
3.0
2676
829 East Lake Drive
Oakhurst
$475,000
$466,800
2/16/16
4
3
2.0
1380
259 Maxwell Street
Oakhurst
$435,000
$435,000
2/19/16
2
4
2.0
1713
243 Greenwood Circle
Oakhurst
$350,000
$350,000
2/26/16
4
3
1.0
899
1426 Oakview Road
Oakhurst
$365,000
$357,000
2/26/16
129
2
2.0
1121
248 Kings Hwy
Oakhurst
$449,000
$438,000
2/29/16
12
3
1.0
1477
195 Lamont Dr
Oakhurst
$995,000
$969,000
2/29/16
110
5
3.0
4600
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Oakhurst Spring Jazz Nights concert schedule By ANNE CLARKE OakhurstMag@gmail.com Spring in Oakhurst means that Jazz Nights are back! Hundreds of jazz lovers will be gathering in front of the Solarium on Thursday evenings in April to enjoy a picnic at sunset and listen to some of the best jazz artists in Atlanta. The Oakhurst Neighborhood Association announces another great season of free outdoor jazz concerts beginning Thursday, April 7 with concerts beginning at 7pm and ending at 9pm. The location is the lawn in front of The Solarium at 321 W. Hill St. Concerts take place rain or shine, but should the skies open up, the rain location is inside The Solarium. Bring your picnics, blankets (no lawn chairs, please) and yes, kids and dogs are welcome for these family fun concerts! For an elegant front-row view of the
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concert, candlelit tables are available for reservation. Each table seats up to four and comes complete with chairs, table cover and a custom candle-lit centerpiece. Table Reservations are $25 per table, per night email reservations to: concerts@ oakhurstjazznights.com.
April Jazz Nights Performers: April 7 - Matt Wouchope Band April 14 - Bonaventure Quartet with Amy Pike April 21 - Zodiak, latin jazz band April 28 - Darren English
Sponsors include: Arlene Dean Home Builder, The Imperial restaurant, Wahoo Grill, Wahoo Wine Provisions, State Farm Dan Barracliff, Keller Knapp Realty, City of Decatur, and The Solarium. For details and more information on the
entertainment list, visit OakhurstJazzNights. com or visit the Oakhurst Jazz Nights event page on Facebook or the website: OakhurstJazzNights.com.
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MLK Service Project 2016 By ANNE CLARKE OakhurstMag@gmail.com The 14th annual Decatur MLK Service Project reached new heights this year according to Paul Mitchell who made a postevent presentation at the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association on Feb. 8. This countrywide annual service project for charity honors the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Decatur MLK Service Project repairs homes for senior citizens in the Oakhurst Village area. There were 1330 volunteers who donated a total of 11,600 hours at this weekend long event which started at 9am Saturday, Jan. 16 and ended at 5pm on Monday, Jan. 18. Forty-seven elderly homeowners in Oakhurst benefitted from the 2016 annual service project. Volunteers used 1,180 tools to repair homes and 3000 lawn bags were filled. The Decatur Preservation Alliance in partnership with the City of Decatur proudly eclipsed the 2015 volunteer participation. The financial impact of the holiday weekend event was $258,000 based on the value of volunteer hours. As the event ended on Monday, the volunteers were provided a buffet dinner at The Solarium, after a great weekend of work.
Did You Know?
LifeLine shelters over 15,000 homeless animals each year in DeKalb and Fulton Counties.
Together, we can make Atlanta a no-kill community.
Are you in? Join our efforts to save lives ADOPT • SPAY & NEUTER • VOLUNTEER • DONATE • ADVOCATE
LifeLineAnimal.org
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Varietal tastings at 2016 Oakhurst Wine Crawl By ANNE CLARKE OakhurstMag@gmail.com Photos by Jean Bartlett Perfect weather highlighted this years Oakhurst Wine Crawl on Saturday, March 5th. Even the initial lines for a wine glass at the Solarium went quickly as attendees enjoyed the spring sun. There were about 1000 attendees who tasted wine varietals at the 38 or so locations serving wine for the event. All the locations were detailed on the Wine Crawl smart phone app. Attendees were able to walk to the locations off Oakview Rd. and then take the complimentary Fur Bus shuttle to the businesses off College Ave. The Fur Bus ran every 15 minutes during the event which started at 4pm and ended at 7pm. Marc Brennan owner of the Universal Joint and Melissa Stratton of Coldwell Banker real estate coordinates the Oakhurst Wine Crawl in conjunction with Oakhurst Neighborhood Association. With the all-volunteer group, the Wine Crawl has another success year! The Wine Crawl will help to fund the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association events like Jazz Nights and PorchFest.
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The Oakhurst Wine Crawl CONTINUED
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