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WINTER 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 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, Harry Norman Realty: ...................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 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 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 Parent Coach Atlanta: ................................................404-990-3187 Plants Creative Landscapes: .......................................404-309-7175 Private Bank of Decatur…………………………….…678-799-4167 Pure Gas Station: ........................................................404-856-0393 Universal Joint: ...........................................................404-373-6260 Steinbecks Pub: ………………………………………404-373-1116 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). 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 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 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
WINTER 2017
Village Magazine 3
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Positive change is upon us for 2017!
The Oakhurst Village magazine is morphing into the Village Magazine to incorporate the Winonna Park community. I have teamed up with Lorelei Cooper to better manage the magazine and the business this year. Lorelei lived in the Oakhurst Village area for 8 years before moving to Winonna Park in 2013. Her son Jonathan attends Winonna Park Elementary School so she is entrenched in the south City of Decatur communities. “I love the community spirit and family atmosphere of both ‘villages’,” Lorelei said. “So, covering or merging both areas under one magazine banner just feels like the right fit for the community.” Lorelei has worked with a Buckhead-area community magazine and she has extensive experience in business management. This will be an asset because many of you know; I have been out of touch a bit due to death(s) in my family and surgeries over the past 2 years. In reality, neighbors are the contributors to the magazine. Your input and your stories are what make the magazine viable source information. Our goal is to connect neighbors through these stories. Lorelei Cooper, As I understand the south City of Decatur “Villages” have had over 75 percent growth of children under Managing Editor the age of 10 in the area. That is a lot of babies being born! So, we are acutely aware of how busy your lives are each day. But I also know you love the festivals and festivities in the community. We, as the publishers of the Village magazine, want to continue bringing the sights, the faces and the images that bond us. Consider the magazine “facebook” in print. You all can see me organizing the events like Oakhurst Jazz Nights or Lorelei with the DAMES group or organizing events for Winonna Park. We are active in the community but we need you to share your news, your concerns and your activities.
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Anne Clarke, Publisher, Village magazine OakhurstMag@gmail.com • 404-587-7887
WINTER 2017
BUSINESS NEWS: SCHOOL RANKINGS
Decatur Elementary Schools nab top honors By ANNE CLARKE oakhurstmag@gmail.com Decatur elementary schools nabbed the top public school rankings out of 48,625 US public elementary schools. The 2017 Best Public Elementary Schools ranking by Niche.com is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, student-teacher ratio, student diversity, teacher quality, grade school ratings, and the overall quality of the school district. Rankings: 1) Fifth Avenue Elementary Schools 2) Glennwood Elementary School 3) Oakhurst Elementary School 4) Winnona Park Elementary School 5) Clairemont Elementary School
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This ranking assesses 48,625 U.S. public elementary schools. The same methodology is used to produce the Overall Niche Grade for each ranked school as well as additional
schools. Statistics obtained from the U.S. Department of Education represent the most recent data available, usually from 2014–2016, as self-reported by the schools.
Village Magazine 5
CITY NEWS: ONA MEETING REPORT
Oakhurst board changes, upcoming events planned The Oakhurst Neighborhood Association (ONA) regular quarterly meeting was Monday, Nov. 14 at the Solarium where the 2017 Board Members were inducted. Greg Reihing will replace outgoing President Kate Swett. Greg has been serving as the ONA Treasurer for the past year. New Executive Committee Board members include Jodi Cobb, Blair Keenan, Anna Beck and Danon Stewart. Outgoing Vice President John Schiener will manage membership and merchandise as a regular board member. Anne Clarke will continue to manage the Oakhurst Jazz Nights and Taylor Higdon will be managing the ONA website and social media. The holiday and first quarter events were announced in a plea to gain volunteers and revitalize the programming. The Lantern Parade and Tree Lighting are highlighted in the magazine. Oakhurst Wine Crawl, Mead Street Mardi Gras Parade, Block Parties and Jazz Nights are the main focus. Decatur Police Lt. Jennifer Ross pre-
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Greg Reihing replaces outgoing President Kate Swett. He has been previously serving as the ONA Treasurer. sented the crime stats that seem to focus on car break-ins. She also created the NextDoor page for Oakhurst to encourage communications between neighbors. Bridget Christiansen from the Decatur Fire Department provided holiday safety tips like using surge protectors, LED lights (which do not get hot), and having a fire escape
plan for the family. Developer Doug Faust explained that the 1111 Oakview Road building demolition is on hold so the site will be a green space in the short-term. They will reapply for tax credits and hope to accelerate demolition planning in 2017. Mayor Patti Garrett and Commissioner Brian Smith provided a city progress update recognizing that the street lights are energy efficient (and brighter); Senior exceptions passed in the election; new cross walk designs by the Square; cottage house project (tiny houses) is in planning stages by Ice House Lofts; Extreme Makeover show will have a Decatur Edition; the beer fest grants are being presented at December Decatur Business Association meeting along with Hometown Hero awards (featured in this issue); and the Avondale Marta station development is underway featuring senior housing and regular housing. –Staff reports
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CITY NEWS: HERO AWARDS
Mayor Patti Garrett is pictured with the Hero award recipients and city officials. (Photo by Anne Clarke)
Locals honored at Decatur Hometown Hero awards By ANNE CLARKE OakhurstMag@gmail.com Over the holidays, the City of Decatur honored 12 Hometown Heroes for their contributions made to the city in 2016. Here is the list of those honored this year: Myles Baker was honored when he stopped to notify the Hadley family of their burning house. Everyone got out safely! James Brewer-Calvert, senior pastor at Decatur First Christian Church, who has contributed much to the Decatur community from the “Toy Park” to space for Decatur Book Festival. Diane Capriola has contributed through her iconic Little Shop of Stories bookstore in Decatur. Genia Cayce chaired the Woodlands Garden capital campaign to save the corner
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at Clairmont and Scott Blvd. Scott Doyon is founder of the amazingly successful Oakhurst Porchfest. Dr. Gloria Jacobson has taught violin to more than 600 children in Decatur. Dr. William Marianchuck managed fundraising campaigns for the City Schools of Decature Girls softball program. Tim Pettus is coach of the successful Decatur Softball Program that encourages life-learning values. Loie Valentine has volunteered countless hours to beautify the Decatur Cemetery entrance creating a large green space for the community. Laurel Wilson has documented the historic gravesites of African Americans at the Decatur Cemetery. Rus Wood is an integral part of the volunteer Decatur community and a mainstay
at the Decatur Visitors Center. And the Madison Avenue Soap Box Derby Founders: Jason Cattanach, Cameron DiCarlo, Marco DiCarlo, Sterling Roach, Anthony Scalese, Raul Trujillo. This group of neighbors took a grassroots fundraising idea and created a huge annual race event that resulted is the Madison Avenue Community Fund. The fund, like the event, benefits Oakhurst kids all in the name of fun for families! 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 301 Hometown Heroes.
Village Magazine 7
COVER STORY: CAROL DRUGA
Carol Druga: part of the family in Oakhurst By ANNE CLARKE OakhurstMag@gmail.com “Carol was her own adjective.” A great quote from Amanda Whalen about a beloved neighbor whose kindness and wit permeated many walks of life. Carol Druga, Droogs as she was affectionately known, lost her battle with cancer but left an amazing impression on the area she called home since 2008; Oakhurst Village. A Pittsburgh native, Carol moved to Atlanta with her job as an Associated Press (AP) Editor. She was a mainstay at Steinbeck’s Ale House, often seen ‘holding court’ with friends who became like family to her. Carol had a booming, Pittsburgh-accented voice giving her short frame power especially when speaking about her beloved sports teams, the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins. It was a special year when the Penguins won the Stanley Cup. And oh did she lament over the Pirates who rarely had a winning season. But those Steelers gave her such pride! In fact when I first met Carol we bonded over the Steelers. If you weren’t a Steelers fan, you became one with Carol around. Steinbeck’s was a de facto game day haunt where many Steelers shirts could be seen. Upon her death, the pub hosted a couple events celebrating Carol’s life with attendees clad in Steelers colors as seen on the front cover. This passion is what draws people in. Amanda would tell the story of Droogs late night entrances at Steinbeck’s: “Carol used to work a shift at AP that ended around midnight. When she walked into Steinbeck’s (at that hour), rather than cheers you would hear exclamations in the realization that you stayed to late. This always made
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“Carol was big-hearted and hardheaded. She rankled at injustice. She was as funny as she was fierce. She was a wisecracker and a self-admitted smartass. She could take a joke and make a joke, even on herself.”
Dan Oldham
Carol laugh but she was happy to see us if just for a few minutes.” Truly Steinbeck’s is a second home for Oakhurst neighbors and Carol was the binding factor. She knew everyone’s name even if she had to make notes, as was her reporter instinct. “Carol always kept the group together,” Amanda explained. “She
would come up with party ideas or field trips for the rare occasions that we managed to leave the Oakhurst/Decatur area.” These ‘field trips’ provided great stories so you wanted to be part of the experience as it unfolded. Continued on page 10
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Continued from page 8 Each New Year’s Day, Carol hosted the informally dubbed “Bowls, Beers and Bloodies” event at her home with multiple TV’s for the college bowl games, beer and bloody mary’s. She would also make her famous pierogies (polish dumplings) on New Year’s Day as a nod to her Polish heritage. “Droogs was the most loyal friend or colleague anyone could meet,” said AP correspondent Lisa Pane who was Carol’s supervisor in Atlanta. “She was passionate about the people and things she most loved. She lived life to the fullest in a no-holdsbarred kind of way,” Pane continued in Carol’s AP obituary. Carol worked on the AP’s South Atlanta Regional Desk as a shift supervisor where she managed breaking stories like the Upper Big Banks mine explosion, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and even coordinated coverage of the massive SnowMageddon blizzard. By 2015, she moved to the AP sports desk, a position Carol relished. Her passion was sports and she was adept in the male dominated world of sports. Noreen Gillespie, AP Deputy Sports Editor said Carol was aggressive but re- Friends pose for a photo while remembering their friend Carol. (Courtesy photo) porters trusted her: “She was the voice you wanted on the other end of the line…” Amanda would say. Dan Oldham wrote: during Carol’s final struggle with cancer, Both colleagues and friends would com- “Carol was big-hearted and hardheaded. concurred with Dan and wrote that he was ment that Carol was honest in her criticism, She rankled at injustice. She was as funny blessed to be surrounded by such a great, witty in her characterizations and blunt in as she was fierce. She was a wisecracker and strong woman. her delivery. a self-admitted smartass. She could take These Decatur neighbors, Steinbeck “She would give you a moment to a joke and make a joke, even on herself.” regulars, were truly family members to wallow but expect you move on quickly,” Brian Hammock, who was at her bedside Carol whose compassion was palatable. In
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10 Village Magazine
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fact, I remember a night when a stray dog wondered upon the pub. Carol immediately asked the kitchen for scrap food and expected me to put the dog in my car to take it home. It wasn’t too long after the dog rescue that Carol decided to adopt a dog. She was always open to dog sitting for friends. So, it seemed a perfect match when Carol adopted Lady, nicknamed “Goon”, who became her constant companion. Young Goon’s best friend was Jane Palmier’s elderly dog Chance who lived near Carol. The two dogs could often be seen hanging out on the patio at Steinbeck’s. And just as fitting, Chance passed away not too long after Carol, while Goon has made her home at Jane’s. Carol was close to her own family as she was with her adopted Oakhurst family. The highlight of her year was her annual visit with the siblings, nieces, nephews and other family in Pittsburgh. Of course, these family members fit right in with the Steinbeck’s crowd when they visited. She touched so many people, never skipping a beat from diagnosis to the final days when she was more worried about others, Amanda explained. Many people
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Carol hamming it up on her 50th birthday with Pittsburg friends Mary and Ward. (Photo via Facebook) she had come to love in the neighborhood surrounded Carol on her final day. It was for that reason Steinbeck’s hosted Carol’s wake. A fitting tribute to a special patron! That is one thing that I cherish about our little ‘hood, the ability to make friends in our local hang outs that leave a lasting impression and positive impact on our lives.
You never know who might walk into the pub, nor their story, but it is great to live somewhere that we can all get to know our “regulars” as family members. As many of her friends and colleagues said, Carol Druga left this world a better place and we are all better for knowing having her in our lives…
Village Magazine 11
GARDEN NEWS: WYLDE CENTER
Wreath making and S'mores party for the holidays 20th Birthday Planned for 2017 By JULIE HERRON CARSON jhcarson@bellsouth.net The Wylde Center is celebrating its 20th birthday in 2017 and has planned a number of exciting events and activities at all five of its public greenspaces to celebrate! The official celebration will take place – appropriately – at the Sunday, April 23 “Earth Day Birthday” event at the Oakhurst Garden in Decatur. Several new programs will make their debut during this milestone year, including the Wylde Nature Series and Art in the Garden, scheduled throughout the year at each of the Wylde Center’s greenspaces: Oakhurst Garden, Mulberry Fields, Hawk Hollow, Sugar Creek, and Edgewood Learning Garden. Details can be
found at www.wyldecenter.org. Over the past winter season Wylde Center has hosted several fun events, which is one reason the Oakhurst Garden has become such a significant part of our community. They hosted an S’mores evening, “S’mores For All” filled with fun for the whole family at four of the Wylde Center greenspaces. “This is a free, casual evening designed for children and adults to enjoy the garden and indulge in some old-fashioned fun,” said Stephanie Van Parys, executive director of the Wylde Center. The second annual “Deck the Wylde” was a holiday event for the adults-only that included making your own Wreath with materials from the Oakhurst Garden. Participants brought their own holiday cheer to celebrate the season and were able to take a piece of the garden home at this fundraising event. Look for new events as the 20th Birthday festivities are aligned for 2017. The annual plant sale is just around the corner, so watch for more information so that you can take a little piece of the Oakhurst Garden to your home. For two decades, the Wylde Center has been growing, educating and greening. From the seed of an idea in 1997, the Wylde Center has blossomed into an environmental organization oversees five distinctive greenspaces, conducts a year-round educational program for all ages, hosts social events and directs the Decatur City Schools’ Farm to School Program. Staff and volunteers engage children, families and individuals in activities designed to develop creative skills in sustainable urban living, organic gardening, health and nutrition. Despite its robust growth, the Wylde Center has stayed true to its original mission of cultivating vibrant greenspaces for everyone to enjoy and inspiring communities of environmental stewards. Memberships, donations, volunteers and grants support the Wylde Center. It’s never been a better time to get involved with this homegrown environmental resource! Visit www.wyldecenter.org for more information.
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GARDEN NEWS: WYLDE CENTER
Photos of Wylde Center plant sale, kids activities as well as the adult activities. Wreaths shown from the Deck the Wreath event using items from the Oakhurst garden. Families are seen roasting marsh mellows at the S'mores for All event. Neighbors are taking the opportunity to shop during the Oakhurst Garden plant sale.
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Village Magazine 13
HEALTH MATTERS: INTERNATIONAL WALK & ROLL DAY
City of Decatur sets new record for International Walk & Roll to school day! By CHERYL BURNETTE cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com The City of Decatur Schools take part in International Walk & Roll Day each year and 2016 saw the highest number of students participating since the program began. A total of 2357 children walked or biked to school on Wednesday, Oct. 5. This number is up from the 1893 that participated in 2015. Mayor Patti Garrett also participated and walked a group of children from the Decatur Housing Authority to Glennwood School. Westchester Elementary had the highest participation with 84 percent of students walking to school and will receive the City’s “Golden Shoe Award”. According to school Principal Ms. Lofstrand, “the car pool was reduced to a trickle.” There was at least one story of a family that had been reluctant to walk before but came out today for the first time, because the children were so enthused. Decatur has had an active Safe Routes to School Program since 2005. The program has won the Golden Shoe Award from PEDS for Pedestrian Friendly School System and three schools have been named Metro Atlanta Partner of Year by the GA Safe Routes to School Resource Center. Initially, volunteer parent committees at each school coordinated the program. Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, Decatur Active Living Division took on the management and development of Decatur’s program. The success of the program still depends on the fabulous parents at each school who volunteer to be School Champions along with their school committees and the Principals at each school who not only support the program but also understand the value of children walking and biking to school. The city and the parents work closely with the Georgia Safe Routes to School Resource Center.
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Currently the City’s program includes all five Decatur elementary schools, Renfroe Middle School, College Heights and Saint Thomas More Catholic School that promote walking and biking every day. The Georgia Walk and Roll to School Day is in March 2017 and the Georgia Bike to School Day is in May 2017. Plus each school has designated 2017 walk and roll days:
Decatur kids showing their spirit in participation at the Walk & Roll to School Day.
College Heights Early Learning Center: March 8 Clairemont Walk & Roll Days: March 1 , April 12, May 10 4/5 Academy at 5th Avenue Walk & Roll Days: March 8, April12, May 10 Glennwood Elementary: March 8, April 12, May 10 Oakhurst Elementary: March 8, April ??, May 10 Westchester Elementary: March 3 & 31, May 10 Winnona Park Elementary: March 8 , April 12, May 10 Renfroe Middle School: March 8, May 10 St. Thomas More School: March 8, May 10
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HEALTH MATTERS: VIRUS PREVENTION
Use prevention superpowers to stop viruses in their tracks By DR. MELISSA BLACK mpblackmd@empowerdecatur.com It’s the time of year for apple picking, school days, holidays and lots of germs. What do five and seven year-old children bring home from school? Cold and flu viruses, lots of them. Don’t wait for germs to derail your winter fun! Use prevention superpowers to stop viruses in their tracks! How, you ask? If you’re already using garlic in your kitchen, you’re in luck. Garlic can reduce the severity of colds, as will zinc. Even better, ginseng reduces both cold frequency and severity. In some studies,
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Probiotics and vitamin C also help. Foods rich in vitamin C include papaya, red peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Without a doubt, the most potent prevention is good old-fashioned soap. Frequent hand washing for 20 seconds, and use of sanitizer for touch screens, keyboards, and doorknobs is the best defense. If a winter virus does catch up with you, one tablespoon or lozenge of elderberry fruit extract taken four times a day may cut the duration of flu and cold symptoms in half. A few precautions are warranted for the self-management of colds. Vitamin D, Echinacea and Airborne™ haven’t proven
effective. Beware of making your own remedy from elderberry leaves or unripe fruit of the Sambucus Nigra plant. They contain cyanide producing chemical that causes vomiting, diarrhea or worse. Don’t be a victim of home remedies gone awry. Treat little ones with hand sanitizer, and save the scary stuff for Halloween time. Be safe and have a healthy winter season! Melissa Black M.D. is a family physician and founder of Atlanta’s first direct primary care clinic, Empower Family Medicine. Located in downtown Decatur at 209A Swanton Way, Learn more at www.empowerdecatur.com.
Village Magazine 15
Pam Dooley, owner of Plants Creative with her dog who is a mainstay at the office!
BUSINESS PROFILE: PLANTS CREATIVE LANDSCAPES
Plants Creative Landscapes making Atlanta better one space at a time Decatur landscape company in midst of substantial growth By PATRICK SAUNDERS psaunders@theGAvoice.com The 1996 Olympic Games changed Atlanta in a number of ways, not the least of which was attracting talented people from a variety of fields across the country to make the move here. That’s what happened to Pam Dooley, owner and operations manager of Decatur landscape company Plants Creative Landscapes. She was attending a South Carolina college on a volleyball and softball scholarship and got the chance to work at the ’96 Olympics and from then on, she knew Atlanta would be her home one day. After moving here and spending a number of years in various management positions
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within the plant community, plus getting a horticulture degree from the University of Georgia, she decided it was time to strike out on her own and start a company. And in June 2005, Plants Creative Landscapes was born. “There was no real business plan,” Dooley tells (The Village) Oakhurst Magazine. “I just reached out to a couple of contacts like realtors and friends and said, ‘Hey, I’m thinking about doing this and what do you think? Can you throw a little business my way?’” It started with simple foundation plantings and curb appeal projects and blossomed from there over time, due in no small part to a good friend and customer of Dooley’s connecting her with the production team from the A&E show “Flip This House,” where each episode features the purchase and renovation of a different property. The show did a series of episodes in East Atlanta shortly after Plants Cre-
ative Landscapes opened, and the company did a handful of episodes. “That was really the start of the exposure and it just kind of went from there,” Dooley says.
New facility kicks off explosive growth
Soon enough, Plants Creative Landscapes was outgrowing the 500-square-foot space they were renting, which required them to park all of their equipment in the parking lot. They purchased a plot of land off East College Avenue in 2010, acquired a Small Business Association loan and built a new facility from the ground up. And in winter 2012, they moved into their new home, which at 5,000 square feet is 10 times the size of their previous location. To say the move paid off would be a gross understatement. Continued on page 17
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Beautiful home landscaping designed by Plants Creative Landscapes. Some of their designs have been featured on HGTV’s “Curb Appeal” and A&E’s “Flip This House.”
Continued from page 16 “Since we moved into the building, we’ve averaged in-between 30 and 40 percent annual growth revenue. We’ve added two landscape architects and a third landscape designer. We’re up to six maintenance crews and we have four full-time construction crews,” Dooley says, adding that they now have 33 employees on staff.
‘It’s not canned landscaping’
Dooley says she and her employees at Plants Creative Landscapes are driven by making their customers’ dreams a reality. “All of us are really passionate about helping people connect the dots. Sometimes it’s a very rough idea and sometimes it’s a very precise idea,” she says. “One of the things that we’re really good at is we’re great listeners and we’re creative. We really pride ourselves on thinking outside the box and coming up with unique spaces.”
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That’s one reason that the business focuses on residential properties, eschewing commercial ones because the creative possibilities tend to be limiting. As far as landscaping trends in Atlanta go, bringing the indoors out is a major one. “The weather in Atlanta is so conducive to outdoor extensions of the home and we’ve been doing a lot of design work with that,” says Dooley, mentioning outdoor kitchens as an example. “It’s insane to see what the designers do sometimes. I’m like, ‘We’re doing that! That’s awesome!’” The team at Plants Creative Landscapes also enjoys the emotional connection that occurs when doing memorial gardens for people or pets. “We do a lot of memorial trees or memorial sections of a landscape just to where people can really remember,” she says. “All of us are really emotional about what we do but in a very good way. It’s not canned landscaping. It’s really making
Plants Creative Landscapes
425 E. College Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 404-309-7175 info@plantsllc.com www.plants-creative-landscapes.com connections and relationships.” And they cement those connections and relationships further by giving back to the community when they can by sponsoring fundraisers and donating design and cleanup services. Avondale Elementary School, Druid Hills Youth Sports, Glennwood Elementary School, Olmstead Linear Park Alliance, Lifeline Animal Project and PAWS Atlanta are just some of the organizations they’ve helped. “The longer we’re here, the more all of us realize the impact we can have,” Dooley says.
Village Magazine 17
FAMILY CORNER: SIBLING RIVALRY
Siblings fighting for 10 blocks Helpful hints to make children mind without handing out rewards, punishments By SUSAN MORELY, ECE, CARES susan@ParentCoachAtlanta.com Dear Susan, Can you help me handle my kids’ fighting while walking to school? We live a mere 10 blocks away from the school. My teen son and 1st grade daughter walk together but fight constantly during their short walk. This happens every single morning and every single afternoon. It’s horrible! What rewards, punishments should I use to get them to enjoy the walk and be happy rather than create all this drama for nothing? Frustrated in Decatur Dear Frustrated, I think you can approach this issue without rewards or punishments! I’ll offer two separate solutions.
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First, let them walk separately. Certainly the teenager can handle walking to school by himself – Let him. Your first grader can handle walking alone, too but you may have to allow yourself to get comfortable with it. Perhaps walking with her for a couple of days, then wean off over a couple of weeks will work. If that isn’t going to work for you, you can try to find a neighbor to walk with the first grader. Second option is to allow your teenager to have more responsibility! Challenge him to come up with creative ways to handle it. Give him the directive to come up with three ways to walk with his sister that will be fun. Allow him a day or two to think about it. If he’s struggling, here are some suggestions (but don't just tell him these, let him come up with ideas on his own first!): n Challenge your sister to walk to the corner as an animal (hop like a bunny, leap
like a frog, etc) n Play “mother may I” for 5 houses n Race-walk for the first half of the walk n Insert your ideas here! With some brainstorming, your son and perhaps all three of you can come up with ways to have fun during the walk. Remember, parenting isn’t always about telling and scolding. It’s important to be creative and have fun, too! 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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FINANCE: SMALL BUSINESS
Simple strategies for small business It’s your time to shine! By JOHN ERNST jernst@georgiasbdc.org Business Consultant UGA Small Business Development Center Owning your own business is like having a daily TV show. Each day there is a new show and a new opportunity to put forth your best efforts. Will your audience like you or dislike your performance each day? Of course, an actor doesn’t have the pressure of the business owner. An actor gets to go home at the end of the day and enjoy life. The entrepreneur gets to go home at the end of the day and worry about tomorrow’s performance. His livelihood depends on an excellent show each day. Embrace the challenge. Each day offers an opportunity for you to shine. Passion for your business is the most important element to ensure success. I have seen firsthand that a person with passion and limited business skills will always outshine the passive person with excellent business skills. Let that sink in. Passionate people overcome the travails of daily business life. Passive people take what comes at them and sometimes don’t correct their mistakes. I am reminded of a famous quote by Ayn Rand: “You can ignore reality, but you can’t ignore the consequences of ignoring reality.” This sums up the difference between passionate and passive. Will you be passive and ignore reality or will you be passionate and fix the problems. Which of these two types are you? Make a point to be passionate and your business will thrive. There are two essential elements of each business, product and service. Take a look at the product you offer your customers each day. Are you passionate about making sure it is the best it can be for what you charge? It is important to always strive for a better product. This is what will set you apart from your competitors. Are you proud of what you do? Would you match your product against comparable products?
WINTER 2017
Can you proudly point out what makes your product better to your customers? Make sure you can answer each of these questions with a resounding YES! This is your business. No one other than you will be passionate about it. Customer service offers the biggest opportunity for you to shine. More customer relationships are lost because of customer service rather than the quality of the product. You and your staff have to show each customer how important they are to your business. Are you passionate about making sure each customer is happy with your product or work? Does their satisfaction bring a smile
to your face? Passionate entrepreneurs realize that without happy customers, there will be no business. This is sometimes the biggest reason for business failure. Passionate people really do care; passive people are just going through the motions. Be successful by going out of your way for each customer. Be passionate about every part of your business. Go out each day and put on a great performance. If you are not passionate, one of your competitors will be taking away your business. Don’t let this happen to you. Strive for perfection. Provide an outstanding product. Give the best service to your customers! Remember, It’s your time to shine.
Village Magazine 19
PET ROUNDUP: BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Decatur Presbyterian Church hosts Blessing of the Animals By DONA CUCICH dcucich@psc.state.ga.us Decatur Presbyterian Church hosted the Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 1, 2016, at 10:30 AM. The service was held in the Terrace Garden at the corner of Church and Sycamore Streets. All were invited to join Dr. Speed and his yellow lab, Chevy, for a blessing of the animals. The blessing of pets and animals
20 Village Magazine
is often celebrated on October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, or near that date. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. St. Francis (1182-1226) was a monk who founded the contemporary order of Franciscans. He was known for his vow of poverty and his special connection to animals, among many other things. A Blessing of Animals witnesses to God's and the Church's love, care, and concern for
creation. As we recognize our mutual interdependence with God's creatures, the Church's witness of stewardship of creation is strengthened. It is also a service with special appeal to children. If you are not able to bring an animal, you may wish to bring a picture of an animal you love or an endangered species in the wild. Decatur Presbyterian Church is located at 205 Sycamore Street in Decatur.
WINTER 2017
PET ROUNDUP: AARF-STRAVAGANZA
The Queens are coming to Oakhurst By SUSAN LEISURE susan@AARFatlanta.org Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends is hosting the third annual AARFstravaganza! Drag show to raise funds for homeless pets. Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends (AARF) is dedicated to saving the lives of homeless dogs and cats. In a world where dogs and cats are often abandoned, abused and neglected, the discussions are often sad or frustrating. But the stories of the lives saved deserve celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a fun evening of drag queens, drinks and Disney trips? AARF tries to think outside the box, and hosting a drag show fundraiser for the last three years is right up their alley. Says AARF Director Susan Leisure, “It’s crucial for most organizations to have an annual fundraiser. Instead of one more black-tie event, we want to host a fun alternative to raise funds for our
adoption programs.” AARFstravaganza is that different kind of fundraiser. Instead of formal wear and a quiet evening of soft music in the background, the AARF fundraiser will feature the Armorettes, Atlanta's infamous camp drag
troupe that has raised funds for HIV/AIDS organizations for the last four decades in Atlanta. The Armorettes make sure that everyone who attends has a good time! AARFstravaganza attendees will also be able to enjoy bottomless glasses of beer or wine and light appetizers. And when they aren’t watching the amazing drag show, they can bid on great silent auction prizes, ranging from wine tastings in the North Georgia Mountains to Disney passes to dinner at local restaurants. All of the proceeds from the event will support AARF’s rescue and adoption program. AARFstravaganza will be held on March 11 from 7:30-11:00 at The Solarium in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur. Tickets are limited, so attendees are encouraged to buy tickets in advance. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. For more details and to purchase tickets, go to www.aarfatlanta.org/home.html.
2017
e h t g n i r featu t es! e r o m r A famous
www.AARFatlanta.org
WINTER 2017
m :00p 1 1 7:30 t.) from 1 Hill S 1 W h c 1 r (32 Ma hurst day, r k u a t O a S rinks um in ess d i l r m a l o ott e So es At th rs • B e z i s priz t u e o p l p A fabu Light oor with n o the d i t t c A u 50 ta Silen ts • $ e k c i ce t dvan A 0 $4
Village Magazine 21
HOME MATTERS: SECURITY TIPS
10 home security tips to keep your children safe By DUNCAN COTTRELL duncan@entryenforcer.com After several e-mails from concerned parents, I have created what I feel are the 10 most important home security tips to teach your children. Please review this list with your youngsters and make sure they understand each and every safety tip. 1) Do not open the door to strangers. The same rule applies to strangers at home as it does on the street, “Do not talk to strangers”! Take the time to explain to your children that although home is a safe place, the reason it is safe is because your family takes precautions by not opening doors to strangers. 2) Explain to your children that there are bad people who pose as tradesmen, delivery people, or even people in distress. It’s alright not to open the door. Explain these people can always get help next door or come back later to do a delivery or service work. 3) Install door viewers at your children’s eye level. Quite often door viewers are installed too high without any thought given to children, rendering them useless. Don’t worry about the look of a door viewer installed at a lower level, replacing the door down the road is a small price to pay for your children’s safety. 4) Make sure your children don’t brag about your families purchases: Whether it is a new television, CD or DVD player a burglar might have overheard the conversation. The last thing your children need is an unexpected visitor at the door. 5) Teach your children how to secure all locks and alarms when they are in the home alone. Have them show you how to arm and disarm the alarm system and secure all door
22 Village Magazine
locks and window locks. Making sure they understand the importance of getting into this habit is crucial for their safety. Note: Make sure your alarm has a cellular backup in the event of a phone line cut. 6) Create a secure room: Install extra deadbolts and door reinforcing on a room as an escape route in the event of a forced entry. Rehearse with your children how they would find their way to safety once locked inside a secured room. 7) Make sure your children have a cellular phone to use in case of emergency. If your phone lines are cut or tampered with, your children can still call for help. 8) If you live in a large city, have your
children call the fire department first and police second. Because the fire department is usually first response, they will respond much quicker than police in most cases. Your children don’t need a confusing list of emergency professionals, 911 will do! 9) Have a list of family contacts: Your children should have a list of family contacts should they experience a problem they don’t know how to handle, like a malfunctioning lock or alarm system. 10) If they answer the phone to a stranger wanting to know if their parents are home. Have them tell the party that their parents are busy right now and they will have to call back later. Frightening calls should be reported to a family contact immediately.
WINTER 2017
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.
323 Ansley St.
Oakhurst
$439,900
$435,000
12/19/16
39
2
2.0
1520
332 Kings Highway
Oakhurst
$425,000
$395,000
12/16/16
35
2
1.0
1176
530 Mckoy St.
Oakhurst
$354,900
$355,000
12/12/16
1
3
1.0
1082
144 Maxwell St.
Oakhurst
$1,135,000 $1,115,000 12/9/16
52
6
6.0
4344
117 Fayetteville Rd.
Oakhurst
$899,000
$875,000
12/9/16
14
5
6.0
3749
248 Madison Ave.
Oakhurst
$950,000
$1,025,825 12/2/16
75
4
3.0
3476
519 Second Ave.
Oakhurst
$950,000
$925,000
12/2/16
28
4
5.0
3219
169 Feld Ave.
Oakhurst
$460,000
$510,000
12/2/16
5
3
1.5
1697
215 Fourth Ave.
Oakhurst
$445,000
$415,000
11/30/16
33
3
1.0
1296
127 Greenwood Pl.
Oakhurst
$724,900
$725,000
11/28/16
2
3
2.0
2944
451 Third Ave
Oakhurst
$925,000
$865,000
11/17/16
63
6
5.0
3693
236 W. Hill St
Oakhurst
$499,900
$524,600
11/16/16
3
3
2.5
1844
145 Feld Ave
Oakhurst
$789,000
$774,000
10/14/16
162
5
4.0
3108
503 W Pharr Rd
Oakhurst
$714,000
$708,000
10/3/16
7
4
3.0
2617
548 McKoy St
Oakhurst
$1,150,000 $1,100,000 10/1/16
56
6
5.0
3543
329 Leyden St
Oakhurst
$379,000
$373,000
64
2
2.0
1360
238 Maxwell St
Oakhurst
$579,900
$5,799,000 9/23/16
1
3
2.0
1850
127 Melrose Ave
Oakhurst
$389,900
$375,500
9/23/16
37
2
2.0
1316
217 Mead Rd
Oakhurst
$586,000
$509,250
9/14/16
2
5
4.0
3193
107 Hood Circle
Oakhurst
$400,000
$350,000
9/6/16
33
4
1.5
1244
1423 Oakview Rd
Oakhurst
$765,000
$759,000
8/31/16
30
4
3.0
2652
229 Second Ave
Oakhurst
$875,000
$870,000
8/30/16
14
5
5.0
3283
714 Third Ave
Oakhurst
$879,900
$865,000
8/30/16
22
5
4.0
3125
WINTER 2017
9/28/16
Village Magazine 23
ATHELETE PROFILE: ULTIMATE FRISBEE
Ultimate Frisbee makes its way to Decatur Recreation in a big way By ANNE CLARKE From Eric Swett ericswett33@gmail.com It is not necessarily a new sport but Ultimate Frisbee has made its way to Decatur Recreation in a big way! This is the third year that Decatur Recreation has fielded an Ultimate Frisbee middle school team that plays in the Atlanta Flying Disc Club (AFDC) sponsored Metro Middle School League. Ultimate Frisbee (flying discs) is quite like football excepting there is no contact. The sport has been around since the 1960’s and is quite popular in Atlanta. The Decatur Recreation team, Decatur Fusion, is lead by Oakhurst resident Eric Swett who says the name is aptly titled since the kids are from Renfroe, Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, Friends School and other schools who otherwise do not field a team. The Decatur Fusion competes against other middle schools in the metro area including but not limited to Galloway, Paideia, Druid Hills and Inman Park. Middle school ultimate is especially unique since it is a coed sport. Both boys and girls play on Decatur Fusion, with about 30 kids competing to field two teams in the league. Practices are typically 2 days a week at Ebster Field with games on Saturdays and a big tournament at the end of the season (Winter). For more information go to AFDC.com There is also Ultimate Frisbee at the high school level sanctioned under the USAultimate.org that has been around since 2010. The Decatur Recreation fields a high school team for the spring season with the name, Dog Pound. Games start in February with their end of season tournament in early May. For more information go to DecaturParks.com.
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Top: Ultimate Frisbee coach Eric Swett. Above: Ultimate Frisbee team photo. (Photos courtesy of Decatur Rec and Eric Swett.
WINTER 2017
AROUND TOWN: TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Jenna Black named top teacher in Oakhurst By LORELEI COOPER Loreleimcooper@gmail.com City Schools Decatur (CSD) named longtime Decatur High instructor Jenna Black as its 2016 Teacher of the Year, chosen from nine finalists representing each individual city school. Black has taught family and consumer sciences at Decatur High for 31 years. In 1990 she began teaching early childhood education and a year later opened the Frasier Center Lab School. Initially Frasier was a child development center focused on the children of teens, with a goal of keeping teen parents in school and reducing the teen pregnancy rate. In 1996 Frasier had the children of 46 teen parents and today there are none. Today most of its children are the offspring of CSD staffers and teachers. Black said her own role has shifted to more as a mentor to young parents and teachers, with particular emphasis on balancing work and home life. The other eight finalists: Angela Gabriel at the College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center, Natalie Bundschu at Clairemont Elementary, Susanna Shewan at Glennwood Elementary, Cindy Aldridge at Oakhurst Elementary, Allison Mansfield at Westchester Elementary, Kim Houston at Winnona Park Elementary, Julie McFaddin at the 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue and Jessica Sturm at Renfroe Middle School.
WINTER 2017
City Schools Decatur Teacher of the Year Jenna Black (center) with Board Chair Annie Caiola (l) and Superintendent David Dude (r). Photo Courtesy of City Schools Decatur
Village Magazine 25
AROUND TOWN: PORCHFEST
Porchfest returns to Oakhurst Village By ANNE CLARKE OakhurstMag@gmail.com The neighborhood driven, wildly successful, grass roots Porchfest is a free music festival that meanders from yard to yard in the Oakhurst Village. Imagine trying to manage 180 different stages with 180 different musical acts over 6 hours! Porchfest began in 2015 as an idea to get neighbors outside, enjoying music and each other’s company. Founder Scott Doyon had heard of a similar event in Ithaca, New York but he never imagined this type of response. The Georgia Tourism Bureau states that the event is the most diverse
musical lineup of any festival in the state. Porchfest is probably the largest crowdsourced music festival in the Southeast! Crowd-sourced is an important fact since Porchfest is truly created by neighbors who host an event on their porch (yard) for one hour. The Porchfest organizing committee simply manages basic logistics, coordinates performances and promotes the festival. Porches become stages, yards become venues and neighbors become the responsible advocates for good times and good behavior! Enjoy some of the sights from the 2016 Porchfest! Plan now for the 2017 Porchfest on Oct. 14 from noon to 6 p.m. Go to OakhurstPorchFest.org for more details.
Photos from the many ‘porches’ who participated in the 2016 Oakhurst Porchfest. Attendees walked between venues. Many were just chilling with the kids and dogs. Some of the porches were raising money for charity. Others were just raising the roof (with music). Over 180 porches, (home owners) featured over 180 different musical acts throughout the day! (Photos by Anne Clarke)
26 Village Magazine
WINTER 2017
AROUND TOWN: PORCHFEST
WINTER 2017
Village Magazine 27
AROUND TOWN: OAKHURST TREE LIGHTING
Celebration, featuring Oakhurst Community Choir, held at Harmony Park By ANNE CLARKE OakhurstMag@gmail.com The Oakhurst Tree Lighting celebration, featuring the Oakhurst Community Choir, was held at Harmony Park in conjunction with the Annual Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool Lantern Parade. Boy Scout Troup 107 donated the tree again this year, while the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association provided the decorations. Children participated in lantern making and playtime in the garden at the Oakhurst Cooperative Pre-school on West College Avenue before the procession started. The Lantern Parade traveled down Mead Road to Harmony Park where the Oakhurst Community Choir was set up
28 Village Magazine
under the sound direction of Lekan. Participants were encouraged to sing along with the chorus while sipping on toast beverages provided by Karvana. Kate Swett, ONA President led the tree illumination to the cheers from the crowd. Another perfect holiday celebration in Oakhurst Village!
WINTER 2017
AROUND TOWN: OAKHURST TREE LIGHTING
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WINTER 2017
Village Magazine 29
ART: DECATUR BOX PROJECT
Decatur public art projects populate Oakhurst Village Whimsical art project transforms 20 dull metal boxes throughout neighborhood By ANNE CLARKE OakhurstMag@gmail.com You have probably noticed interesting art popping up around Decatur from large sculptures to painted traffic signal boxes. These are all part of public art projects from the Decatur Arts Alliance and supported by the Downtown Development Authority. Larry Hollard of Fishborne Art launched the Decatur Box Project transforming at least 20 of these dull grey, corroded metal boxes into whimsical works of art. You may have driven by boxes on East College near Candler and McDonough. Decatur Arts Alliance has also launched the Decatur Artway project featuring sculptures like the “Dreamsicle” in Oakhurst’s Harmony Park, which has been a topic of conversation on the neighborhood chat groups. These sculptures installed around the city are on lease for two years according to Angie Macon, Executive Director of Decatur Arts Alliance. Macon explained that exposing folks to this public art provides substance for future, more permanent art installations. The Oakhurst installations include: Dreamsicle at Harmony Park by Nathan Pierce; Prairie Vane at 4th and Oakview Rd by Dan Perry; Shelter Basics at Wylde Center by Matthias Neuman; Earth, Water, Fire, Wind at the Solarium by Hanna Jubran; and Geometry of Sol in front of Fire Station No. 2 by Phil Proctor. For more information on these art projects go to DecaturArtsAlliance.org
30 Village Magazine
City employees install sculptures around the city as part of the Decatur Artway project that was launched by the Decatur Arts Alliance.
WINTER 2017
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