Atlanta Intown - February 2019

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Editorial

Collin Kelley INtown Editor

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Contributors

Dyan Bagby, Sally Bethea, Kathy Dean, Grace Huseth, Asep Mawardi, Clare Richie, John Ruch, Tim Sullivan, Megan Volpert, Mia Yakel

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Article queries and calendar submissions should be emailed to collin@ atlantaintownpaper.com.

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Mia Yakel.

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More Than This

My mother, Linda Graves Kelley, passed away on Dec. 11 after a nearly two-and-halfyear battle with stomach cancer. Up until late September, you would have never guessed she was ill: her appetite was strong, she was active and had successfully taken radiation treatments that seemed to arrest the cancer.

EDITOR’S LETTER

The sudden decline in her health knocked her sideways. A host of maladies set in almost overnight, including blocked bowels, a total loss of appetite and a fracture in one of her vertebrae likely caused by the cancer’s advancement. By November, she was housebound and in constant pain. One day she could no longer make it to the bathroom and began using a walker. A few days later, she couldn’t even stand. It was a shocking and swift reversal of fortune that she never came to terms with. “I was doing so well just a few weeks ago,” she said often.

She didn’t want to take the pain medication because it made her feel “dopey” and “out of it.” One morning, she was unable to speak coherently, then she began to restlessly stack and unstack her pillows, braid and unbraid her hair. She became angry and frustrated and her caretaker and I took the brunt of it.

When the hospice nurse arrived on a Friday in late November, she was kind but also direct. The nurse told my mother she had only a few weeks left to live. Within a week, mom was taken to inpatient hospice and died six days later.

Mom’s transition was ultimately peaceful, thanks to excellent care by the team at Eternal Hope Hospice in Griffin. It’s a beautiful facility by a lake, and they not only took care of mom, but me, too. I’ve had friends who became caretakers for their elderly parents, but until you actually go through it, the exhaustion – physically and mentally – is indescribable.

At the memorial service, held in her hometown of Fayetteville, I was buoyed by the outpouring of love and support. Not only from my own friends and family, but by mom’s friends who had known her since she was a young girl. There was a beautiful wreath from the Fayette County High School Class of 1961. Photos of my mom from her childhood, laughing with my late father and grinning with her 75th birthday cake were arranged on a table at the memorial. Poetry was read, memories were shared and the music she requested was played: “Amazing Grace” by Elvis Presley, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” from Peter, Paul and Mary and “More Than This” by Roxy Music.

My mother loved to play bingo, go to casinos, gossip with her friends over long lunches and take daytrips. In the last few years, we put thousands of miles on my car driving through Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. We’d usually end up at a barbecue joint or some other hole in the wall serving country cooking. She loved to eat. And there was also plenty of music. Mom wanted me to play Tina Turner and Bruce Springsteen at the memorial service, but said the mourners would be scandalized if “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” and “Dancing in the Dark” suddenly blasted through the chapel.

Invariably on those drives, she’d ask for “More Than This” and remind me that I had to play it at her memorial service. She’d sing along, rhapsodize over the guitar and swirling synth and Bryan Ferry’s haunting voice. So, one last time for mom…

I could feel at the time

There was no way of knowing

Fallen leaves in the night

Who can say where they’re blowing?

As free as the wind

Hopefully learning

Why the sea on the tide

Has no way of turning?

More than this, you know there is nothing

More than this, tell me one thing

More than this, there is nothing…

The Neighborhood

‘Moonshot for Transit’

MARTA CEO calls for $100 billion investment in transit, technology

By Collin Kelley

MARTA General Manager and CEO Jeffrey Parker is encouraging a $100 billion investment he describes as a “moonshot for transit.” Parker made the remarks at the Jan. 11 State of MARTA Breakfast before a sold-out crowd of community, business, and civic leaders at the Loews Atlanta Hotel in Downtown.

Parker said the state of MARTA is healthy, financially stable and ready for expansion. Recognizing that service drives ridership, he promised a renewed commitment to customer service and expanding MARTA as a catalyst for economic growth, innovative approaches to mobility and community revitalization.

He challenged the crowd to rally behind a $100 billion investment in transit and technology over the next 40 years similar to the long-term capital plans in cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle and Washington, D.C. He also compared the big dollar investment to the bold plans America had in the 1960s to send men to the moon and the innovation in space travel heralded by that 1969 landing.

“The greater Atlanta region is projected to grow in population by 50 percent over the next 30 years. That’s essentially adding Denver’s current population to the metro region,” Parker told the audience. “We have to make bold decisions now that include a landmark investment in our transit network to fund innovative solutions for our traffic woes and renew our commitment to future generations.”

Parker also outlined new initiatives MARTA is undertaking, including the creation of a rider advisory council, hiring a chief customer experience officer, launching a multi-year overhaul of all 38 MARTA stations and new career opportunities.

MARTA Board Chair Freda Hardage also reflected on MARTA’s years of service and the need for continued regional collaboration among metro leaders to keep the nation’s ninth largest transit system on track.

“It really takes our employees, business leaders, elected officials and our riders coming together to help make MARTA stronger,” Hardage said. “My predecessor Robbie Ashe did a yeoman’s job leading MARTA’s Board of Directors while working closely with all of our stakeholders and leadership across the state to advance regional mobility and accessibility. Today, we renewed our commitment to build upon that same dynamic zeal as we look to the next 40 years for MARTA.”

City Council approves regulations for dockless electric scooters

The Atlanta City Council approved new mandates at its Jan. 7 meeting to regulate the proliferation of electric scooters on city streets.

Under new rules approved by the council, scooters must be parked upright on sidewalks and allow pedestrians five feet of space. Companies that violate the policy could be fined $1,000 per day. Residents have complained about scooters blocking sidewalks, falling into streets and being stacked up in piles, but how this will be policed has yet to be determined.

But the biggest impact to users will be the ban on riding the scooters on sidewalks. According to the new rules, scooters can now only be operated in the street. There was no move to ban the scooters from the Atlanta BeltLine, where they are technically not allowed in the first place. Riders are also prohibited from holding their cell phone or other wireless device while using a scooter and only one rider per scooter is allowed.

Riders who do not have a smartphone or credit card must also be given access to renting a scooter using alternative payment measures and offer a discounted-price options for low-income individuals.

The regulations require the scooter companies – which include Bird, Lime, Uber and Lyft – to pay $12,000 per year for an operating permit, which allows for 500 scooters. Each additional scooter deployed by the companies will cost an extra $50.

The companies must also adhere to parking zones and no-parking zones established by the Department of City Planning Office of Zoning and Development; have a plan for educating users on proper parking, operations and other applicable laws; and encourage helmet usage, among other requirements. The city reserves the right to reduce the number of scooters under a company’s permit if their devices are consistently parked improperly. While most of the dockless scooters have a speed limit, the city set 15 miles per hour as the maximum speed allowed.

Collin Kelley

MARTA CEO Jeffrey Parker makes the case for a $100 billion investment in transit at the annual State of MARTA Breakfast.

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Atlanta to propose short-term rental rules after Super Bowl

by John Ruch

The city of Atlanta is preparing a new system of registering and licensing short-term home rentals, but is waiting until after the Super Bowl tourist boom to present it, says City Councilmember Howard Shook.

“Everybody’s very sensitive right now about doing anything that might crimp someone’s Super Bowl experience,” said Shook, who represents Buckhead’s District 7.

Shook has been working with city staff on short-term rental regulations. So has Councilmember J.P. Matzigkeit of Buckhead’s District 8, who says he will seek a “bigger stick” in the form of higher fines.

Short-term rentals through such services as Airbnb have drawn concerns in Buckhead for large parties and a few significant criminal incidents, including a Dec. 12 shooting that left bullet holes in the front of a North Buckhead house. But the rentals are also a popular and convenient tourist business that a large number of residents and visitors will capitalize on during the Feb. 3 Super Bowl and 10-day party.

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One short-term rental company, HomeAway, was doing proactive outreach in Buckhead before the Super Bowl. Kenyatta Mitchell, a consultant for the company, attended the Jan. 8 NPU-B meeting to “get out ahead of the Super Bowl” and “let you all know the company has a face.”

Mitchell said that the Super Bowl is known for attracting major short-term rental business and some problem actors, including “de facto brothels.” If anyone suspects there’s a problem with a HomeAway rental, she said, they can call the company’s hotline at 1-877228-3145.

Airbnb and other short-term rental services have become increasingly controversial in local cities as they spread into the suburbs. Sandy Springs is rolling out a registration and licensing system, and Brookhaven recently banned such rentals in many single-family residential areas — despite Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia Jr.’s father being a member of the City Council.

“I suggested we just cut-and-paste the one Sandy Springs recently adopted,” Shook said of his discussions with city staff about an Atlanta ordinance.

Atlanta officials say that short-term rentals are banned in single-family residential areas, but they have struggled with enforcement. A similar issue is the trend of “party mansions,” residential properties rented out for a single, large party or concert. That became an issue last year at a Garmon Road mansion previously owned by Kenny Rogers, and where police and city officials said they had limited enforcement options.

In a recent newsletter to constituents, Councilmember Matzigkeit said that shortterm rental regulation is among his 2019 priorities.

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“Turning a residence in a quiet neighborhood into a rental ‘party house’, or using a house repeatedly and disruptively for film projects or short-term rentals, infringes on neighbors and is illegal,” Matzigkeit wrote. “My goal: To reduce the instances of homes being used primarily as business ventures.”

He said he will seek state legislation authorizing higher city fines for “municipal offenses.” And, he said, work continues on city ordinances to make sure short-term rentals are “closely monitored and regulated to ensure bad players are stopped.

City Councilmember Howard Shook.

City Councilmember J.P. Matzigkeit.

Atlanta United Confederacy-era street names get new monikers

District 1 Atlanta City Council member Carla Smith unveiled the newly renamed United Avenue and Trestletree Court, streets formerly named after their association with the Confederacy, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A ceremony was held at the trestle/ Atlanta BeltLine entrance near the intersection of United Avenue and Trestletree Court. The Atlanta City Council passed legislation officially renaming the streets associated with the Confederacy. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms signed this legislation into law last year. Confederate Avenue and East Confederate Avenue are now officially United Avenue, while Confederate Court is now known as Trestletree Court, named for the apartment complex surrounding the street.

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Pet Pick

Little P is a doll. He is a bit bashful and loves snuggles and being near his people. Little P seems to like other dogs, but we’ve not had a chance to test him one-on-one just yet. So, if you have a dog, bring yours and we’ll do a supervised introduction. Since he’s a little on the shy side, he would do best with children who are around 8 and older, who can help build up his confidence while respecting his space. To adopt Little P, visit the PAWS Atlanta shelter at 5287 Covington Highway in Decatur or visit PAWSAtlanta.org.

News Roundup

The City of Atlanta and the Department of City Planning (DCP) have launched ATL Permit Navigator, a business development portal designed to streamline the city’s permitting process. The site will help guide customers through complex projects such as renovations and new business development, including information on zoning and building regulations, paying fees and obtaining licenses. Permit and zoning information is available in six languages, including: Spanish, French, Hindi, Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean. Visit the portal at permits.atlantaga. gov.

The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority Board of Directors is now meeting on a monthly basis. The 16-member board is comprised of six members appointed by state officials with the remaining members elected by local delegations to represent 10 transit districts across a 13-county region. For more information, visit atltransit.ga.gov.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has announced that Chief of Staff Marva Lewis will depart at the end of March. Lewis, who suspended her corporate career in 2017 to serve as campaign manager for then-candidate Bottoms, will return to the private sector, according to a press release. Lewis timed her transition out of city hall so she would still be in place for Super Bowl and the 2019 State of the City meeting.

Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields has been elected to represent the Eastern Region on the board of directors for the Major Cities Chiefs Association, an influential professional organization of police executives representing the largest cities in the United States and Canada. The Major Cities Chiefs Association provides a forum for urban police, sheriffs and other law enforcement chief executives to discuss common problems, to share information and problemsolving strategies.

The King Center has sold the Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home to the National Parks Service for nearly $2 million. The two-story Queen Anne-style home was built on Auburn Avenue in 1895 and King was born there in 1929. The home is the centerpiece of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Atlanta Board of Education approves agreement with the city on Gulch project

By Collin Kelley

The city has cleared another hurdle in its efforts to redevelop The Gulch property in Downtown by reaching an agreement with Atlanta Public School (APS) to settle issues regarding project development bonds.

As part of the agreement, APS will continue its participating partnership in the Westside TAD (tax allocation district) through 2038, while the City of Atlanta has agreed to a $10 million reimbursement of educational and infrastructure development costs incurred by APS on completed projects in the Westside TAD and an additional $1.25 million each year from 2020 to 2023. That brings the total reimbursement of such costs to $15 million.

APS has also agreed to a partnership in Atlanta’s four commercial TADS – Campbellton Road, Hollowell/M.L. King, Metropolitan Parkway, and Stadium – for 30 years. The city will pay off bonds on the Eastside TAD and make annual payments in lieu of taxes (“PILOT payments”) of APS’ portion of increment through the remaining life of the Eastside TAD. The city will continue to accept and review applications for funding for development projects within the Eastside TAD.

APS had gone to court to block the city’s move to use school taxes for the $5 billion mixed-use project, which will be developed by CIM Group, that inclues, offices, hotels, homes and retail.

According to a statement released by the board of education, the agreement reduces APS’ exposure in The Gulch deal from $1.56 billion to $1.38 billion, distributes the impact of the APS increment more evenly over the lives of the TADS, limits exposure of the APS tax digest to be no more than 10 percent of collectable digest in any given year (based on current assumptions) and

relieves immediate pressure on the APS budget.

The agreement also provides a net gain of between $130 million and $180 million to APS over the life of the TADs.

In a statement Superintendent Meria Carstarphen thanked the city for “providing APS with a more predictable, manageable and sustainable way of contributing to and supporting economic development in the city, while balancing the interests of our 52,000 students, 6,000 employees and 158,000 taxpayers. In addition, this agreement caps our financial contributions in future TADs and sparks economic development in four TADs on the Southside, where so many of our students and employees live.”

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who has been the leading advocate for The Gulch development, said in a statement the “agreement brings the City to the final stages of what truly represents public-private innovation at its finest, revolutionizing economic development in Atlanta for generations to come. The passage of the APS Intergovernmental Agreement will elevate Atlanta’s schools, ensure more equitable development across the city and kickstart the transformation of the Gulch — one of the most significant redevelopment projects in the history of Atlanta. Thank you to the many members of our Administration and stakeholders who helped bring this deal to fruition. This is a remarkable day, as we take a historic step towards continuing our city’s progress, leaving no community behind.”

Meanwhile, a group of residents and stakeholders opposed to The Gulch, who have united in a group calling itself “Red Light the Gulch,” are still protesting the deal and hoping to block it with a legal challenge.

Community Foundation grants support art, education & wellness for local non-profits

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta recently recognized 29 high performing nonprofits with a total of $1.84 million in funding from its annual General Operating Support grants.

The grant program attracted 236 applications that were subjected to a rigorous review process, including an assessment of each organization’s volunteer and staff leadership and vision, commitment to diversity, financial management systems and fiscal strength, fundraising and earned revenue, programmatic services, innovation and partnerships, operating efficiency and measures of the impact it is making to improve lives and the quality of life across the region.

“The 29 organizations awarded range from those with a long history meeting the needs of our region to those that are newer, entrepreneurial and innovative with bold plans to meet today’s challenges,” said Lita Pardi, director of resource deployment at the Community Foundation. “We’re excited to recognize the savvy these organizations bring to lifting up and addressing complex needs in our region and driving positive change. We award these grants with no strings attached, confident that the organizations already know where these dollars will be best used.”

The Community Foundation focuses its grants in the areas of arts, community development, education and well-being:

Arts Grants (ranging from $32,000 to $80,000): ART Station, Atlanta Celebrates Photography, Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, Atlanta Shakespeare Company, Callanwolde Foundation, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, gloATL and True Colors Theatre Company.

Community Development Grants ($40,000 to $70,000): Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, FCS Urban Ministries and Georgia Budget & Policy Institute.

Education Grants ($55,000 to $80,000): East Atlanta Kids Club, Horizons Atlanta, LaAmistad and Los Ninos Primero.

Well-Being Grants ($25,000 to $90,000): Community Advanced Practice Nurses, George West Mental Health Foundation/Skyland Trail, Georgians for a Healthy Future, Second Helpings Atlanta, Ser Familia, Visiting Nurse Health System and Wholistic Stress Control Institute.

Well-Being Grants to HIV/AIDS Service Organizations

($35,000 to $70,000 through Atlanta AIDS Fund): HIV/AIDS Empowerment Resource Center for Young Women, Living Room, Open Hand Atlanta, Positive Impact Health Centers and Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services.

Bon Voyage

Mind Over Matter

Self-help, life coaching could be keys to wellness

By Judith L. Kanne

A common February problem might be keeping up your momentum with last year’s resolutions. (You know, those promises you plan to fulfill before 2019 ends.) Are they vanishing before Valentine’s Day? Need a little support?

Here are some approaches that offer alternatives to traditional medical approaches. You might want to consider trying one or two.

Help for Your Self-Help

No one knows you as well as you do, and, often, you’re the real expert on what you need. Self-help means you guide your improvement. Even so, experts rely on others for knowledge and support.

People may offer to help you ‘find yourself’ this year, but guard against frauds and worthless promises. Self-help can make a difference, if you find the right mentors.

Atlanta nurse Sharon Reynolds is also a naturopath, a person who uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. She often speaks with adults about mental health and the art of selfhealing.

Like most naturopaths, Reynolds embraces many therapies to treat the whole person.

“It’s much more fun for me to understand a person’s preferred behavior style than focus on disease and a physical symptom,” she said.

Reynolds also said that adults need purpose in their lives and to be able to contribute something of value at every age. She wants the person to be healthy: mind, body, and spirit; that’s the World Health Organization’s definition of health, Reynolds explained.

Following her nursing education, she became interested in, and mastered, studies including hypnotherapy, mind-body health issues and life coaching. Now semi-retired as a nurse, Reynolds is a passionate believer in life-long learning. She has produced a video on behavioral styles, and she shares mind-body information online and through speaking engagements.

Life Coaching

Reynolds agreed that hiring a life coach — someone who will counsel and encourage you — may be something to consider at any juncture in life.

The U.S. Department of Labor refers to life coaches, via the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as someone who wants to establish a “partnership” between people and their “life’s vision.”

No matter your age, it’s not too late to rethink your life — or your life’s plan, for that matter. However, major changes generally work best when they’re thoughtfully planned with a skilled individual.

Why look for a life coach? Have you found your relationships are not quite as gratifying as they once were? Perhaps you’ve trekked a few places in Europe and the Orient and want to know what’s next. Australia or New Zealand? Or maybe you’re ready to change your career path.

There are no formal life-coach requirements. “The field is unregulated,” according the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, bls.gov. “There are dozens of life-coach training and certification programs in the United States.”

When looking for a life coach, do your homework. Seek recommendations from others you trust. Take the time to choose someone with credentials who can provide the right background and teaching opportunities for you. Try to find a life coach who has experience and shares an interest in a field you’d like to explore — anything from Jungian psychology to photography.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends [gaining] “... knowledge of a field related to life coaching, such as psychology” from your coach.

Mindfulness

“Stay in the present,” say the mindfulness experts. Focus.

Originally a Buddhist concept, the ancient art of mindfulness remains somewhat experimental. Studies suggest that mindfulness practices may help people manage stress, cope better with serious illness and reduce anxiety and depression, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

According to Mayo Clinic News Network, “Mindfulness is the act of being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling at every moment — without interpretation or judgment.”

Simply put, mindfulness is the art of taking a negative thought and replacing it with something positive — or having an anchor, such as your mental vision of ocean waves or snowcovered mountains.

One of the reasons for the mindfulness buzz is that it’s readily accessible. In other words, “anyone can learn about it and anyone can practice it,” says an article in the Berkeley Science Review.

Many people who practice mindfulness report an increased ability to relax, a greater enthusiasm for life and improved self-esteem. In fact, one NIH-supported study found a link between mindfulness meditation and measurable changes in the brain where memory, learning and emotion are involved.

The hard part is finding the time for mindfulness in our fast-paced culture. The NIH suggests practicing mindfulness when sitting in traffic or waiting in line, especially when you’re

Mind Over Matter

Continued from page 12

in a hurry and prone to frustration.

Change the part of your mind that’s racing to the future and bring it into the present. Try deep breathing, too. You won’t change the traffic, but you can improve how you manage the situation.

Emotional Freedom Techniques or Tapping

If last year’s holidays left you feeling a bit empty (e.g., Christmas wasn’t merry and Thanksgiving just left you thankful it was over), then you should know about another self-help strategy that has been gaining in popularity.

Its formal name is ‘emotional freedom technique’ or EFT. It’s a mind-body-spirit approach to self-care. This technique involves a specific movement — physically tapping on 12 acupuncture points of your body — while repeating emotionally charged statements that relate to specific issues.

According to the EFT Universe website, “there are no exact words, phrases or statements, as tapping is an individualized process.” However, some suggested tapping statements are listed on the site. One is: “Even though I have a problem, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

Some experts may refer to this as “acupressure for the emotions,” according to Duke Integrative Medicine, part of Duke University. EFT can help people with anxiety, weight loss and food cravings, depression, PTSD, phobias, pain and other physical symptoms.

Following many scientific studies of EFT, research suggests even veterans have improved — and remain better over time — using this treatment for specific types of stressors.

Be Open, Not Gullible

The list of self-help methods is long but, remember, the State of Georgia does not license practitioners of life coaching, mindfulness or EFT. It’s a good idea to stay skeptical of two-week courses and people who have “expert” printed on their business cards.

“If you feel overwhelmed or are unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking professional help,” says the American Psychological Association.

In fact, psychologists are uniquely trained to help. In addition, nurses and other medical professionals receive training in goal setting with their patients. After all, it takes years of training to understand the connection between the mind and body.

As always, check in with your physician before starting any new self-care regimen. As a rule, healthcare professionals are supportive to their patients who want to improve their lives and are happy to offer helpful direction.

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Enduring Hearts

Nonprofit is in a race against time for pediatric heart transplant research

Shady Eldaif, M.D.

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By Clare S. Richie

This February as we celebrate all things hearts – from candy and flowers to romance and cardio workouts – Atlanta-based Enduring Hearts will hold its 4th annual Bourbon Gala & Auction on Feb. 15 to raise funds for pediatric heart transplant research.

“A heart transplant is not a cure. It’s only a bridge to life. Our goal is to be laser focused on helping these children live a long, healthy life,” said Enduring Hearts Executive Director Carolyn Salvador. According to the CDC, nearly 40,000 babies per year have congenital heart defects, one quarter of which are considered critical.

While there are many organizations that fund heart research, Enduring Hearts is the only one solely dedicated to helping children who have received or require transplanted hearts.

Launched in 2013, Enduring Hearts has funded more than $3 million in research that seeks to increase the longevity of pediatric heart transplants, improve quality of life for transplant recipients and eliminate pediatric heart disease.

This labor of love began unexpectedly during family trip to Disney World three years earlier. That’s when an otherwise healthy 15-month old little girl went into heart failure. And on her third birthday she was rushed to the hospital in Atlanta and placed on the transplant list, where she bravely waited alongside her extended family for six months until she received a new heart.

“The family thought once she received the transplant ‘surely she is cured.’ What they realized is that’s not the case. The average heart transplant only lasts around 12

Judith L. Kanne is a registered nurse and freelance writer who lives in Atlanta.

Dr. Mahie treats a patient at Childrens’ Healthcare of Atlanta

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years and those aren’t great years,” Salvador shared.

A quarter of recipients may need another heart transplant within five years. Of those who have another transplant, nearly half will not survive. The girl’s father, Patrick Gahan, founded Enduring Hearts to change these outcomes.

“What impressed me about him [Gahan] is he had the means to seek out the best treatment for his child. Instead of just focusing on his sweet daughter, he put on this bigger hat and said, ‘I’m going to throw all of my energy into Enduring Hearts,’” Salvador said.

And the research could also have direct implications for adults with heart failure.

“We work with esteemed research institutions across North America to find and fund the best and most promising research,” Salvador said. Their Scientist Advisory Committee of pediatric cardiologists, researchers, immunologists peer review, rate and curate their research.

A board member’s 7-year old son exemplifies why the research is so critical. Three years ago he had a heart transplant and was immediately put on harsh immunosuppressant drugs to combat organ rejection. Side effects from the drugs can cause damage to the child’s kidneys, liver, pancreas and the intestines and even increase the risk of certain cancers.

During the holidays, the son was diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of cancer, and is undergoing chemotherapy.

“Our research is looking at the toxicity of the drugs, less evasive and more comprehensive ways to detect organ rejection and prolonging a heart transplant duration beyond 12 years. So these children can live not just a longer life, but a happy, healthier life,” Salvador said.

Enduring Hearts funds seed innovation research, in the $100,000 to $200,000 range. Many studies are published in medical journals that are propelling more research at higher levels of funding.

“We have 28-plus abstracts, publications and presentations at American Heart Institute, International Society of Heart and Lung and in a variety of research annals. That tells us we are having success,” Salvador said.

The nonprofit also supports families of children who have received a heart transplant or are awaiting one through a gas card program to mitigate travel costs and by sharing information, including a Q&A forum with a Pediatric Cardiologist and Researcher, “Ask Dr. Boo.”

For the Enduring Hearts Bourbon Gala & Auction, which will be held in the Stave Room at American Spirit Works, the organization is hoping to surpass last year’s goal and raise $350,000.

“We rely on donations, so it’s important to educate the public about the need for transplant research. It’s a race against time for these children. There is no one else doing what we do. Help us help them,” Salvador said.

For more information about the organization, visit www.enduringhearts.org.

Make Yourself at Home

New Homes in Atlanta’s Hottest Neighborhoods

Come home to a place that’s right where you want to be, where it’s never been easier to make space for life and the things that matter most to you. Well-crafted and uniquely designed with you in mind, new homes from The Providence Group are nestled in some of Atlanta’s most sought-after neighborhoods and focused on just one thing - your life, your way.

The Fit Bit TIMMY DADDY

It’s a new year so like most people we are suddenly laser-focused on our health and nutrition. After enjoying the holidays, punishing ourselves in January seems a normal course of action. What with the chocolate and wine and the time off from work and school that clearly represented our worst selves, anything short of penance just seems unacceptable.

#DryJanuary was trending on social media, which was equal parts inspiring and annoying. But all the cool kids seemed to be doing it, so Kristen and I officially jumped on board sometime around Jan. 5 – ok, exactly Jan. 5 (Not that we’re counting days or anything.). Full disclosure: I did have one beer on Jan. 4 before this became our resolution. Further disclosure: it was delicious. So, I’m #DryJanuaryExceptForOneBeer. Admittedly, that hashtag isn’t quite as catchy.

Now we’re deliberating over soft drinks the way we normally would about craft brews. If you can find Topo Chico mineral water, get yourself some. The tiny fizzy bubbles are like a party in your mouth and that’s a welcome sensation in a month when you have decided to not party. Margo and I collected all the empty bottles and made a homemade ring toss game so clearly the good times haven’t stopped altogether.

Elliott declared he would do a #NojuiceJanuary (on Jan. 19), which is honestly not all that heroic for someone who rarely drinks juice. And he succumbed to temptation on Jan. 20 anyway. I’d rather he pared down his consumption of a gross, chip-like snack called Takis that he buys at convenience stores when he’s hanging out with his friends. We’ll have to keep that in mind for next year. Margo waffled between spending the month as a vegetarian or a pescatarian. I think she may just like the word pescatarian a little better so that seems to be what she’s settled on.

Kristen gave me a Fitbit for Christmas, so now I have

By Tim Sullivan

empirical data to support how healthy a month it has been. At first, I really didn’t want all that information. Did I care to know how many steps I took any given day or to have a ridiculously detailed breakdown of how well I slept each night? Did I want my watch to buzz 10 minutes before every hour reminding me to get up and walk around? Apparently, yes, I did because now I am obsessed with the gadget and I check my heart rate about 50 times a day. If I had this thing as an infant, I would have started walking at six months I swear.

My personal record thus far is 18,200 steps in one day and I made sure everyone saw my wrist stats before I let them go to sleep. Then, because she’s so competitive, Kristen started leaving her car at home and walking to MARTA each day for her work commute. So now she’s racking up gawdy step numbers of her own and it’s game on: I’ll walk the dog… NO I’LL walk the dog! Let’s walk the dog together. FINE!

We’re in the thick of basketball season and I’m coaching both kids’ teams so Saturdays revolve around the roundball. I get in plenty of steps because I pace the sidelines like Rick Pitino after a phone call from the FBI. Elliott’s squad, My Boy Blue, is a scrappy 3-2. We are undersized but if you can steer the boundless energy of 11-year-old boys in the right direction, good things can occasionally happen. They’d win the Fitbit game at least.

Margo’s team, Solid Gold, is 3-3 and improving. Our star player Annabelle ate four chocolate chip muffins before the last game. But we won 16-5 and Annabelle scored 14 of those points. Good thing we’re not evangelical about this health kick thing. The playoffs are coming up and we’re going to need to get that kid some more muffins.

Tim Sullivan grew up in a large family in the Northeast and now lives with his small family in Oakhurst. He can be reached at tim@ sullivanfinerugs.com.

Elliott and Margo play ring toss with the recycling.

This Month In Atlanta History

Editor’s Note: In honor of Atlanta INtown’s 25th anniversary and in memory of our late historian, Ann Taylor Boutwell, we’re bringing back her column every month for 2019.

Feb. 2, 2002: Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank purchased the Atlanta Falcons football franchise.

Feb. 6, 1974: Concert promoter Alex Cooley presented comedian Lily Tomlin in character as Ernestine, the “ringy dingy” telephone operator at Atlanta City Hall. Tickets ranged from a whopping $4.50 to $5.50.

ANN TAYLOR BOUTWELL’S A LOOK BACK

Feb. 4. 1968: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his renowned sermon, “The Drum Major Instinct,” at Ebenezer Baptist Church. In the sermon, King encourages people to live a life of service and be leaders for justice, peace and righteousness. Two months later, the recorded sermon would be played during King’s funeral following his assassination in Memphis.

Feb. 20, 1892: “The Battle of Atlanta” painting, created in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by German and Polish artists under the director of Wilhelm Wehner, officially opened for viewing in the city. The venue was a drum-shaped building on the north side of Edgewood Avenue between Courtland and Piedmont avenues. Many in the audience had actually participated in the battle on that hot, humid day on July 22, 1864. The painting would go on to become the centerpiece of Cyclorama in Grant Park and, soon, at its new home at the Atlanta History Center.

Feb. 21, 1940: U.S. Rep. John Lewis was born in Troy, Alabama.

Feb. 23, 1868: ▲ W.E.B. Du Bois – founder of the NAACP, writer and professor at Atlanta University – was born in Massachusetts.

Feb. 27, 1868: The Georgia Constitutional Convention named Atlanta the capital of the state, moving it from Milledgeville.

Feb. 29, 1940: ◄ Hattie McDaniel received the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Mammy in “Gone With the Wind,” becoming the first black actor to receive an Academy Award.

Welcome to Decatur.

The MLK Day 5K Drum Run

Our contributing photographer Asep Mawardi was in Piedmont Park on Jan. 21 for the annual MLKDay 5K Drum Run. Hundreds of runners and drummers braved the frigid weather to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Total Wellness

Medicine and movement go hand in hand at new Westside studio

By Grace Huseth

At 5:15, Dr. Kristin Oja teaches a stability class for long, lean muscles and a powerful core. She then slips on a blazer rather than a white coat and begins office hours for personalized medical visits. Hosting both only makes sense as movement and medicine go hand in hand.

STAT Wellness (Strength to Achieve Total Wellness), which combines medical expertise and group fitness classes, opened at its first physical location on Howell Mill Road last month.

Large glass walls bring sunshine into the full gym stocked with self-powered equipment, mats and stability balls. In the same space, a lounge for those awaiting appointments offers coffee or kombucha on tap, echoing Oja’s emphasis on gut health.

“I want people to see the gym when they are coming for a medical visit and realize movement is just as important,” Oja said. “Medicine and movement are one, so it needs to be open and connected. Under one roof, I can offer medicine to give them the knowledge and movement to show them how to not only look their best, but to feel their best.”

Opening her first brick and mortar was longtime coming for Oja, who started planning to open her studio when she was just 10 years old. The entrepreneur organized dance and gymnastics camps for her neighborhood kids, investing in tumbling mats and folding chairs. By the end of the summer, she sold recital tickets, earned hundreds of dollars and planned to build her clientele the next summer.

“I came out of the womb an entrepreneur,” Oja said. “Risk wasn’t an issue. I was born to be an entrepreneur, think outside the box and be innovative.”

Oja continued teaching as a group fitness instructor and attended nursing school at Georgia College and State University. After graduation, she traded exercise-class endorphins for the energy of the emergency room, got a Master of Science in nursing with a family nurse practitioner focus and worked for three years in integrative medicine. She loved emphasizing health, but longed for an environment in which to pair her two passions: medicine and movement. So, she created it.

With a focus on education, Oja hosts hour long consultations with first time clients to STAT Wellness with a functional medicine approach. Clipboard in hand, trying to avoid a laptop, she helps clients walk through their entire medical history, including genes, environment and lifestyle, starting at the very beginning. In root cause medicine, even the birth process can dictate healthy gut microbiome, allergies and overall health down the road.

“Connecting all the pieces along your health journey to get you truly optimal and healthy can take time, even two or three years,” Oja said. “I always

remind people that wellness is a marathon, not a sprint. I believe that little by little, a little becomes a lot.”

Part of STAT’s appeal is the look of the medical rooms nestled inside the building. The IV therapy room has sleek recliners that give off more of a movie night feel than medicine, while a consultation room has beautiful, circular marble table.

“[The medical rooms] are more like your living room. You aren’t going to see metal poles or big blood pressure cuffs: everything is hidden and discrete, more decorative, and we want it to be a comfortable environment,” Oja said.

A physical therapy room is currently hosting Athlete’s Potential, a tenant who provides dry needling (similar to acupuncture) and physical therapy.

In an age when boutique gyms offer memberships for your favorite exercise method, and only that type of exercise, STAT Wellness strives to be a one-stop wellness home offering a diverse serving of movements so members can achieve total wellness.

Movement at STAT Wellness comes in three class varieties: stability, stamina and strength. Strength classes are 55 minutes of controlled and rep based weight lifting for improving bone density, increasing lean muscle mass, changing body composition and boosting metabolism. Stability classes teach low impact, unilateral body weight exercises using TRX, bands, bender balls and mat work to create long and lean muscles and build core strength. The stamina class is a classic HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) class with cardio, strength and an abundance of calorie burning movements. Once a week, the studio offers REB3L, a stressfree dance class for loosening up.

Medicine and Movement are the pillars of STAT Wellness, but mindfulness comes in a close third. The team has meditation workshops and yoga pop ups planned for this spring.

“If you have an approach where you practice gratitude, choose happiness and your mind is in a healthy state, you can overcome a lot more physically,” Oja said. “I want people to leave here feeling better than when they came in. We aren’t going to be perfect, but I hope that at the end of the day I can show my display of greatness by serving them.”

STAT Wellness is located at1465 Howell Mill Road NW, Suite #300. For more information, visit stat-wellness. com.

Trainer Toni Chiarini Dr. Kristin Oja

Trainer Anna O’Donnell

Former Equitable building gets new digital signage

The familiar glowing letters that spelled out EQUITABLE at the top of the 100 Peachtree building might be gone, but bright new digital signage is lighting up the Downtown skyline.

Georgia’s Own Credit Union, which has its headquarters at 100 Peachtree, launched the interactive signage last Thursday. The digital building-top signs are the first of their kind in the city.

The two LED signs on each side of the building were manufactured by local companies: Duluth’s Formetco and Douglasville’s DeNyse Sign Companies. The installation of the signs was successfully completed on schedule by Atlanta-based Skanska.

“This project has been a unique experience for the Skanska team, from lifting 160 tons of steel with a Sikorsky S-64 Aircrane helicopter to installing the sign structure to watching the sign go live for the first time,” said Kevin Bell, Vice President for Skanska’s Building Operations in Georgia and South Carolina. “This challenging project required extensive planning, and while the weather wasn’t always on our side, we finished on schedule and in time for the Super Bowl. We truly appreciate the support from Georgia’s Own, Zeller Realty Group, the Atlanta Police Department and the local community.”

The signs are already attracting attention for colorful artwork from “Off the Wall: Atlanta’s Civil Rights & Social Justice Journey” initiative created

by local art nonprofit WonderRoot.

A collaboration between WonderRoot and the Atlanta Super Bowl Host Committee that began in June 2018, “Off the Wall: Atlanta’s Civil Rights & Social Justice Journey” uses murals, media and community conversations to elevate and amplify Atlanta’s role in civil rights, human rights and social justice movements.

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GYN Surgical Specialists

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Advanced diagnostic and treatment options for:

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• Stress and urinary incontinence

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Our Locations

Atlanta

Rama

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

Noble Investment Group and Marriott International have opened the dual-branded AC Hotel and Moxy Hotel in Midtown. Developed on an entire city block between 14th Street and 13th Street, the AC Hotel Atlanta Midtown offers 133 rooms with, according to a press release, “sophisticated, sleek design elements; plush seating; and multifunctional workspaces.” Playing off the location near arts venues like the High Museum and Fox Theatre, the hotel features bold mural-style pieces and sculptural elements created to represent dance and theatre. Moxy Atlanta offers 155 rooms and communal areas with industrial features including reclaimed pallet ceilings and iron finishes. Guests will check-in at Bar Moxy and be welcomed by a complimentary cocktail, mocktail or coffee. “Welcome Home,” a 54-foot long mural by renowned Atlanta artist, GREG MIKE, takes center stage in the lobby. The site-specific mural features his signature large format black and white bear peering over couches. Above both hotels is High Note, a rooftop area featuring a pool, cabanas and bar, meeting space, state-of-the-art health and fitness and an outdoor entertaining area with fire pits. Executive Chef Jeremy Hartman is leading the European-style food and beverage offerings.

Autter, a rideshare app for teens, has launched in Atlanta. Designed to transport middle and high school aged children back and forth to practices, school, rehearsals, games and social activities, Autter allows parents and teens to schedule their rides in advance, receive text reminders and ride updates, get real-time geo-tracking, use an internal rating system and pre-load destinations to save time when scheduling. The company does extensive, multi-level background checks on its drivers to ensure safety.

A few weeks after launching its fleet of scooters, Uber has now introduced electric JUMP bikeshare service to the streets of Atlanta. The JUMP bikes have an integrated cable lock, GPS and cost $1 to start a ride and 10 cents per minute after that. Bikes can be reserved and rented from the Uber or JUMP apps.

Habitat for Humanity has signed a 54,603-squarefoot lease at Marquis Two tower at Peachtree Center in Downtown. The nonprofit is moving its administrative headquarters from 270 Peachtree and will occupy its new space by November 2019. Peachtree Center is approaching a spring 2019 completion of the massive redevelopment of its public spaces and retail center known as The Hub, adding new eateries and experiences and modernizing its design.

The Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta has put its building located at 1382 Peachtree St. on the market. The agency’s goal is to take advantage of the strong real estate market and reinvest the proceeds for the long-term benefit of the program. “The need in Metro Atlanta for young people to have a mentor is more urgent than ever,” said Kwame Johnson, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta. “We believe that we can better serve children by adapting our model for greater flexibility. As the need and poverty in the community shifts, this move will give us the ability to reach more children and families faster with one-to-one mentoring. One of the unique aspects of the Big Brothers Big Sisters model is that we don’t require a large building to serve more kids, because mentors primarily work with their Little Brothers and Sisters in the community and at partner sites.”

The Shopping Center Group has signed new tenants to the redeveloped Ford Factory Lofts in Midtown: Rina’s Kitchen and Ponce Dental Group. The historic mixed-use building is located along the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail and adjacent to the under construction 725 Ponce office building and Kroger supermarket. Ponce Dental Group signed a 10-year lease for 3,330 square feet, while Rina’s Kitchen recently a 10-year lease for 2,425 square feet facing BeltLine. A sister restaurant to Ponce City Market’s popular Bellina Alimentari, this eatery is inspired by Proprietor Tal Baum’s grandmother Rina. Energized by Israeli street food, the menu will feature traditional flavors and cultural favorites with a modern vibe. Ford Factory Lofts is currently undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation to deliver approximately 34,500 sq. ft. of street-level retail and restaurants along with 123 upgraded, loft apartment homes. Orginally built in 1914, the building along Ponce de Leon Avenue once made the Ford Model T automobile.

With more than $62 MILLION SOLD IN 2018 , Jared Sapp is Virginia Highland and Morningside’s No. 1 REALTOR® , with more homes sold, under contract and listed than any other agent.

Home & Real Estate

Interior Design Trends

The team at Candler Park-based Balance Design has been exploring the hot trends for the new year and found some surprising, but stylish, looks for your home. For 2019, it’s all about getting out of your comfort zone, but also creating spaces in your home that can have a profound effect on your well-being. Pastels, art deco, statement tile and the “maximalist” look are some of the trends Balance Design (balancedesignatlanta.com) is looking forward to in the new year.

Well-Adorned Walls

Did this photo (pictured above) stop you in your tracks like it did us? This is a look we can really dive into this year! Bold, colorful wallpaper layered with fun and unique art makes a space sophisticated but approachable. Try this in a dining room, bedroom, library — really pretty much anywhere!

Curved Seating

In 2019 we’re looking for a little softness in design, and curved seating is like a visual hug. Nothing says “hey, hi, come sit down, relax, it’s all good” like a sofa that can gently cradle you. The best part about pieces like this? They fit in so many styles! You can go for an ornate, tete-a-tete style loveseat or a clean-lined, modern statement sofa. Either way, the sumptuous curves are soooo inviting!

Maximalist Entertaining

We’re leaning into the maximalist movement, especially in tablescapes. Bringing meaningful pieces onto your dining table is more than just utilitarian — it’s an expression of family, personality and community. Maybe you’ll mix your grandmother’s Wedgewood china with vintage shop dessert plates, topped off with assorted fabric memos for napkins. Incorporate local foliage from your garden or farmer’s market, mix in candles wabisabi style, and you’re ready for a beautifully cooked meal (paella anyone?). We see this movement as a celebration of the home, a gathering place for friends and loved ones, and a way to create a beautiful night with beautiful memories.

Modern Pastels

Pastels seem to flit in and out of fashion, but this color palette of mint, blush and mustard yellow is modern and refreshing. These hues are often utilized as support for darker and bolder colors, and we’re happy to give them their time to shine! Adorning a sleek, modern space with these softies will instantly transform the feel from harsh to happy. Awww!

Modern Art Deco

We’re talking extravagant architectural elements, mixed metals and luxe materials.

Balance Design explores new looks for 2019

Inspiration from the 20s has waltzed back into the design world with a modern attitude! This fresh mix creates an aura of opulence without stuffiness by allowing quirks and individuality to shine through. Giving us the freedom to be as over the top and “extra” as we want to be, modern art deco is a bold way to ring in 2019 — and years to come!

Statement Tile Layouts

We love a striking statement tile, but sometimes it can be scary to go all out with color. Not to worry! This doesn’t mean you’re relegated to same old, same old looks for your kitchen or bathroom. A fun way to get creative with tile is playing with the layout. Chevron or herringbone patterns are always a cool go-to, but we’re really loving multiple directions, varying sizes and bold grout.

Deep Dark Cabinetry

As shades of green, navy and warm wood stake their claim as the new “neutrals,” we see more and more people venturing out from the classic all grey or white kitchen and bath color palette. This migration towards adding a bit more depth and personality is seen on walls, built-ins and cabinetry (and sometimes all three). We love how this deep forest green brings continuity from the walls to the cabinets, creating the perfect backdrop for showcasing art, lighting and collected treasures.

Well-Adorned Walls

Curved Seating

Deep Dark Cabinetry

Maximalist Entertaining

1170 Ogilvie Drive | Listed for $415,000

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4650 E. Conway Drive | Listed for $1,895,000

1077 Rosewood Drive | Listed for $675,000

1110 West Peachtree Street Northwest Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30309

Monday – Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. For an appointment call: 404-575-2000

We are proud to now serve in Midtown Atlanta. Currently offering Urgent Care services, you’ll find a commitment to personalized care, with a focus on communication. For your busy lifestyle, we offer extended office hours and weekend appointments to handle minor emergencies when a trip to the hospital is either unnecessary or inconvenient. We accept most insurance plans, and offer a convenient location for you and your family.

Westside Update

New homes, mixed-used developments on the way

By Collin Kelley

Westside, West Midtown, Upper Westside – these are the new monikers you’ll be seeing more of as the former industrial area continues to transform into Intown’s hippest new area to live, work and play. Here’s a roundup of some of the projects underway, including apartments, townhomes and mixed-use developments.

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Quarry Yards ▲

Urban Creek Partners unveiled plans and renderings for this 70-acre mixed-use development in West Midtown a year ago this month. The project, which could finally break ground in the second quarter of 2019, would become a master-planned gateway to Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry, the city’s new park and reservoir along the Atlanta BeltLine. The project, which is adjacent to the Bankhead MARTA Station on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, will include 575,000 square feet of office space, 850 residential units, a 300 room hotel and 75,000 square feet of retail and restaurants.

8West ►

Work is slated to begin this month on this new mixed-use development at 8th Street and Howell Mill Road from Gateway Ventures and Atlantic Capital Properties. The project will feature 175,000 square feet of office space, 25,000 square feet of retail and 264 apartments from Trammell Crow Residential.

Seven88 West Midtown

This glass and concrete residential high-rise, designed by renowned Atlanta-based architecture firm Goode Van Slyke Architecture, is under construction at 788 West Marietta Street. Development firm McKinley Homes is planning 279 residences and penthouses in the 20-story building. There will be retail and restaurant space on the ground floor.

Star Metals Residences

The Allen Morris Company and Juneau Construction Company have broken ground in West Midtown for Star Metals Residences, the $130 million residential project as part of the mixed-use Start Metals development. Located at 1050 Howell Mill Road, the luxury residences will feature modern living spaces, private dog run, a library, rooftop bar and lounge, fitness center, pool terrace and much more.

Osprey

Development company Toll Brothers has announced that it will build a 319-luxury apartment mixed-use community at the corner of 10th Street and Howell Mill Road in West Midtown. The development will have 13,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, while the apartments will offer skyline views and upper-level penthouses.

The Felix West Midtown ► Miller Lowery Developments and Engel & Völkers Atlanta have announced a new 15-unit townhome project to be called The Felix West Midtown. Located off Huff Road, the community will be comprised of 15 three-and-four-story homes ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 square feet. Each unit will feature modern architectural design in a flatiron style, a customizable floorplan and exclusive rooftop terrace. Prices will start in the low $800s.

Westside Village

The Providence Group of Georgia has announced a new townhome community coming soon to the Upper Westside. Westside Village will feature 19 luxury townhomes from the $400,000s. Projected to open by 2019, the townhomes will feature modern, open floor plans and flexible spaces.

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS

Active adult community Holbrook of Decatur has opened its first model home at 1882 Clairmont Road. Scheduled to open in April, the five-story, upscale community will offer 200 custom-designed residences, with upgraded options including custom closets, fireplace, and wine chiller to name a few. The company uses the latest in technology providing innovation all around the building, including air ionization, UV water purification, and access to the Holbrook app for 24/7 updates. Amenities will include a farm-to-table restaurant, wine cellar with wine-tasting events, full service spa, indoor saltwater pool, hydrotherapy pool, athletic training, travel club, match-making service, small business incubation center, creative art studio, center for performing arts, and much more. There will even be an onsite concierge physician with knowledge in anti-aging and stem cell therapy. To schedule a private tour of the Decatur residence model, visit holbrooklife.com.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS)

Atlanta-based Weichert, RealtorsPrestige Partners has announced that Kizzie Stewart has been recognized as one of the industry’s finest real estate professionals with a “Certificate of Excellence” from Broker Agent Advisor magazine.

Ansley Atlanta Real Estate has appointed Lane McCormack to the newly created role of Chief Strategy Officer. McCormack will collaborate with the other members of the executive leadership team to formulate a success plan for each Ansley office and help identify new markets for future expansion. In addition to her duties as Chief Strategy Officer, McCormack will also serve alongside Chris Burell as CoManaging Broker of the main Buckhead office as well as the newly planned Ansley Midtown office which is set to open in the historic Phelan building at 952 Peachtree Street.

Mark your calendars for the 41st annual Atlanta Home Show, which will be hld March 22-24 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. For more information, visit AtlantaHomeShow.com.

For more Real Estate news, visit AtlantaINtownPaper.com.

– Georgia Properties celebrated a great 2018 at its annual holiday party held at Ansley Golf Club in Midtown. Executives from the corporate office and brokers, realtors, and staff from all Georgia offices joined colleagues for the festive occasion. The party included a lavish buffet and live music.

DeAnn Golden, senior vice president and managing broker of the Dunwoody and Athens offices of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Georgia Properties has been installed as the 2019 president of Atlanta Realtors. Realtors gathered at the Piedmont Driving Club for brunch and live music for the ceremony.

PHOTO BY KIMERLY EVANS

BHHS President and CEO Dan Forsman watches DeAnn Golden take the oath of office as President of Atlanta Realtors.

PHOTO BY KIMERLY EVANS

From left: Marsha Sells, realtor in the BHHS East Cobb Office, Debra Johnston, realtor in the BHHS Buckhead Office, and Toni McGowan, Executive Vice President of BHHS-Georgia Properties enjoy catching up at the annual holiday party at Ansley Golf Club.

Sustainability

National Parks should reflect us at our best

As I write this column, the federal government shutdown is moving into its second month and the National Park Service is bracing for yetanother challenge: the three-day Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, when parks receive more visitation than usual.

Thanks to a grant from Delta Air Lines, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Downtown will open for the holiday that celebrates the birth of its namesake and remain open through Feb. 3, when Atlanta will host the Super Bowl.

Ten miles away, in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), a local general contracting company, Ruby-Collins, Inc., is responsible for voluntarily placing four Johnny-on-the-Spot toilets in the popular Cochran Shoals Unit of the national recreation area and having them serviced. CEO David Westrick says that he saw a need and decided to help out.

A bare-bones park staff is attempting to handle law enforcement and other responsibilities in the 15 units in our river park, found along 48 miles of the Chattahoochee and occupying nearly 7,000 acres of land. Volunteers with the park’s friends’ group – Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy – are emptying trash and dog poop bins and park visitors are stepping up their efforts to “leave no trace.” At the same time, visitor fees are going uncollected and important maintenance projects are being delayed.

Increased park volunteerism may be a silver lining of the government shutdown, but it is inadequate to ensure visitor safety and protection of the natural and cultural resources that have been set aside over a century by the U.S. Congress to constitute our national park system. Why have the doors been left wide open at these hundreds of special places with only skeletal park staff – mostly unpaid and certainly overworked – to manage them? Despite helpful volunteers and private subsidies for our national parks, too many are dealing with vandalism, human waste, trash piles, lost hikers and even deaths.

On New Year’s Day, I flew to San Diego to visit my younger son and his wife. I was looking forward to a long-anticipated, first-time visit to Joshua Tree National Park, but worried that the park might be closed. We were fortunate and got to spend a glorious day hiking in the high-desert and learning about the fascinating Joshua trees. Fully intending to pick up any trash we saw, we were impressed that the areas we visited were clean, the trash cans empty and the

ABOVE THE WATER LINE

By Sally Bethea

Sally Bethea is the retired executive director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and current board president of Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy whose mission is to build a community of support for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

bathrooms spotless. Local volunteers were clearly working overtime. We did see a guy illegally flying a drone and my son, the wannabe park ranger, notified him of his error. It wasn’t until a few days later that we learned the park’s backcountry, which we did not visit, was being seriously harmed by vandals who were off-roading through the fragile desert, creating new roads and cutting down Joshua trees in their way.

If the U.S. government is going to shut down and not provide the full complement of staff and maintenance people needed to protect our national parks and visitors, the parks should be closed, as they typically have been during similar situations in the past. Yes, I would have been very disappointed not to have been able to visit Joshua Tree National Park, long on my bucket list. But, at what price? The possible destruction of the very things that makes this park and all the others so special? Of course not.

Like others, I believe that the decision to keep the parks open is nothing more than a PR stunt by the current administration.

Various schemes are being proposed to pay park employees to return to work. One terrible plan would raid the parks’ visitor fee revenue; however, those dollars are dedicated to reducing the backlog of deferred maintenance expenses, now approaching $12 billion system-wide. Our national parks have not been adequately funded for many years and this government shutdown only further cripples them.

Over long weekends, like the MLK holiday, national parks typically raise significant additional revenue – as much as $100,000 at Joshua Tree National Park, according to that park’s friends group. These missed opportunities cannot be recovered. In 2013, national parks lost $7 million in revenue during a much shorter, 16-day shutdown.

Decades ago, author and environmentalist Wallace Stegner wrote: “National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best, rather than our worst.”

Keeping our national parks open for weeks, and possibly months, without sufficient staffing is reckless and does not reflect our country at its best; instead, it allows people, wildlife and natural resources to be placed in harm’s way. If you are concerned about the crisis in our national parks, contact your Congressional representatives. You can find your elected officials at: www.mvp.sos.ga.gov.

Joshua Tree National Park

Funding will help Grant Park complete urgent renovations

The Grant Park Conservancy has been awarded a $100,000 Park Pride Legacy Grant to support the restoration of its historic monuments: the 1896 Erskine Fountain, the Lion Bridge, and repairs to the Milledge Fountain.

As Atlanta’s oldest park, established in 1883, the landmarks inside the park have survived but are in need of restoration, according to Michelle Blackmon, executive director of the Conservancy.

The Lion Bridge – known by its four, distinctive lion head carvings and ornate stonework – is one of the oldest surviving features of the park. It initially served as a carriage entrance to the park, winding past Lake Abana and linking Cherokee Avenue to the pathways within the park. While Zoo Atlanta is now on the site of Lake Abana, the Lion Bridge leans precariously on top of a crumbling foundation and is in urgent need of stabilization and repair.

The Erskine Fountain is a memorial to Judge John Erskine, a gift to the city in 1896 by his daughter, Ruby Ward. It was originally located at the intersection of Peachtree and West Peachtree streets. In 1912, the fountain was moved to Grant Park, to serve as a grand welcome to the former Lake Abana Overlook. Today, the Erskine Fountain is corroded and inoperable, and several decorative elements are missing.

The grant will also allow the Conservancy to continue restoration work on the main wall of the 1927 Milledge Fountain. The Conservancy completed significant restoration of the fountain in 2017, making it flow again after 60 years.

“We are so appreciative of Park Pride for supporting our organization and recognizing the importance of restoring these historic landmarks for our community and the entire city,” said Michelle Blackmon, executive director of the Grant Park Conservancy.

The full cost of the Historic Preservation Project is $230,000. Park’s Pride Legacy Grants are matching funds, meaning the Grant Park Conservancy will raise the remaining $130,000 from the community and supporters.

“We’re inspired by the commitment of the Grant Park Conservancy to restore this historic park,” explained Allison Barnett, Park Pride’s Associate Director. “We look forward to enjoying the enhancements with the community once these projects are complete.”

For several years, community members organized as “The Friends of Erskine” have taken on the Erskine Fountain as a passion project, dedicating many volunteer hours to cleaning the site and raising funds for its restoration.

“The Erskine Fountain is a 123-year-old neighborhood gem that needs our attention. We are thrilled about the Park Pride grant and excited to work with the Conservancy to restore and preserve the fountain for the enjoyment of all of Atlanta’s citizens and visitors,” said Maureen Carroll, committee chair of the Friends of Erskine.

For more information, visit gpconservancy.org.

Erskine Fountain

The Lion Bridge

News You Can Eat

Restaurants � Reviews � Events

New Year, New Food

Restaurants newly opened and coming soon around Intown

By Collin Kelley

Anew crop of restaurants, bars and coffee shops has opened – or soon will – around Intown. Whether you like French, pizza or all-day breakfast, there’s something on the menu as the city’s restaurant scene continues to explode.

Aix and Tin Tin

Former Saltyard chef Nick Leahy has opened this French Provencal restaurant and adjoining wine bar at 956 Brady Ave. on the Westside. The menu includes shrimp, lamb and pork belly, while Tin Tin will feature small plates and, of course, French wine.

Pancake Social

Chef Anne Quatrano is serving up all-day breakfast at her new venture opening soon at Ponce City Market. The menu will feature eight kinds of pancakes, coffee, breakfast bowls, sandwiches and burgers. Information: poncecitymarket.com.

City Tap

The American gastropub is slated to open this month at 848 Peachtree St. in Midtown. City Tap will serve varying beer styles including many picks from local breweries like Monday Night Brewing, Orpheus Brewing, Wild Heaven Beer, SweetWater Brewery, New Realm Brewing and many more. With over 60 beers on tap, a selection of national and international offerings will also be poured, including German lagers, Belgian ales and other European varieties. The food menu will feature local and international inspired dishes. Information: citytap. com.

Docent Coffee ►

The new coffee shop is now open at 381 Edgewood Ave. in the Old Fourth Ward, combining its existing openroastery space with a new café open for breakfast and lunch serving fresh croissants, homemade sandwiches, soups and toasts. Information: docentcoffee.com.

Nina & Rafi ▲

The Italian restaurant and bar from Billy Streck of Hampton + Hudson and Anthony Spina of O4W Pizza soft opened in December in the new phase of Studioplex called SPX Alley at 661 Auburn Ave., along the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail. The menu features Italian-American comfort food, including pizzas Italian snacks, salads, parmesan heroes and Italian specialties – lasagna, chicken parmesan and eggplant parmesan. Information: ninaandrafi.com.

Just Add Honey Tea Company ►

A second location of the tea spot has opened a second café at 684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail. The space will have a patio with outdoor seating and two additional rooms that can be rented for tea parties and private events. Founded in 2006 by tea lovers Brandi and Jermail Shelton at Sweet Auburn Curb Market, the shop sells over 40 blends of looseleaf tea. Information: facebook.com/ justaddhoney.

Anthony Spina & Billy Streck creators of Nina & Rafi.

The Shelton Family founders of Just Add Honey.

Lazy Betty

The forthcoming restaurant from Executive Chef Ron Hsu and Chef de Cuisine/Partner

Aaron Phillips will open its brick-and-mortar location at 1530 DeKalb Ave. early this year in the space formerly occupied by Radial Cafe. The restaurant will offer both tasting menu and à la carte options featuring seasonal fare. Information: lazybettyatl.com.

Likewise

This eatery and bar is the centerpiece for Citizen Supply, the weekend pop-up flea market and greenhouse on the second floor of Ponce City Market. Likewise offers craft cocktails, while Chef Jason Jimenez creates seasonally driven snacks, bites and sharable plates. Information: CitizneSupply.com.

Ecco Buckhead

Fifth Group Restaurants has opened Ecco Buckhead at 3586 Peachtree Road near Phipps Plaza. Occupying a freestanding, 9,500 square foot building and a chef-driven European menu, the restaurant is open for dinner nightly with lunch service coming soon. This is the third location for the brand joining the original in Midtown and an outpost at the airport. Information: buckhead.ecco-atlanta.com.

Ammazza Pizzeria ▲

The pizzeria has opened a new location in Decatur at 314 East Howard Ave. just across from Kimball House. The menu includes antipasto, pasta, pizza, craft cocktails, beer and wine. Information: ammazza.com.

Biltong Bar

A second location is open at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta serving up savory dried beef and other South African snacks along with handcrafted cocktails. Information: biltong-bar.com.

The Deer & The Dove and Side Bar ◄ Atlanta chef Terry Koval will open The Deer & The Dove restaurant and Side Bar wine and coffee bar on the Decatur square this spring. The menu will feature rustic, creative New American cuisine, rooted in the seasons with ingredients sourced from local farms. Next door at Side Bar will offer breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bagels and good coffee. At night, Side Bar will become a bar with a focus on natural wines, cocktails and small plates. On occasion, the space will also host pop-up dinners from local and visiting chefs.

Scofflaw Brewing Co and Chattahoochee Food Works ▼

Scofflaw founders

Matt Shirah and Travis Herman will open a new brewery and tap room, while Robert Montwaid will open a food hall at The Works, an 80-acre adaptive mixed-use development on the Upper Westside. Scofflaw’s 9,000 square foot location will serve as its main research and development facility and will feature an outdoor area with games and gathering places.

The 16,000-squarefoot Chattahoochee

Food Works will feature unique food vendors, entertainment and chef-driven events, a test kitchen and artisanal market shops. Chattahoochee Food Works’ design will allow guests to enjoy the action that comes with a busy food hall or relax and finish up late day work with wine and charcuterie. For more information, visit theworksatl.com.

ROmANTICDINNER FOR 2 • $119.99

Tuna and Salmon Roll with tobiko and ponzu sauce u

Lobster Bisque with sherry & tarragon u

Seared Filet of Wild Striped Bass with basil gnocchi, citrus vinaigrette ~ or ~

Grilled Tenderloin of Pepper-Crusted Beef with saffron parsnip purée u

Kale and Mixed Greens with candied pecans,

Valentine’s chocolate boxes, chocolate - dipped strawberries, ganache hearts, lollipops & more...

Terry Koval

Matt Shirah and Travis Herman

Lloyd’s Restaurants & Lounge

In the dead of winter, going out to eat is only about two things: perking yourself up with a festive night on the town or wallowing in seasonal affect by letting some kindly waiter take care of you. Sometimes you get all dressed up to really party, and then realize your true despair only when you slide into the booth. Other times you walk in the door moping and are pleasantly surprised by what a good time you end up having. I believe any restaurant should be able to cater to both types of diners in winter, but they seldom do. That’s why Atlanta needs Lloyd’s.

Tasting Intown

By Megan Volpert

Lloyd’s is both a family friendly supper joint and a place you can get wasted ‘til the wee hours. The service will be good in either case, so you’re free to choose your own adventure. Want to party? Go in the front door and turn left to the bar. Or push that stroller to the dining room on the right. Everybody gets to hear the same classically cheesy Western oldies tunes — songs nobody would ever request that are nonetheless palatable to most people, songs that are upbeat in a mellow, unobtrusive kind of way. We headed to the dining room side.

Megan Volpert lives in Decatur, teaches in Roswell and writes books about popular culture.

Like the music, the service is also not insistent. We hemmed and hawed over a couple different appetizers. The server’s advice? “Have what you want to have. You want to have them all?” In her eyes was the genuine air of everyone’s favorite nonjudgmental cousin, the one you sneak into the garage to share a cigarette with during a mandatory family holiday get-together. She’s not counting your calories. She doesn’t care if you eat dessert first. If your kid is kind of running amok and being too loud, she assumes you’re doing the best you can. She thinks all beers are created equal and maybe doesn’t know how to make a Manhattan — but she does know how to pour one out of a shaker table side, which she will then leave at the table, where it will stay iced until you feel like pouring the second half yourself. And it’s only five bucks during weekday happy hour.

We settled on two of the four apps, the fried mozzarella and the spinach dip. The mozz and marinara was golden and delicious. A peeve of mine is how most fried stick foods tend to spit some grease when you first bite in, but these are fan shaped and perfectly browned, no burn hazards when you bite. The big winner of the night was that spinach dip though. It’s a thing straight out of every Midwestern kid’s most idyllic memories: spinach and cheese made even creamier by the sour cream and onion mix, and dipping with Ruffles potato chips for maximum traction on premium saltiness. I think most of us first began to like

spinach thanks to this richly constructed treat that is almost dinner all by itself, and it will cheer you up no matter how blue you get this winter. How is this dip only nine bucks?!

I then ordered a cheeseburger and fries because if a low key lounge doesn’t have that, it doesn’t have anything. The two-patty burger arrived proudly standing tall with a knife sticking out of the top to keep it all from sliding. It tasted great and normal, neither simply slapped together nor trying to hard to be special. The fries were covered in a fine red dust of smoky seasoning that could stand up to the flavorful burger. My wife ordered the meatloaf and all-you-can-eat mashed potatoes. Meatloaf was classic: moist inside, slightly crusty edges, moderate amount of unfussy ketchup. And how does one know if one wants more of these infinite mashed potatoes, with just enough tiny lumps to assure you that they are no

box flake experiment? “Just say yes,” said our server. We also said yes to key lime pie, which was basic and then piled high with cream. Everything about Lloyd’s is wonderfully regular, from the Budweiser to the fried bologna sandwich. Go in sweatpants if you feel like it. If you end up wanting to prolong the experience by heading over to the bar side, nobody there will care about your outfit either. Their slogan is “Lloyd’s: where nobody knows your name.”

Lloyd’s Restaurant & Lounge is located at 900 DeKalb Ave. For more information, visit lloydsatl.com.

Food Forethought: ‘Low and slow’

By Dyana Bagby

Renowned chef Scott Serpas burst on the Atlanta restaurant scene more than a decade ago, working as executive chef at TWO Urban Licks before venturing out on his own in 2009 with the renowned Serpas True Food in the historic Old Fourth Ward.

Just over one year ago, the award-winning chef opened Dixie Q in his own Brookhaven neighborhood where he’s lived for a decade. It’s just off bustling Dresden Drive, where other notable restaurants make their homes, such as Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub, Verde Taqueria and Haven Restaurant and Bar.

Dixie Q opened in the former Slice of Brookhaven site on Caldwell Road, next door to a planned mixeduse development to be called Dresden Village. The development is set to include a restaurant called Dixie Moon, where Serpas would also be the chef. While Serpas declines to talk about Dixie Moon ahead of the project, a representative of the developer said he is still on board, and more announcements are expected this year.

Live Bold and Passionate for Life.

kidding!) My mom did all the cooking, red beans on Monday, seafood on Friday and big family dinners on Sunday. We would watch football too — go Saints! My dad was in charge of sliced meat poboys on Saturdays. We did crawfish and crab boils too, which I do as well over at Serpas True Food, my first restaurant in Old Fourth Ward.

Q: Do you remember the first meal you cooked?

A: Wow, yes. Peanut butter and jelly, which I still love! Soft white bread, stick-tothe-roof-of-yourmouth peanut butter and clumpy grape jelly. Simple is good.

Q: Why did you decide to open restaurants in Brookhaven?

Serpas is a New Orleans native who learned his love of the restaurant industry as a busboy at New Orleans restaurants. The love of food and cooking, however, is a family tradition.

Q: Who taught you to cook?

A: Well, growing up as one of five kids and I’m the youngest, we didn’t go out very much. Not sure if we couldn’t afford it or if we didn’t behave very well! (Just

A: It is a close-knit, family community. The Dresden area, being walkable, is great to enjoy with my family. We wanted to fill a void in the community with a strong, family-friendly barbecue joint that is casual with great food and an appealing menu, choice-wise and price-wise. We have a swing on our porch for the kids and televisions inside for parents to catch the game.

Q: What do you love about being a chef?

A: Cooking. I’d rather cook than do anything else at my restaurants. Menu development, writing recipes, sourcing local food — these are the things that I truly look forward to each day.

Q: What is your opinion of the food

Chef Scott Serpas of Brookhaven opened Dixie Q just over a year ago on Caldwell Road, near the bustling food scene along Dresden Drive.

Ribs are a specialty at Dixie Q in Brookhaven.

is the key for Chef Scott Serpas

scene in metro Atlanta?

A: I feel we are seeing restaurants move more and more north — more independent, smaller restaurants rather than chains … the culinary scene here is at its peak.

Q: What’s your go-to comfort food?

A: Hands down, gumbo. Also, red beans, meatballs and lasagna.

Q: What other chefs in metro Atlanta or the South do you admire?

A: We have so many new, young chefs in town. Even my own chef de cuisine at Serpas True Food, Manual Lara, keeps us inspired, creative and positive with his ongoing energy. Pop-ups, special, intimate dinner events, cookbooks and a tremendous amount of culinary events keep this industry interesting day-to-day for guests.

Q: What’s the best way to cook barbecue ribs?

A: As the old saying goes, low and slow. There was a lot of trial and error when we were developing Dixie Q, and now that we have our feet under us, we are going strong yet still learning every day since we are new.

Q: What makes the best barbecue meal, including sides and beverage?

A: I’ve noticed that the older I have become, the more I’ve found myself more interested in how people cooked in the past ... wood-fire cooking. It’s all about the balance of smoke, seasonings, sweetness, acidity. Comfort sides, as I call them — my [menu item] Meme’s Potato Salad, collard greens ... a good, old-fashioned family Sunday supper. Complete with sweet tea, of course!

Fabulous

The Studio

Isn’t it romantic?

Events and activities to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your sweetie

By Collin Kelley

If you’re looking for food and fun for Valentine’s Day, we’ve rounded up some unique ideas for you to try around Intown. From a romantic dinner to a graveyard tour to an evening at the theatre, these events are sure to make your sweetheart smile.

Dining Out

Many of Atlanta’s restaurants will be offering Valentine’s Day special menus, including St. Cecilia, The Iberian Pig, Bistro Niko, Le Bilboquet, Nan Thai Fine Dining, STK, Babette’s Café, JCT

Kitchen & Bar, The Sun Dial and many more. You’ll definitely want to make a reservation. Check OpenTable.com for even more dining suggestions.

Babyface and Keith Sweat

Kenny “Babyface” Edwards and Keith Sweat will perform at the Fox Theatre on Feb. 14 for a special Valentine’s Day concert called “Lovers and Friends.” A night of R&B and new jack swing is sure to spice up your evening. Tickets available at FoxTheatre.org.

Valentines in the Garden

Enjoy an elegant evening of music, dancing, cocktails, desserts and orchids at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on Feb. 14 from 7 to 11 p.m. Take a stroll through the tropical conservatories and experience Orchid Daze by night at the Fuqua Orchid Center. It will “lights, camera, action!” this year with a theme of Old Hollywood. For tickets and information, visit atlantabg.org.

Oakland Cemetery

Perfect for lovers, families and friends, “Love Stories of Oakland” is an hour-long tour through Oakland’s Victorian garden

cemetery as storytellers recount the loves, lives and losses of Atlantans of days past. The special tours will be held Feb. 9 – 10. Visit oaklandcemetery.com for more information.

SkyView Ferris Wheel

Head Downtown for a romantic Ferris Wheel ride on the giant SkyView Atlanta, which offers gorgeous views of the cityscape. For information, visit skyviewatlanta.com.

Ever After

This musical based on the hit film offers a new take on the Cinderella legend as a young woman sets out to save a friend from an unjust fate and finds love along the way. The production runs through Feb. 17 on the Alliance Theatre’s newly renovated Coca-Cola Stage at the Woodruff Arts Center. For more information, visit alliancetheatre.org.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

If you’re looking for a love story of a different kind, “internationally ignored song stylist” Hedwig Schmidt and his band will keep you entertained with funny, touching and rocking tales. Through March 2 at Pinch ‘N’ Ouch Theatre. For tickets and information, visit pnotheatre.org.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Keith Sweat

Atlanta Botanical Garden

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European Masterworks High Museum exhibition to feature Van Gogh, Picasso

While art lovers are still lining up for the “Yayoi Kusma: Infinity Mirrors” exhibition, the High Museum of Art has announced what is sure to be their next blockbuster: “European Masterworks: The Phillips Collection.”

The exhibition, which will run April 6 through July 14, 2019, will feature work by Eugène Delacroix, Jean-AugusteDominique Ingres, Honoré Daumier, Gustave Courbet, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, Pierre Bonnard, Georges Braque, Nicolas de Staël, Alberto Giacometti, Wassily Kandinsky, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani and Pablo Picasso. In all, there will be 75 iconic paintings and sculptures from the collection of Duncan Phillips, who opened his acclaimed museum in Washington, D.C., in 1921.

The grandson of a prominent Pittsburgh industrialist, Phillips built the

extraordinary collection over the course of his life to share it with an international audience. Many of the works in the exhibition have not traveled together in more than 20 years.

“The Phillips Collection is one of the most satisfying focused art collections I know. It is a veritable who’s who of late 19th and early 20th-century modernism, but it is also intensely personal,” said Claudia Einecke, the High’s Frances B. Bunzl Family curator of European art. “The collection shows Duncan Phillips’ penchant for strong, expressive color and design — as in the works of van Gogh and Bonnard — as well as his affinity for artists whose independence of spirit he admired, such as Daumier and Klee. This exhibition delivers a one-two punch: the highest artistic excellence and evidence of a collector’s exceptional discernment and personal conviction.”

For more information, visit high.org.

Reclining Figure, 1934, Pablo Picasso

The Road Menders, 1889, by Vincent van Gogh

PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR THE SPRING MARKET

Your family’s most comprehensive online guide to arts and cultural entertainment Visit AtlantaPlanIt.com for more upcoming events.

Visual Arts

Afros as Art: This exhibit, part of the book by Michael July, celebrates the Afro hairdo is a “natural” and progressive by-product of style, fashion and culture. Mon-Fri. Free. rialto.gsu.edu

DO or DIE - Affect, Ritual, Resistance: Explore the intersections between Africanbased spiritual traditions and the political and societal violence against black male bodies in the US. Tues-Sun. $6-$8. carlos. emory.edu

Fernando Gaspar - Floating Machines: Composed of 15 painting, this body of work advances Gaspar’s strong interest in the ancestral biologics within/between a primeval earth and sky. Tues-Sat. Free. lowegallery.com

Stories without An End - Women in African Art: Mehta Collection includes a selection of 50 classically carved wooden sculptures and masks drawn from the collection of Dileep and Martha Mehta. Tues-Sun. Free-$5. museum.oglethorpe.edu

Performing Arts

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: The company embodies six decades of achievement, celebrating the human spirit with performances that unite and inspire all. Feb. 21-24. $29-$89. foxtheatre.org

Enjoy free admission and special programs on the second Sunday of each month. FEB. 10 • MAR. 10

Designed for little kids, big kids, and the whole family, Second Sundays are for everyone. Visit us each month and experience new interactive, innovative family activities inspired by our collections and ever-changing exhibitions. Second Sundays are sponsored by the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation.

American Playground/The Third Dance: This performance investigates multiple themes including ‘body as resistance,” personal authenticity and the dialogue between public and private spaces. Feb. 1-3. $20-$25. 7stages.org

An Octoroon: In this play, trouble has been brewing at the Terrebonne Plantation since Judge Peyton died. Money is running out, an evil overseer is up to no good. Wed-Sun. $20-$40. actors-express.com

Anderson Paak & The Free Nationals: After a handful of releases this singer, rapper, drummer, and producer broke through with songs on Dr. Dre album “Compton.” Feb. 18. $55-$144. cocacolaroxy.com

Beauty & the Beast: Fall in love with this celebrated fairy tale all over again with a ballet production designed for younger audience members. Feb. 21-24. $10-$58. cobbenergycentre.com

Bert Kreischer: This stand-up comedian performs to sellout crowds across the country. Feb. 10. $37.50. tabernacleatl.com

Black Jacket Symphony - Queen’s ‘A Night At The Opera’: This symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. Feb. 22. $25-$175. atlantasymphony.org

Christopher Cross: Far and away the biggest new star of 1980, Cross virtually defined adult contemporary radio with a series of smoothly sophisticated ballads. Feb. 22. $35-$50. centerstage-atlanta.com

Dancing With The Stars Live! The hottest dance show on TV is on tour, showcasing many of your favorite professional dancers performing ballroom and contemporary dances. Feb. 11. $59.50-$125. foxtheatre. org

Dead Man Walking: Based on a true story, this play tells the story of Sister Helen Prejean and her time as spiritual advisor to Joseph de Rocher, a murderer on death row. Feb. 2-10. $38-$134. cobbenergycentre.com

Excision: A producer of heavy and aggressive dubstep who frequently collaborates with vocalists. Feb. 15. $44.50. cocacolaroxy.com

Gone Too Far This Time: The show highlights Full Radius Dance’s theatricality, pioneering technique, and inventive partnering - all hallmarks of the company’s celebrated style. Feb. 8-10. $15-$20. 7stages.org

HYMN - Sarah Brightman: With a bright soprano that has traversed musical theater, operettas, world music, and adult contemporary pop, Brightman is a vocalist, songwriter and dancer. Feb. 17. $53.75$253.75. foxtheatre.org

Iliza: One of today’s leading comedians with a fan base who show their loyalty by creating their own Iliza inspired swag to wear to her shows. Feb. 7-8. $37.50. tabernacleatl.com

In Flames: Formed in Gothenburg, Sweden

HIGH HIGH MUSEUM OF ART ATLANTA | HIGH.ORG

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in the 90s, this band is world-renown as one of the forefathers of Melodic Death Metal. Feb. 14. $32-$99. centerstageatlanta.com

James Blake: This London-based producer, singer, and songwriter first gave the world a taste of his quirky, R&Bsampling strain of dubstep in 2009. Feb. 18. $33.50-$38.50. tabernacleatl.com

Joey Alexander: This young, Indonesian jazz pianist “...has an infectious sense of play and a deep fascination with the kaleidoscopic possibilities of jazz.” Feb. 23. $39-$74. rialto.gsu.edu

Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds: The awardwinning, multi-faceted pop/urban singer’s career includes consecutive multi-platinum landmark albums, and the co-founding of LaFace Records. Feb. 14. $63.75-$153.75. foxtheatre.org

Les Misérables: Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon. Feb. 26-Mar. 2. $30.35$185.25. foxtheatre.org

Mark Nizer: The performer brings his live 3D show to the stage, juggling laser beams, glowing red balls, and just about any new invention he can imagine Feb. 16. $20-28. arts.gatech.edu

Marvel Universe LIVE! Age of Heroes: Comic fans, assemble for this live, actionpacked, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil. Feb. 17-18. $19-$200. statefarmarena.com

Michael Bublé: With his supple vocal chops and nonchalant charisma, this Canadian singer became the preeminent neo-crooner of his generation. Feb. 17. $65.00-$149.50. infiniteenergycenter.com

Nikolai Lugansky: The savagely difficult “Rach 3” is a dazzler, especially in the hands of Lugansky, the “most trailblazing and meteoric performer.” Feb. 14-16. $33$103. atlantasymphony.org

Paula Poundstone: Smart, observational humor and a legendary spontaneous interaction with the crowd, makes this comedian one of the country’s most pre-eminent. Feb. 22. $34-$45. thebuckheadtheatre.com

Psycho - The Musical: Based on the Hitchcock classic, witness all of the horror... the suspense... and the terror... live! Closes Feb. 9. $16. pulpatlanta.com

Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes: The second band after Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band to emerge from the New Jersey shore scene. Feb. 26. $69. citywinery.com/atlanta

equally indebted to contemporary blues and ‘70s-style hard rock. Feb. 20. $49.50$250. thebuckheadtheatre.com

The Fab Four - Ultimate Beatles Tribute: The Emmy Award Winning

Tesla: Although emerging during the glory days of hair metal, this band’s music was

cover band is elevated far above every other Beatles tribute due to their precise attention to detail. Feb. 10. $39.50-$195. atlantasymphony.org

The Pitmen Painters: When a group of miners and a dentist hire a professor to teach Art Appreciation, they embark on one of the most unusual experiments in art history in this play. Feb. 27–Mar. 24. $18$51. theatricaloutfit.org

The Wedding Singer: This musical takes you back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Thur-Sun. $26-$63. atlantalyrictheatre.com

Verdi: The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra presents the exquisitely inspirational “Four Sacred Pieces” by the great Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi. Feb. 21-Feb. 23. $22-$98. atlantasymphony.org

professional artists series

Fifth House Ensemble: Journey Live

Saturday, February 9, 8 pm

The video game Journey, described by critics as “the most beautiful game of its time,” takes center stage as Chicagobased Fifth House Ensemble teams up with composer Austin Wintory to present an original, interactive live performance of his Grammy-nominated score. Fifth House Ensemble performs the game’s soundtrack as audience members play the game on stage. The calming, beautiful and emotional video game comes to life in an immersive, interactive environment.

Mark Nizer 4D Comedy Juggler

Saturday, February 16, 8 pm

World champion juggler, award-winning comedian and inventor Mark Nizer brings his live 3D show to the stage; juggling laser beams, glowing red balls, and just about any new invention he can imagine. Nizer is constantly incorporating new technology into his hilarious performances.

Maya Kodes The Virtual Singer

Friday, March 29, 8 pm

Maya Kodes is a singer who released a dance pop song on iTunes, recorded an EP, performed over 30 concerts and amassed over 5,500 Facebook followers… all as a hologram! The world’s first interactive real-time virtual pop star, Kodes is the creation of Neweb Labs in Montreal. Local dancers will join Maya onstage for this performance.

Members receive 25% off camp!

Explore art, get messy, and have a blast!

Register your artists for a weeklong art camp at the High. We offer camp options for grades 1 through 8. Campers will explore the collection, sketch in the galleries, and create artwork.

visit high.org/camp.

TCS SUMMER CAMP

From sports to science to waterslides, The Children’s School has infinite learning experiences for age 3 through rising eighth graders during TCS Summer Camp!

JUNE 3 – JULY 26

Register today at tcsatl.org/camps!

Discount pricing available before March 11!

SEE THE WORLD ON FILM

Visit a Georgia Park for Valentine’s Day

By Kathy Dean

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has planned events throughout the state that are perfect for a Valentine’s Day celebration. There are date nights, hikes and more that offer romance and adventure. Visit gastateparks.org for more events and updated information.

Valentine’s Dinner and Dance

The drive to Fort McAllister State Park will be well worth it for this special evening. It starts with a candlelit dinner in a beautiful, historic setting. After the meal, you’ll have the opportunity to share period music, dancing and fireside chats with the park’s historical interpreters.

When: Saturday, Feb. 9, 6-8 p.m. Where: Fort McAllister State Park, 3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill 31324

Cost: $50 per person, $5 for parking. More info: Reservations are required; call (912) 727-2339.

Astronomy Night with Your Love

Look to the stars at Tallulah Gorge State Park for a perfect Valentine’s Night. Everyone meets in front of the Interpretive Center for an opportunity to look through the telescope and learn about the sky. This program does depend on the weather.

When: Thursday, Feb. 14, 6:30-8 p.m. Where: Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive, Tallulah Falls 30573

Cost: Admission is $5, $5 for parking. More info: Call (706) 754-7981 for details.

Valentine’s Day Couples Hike on Panola Mountain

Enjoy a guided hike through Panola Mountain’s conservation area. You’ll watch the sun set over downtown Atlanta and have an opportunity to have your photo taken. Finish up with some chocolate-covered-strawberryinspired s’mores roasted over the campfire. Be sure to bring water, a flashlight and sturdy shoes!

If you miss out on the special Valentine’s Day Hike, sign up for one of the Moonlight Mountain Hikes, offered on Saturdays, Feb. 16 and March 23.

When: Saturday, Feb. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge 30281

Cost: Admission is $15, $5 for parking. More info: Space is limited; call (770) 389-7801 to reserve a place.

Ole Fashion Date Night on the Park

What’s more romantic than Mistletoe… State Park? In honor of Valentine’s Day, the park is offering a date night at the campground. Food will be prepared on a cast-iron skillet and there’ll even be homemade hot cocoa at the end of the program.

When: Friday, Feb. 15, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Mistletoe State Park, 3725 Mistletoe Road, Appling 30802

Cost: $20 per couple, plus $5 parking. More info: Save your spot by calling (706) 541-0321.

Sunset Boat Tour of the Swamp

Maybe the thought of a swamp doesn’t ooze romance, but you may be surprised as you relax on Billy’s Lake to watch an Okefenokee sunset. The lake is surrounded by wildlife — sandhill cranes and barred owls, even alligators — and you can glimpse them before the sun drops below the horizon. The boat tour is also offered on Saturdays, March 16 and April 13.

When: Saturday, Feb. 16, 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Stephen C. Foster State Park, 17515 Highway 177, Fargo 391631

Cost: $15 to $20, plus $5 parking. More info: To learn more, call (912) 637-5274.

THE MOST POWERFUL CANCER FIGHTING NETWORK IN GEORGIA

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Using the latest technology Northside’s physicians, nurses, researchers and support staff provide the most effective treatments possible.

Our Cancer Centers Offer:

Atlanta Cancer Care 2545 Lawrenceville Highway, Ste 300 Decatur, GA 30033 404-321-1950

Dr. Jayanthi Srinivasiah Dr. Aaron Alizadeh Dr. Kathleen Lambert Dr. Simbo Aduloju

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Above: Saffron Tower, internationally acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly’s 30-foot-tall yellow neon sculpture, has found a home in the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s permanent collection of fine art.

Top and Middle Left: New community basket ball courts renovated by the Atlanta Atlanta Hawks were unveiled at Selena S. Butler Park adjacent to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation and Aquatic Center to mark the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Bottom Left: Young Atlanta artist Faatimah Stevens’ mural was recently unveiled at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The massive 20 foot by 24 foot mural is intended to serve as a “cultural touchpoint” – bridging Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it’s Westside neighborhoods and the entire city. It will reside for one year in the AT&T Perch, located on the second level of the stadium, and then will be auctioned off in late 2019 –with all proceeds to benefit a Westside Atlanta community organization.

COLDWELL BANKER

SCOTTDALE - New construction from Stoney River Homes. Large closets in all bedrooms, fenced back yard, full appliance package, screened porch, full sized laundry room, great finishes throughout, built-ins, 2-10 builder warranty. 5Bed/3Bath $489,900

FMLS: 6101026 Kathleen Sickeler 404.368.3234

TUCKER - Stoney River Homes new construction. Open kitchen with island breakfast bar, butler’s pantry, large family room w/built-ins, spacious bedrooms w/ large walk-in closets, screened porch and large fenced backyard. 5Bed/3Bath $489,900

FMLS: 6111384 Kathleen Sickeler 404.368.3234

DECATUR - Outstanding new construction Craftsman home from Parclife Homes. Well designed spaces, gorgeous master suite, large secondary bedrooms, kitchen with breakfast area & butlers pantry, 2 car garage. 5Bed/5Bath $1,109,000

FMLS: 6096180 Kathleen Sickeler 404.368.3234

MIDTOWN - Amazing views in the heart of Midtown at the Spire. Walk to shops, restaurants and nightlife. Floor to ceiling windows with open living/dining concept. Recently renovated with fresh paint & new hardwood floors. 1Bed/1Bath $279,000

FMLS: 6085459 Stephen Simonsson 404.326.0876

BROOKHAVEN - Renovated home in the heart of Brookhaven on incredible lot with large fenced backyard. Home has hardwoods, updated kitchen with SS appls, updated bathrooms, great outdoor patio.

3Bed/1Bath $499,999

FMLS: 6118755 David Brown 917.705.6387

OLD FOURTH WARD - New construction featuring designer kitchen with quartz countertop, roof top terrace with amazing views, hardwood floors, open bright floor plan, outdoor living space on each level, 2 car garage.

4 Bed/3.5Bath $850,000

FMLS: 6060819 Joan Arkins 404.661.2500

MORNINGSIDE - Intown living at its finest! Spectacular details throughout including original fireplace and moldings, oak hardwoods, eat-in-kitchen with task lighting & SS appls, back patio, huge unfinished basement for tons of storage. 3Bed/2Bath $650,000

FMLS: 6099185 Joan Arkins 404.661.2500

MIDTOWN - Impeccably maintained top floor unit at The Windsor Over Peachtree. Open concept space with skylights in the dining room, skyline city views, large master with walk-in closet, marble in shower, office space, in-unit laundry. 1Bed/1Bath $299,900

FMLS: 6115930 Mike Gunsallus 404.569.8048

MIDTOWN - 25th floor condo at the Spire with unobstructed skyline views of Midtown. Hardwoods throughout, granite counters & center island, SS appls, 1 assigned parking space. 24 hour concierge, pool, fitness center. 1Bed/1Bath $289,900

FMLS: 6117392 Michael JW Smith 404.786.2057

MORNINGSIDE - Beautiful Tudor home on huge corner lot with private driveway and completely fenced in outdoor space ideal for entertaining. 2 car garage and carport, unfinished basement, hardwood floors.

3Bed/2.5Bath $879,900

FMLS: 6118623 David Brown 917.705.6387

COLLEGE PARK - Gorgeous Craftsman home next to Woodward Academy. Custom cabinetry, detailed woodwork throughout, hardwoods, kit with custom solid wood cabs and granite countertops, 2 fireplaces, bonus room. 4Bed/3.5Bath $479,999

FMLS: 6100648 David Brown 917.705.6387

EAST LAKE TERRACE - Open floorplan with more space than expected - LR, DR, fam rm, bonus rm, powder rm, laundry rm & bright open kit w/SS appls. Master ste w/walk-in closets, wood flrs, new windows, fenced backyard. 3Bed/2.5Bath

FMLS: 6121948 Sherry Warner 404.784.8848

LAUREL HILL - Brick ranch with large fenced backyard, interior recently painted, refinished hardwood floors, new floors in kitchen/breakfast area/keeping rm. New sink & cabinet in hall bath. Keeping room with fireplace. 3Bed/2Bath $369,000

FMLS: 6101253 Edwina Murphy 404.275.1807

OLD FOURTH WARD - John Wieland townhome close to The Beltline. Incredible kit w/island, open flow to dining area, built-ins, spacious master w/walk-in closet, guest BR/BA on lower level, 2 car garage, partial covered roof top deck. 4Bed/4.5Bath $935,000 FMLS: 6119019 Mike Kondalski 404.234.9379

INMAN PARK - Rare opportunity in Inman Park. 1910 home loaded with period details - hardwood floors, decorative fireplaces and original oversized windows. Main home has 3Bed/1.5Bath and cottage in back has 1Bed/1Bath. $550,000

FMLS: 6088181 Ed Woods 404.759.9680