Atlanta Intown - March 2016

Our mission: Published monthly since 1994, Atlanta INtown provides its readers with hyperlocal news and information that helps foster a sense of community in a dynamic urban setting. Live, work and play—we cover everything that makes our city home.

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Editorial

Collin Kelley INtown Editor collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

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Sally Bethea, Sue Collins, Kathy Dean, Joe Earle, Melody Harclerode, Annie Kinnett Nichols, Isadora Pennington, Harry J. Pinkney Jr., Clare S. Richie, Tim Sullivan, Megan Volpert, Diane L. Wynocker

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Collin Kelley collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

Sick of Politics

I’m officially sick of politics – national and local. The presidential race is a circus sideshow with a bunch of candidates from both parties that scare rather than inspire me. Meanwhile, the Georgia Legislature creates bills to solve problems that don’t exist or attempts to divest citizens of their rights – despite federal rulings –and wastes taxpayer dollars doing so while ignoring more pressing needs. It’s totally done my head in.

I made up my mind to stop watching the endless, idiotic debates and town halls back in December. They were killing my holiday mood. I installed an app on my phone called Brief Me that aggregates top stories from news sources around the world. I also bookmarked a list of news sites – “CNN,” “Fox,” “New York Times,” “Los Angeles Times,” “The Guardian,” “BBC,” “Le Monde” and “Sydney Morning Herald” – so that I could digest a wide variety of news from different sources. I highly recommend reading foreign press. You

get a completely different view of America when you do.

What finally broke me of the 24-hour news cycle was the talking heads, who are all mostly shills from the various parties or special interest groups. They’ve all got a horse in the race, so it’s hard to get any objective news or information. The level of anger, vitriol and lack of common decency showcase the ugly side of us as a people. We hear so much about “American exceptionalism,” but, in my opinion, we are not having one of our finest hours. Sure, presidential campaigns are famous for turning ugly, but we are beyond the pale.

So, after I’ve checked my news sites, I put down the smartphone or close my laptop and pick up a book. Or watch a movie (Turner Classic Movies is my Prozac). Or go to dinner with friends (hurry up and reopen, Manuel’s Tavern, because I’m in withdrawal). Or travel. I’ve done a few weekend day trips in the past few months (Fresh Air Barbecue in Jackson, Ga. – the best!) and at the end of the month I’m headed to Los Angeles, Denver and New York City on a book tour for my new novel, “Leaving Paris.”

If you can’t stand anymore politics, I suggest doing the opposite of what Timothy Leary recommended back in the ‘60s: Turn off, tune out and take a deep, cleansing breath.

Bicycle Coalition calls for safety improvements after student’s death

By Collin Kelley

The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition (ABC) is demanding immediate action to improve the safety of the intersection at 10th Street and Monroe Drive in Midtown after Grady High School freshman Alexia Hyneman, 14, was struck and killed on the evening of Feb. 11 while crossing the intersection. “We’re devastated by the news of Grady High School freshman Alexia Hyneman’s death while cycling home from a school performance,” said Rebecca Serna, executive director of the ABC. “Grady High School, Piedmont Park, a protected bike lane and the Atlanta BeltLine all meet at 10th Street and Monroe Drive. It’s one of the city’s busiest intersections for people on foot and bike, and everyone who uses it deserves to be safe.”

The ABC released a list of safety improvements it wants implemented immediately at 10th Street and Monroe Drive:

• Configure the light signal so it is easily understood by pedestrians and cyclists.

• Shorten the wait time for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the street.

• Lengthen and automate the pedestrian (and cyclists) phase.

• Improve street lighting at 10th Street and Monroe Drive, including the BeltLine intersections.

• Accelerate the Monroe Drive Complete Streets project, funded in the Renew Atlanta bond.

• Create a bicycle connection on Monroe Drive to make it safe and predictable for all pedestrians and cyclists.

• More police patrols.

Serna and Sally Flocks, founder of PEDS (Pedestrians Educating Drivers), met city officials to discuss these needs at the end of February, and Serna said she felt positive about changes at 10th and Monroe.

“It was a positive meeting, and

everyone had a sense of urgency and understanding that this is not a scenario where we can fix one intersection and be done,” Serna said. “There are safety improvements needed throughout the city for pedestrians and cyclists, and safety is a priority.”

The ABC and PEDS are working together to create a list of other highpriority intersections that need immediate attention to avoid more accidents. They are also working with parents in the Grady cluster of schools to help them understand and be involved in the process of making roads in the neighborhood safe.

Mayor Kasim Reed released a statement of condolence to the Hyneman family and said the safety of pedestrians

and cyclists remained a priority for his administration. He said there is $37 million in the Renew Atlanta infrastructure program approved by voters last year committed to making sidewalks and streets safe.

Specifically, Reed said the Renew Atlanta program has $2.5 million allocated for a complete street overhaul of Monroe Drive and the city would move quickly to get these improvements done.

Stately 1928 architecture with a fresh perspective, renovated kitchen and bathrooms, four bedrooms on the second floor including the master suite, finished basement, located on a .5+/- acre lot with a play space backyard and covered parking, gracious rooms, high ceilings, hardwood floors in the sweet spot of Druid Hills neighborhood close to Emory University, CDC, Emory Village, award-winning Fernbank Elementary and Druid Hills Golf Club.

Peggy Hibbert

Above: Alexia Hyneman, 14, was on her way home from Grady High School after a performance when she was struck and killed by a car at Monroe and 10th Street.

Left and below: Tributes to Alexia were placed at the entrance to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail where the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition held a memorial service and call to action to make the intersection safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Photos courtesy Atlanta Bicycle Coalition

ATLANTA MEMORIAL PARK’S SEWAGE SPILL RAISES CONCERN

By Collin Kelley

Following a meeting with members of the Atlanta Memorial Park Conservancy leadership, neighborhood leaders and Councilmember Yolanda Adrean on Feb. 22, Mayor Kasim Reed announced an aggressive approach to solving the flooding problems that have plagued the park and the Peachtree Creek basin.

Reed said he, senior members of the administration and expert engineers will meet with conservancy members and other neighborhood leaders at key problem areas inside Memorial Park and along Peachtree Creek.

Following the site visit, the engineers will develop a list of recommended solutions for consideration by the mayor, the city council and the conservancy leadership team.

“The health and safety of Atlanta residents is this administration’s top priority,” Reed said.

Reed has already directed the city’s Department of Watershed Management to accelerate the $30 million Peachtree Trunk Stabilization Capital Improvement Project that is in the procurement pipeline right now.

In 2014, the city completed the $45 million Peachtree Creek Capacity Relief Storage Tank and Pump Station that is designed to alleviate sewer overflows during heavy rain in the Peachtree Creek basin. The tank just west of Cheshire Bridge

Road and bordering the CSX rail right-ofway stores up to 10 million gallons of water and is equipped with a state-of-the-art selfcleaning and odor control system.

Chattahoochee Riverkeepr Jason Ulseth said he believes there is confusion about what is happening at Atlanta Memorial Park, and offered explanations and solutions to fixing the problem.

Ulseth said Atlanta utilizes two types of sewer systems: combined and separated. In a combined system, rainfall and sewage are intentionally combined for treatment, while a separated sanitary system is a pipe network that only carries waste. He said the spills in Atlanta Memorial Park are being caused by a separated system.

“A sewer line runs through Atlanta Memorial Park and is transported to the R.M. Clayton facility for treatment and discharge,” Ulseth explained.

Ulseth said manholes that lead down to the sewer line are in a floodplain at the park and whenever Peachtree Creek floods, water over tops the manholes and inundates the line, taking out its capacity. That results in a sewage spill, Ulseth said.

“The quickest solution is to raise the elevation of the manholes above Peachtree Creek’s flood stage,” Ulseth said. “The city will have to do a study to see how water is getting into the sewer line in other ways. It could be cracks caused by tree roots or some other opening that needs to be repaired.”

Mayor Kasim Reed has outlined new public safety initiatives for 2016, including launching the Westside Security Plan, expanding Operation Shield and addressing repeat offenders.

“Public safety has always been my first priority, and the investments and tough choices we’ve made over the past six years have resulted in a safer, more prosperous city,” Reed said at a media conference on Feb. 16.

“Despite a tough summer, crime fell by three percent in 2015, and is down 24 points total since I took office. The new initiatives we will launch this year in partnership with the Atlanta Police Department and Atlanta Police Foundation will build on what we have achieved. Our residents and visitors can take comfort knowing we are working to keep them safe.”

Previous studies have shown that a small group of 461 repeat offenders were responsible for more than 10,000 crimes committed within the City of Atlanta, with fewer than four percent of those individuals receiving prison sentences. Through the combined efforts of the Repeat Offender Commission,

recent data shows that approximately 55 percent of repeat offenders are now being sent to prison, preventing them from immediately committing additional crimes.

The Westside Security Plan, a collaborative effort between the Atlanta Police Foundation and Atlanta Police Department, consists of four primary components, including plans to build a new Westside Youth Development Center; a partnership with Pulte Homes and other home builders to construct up to 25 new homes for APD officers to live in the communities they serve; establishing a Westside Security Patrol to increase police visibility in the community; and deploying more than 100 cameras and license plate readers to help deter and solve crimes. Reed said funding and a location for the center have been secured.

Reed also updated the progress of Operation Shield, the city’s state-of-theart security camera network. Along with the Atlanta City Council, Reed set a fiveyear goal of integrating 10,000 cameras into the Video Integration Center. The city is ahead of schedule and has integrated more than 5,900 cameras into

the network to date.

The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) has also worked to enhance emergency response times. The department responded to 101,255 calls for assistance in 2015, an all-time high. More than 8,000 of these calls were for assistance at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Additionally, AFRD achieved the total response time benchmark of eight minutes and 12 seconds for fire calls at a rate of 93 percent in the last quarter of 2015. In

the same quarter, AFRD met its total response time of seven minutes and 59 seconds for EMS calls at an 80 percent rate.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) has continued to support citywide efforts to address vacant and blighted properties. DOC’s Clean and Close program cleaned up and then closed 216 properties, saving the City of Atlanta $2 million since the program’s launch.

Public Safety Briefs

Atlanta City Councilmember

Yolanda Adrean announced last month that the Atlanta Police Foundation began installing the first 50 state-of-the-art video security cameras and license plate readers as part of Phase I of the master plan for Council District 8 in Buckhead. The devices will be integrated into the city’s Loudermilk Operation Shield Video Integration Center, where police can monitor images from more than 5,900 high-tech cameras throughout the city. Adrean contributed $300,000 from her council budget carry forward account toward the purchase of security cameras. Her contribution was matched by the mayor’s office, and private sector investment in cameras from businesses and residents has amounted to $2 million thus far. The master plan, which is a map of strategic locations where the cameras and readers will be installed, was developed in partnership with the Atlanta Police Foundation and the Atlanta Police Department by using data collected from crime statistics and patterns throughout the district. The installation in District 8 is expected to be complete this month.

The Atlanta Police Department has added 14 new 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles to its fleet. The SUVs are assigned to the Active Shooter Response Team, Training Academy and the Special Operations Section.

The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) is accepting applications for its 2016 class of firefighter EMT-A (Emergency Medical Technician – Advanced) recruits. The AFRD accepts applications by mail and by delivery at Public Safety Headquarters at 226 Peachtree Street SW. Individuals who submit their applications directly to AFRD must provide their applications in a file folder between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday until March 7. Applications can be downloaded and printed by visiting atlantaga.gov/index.aspx?page=1278.

The general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has composed a strongly-worded letter to the TSA over too few screeners and growing passenger wait times at the airport’s checkpoints. Airport general manager Migue Southwell has put the TSA on notice, saying the agency has 60 days to get its act together or the airport will bring in its own qualified private contractors to man the checkpoints.

Mayor Kasim Reed

Councilmember Yolanda Adrean, center left, and supporters with new security cameras.

Meetings

The Atlanta City Council will meet March 7 and 21 at 1 p.m. at City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave. citycouncil.atlantaga.gov.

The Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education will meet March 7 at 6 p.m. 130 Trinity Ave. atlanta.k12.ga.us

The Old Fourth Ward Business Association (O4WBA) meets the fourth Wednesday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Selena Butler Recreation Center, 98 William Butler Holmes Drive, SE. See meeting agendas and other information at the association’s Facebook page, facebook.com/O4WBA.

News

Atlanta City Councilmember Cleta Winslow has allegedly breached the city’s ethics ordinance for a third time since she took office in 1994, according to a report from the AJC. At press time, she’d been offered a $3,000 fine to settle this infraction, which includes using taxpayer money to pay homeless people to work on her 2013 re-election campaign.

The Turner Field Community Benefits Coalition , which represents the neighborhoods of Summerhill, Mechanicsville, Peoplestown, Pittsburgh and others nearby Turner Field, has unveiled its platform for the stadium property. The platform was created ahead of the Atlanta Braves vacating The Ted at the end of the year while the city negotiates the sale of the stadium property to Georgia State University and its partners for a mixed-use development including athletic fields, housing, restaurants, retail and more. Included in the coalition’s platform are calls for diverse housing with affordable units; amenities such as a supermarket, retail and entertainment; infrastructure upgrades to prevent future flooding; transportation options; a walkable street grid that connects neighborhoods; greenspace and public space; job training and education for youths and adults; and better policing and security.

The number of riders using the Atlanta Streetcar (right) has tumbled since the introduction of a $1 fare on Jan. 1, according to a report from WSB-TV. The streetcar reported 21,818 riders during the month of January, which is a 66 percent drop in ridership from last year. That means the system took in less than $10,000 in revenue – a fraction of the annual $5 million operating and maintenance costs. Mayor Kasim Reed said the January numbers were preliminary and unaudited. The 2.7 mile streetcar, which runs from Centennial Olympic Park to the King Center, was free to ride during all of 2015. The city is hoping to extend the streetcar line east to connect to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport served more passengers and handled more aircraft operations than any other airport in the world in 2015 to retain the title as the “World’s Busiest Airport.” Atlanta hosted 101,491,106 passengers in 2015, becoming the first airport ever to serve more than 100 million passengers in a single year. The total passenger number for 2015 was a 5.52 percent increase over the 2014 total of 96,178,899 passengers served. The airport also hosted more aircraft operations than any other in 2015. The 882,497 aircraft movements was an increase of 1.63 percent over 2014’s total of 868,359. In addition, cargo traffic saw a substantial increase as 626,201 metric tons of cargo moved through the facility in 2015. That’s a 4.15 percent increase over 2014’s total of 601,270 metric tons.

The Collier Hills neighborhood is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2016. To mark the occasion, the civic association is working to gather and document the neighborhood’s rich history. If you are a previous Collier Hills resident and have old photos of homes, families and neighborhood events, memorabilia or stories to share, the civic association wants to hear from you. In addition, a celebration is being planned for the fall that will include former residents. To be added to the email list, or if you have photos or historical information to share, contact the Collier Hills Civic Association at CollierHillsCivic@gmail.com or (404) 351-3616.

Comprehensive Women’s

Lynley S. Durre , M.D.

APS BUS BARN PLANS CONCERN COMMUNITY

By Collin Kelley

The transfer of the old Bankhead Court housing project property from the City of Atlanta to Atlanta Public Schools as part of a deal on repayment of deferred taxes from the Atlanta BeltLine left many scratching their heads. Now it has been revealed that APS wants to build a “bus barn” on the site, and community response has been swift.

A petition to block the building of the school bus storage and maintenance facility on the property along Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway has already been created, and Atlanta City Councilmembers Mary Norwood and Felicia Moore are actively working to have the facility moved elsewhere. The facility would house nearly 200 buses and other school vehicles, and residents are concerned about traffic.

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were demolished in 2011 to make way for a mixed-use development that never materialized. Norwood said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) still has to approve the transfer of land from the city to APS.

Norwood told the Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods at its Feb. 11 meeting that she had met with APS Superintendent Meria Carstarphen about building a bus barn on another piece of property. “Dr. Carstarphen is willing to move the bus barn,” Norwood reported, “but there has to be a suitable property that is more efficient about getting the buses into the neighborhoods.”

Norwood said she didn’t believe that buses using I-285 and I-20 to get from the Bankhead property into the city would be any more efficient than the current bus barn facility on Metropolitan Parkway in southwest Atlanta.

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Jessica Guilfoil Killeen, WHNP-BC

The Bankhead Court apartments

Education Briefs

Clark Atlanta University has announced the launch of the Coca-Cola Alumni Matching Challenge, made possible by a $1 million alumni matching grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation. The -Foundation will match, dollar for dollar, any alumni contribution above and beyond a donor’s level of giving for fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015). The match translates into $2 million in critical resources for the institution as it mobilizes for the future. Alumni around the globe can give online at invest.cau.edu/give-now.

Lindsey A. Nichols, NP-C

Main O ce: Piedmont Hospital Campus 105 Collier Rd NW, Suite 1080 Atlanta, GA 30309 404-352-2850

Satellite O ce: Northside Hospital Campus 960 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 336 Atlanta, GA 30342 404-352-2850

www.mcdanielanddurre .com

Google Expeditions launched its virtual field trip program at Hope Hill Elementary School in the Old Fourth Ward last month. Students can learn about biological species in the Amazon, examine marine life in the Great Barrier Reef, explore the American Revolution in Great Britain, navigate the branches of government in Washington D.C. and peer into the dawn of modern Europe from Athens.

The Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School Golden Bears came up golden in the 2016 Regional Georgia Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, winning 30 honors—the most in school history for this prestigious competition. Gold Key winners advance to the Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards national competition. Libby Bulley received two golds and one silver; Sarah Catherine Conklin took a gold and two silvers; Spicer Lear was awarded three silvers; and Emily Ann Betts won a gold, a silver and an honorable mention. Other winners were: Caroline Barber, Katie Brown, Emilee Hagerman, Cameron Jackson, Sydney Kaufmann, Ellie King, Sarah Langford, Reilly McClain, Sarah Porter, Grace Sanders, Annie Strickland and Kate Wray.

Students from Greater Atlanta Christian School were chosen for the All State Chorus in Athens last month. Selected were freshmen Gavin McDonnell and Ethan McDonnell, sophomore Lacey Shaffer and eighth-grader Madelyn Shaffer.

All State Chorus members, from left, Gavin and Ethan McDonnell, Lacey Shaffer and Madelyn Shaffer.

AT PIEDMONT is in the heart of the beautiful Ansley Park neighborhood. These threestory luxury townhomes each feature an elevator, private courtyard, a guest suite located above the two-car garage, a kitchen with all Wolf appliances and the finest finishes throughout.

Pet Picks

Phoebe is a 10-year-old lady who walks on a leash like a dream, right beside you. She loves a nice, gentle stroll along the trail, stopping at all the benches for a little pet. Phoebe has lived in a loving home for years, but her owner has fallen on difficult times. We’ve promised to make sure Phoebe has a soft place to land. She’d be the perfect companion -- gentle, loving and loyal. To adopt Phoebe or any of the other available cats or dogs, visit PAWS Atlanta at pawsatlanta.org or stop by the shelter at 5287 Covington Highway in Decatur.

Pet Briefs

When Toby Tobias and Tanya Mahrous opened the doors of Second Life Upscale Resale in Avondale Estates in January of 2011, the primary goal of the upscale thrift shop was – and remains –giving homeless animals a second chance at life. Second Life has donated nearly $600,000 in cash grants to animal charities since the store opened. The grants provide assistance to animal charities by helping with vetting costs for animals saved from kill-shelters, promoting education and awareness of adopting, and helping with boarding of family pets affected by domestic abuse in the home. For more, visit secondlifeatlanta.org.

SWIMMING UPSTREAM

The River street ministry works to build relationships with homeless

By Sue G. Collins

Collecting socks, wet wipes, warm clothes and fresh food for the homeless is, thankfully, not that big of a challenge. The hard work is building relationships and trust with people living on the streets. Living outside of the system.

It’s this understanding and compassion that fuels The River, a social justice arm of the progressive VirginiaHighland Church located at the corner of Virginia Avenue and Ponce Place.

Since its inception last May, David Gillespie and his small team have built relationships with the homeless community that lives at Piedmont and Ralph McGill Parkway in Downtown. They don’t judge. They don’t consider themselves to be better people with purer

Then, get them to believe they don’t have to live on the street. “These people are so beaten down, their dignity has been stripped, their confidence in the world has been shredded,” says Gillespie, who owns his own executive recruitment company in Inman Park and is helping grow The River from his car and church pews. “Then, we want to help them to think about where they want to be: Sober? Employed? Home with family? Living without crack?”

Gillespie holds great hope for continued collaborations with other street ministry groups like the Central Outreach & Advocacy Center (where volunteers help find birth certificates and identification needed to open doors to employment, healthcare and housing) and The Living Room (offering housing,

Easter Services

souls than the dozen or so humans lying on the ground with their worn bundles of worldly possessions.

“It takes time to build these friendships, but once you spend time on the ground, their needs will resonate in your gut,” Gillespie says. “Then, on a good day, there will be a window open, a short opportunity to dip into a very dark empty place and help with their change.”

It’s taken The River team months to build the confidence and skills to be able to listen openly and help the homeless get driver’s licenses, navigate medical paperwork and just stay alive. It’s also taken the homeless community the same amount of time to learn to trust the members of the outreach.

Julia daSilva visited the church in 2014 when she moved from Boston and believes there is no monolithic experience leading to homelessness. “Pretty much everyone who is living outside faces a similar set of challenges – bureaucratic red tape and official indifference that make getting off the street that much harder than it already is,” she’s learned. “Homelessness is a systemic problem, and it requires a systemic solution.”

The River’s “system” is simple: Spend time truly getting to know the people outside.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Palm Sunday—March 20

Sanctuary Services | 8:45, 10:00, 11:15 am

Summit Services | 8:45, 11:15 am

Preaching: Vic Pentz, Marnie Crumpler

Maundy Thursday—March 24

Communion Service | 7:00 pm

Preaching: Chuck Roberts

Good Friday—March 25

Buckhead Community Service at Peachtree Road United Methodist | 12:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt—March 26 Chastain Park | 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Easter Sunday—March 27

Sanctuary Services | 8:45, 10:00, 11:15 am

Summit Services | 8:45, 11:15 am

Preaching: Vic Pentz

*Children’s programs available at all services.

Sunday parking onsite & via bus from 7:30 am –1:00 pm.

Powers Ferry Square: 0.5 mile north of the church on the west side of Roswell Road between SunTrust Bank & Dunkin’ Donuts.

Cates Center: 110 East Andrews Drive

healthcare and hope for people living with HIV/AIDS). Gillespie says the Grady Hospital staff also treats everyone with the utmost respect. But first, people living on the street need a “letter of homelessness.” That’s a real thing. “Then, with a Grady card, prescriptions and care are available,” he explains. “But, it’s very hard to get one of these letters from service agencies and certain clergy.”

Rev. Michael Piazza says The River is unique. “We are trying to not simply address the symptoms, but to develop relationships with human beings who have ended up on the streets. We want to get to know them and find out how we might help them change their circumstances and their lives for good.”

DaSilva says The River encourages everyone to be open to interactions with the homeless they encounter. “Get out the door a few minutes early and buy that guy you always see a coffee. Get one for yourself, too. Introduce yourself and ask if you can sit down. Talk about the Hawks. And then try not to think about him next time it dips below freezing at night. And then in the morning get busy,” says daSilva.

To volunteer, email The River at david.gillespie@hotmail.com and visit VHChurch.org.

DO YOU LOVE TO SELL?

Consider selling advertising for our fast-growing community publications!

We’re looking for high energy people with a passion for selling and proven experience in any type of outside sales. We o er excellent compensation, with base salary+ commision, and health insurance.

For information, contact publisher Steve Levene at 404-917-2200, ext. 111 or email publisher@reporternewspapers.net.

NeReporterwspapers

The River team, from left, David Gillespie, Jean Miller, Julia daSilva and Chris Harris.

REGISTER NOW

REGISTER NOW!

SPORTS BROADCASTING CAMP is back for our 9th year in Atlanta July 18-22, 2016

Boys and Girls 10-18 will have an opportunity to learn from the Pros

Meet Sports Celebrities

Make Sports Anchor Tapes

Nation’s #1 Sports Broadcasting Camp

Make Play-By-Play Tapes of the Super Bowl & NBA Finals

Make Reporting Tapes from a Pro Stadium

Participate in Sports Talk Radio and Pardon The Interruption (PTI) shows and much more

Day/Overnight options available.

For more info: 800.319.0884 or www.playbyplaycamps.com facebook.com/sportsbroadcastingcamps • youtube.com/sportsbroadcastcamp

music camp on your schedule

Who wants to plan months in advance? Our camp passes allow you to make music with us whenever you want. Led by expert music educators, for ages three and up. Join us!

Pony Pals Summer Camp

Chastain Horse Park - convenient Buckhead location!

Developing skills and understanding the importance of safety are important themes for our youngest riders (ages 4-7/8 yrs), as well as fostering a love of horses and riding. Camp includes daily riding lessons, games, and crafts! Space is limited so please sign up now to reserve your child’s week of fun! Enrollment is limited to 10 campers per session. Advanced Horse Camp is available for riders 8 yrs. and older who have had prior horse and riding experience. We are offering this one week this summer. Contact Katie Herman at 770-378-0629 or kt.herman@chastainhorsepark.org

For information, contact Barbara Klein email: barbara.klein@hies.org

Summer Camps at Woodward Academy

May 31 - July

Woodward Academy offers Summer Odyssey Day Camp as well as a wide variety of specialty camps including athletic, academic, and enrichment camps.

If you want your child to have fun, make friends, and learn something new this summer, Woodward Academy’s Summer Camps offer a broad range of experiences at two locations, Main Campus in College Park and Woodward North in Johns Creek.

• Bus service available (seven metro Atlanta stops).

• Swimming in a heated, indoor pool on Main Campus.

• Camps feature weekly themes and entertainment.

www.woodward.edu/camps

Register

Atlanta!

Summer Camp offerings include: Visual and Digital Arts, Makers, Coders and Game Design, Math, Story-making, Critter Camp and much, much more!

Before and Aftercare offered. Visit friendsschoolatlanta.org to register now!

Total Tennis Camp at Emory

“Our goal is to engage every camper in the game of tennis for life!”

Session I: May 31-June 3 | Session II: June 6-10

Session III: June 13-17 | Session IV: June 20-24

All Sessions held at Emory University’s Woodruff PE Center (Woodpec)

Prices: Full-Day (9-4) = $325/week*

Morning Only (9-12) = $155/week

Extended Care (4-5:30) = $60/week

Early Birds - Register by March 15th and receive $25/off full-day and $10/off half-day

www.bryantcamps.com

Summer

make

Start Code is an after-school, weekend, and summer program that teaches computer programming and technology to students.

The Neighborhood Hot List: West End & Westview

1. Westview Cemetery

The 582-acre cemetery from which the community takes its name is the largest civilian burial ground in the Southeast, with more than 100,000 graves since it opened in 1884. Among its most notable inhabitants are Coca-Cola magnates Asa Candler and Robert Woodruff, author Joel Chandler Harris, baseball great Jim Bagby, former Atlanta Mayor William Hartsfield, journalist Ralph McGill and civil rights icons Donald Hollowell and Vivian Malone Jones.

2. Wren’s Nest

Children’s writer Joel Chandler Harris created many of his Uncle Remus and Br’er Rabbit stories at the Queen Anne-style house. The home has been preserved as a museum and cultural center.

3. Hammonds House Museum

The African-American art museum is located in the Victoriaera home of prominent physician and arts patron Otis Thrash Hammonds.

4. St. Anthony of Padua

The 100-year-old church was the third Catholic community to be established in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The parish is home to over 600 families.

5. BeltLine

The Westside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine is under construction and is expected to be completed in 2019, which will also include Enota Park.

By Tim Sullivan

FOR MY BROTHER

When people find out I write a monthly column the first question they ask is – what do you write about? Being the semiprofessional that I am, I usually fumble through an answer like, “I dunno, kids, family, life – whatever strikes me as amusing from month to month.” But this month in particular has been a strain to find the funny.

My brother Rob is very sick. He’s been battling colon cancer and it is catching up with him and all of us. By no means is he giving up, so I’m going to guess that he will not approve of this article but I’ll have to ask for forgiveness later.

Over winter break, I joined my siblings in New York to see him. Rob is the fifth of the 10 Sullivan children, so the shockwaves cut equally up and down the line. For the most part, he’s quenched our concerns with strength, humor and humility. When he was initially diagnosed it was already Stage 4, meaning it had spread. We all Googled what that meant: only 8 percent of people in his situation live more than five years. He’s at six and change, so take that, Google. His drive to have as much time as possible with his wife and kids has benefitted us all.

When Rob was 14 he brought me out to the golf course and introduced me to

the caddymaster, Bob Williams. It was a month before my 10th birthday but they needed caddies and Rob thought I could do it. He always thought I could do things. Bob Williams wasn’t so sure, but with a little prodding from Rob, he gave me a chance. I didn’t really care about making money; I just thought it was pretty cool to be going to work with my big brother.

I was a rabbit, meaning I carried one bag. Rob and the bigger guys carried two. One day late in the season, we had already done our loop and it was getting on in the afternoon. There was one last foursome that wanted to squeeze in 18 holes before dark, and Rob and I were the only caddies still around. Bob mumbled something about me trying to carry two bags as if he couldn’t even believe he was even asking the question. I said I’d try.

I had Mr. Fasano and Mr. Giumetti, and I’m guessing they were new to the game because they had the exact same clubs and bags. There must have been a sale at Modell’s or something. Invariably, one would hook the ball off the tee and the other would slice. Rob told me to just carry the bags down the middle of the fairway and that he would do everything else.

And he did. He found all the wayward shots, ran the clubs to the

golfers, raked every trap, grabbed every pin, replaced every divot and read every putt. I trudged up the center of the fairway, more mule than caddy. At one point, one of his golfers made a wisecrack about my pathetic performance and Rob didn’t hesitate to stick up for me and put the guy in his place. He took care of everything and we got through the round.

Growing up he was a lot of things: the brain, the athlete, the peacekeeper and the flirt. But his most undeniable trait might be that he’s always the first in line to be the last in line. He is going

to be a giver until his last breath – and he may need to be. Despite the time he’s given us and the dignity with which he’s faced every hurdle, the rest of us aren’t prepared to lose him. But slowly, steadily, he seems to be carrying us there, too. And that’s what I think about when I think of my brother. He can take care of everything.

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.

Tim Sullivan, his cousin Maura Henderson and Rob Sullivan in 1986.

BIGGER IMPACT Nonprofit brand makeover is On the House

By Clare S. Richie

Now in its sixth year, Matchstic’s On the House initiative helps deserving nonprofits develop a strong brand to make a bigger impact. Guided by the principle of “giving back to the city they love,” Matchstic – an Atlanta brand identity house located in Grant Park – rallies around a nonprofit to give brand strategy, message, print pieces, and website design free of charge.

“Nonprofits are the real heroes on the front lines – providing shelter, healing women in crisis – we want to help using our unique skill set,” said Blake Howard, cofounder and creative director of Matchstic and leader of Atlanta’s Creative Mornings lecture series.

Rather than do piecemeal pro bono work, On the House is “one big yes.”

Matchstic treats selected nonprofits as paying clients and teams up with partners like Courtney Miller for web development and Claxton Printing to provide a full suite of products.

Since 2009, Matchstic On the House has served City Church Eastside, Swift School, Atlanta Mission, Bearings Bike Shop, Day League and most recently, WonderRoot.

Matchstic began working with

WonderRoot, Atlanta’s leading nonprofit for arts and community empowerment, in spring 2014. This was a time of tremendous growth for the nonprofit with the addition of the WonderRoot Center for Arts & Social Change. A former school, the center will house private studio space, a visual arts gallery, performance venue, educational spaces and a series of production facilities for artists.

To understand the community’s perception of WonderRoot, Matchstic conducted a brand audit that included stakeholder interviews and qualitative research. Using that input while working alongside WonderRoot’s leadership, the team developed a comprehensive brand strategy for operations, communications and organizational growth.

“We gave them an updated look that would resonate with artists,” said Mackenzie Brookshire, graphic designer at Matchstic. “We created a new font, “WonderType,” with letters in four different styles - each with unique personality.”

They also created custom colors, a website and and illustrations to represent the new brand.

“With Matchstic’s partnership, we have a brand that positions us to reach Atlanta’s creative community and bring

Fine Artist Christopher Sherry Speaks on Art Appreciation

positive social change,” said Chris Appleton, co-founder and executive director of WonderRoot.

Previous On the House nonprofit participants were equally thrilled with their results. In 2011, Matchstic chose Atlanta Mission (Atlanta Union Mission at the time) because it was a “sleeping giant in the community with a dated brand and a new CEO,” said Howard.

Atlanta Mission’s yearlong project resulted in a new name, new logo (lamppost to lantern), collateral materials (letterhead, brochure, signage), updated website, newsletter template and more.

“The new logo perfectly represented the organization’s desire to increase our outreach into the community,” shared Jim Reese, Atlanta Mission President/CEO. “A portable lantern could be carried into the streets, under the bridges or anywhere people need assistance. The branding work done by Matchstic truly was a fire starter for us moving forward as an organization and driving our work to end homelessness.”

For the 16 Matchstic team members, On the House transcends work. They become personally involved with their pro bono clients. In fact, Howard served on Atlanta Mission Board of Directors for five years after the re-brand.

“We could just write a check, but we donate our time and skills to passion projects that align with or are chosen by our teams,” reflected Howard.

Follow Matchstic on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for an announcement this summer about the selection process for the next pro bono nonprofit client.

Ben Rollins Photography LLC

Above, the Matchstic team, from left, Christina Ketmayura, Brian Nelson, Craig Johnson and Mackenzie Brookshire worked on branding campaigns for Atlanta Mission, top, and WonderRoot, center.

JULIE KNOWS

The Good Life

Radiating charm this classic 1920’s bungalow offers all the livability and walkability you desire. Come home to an open kitchen/den to entertain on the deck. Unwind in the treetop master suite. Claim the office/ reading room of your choice. Hang out on the screened porch. Park it – in the 2 car-garage. Morningside’s Best – What’s not to love?

CANDLER PARK MARKET OPENING NEW LOCATION IN GRANT PARK

The owners of Candler Park Market will open a new outpost, Grant Park Market, at Larkin on Memorial in early 2017.

The 5,556-square-foot market is the first lease signed for the 63,000-squarefoot mixed-use, re-development at 519 Memorial Drive from Paces Properties, the developers of Krog Street Market.

“After 13 years of success with Candler Park Market, we knew the time was right to open a second location in Grant Park,” says Greg Hutchins, partner, Candler/ Grant Park Market. “We believe in the strength of the Eastside neighborhoods and the back-to-the-future concept that Paces has for the Larkin on Memorial project. We share a common vision of an Intown populated by local merchants that support and share in the success of a community.”

Grant Park Market will feature a large selection of all natural and organic groceries, local produce, select meats, beer, wine and a deli. Once open, Grant Park Market will also host in-store wine and beer tastings. There will also be a take-out window, hot bar and a more expansive lunch counter.

“This announcement should set the tone for what is ahead for our Larkin on Memorial Project,” said Merritt Lancaster, principal Paces Properties. “We are combining the convenience of a practical shopping center with the warmth and hospitality of a familiar, family-friendly neighborhood establishment. We are reintroducing a gorgeous building, curating an incredible tenant mix and look forward to announcing more tenants soon.”

For more about Larkin on Memorial, visit larkinonmemorial.com.

“I’ve been involved with the community since 1960 and I was on the very first board here at Saint Anne’s Terrace. It’s a beautiful part of town and the best part about living here is the wonderful family atmosphere in which everyone gets along.”

heart

A rendering of the Larkin on Memorial building which will house Grant Park Market.

Business Briefs

Fuqua Development has announced that it plans to bring a Sprouts Farmers Market and CineBistro movie theater/ restaurant to a new mixed-use development on Memorial Drive in Reynoldstown. According to Curbed Atlanta, the development would sit on the Legget & Platt Manufacturing site at the corner of Bill Kennedy Way and also include apartments, condos, senior living, restaurants and a fitness center. The project is just around the corner from Fuqua’s Glenwood project along the Atlanta BeltLine, which will include a Kroger, retail and housing.

Former Atlanta City Council President and Vice Mayor Lisa Borders has been appointed president of the WNBA Borders, who served most recently as Chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation and Vice President, Global Community Affairs at The Coca-Cola Company, will lead the women’s basketball league, which tips off its 20th season on May 14. She will join the WNBA on March 21.

PostNet, which provides customized print, marketing and shipping solutions, has announced it will open 25 to 30 locations around Atlanta over the next decade. The first location has opened in Buckhead at 3620 Piedmont Road.

The Georgia Hispanic Construction Association (GHCA) has relocated its headquarters to the Latin American Association (LAA) building, 2750 Buford Hwy. NE, Suite 218, in Buckhead.

COS, which offers men’s, women’s and children’s wear, was slated to open Feb. 26 at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. It’s the first location for the retailer in the city.

Chicago-based real estate investment firm Origin Capital Partners has acquired City Center Buckhead, a four-story, 33,406-square-foot office building at 3328 Peachtree Road. City Center Buckhead was developed in 2006 as part of a mixed-used development containing high-rise condominiums, retail and parking. Only the office building is part of this transaction. The building is 100 percent leased to Brand Bank and Charles Schwab.

Poem 88, a multi-disciplinary space offering art exhibits, film screenings, musical performances and literary readings, has moved from the Westside to the FloatAway Community on Zonolite Road. Founded in 2010, Poem 88 chose to relocate to FloatAway Community due, in large part, to the creative possibilities afforded to artists throughout the property including Nickel Bottom Community Garden and Zonolite Park, according to founder Robin Bernat. Poem 88’s new space is located at 1123 Zonolite Road, #20A. For more information, visit www.poem88.net.

Retail and dining destination Westside Provisions, co-owned by Jamestown and TuckerMott Companies, has announced plans to expand its presence with the addition of a 16,000-square-foot retail building on the district’s north side. The new building will be anchored by home décor retailer Design Within Reach Expected to open in spring 2017, Design Within Reach will occupy 13,267 square feet of the 16,007-square-foot building located at 1210 Howell Mill Road. Other spaces within the building are currently available for lease.

Artist Katie Nesbitt has founded Southern Chalk Design, a company that creates one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Nesbitt currently focuses on furry models of dogs and cats and she uses front-facing photos from her clients as her inspiration. Find out more at southernchalkdesign.com.

French women’s clothier Lilith is now open at Westside Provisions. The opening marks the international brand’s fourth U.S. store and first in the Southeast. For more information, visit lilithatlanta.com.

The Metro Atlanta Chamber recently announced that Scott Higley has been hired as the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Janice Rys has been promoted to Chief Development Officer and David Hartnett has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Economic Development.

Comcast announced it will introduce the world’s first DOCSIS 3.1-powered gigabit Internet service to residential and business customers in Atlanta this year. The new network technology will, for the first time, make it possible for Xfinity and Comcast Business Internet customers to receive gigabit speeds over the communications lines that most customers already have in their homes and offices.

Meet Christie Kinsaul, who moved to Canterbury Court to downsize and simplify her life. Little did she know how much she would love her new lifestyle.

“Maintaining a two-story townhouse and everything in it was taking considerable time and effort. I was ready for some changes, and I wanted to make the move on my own terms.”

Christie didn’t expect to find such luxurious living in a one-bedroom apartment, which she says “is plenty big” and comes with full services and amenities. She was also delighted to discover an abundance of activities designed for resident interests, including outings to local events. As a retired music teacher, she’s especially fond of going to the Atlanta Symphony and the opera.

Along with more flexibility to spend her time as she chooses, Christie’s move to Canterbury Court has given her peace of mind knowing that on-site health services are available, should she ever need them.

“My favorite part about living here is the flexibility to be as active

Memorial Drive

Lisa Borders

Design Within Reach

PARKS & PLAY

Annual conference to focus on community well-being

Above the Waterline

Sally Bethea

IT’S CITY VS. STATE OVER UTILITY TRANSPARENCY

Imagine this scenario: you go to your local car dealership and ask about the miles per gallon rating of the vehicles that they are selling.

The salesman says: “Sorry, that’s private information that the auto manufacturers don’t want to give you or anyone else in the general public.

commercial energy consumption by 2030, spur the creation of a thousand jobs and, most importantly, reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030 (from 2013 levels).

Park Pride, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that engages communities to activate the power of parks, is hosting the 15th annual Parks and Greenspace Conference at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on Monday, March 21.

The event is expected to draw 450 attendees, and will offer a diverse array of local and national perspectives on the benefits of play for all ages and demographics. It will also explore the relationship between parks, play and a community’s well-being under the theme, Parks & Play: A Conversation for All Ages.

Speakers will address designing parks and public spaces for playful activation by citizens of all ages, races and abilities. They will dive deep into how playful spaces can change the fabric of a city, explore the physical and mental health benefits of playing in our great outdoors, and discuss the research and design behind great play spaces.

The conference’s keynote speakers include Alex Gilliam, the founder of Philadelphia-based Public Workshop, a nonprofit that engages youth in their communities in playful urban design projects; Robin Moore, Director of the Natural Learning Initiative and author of Nature Play & Learning Places; and Barbara Tulipane, President and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

Other featured speakers include James Siegal, CEO of KaBOOM! and local thought leader on play, Cynthia Gentry, founder of Play Atlanta. For more information, visit parkpride.org/conference.

“The manufacturers whose cars aren’t very efficient say that data transparency will hurt their businesses and result in a competitive disadvantage. They lobbied elected officials to pass a law that prohibits making the data available to anyone without their express consent.”

This sort of silliness could never happen, right? Wrong.

If the Building Owners and Managers Association of Georgia (BOMA) has its way at the State Capitol, utility data (energy and water use) for large commercial buildings in Atlanta will be off-limits to prospective tenants and the general public. This is in response to last year’s unanimous passage of a city ordinance that requires precisely such information to reduce commercial energy use.

Brokered after an eight-month stakeholder process, the ordinance requires owners of private and cityowned buildings (more than 25,000 square feet) to benchmark and report annual energy use and conduct an energy audit every 10 years. Waivers and exemptions are readily available, according to Mayor Kasim Reed’s Office of Sustainability, which authored the measure.

In February, Sen. Hunter Hill (R-Smyrna) introduced state legislation (SB 321) that will disable the city’s ordinance by enactment of a Property Usage Protection Act. (The first version of the bill claimed that utility information was a “trade secret,” but that argument was not persuasive.)

SB 321 threatens the right to home rule in every city in Georgia and, in this instance, Atlanta’s efforts to be considered a top-tier sustainable city.

If this BOMA-inspired bill passes, it will stop a program that is expected to: drive a 20 percent reduction in

Scott Selig with Selig Enterprises, a BOMA member, testified in favor of SB 321, saying that he was against making “private data” available to the public, and that the city ordinance “is not fair” to some property owners – apparently those who are wasting our precious energy and water resources. Most of this “private data” is recorded on utility meters that anyone can read outside many buildings at any time.

Major building owners and other stakeholders that support the city

ordinance include: Jamestown (Ponce City Market), CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, JLL, Transwestern, Atlanta Gas and Light, Southwire and Acuity Brands. Along with other industry representatives, they forged a compromise during more than 150 stakeholder meetings.

Transparency is essential to help consumers and tenants make informed decisions in the open market and encourage building owners to reduce energy consumption through investments that will save money and reduce pollution.

Local officials elected by Atlanta residents unanimously voted to support the disclosure of utility data as a smart policy for a progressive city. The state legislature needs to stay out of this city business.

Sally Bethea is the retired executive director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (chattahoochee.org), a nonprofit environmental organization whose mission is to protect and restore the drinking water supply for nearly four million people.

Erin Yabroudy No. 1 Large Team, Company-Wide Harvin Greene & Stephanie Marinac No. 2 Small Team, Company-Wide

Ashley Rearden No. 1 Individual Agent, Company-Wide

Patti Junger No. 1 Small Team, Company-Wide

To Our 2015 Top

Lindsey Cheney Pat Junod Robin Conklin

CiCi Harris

Laura Hughen

Morgan Rogers Dawn Anderson Kathy Ghirardini & Vicki Crawford Jason Cook Barbara Reichick

Rudy Harrell Robert Peterson Ethel Wotton Molly Caine Alden Potts Suzanne East Britton McLeod Frank Nelson

Eco Briefs

ELIMINATE

Midtown Alliance was recently recognized by local pedestrian advocacy group PEDS as part of the first class of “Atlanta Walking Superstars” for spearheading walkfriendly change in Midtown over the last two decades. Over the past decade, the Midtown Improvement District (MID) has contributed $20 million to leverage $400 million in public and private investment, enhancing Midtown’s corridors with 14 miles of new and wider sidewalks, more lighting, more than 800 street trees, improved crosswalks and traffic signals.

Jennifer Hankey, founder of Healthy Green Schools , has launched Green Queen, a new eco-friendly cleaning and pest control company to serve residential customers in Atlanta. The company is also offering its Healthy Home Starter kit, which includes an all-purpose cleaner, dish soap and two other soaps, bleach alternative, and glass, floor and toilet cleaners for $75. Green Queen will keep items filled at product cost so clients never have to buy cleaners again. For more information, visit TheGreenQueen.com.

The City of Atlanta has received a $40,000 grant for its Urban Agriculture Expansion Project. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company partnered with the U.S. Conference of Mayors to award grants through GRO1000, its garden and greenspace development grant program. The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability designed the Atlanta Urban Agriculture Expansion Project, which will connect and expand three urban agriculture programs across the city. These include the city’s 10 successful fire station vegetable gardens, which provide firefighters with fresh, naturally grown vegetables and herbs as a healthy supplement for their fire station meals, and serve as teaching and demonstration gardens for the surrounding communities. The grant will also benefit urban

agriculture projects in the Vine City neighborhood and within the Atlanta University Center. Anchoring the two gardening projects is a partnership with the at-risk and homeless teen shelter, Covenant House.

Results and patient experience may vary. In the U.S., the CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental area, thigh, abdomen and flank. Outside the U.S., the CoolSculpting procedure for non-invasive fat reduction is available worldwide. IC1995-A

PEDS praised the Midtown Alliance for making the streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, including the rapid flashing beacon crosswalk at the Midtown MARTA station.

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4788 DUDLEY LANE Reduced to $1,575,000

3058 PLYMSTOCK LANE Offered for $1,699,000

1224 NORTH AVENUE Reduced to $939,000

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4917 CHIMNEY OAKS DRIVE Offered for $450,000

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2175 VIRGINIA PLACE Offered for $650,000

3641 PACES VALLEY ROAD Offered for $5,100,000

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SOLD

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702 ROSALIA STREET Price Coming Soon

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612 WINDSOR PARKWAY Offered for $1,200,000 5135 JETT FOREST TRAIL Offered for $1,150,000

1275

for

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PASSING THE LITERARY TORCH

Atlanta Review gets new editor, home at Georgia Tech

By Collin Kelley

Call it the passing of a literary torch.

After 22 years, the founder of Atlanta Review literary journal, Dan Veach, has announced he will hand over the editorship to award-winning poet and Georgia Tech professor Karen Head. Georgia Tech will archive the journal and make the stellar roster of poets who have appeared in its pages over the past two decades available online.

A short list of those poets include Nobel Laureates Seamus Heaney, Gunter Grass, Derek Walcott, Joseph Brodsky and Eugenio Montale, along with American Poet Laureates Natasha Trethewey, Billy Collins, Maxine Kumin, Ted Kooser, Josephine Jacobsen, Charles Simic, Charles Wright and Mark Strand. Many of poetry’s Pulitzer Prize winners have had their work published in the journal, including Stephen Dunn, Yusef Komunyakaa, Tracy K. Smith, Paul Muldoon, Louis Simpson and Carl Dennis.

The impetus to start the journal, Veach recalled, was to create a place for all the great Atlanta poets who couldn’t get their work published. However, in

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just two years, Atlanta Review would become one of the most widely-read poetry journals in the world. Published twice yearly, the spring issue features poets from different countries and poetry in translation, making it one of the few journals in America that has embraced translations. Veach co-founded the journal with fellow poet Capers Limehouse in 1994 after nearly a decade of running the Poetry Atlanta reading series (which continues 30 years later in conjunction with Georgia Center for the Book).

So why did Veach, a retired Atlanta University Center librarian and also an award-winning poet, decide to step down as editor?

“I think it was time for new energy in the journal,” Veach said during an interview at his home in Decatur. “Sometimes founders hold onto things too long. Atlanta Review has been wonderfully successful. I’ve had a terrific time and it’s taken me all over the world. But I can’t think of a better person than Karen Head to take over.”

Head, who is an assistant professor in Georgia Tech’s School of Literature, Media and Communication, and director

of the institute-wide Communication Center, has published three acclaimed collections – Shadow Boxes, My Paris Year and Sassing – and her work has been published in journals around the world. In 2009, she had the distinct honor of being the only American chosen for the One & Other “living monument” project created by British sculptor Antony Gormley. Head sat atop the Fourth Plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square and created a digital poem with the help of poets from around the world. She was also the winner of the 2011 Oxford International Women’s Festival Poetry Prize.

“I read Karen’s books and have tremendous respect for her work,” Veach said. “I also know she’s a fireball organizer. When she says something

is going to happen, it happens and that’s what you need from a literary editor.”

“It’s a dream come true,” said Head, who was also a student editor at two other highly regarded journals, Prairie Schooner and Chattahoochee Review “This is something I’ve wanted to do my whole life. It’s not every day that the editor of a journal with the reputation of Atlanta Review says, ‘here, let me give you my child.’”

The transition of Atlanta Review to Head and Georgia Tech will begin this summer, and Veach will become editor emeritus and will still assist with translations and international issues. There will be a big reading and party in the autumn to formally welcome Atlanta Review to Tech. The first issue under Head’s editorship will also appear later this year.

Dan Veach and Karen Head.

BOOKS BY LOCAL AUTHORS

What’s new in fiction, non-fiction and poetry

Leaving Paris by Collin Kelley

The final installment of “The Venus Trilogy” (which also includes “Conquering Venus” and award-winning “Remain In Light”) finds protagonists Martin Paige and Irène Laureux embroiled in a police operation to destabilize the Paris suburbs and force the deportation of immigrants. The timely plot of this literary mystery eerily echoes the ongoing refugee crisis and terrorism in the City of Light. Kelley will be in conversation with fellow mystery/thriller author Erica Wright on April 19 at 7:15 at Georgia Center for the Book at DeKalb County Public Library, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur.

The Granite Moth by Erica Wright

After a float full of drag queens explodes at a Halloween parade, private investigator Kathleen Stone, a master of disguises, infiltrates an exclusive club run by a mob boss and discovers that the truth is much more complicated and the real villains are much more difficult to spot. You might want to check out “The Red Chameleon,” Wright’s first novel to introduce P.I. Stone.

The Opposite of Everything by Joshilyn Jackson

A fiercely independent divorce lawyer learns the power of family and connection when she receives a cryptic message from her estranged mother in this bittersweet, witty novel from the nationally bestselling author of “Someone Else’s Love Story” and “Gods in Alabama.”

Beneath His Wings: A Memoir by Jenny Pruitt

Pruitt chronicles her rise on the Atlanta real estate scene, while detailing her failing marriage, the launch of two successful businesses, high-profile lawsuits and a renewal of her faith.

Out of the Blues by Trudy Nan Boyce Boyce uses her 30 years of experience with the Atlanta Police Department in her debut mystery featuring newly-minted homicide detective, Sarah “Salt” Alt. Salt is given the cold-case murder of a blues musician whose death was originally ruled an accidental drug overdose. Now new evidence has come to light that he may have been murdered.

Sky Blue Enough to Drink: Poems by Beth Gylys

The award-winning Georgia State University professor’s fifth collection is full of edgy love, music, loss and the extraordinary that can be found in every day life.

Door way to

Enlightened d

Food &Thought: Recipes and Conversation with Mitchell Anderson

Actor and chef Mitchell Anderson, who runs local favorite MetroFresh, has a special cookbook – half recipes from his popular restaurant and half musings and thoughts on food, business, family and current events.

March 19 –November 27, 2016

Where We Want To Live: Reclaiming

Infrastructure for a New Generation of Cities by Ryan Gravel

The visionary behind the Atlanta BeltLine makes a case for how cities can create a healthier, more satisfying way of life by remodeling and augmenting their infrastructure in ways that connect neighborhoods and communities.

Door way to an

World

One Bucket at a Time: A Woman’s Guide to Creating Wealth by Terrell Dinkins

The author shares personal experiences about her own financial struggles and journey to financial freedom, while offering up examples of how women can better manage their money. Dinkins is a financial rep with Peachtree Planning Corporation in Atlanta.

The Body of Chris: A Memoir of Obsession, Addiction and Madness by Chris Cole

Cole chronicles his battle with addiction, an eating disorder and manic depression (which led him to believe he was the second coming of Christ) in this compelling narrative full of self-effacing humor and compassion.

Door way to an

The Tibetan Shrine from the Alice S. Kandell Collection

Wed./Thurs., March 9-10, 7:30 pm

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

“This is the funniest night you’ll ever have at the ballet.” – The Guardian

Saturday, April 9, 8:00 pm

Sunday, April 10, 2:00 pm

Lucidity Suitcase

RED-EYE TO HAVRE DE GRACE

“From quirky start to haunting finish…this exquisite show is among the most original musical theater works I’ve seen in years.” –The New York Times

Wed./Thurs., April 13-14, 7:30 pm

Fri./Sat., April 15-16, 8:00 pm

organized by details and more events at arts.gatech.edu 404-894-9600 Call now for tickets!

World

ibetan Shrine from the Alice S. Kandell Collection

March 19 –November 27, 2016 Enlightened

Enlightened

Improv With A Side Of Bacon

Dad’s Garage settles into new home in the Old Fourth Ward, plans fundraiser

By Annie Kinnett Nichols

I first fell in love with improv when I lived in Chicago. My job actually paid for classes at The Second City where so many famous “Saturday Night Live” actors began their careers.

No, I wasn’t a budding comedian; I was a writer for an advertising agency in Chicago. I was great at presenting my work in house, but as soon as I got in front of the client I became a deer in headlights. Thankfully, there was a cure. I was able to take a whole year of improv classes, and by the time I finished, I could sell anything to anyone.

The second time I fell in love with improv was when I moved back to Atlanta and my friend, Travis Sharp, invited me to Dad’s Garage when it was still located in Inman Park on Elizabeth Street (more on that in a second). I was hooked again, and I took my daughter there for special kid shows on Saturdays.

What began as a handful of improv lovers in 1995 has grown to over 300 volunteers and performers, and around

30,000 people coming to Dad’s Garage shows annually. After the Inman Quarter mixed-use development saw their longtime home bulldozed, Dad’s Garage carried on at 7 Stages in Little Five Points for a couple of years until they could find a “forever home.”

Thanks to the board of directors (who tripled their annual giving), a Kickstarter campaign, an anonymous donor and the success of the annual Bacon Fest fundraiser (keep reading), Dad’s Garage purchased an old church property in the Old Fourth Ward at 569 Ezzard Street behind Thumbs Up Diner. The new space opened to improv lovers on New Year’s

Eve and a full slate of shows is ahead.

When I walked into the lobby the first thing that caught my eye was the giant carcaricatures of past and present performers. There is a bar serving beer, wine and personal pizzas designed especially for Dad’s Garage by Ammazza Pizza. You order up your pizza before the show and it will be delivered piping hot at intermission. Matt encourages people to come before the show and hang out after as well. The beer prices can’t be beat and the cost of tickets is incredibly affordable as well, ranging from $4 to $23.

Along with improv and scripted shows (right now you can see “Woman of the Year,” a hilarious play about the modern woman featuring sketches written by the ladies of Dad’s Garage), the company is also teaching workshops, including one for high school students. According to communications director Matt Terrell, one of the most popular workshops is for lawyers who learn techniques to use in court.

Inside the main theater space, the pews of the old church are gone and replaced by risers so that everyone has a great view of the stage. All the seats and most of the innards of Dad’s Garage came from different places – reuse at its finest.

With a new home, there is now also space to host Bacon Fest 2016.

This year’s fundraiser is set for March 26 starting at 1 p.m. Dad’s Garage will, literally, serve up a ton of bacon. Six Feet Under, Cock & Trice and more will be serving up bacon-flavored creations during the event. There will also be booths like Hobo Wine Tasting, Blast off Burlesque and the Sanitary Smooch Booth

featuring Blondie from The Clermont Lounge. For tickets and more info about everything happening at Dad’s Garage, visit dadsgarage.com. fkconsign.com

Dad’s Garage purchased a former church building on Ezzard Street in the Old Fourth Ward for its permanent home. According to theater communications director Matt Terrell, above, generous donatons from the community played a huge part in the company finding its “forever home.”

SOCIAL WORKER

BRING CANCER MUSICAL TO NATIONAL AUDIENCE

By Clare S. Richie

Atlanta playwright and cancer survivor Tom Willner will perform “Turning Thirty,” an acclaimed musical about his cancer experience, at the prestigious World Congress of Continuing Professional Development in San Diego later this month.

“I’ve always wanted my show to help others understand cancer from the patient’s perspective,” said Willner.

Last June, Anne McSweeney, a social worker and founder of CEU Concepts (an acronym for Creative, Educational, Unique) called Willner with just such an opportunity.

Healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses and social workers must obtain a certain number of continuing education hours on a yearly basis in order to keep up their license. Many earn their credit hours from standard lectures and presentations. With a musical and interactive discussion afterward – an extremely unique stage is set for the participant to learn.

McSweeney spent over 15 years working closely with geriatric clients throughout the Atlanta area. She was required to take continuing education classes, which were expensive and often boring. In 2010, she founded CEU Concepts in a light bulb moment. She would bring in sponsors to drive down or eliminate attendance fees and would develop creative and interactive workshops.

Ever since McSweeney read about Willner’s “Turning Thirty” several years ago, she’d thought about by pairing it

with a healthcare team discussion. So, last June, when a speaker cancelled due to illness for an event with 90 registrants, McSweeney decided it was time to put her idea to the test.

Willner jumped at the opportunity. He performed a solo version of his musical, staying in character and talking to the audience between songs. During the discussion that followed, attendees remained engaged.

“Tom stepped right in and our collaboration and synergy was instant – a perfect format for learning,” said McSweeney. “This was a continuing education course that attendees will remember; especially with a take home musical CD.”

From there, McSweeney submitted the proposal that was accepted at the World Congress of Continuing Professional Development, which she says opens the door to more possibilities.

“We want to take the show on the road. Get into hospitals around the U.S. or “franchise” the program so that others could perform it across the country,“ shared Willner and McSweeney.

Willner also submitted “Turning Thirty” to theaters across the U.S. and is expecting to hear back shortly. Regardless of the avenue, he expects his future to include pursuit of his dual passions of music and addressing cancer.

“My hope is that with this unique event we’ve created, we’ll be able to provide healthcare professionals with a deeper understanding of the cancer experience, and ultimately benefit cancer patients and their families across the country,” said Willner.

Tom Willner, above and bottom photo, wrote “Turning Thirty” after his own bout with cancer. Anne McSweeney, middle, is helping to bring it to a national audience.

GRAB A BASKET

Easter egg hunts happening around Intown

Kids will have a number of opportunities to hunt for colorful eggs and meet the Easter Bunny. Here’s a few worth checking out.

EGG-stravaganza

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids will search the grounds of the mansion for prizefilled eggs, play games, visit with live baby animals and meet the Easter Bunny. There will also be baked goods for sale, a “cake walk,” face painting, carnival games, and spring-themed arts and crafts for kids. Egg hunts are divided into age groups: Newborns to age 3 at 11:15 a.m.; ages 4 to 6 at 11:30 a.m.; and ages 7 and up at 11:45 a.m. Tickets may sell out so purchase early online at callanwolde. com.

Egg Hunt on the Farm

The Atlanta History Center will host its annual Egg Hunt as part of its Magic Monday series on March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Toddlers and preschoolers can join the search for colorful eggs hidden throughout Smith Family Farm to win prizes. There will also be fun and games like the peep toss, doing the bunny hop and creating spring crafts. The Easter Bunny will also be paying a visit. For more information, visit AtlantaHistoryCenter.org.

East Egg Hunt at the Governor’s Mansion

First Lady Sandra Deal will host the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Georgia Governor’s Mansion on Saturday, March 19, from 10 a.m. until noon. Reservations are extremely limited and can only be taken by email on March 1 at exactly 8 a.m. Please email mansionevents@georgia.gov to reserve your spot. When making your reservation, include the following: names of the adults who would like to attend; names and ages of the children; telephone number; and email address.

SCREEN TIME

Annual Atlanta Film Festival opens April 1

The 40th annual Atlanta Film Festival runs April 1-10 at various venues around the city.

One of only two dozen Academy Award-qualifying events in the country, the festival showcases over 200 films annually to 25,000 attendees across 10 days.

Each year, the festival receives nearly 5,000 submissions from 120 countries arounds the globe.

Four of the features selected this year mark directorial debuts. Directed by Ted Marcus, “Like Lambs” is a dramatic narrative thriller that illustrates a student revolution. “Romeo is Bleeding,” directed by Jason Zeldes, follows Donté Clark’s quest to restore peace in his Richmond,

CA streets.

“Sink” is a narrative directed by Brett Michael Innes that adapts his novel about a Mozambican domestic worker, her South African employers and the tragedy that befalls them. “Speed Sisters” is Amber Fares’ documentary tale about the first allfemale race car driving team in the Middle East.

“Driving With Selvi” and “A Journey of A Thousand Miles: Peacekeepers,” documentaries from India and Bangladesh respectively, feature strong female subjects from Georgia’s fastest growing demographic.

For a complete line-up of films, visit atlantafilmfestival.com.

GET YOUR GREEN ON St. Patrick’s Day Parade, bar crawls on tap

The 134th Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade, one of the oldest parades of its kind in the U.S. and longest running event in Atlanta’s history, returns to Peachtree Street in Midtown on Saturday, March 12. The event will feature highlights such as the worldfamous Budweiser Clydesdales and the world’s largest walking flag, which is carried by dozens of marchers.

More than 2,000 dancers, musicians, cheerleaders, clowns, marching bands, and Irish and local dignitaries will participate. Last year’s parade was attended by more than 80,000 spectators.

The parade will step off at noon at 15th Street and make its way to 5th Street. The even will be held rain or shine. For more details, visit atlantastpats.com.

More Events

A Social Mess will host the 6th ann ual LEPRE*CON 2016 at Park Tavern in Midtown on Saturday, March 5. The St. Patrick’s Day festival features costume contests, DJs and surprise guests. The event begins at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit xorbia. com/events/asocialmess. Attendees must be 21 years of age.

The 6th annual Green Mile Block Party will be held Friday, March 11, starting at 7 p.m. in Midtown with Ri Ra Irish Pub, Front Page News, Cosmo Lava, Flip Flops and Bungalow 13 taking part in this pub crawl. Tickets are available at xorbia. com/events/abt/green-mile-midtownpub-crawl.

Fadó Irish Pub in Buckhead will hold its 20th annual St. Patrick’s Day Party March 12-17. On Saturday, March 12, Fadó is once again closing down Buckhead Avenue and setting up the big stage for an all day, all night bash. Doors open early for European sports including 6 Nations Rugby and English Premier League soccer, while the pub offers a full

brunch menu and traditional Irish fare. The outdoor party includes a full line-up of live music, Irish dancers and bagpipers, a food tent, and multiple beer and cocktail stations. To see all the events happening at Fado and purchase tickets, visit fadoirishpub. com/atlanta.

The annual Kegs & Eggs will be held in Virginia-Highland on Saturday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with Neighbors Pub, Hand In Hand, Atkins Park, J&J Bourbon Bar, Dark Horse Tavern and Diesel all welcoming early partygoers. Visit AtlantaBarTours.com for tickets and information.

Atlantic Station, Meehan’s Public House, Radio 105.7 and Guinness are teaming up for Shamrock the Station on Saturday, March 12, from noon to 11 p.m. There will be live music, dancing, beer, Irish cuisine and other festivities. Visit meehansatlanticstation. com to learn more.

The Atlanta Streetcar St. Pa trick’s Day Bar Crawl will be held Saturday, March 19, from noon to 4 p.m. with bars and restaurants along the Downtown streetcar route offering special drinks and food deals. Visit freshtix.com/events/atlstreetcarbarcrawl for tickets and information.

Little Five Points

484 Moreland Ave. (next to L5P Pharmacy) 404-523-0500

Avondale Estates

115 Laredo Dr. (corner of Clarendon) 404-299-5799

LEPRE*CON

Atlanta St Patrick’s Day Parade

Burgers

FROM JAZZ TO DJS

Atlanta Jewish Music Festival returns March 10 - 27

The 7th annual Atlanta Jewish Music Festival (AJMF7) returns March 10 – 27 with a diverse line-up of local, national and international Jewish musicians performing in public venues around the city.

From opening night jazz by the award-winning New York-based Hadar Noiberg Trio to the inaugural Teen Battle of the Bands finale event, AJMF7 has something for everyone.

This year’s performances also include the exotic, spiritual music of Canadian vocalist Aviva Chernick, playful children’s songs by interfaith duo Andrew & Polly, powerful beats by funkadelic DJs FSQ Chuck “Da Fonk” Fishman and Sa’d “Hourchild” Ali (nephew of George Clinton) and infectious grooves from the unlikely mix of Yemenite folk music and Electronic Dance by Arab Israeli group A-WA.

“Our signature festival will once again be ‘bigger and better’ as we expand from two to three weekends and increase programming by over 50 percent,” noted Russell Gottschalk, founder and director of the AJMF. “We’re blessed by the incredible support of both the Jewish Atlanta and Atlanta arts communities. The backing from these communities enables AJMF to thrive while helping to solidify Atlanta as the Jewish cultural hub of the South.”

Synagogue partners include Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Congregation Bet Haverim, Congregation Beth Shalom, Temple Beth Tikvah, Temple Emanu-El, Congregation Or Hadash and The Temple.

AJMF7 LINE UP:

March 10: Opening Night featuring Hadar Noiberg Trio

7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets $10-$20. All ages. Steve’s Live Music, 234 Hildberbrand Drive, Sandy Springs, 30328.

March 11: Jazz Shabbat Service with Hadar Noiberg Trio

6:30 p.m. Free and open to all ages. Or Hadash, 7460 Trowbridge Road, Sandy Springs, 30328.

March 12: Joe Buchanan - Americana with a Jewish Soul

5 p.m. Free and open to all ages. Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody, 30338

March 13: AJMF All-Stars featuring Sammy Rosenbaum at Hunger Walk/Run

AJMF stage in Downtown Atlanta for city’s biggest fundraiser to support organizations fighting hunger. Begins noon; walk/run, 2 p.m.

details.

March 13:

See ACFB website for registration

Klezmer Local 42

7:30 p.m. Free and open to all ages. Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, 30360.

March 18: Ruach Shabbat featuring Beth Tikvah musicians

6:30 p.m. Free and open to all ages. Temple Beth Tikvah, 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell, 30075.

March 18: Chant Shabbat ft. Gayanne Geurin, Will Robertson and Sunmoon

Pie 7:30 p.m. Free and open to all ages. Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW, Atlanta, 30327.

March 19: Chant Shabbat ft. Gayanne Geurin, Will Robertson and Sunmoon Pie 10 a.m. Free and open to all ages. Congregation Bet Haverim, 2074 Lavista Road, Atlanta, 30329.

March 19: Andrew and Polly – Children’s Concert 5:30 and 7 p.m. Free and

740 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE, Atlanta, 30312.

Jewish Community Purim Family

featuring Andrew and Polly 10 a.m. Free and open to all ages. Marcus Jewish Community Center, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, 30338.

March 20: Soulfarm at Kehilla Fest 7 p.m. Admission: $36 at door or in advance. All ages welcome. Atlanta Jewish Academy, 5200 Northland Drive, Atlanta, 30342.

March 22: AJMF House of Peace featuring FSQ (Chuck “Da Fonk” Fishman and Sa’d “The Hourchild” Ali) 10 p.m. Admission: $5 in advance or $10 at door. 18-plus show. Aisle 5, 1123 Euclid Avenue NE, Atlanta, 30307

March 24: Music at the Mikvah featuring Aviva Chernick and Aaron Lightstone

7:30 p.m. Admission: $10. All ages show. MACoM, 700-A Mount Vernon Hwy. NE, Sandy Springs, 30328

March 25: The Well featuring Rabbi Spinrad & Sammy Rosenbaum and other local musicians

8:30 p.m. Free for young professionals. The Temple, 1589 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, 30309

March 26: Purim Party featuring A-Wa and Jaffa Road

9 p.m. Admission: $20 in advance, $25 at door. 18-plus show. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta Street NW, Atlanta, 30318.

March 27: Teen Battle of the Bands

1:30 p.m. Free and open to all ages. 595 North Event Center, 595 North Avenue, Atlanta, 30318.

For tickets and information about all the bands, visit atlantajmf.org.

Andrew & Polly

A-WA

Hadar Noiberg

Soulfarm

GONNA FLY NOW

e 13th annual Phoenix Flies kicks

o March 5 for two weeks of events and tours of Atlanta’s historic buildings, sites and spaces. Presented by the Atlanta Preservation Center, there will be more than 80 events around the city.

Some of this year’s highlights include:

• Guided tours of the historic Trolley Barn in Inman Park

• Bus tours of the entire Atlanta BeltLine project

• Atlanta History Center tours

• Walking tour of Standing Peachtree Park

• A look inside historic Burns Cottage, a replica of the poet’s Scottish home

• Castleberry Hill walking tour

• A tour of the Cathedral of St. Philip

• Behind the scenes tour at the Center for Puppetry Arts

• A look inside the restored Daily World building

• A tour of East Lake Golf Club

• Guided tour of the Fox eatre

• Exploring historic Westview Cemetery

• Tours of Peachtree Street’s castle, Rhodes Hall

• Tours of Oakland Cemetery

• A walk and ride tour of all of the city’s

MARTA stations

• Interactive tours of Auburn Avenue

• A bicycle tour of the Old Fourth Ward

• A glimpse inside the Piedmont Driving Club

• Check out the restoration process on the Rufus Rose House

• A tour of e Temple synagogue

• A tour of the Goodrum House in Buckhead

For a complete list of tours and to nd out about all the events on this year’s Phoenix Flies, visit PreserveAtlanta. com.

Rhodes Hall

MARTA Tours

Trolley Barn

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

Visual Arts

Martha Whittington: With the GrainWorks on Paper: Sandler Hudson Gallery presents Martha Whittington’s inaugural one-person exhibition that explores the craft of working with wood. Closes March 5. Free. sandlerhudson.com

Sensory Friendly Saturdays: The first Saturday of every month, The Children’s Museum of Atlanta opens at 9 a.m. for families with children on the autism spectrum to experience a quieter version of the museum. March 5. $5. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

American Craft Atlanta Show: The Southeast’s largest juried indoor craft show brings together over 225 of the country’s most talented contemporary craft makers. $12 to $16. March 11 through March 13. craftcouncil.org

Doorway to an Enlightened World: The Tibetan Shrine from the Alice S. Kandell Collection: Encounter compelling works of Tibetan Buddhist art, including large, gilt-bronze Buddhas and bodhisattvas dating from the 15th through the 18th centuries. Opens March 19. $6 to $8. carlos.emory.edu

Studioplex Fourth Fridays

Artwalk: Every fourth Friday of every month, meet the artists and stroll the studios and galleries of Studioplex. March 25. Free. studioplexlofts.com

The Curious Mister Catesby and the Elegant Mister Abbot: Early Naturalists in Georgia: Atlanta History Center’s Kenan Research Center displays the drawings two British naturalists created while

documenting colonial Georgia’s flowers and animals. Closes March 31. Free. atlantahistorycenter.com

Invisible Presence: Bling Memories: Jamaica-born mixed-media artist Ebony G. Patterson recontextualizes gender norms and explores Jamaican dancehall culture during Jamaica’s Carnival. Tuesday through Sunday. Free. atlantacontemporary.org

Fair, and demonstrates ways design was used as a persuasive force. Tuesday through Sunday. $5 to $10. museumofdesign.org

This Postman Collects: The Rapture of Kerry & C. Betty Davis: See 81 works from the private collection of AfricanAmerican fine art acquired by the Davis couple over three decades, displayed at the Clark Atlanta University art galleries. Tuesday through Friday. Free. cau.edu

Vik Muniz: The High premieres a major retrospective of the work of celebrated contemporary photographer Vik Muniz as part of an international tour. Tuesday through Sunday. $10 to $19.50. high.org

Performing Arts

The Sound of Music: A brand new production of the classic brings the spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp family to the Fox Theatre stage. March 1 through 6. $30 to $100. atlanta. broadway.com

Dorrance Dance: A theatrically witty company honoring tap dance’s uniquely beautiful history in a new and dynamically compelling context. March 9 and 10. $22 to $42. ferstcenter.gatech.edu

Galapagos George, The Little Tortoise That Could: This uplifting ecofable tells the true story of the famous, not-so-little tortoise and the islands he called home. Opens March 11. $20.50. puppet.org

Breakaway: Full Radius Dance takes on the concept of static friction and social research through dance, in this new collection of work. March 11 and 12. $15 to $20. fullradiusdance.org

Make-Believe America: Museum of Design Atlanta explores the height of U.S. cultural exhibitions, like the World’s

Prelude to a Kiss: A magical mix-up causes a newlywed bride to switch bodies with an elderly man, leaving her fiancé to search for a way to switch them back. March 4 through 26. $14 to $20. onstageatlanta. com

Georgia Connections Concert: The announcement of the Georgia Young Composer Festival winner is announced after the DeKalb Choral Guild performs the finalist works. March 5. Free. dekalbchoralguild.org

Much Ado About Nothing: Shakespeare’s second-famous “battle of the sexes” returns to the New American Shakespeare Tavern with two love stories. March 5 through 26. $15 to $36. shakespearetavern.com

Atlanta Master Chorale Presents: Critical Mass: An all a cappella concert celebrating the timeless beauty of the Mass, including 16th century composer Palestrina and 20th century composer Frank Martin. March 12. $30. atlantamasterchorale.org

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: This magical production portrays the adventures of four siblings through the wardrobe and into the land of Narnia. March 12 through 27. $20 to $35. alliancetheatre.org

The Toxic Avenger: When an unlikely hero wants to clean up the most polluted town in New Jersey, he becomes The Toxic Avenger, New Jersey’s first superhero, in this musical. Closes March 13. $25 to $35. horizontheatre.com

20|20: Visionary: A visionary mashup from Atlanta Ballet of cultures and styles reflective of the vibrant diversity of Atlanta, including spoken word. March 18 through 20. $20 to $127. atlantaballet.com

The Carole King Songbook: A pops concert celebrating the music of Grammy Awardwinner Carole King, performed by Broadway star Liz Callaway. March 18 and 19. $20 to $65. atlantasymphony.org

Legends of Southern Hip Hop: Southern hip hop legends Scarface, Juvenile, Mystikal and more unite under one roof at The Fox Theatre. March 19 and 20. $31.50 to $147. foxtheatre.org

The Pirates of Penzance: Gilbert & Sullivan’s rollicking romantic adventure shows off some serious operatic chops for the first time on The Atlanta Opera mainstage. March 5 through 13. $30 to $130. atlantaopera.org

DeKalb Symphony Orchestra With William Ransom: Pianist William Ransom performs J. S. Bach’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Igor Stravinsky’s Concerto for Piano & Winds. March 22. $10 to $22. dekalbsymphony.com

Much Ado About Nothing

The Sound of Music

The Toxic Avenger

Dorrance Dance

Under Contract

Under Contract

By Isadora Pennington

What better way to show your love of the Irish than wearing all green and drinking lots of beer? St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest party days of the entire year, and draws huge crowds to pubs around town for a night of debauchery and greentinted beer.

Irish pubs have been around for nearly a millennia, with the oldest pub in Ireland dating back to the 10th century. Known for their casual and friendly atmosphere, hearty food, flowing drinks, traditional Irish sports and music, the trend of Irish pubs has spread worldwide, and indeed all the way across the pond to Atlanta.

As you plan your holiday festivities consider these awesome local options, or just stop by for a bite and a drink sometime.

Limerick Junction

Four mini grilled sandwiches stuffed with bacon, spinach, tomato and Swiss cheese, $8; a perfect pour of Guinness, $6. 822 N. Highland Ave. NE. limerickjunction.com or (404) 874-7147.

Pub pretzel served with strong pub mustard, $3; Magners cider from Clonmel, Ireland, $6. 426 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. themarlayhouse.com or (404) 270-9950.

Fado

Irish coffee with Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey and brown sugar in hot coffee, topped with cream and cinnamon swirls, $8.50; roasted red pepper hummus with feta cheese and mint oil, served with boxy wedges (fried potatoes), $9.95. 933 Peachtree St. NE. fadoirishpub.com or (404) 260-7910.

Elder Tree

Irish cheddar dip –creamy cheese dip with finely chopped cabbage, cream cheese, creme fraiche served with toasted baguettes and topped with green onions, $9; black velvet beer cocktail with Magners cider and Guinness, $5.50. 469 Flat Shoals Ave. eldertreeatl.com or (404) 658-6108.

Ri Ra Irish Pub Smoked salmon and soda bread with whiskey choice butter and fresh dill, $12. Harp, $5.50. 1080 Peachtree St. NE #1. rira.com or (404) 477-1700.

Marlay House

Limerick Junction

Ri Ra Irish Pub

Tasting Intown

By Megan Volpert

Where does a thirtysomething go for food and music now? I’ve been on the lookout for a place that can cover all my bases: above average bar, food that I would eat even if there were no music, and good music. Venkman’s, 740 Ralph McGill Blvd., is going to be a huge success for the Old Fourth Ward and Atlanta at large, if it can keep its heads on straight. One head is Chef Nick Melvin, who did great things at Serenbe, then Parish, then Empire State South, then Rosebud, all in the blink of an eye. Another head belongs to Nick Niaspodziani and Peter Olson, better known as the bandleader and bassist of Yacht Rock Revue, the Venkman’s house band and unquestionably Atlanta’s reigning cover band. The triumvirate rounds out with Rhiannon Klee, formerly the bookie at Eddie’s Attic, entrusted with engineering success behind the scenes.

Despite a less than stellar table far from the stage, we nevertheless got psyched for the menu, on which nearly everything is suitable for sharing, and more than half the items are either vegetarian or gluten-free. We dug in on two starters, the mushroom lettuce cups and smoked trout beignets. The former involves a heaping pile of crushed peanuts under which is a bowl of mushrooms treated like bacon with a tangy BBQ vinaigrette. Playful, crunchy and even sort of refreshing because of the little gem lettuce now fashionably circulating everywhere. But those beignets were the best dish of the night, no question.

A good beignet of any kind is often hard to find in Atlanta, and a seafood beignet even more so. The best I’ve had is Anne Quatrano’s crab beignet at Fish

Camp in Ponce City Market. But Melvin is a New Orleans native, and Venkman’s is consequently doing it better with a fishier fish and a fearlessly creamy center. The star of the dish is an apple ketchup. It’s not apple butter; it’s got some cider vinegar in there for a smoother sauce and a polite little kick at the end.

For entrees, we had the chili shrimp and burger with fries. Both showcased Melvin’s refined, precise sense of sours: one of his overall best assets. The chili shrimp was a Chinese-Southern fusion that displayed surprising balance, while

the burger’s fancy combo of pickle slaw, dill mustard and tomato jam added loads of flavor and variety without a palate burnout.

When a manager stopped by to see how we were doing, I asked him to cough up the secret to getting a table. If walking in 30 minutes before doors open with tickets purchased 30 days beforehand doesn’t get me to the front row, what does it take? He checked for cancellations and immediately moved us to a table, notably skirting my question. As it turns out, the tables aren’t front row anyway because there will be a gaggle of thirtysomethings dancing in front of the stage as soon as the band gets going. The crowd here is more classy than at Andrews Upstairs and less attentive than at Eddie’s Attic.

On this night, the band was doing the Beatles. If you shut your eyes, the fidelity of sound is incredible.

Yacht Rock

Revue has several extra players beyond the Fab Four and several extra instruments (theremin, surprise!), but they replicate the original work thoroughly enough that a sing-along quickly ensues. There was a definite good time vibe floating over the crowd.

Venkman’s really does seem poised to be the best of all possible worlds, though they need some time to work out the ticketing and service kinks. That’s not a reason to stay home, however. The place has gotten a strong start and I’m going back to drill down into their extensive wine list while seeing the world’s greatest Fleetwood Mac cover band for $8.

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

APlace to Celebrate! APlace to Celebrat

Quick Bites

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q and SweetWater Brewery will hold a fundraiser for Cynthia Montoya on March 20 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cynthia, a long-time Fox Bros. employee and current general manager, was diagnosed with Stage II pancreatic cancer in 2015. The Fox Bros. called upon some of their friends – who just so happen to be among the best pitmasters and chefs in the country – to put on this fundraiser to help with Cyndi’s medical expenses. SweetWater Brewery offered their space during their popular brewery tour to host the event. Barbecue restaurants taking part include Fox Bros.; 17th Street Barebecue from Murphysboro, IL; Southern Soul Barbecue from St. Simons; Sam Jones Barbecue from Winterville, NC; Home Team BBQ from Charleston, SC; Hometown Bar-B-Que from New York City; Peg Leg Porker and Martin’s BBQ Joint from Nashville. Also from Atlanta will be Local Three, Taqueria del Sol, Chef Ford Fry and Chef Kevin Rathbun. Tickets are $30 and include food tastings, a tour of SweetWater, and six 6 oz. pours of SweetWater beer. Live music will be provided by opening act Main Street Exiles and headliners The Sundogs present “The Tom Petty Show.” For tickets, visit sweetwater.xorbia.com/que-brew-for-acause.

City Winery Atlanta, opening soon at Ponce City Market, has announced the initial music lineup for its spring/summer schedule. The highly anticipated music and culinary concept will kick off with notable acts like 2016 Grammy winner Mavis Staples, Donna the Buffalo, Delta Rae, David Broza and more. Tickets for the shows go on sale to the public on Thursday, March 3. City Winery VinoFile members –a program which gives members first picks for tickets, premier seats, special tastings and free glasses of wine – will be able to purchase tickets a week in advance. For a

complete lineup of music and to join the VinoFile club, visit citywinery.com/atlanta.

TIME Restaurant on Juniper Street in Midtown has closed its doors temporarily for minor renovations and rebranding. The re-opening, expected in spring, will boast expanded dining and event opportunities, updated decor and brand new management.

Castellucci Hospitality Group (CHG) will move its Italian restaurant concept Double Zero from Sandy Springs to the former Ink & Elm space in Emory Village in June 2016. For more information, visit doublezeroatl.com.

Insomnia Cookies has opened a new location in Midtown near Georgia Tech, offering deliveries of warm, justout-of-the-oven treats from noon to 3 a.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/insomniacookies.

Gus’s Fried Chicken has opened at Peachtree Center in Downtown and expects to open seven or eight more across the state. For more information, visit gusfriedchicken.com.

Sprouts Farmers Market has opened in Morningside at 1845 Piedmont Ave. The 30,000-square-foot store offers fresh, natural and organic foods. For more information, visit facebook.com/ SproutsAtlantaMorningside.

Bhojanic Market has opened in the Cox Hall Food Court at Emory University, offering Indian, Asian, Latin, gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Atlanta based J.Christopher’s plans to relocate their existing restaurant from 3050 Peachtree Road (Two Buckhead Plaza) to the former Paul’s restaurant in Peachtree Hills, according to a report from Tomorrow’s News Today.

Highland Bakery owner Stacey Eames has opened Press & Grind in Virginia-Highland in the old Aurora Coffee space at North Highland and Virginia avenues. The shop is offering coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, soups, salads and more.

Arcadia, a 1970s-vibe rooftop bar and restaurant, is now open above Cameli’s Pizza in Little Five Points, 337 Moreland Ave. The new retroinfluenced night spot offers throwback favorites such as country fried pork chops over mashed potatoes, chicken pot pie and Sloppy Joes. Expect a soundtrack filled with David Bowie, Iggy Pop and the Ramones.

LOCAL EXPERTISE | GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

PINE HILLS/BUCKHEAD 1196 Goodwin Road, $1,485,000 5BR/5fb/1hb. FMLS: 5647942

Jeff Masarek 404-314-1104

ASHFORD PARK

Aragon Way NE, $685,000

FMLS: 5590867

SHALLOWFORD PARK 3010 Shallowford Park Manor , $549,900

5BR/4fb/1hb. FMLS: 5632927

Rodney Hinote 404-786-9562

CANDLER PARK

Hooper Avenue,

MORNINGSIDE 1716 Inverness Avenue, $1,445,000 6BR/5fb. FMLS: 5623750 Boynton & Myrick 404-323-2012

GLENRIDGE CREEK 5412

HARRYNORMAN.COM

PIEDMONT AVENUE NE, STE B | ATLANTA, GA 30324 | 404-897-5558

ATLANTA NORTH 770-622-3081

EAST COBB 770-977-9500

ATLANTA PERIMETER 770-394-2131

BIG CANOE - NORTH GEORGIA 770-893-2400

FORSYTH/LAKE LANIER 770-497-2000

HIAWASSEE 706-632-7211

BLUE RIDGE 706-632-7211

INTOWN 404-897-5558

BUCKHEAD 404-233-4142

BUCKHEAD CHASTAIN 404-233-1492

LUXURY LAKE & MOUNTAIN 706-212-0228

BUCKHEAD NORTH 404-814-9000

NORTH FULTON 678-461-8700

BUCKHEAD NORTHWEST 404-261-2700

PEACHTREE CITY 770-632-8526

COBB MARIETTA 770-422-6005

SANDY SPRINGS 404-250-9900

The above information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice. www.HarryNorman.com

Hot Home Décor

Local designers and curators talk 2016 trends

By Kathy Dean

Buying a house is just the first step in setting up a home. Once you have the address and the signed papers, the real fun begins – making it your own. That’s the point at which thoughtful design can transform your new place into a comfortable sanctuary that reflects your lifestyle, aesthetics and values.

Of course, a solid house is the best. “I find that buyers are trying to stay away from complete demo projects,” said Steve McKenzie, principal of McKenzie Design and co-owner of steve mckenzie’s interiors and lifestyle store. “They’re looking for homes that have great bones, without major electrical or plumbing problems, so they can spend money on creating the décor they want, and not on new roofs, all new wiring and plumbing, or new HVAC units.”

He noted that one current trend –outdoor living – has been gaining ground. Many people work with their designers to create multi-purpose outdoor living spaces for entertaining, cooking and lounging. It’s the perfect way to expand square footage without building an addition to the house.

Rick Anthony Bonner, Creative Director and Interior Designer at

Insidesign, a full-service design company specializing in residential interiors, said that he expects wood to be hotter than ever.

“Wood is going to be a very important trend,” Bonner predicted. “We’re noticing a lot of interest in products that show wood grain coming through with natural, oiled and low-sheen finishes, especially on cabinetry and flooring.”

One of the more exciting incoming trends, he added, is the variety of texture entering into homes. “I think we’ll see lots of texture in fabrics, furnishings, tiles – everywhere,” Bonner said. “A personal favorite of mine is the super dimensional glass tile that’s available in frosted and glossy finishes.”

According to Greg Ansley, more and more millennials are looking for quality in construction and design, whether it’s in their house, their furnishings or their décor. Ansley is owner of The Collective, a co-op of local artists, craftspeople and entrepreneurs that’s part of Krog Street Market in Inman Park.

“Often, the things their parents didn’t see as important or thought of as oldfashioned seem to be of great interest to our shoppers,” he explained. “Things like blue and white porcelain, silver and anything odd or unusual.”

Outdoor rooms remain popular.

Le Cornue range mixes brass and stainless steel.

Rick Anthony Bonner in action.

Succulents at The Collective.

Customers are always on the lookout for wall art, interesting storage and accessories that make a statement, Ansley said. Since The Collective features the wares of local artists and artisans, it’s a good bet they’ll find it there. And there’s always a great demand for vintage and handmade items.

He’s also seeing more exciting choices of color as people make bolder and bolder decisions about claiming their spaces as their own. “We offer a lot of neutral accessories, and our customers seem to use them and make a statement with their wall colors,” Ansley said.

McKenzie echoed the current shift toward color, saying that there’s definitely a tendency for clients to move away from white kitchen cabinets. Today, there are a lot more requests for soft greys and blues. Pastels are making a great comeback, too.

“Wallpaper is also back with a roar! There’s just so much use of wallpaper in décor today,” he added. “It’s been amazing to see blue-and-white continue to grow in strength – and there’s no signs of it

slowing.”

Another hot trend is the use of more mixed metals in kitchens and baths. “Everything does not have to match,” McKenzie said. “You see gold leaf mirrors with brushed nickel hardware in the same bathroom. There are stainless steel hoods in kitchens with brass or copper trim. Even the new La Cornue ranges have stainless and brass mixed.”

These days, some of the most interesting updates are happening in the kitchens and bathrooms, according to Bonner. Eye-catching backsplashes and range hoods are a few touches that can really make those rooms stand out. Ansley agreed, and said that many of his customers are choosing items from the shop’s vintage, antique and new home accents to add appealing focal points to their bathrooms. “The smaller space makes a statement easier, and a lot of our customers are using vintage containers mixed with locally grown succulents and air plants.”

A mix of modern and traditional makes this kitchen stand out.

Multidimensional tile.

Bold wallpaper is back in fashion.

APARTMENT WATCH

Experts look back and forward at Atlanta’s market

The Atlanta Apartment Association (AAA) released its Apartment Market Outlook for 2016 last month, showing a 4.5 percent growth in rents and a 94.1 percent occupancy rate for the metro area. The AAA also released graphics showing the explosive growth of apartments since 2000 and a look back at the 2015 market.

Huffstickler Group Allen Snow Chrissie Kallio Real Estate Peggy Hibbert Frank Wynne The Palmer Team & Associates

Team Ellis Burma Weller Kevin McBride Laura Matura

Storrar Group Carmen Pope Ally May

Rachael Blatt Clay Henderson Team Casey Keesee Brendan Wright Anne B. Fuller Kevin Grieco Lisa Cronic

Stephen Beckwith Robin Elliott Ariane McClure Robert Blaha Heyward Group Alison HutsonDouglas Patrick Jones Sylvia Mallarino Bras

Perspectives in Architecture

Melody L. Harclerode

By Melody Harclerode

When sociologists describe a site as having a strong sense of place, they refer to a distinctive location provoking a deep, emotional attachment for visitors. Tangible elements, like a unique landscape and structure, combine with intangible elements, such as memories and history, to create a captivating site.

The bond may begin through visits to the location as a child or with poems, songs and movies later in life. Some of most renowned sites in the United States with a strong sense of place include the Grand Canyon in the state of Arizona, Central Park in New York City and the United States Capitol building in Washington, D. C.

One of the captivating sites in metropolitan Atlanta lies in the peaceful rolling hills of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. The Vaughters’ Farm entices visitors to stroll around a white, rustic barn as they take a break from the nearby hike/bike PATH trail in the midst of a meadow graced with beautiful, mature trees.

Participants in the real-world activity called geocaching search for hidden treasure on this scenic, 141acre property using their cellphones. The poignancy of the old Vaughters’

Power in a Sense of Place

Barn and its poetic landscape lures amateur and professional photographers to take photos. Behind the concrete and metal exterior walls, this barn offers an equally compelling history.

In the 1940s and 1950s, DeKalb County held the title as the leading producer in the Southeast United States of dairy products, with dozens of dairy farms blanketing the district. Local teacher S. B. Vaughters purchased the land in 1946 to pursue his dream of owning a dairy farm. By 1947, he built a handsome, granite-faced home and the iconic barn. Vaughters’ commitment to produce quality milk helped him to operate the last remaining dairy farm in the county until the 1980s. Due to efforts of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, he sold the property in 2002 to the state of Georgia as part of the Panola Mountain State Park, thereby preserving this last remaining dairy landscape in DeKalb County.

Vaughters’ Barn

cultural sites, including the Vaughters’ Farm, multiple ruins of quarry operations and Arabia Mountain. Over 100,000 visitors each year make a strong emotional connection to the sites of this 40,000-acre region running in DeKalb, Henry and Rockdale counties.

drive to the Vaughters’ Farm and other National Heritage Area sites to experience this strong sense of place as well.

The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area features more than 20 significant historical, natural and

This year as enthusiasts celebrate the 10th anniversary of the federal designation for the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, take a pleasant

Melody L. Harclerode AIA, a local architect, promotes the power of architecture, design and distinctive places as the Program Coordinator for the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance (arabiaalliance.org).

2108 DEFOORS FERRY TOWNHOMES | BUCKHEAD

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Real Estate Briefs

The Spring Atlanta Home Show returns to the Cobb Galleria Centre March 18-20. The annual event brings together over 350 experts in the home remodeling and landscaping industries to showcase the latest products and services designed to remodel, repair and refresh homes of all sizes and styles. The show offers attendees onestop shopping for everything from the roof to the basement, and from interiors to landscapes, as well as live radio broadcasts and presentations from guest speakers on a variety of subjects. Visit AtlantaHomeShow.com for the complete speaker schedule.

mixed-use tower on the corner of 14th and West Peachtree streets in the heart of Midtown has been reached. The high-rise from Novare Group will be finished in late summer and leasing for the apartments will begin this month. Atlantic House will feature two rooftop pools, fitness center, clubroom, business center and outdoor patio space as well as a grilling area, tennis court and dog park on top of the attached parking garage. The project will have 13,124 square feet of retail along 14th and West Peachtree streets.

of rendition work to clean up the blighted property.

Wes Vawter marked his 30th anniversary of real estate leadership with a record $1.575 billion in sales.

1.36

Vawter, a founding partner of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, established his own brand, the Vawter Group, 15 years ago with special permission from the company.

Ground has been broken for the new Post Centennial Park apartments in the heart of Downtown. The property, located at 340 Centennial Olympic Park Drive, will have more than 400 new multifamily units and 44 workforce units available when it is completed in 2018. Post Centennial Park is the first apartment property for families and young professionals built in Downtown in the past 20 years, according to a statement from the city.

Batson-Cook Construction ceremonially topped-out Atlantic House in February, meaning the 32nd floor of the 32-floor, 407-unit luxury

RocaPoint Partners has announced plans to build more than 300 homes on 17 acres in Grant Park/ Boulevard Heights with direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine’s Southeast Trail. The Brownfield property at the southeast corner of Confederate and Avondale avenues will be cleaned up and transformed into a new block of 320 homes. The property will be directly connected to the Southeast Trail via an approved trail spur. Phase 1 of the development will be 120 townhomes built by Edward Andrews Homes. Construction is expected to begin this summer. Phase 2 will have 200 apartments and a three-acre greenspace. An exact timeline hasn’t been set for the second phase because

Deposit $10,000 or more into an Opt-Up CD to get these features:

• Interest rate can be increased once during the 23-month term by contacting the bank.

• The maturity date will not be extended if you exercise the Opt-Up option.2

• Opt-Up option is based on the published rate for the standard 24-month CD.

Advertised APY and rate apply to the initial term only. 1Opt-Up option is based on the published rate for the standard 24-month Certificate of Deposit and can be exercised by contacting us when the published rate exceeds the initial advertised rate and APY. 2The maturity date will not change. Therefore, if the rate change is executed in the 10th month, the new rate will be in effect for the remaining 13 months.

Annual Percentage Yield of 1.36% is accurate as of 2/15/16. The APY assumes that interest remains on deposit until maturity. Withdrawal of interest will reduce earnings. 3Minimum deposit to open a CD for this offer is $10,000 (new and existing money) to earn advertised APY. Term is 23-months. Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Offer is subject to change or end at any time without notice. Offer not valid for retirement CDs, brokerage deposits, institutional investors, public funds or in conjunction with other promotional offers. Interest compounds daily and may remain in the CD or be paid monthly or quarterly by check or transferred to an account with us. CD is automatically renewed into a 24-month standard CD at maturity unless we receive contrary instructions from you.

Important Information about FDIC Deposit Insurance Coverage: Midtown Bank and Bank of Sandy Springs (Divisions of First Landmark Bank) and First Landmark Bank are the same FDIC-insured institution. Deposits held under First Landmark Bank or the trade names Midtown Bank and Bank of Sandy Springs are not separately insured, but are combined to determine whether a depositor has exceeded basic federal deposit insurance limits.

Midtown Bank | 712 West Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30308 | 404.969.4400

The Vawter Group, back row from left, Justin Moates, founder and chairman Wes Vawter, Libby Vawter Duncan and Robert Bairstow; front row from left, Barbara Morgan, Jim Parker and Dorothy Traver Walker.

Peachtree Hills remains a ‘front porch community’

By Joe Earle

Andrew Fenlon can sit on his front porch and count off the changes he’s seen on his block through the years. When he moved onto Peachtree Hills Avenue decades ago, “most of these houses were split up [into apartments]. It was very transient,” he said. “Now there’s a resurgence of families coming into the neighborhood.”

Changes keep coming. About two years ago, Ann Stacy, a scenic artist who works in films, bought a house across the street, a triplex, moved in and started fixing it up. Just a couple of doors down the hill, Dave and Barbara Mason, who’d decided to leave the suburbs for the city, moved in and added a second story onto their house.

Owners of Fenlon’s home have been able to watch change come to Peachtree Hills since even before there officially was a Peachtree Hills. Fenlon, who’s 54, says he’s lived at 60 Peachtree Hills Avenue for 35 years himself. Back in the 1980s, he rented the place with some buddies. He ended up buying it, remodeling it and staying put.

Fenlon believes his house was built sometime about 1910, in the days of gas lights and steam heat. He’s posted a

were selling the lots,” he said. Like Fenlon’s home, Peachtree Hills seems to have settled comfortably into its surroundings. Originally it was one of a string of suburban developments built along the streetcar line that rolled past on Peachtree. Now it’s a city neighborhood with a mixture of house styles and local shops within walking distance. High-rise buildings tower near the 650-or-so-home community that stretches from Peachtree Road nearly to Piedmont Avenue and touches Lindbergh Avenue on the north. Cars bounce over speed humps and past other “traffic calming” constructions built into the streets, yet the neighborhood remains, as Barbara Mason described it, a “front porch community.”

It’s the kind of place where, on a sunny Sunday afternoon, joggers trot past as couples push baby carriages down the sidewalk. Houses fly flags for universities –Georgia here, Georgia Tech there, even Alabama. Dave Mason says he can’t wait to add his Auburn flag to the mix next fall.

“This is a neighborhood where it seems like everybody owns a dog,” said resident Frank McCord, a 76-year-old mostly retired teacher who’s lived in Peachtree Hills a half century, grows dahlias in his backyard and shares his home with a dog named Plato.

One reason it’s stayed that way, residents say, is because Peachtree Hills homeowners have repeatedly fought the threats the city poses.

Kathleen Moriarity, who moved onto Roanoke Avenue in 1985, not long after she moved south from New England, says they have no choice. “Look at us. We’re in the doughnut hole,” she said. “We have highrises on Peachtree and highrises on Piedmont. We have to fight to protect our boundaries.”

They have fought hard, said Moriarity, a former zoning committee chair for the Peachtree Hills Civic Association who was active in many of the recent battles. At one point, the neighborhood assembled two busloads of homeowners to attend a zoning meeting to protest a decision.

Most recently, neighborhood representatives negotiated with developers to win changes to a proposed apartment tower on Peachtree on the edge of the neighborhood.

During negotiations, the developers agreed to reduce the number of stories in the building and to redesign it, Moriarity said. In return, a civic association email survey showed that 80 percent of the respondents backed the new plan for the building. That helped it win approval during a recent meeting of the Neighborhood Planning Unit that makes recommendations to the city on zoning

changes in the area.

Fenlon says Peachtree Hills residents have been successful in dealing with new development because they’ve been willing to talk to developers. “I think progress is a good thing as long as it’s done responsibly. This is a desirable area and it’s going to grow. There’s no way to stop the growth,” he said. “My sense is the neighborhood is sensible about keeping developers from ruining the sense of the neighborhood while allowing progress to continue.”

Despite the changes, Fenlon says Peachtree Hills keeps “the old neighborhood feel. All the houses don’t look the same. You’re not stuck back in some subdivision where you have to drive everywhere.”

That’s part of what attracted the Masons to Peachtree Hills. They sold their home in a swim-tennis community in Roswell to move into the city. They lived in a carriage house in the backyard of their new home in Peachtree Hills while they renovated and expanded the house. Now they’re settling in.

The neighborhood, Dave Mason said, “has unique character. It’s a good mixedaged community, with a lot of young families.”

“A lot of couples,” Barbara Mason said. “There’s a good variety,” her husband added. “Everyone is very social.”

medallion to his mailbox saying so. Many of the houses around him date to the 1920s or later, and Fenlon’s Craftsmanstyle home shows up as the only structure on the street in some of the earliest images of the neighborhood. “It was here as they

Elena and Nick Balmes, out for a walk on Peachtree Hills Avenue one recent Sunday afternoon and pushing a stroller containing their 9-month-old son, William, see their neighborhood as a friendly place. “One of the things we like most about being here is everybody seems to be outdoors,” Elena Balmes said. “It’s very friendly. You can talk to just about anybody... It’s like a little village.”

Andrew Fenlon’s home shows up at the top of the hill in an early postcard from Peachtree Hills, shown at left above. A reprint of an early sales flier shows lots were offered for $500.

Kathleen Moriarity, who has been involved in zoning battles through the years, says, “We have to fight to protect our boundaries.”

HOT CHICKS

Annual symposium for chicken owners is March 26

The Wylde Center and the Atlanta History Center will team up for the first time to present the fifth annual symposium, “Chicks in the City.”

The event will be held on March 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road, in Buckhead. The popular program is designed for people who own or wish to keep a backyard flock.

From novice to expert and even for those who are just thinking about the benefits of adding fresh eggs to their diet, the symposium will provide instruction in a fun and lively atmosphere. The day will include a mixture of classes, exhibitors and social functions.

Attendees will choose from a variety of interactive sessions led by local chicken experts, and will have the opportunity to see the Atlanta History Center’s flock of Rhode Island Reds and Plymouth Rock hens at the Smith Family Farm on the campus. The day will include a lunch break to enjoy an outdoor picnic or to purchase food from onsite food trucks, as well as a late afternoon reception and silent auction at the Smith Family Farm.

“As our experience organizing the Atlanta Urban Coop has taught us, more and more city-dwellers are discovering that it is possible, and enjoyable, to raise

their own chickens,” said Stephanie Van Parys, executive director of the Wylde Center. “The dual benefits of farm fresh eggs and reclaiming ownership of the local food chain have inspired hundreds of people in and around Atlanta to give chicken raising a try. Plus, the chickens eat insects as well as some kitchen scraps, providing an environmental benefit, along with the fresh eggs.”

Tickets are $65 for the symposium ($50 for Wylde Center or AHC members) or $30 to only attend the afternoon reception ($20 for Wylde Center or AHC members), and may be purchased at wyldecenter.org.

IN BLOOM

Botanical Garden, Oakland Cemetery are in full flower

The Atlanta Botanical Garden and Oakland Cemetery are celebrating the arrival of spring with a celebration of blooms.

Orchid Daze

The Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Daze exhibition opened in February and continues through April 10 with thousands of gorgeous orchids.

This year’s Orchid Daze emphasizes the contrasts between vibrantly colored orchids and naturalistic wooden elements, highlighting the many ways these plants often grow on trunks, branches and stems of other plants. “We strive every year to showcase the beauty of orchids in unexpected ways,” says Becky Brinkman, Fuqua Orchid Center Manager.

During the run, there will be special Orchid Market Weekends with experts on hand to offer advice, supplies, orchid art, jewelry and more.

Orchid care clinics are being held daily between 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for advice on how to make the temperamental flowers thrive.

For more information, visit atlantabg. org.

Daffodil Day

For a second year, the Historic Oakland Foundation has partnered with the Georgia Daffodil Society to present Daffodil Day, a springtime celebration of Oakland

Cemetery’s ubiquitous heirloom bloom. Free and open to the public, Daffodil Day will be held on March 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the afternoon will feature areas of interest and activities for all ages and expertise levels. Daffodil Day includes garden walks, presentations, a cut flower display, dialogue with local daffodil and gardens experts, and a craft and story time area for kids.

Presenters include Sara Van Beck, a lifelong gardener widely regarded as one of the country’s foremost daffodil authorities. Betsy Abrams, award-wining gardener and member of the Georgia Daffodil Society will also present, alongside gardener Adam Martin, who is a member of the Southern Garden History Society and Georgia Perennial Plant Society.

GDS will host an “Ask the Expert” table for novice gardeners to get advice on best practices, and Oakland Cemetery’s Visitors Center and Museum Shop will include many plant- and garden-related items, including autographed copies of Van Beck’s book. Daffodil Day also gives visitors an opportunity to view Oakland Cemetery’s recently opened Beaumont Allen Greenhouse, the cemetery’s first functioning greenhouse on-site in more than 40 years.

For more information, visit oaklandcemetery.com.

Frank McCord sits in the library of the Peachtree Hills home he’s lived in for a half century.

Nick and Elena Balmes take their 9-month-old son William for a stroll.

Barbara and Dave Mason try out their porch swing in the neighborhood she calls a “front porch community.”

Atlanta History Center employees Sara Roberts and Brett Bannor show off some of the chickens who live on campus at the Smith Family Farm.

HISTORIC HOUSE DEMOLITION UNDERSCORES LACK OF PROTECTIONS

By John Ruch

The recent demolition of a Tuxedo Road mansion drew attention because its architect was Philip Trammell Shutze, the designer of the Atlanta History Center’s Swan House and other prominent local buildings.

Yet, even some outraged preservationists were unaware before the demolition that the house was a Shutze design, because no one has compiled a full list of houses he designed. And unlike in many other cities across the state and nation, Atlanta has no general process for reviewing demolitions of potentially historic homes or offering preservation incentives.

“The crux of the issue is that we do not have a very progressive public policy… There is no planning process that protects a building like that,” said Mark McDonald, president and CEO of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. “It’s a real failure on the part of the Atlanta preservation movement and a failure of the city of Atlanta.”

Born in Columbus, Ga., Shutze became a prominent architect and worked on many houses and institutional buildings in a life that spanned 1890 to 1982, according to

the New Georgia Encyclopedia. The most prominent is the 1928 Swan House, where an actor dressed as the architect interacts with History Center visitors.

At least several other Shutze houses still stand in Buckhead, including large mansions on West Paces Ferry Road and the massive Calhoun House on Pinestream Road.

The 1938 home at 3665 Tuxedo— known as the Maddox House—was demolished in early February by Dallas Clement, its new owner. Clement did not respond to a phone call, but McDonald said he talked extensively with the Georgia Trust and even visited another Shutze home— the Patterson-Carr House on Northside Drive—to consider preservation before going ahead with the demolition.

“It’s a very disappointing loss for our community because it was a Shutze work, and Shutze was one of the primary formgivers to the cultural landscape here in Buckhead,” said Erica Danylchak, executive director of the Buckhead Heritage Society.

Yet, she said she was unaware of the

house until the demolition controversy.

Michael Rose, executive vice president at the History Center, said Shutze is important because he brought a European style to “Anglophile” Atlanta architecture, often in grand houses that made a statement about their owners’ achievements. Shutze also was known for his “incredible attention to detail” that united both exterior and interior design, Rose said.

“Any loss diminishes the whole,” Rose said of the loss of the Maddox House. But, he added, “I was not that familiar with this particular house.”

William Mitchell Jr., chairman and president of the Southern Architecture Foundation, said he knew Shutze personally and said there’s a reason for the lack of a list of Shutze houses. Shutze did a lot of work with a firm headed by another renowned Atlanta architect, J. Neel Reid. Untangling their teamwork can be difficult, he said.

“He did think that if he had anything

to do with a project, he was the designer. But those firms—everybody contributed, really,” Mitchell said. If someone did compile a Shutze house inventory, “It’d be a long list,” he said.

McDonald said Clement deserves credit for talking extensively with preservationists. But in Atlanta, there were few incentives to offer Clement beyond advice on federal and state tax credits. A zoning provision to allow a bigger infill house in exchange for preserving part of a historic structure would be one good reform, McDonald said.

Atlanta does have the power to design historic districts with tight redevelopment restrictions, but residents of Peachtree Heights West batted that idea down a few years ago, Danylchak said. She said that she’s unaware of any other Shutze houses that are threatened, but that the infill trend is endangering many historic homes.

“We’re going to turn around in 20 years and go, ‘What happened to our really grand neighborhoods?’” she said.

The 1932 Goodrum House at 320 West Places Ferry Road

The 1936 Thornton House is on the same street, at 205 West Paces Ferry Road

FMLS: 5636278 Kathleen Sickeler 404-368-3234

LAKE CLAIRE - 4 sided brick with open floor plan, hardwood floors, garage, bonus room, cathedral ceilings in living/dining rooms, basement with tons of storage, back deck overlooking fenced yard.

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EASTSIDE WALK - Spacious home w/open floorpan. Upgraded kit w/walk-in pantry, ss appliances, granite counters. Hardwds on main. Expanded basement w/wet bar. 2 car garage. Deck overlooks backyard. 4Bed/4.5Bath $340,000 FMLS: 5631649 Mike Kondalski 404-234-9379

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND - This double porch home w/stepless entry through rear 2 car garage looks and lives like newer construction. Timeless design w/ gracious room sizes & open, flowing floor plan. 5Bed/4.5Bath $1,049,000 FMLS: 5647052 Sally Westmoreland 404-354-4845

ASHFORD PARK - Total renovation with hardwoods, 9’ ceilings, granite & SS in kitchen, separate dining room, vaulted master w/walk-in closet, whirlpool tub in mast bath, private deck.

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DOWNTOWN - End unit townhouse w/1 car garage. Freshly painted interior. Hardwoods on main. Kitchen features granite, S/S appliances and tons of storage. Close to beltline. 2Bed/2.5 Bath $245,000 FMLS: 5643081

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DOWNTOWN - Live and play on the Beltline. Fantastic corner unit. Gorgeous hardwood floors. Gourmet kitchen. Entertainer’s dream w/spacious living and dining area. Private patio is steps from saltwater pool. 1Bed/1Bath. $279,000 FMLS: 5642942 Stephen Simonsson 404-326-0876

LENOX PARK - Adorable home featuring open floor plan, granite & SS in kitchen, beautiful hardwoods, updated fixtures, partially finished basement, large private deck. Perfect home for entertaining! 3Bed/2Bath/2Half Bath $419,000 FMLS: 5614479 Bru Krebs 404-984-0243

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND - Priceless location. One of Highland’s most desirable streets. Brick bungalow features high ceilings, hardwoods, and is lightfilled throughout. Private yard and brick patio.

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VIRGINIA HIGHLAND - Sought after duplex in the heart of Virginia Highland. Hardwoods throughout, new roof, freshly painted in & out, walk-in closets, mudroom off kitchen, private fenced backyard.

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MIDTOWN - Awesome 1 bedroom loft in the tucked away 33 Ponce building. This hidden gem has an awesome terrace, wall of 10+ foot windows, s/s appliances, hardwoods & custom closets. 1Bed/1Bath $230,000 FMLS: 5640830 Sean Carter 404-981-0639

DUNWOODY - Situated on an idyllic lot, this Earl McMillan inspired Ann Smith design features beamed, coffered and tongue & groove ceilings, banquet dining rm, fireside fam rm, his/her closets, 2 Ironwood decks. 4Bed/3Bath/2Half Bath $639,000 FMLS: 5633665 Sally Westmoreland 404-354-4845

DOWNTOWN - The Stacks. Fabulous top floor location. Spacious loft with large windows. Updated lighting throughout. Kitchen features s/s appliances and light oak cabinets. 2Bed/2Bath $325,900

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VIRGINIA HIGHLAND - Elegant living on 3 full floors. Stunning craftsman w/open floor plan. Cook’s kitchen. Hardwood floors. Guest bedroom on main floor. 2 Wrap-around porches. Private fenced yard. 5Bed/5Bath/1Half Bath $849,900 FMLS: 5604959 Mike Kondalski 404-234-9379

MIDTOWN - Beautiful 1 bedroom with den in the highly coveted Atlantic Station. Showcase home boasts hardwood floors, walk-in closets and amazing views of Atlantic Station to Buckhead. Transferable leasing permit included. 1Bed/1.5Bath $315,000 FMLS: 5645523 Sean Carter 404-981-0639

Sunbelt Lending Services

MIDTOWN - Spacious living room. Kitchen w/ solid surface counters, stainless steel appliances and tons of cabinet storage. Walk -in closet and bonus storage closet. 10 foot+ ceilings. Hardwoods. Storage unit included. 1Bed/1Bath $226,305

FMLS: 5632803 Mike Kondalski 404-234-9379