Brookhaven Reporter - April 2023

City Council wants audit of the More MARTA program

THE WEEKLY CHAT

By Dyana Bagby

The Atlanta City Council wants to conduct an audit of how MARTA is spending taxpayer dollars to expand transit after the agency recently announced it could only prioritize some of the capital projects approved by voters seven years ago.

The council approved a resolution on March 20 requesting MARTA submit to a financial audit of the More MARTA program. The city’s Finance Department would conduct the audit.

In response, MARTA said the audit request was “disappointing and disingenuous” and accused the council of “playing politics.” MARTA also said the audit would only slow down projects.

“The best thing the politicians on council can do for their constituents in the city of Atlanta is to get out of the way and let MARTA deliver the projects,” the statement said.

Does this response mean MARTA is refusing to allow the city audit its books?

“No, it does not,” said Stephany Fisher, spokesperson for MARTA, in an email. “The city is free to conduct an audit.” She added that MARTA will work with the city to determine how to proceed with the audit.

The More MARTA program is funded by a half-penny sales tax approved by Atlanta voters in 2016 specifically to build new rail, streetcar extensions, new bus lines and new stations. The sales tax is expected to generate $2.7 billion over 40 years; more money for the More MARTA program is coming from public and private dollars.

The audit’s scope would include all revenue and expenditures tied to More MARTA and local revenue and expenditures that support operations and capital projects in Atlanta, according to the resolution. The audit would also review federal funds received and spent by

More MARTA to date, including federal COVID-19 relief funds.

In 2018, the MARTA board of directors approved 17 capital projects to be paid for with More MARTA funds. MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood told the council’s transportation committee three weeks ago, however, that rising costs and inflation have forced the agency to prioritize only nine projects.

City Council members have raised questions for months about transparency from MARTA on the spending of More MARTA money and how it prioritizes projects. The audit is a way to get real answers to their questions, said Council President Doug Shipman.

“I think that we have all been incredibly frustrated over the last several months with the lack of understanding of finances, timeframes, decision making — and it continues to go on in the planning and execution of the More MARTA project,” said Shipman, who as council president typically does not speak about proposed legislation before a vote.

Of the 17 projects approved, MARTA is set to break ground next year for the first project, the Summerhill bus rapid transit line along Hank Aaron Drive and Capitol Avenue in Downtown.

“Six years later, we do not have those projects, and I still don’t believe we have a clear understanding of what money has been spent, what money plans to be spent and what money we will have for projects in the future,” Shipman said.

“I believe that an audit is one that is not burdensome, but instead will both allow us to have greater understanding and will repair the trust and the transparency that is needed between MARTA and the city, and between MARTA, the city and our residents, who are the ultimate taxpayers and the ones whose money we’re asking to be used,” Shipman said.

A rendering of BRT on Georgia 400.

(Courtesy MARTA)

Buckhead City group retreats ‘for now’ after defeat in Senate

By Dyana Bagby

The group pushing for Buckhead to split from the city of Atlanta says it is backing off its efforts “for now” after the Georgia Senate overwhelmingly rejected cityhood legislation in March.

The Buckhead City Committee posted a statement to social media and sent an email to supporters with the subject line, “Farewell … for now.”

The email accused Gov. Brian Kemp and other Republicans of conspiring to ensure the cityhood bills would not pass in a Senate floor vote. And with Kemp in office until 2026, there is “no path forward” for Buckhead to incorporate as its own city, the committee wrote in the

email.

“In a nutshell, Governor Kemp and his team coordinated behind closed doors to kill the Buckhead City bills before they even had the chance for an honest vote in the Senate,” the committee said in the email.

The Senate voted 33-23 on March 2 to reject legislation what would have allowed residents of the wealthy north Atlanta community to secede from the city of Atlanta. The vote came the day after Gov. Kemp’s Executive Counsel David Dove released a memo with a series of questions surrounding the legality of Buckhead de-annexing from Atlanta.

Ten Republicans joined 23

Democrats to vote against cityhood, angering Bill White, head of the Buckhead City Committee, who believed there were enough votes to pass the bill, according to the email.

But the Dove memo “effectively swayed the swing votes against our bills, because those Republican senators could not disobey Governor Kemp,” the committee said in the email.

The email concludes with the promise to continue to “work for the cityhood referendum in the future.”

“Even though we did not accomplish our ultimate goal for now, our organization, with your help, forced the new Mayor and City Council of Atlanta to prioritize Buckhead and public

safety,” the email from the committee said. “Against all odds, we were only six votes away from our bills passing in the Senate.”

For more Buckhead news, subscribe to our daily newsletter at RoughDraftAtlanta.com/newsletters

Lud modeling a dress by Alix (Madame Grès) for Vogue. Courtesy of the Horst P. Horst Estate and @TheArtDesignProjectGallery.

Peachtree Creek Greenway expands

By Logan C. Ritchie

As the city of Brookhaven dedicated a new phase of Peachtree Creek Greenway this week, it also looked to the future.

City Councilmember John Funny announced the design and engineering for phase 2, a connection to the Atlanta BeltLine, is already underway with the Georgia Department of Transportation. Federal funding for the design is secured and construction is scheduled to begin in 2025.

“Regional impact is what we’re all about,” said Funny.

A dedication of phase 1b was held on March 20 with Funny, members of the Peachtree Creek Greenway, and Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce President Alan Goodman.

Three new spurs include observation points with picnic tables and hammocks and a play area with slides. There’s now room for small craft shows, food trucks, and acoustic music concerts, said Funny, who called the greenway “the crown jewel of the city of Brookhaven.”

Lauren Kiefer, executive director of Peachtree Creek Greenway, thanked visionaries and community members for making the greenway happen. Construction of phase one was completed in 2020.

“Phase 1 of the Peachtree Creek Greenway was a dream in the mind of visionaries at PCG Inc., long before Brookhaven became a city,” said Funny.

City council gets sneak peek at city hall materials

By Logan C. Ritchie

Brookhaven’s new city hall is coming into focus.

City council members heard from consultants at a special called meeting on March 23 displaying sample color palettes, stone, wood, and glass – all part of Sizemore Group’s plan to create an “organic” feel.

Calming colors and movement that mimic Brookhaven’s logo will be reflected in the design choices. Renderings of the ground floor atrium show high ceilings, a reception desk, a tree, and granite columns.

“We are setting the stage when you walk in the door,” said Senior Designer Jan Adams. The city is scheduled to break ground on city hall before the end of the year. With a price tag that may reach up to $78 million, Sizemore Group CEO Bill de St. Albin said they’ve been finding ways to save.

Sizemore Group team members said they are sourcing some building materials locally, like granite sourced from DeKalb County and carpet from north Georgia.

“The city is inviting the local community, educating them on the project, and giving them a chance to bid on the project,” said de St. Albin.

De St. Albin likes helping to create the heart of a city or campus, he said. Sizemore Group has designed city halls in East Point, Stone Mountain and Stockbridge, and university buildings, including Emory University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University and Spellman College.

Officials cut the ribbon on a new segment of the Peachtree Creek Greenway.

MJCCA launches $36 million fundraising campaign

By Sammie Purcell

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is launching a $36 million fundraising initiative to renovate and develop its facilities and programs.

The MJCCA announced the launch of this “Capital Campaign” at its March 21 annual board meeting. According to a press release, roughly $20.5 million from the capital campaign will be invested at the Zaban Park Campus, the MJCCA’s main campus in Dunwoody. About $9.7 million will be allocated to Camp Barney Medintz, the organization’s overnight summer camp in Cleveland, Ga.

MJCCA CEO Jared Powers said part of the goal of the fundraising initiative is to

attract the next generation to be a part of the JCC. The campaign was initially set to be launched in early 2020, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, plans were put on hold.

“Once we came back a few months later, we really were able to see, or get a feel for, what life was going to be like post-COVID,” Powers said. “So I think it really helped us refine and sharpen our vision, and see what people are going to relate to and want to be a part of in this new world.”

Some of the biggest tasks that will be financed by this campaign are a new outdoor aquatic center and a new pickleball facility. The MJCCA will also be expanding its parking to allow more

April

people to enjoy its services.

“The whole agency – our board, our staff – we are so excited for the transformation that the center is about to undergo,” Powers said. “We can’t wait to see the impact on the community.”

Despite having just announced the initiative publicly, the MJCCA has already secured $31.5 million from major donors, including $12 million from The Marcus Foundation and $6 million from The Zalik Foundation.

“As someone who has been impacted by and involved with the Marcus JCC for nearly my entire life, it is with much pride that we launch this $36 million capital

campaign having already raised more than $30 million from our major donors,” said Lee N. Katz, chair of the MJCCA Board of Directors, in a statement. “The time is now for the community to invest in the MJCCA to ensure this one-of-kind agency continues transforming lives for generations to come.”

Other updates expected from the capital campaign include enhanced security, renovations to the main building on the Zaban Park campus, updates to the courtyard and preschool playground, upgrades to the upper fields, and rebuilding structures at Camp Barney Medintz.

Vermack Road park gets approval

By Cathy Cobbs

The Dunwoody City Council, after years of input and discussions with neighbors, approved a final design for a 10acre park on Vermack Road.

At its March 27 meeting, Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Director Brent Walker outlined final changes to the plan, which includes the elimination of a path that would connect adjoining neighborhoods to the park, the installation of traffic-calming measures in front of the park’s entrance and the addition of a sensory garden.

During public comment, former city council member and past Dunwoody Preservation Trust President Danny Ross, and his daughter, Noelle, who is the current president of the DPT, asked that a brick house on the property, which is slated for demolition, instead be retained and used for a museum. However, during the council discussion, Walker said if the council wanted to reconsider the demolition, the process would have to start over again.

Walker noted that another existing house on the property will be retained and open for public use.

City council members noted their disappointment about the elimination of the connecting trail, which was vehemently opposed by Heritage and Village Mill neighborhood residents.

“I’m pleased with most parts of this plan, but [the elimination of the connecting path] ignores the requests of a lot of neighbors,” Councilman Tom Lambert said.

Councilwoman Stacey Harris read a letter from a constituent who said she was disappointed that the path was eliminated, saying that connecting neighborhoods and parks should be a priority in the city’s plans.

The council approved the design 5-1, with Harris voting against it. There is no timeline for the park’s construction, which is estimated to cost about $4 million. In 2022, the council discussed putting forth a parks bond referendum but postponed that decision to a later date.

Bruce Onobrakpeya: The Mask and the Cross

SANDY SPRINGS

Ground broken for Fire Station 5

By Bob Pepalis

Sandy Springs broke ground for its new Fire Station 5 at 7800 Mount Vernon Road in the city’s eastern panhandle on March 23.

Mayor Rusty Paul said the new fire station is designed to reach the homes in the city’s District 1 more effectively. He said a fire station is about a mile from his house, and he wishes it was closer.

“Because when you need those first responders, the sweetest sound you will hear is a siren because you know that help is on the way,” he said.

Paul said the city will try to be a good neighbor to the surrounding community and be as quiet as possible when responding to emergencies.

The city had looked at other locations but none of them were appropriate, said Councilmember John Paulson, who represents District 1. The geography of the panhandle has made meeting response times of eight minutes or less difficult, he said. As the mayor said, timing is critical in responding to a problem.

“You’ve had fires in this area that, in spite of their best efforts, by the time the fire department comes, the building is engulfed and essentially too late to save,” he said.

Paulson said he can’t wait for the new fire station to be finished.

“It’s also the first truly new location for a fire station in Sandy Springs,” he said.

Station 2, which recently opened, was rebuilt at the same location on the corner of Johnson Ferry Road and Sandy Springs Circle.

“The people in this community deserve [the most] responsive services we can give them and that’s what this does,” Paulson said.

Reeves Young was the contractor awarded the contract to build the fire station, which will resemble a residential property to follow requests from nearby neighborhoods that it blends in with the area.

Work begins on Veterans Park

By Bob Papalis

Sandy Springs officials were joined by veterans and local residents for the city’s Veterans Park groundbreaking on March 24.

“We’ve been planning it for many years and this morning we finally had the groundbreaking for the actual construction of that triangular area which is going to be where the Veterans Park is going to be,” Councilman Tibby DeJulio, a veteran himself, said after the event.

City officials at the Veterans Park groundbreaking.

The park site on Roswell Road will sit in a triangle-shaped wedge of property across from the Performing Arts Center.

The city council approved a $5.7 million construction budget for the park at its March 7 meeting. The construction deadline was set for the park to be completed before Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

Over two dozen veterans from American Legion Post 140 Buckhead attended the groundbreaking, Councilman John Paulson said.

“It was very gratifying for me to see the number of veterans from the American Legion Post, come out and enjoy the morning and enjoy the celebration, enjoy the ceremony,” he said.

Paulson said Veterans Park is the grand finale for the entire City Springs/City Hall development that was started more than 10 years ago. To have it realized was a great day for the city, he said.

DeJulio said the city’s veterans need to be acknowledged for the contributions they’ve made for freedom in the country.

“A lot of people obviously have never come back. But it’s a very personal thing for me, and I feel really good about it,” he said. “We have a lot of veterans here in Sandy Springs, and I feel this is a fitting tribute to them.”

Veterans Park won’t be a place to go and play games like tennis and soccer, DeJulio said.

“It will be more of a place to go and sit and reflect and walk,” he said.

Eventually, it will connect to the Sandy Springs Library and to the MARTA Station with a path for bicycles, joggers and walkers, he said.

Paulson envisions the park as a place where visitors can contemplate themselves, their lives and the world we live in today.

“You can celebrate life, too. It’s a great, peaceful, picturesque setting that makes you feel great to be alive,” he said.

© Bruce Onobrakpeya.

SEASON SPONSOR

Let the memory live again!

Creative Reuse: Scraplanta is part thrift, part art supply store

By Isadora Pennington

Just a few steps down from the TJ Maxx at the Briarcliff Village shopping center in Tucker is a small, relatively unassuming storefront that holds immeasurable treasures. This is Scraplanta, a creative reuse store that is part thrift, part art supply shop.

This shop has a little bit of everything: knitting needles, beads, ribbon, fabric, paper, partially empty tubes of acrylic paint, cardboard boxes, toilet paper tubes, picture frames, and oddly enough, a lot of trophies.

Jonelle Dawkins is the executive director of Scraplanta, and she has brought her passion for sustainable retail to the forefront of operations at this burgeoning store.

“I’ve always loved the environment,”

said Dawkins as we sat together in her office. At only 25 years old, Dawkins carries an air of confidence and leadership of a woman far beyond her years. She attended the University of Georgia, graduating in 2019, during which she studied ethical fashion in Ghana and obtained a Sustainability Certificate. She went on to attend graduate school at North Carolina A&T where she discovered creative reuse centers in Greensboro, NC.

“During my time at UGA I got a certificate in sustainability, so I wanted to use that to market myself as a fashion designer who cares about the environment,’ she said. “When I found out about creative reuse centers, I thought it was perfect because it was the intersection of art and sustainability.”

Dawkins said that since they began

accepting donations last May, Scraplanta has collected around 30,000 pounds of materials. It’s an astonishing number, and it highlights the need that this community has for a sustainable creative reuse store where craft and art supplies can find new life.

An estimated 40-50 people walk through the doors of Scraplanta every day. Dawkins said some regulars return every day to peruse the shelves and bins that are nearly overflowing with materials. It appears Scraplanta is not only a valuable resource for artists who need art supplies for their projects, but also for crafty folks who enjoy the act of looking.

Dawkins said some days the store is packed to the brim with shoppers, and it seems that many find peace and relaxation from browsing. “They will come and just look for like an hour and leave in a better

mood than when they came in,” she said. It’s not unusual to see a mix of shoppers at Scraplanta since it appeals to small children and their families, seniors, college students, art educators, crafters, and professional artists alike. According to Dawkins, part of Scraplanta’s success is the lower price point. She wants it to be accessible not only to shop there but also reasonable to donate leftovers back to Scraplanta when there are things that go unused.

“I want people to be able to immerse themselves in art without spending so much money and be okay with being bad at first,” Dawkins said, “Sometimes when we start a new hobby and spend $300 on a new sewing machine, $200 at a class, $60 on materials if we aren’t great at the end of the first class it can feel like a waste.”

Scraplanta executive director Jonelle Dawkins. (Photos by Isadora Pennington)

Some of the donated materials now for sale at Scraplanta.

Those who shop at Scraplanta spend a fraction of what they would at traditional stores to get all the materials needed to try something new.

Scraplanta’s by-the-bag pricing for small items makes it easy to grab just what you need for any given project. Avid crafters and artists will relate to the frustration of having to buy packs containing large quantities of an item when they only need a few. This pricing system allows for greater flexibility and selection.

For creative reuse centers like Scraplanta, sourcing new materials and donations is not the problem. In fact, most are overflowing with donations, which is something that Dawkins saw play out time and again when she toured eight similar centers across the southeast from Richmond, VA to San Antonio, TX. She spoke with their directors, starting a group chat that has resulted in a sort of network of creative reuse stores where they can share their tips, tricks, and struggles.

Beyond the logistics of sorting through an ever-evolving selection of donations is the mental block that sometimes accompanies endless organization. “I can’t sort and process everything in one day, one week, or one year. I just can’t. When I come at it with a mindset that it’s going to get sorted eventually, I can tackle it one box, one bag at a time.”

She has three employees and relies on the help of a team of dedicated volunteers to help manage the flow of items in the

store. The crew works hard organizing and reorganizing all the shelves at Scraplanta.

“It’s basically just constant reorganizing,” Dawkins said.

While patrons are allowed to bring in donations during regular business hours, larger donations require an appointment

to ensure enough staff members and volunteers are on hand to sort the materials dropped off. Many of the volunteers are professional organizers who feel so strongly about the mission of Scraplanta that they are willing to spend their days off hunkered down sorting boxes and bags full of beads, ribbon, paper, fabric, and more.

The idea for Scraplanta was born from a newspaper article that founder Susan Reu read about a similar reuse center and visiting the Scrap Exchange in Durham, NC. Meanwhile, Scraplanta board chair Melissa Wood had scoped out the storefront at Briarcliff Village before the pandemic, but when the world came to a halt so, too did the plans for the shop.

Dawkins met with Reu and was brought onto the team back in November 2021. In that time, Dawkins established

the business’ non-profit status, secured the physical space – which had sat empty for 25 years following the closure of an H&R Block – and opened their doors to retail a year later.

Last September, Dawkins coordinated with arts collective The Bakery to put on a fundraiser for Scraplanta. The Revival Art Show featured works made from recycled and reimagined items, and all profits were used to open their physical space. Considering the impressive foot traffic, the community’s response, and the online buzz, it’s clear Scraplanta is answering an essential need.

Dawkins hopes Scraplanta can expand to more locations across the city to better serve artists in those communities. So far, her model has proven to be a success. In addition to retail, Scraplanta also offers classes on making bags, cardboard sculptures, appliques, and skills such as beading.

At the moment, Dawkins said the shop is hoping someone will donate tables, chairs, and shelves to help in the neverending sorting and organization. She also wants artists to spread the word. “The only way we grow is through more people knowing about us.”

Scraplanta is located at 2130 Henderson Mill Road and is open varying hours Thursday through Sunday. Visit scraplanta.org for more information and to register for classes.

Tara Thieleke, an art teacher at Rockdale County High School, searches the bins for supplies at Scraplanta.

Farmers on the frontline of climate change

ABOVE THE WATER LINE

In Their Own Words

The farm losses that resulted from Elliott’s brutal winds and frigid cold — due in part to climate change and a warming Arctic region — are described in heartwrenching detail by several of Georgia’s small farmers:

for a couple hours to be able to fix the pipes and well pump… With the frequent rain after the stress of the freeze we are seeing higher than usual loss from the combination of stress and parasites… The very heavy rains… have not been good for the grasses and soil health either.

Sally Bethea

On most spring mornings I walk around my garden in the city to survey and appreciate the survivors of the weather rollercoaster we’ve been riding in recent months: the days of unrelenting, hard freeze over the holidays, record rainfall in January, and all-time highs of more than 80 degrees in February. I admire the new leaves emerging from branches on azaleas, the

In all my 30 years of farming, I've never seen winter weather hit in the low digits consistently like this for days on end... We experienced wind chills of -15 degrees with 40 mph wind gusts. Despite our best efforts to cover and protect crops outside and inside high tunnels, the wind gusts blew off covers essentially

Weekly produce baskets delivered to urban front doors by the online farmer’s market Fresh Harvest (freshharvest.com) were filled with stored crops and root vegetables after the winter storm. Owner Zac Harrison says that in his ten years of operation, no other weather event has

frequent extreme weather events and patterns, including floods, droughts, high heat, and rising pest and disease pressures. A disaster relief program called The Farmer Fund, managed for the past five years by Georgia Organics (georgiaorganics.org), has been a life-saver — offering assistance through farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture, and local restaurant sales. The oldest statewide nonprofit providing direct support to local and organic farmers, GO champions farmer prosperity, food justice, and climate-smart practices. Post-Elliott, sixty farms located primarily in Georgia’s Piedmont region applied to The Farmer Fund for a total of $470,000 in disaster relief. Every farm received aid, on average about 70 percent of what they requested, thanks to fundraising efforts by GO, Food Well Alliance, The Common Market, Community Farmers Market, The Conservation Fund, Wholesome Wave Georgia, and generous donors. Relief funds are critical to help farmers weather extreme events, but growers must also learn how to adapt to global heating by embracing conservation practices that sequester carbon in the soil — such as minimal tillage, mulching, composting, rotating livestock, and cover crops — while also reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.

Climate-Smart Farming

bright-green holly fern fronds, and resilient oakleaf hydrangea, hellebore, and spiderwort.

There are also heartbreaks. The leaves on the creeping fig that steadily climbed the brick columns on my front porch during the pandemic years are now gray and brittle: no hint of new growth. The cast iron plants I thought were indestructible look like they’ve had a Cruella de Vil hairstyle makeover. My once lush fatsia plants have survived, barely, but no longer hide the ugly concrete wall in my backyard. All my potted plants left carelessly outside while wrapping presents and cooking holiday meals are dead.

Of course, my gardening losses do not even begin to compare to the devastation that hit Georgia farmers in late December, especially the small to mid-sized farms dedicated to sustainable, organic, and regenerative practices. Many of these operations lack the critical infrastructure needed to protect against freeze-related natural disasters. Winter Storm Elliott — the Arctic “bomb cyclone” that brought blizzards, high winds, snowfall and record cold temperatures across much of the country — destroyed winter crops and fruit trees, damaged expensive infrastructure, and killed livestock.

freezing the crops underneath.

80 percent of our crops froze and died during the Arctic Storm, even with fleece covers and mulch. We spent hundreds of dollars in purchasing more fleece covers, hoops and weights in preparation for this storm… The wind tore many of them off the first night… the 6-degree temps were too cold, even with covers.

The freeze put stress on our sheep and cattle. We had two days where the well was broken and we had to wait for it to get above freezing

impacted so many of his growers at the same time for so long. Despite the irreversible damage and adversity, his two dozen farm partners are working overtime to raise spring crops and minimize their losses.

The Farmer Fund

Small farmers find themselves on the frontlines of climate change. They are particularly vulnerable to increasingly

In 2022, Drawdown Georgia (drawdownga.org) — a statewide nonprofit that has identified twenty high-impact solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade — initiated a new grant program to advance climate solutions and prioritize equity. GO received one of the five inaugural grants, which will provide $200,000 for the organization’s ClimateSmart Farmer Program.

For the next two years, GO will help prepare Black farmers in South Georgia to become more climate-solution literate. They will be equipped with tools to learn how to adapt to extreme weather events and build resilience while maintaining productivity. In addition to focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, GO will provide technical assistance to create small-scale rooftop solar systems to power the farms; this will include advice on options to access capital funds to shift to less-expensive, renewable energy sources.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are already experiencing the early stages of the climate crisis. Not just on farms and in kitchens, but also in our backyards, uncertain water supplies, expanding flood zones, wildfires, and stifling heat waves. Humans must adapt, but we have to work together.

WB and Lynn Brown, owners of Brown’s Place Farm, were just one of Georgia’s organic farmers affected by

Earth Day events and celebrations

By Collin Kelley

The 53rd annual observance of Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, and events are happening around the city to demonstrate support for the protection of the environment. We’ve rounded up some events to help get you more in touch with Mother Earth.

Earth Day Fest will be held April 22 from noon to 6 p.m. at the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market. There will be more than 20 vendors, local artists, free yoga, and a live DJ. Find out more at cfmatl.org/eav.

▲Atlanta Botanical Garden will host Earth Day activities from 10 a.m. to noon on April 22 including music and various activity stations geared toward children. Get details at atlantabg.org.

◄The Atlanta Arts, Vegan, and Vegetarian Festival is April 22 from noon to 7 p.m. at Westside Park featuring food from local vendors, art, and more. Get details at avavfest.com.

The Georgia Plant Swap + Sale will be held April 22 from noon to 5 p.m. at Pontoon Brewing Co., 8601 Dunwoody Place in Sandy Springs. Find out more at facebook.com/ Georgiaplanttradeandsales.

▼Ponce City Market in Old Fourth Ward will host the annual Atlanta Green Market Fair on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. featuring up-and-coming sustainable brands. Activities will kick off on Saturday at 9 a.m. with Yoga on The Yard. That evening, a sustainable fashion show will be held at 7 p.m. Get more details at tess.coop.

EarthShare Georgia will host its annual Earth Day Party on April 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at King Plow Art Center. During the party, EarthShare will honor its annual award winners and volunteers. Find more information at earthsharega.org.

ARTS

Jackson Fine Art finds new home

Move beyond your expectations.

By Isadora Pennington

After 33 years of renting a building on East Shadowlawn Avenue in Buckhead, Jackson Fine Art has made a leap just across the street to a new location. I recently had the opportunity to meet with Executive Director Anna Walker Skillman and got a sneak peek into their new digs as well as the vibrant inaugural exhibition.

The new 4,000-square-foot gallery space features large windows that let in tons of natural light, three distinct exhibition spaces on the main floor, office space, and a kitchenette. Upstairs is their conference area, a full kitchen, a library, plenty of storage, plus spaces dedicated to packing and shipping artwork.

The space retains a homelike ambiance that allows for an upscale and elevated but still comfortable atmosphere inside. Light wood floors and bright white walls serve as an ideal backdrop to showcase incredible art.

From initial purchase to completion, the relocation process involved three years of planning, design, renovations, and implementation of systems to better serve the gallery. Skillman shared that they had periodically contemplated a move for the gallery in her years there– including thoughts of potentially moving to the Westside – but ultimately decided against it. Until, that is, a building just across the street came on the market in 2019.

“We were always kind of looking because we had grown since I bought the gallery in 2003,” recalled Skillman. She and her co-owner Andy Heyman had considered how to grow and expand, but the conversation didn’t really get serious until around 2015. While many of Atlanta’s fine art connoisseurs have been long-standing fans of Jackson Fine Art, Skillman admits that E. Shadowlawn can sometimes be seen as a hidden pocket of fine art in Buckhead.

Keen on maintaining the valuable relationships they have built within their community, and always a proponent of synergy, Skillman didn’t want to reinvent Jackson Fine Art in an altogether new part of town. And so, when the building which formerly housed a hair salon at 3122 East Shadowlawn Avenue came on the market it seemed like a perfect fit.

The opening exhibition features exquisite works by celebrated Atlanta photographer Sheila Pree Bright, an exclusive selection of photographs by – and portraits of – the late, great Francesca Woodman, and the first American exhibition for Stockholm-based artist duo Cooper & Gorfer.

For more information, visit jacksonfineart.com.

Anna Walker Skillman, Executive Director of Jackson Fine Art.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival returns to Piedmont Park for 87th year

By Isadora Pennington

From April 14-16, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival will transform Piedmont Park into a fine art showcase featuring the works of 260 artists, live music performances, kids’ village, VIP experiences, and a 5K qualifying event for the Peachtree Road Race.

Executive Director Brian Hill spared a few minutes to share his excitement about the 2023 festival as well as the challenges that they are facing in a post-Covid world.

“This is a shared multigenerational experience,” Hill said. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is the third oldest fine art festival in Atlanta, and Hill recalled how many people began attending the

festival as children with their grandparents and are now parents or grandparents themselves. Beyond offering an incredible selection of art to purchase, the event is a beloved tradition for families across the region, he said.

Hill has been working with the Atlanta Dogwood Festival since 2008 when he “jumped in with both feet” at the height of the recession. That year there was an additional challenge due to a historic drought which necessitated that the festival be moved from the shaded park to a parking lot at Lenox Square.

Ironically enough, all three days of the festival brought torrential rain. Hill said the year away from Piedmont Park gave organizers time to reimagine the way the

scholarships, and prizes from the Atlanta Dogwood Festival each year.

In recent years, and particularly during the pandemic, free art festivals have struggled to contend with rising costs and evolving logistical concerns. One significant change this year is that there will not be two stages, and instead, one performance space will transform from the International Stage to the CocaCola stage later in the evening. In brighter news, 2023 marks the return of midway rides such as the Whirligig and Ferris Wheel.

As for Hill’s favorite part of the festival, it’s the performances. “It’s really energetic,” said Hill. “When everybody is in a great mood it’s a really great place to be.”

festival operated. “It was sort of like a new beginning,” he stated.

Another element that sets the festival apart is the high school art exhibition. It has been a feature of the festival for many years and highlights budding artists from more than 70 metro Atlanta schools.

“Many of the students who have participated in that exhibition have gone on to become professional artists,” Hill remarked. “The quality of the high school art seems to be getting better and better. They aren’t doing it for commercial reasons, they are doing it as self-expression. It always amazes me.”

The Atlanta High School Art Exhibition asks students to compete in much the same way as the professional artists. Of 600-some entries, there are only around 180 that are chosen for the exhibit. “It’s a real awakening for these young artists,” said Hill. “For them to get out there and be able to display their art the way that professional artists do, you see their pride.” Winning student artists receive over $40,000 of supplies,

This year’s lineup includes Burlesque, Irish, Flamenco, Chinese, Indian, Cuban, Bulgarian, Polynesian, Mexican, and Turkish dance. Live music performances slated for the festival include Jessie Albright, Rae and the Ragdolls, and the Deja Bluegrass Band, among others.

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is, as always, free and open to the public. Find out more at dogwood.org.

For even more festivals and events, be sure to visit HowDoYouAtlanta.com.

The Artist Market

Featuring more than 260 booths, the juried fine art Artist Market welcomes art lovers to peruse and purchase. With artists working in 12 mediums, including glass, jewelry, metal, oils, photography, sculpture and more, the hundreds of booths offer visitors the chance to see the work and talk with the artists themselves about their inspiration.

Participating artists have been selected by a jury of esteemed professionals from more than 1,000 entries. You’ll find top local artists, as well as those from throughout the United States. As one of the first arts festivals of the spring season each year, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival gives visitors a first look at their most recent work.

Of course, we can help you with your daily needs. But did you know you will also have options for fitness, activities, healthy fine dining, and more? And assisted living services are tailored to you, so you’ll get just the right amount of help you need, when you request it. No matter if you need a little help or a lot, you’ll be amazed by the difference.

LUNCH LEARN

Thursday, April 13th • 11:30am

Join us for an informative presentation on the benefits of senior living. Afterwards, take a tour and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our culinary team.

To RSVP, please call 404.381.1743

Things To See & Do

Be sure to stop by the award-winning Atlanta High School Art Exhibition at the festival. You’ll find it in the Community Center near the 12th Street entrance to the park, and you’re sure to be astounded at the creativity and skill of the young artists featured in the show. While you are visiting the exhibition, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award — it will be a difficult decision!

You’ll also want to put the Art Throwdown on your schedule. Held on festival Sunday from noon to 3:30 p.m., the Art Throwdown is a live art competition that pits teams of high school students against each other in a friendly but fierce fight for artistic dominance. The competition takes place on the lawn in front of the Community Center.

Young visitors will find plenty to do in our Kids Village presented by Visit Tallahassee! Families, be sure to head to Oak Hill inside the 12th Street entrance, adjacent to the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition. Stop by and add your own special flair to the Visit Tallahassee mural and creative hands-on arts and crafts projects. Kids can also kick back and relax with a bit of face painting or a Little Princess glam manicure before taking in a puppet show from Peter Hart, engaging in bubble fun, thrilling on the spider jump or just jumping around on the inflatables. The youngest festival visitors won’t want to miss the Teddy Bear Hospital or fun with Circus Camp. In the Meadow, the rides are back! The whole family can enjoy this year’s range of amusement park rides from the tame to the breathtaking. Ticket booths near the rides will offer a variety of packages.

Atlanta runners, walkers, rollers and strollers can celebrate spring at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival Mimosa 5K, taking place festival Saturday at 8 a.m. Featuring a scenic course through the streets of historic Midtown, the 5K culminates with a refreshing mimosa made with Cupcake Vineyards bubbly (for runners 21+). This race is an AJC Peachtree Road Race Qualifier, and top finishers will be awarded in a variety of age groups. Post-race, runners of all ages can stay and enjoy the 87th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival, which opens at 10 a.m.

Our assisted living is about the whole family and the whole YOU.

Entertainment

Throughout the weekend, the festival offers a variety of live music and entertainment on the Coca-Cola Main Stage, where you’ll find local bands, dance troupes, international performers, children’s choirs and more. Each day kicks off with a range of performances representing the many international communities that call Atlanta home, as part of our award-winning International Stage. Mid-afternoon, local and well-known bands take the stage, bringing attendees live music in genres from bluegrass to indie rock and from pop to R&B with a few party bands in between. Get ready to find your next favorite musical artist! And while the Coca-Cola Main Stage doesn’t stop all weekend, adults can take a break and kick back in the nearby Corona Beer Garden.

Friday, April 14 Coca-Cola Main Stage

6-6:45 p.m. Desmond Myers

7:30-9 p.m. ATL School of Burlesque

Saturday, April 15 International Stage

11-11:05 a.m. Amruta Girl

11:15-11:45 a.m. Atlanta Fusion Dance

11:55-12:15

MAY

A fundraiser for the nonsectarian Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program, supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Purchase tickets at thetasting.org

CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF JERRY HOROWITZ, PHILANTHROPIST AND VISIONARY

Band X

Jessie Albright Band

Ballet Mexicano de Lupita Sosa

Chops Experience

Know When You Go

About the Festival

The city’s longest-running festival and the third-oldest fine arts festival in the country, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the arts and presenting the popular annual springtime event. Through its community programs, including the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition, the festival provides art supplies and scholarships to high school art teachers and students in the metro area.

Donations

Did you know the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization? Please consider donating to the festival today. With the changes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost to produce this event has increased by 30%-$40%. The event is still free to visitors, however it will take attendee support, in any amount, to maintain this annual springtime tradition. The festival is requesting a $5 donation at the door, or you may choose to make an online donation at www.Dogwood.org. Thank you!

Parking

If you drive to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, you can reserve a guaranteed parking space in advance with SpotHero. The best way to get to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is by taking MARTA! Exit at the Arts Center or Midtown station and walk a few blocks to Piedmont Park.

City Ordinances

There is a lot you can do at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, but you can’t smoke. The City of Atlanta ban on smoking at outdoor facilities includes Piedmont Park. No tobacco products of any type are permitted anywhere in the park during the festival. You also can’t bring your dog (or other pet) to the festival, as per another city ordinance. The Off Leash Dog Park will be open during the event with access via the Park Drive entrance only. One more rule, and then on to the fun — NO outside food or beverages may be brought into Piedmont Park during the festival. Small chairs are allowed. No tents or coolers are allowed.

Thank you for your cooperation!

You can see a festival map and get more information by scanning this QR code.

SATURDAY,

APRIL 15 & SUNDAY, APRIL 16

12pm – 4pm

Level up your festival experience with tickets to Party in the Park, taking place during the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. You will enjoy a variety of craft beers and wines to sample, along with comfortable seating, a private bathroom trailer with real sinks and access to a discounted cash bar.

Tickets start at $40 in advance/$50 at the door, if available. VIP Upgrade tickets include lunch from the Loaded Taco/Loaded Burger food truck and are $60 in advance/$65 at the door, if available. For $75, Platinum VIP Access with Lunch also includes four drink tickets for the cash bar. You can also get a reserved table for six to eight of your friends — available in advance only.

The Party in the Park VIP Tent overlooks the Coca-Cola Main Stage, so at any ticket level, you’ll get a perfect view of the live music and entertainment.

2023 PARTICIPATING BREWERIES AND WINERIES

LUNCH PROVIDED BY OFFICIAL VIP MEDIA PARTNER

FOR TICKETS VISIT

GET OUT OF TOWN

A Weekend in Birmingham

Exploring The Magic City’s museums, parks, and breweries

By Collin Kelley

Just a little over two hours due west from Atlanta, the city of Birmingham, AL makes for the perfect weekend getaway spot. The former industrial hub was nicknamed The Magic City for the abundance of limestone, coal, and iron ore, but these days its become a favorite destination thanks to its museums, outdoor spaces, and breweries.

Get your motor –and history – running

Opened in 1995, the Barber Motorsports Park & Museum (barbermuseum.org) has the largest collection of motorcycles in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Founded by famed Porsche race car driver George Barber, the museum boasts more than 1,400 motorcycles in its collection (from Harley and Honda to Indian and Cagiva) with more than 600 usually on rotating display. If you’re a race car fan, you’ll also find some sweet rides to gawk at too. If you really want to get your motor running, you can also take a daylong course that ends with driving a Porsche at the park’s 16-turn professional racetrack.

Need more speed? The Southern Museum of Flight (southernmuseumofflight.org) has 90 civilian, military, and experimental aircraft on exhibition, along with artifacts, engines, memorabilia, models, and more. Exhibits include the Korean War Jets, Tuskegee Airmen, and Vietnam War Helicopters. The museum is also the home of the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame.

For something a bit statelier, the Birmingham Museum of Art (artsbma. org) has a permanent collection of more than 25,000 objects covering a range of cultures, including American, European, African, Native American, Pre-Columbian, and one of the best Asian art collections in the Southeast. Currently on show

through July is contemporary artist Rico Gatson’s lobby installation “Wall to Wall” and through May is Majari Sharman’s rumination on Hindu deities, “Expanding Darshan.”

Another must-see is the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (bcri.org) featuring archives, galleries, and temporary exhibits. You can take a self-guided tour of the permanent exhibit, which includes a journey from the 50s and 60s Civil Rights Movement to contemporary human rights issues.

Music lovers will appreciate the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame (jazzhall.com), with exhibitions of instruments, paintings, and memorabilia. It’s located inside the historic Carver Theatre, which just underwent a $4 million restoration to host jazz concerts and other programming.

Outdoor adventures

Vulcan Park (visitvulcan.com) is home to Birmingham’s iconic 56-foot-tall iron

statue of the Roman god of fire, which sits atop Red Mountain overlooking downtown. The view alone is worth the trek. The giant statue of Vulcan, the largest cast iron statue in the world, was designed by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Moretti in 1903 using local iron as the city’s entry into the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. It was moved to its permanent home in the park in 1936. The park surrounding it is perfect for a picnic or to watch the 4th of July fireworks. There’s also a small museum that hosts exhibits and other events.

Beyond the Vulcan sculpture, the 1,500-acre Red Mountain Park (redmountainpark.org) has 14 miles of trails for biking and hiking, an off-leash dog park, historic iron mines, zip lines, and much more.

Railroad Park (railroadpark.org) is a downtown greenspace known for hosting city events and gatherings. Located near the convergence of the city’s two railroad lines, the park is full of paths, flowers, and a lake.

Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve (ruffnermountain.org), located on former iron ore mines, is named after noted geologist William Henry Ruffner, who surveyed the area in 1883 and discovered the iron deposits. Today, there are 12 miles of hiking trails and the Treetop Visitor’s Center and Education Pavilion to learn about the flora and fauna of the preserve. Drink up!

Birmingham has become well-known for its local breweries with more than a dozen operating around the city. Be sure to include one – or more – in your weekend itinerary.

Located in a historic building in downtown, Avondale Brewing Company (avondalebrewing.com) offers tours and pours in its taproom. Be sure to taste Miss Fancy’s Tripel, a strong Belgian golden ale; the Spring Street Saison, a Belgian-style farmhouse ale; or the tangerine-infused Brunch Punch Shandy.

Good People Brewing Company (goodpeoplebrewing.com) invites visitors to bring their own food to the taproom as they sample its seasonal brews like the Peanut Butter Chocolate Coffee Milk Stout, Pina Colada Lager, Hitchhiker IPA, and more.

Trimtab Brewing (trimtabbrewing. com) regularly offers live music in its taproom and tours of the facility, which concocts expressive IPAs, experimental stouts, and fruited sours. While the season menu changes regularly, be sure to try a “core” brew like the 205 Pale Ale or Trimtab Lager.

Back Forty Beer Company (backfortybeer.com) offers a variety of American and European craft beer styles, with more than 50 different beers introduced annually and as many as 25 different options on tap at any given time. This brewery is also known for its kitchen, which serves up cheeseburgers, pizza, and salads.

Barber Motorsports Park & Museum

Avondale Brewing

Vulcan Park

Mountain festivals and fun

Bear on the Square

Blue Ridge Trout Festival

Sassafras Artisan Festival

Clayton, GA will host the annual juried art show, which will feature exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops, and food trucks at the Rabun County Civic Center April 29-30.

Blue Ridge Trout Festival

Cast a line on April 29 for the annual festival, which will include activities along the Toccoa River in Blue Ridge, including educational events, food, beer, live music, kid’s activities, and a trout fishing competition. Find out more at blueridgetroutfest.com.

Spring Bierfest

Beer lovers will want to put May 6 on their calendar for the annual Spring Bierfest in Helen, GA. Details were still being worked out at press time, so visit helenchamber.com for more information.

The North Georgia Mountains are perfect for a weekend getaway, especially in the spring when so many festivals and events are happening across the region. We rounded up a guide to some events not to miss.

Rhododendron Festival

Hiawassee, GA is hosting this annual flower festival over five weekends starting April 13-

16 at the Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens. Not only will you be able to see acres of blooming flowers, but the greenhouses will be open for plant sales. There’s also music, art, and the Hiwassee Highlands Wine Festival on May 13. Get all the details at georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival

Traditional and contemporary Appalachian storytelling, musical performances,

children’s events and workshops are on tap April 15-16 in Young Harris, GA. Visit gamountainstoryfest.org for details and tickets.

Bear on the Square Mountain Festival

The 25th annual festival featuring bluegrass music, an artist’s market, storytelling and more is set for April 15-16 in Dahlonega, GA. See all the details at bearonthesquare. org.

Dahlonega Art & Wine Festival

Local art, wine, and jazz music converge on the mountain town May 20-21. Visit chestateeartists.org for more details.

Blairsville Arts, Crafts & Music Festival

Three days – May 26-28 – of fun on the Blairsville town square. See the lineup and more details at visitdowntownblairsville. com.

1780 - LAKE JAMES | 3259 Donahue Drive Rachel Alosky Stark | 828.329.3552

By Collin Kelley

A visit to Jimmy Carter’s boyhood home

Former President Jimmy Carter’s decision to spend his remaining time at home and receive hospice care instead of treatment for metastatic skin cancer has triggered an outpouring of stories and reflections on his well-lived life.

TRAVELS WITH CHARLIE

Many of those stories revolve around his boyhood home and farm in the community of Archery, a few miles from the more well-known town of Plains where Carter and his wife Rosalynn have lived since their White House days.

Carter has said that many of the exemplary values and lessons that helped guide him through adulthood and politics were learned on the farm and in his boyhood home.

Jimmy Carter’s daddy, Earl Carter, moved his family to the three-bedroom home and farm in 1928, when Jimmy was four years old. The house was the Carters’ home until 1949 when Earl sold the house and the surrounding farmland. Jimmy had left home in 1941 to attend college.

In 1994, the National Park Service purchased the house and 17 acres from the then-owner to eventually make it part of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. A multiyear restoration was started to return the house and surrounding farm to their appearance before electricity was installed in 1938.

In November 2000, the house and surrounding farm opened to the public as the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm. Today, visitors can tour the old house and take self-guided tours around the farm to see its restored barns, work and storage sheds, chicken coop, water mill, and other structures that were part of a working farm in southwest Georgia during

Continued on page 30

This and the next page: Charles Seabrook captured these images of Jimmy Carter’s boyhood home and farm in Archery, located a few miles from Plains, GA. The National Park Service maintains the home, farm, and even the gardens where Carter grew up starting in 1928 when Carter was four years old.

Charles Seabrook

MAY

Art lovers will have the chance to watch artists in action around our picturesque city with opportunities to purchase original art with hometown appeal, featuring locations such as Alpharetta City Center, parks, gardens and more.

Mark your calendars! The Taste of Alpharetta boasts an unforgettable night of culinary magic throughout the city’s charming downtown. This annual event celebrates the vibrant food community of Alpharetta featuring OVER 60 RESTAURANTS through dining events, cooking demos, culinary collaborations, and tasting tents galore.

Continued from page 28

the 1930s.

Adding authenticity to the historic farm, park service workers and volunteers still maintain honeybees, goats, chickens, mules, and farm cats there. Seasonal crops also are still grown, including sugarcane, cotton, corn, tomatoes and, of course, peanuts.

One of the farm’s restored buildings is the old commissary, or store, opened by Earl Carter to sell supplies, groceries, and other items – including gasoline – to local folk. The old store still has a cash register from the 1930s sitting on its counter. Shelves are still stocked with the wares and goods that typical households of that period would have needed for everyday life. The old gas pump still stands outside.

In particular, one of the farm’s restored structures centers around Jimmy Carter’s stories of his growing up. It is the tenant cabin where African-American workers Jack and Rachel Clark lived on the farm. According to the National Park Service: “Young Jimmy spent time working on the farm beside Jack and Rachel. Their days began at 4:00 a.m., hoeing weeds, stacking peanuts, picking cotton, and caring for the Carter’s farm animals. Although farm life was hard work, Jimmy and Rachel would find time to go fishing in the nearby creek. On the walk to the creek, Rachel would tell Jimmy stories about life’s lessons and would share with him her words of wisdom. These words stayed with him all of his life.”

678-297-2811

awesomealpharetta.com

DINING

Fresh Food & More: A guide to local farmers markets

Morningside Farmers’ Market

Located at Morningside Presbyterian Church, this family-friendly market runs on Saturdays year-round from 8-11:30 a.m. Support local businesses from farmers to artisans to chefs. Info: morningsidemarket.com.

Grant Park Farmers Market

Grant Park Farmers Market is open year-round on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Head over to the Beacon Atlanta at 1040 Grant Street to try locally grown vegetables, meats, breads, and artisanal foods. Info: cfmatl.org/grantpark.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market

By Sammie Purcell

Spring is here, and a host of local farmers markets have reopened. If you are looking for fresh produce, artisan foods, and handmade goods, check out our handy guide for where to go in your neighborhood.

Freedom Farmers’ Market

Just steps away from the Freedom Park Trail at the Carter Center is where you’ll find this farmers market. Freedom is open year-round on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Here you’ll find fresh produce, farmfresh eggs, handmade baked goods, and more. Info: freedomfarmersmkt.com.

East Atlanta Village Farmers Market

This farmers market opens in East Atlanta on March 30 and runs every Thursday until Nov. 16 from 4-8 p.m. This market is one of the city’s oldest, providing seasonal and local produce since 2006. Info: cfmatl. org/eav.

The Peachtree Road Farmers Market opened on March 4 and will run until Dec. 16. The market is open on Saturdays, rain or shine, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Located at the Cathedral of St. Philip, here you’ll find local, sustainable, and ethically sourced goods. Info: peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com.

Decatur Farmers Market

The Decatur Farmers Market opens March 29 and will run every Wednesday, from 4-7 p.m. until Nov. 15. The market is located at 308 Clairmont Avenue at First Baptist Church Decatur. Info: cfmatl.org/Decatur.

Brookhaven Farmers Market

Located at 1375 Fernwood Circle NE, the Brookhaven Farmers Market opens April 1 and will run every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon through November. The market offers healthy, locally produced choices to visitors. Info: brookhavenfarmersmarket. com.

Sandy Springs Farmers Market

The Sandy Springs Farmers Market is expected to open on April 8 and run every Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until Nov. 18. The market is located at 1 Galambos Way and features a unique selection of vendors with fresh produce and artisan foods. Info: citysprings.com/ farmersmarket.

Dunwoody Farmers Market

The Dunwoody Farmers Market is currently open and will remain that way every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon until Dec. 16, according to a spokesperson. The market is located in Brook Run Park across from the playground. Info: facebook.com/ dunwoodyfarmersmarket.

Oakhurst Farmers Market

The Oakhurst Farmers Market is open year-round through Dec. 19 every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is located at Sceptre Brewing Arts at 630 East Lake Drive in Decatur and offers fresh produce, meats, and delicious baked goods. Info: cfmatl.org/oakhurst.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market

Local restaurants embrace sustainability

WOMEN + WINE

April is a special month for those in the food and wine industry. It’s Earth Month, a time to reflect on our impact on the world and to take action to make positive changes. It’s the nudge we all need to revisit our priorities and recognize our role in protecting the planet and its resources while also creating sustainable solutions that will remain.

Sustainability is more than just planting trees and reducing waste. Sustainability is the key to a healthy and vibrant future. It’s essential that we develop sustainable practices with food and wine that support ecological, human, and economic health. This means taking proactive steps to ensure that our actions do not negatively impact the environment or society. This is easier said than done, however, but with extreme desire and purpose, chefs, wine buyers, and restaurateurs can really change the practices of an industry as a whole.

We must strive to use resources responsibly, reduce waste, and create policies that promote equitable access to resources for all people. By investing in sustainability now, we can create more prosperous futures for generations to come.

Sustainability is also about promoting environmental awareness and taking action to reduce our carbon footprint. We can start by looking at our daily habits and finding ways to make them more sustainable. For example, buying organic and biodynamic wine instead of conventional wine helps support sustainable farming practices while also protecting the environment. Packaging is a huge problem in the food and beverage industry. Minimizing excessive packaging and opting for eco-friendly packaging will make a massive difference (e.g., glass bottles vs organic boxed wine or Styrofoam to-go containers vs biodegradable boxes and no plastic utensils).

Atlanta is a city that is working hard to become a leader in sustainability. Restaurants in are doing their part by sourcing ingredients from local farmers and focusing on eco-friendly practices helping to create a more sustainable food system that benefits everyone involved. Their efforts will reduce the environmental impact of their operations and support our local economy. With this commitment, we can all work together to create a

healthier environment and prioritize farmer prosperity.

As restaurants strive to reduce their environmental footprint, it is important to recognize their efforts in order to encourage more sustainable practices. By recognizing these restaurants, other businesses can be inspired to follow suit and help create a culture of sustainability within the restaurant industry.

Slow Food Atlanta recently awarded local businesses with a Snail of Approval award, which is given to food and beverage establishments that are pursuing and practicing Slow Food values in their business. This goes far beyond making good food – it’s about making commitments to the environment, local communities, employees, and purveyors, as well as Slow Food’s core values of anti-racism and anti-oppression. Each Slow Food local chapter honors businesses with the Snail of Approval based on evaluations focusing on sourcing, environmental impact, cultural connection, community involvement, staff support, business values.

A few restaurants we would like to mention that recently received the Snail of Approval award who not only prioritize supporting Georgia’s organic agriculture, but they also have a wine list that shares the same values.

Little Bear, Summerhill; Chef Jarret Seiber is one of the most creative chefs in Atlanta and with one look at his menu, you’ll immediately know you’re in the right place. As each dish arrives at your table, it is apparent that Chef Jarret and his team

are using local ingredients to create unique and delicious dishes that emphasize the thoughtful work of farmers who raised, milled, or grew them. Little Bear’s wine list is equally as thoughtful, offering exclusively natural/minimal intervention wines. Their wine list is small, yet mighty. Little Bear even had a riff on everyone’s favorite Espresso Martini, a refreshing Espresso Tonic using Atlanta’s very own Portrait Coffee, proving that local isn’t just food, but also coffee.

Talat Market, Summerhill: Co-owner Chefs Parnass Savang and Rod Lassiter have created one of Atlanta’s best restaurants using Thai techniques and featuring local Georgia ingredients. We can’t say enough good things about this establishment. From their must-have “surprise” Daiquiri of the Day, to the wine list that pairs exceptionally well with their dishes full of heightened flavors, to the Crispy Rice Salad that you won’t want to share, Talat Market never disappoints. Add this casual, laid back restaurant into your monthly rotation of places to visit. You’ll thank us later.

Miller Union, West Midtown: Miller Union, one of the most exemplary examples of sustainability, is proving that all it takes is making a conscious decision to support local farmers, reduce food waste, and prioritize ethical animal husbandry. On any given weekend, you might spot coowner and Chef Steven Satterfield at one of Atlanta’s community farmers markets. There is something so special about seeing a chef in their element, selecting the best

ingredients to create a delicious meal. Shopping for the freshest and most flavorful ingredients is a unique opportunity to get closer to the source. With each bite, when dining at Miller Union, you can enjoy knowing that you are supporting the south’s sustainable agriculture. It then goes without saying that Miller Union will have a wine list that is worthy of being framed. Neal McCarthy, co-owner and wine expert, selects only the best for the list at Miller Union - even the By The Glass selections are knockouts. Be sure to give yourself an extra 10 minutes to peruse through his collection. Whether you’re looking for something special for date night or just want to try something new, the hidden gems on his wine list will definitely surprise you.

We would be remiss not to mention the other business that received the Snail of Approval award. All of these businesses are changing the way we eat and drink in Atlanta. Shoutouts to Capella Cheese, Condor Chocolates, The Deer and The Dove/B-Side, Evergreen Butcher & Baker, Fresh Harvest, JenChan’s, Little Tart Bakeshop, The Spotted Trotter, and Xocolatl.

We all have a role to play in creating a more sustainable future and Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to show our commitment to protecting the planet. Let’s take this chance to reflect on how we can make small changes that will help create a healthier and greener world for everyone.

Katie Rice & Sarah Pierre

Chefs Parnass Savang and Rod Lassiter of Talat Market.

Quick Bites

Atlanta Bread has opened its newest location at 6115 Peachtree Dunwoody Road in Perimeter Center with a revamped interior aesthetic as it joins the shared workspace movement. The new 2,600-square-foot bakery café features bright modern décor with 80 seats in the dining room and 40 on the outdoor patio. The restaurant focuses on fast casual dining with an emphasis on delivering space to work remotely and to conduct small meetings. Two private meeting spaces (the “Rye Room” and the “Asiago Room”) are available to reserve for $15 per hour and accommodate eight to 10 guests. Each private room comes complete with everything needed to host a meeting including a 75-inch Samsung Smart TV with audio/visual technology and wireless connections. Find out more at atlantabread.com.

▲Arden’s Garden, a juice and plant-based food company, has reopened its location at 218 Johnson Ferry Road with a new look. It’s been a whopping ten years since we first made our mark in the Sandy Springs scene, and we’re beyond excited to announce that we’re back and better than ever,” said Owner Leslie Zinn. Along with the re-opening, Arden’s is introducing a new plant-based, oil-free wraps and bowls. Get more information at ardensgarden.com.

►Rreal Tacos will open a new location at 227 Sandy Springs Place in April serving authentic Mexico City-style tacos. Rreal Tacos first opened in Midtown Atlanta in 2015. Since then, the restaurant has opened two other locations in West Midtown and Chamblee. For more information, visit rrealtacos.com.

Superica, a Tex-Mex restaurant founded by James Beard-nominated chef/owner Ford Fry, has opened its sixth metro location in a recently renovated indoor/ outdoor Ashford Lane food hall in Perimeter Center. “We like to build restaurants around what the community might need or want and what really speaks to each neighborhood, so Dunwoody,” Fry said. “We’re proud to be in the mix with a solid lineup of brands Ashford Lane is introducing to the area.” More details at superica.com.

◄The Halal Guys, a fast-casual restaurant that serves up chicken, gyro and falafel platters, has opened in Dunwoody at 237 Perimeter Center Parkway, Suite #H-61 in Park Center. Find out more at thehalalguys.com

PRESENTED BY:

“It is time to get back to old style medicine where a board certified orthopedist sees you, evaluates you, and cares for you.”

- Dan Richin & Dr. Paul Richin, MD

• Now offering MD supervised weight loss injections

• Now providing multiple Regenerative medicine techniques, including PRP and Stem Cell Injections.

• Timely appointments

• Guaranteed to see the doctor at every visit

• Convenient free parking in front

Now welcoming Deanna Anselmo APRN to the practice. Deanna specializes in aesthetics including Botox and Dysport injections. Microneedling, Fillers, and Peels.

Ortho Cortisone Injection Center

Summer Camps

EXPLORE. CONNECT. ACHIEVE. HAVE FUN. what camp should be.

For more than 50 years, High Meadows Camp has offered an authentic, traditional outdoor program on more than 40 acres of farm, woodland, and unique facilities.

Come join us this summer.

Session 1: May 30 – June 16

Session 2: June 19 – July 7 (no camp July 4)

Session 3: July 10 – July 28

Founded 1973 | Roswell, GA 770.993.7975 | highmeadowscamp.org

We’re Hiring a Automation Systems Analyst

Americold Logistics, LLC, Atlanta, GA & any unanticipated locations T/O the U.S. has an opening for an Automation Systems Analyst (Job Code OZ215) to be responsible for the support/production operations of WES & WMS. Includes general production support of production automated warehouse, lead training, and process roll out across on automation module. Act as the support point of contact for the automation systems. Req: Master’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related of study and a min of one year of exp (can be comb) in job offered or related occup in WMS and automation. Pos. requires approx. 40% travel to warehouse sites, poss. of working remotely W/occ. Business travel. $84,781 to $102,211

Mail resume to Barbara Bishop

10 Glenlake Pkwy NE, South Tower, Ste. 600, Atlanta, GA 30328.