Atlanta Intown - July

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CONTACT US

Editorial

Collin Kelley INtown Editor

collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

(404) 917-2200, ext. 102

Contributors

Stefanie Stuckey Benfield, Sally Bethea, Kathy Dean, Joe Earle, Manning Harris, Grace Huseth, Asep Mawardi, Annie Kinnett Nichols, Isadora Pennington, Colin Potts, Clare S. Richie, Shandra Hill Smith, Tim Sullivan, Megan Volpert, Diane Wynocker

Submissions

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

Advertising

Forinformationcall

(404)917-2200ext130.

Sales Executives

Jeff Kremer

Janet Porter

Jim Speakman

Circulation/ Subscriptions

Each month, 37,000 copies of Atlanta INtown are mailed to homes and distributed to businesses in and around ZIP codes 30306, 30307, 30308, 30309, 30324 and 30329. For delivery information, call (404) 917-2200, ext. 110.

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Turning Another Page

EDITOR’S LETTER

You might have noticed something different when you picked up this issue of INtown – a new logo on the cover, a much more colorful Contents list and this letter getting its own home here on Page 4. Just wait until you turn the page.

Ever since INtown celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2014, we’ve toyed with the idea of giving ourselves a little makeover. The conversation really got started in January after our creative director, Rico Figliolini, gave our sister publications, Reporter Newspapers, a new look. While the Reporters got a modern, newsy update, I wanted INtown to move more toward what it’s always been – a magazine.

So as you flip through, you’ll notice new section headers, bigger photos, more graphic design elements, updated fonts. There’s also more white space on the pages, which allows the content to breathe alongside our ever-growing roster of advertisers.

To be honest, the interior stuff came easy; what we agonized over was changing our recognizable logo. We’ve had the same logo ever since we transitioned from 30306 to Atlanta INtown in 1997. In 2005, we began capitalizing the IN in the logo, using it as our end mark for articles and our icon on social media like Twitter and Facebook. The stylized white on the red IN had become so familiar that we decided it should be part of the logo itself. Et voila! Along with the playful signature font of Atlanta and the bold INtown, we think it makes a bold statement.

What hasn’t changed is our dedication to an eclectic mix of stories about people, places and events that shape Intown. Business, arts and culture, restaurant news, and real estate news and features are all still here. It’s content you won’t find anywhere else.

Your favorite columns like Tim Sullivan’s hilarious (and this month poignant)

TimmyDaddy, Sally Bethea’s Above the Waterline and Megan Volpert’s always on point restaurant reviews are still here, too.

Of course, it’s you, our readers, and the aforementioned advertisers who keep INtown thriving. You’ve allowed us to come into your home every month for two decades, or you’ve picked us up while shopping or enjoying a cup of joe. It still gives me a little thrill to see people reading intently at my local coffee house.

We think INtown’s new duds are fresh and clean and ready for the next 20 years. We hope you’ll like it, and I’d love to hear your feedback. Onward.

The evolution of Atlanta INtown: The first issue of Atlanta 30306 from November 1996; the October 2002 issue of INtown when Kelley took over as editor; and the new INtown going forward from July 2016.

The Neighborhood

Pedal Power Bike share program planning Intown expansion

By Shandra Hill Smith and Collin Kelley

One month into the kickoff of the Relay bike share program in Atlanta, the city is seeing requests for more bike station locations. And Atlanta Bicycle Coalition (ABC) is busy collecting those requests and feedback while encouraging others to make their voices heard as well. ABC asks that you text the neighborhood where you’d like to see a bike station to (678) 647-7176, and take a short survey at the same time.

Relay rolled into Atlanta in June with 100 bikes and 10 stations. The stations for initial installation include: Broad Street, M. Rich Center, City Hall, Underground Atlanta, Georgia State University Arts & Humanities, Georgia State University Petit Science Center, Woodruff Park, Sweet Auburn Market, Hardy Ivy Park and Nelson Street Bridge. Stations, subject to further review by the city, may be located on public or private land. By the end of 2016, Atlanta expects to have 500 bikes between 50 locations throughout the city.

“Bike share and bicycling generally are an amazing way to experience the city,” says Becky Katz, the city’s chief bicycle officer. “Bike share enables Atlantans and visitors to ride a bike for errands, commuting or recreation.”

Cyclists can reserve a bike online (relaybikeshare.com) and get a unique PIN to unlock the bike at one of the stations. The cost is $8 an hour, $15 per month (which includes an hour of daily ride time), $20 per month (which includes 90 minutes of daily ride time), or a $25 semester pass for students who get an hour of daily ride time.

Relay is operated by Miami-based Cyclehop, a national bike share operating company. “The opportunity for anyone to check out a bike when you need one makes it as convenient as transit,” says ABC Executive Director Rebecca Serna. “The key is that the city is also building bike lanes that connect to each other, often separated from cars, so that anyone can feel safe and respected on a bike. Together, bike share and the bike lane network create a city where biking is a safe and realistic mode of transportation.”

In 2013, ABC with assistance from the city, completed a feasibility study demonstrating bike share as a sustainable and smart investment for Atlanta. Now, proponents say, they’re witnessing that reality play itself out.

“People are excited about the pilot downtown, and can’t wait for Relay to expand to cover more of the city,” says Serna.

One of the targeted areas for the bike share will be the city’s Westside neighborhoods. ABC recently received a $67,000 grant from The Better Bike Share Partnership, a collaboration between the City of Philadelphia, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, PeopleForBikes Foundation and the National Association of City Transportation Officials.

ABC is partnering with the city, Cyclehop, WeCycle, Urban Perform and Red, Bike & Green Atlanta to create a bike share champion program that provides pathways to employment while building a strong base of bike share users on the Westside.

For more information about the city’s bike share program, visit relaybikeshare.com or atlantabike.org.

Photos by Isadora Pennington

Top photo: Mayor Kasim Reed officially welcomed the bike share program.

Bottom photo: City “bike czar” Becky Katz talks about the program.

Photos by Isadora Pennington

The new Relay bike share program uses distinctive blue bikes, which are currently available at 10 stations in Downtown Atlanta. More stations around the city are on the way.

Bobby Jones course: A junior golf Mecca?

By Collin Kelley and Joe Earle

After months of community argument over how best to remake the Bobby Jones Golf Course, city officials have transferred ownership of the historic Buckhead course to the state.

Atlanta City Council voted 12-3 after hours of discussion on June 6 to turn over the course to the state of Georgia. State officials promise a $25 million makeover that will add a golf museum to the site and create what one supporter called “a junior golf Mecca.”

In return for the course, the state will turn over to the city a parking facility and another property near Underground Atlanta that the city needs to complete the sale of Underground to a private developer. The developer proposes building housing and shops in place of the little-used, city-owned tourist attraction.

Mayor Kasim Reed told council members before the vote that the transaction was the best thing for the city and community. “When this is all said and done, this will be the best golf facility in the region and state of Georgia,” Reed said.

Only three council members – Yolanda Adrean, Mary Norwood and Felicia Moore – voted against the transfer. But some supporters of the course continued to question the transfer after it was completed.

“I remain disappointed in the result,” said Anthony Smith, president of the Friends of Bobby Jones Golf Course.

“Financially, this is a giveaway of a park for a promise and a parking lot.”

Debate over the remaking of the golf course, which lies within Atlanta Memorial Park, has drawn hundreds of residents and golfers to public meetings on the renovation of the park originally proposed by the Atlanta Memorial Park Conservancy.

On June 3, just days before the council vote, Reed told more than 175 people attending a meeting at E. Rivers Elementary School that state officials’ plans for the course named for the iconic Atlanta golfer would create a “best in class” course and improve the care the course will receive in the future.

“This is going to be a golf course forever,” Reed said. “This golf course is going to be maintained in a way the city never could. I think when we get to the other side of this, we’re going to have something that will be a real jewel for the community.”

During the two-hour-plus question-andanswer session, Reed said state officials plan to turn the 18-hole course into a reversible nine-hole, public golf course and add a driving range and other practice facilities.

The state also will add a “Golf House” that would include a golf hall of fame

Continued on Page 8

Photos by Phil Mosier

Katharine Montgomery, co-president of the Collier Hills Civic Association, joins a public discussion regarding renovations to the Bobby Jones Golf Course during a June 3 meeting at E. Rivers Elementary School.

Residents look over plans for the revamp of Bobby Jones Golf Course at E. Rivers Elementary School at a community meeting on June 3.

Bobby Jones course: A junior golf Mecca?

Continued from page 7

ON THE AGENDA

MEETINGS

The Atlanta City Council meets July 5 and July 18 at 1 p.m. at City Hall. citycouncil.atlantaga.gov.

The Atlanta Board of Education is in recess this month. The next meeting is Aug. 8. atlanta.k12.ga.us.

The Decatur City Commission meets July 5 and July 18 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. decaturga.com.

Find your Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) meeting agenda and schedule at atlantaga.gov by clicking on Government and then Departments.

NEWS

The Atlanta City Council approved a $607 million fiscal year 2017 budget at its June 20 meeting that includes pay increases for fire and police personnel.

The City of Atlanta and Fulton County Recreation Authority passed a resolution June 23 to proceed with the sale of Turner Field to Georgia State University and its development partners to create a mixedused development.

The Fulton County Commission is expected to discuss demolishing or refurbishing the current Central Library in Downtown at its July 20 meeting.

A chief of police and 67 officers were sworn in as members of the newly formed Atlanta Public Schools Police Department on June 23.

PARKAtlanta has been given the boot and the city has opened bids for a new enforcement company.

museum and offices for several golf organizations, said Chuck Palmer, chairman of the Bobby Jones Golf Course Foundation and chair of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame committee.

The complex would be used to promote youth golf and as a home for the Georgia State University golf team, said Georgia State golf coach Joe Inman.

“This is not a back-door attempt to bring in new development into the Buckhead community,” Reed said. “It’s an effort to significantly enhance an asset we have in Buckhead.”

Under terms of the deal approved by the council, state officials also will lease back the Bitsy Grant Tennis Center to the city for 20 years, and the city would also get an easement for multi-purpose paths through the park, including PATH and the Atlanta BeltLine.

Councilmember Yolanda Adrean said she would keep fighting for the terms demanded by the community and said Reed could expect to see her in his office as the process continued. But Councilmember Kwanza Hall said he was optimistic about the deal. “The state won’t do anything less than stellar at that site,” he said.

Still, some residents and supporters of the course weren’t convinced that the deal was the right thing to do.

At the E. Rivers meeting, resident Roger Moister argued the proposal seemed to benefit college golfers and not local residents. “We want to leave the golf course 18 holes, save the trees, preserve the green space,” he said. “That’s what our residents want.”

Moister also said the proposed deal was moving too fast and with too little public scrutiny. “The state has the city over a barrel on this,” he said. “Somehow, I think the city is being bullied or blackmailed by the state in order to get this golf course.”

A number of golfers at the meeting objected to plans for the facility as a ninehole course.

But Reed and heads of golf groups supporting the change said the current course wasn’t safe to play and needed to be redesigned to protect golfers and drivers on

nearby streets. “We would love as much as anyone to keep 18 holes,” Inman said. “It just can’t be done [here].”

At the same time, Palmer and Inman said, the practice facilities will make the Bobby Jones a center for teaching golf to young players. “This will be a junior golf Mecca,” Inman said.

Smith, of the Friends of Bobby Jones, wasn’t convinced.

“The Trojan Horse was victorious.

Now we are left with a clubhouse that may become a white elephant,” Smith said in an email. “As for Friends of Bobby Jones Golf Course, Inc., we will re-assess our mission of providing an enjoyable and beautiful golf experience at the historic Bobby Jones Golf Course and Clubhouse. How this will be implemented with construction pending would be the question before us. We will continue until the money is committed, and until the first tree is cut.”

Voters to decide on MARTA sales tax in November

The Atlanta City Council voted unanimously in June to put a referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot to allow voters to decide whether MARTA will get an extra half-cent in sales tax for $2.8 billion over the next 40 years for expansion projects.

This month, the council will take up a potential second referendum for a transportation special purpose local option sales tax – or TSPLOST – to fund bike trails, sidewalks and road projects for five years. If voters approve another half-penny for the TSPLOST along with approving the MARTA tax, that would increase the city’s sales tax to 9 percent – the highest in the state.

Councilmember Felicia Moore said she voted for the MARTA tax referendum, but said “sales tax is regressive.” She said many of her constituents depend on MARTA to get to work and shopping, so she said expanding the system would help, while the sales tax will hurt.

“The poorest among are the ones being the most hurt by it,” Moore said. “The new way of funding projects is to ratchet up sales tax. People who are dependent on MARTA don’t have the option to go somewhere else with a lower sales tax to buy goods and services.”

Councilmember Kwanza Hall had infill stations at Mechanicsville and Krog/Hulsey Yard, identified in the 2007 Infill Station Study as having the greatest cost benefit to the potential project list. Hall also amended the list to add the proposed “S” Light Rail line that would connect Murphy Crossing, Atlanta University Center, the current Streetcar, the BeltLine Eastside to Armour Yard, and eventually on to Emory University. Other projects that would be funded by the sales tax include a transit station at Greenbriar Mall, on-demand circulators that operate in neighborhoods, additional fixed-bus routes, and other enhancements and expansion initiatives that would link to the Atlanta BeltLine as well as MARTA’s existing bus-and-rail network.

A rendering of the planned Golf House, which would include a hall of fame museum and offices for golf organizations.

Photos by Phil Mosier Catherine Spillman, executive director of the Atlanta Memorial Park Conservancy, discusses the Bobby Jones Golf Course at a public meeting on June 3.

Chuck Palmer, chairman of the Bobby Jones Golf Course Foundation and chair of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame committee, said a museum would be built onsite.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, who supported the golf course transfer to the state, said the course could become a “real jewel for the community.”

Summer In the City

Readers and photographers show us their favorite Intown hot spots

D

E | Chihuly in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden by Natrice Miller (natricemiller. com).

F | Samantha Hedges, her daughter Emilia Bell, Kaitlin Kane, her daughter Lucy, and their pup Spaghetti enjoy a picnic at Piedmont Park with friends Erin Trapaga, Sarah Trapaga and Kristy Breneman (Photo by Isadora Pennington, isadorapennington.com).

G | The old Pratt-Pullman Yard in Kirkwood by Lee Vann (LeeVannPhotography.com).

H | Peachtree Center MARTA station by Kirk Surgeon.

I | Downtown at dusk from the Waweh building in O4W by Eric Lawton.

J | Skaters at the Old Fourth Ward Skate Park by Asep Mawardi (bearbitedutainment. com).

K | Georgia Tech’s Vice Provost for Education Colin Potts captured this image of diplomas during spring commencement.

More photos Page 12

A | Lauren Holley (graphiknation. com) snapped this photo of the Downtown skyline from Oakland Cemetery at sunset.

B | Jamie Tinker (Instagram@ jtinkerart) checks out the art along the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail.

C | Atlanta Urban Photo Walkers (Instagram@ATLurbanphoto) meet to explore and photograph urban areas. Photo by Lauren Holley.

| Skyline Park at Ponce City Market by Blake Burton.

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Over the years, we have advised hundreds of older adults who are trying to determine if Marsh’s Edge is right for them.

In the swim of it

Julie Granger fights cancer, fear to help train swimmers for fundraising event

By Clare S. Richie

When the annual Atlanta Open Water Swim fundraiser for local cancer centers takes place at Lake Lanier in September,

Dr. Julie Granger will be in the water making sure the swimmers don’t injure themselves. She’s no stranger to injuries –or cancer.

Swim Across America (SAA) will hold the 4th annual Atlanta Open Water Swim “Making Waves to Fight Cancer” on Sept. 17 at Lake Lanier. The national nonprofit will bring together Olympians, more than 500 regional swimmers of all ages, and volunteers to raise funds for cancer research.

Since 2011, SAA Atlanta has raised over $531,000 for the Aflac Cancer Center, which cares for more than 7,300 children annually, and another $100,000 to the Winship Cancer Center.

New this year, students and swim teams from Intown schools including Pace, Lovett, Druid Hills and Westminster will serve on the inaugural SAA Junior Board. With the guidance of Olympian Amanda

swimming.”

In college and grad school Granger continued to coach swimmers, first at Duke University and then at Emory University, where she attended physical therapy school.

With a hardwired mentality of coach, teacher and leader – Granger redefined her swimming aspirations. Her rehabilitation opened her eyes to a career in physical therapy that would give her more one-onone time with patients.

“I re-evaluated my swimming goals and have fulfilled my dream to work with swimmers,” Granger said. “I not only help young athletes improve, but also educate parents and coaches on how to avoid injury in the first place.”

In her business, Performance Rehabilitation & Integrative Sports Medicine, she provides a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Despite her professional work with swimmers, she had been reluctant to dive back into swimming herself.

In 2013, Granger started to follow SAA on social media and wanted to participate in an open water swim while supporting others in the fight against cancer. To do that would mean overcoming her fear of re-injury. She decided to go for it.

“For two years, I was very patient and took baby steps until swimming finally felt great again. And then it was taken from me. Again. This time ironically by the disease that I was swimming to fight against for others,” Granger shared.

Last summer, Granger fell sick with daily high fevers, night sweats, weight loss and a dry cough. A biopsy of a grapefruit-sized mass in her lung revealed a rare form of sarcoma cancer, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.

Jo Weir and Granger, the students will raise awareness and funds within their school communities.

“I love working with teenagers,” Granger said. “Helping young people succeed is a vision that drives my personal and professional life.”

Granger trained and competed yearround at Atlanta’s Dynamo Swim Club for 14 years and went on to the NCAA Division 1 varsity program at Duke University. After the best swim season of her life sophomore year, a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery derailed her swimming career.

“I have suffered tremendous hardship and the highest triumphs,” she reflected, “but one thing remained constant –

A Northside Hospital sarcoma specialist prescribed Granger an innovative type of chemotherapy, and within 48 hours of her first treatment, all of her symptoms went away. By May 2016, her tumor shrank by 80 percent.

She spent 10 days at Northside Hospital having the tumor removed and her chest wall reconstructed. She must still undergo radiation and more chemo, but she plans to get back into the pool as soon as possible.

“In the process of overcoming the disease, I fell completely head over heels in love with swimming again. It came back to me when I had the opportunity to get involved with Swim Across America,” Granger added.

To train at SAA open water clinics provided on July 10, Aug. 7 and Aug. 11, visit fixmyswim.com and swimacrossamerica.org/atlanta.

Special

Dr. Julie Granger

INSIDE LOOK

Mercedes-Benz Stadium on track for 2017 opening

Local media got a tour of the under-construction Mercedes-Benz Stadium in late June. The stadium, slated to open next spring, will be home field for the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC. It will also host the Super Bowl in 2019. Our contributing photographer Colin Potts snapped these photos.

Neighborhood Hot List: Grant Park & Ormewood Park Cave Spring, ga

Grant Park and Ormewood Park are two of Atlanta’s most sought after residential neighborhoods with their mix of classic Victorian- and Craftsman-style homes. Here are some of the things we love about these vibrant communities.

Recognized as one of the best in the country, Zoo Atlanta’s large habitats give the animals room to move and thrive.

Some of Intown’s most beloved restaurants are located in Grant Park including Six Feet Under, Ria’s Bluebird, Grant Central Pizza, Mi Barrio and Doc Chey’s.

Open Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from April to December, the market offers everything from fresh produce and handmade goods to visits by local celebrity chefs. It’s located just off Cherokee Avenue in the park.

The distinctive former railroad bridge is a community landmark and also part of the ongoing Atlanta BeltLine project.

Located in the heart of Ormewood Park in the former Anne E. West Elementary School building. The charter school is considered one of the city’s best.

1. Zoo Atlanta

2. Ormewood Avenue Bridge

3. Dining Out

4. Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School

5. Grant Park Farmers Market

The job of an Atlanta Police Department officer extends beyond arresting criminals and fighting crime. Recently, after responding to a call of a missing child and adult,

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

Investigator April White noticed that the family of six didn’t have beds. In an effort to help the family, Investigator White posted a message on her personal Facebook page, asking friends to help her collect clothing, bedding and other household supplies. After seeing the Facebook post, Brain Woodward, district manager for Mattress Firm, reached out to Investigator White to offer assistance. Mattress Firm donated and delivered the beds to Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters, and Atlanta police officers and Investigator White delivered the beds to the family.

Atlanta City

Councilmember Michael Julian Bond was recently joined by celebrity drag racer Leah Pritchett at Fire Station #1 to thank members of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department for their dedicated service and participation in the Save-A-Blitz Campaign. The campaign involved visiting homes to test and replace smoke detectors, distribute free hand-held fire extinguishers and educate citizens on fire safety. Carbon monoxide detectors were also tested or replaced. The campaign kicked off in 2015 and continues throughout city.

The Atlanta Police Foundation and Atlanta Police Department have created the Secure Neighborhoods program, which gives APD officers an opportunity to purchase a home in strategic neighborhoods throughout the city to increase police visibility and enhance engagement between the APD and the citizens they serve. The APF provides a $300 to $500 per month stipend to officers who live and serve the community for at least five years. Officers will serve as a community ambassador – engaging the neighborhood members in public safety initiatives.

If you are a smoker or even stopped smoking, it’s time to get a lung screening. A screening can help detect lung cancer early when there are more treatment options and a higher chance of survival. Northside Hospital Cancer Institute offers a low dose CT screening if you’re 55 – 77 years old and a current or previous smoker. It’s quick and easy and could save your life.

For information call 404-531-4444 or visit northside.com/lung

Where

Special Councilmember Michael Julian Bond, center, is flanked by members of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department during the recent campaign to test and replace smoke detectors.

Remembering the Olympics Centennial Park, Atlanta History Center to host remembrances

By Grace Huseth

As the Summer Olympic Games get ready to begin in Rio de Janeiro this August, Atlanta reflects on its moment of hosting the best athletes in the world 20 years ago.

The largest 1996 Olympic Games remembrance will take place at Centennial Olympic Park on July 16. The park will honor the Games with a free, public celebration. The event will begin at 5 p.m. with musical guests, remarks from past organizers and Olympic athletes, and will end with a fireworks display.

Morgan Smith-Williams, who handles pubic relations for Centennial Olympic Park, said former volunteers and friends of the 1996 Olympics will have the opportunity to reunite, and there will color-coded tents to represent the various sports, venues and other support roles so participants can relive the spirit and variety of the Games.

The Centennial Olympic Games Museum at the Atlanta History Center guides visitors throughout the history of the Olympic movement, from the inception of the Olympic Games in ancient Greece through the modern Olympic Games.

The exhibit features athletic drama presented in a panorama that incorporates artifacts, sculpture, photographs and illuminated panels along an indoor running track. In addition, a media presentation offers large-screen highlights from the Games. Other highlights include America’s

only complete collection of Olympic torches and medals.

Howard Pousner, manager of media relations at the Atlanta History Center, said the Centennial Olympic Games Museum will close for renovation Aug. 22, immediately after the Rio de Janeiro Games end. However, new developments make way for an improved history of the Atlanta Olympic Games and a special hallway to connect the atrium to the Cyclorama building. Planning and fundraising for this new exhibition are ongoing, with reopening targeted for a date to be determined in 2017.

“The new Centennial Olympic Games Museum exhibition will take a larger view of the ’96 Games from a two-decades-later perspective,” Pousner said.

To jump start the Olympics season, the Atlanta History Center is hosting a “Going for Gold” event where families can enjoy the spirit of the Games with their own competition on the history center’s campus. On July 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

Above: The Rings Fountain at Centennial Olympic Park is a lasting legacy of the ‘96 Games. Inset: The Olympic Games Museum at Atlanta History Center.

visitors can explore the exhibits, meet real Olympians and compete in Olympic-style sports for the chance to win 1996 Olympic memorabilia.

What will your kids say they did this summer?

HEALTH BRIEFS

The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership’s Westside 5K Road Race and Play Day will be held at West End Park (1111 Oak St. SW) on July 16 at 7:30 a.m. The event will feature a fun team challenge and competition between Atlanta’s police and fire rescue departments. People of all fitness levels are encouraged to participate and form fundraising teams. Register at beltline.org/ races. All proceeds from the race support the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership. Play will begin just after the race and continue until 2 p.m. featuring a variety of sports and fitness activities led by trained coaches and instructors.

Tickets are available for the 6th annual Summer Sizzle to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta on Aug. 26 from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Summerour Studios on the Westside. The evening will feature a menu of Southern snacks and favorites, live music and silent auction. Last year’s event raised more than $90,000. For tickets and more information, visit giving.choa.org/summersizzle.

Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta said over $1 million was raised during the annual Race for the Cure in May for breast cancer support, awareness and education. Komen Atlanta also announced that grants were awarded to 18 local healthcare organizations including the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Piedmont Healthcare, Grady Health Foundation and YWCA of Greater Atlanta.

PET BRIEFS

Ms. Kiddybomboms is as sweet as she is beautiful. She loves to curl up around your neck for a cuddle and is happy to hang out with people all day. She wants all of your attention and would like it best if she did not have to share it with other kitties. Ms. Kiddybomboms is good with people of all ages. She is available for adoption and is currently at Second Life Upscale Resale Store in Avondale if you ever want to visit her. You can also e-mail Laura at lmckelvey@pawsatlanta. org for more information. For more information about adopting pets from PAWS Atlanta, visit pawsatlanta.org or drop by the shelter at 5287 Covington Highway in Decatur.

Special LifeLine shelter dog Hector made his stage debut in ‘Of Mice and Men’ at Serenbe.

Barking Hound Village Buckhead Daycare is now open at 50 Pharr Road. Located next to Sophie’s Uptown, Barking Hound owner David York’s bakery supports animal rescue groups, and the 5,000-square-foot doggie daycare facility offers grooming services, two indoor play yards and an outdoor yard for all day free-play. For more information, visit barkinghoundvillage.com/buckhead-daycare.

Two dogs from LifeLine Animal Project’s Fulton County Animal Services shelter made their stage debut in Serenbe Playhouse’s production “Of Mice and Men.” Hector and Autumn were featured in the show last month. Serenbe Playhouse Founder and Artistic Director Brian Clowdus is fostering the dogs and working on finding the perfect forever homes for them.

HISTORY REPEATING

Midtown Alliance has begun sorting and archiving its vast collection of digitized photos. The organization has accumulated more than 10,500 photos (and counting) of Midtown through the years. If you have a great photo of Midtown – past or present –tweet them to the Midtown Alliance using the hashtag #MyMidtownView.

Below: Rio Mall was definitely ahead of its time. The futuristic retail center was built in 1988 at the corner of North and Piedmont avenues with a fountain and gold frog sculptures as its centerpiece. The mall floundered and was closed after a decade. It was demolished to make way for a Publix and Walgreens pharmacy.

Above: Located at 583 Peachtree St., the New Columbia Theater was known, at various times, as the Atlanta, the Erlanger, the Tower and Martin Cinerama. It was torn down in the ‘90s to build a parking lot.

Right: Looking south toward the AT&T Tower, this shows the construction of the Midtown MARTA station.

Oakland Cemetery discovers 800 unmarked AfricanAmerican graves

Oakland Cemetery has discovered more than 800 unmarked graves in the African-American section of the historic burial ground.

Preparing for its next phase of restoration, the Historic Oakland Foundation (HOF) recently conducted a geophysical survey of the AfricanAmerican section in the cemetery and discovered some 872 probable grave sites. HOF’s Preservation, Restoration and Operations (PRO) Team will crossreference the flagged locations with the cemetery’s burial records to verify the data.

HOF partnered with Atlanta-based remote sensing firm Bigman Geophysical for a technologically-advanced survey of the three acres comprising Oakland’s African-American grounds.

Bigman Geophysical spent several days

at Oakland, utilizing ground penetrating radar (GPR) and highly-precise GPS. The GPR waves reflect back when encountering a change in the material underground, such as a coffin. The GPR unit displayed a realtime cross-section of what is underground, and surveyors placed a flag on each location that detected a change in material. Those flag locations were then recorded with GPS and the data loaded into software that Bigman Geophysical then interpreted.

Historic African-American burial traditions utilized natural markers like wood, shrubbery or flowers, which have been lost through the passage of time. Therefore, much of this section of Oakland Cemetery is bereft of headstones or other visual markers.

“HOF is spending a large part of 2016 researching and preparing to work in the African-American section next year,” said Neale Nickels, director of preservation at HOF. “We are gathering community support and interest, and hope that in addition to a restoration of the hardscape and landscape, we will be able to add to our already well-rounded educational programming.”

For more information, visit oaklandcemetery.com.

Bigman Geophysical spent several days using ground radar and GPS to find the unmarked graves at Oakland Cemetery. Each possible grave site was marked with a red flag for futher investigation.

Be kind, be helpful, love and be loved

Today is Father’s Day. Our tradition of breakfast in bed gave way to the new Waffle House in downtown Decatur. It was the kid’s idea (which frankly, seems to be an alarming trend for Father’s Day activities) but we all enjoyed it.

The day has drifted along – bike riding for Kristen and Margo, soccer in the park for me and Elliott, errands, baseball practice in the early evening. I even flexed my dad muscles by reading the New York Times and watching the U.S. Open. But I keep coming back to thoughts of my brother Rob.

and helpful. He felt so fortunate to have known and worked with Rob, and he just wanted me to know that. And now I am so thankful to know that.

TIMMY DADDY

By Tim Sullivan

Rob’s wake and funeral last month must have set some sort of Catholic church attendance record. Do they keep stats? The three wake sessions were hardly enough for the throngs of people who came through. His funeral filled St. Agnes Cathedral for the first time since 9/11. Robert Jr.,16, gave a poignant and mature eulogy buttressed on either side by his siblings Caitlin,14, and Patrick, 12. It could not have been written or delivered without the gift of time that Rob gave Suzanne and the kids. He took a dire diagnosis and somehow stretched it out for sixand-a-half years like it was an entirely negotiable contract.

People I hadn’t seen in decades came through to pay respects and it warmed my heart to know how fondly they remembered Rob. One friend recalled that we had this big Chevy Impala station wagon. She said in high school Rob would pile kids in and make sure that everyone got home safely from parties. The tidbit spoke volumes, but I expected stories like this because I grew up with him, too. On the night he died, Suzanne was at his bedside and thanked him for the wonderful life they had together. His last words were “glad I could help.” Granted, he was also a world-class wise-ass, but the quip underscores that he was something of an opportunistic helper. Nice guys bow at his altar.

One attendee said he worked with Rob at Verizon many years ago. He was younger than my brother, but a fellow Manhattan College alum, so Rob took him under his wing. He beamed when he spoke about how Rob was the most intelligent guy in the department, and also the most patient

My brother Bill and I were at the end of the receiving line during the first wake session, welcoming and thanking the countless friends from Rockville Centre. One guy shook our hands, offered condolences and moved along. But he quickly came back. He had tears in his eyes and he was shaking a little bit. He said, “You know about an hour ago when the priest was leading you all in the ‘Our Father’? I want you to know that it traveled down the line that runs out the door, through the parking lot and around the block. People around the block were saying an ‘Our Father’ for your brother.” This is an anecdote I’ll tuck away for keeps.

So maybe I’m spending a good chunk of Father’s Day reflecting on my brother and the sweet takeaways from last month, but that’s OK by me.

The tribute to him may have been the most life-affirming event I’ve ever been a part of. Of course he wanted to live much longer. Of course there have been many moments where I’ve found myself staring at a photo of him, full of life, a bear hug waiting to happen, and it is nearly impossible to believe he is gone. But my heart is full. His life resonates even louder now. Be kind, be helpful, love and be loved. It has been a good Father’s Day.

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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.

Rob Sullivan

ATLeaders

Metro Atlanta Chamber aims to mentor young talent

By Clare S. Richie

The Metro Atlanta Chamber just unveiled its newest effort to mentor young talent, ATLeaders, a council of young professionals under 40. The council seeks to provide these up-and-comers with access to the business community, a network of their peers and the opportunity to make a social impact, specifically in the areas of transit and food insecurity.

“ATLeaders is the perfect marriage of the power, support and credibility of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, with the vision of the leaders of tomorrow, ” Fred Roselli, senior director of communications for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and chair of ATLeaders, said.

The timing of the council is no accident as Gen X and millennial generations are projected to be 75 percent of the workforce within the next five years. And as Roselli points out, “most millennials across the nation say they are not being developed as leaders.”

With ATLeaders, young professionals will work alongside established entrepreneurs and CEOs while bringing new energy and ideas to the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

The recent event launch in May on the Ponce City Market rooftop drew interest from 600 Atlantans eager to hear about the council’s vision. “The massive turnout exceeded expectations and validated what we are doing,” Roselli said.

The steering committee, comprised of young professionals from King of Pops, Georgia Power, Google, Atlanta Tech Village and more, announced the council’s social impact focus areas of transit and food insecurity.

With young professionals favoring walkable neighborhoods with accessible transit, ATLeaders supports the expansion of transit in metro Atlanta. The council will work with community social impact organizations Advance Atlanta, Relay Bike Share, and MARTA and its membership to get out the “YES” vote this November for the City of Atlanta referendum that increases sales tax by a half a penny to expand MARTA and complete the Atlanta BeltLine.

The council is also working alongside Georgia Organics, Truly Living Well, WeCycle, and Food Well Alliance to address the more than two-million Georgia residents, including 500,000 children, who live in food deserts.

“We now have momentum and are busy planning for how to build on it,” Tyler Rogers, pied popper of partying at King of Pops and ATLeaders co-chair explained.

Look for an event at least once a quarter. Next up is a transit panel discussion on Aug. 2 at 11:45 a.m. at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. The panel, moderated by Rohit Malhotra, founder and executive director of the Center for Civic Innovation, will feature transit social impact organizations working with the council.

Find out more about upcoming events and opportunities at @ATLeaders on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

Every Robin Loves Their Nest.

Special

Members of the new ATLeaders council met for a mixer at Skyline Park on the rooftop at Ponce City Market.

Colony Square reveals new ‘urbane’ design plan

North American Properties (NAP) and local branding firm Imbibe have unveiled a new video showing a reimagined Colony Square in Midtown.

Describing the new look as “urbane” in a media statement, NAP also announced that it has enlisted New York City-based Beyer Blinder Belle in collaboration with Atlanta-based Lord Aeck Sargent as the architectural design team to revamp the 46-year-old mixed-use property at the corner of Peachtree and 14th streets.

The new look reinvents the retail center, offering an indoor/outdoor space with terraces, lush landscaping, restaurant patios spilling into common areas and prominent access to retail shops.

“We are seeing a global resurgence of public squares,” said Fred Kent, founder and president of Project for Public Spaces and advisor to NAP. “Colony Square will become a sophisticated business, residential and cultural hotspot that, like all great squares, is alive with street-level energy and activity.”

“The renewal of Colony Square represents an extraordinary opportunity to create a charismatic and welcoming public place at the heart of a growing neighborhood, on the corner of ‘Main and Main’ Atlanta,” said Richard Metsky, partner at Beyer Blinder Belle. “The

design concept supports the ongoing transformation of Midtown into a vibrant commercial, retail, residential and cultural district.”

According to Metsky, a central challenge is to soften the hard edges and seemingly impenetrable buildings that make circulation through the complex difficult. The strategy is to dissolve the barriers between Colony Square and the adjacent community by creating visual connections – from the outside in and inside out – that will reinforce connectivity and promote an engaging pedestrian experience.

Lord Aeck Sargent will collaborate with Beyer Blinder Belle to bring local expertise and historical perspective to the project.

“Colony Square’s mid-century modern architecture is an important contribution to the real estate history of Atlanta and the Southeast,” said Jack Pyburn, principal and director of the Historic Preservation practice area at Lord Aeck Sargent.

“Currently, people describe Colony Square with words like ‘boring,’ ‘lots of concrete’ and ‘dated,’” said Ben Friedman, founder of Imbibe. “The brand we’ve built reflects Colony Square’s dynamic future – a 24/7 foodie and shopping mecca activated with events, retailers, restaurants and cultural experiences.”

“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.”

Georgia Tech buys historic Biltmore in Midtown

The Georgia Tech Foundation Inc. (GTF) has reached an agreement to purchase the historic Biltmore on West Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta from an affiliate of Novare Group for an undisclosed price, according to Georgia Tech’s News Center.

The building, which has approximately 290,000 square feet of loft office, retail and ballroom space, is directly across West Peachtree Street from Technology Square.

The Biltmore is occupied predominantly by engineering firms, energy companies and late-stage technology startups. The largest tenants are Pindrop, SouthStar Energy Services and Kimley-Horn and Associates. The acquisition does not include the Biltmore Residences, which are privately owned condominiums.

“The purchase of this property will not affect the historical status of the building,” said Al Trujillo, president of the GTF. “We will continue the legacy of appropriate financial and operational stewardship of this remarkable treasure.”

“The Biltmore is already a vibrant component of what the Georgia Tech Foundation, the Institute and its partners have previously built in creating the innovation neighborhood of Technology Square,” said Gary T. Jones, chairman of the Georgia Tech Foundation. “This simply strengthens what is one of the country’s most energetic technology ecosystems, and is a wonderful example of the connections and collaborations between startups, business leaders and Georgia Tech faculty, students and researchers. It’s a great honor for the Georgia Tech Foundation to own this wellknown Midtown landmark and to continue to be a part of Technology Square as it serves as a magnet for Georgia’s entrepreneurial community.”

“For many years, the Biltmore has served as the historic anchor in Midtown Atlanta,” said G.P. “Bud” Peterson, president of the Georgia Institute of Technology. “When you cross the Fifth Street bridge connecting our main campus with Tech Square, it is the first thing you see. We are proud to be able to incorporate it as a part of Georgia Tech. The acquisition of the Biltmore, combined with the state’s generous support of our business incubator program, the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), positions Georgia Tech to further expand the number of companies we serve.”

William Candler, son of Coca-Cola magnate Asa Candler, was the local financier behind the Biltmore project, purchasing the land for the hotel in 1921 with his proceeds of the sale of the Coca-Cola Company and incorporating the Atlanta Biltmore Hotel Company in conjunction with the New York-based Biltmore hotel chain.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Youth Entrepreneurs Georgia (YEGeorgia) recently launched its Chairman’s Circle, a major giving society for business and community leaders committed to making entrepreneurship education a philanthropic priority across the Atlanta area and the state of Georgia. YEGeorgia launched in 2006 with 38 students at two Atlanta public high schools – Benjamin E. Mays and Maynard Jackson. Today it is offered to about 360 students a year in 13 middle and high schools in the city of Atlanta and Cobb, DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. Plans are underway to expand the program into more cities, counties and classrooms, with a goal of serving 1,000 students a year by 2020. Membership in YEGeorgia’s Chairman’s Circle is open to individuals and small businesses investing $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000, and to corporations and foundations contributing $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000. Donations made during 2016 will earn each the distinction of being “founding members” of the Chairman’s Circle.

A recent reception at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, which featured Youth Entrepreneurs creator Elizabeth Koch, also highlighted YEGeorgia’s 10-year growth from a Georgia-Pacific project to an independent nonprofit organization that has impacted more than 2,000 students. For more information visit yegeorgia.org.

Special

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs Inc. (ACE) , a nonprofit community development financial institution, has opened a new office at Flatiron City, 84 Peachtree St. in Downtown’s Flatiron building. ACE helps grow sustainable small businesses in Georgia by providing access to capital, business coaching and community connections. For more information, visit www.aceloans.org.

WeWork , a co-working space, has opened in Buckhead at 3365 Piedmont Road. WeWork Buckhead offers private offices, individual desks plus spaces for large corporations, and indoor and outdoor community event space. For more information, visit wework.com/Buckhead.

Continued on Page 28

Special

The former Biltmore Hotel building on West Peachtree Street in Midtown is home to engineering firms and technology startups.

From left: Georgia Pacific CEO Jim Haanan, YEGeorgia founder Elizabeth Koch, Georgia Pacific Foundation President Curely M. Dossman Jr. and YE Georgia Executive Director Scott Brown.

Phipps Plaza in Buckhead has announced that Philipp Plein will open a store in the mall this Setpember, offering clothing and accessories for men, women and kids. Also just opened is maternity wear and accessories shop A Pea in the Pod . Across Peachtree Road at Lenox Square , Britishbased Ted Baker London will open this fall offering sophisticated menswear, womenswear and accessories.

TechSquare Labs has announced it will be joining the Google for Entrepreneurs global community, bringing Google’s resources to startups in the Southeast. It also becomes the program’s sole tech hub partner in Atlanta and one of only 26 in the world. Joining the Tech Hub

Network allows TechSquare Labs to connect startup communities and local entrepreneurs across more than 125 countries, from Chicago to London to Shanghai. The Midtown innovation and startup entrepreneurship hub will open its 25,000-square-foot space to

BUSINESS BRIEFS

entrepreneurs from around the globe and provide Atlanta-based startups with access to Google’s global network and resources.

IDEA , an arts organization dedicated to collaboratively supporting artists and selling their work, has opened a gallery space at 5346-A Peachtree Road. IDEA – which stands for innovative, design, exhibit and art – represents fine art, drawings, paintings, photography, mixed media and sculpture. The space is the brainchild of designer and entrepreneur Amy Spanier, in partnership with arts and technology educator Peter Dyer. For more information, visit IdeaChamblee.com.

The new Kroger at Glenwood Place opened to the public on June 29 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The 120,000-square-foot store is adding more than 300 new jobs and has its own Starbucks, Little Clinic, Murray’s Cheese Shop, a drive-thru pharmacy, expanded beer and wine selections, a larger meat and seafood department and fuel center. The Glenwood store also offers ClickList – a service that provides customers with the ease of placing orders online and picking up their groceries at a time and location convenient for them. Customers can shop for more than 40,000 items across the entire store on ClickList, including fresh produce, meat and seafood, dairy and frozen products. The service is expected to launch this month.

The city’s first AC Hotel by Marriott is slated to open in late July next to Phipps Plaza in Buckhead at the corner of Peachtree and Wieuca Roads.

According to Tomorrow’s News Today, the hotel will have six floors, 166 guest rooms, 1,200 square feet of meeting room space, a bar and lounge, an indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center. The AC Kitchen will offer self-serve European fare and will serve as the hotel’s onpremise food option.

A new 4,064-square-foot, freestanding SEPHORA store is now open at Ponce City Market . The store offers makeup, skincare, tools and accessories.

Alan Avery Art Company is moving from East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead to 656 Miami Circle in early June. The new gallery will feature two large spaces and a third, more intimate space. For more information, visit alanaveryartcompany.com.

Who cares for Atlanta? Piedmont does. Now more than ever.

A rendering of the new 166-room AC Hotel by Marriott at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead.

The new IDEA gallery represents fine art of all kinds.

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Green Go

Glass Recycling

A clear understanding of a sensible policy

By Stephanie Stuckey Benfield

As Mayor Kasim Reed’s Director of Sustainability, I’m proud to say that the City of Atlanta continues to lead as one of the nation’s top-tier sustainable cities. Solid waste recycling plays a major role in achieving this goal and protecting our environmental health.

Like many of our peer cities, we provide a curbside, single-stream recycling program for our residents, and currently accept all forms of recyclable material (household paper, cardboard, glass, cans and plastics numbered 1-5 and 7).

Recently a few of our environmentally conscious residents inquired about how the city processes glass, and we want to be clear about our actions. The city contracts with WastePro to process our recycling. We continue to collect glass and recycle it to the fullest extent. However, glass is a commodity, and like any other commodity, markets fluctuate up and down. Right now market rates for glass are low. Because of these low rates, it is more cost efficient for much of the glass to be crushed and landfilled. If market rates improve and prices go up, the city’s contractor will recycle glass at a higher rate.

The other major recycling companies in the metropolitan Atlanta area have adopted similar policies related to glass: they collect glass but currently landfill it. Sending glass to the landfill is environmentally sound. Glass is essentially made from liquid sand (silica). When crushed and sent to the landfill, glass takes up a minimal amount of volume and tonnage, and does not produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions,

unlike organic wastes.

While cities across the country have stopped processing glass for recycling and no longer accept glass as part of their residential recycling program, Atlanta remains committed to finding solutions that make sense for our economy and environment with our recycling program. We encourage residents to keep up their habit of placing glass jars and bottles in the Cartlanta bins because WastePro will resume glass recycling when market rates improve.

Passionate and thoughtful residents who want the assurance that their used glass will always be recycled should drop their glass recycling off at the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (“CHaRM”), a city-supported recycling facility located at 1110 Hill Street, SE. CHaRM has a contract with College Park-based Strategic Materials, which processes 250-300 tons of mixed glass and garbage daily, and does recycle glass. CHaRM also accepts a wide variety of household hazardous waste, bulky trash and other hard-to-recycle items.

Of course, the best approach to decreasing waste going into our landfills is to focus on the first two of the three R’s: reduce and reuse before you recycle. Atlanta wants to be forward thinking in our recycling strategy. We know that markets recover, and we want Atlanta to have both the means and the mindset to make the most of that recovery.

Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, a former state representative from DeKalb County and longtime environmental advocate, is the director of the Office of Sustainability for the City of Atlanta.

m

m Qualified volunteers will be paid for participation and travel.

m Blood pressure management, brain scan, and an examination of your memory and thinking abilities.

Park Pride has announced that 15 community groups in Atlanta and DeKalb have received grant awards to fund capital park improvements. To date, Park Pride has awarded over $4.1 million to projects that include new playgrounds, land acquisitions, bridges, improved signage, new trails, exercise equipment and more. The recipients include: Friends of Springvale Park, Grant Park Conservancy, Friends of Mountain Way Common, Friends of John Howell Park, Friends of OrmondGrant Park, Adams Park Foundation, Friends of Chapel Hill Park, Friends of Channing Valley Park, Ansley Park Beautification Foundation, Friends of Pendergrast Park, Friends of Sibley Park, Friends of Frazier-Rowe Park, Friends of Anderson Park, Friends of Whittier Mill Park and Capitol View Community Garden. To learn more about Park Pride grants, visit parkpride.org/get-involved/fundingyour-park.

Metal sculptor David Landis has completed his educational 33 Oaks project along the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine. The installation consists of huge oak leaves, representing the 33 varieties of oaks native to Georgia. Each polished steel leaf is 3 to 8 feet in length. Plantings of each species of oak will be in proximity of the coinciding stainless steel leaf sculptures.

Emory University has announced plans to launch a $1.5 million Sustainability Revolving Fund , a self-replenishing program that will be used to fund capital-intensive energy and water-efficiency projects across campus. The program is made possible by a $500,000 grant from

SEE A SLIMMER YOU

SCHEDULE

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

A close-up of one of David Landis’ giant sculpted leaves, which is part of the installation 33 Oaks along the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine.

The Kendeda Fund, an Atlanta-based private family foundation that invests in transformative leaders, ideas and community-driven solutions. The grant was matched by a $1 million investment by the university .

Where Have All the Fireflies Gone?

green spectrum, the blink of a firefly appears extremely bright, although it represents the equivalent of only .0025 candlepower.

The late, great writer Edward Abbey described the phenomenon more succinctly and poetically as “organic lanterns afloat on the currents of evening.”

Do you remember the fireflies of your childhood summers?

More than 50 years later, I can close my eyes and recall everything about those humid Southern nights: the excitement of running after the blinking bugs with a glass jar (holes punched in the lid), the buzzing of cicadas, crickets and katydids in the background (an iconic Southern sound), and the contrast of the tiny lights in my yard with the stars in the sky.

In early June, I joined hundreds of people in a dark, hardwood forest near

Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to view the light show put on by Photinus carolinus, the only firefly species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns in mesmerizing displays. Elkmont has the largest population in the country, attracting thousands of people every year during the 10-day period when the fireflies flash in their mating ritual.

We walked into the woods, not far from the soothing sound of Jake’s Creek, and put our folding chairs in a small opening. We waited, our eyes adjusting to the darkening forest as the stars emerged above.

Like clockwork, at 9:30 p.m., the firefly performance began: a few flashes at first that built over a half an hour to waves of twinkling lights, one of the most amazing forms of communication in the insect world. It was truly magical; I felt like a child again.

The production of light by living organisms is called bioluminescence – a chemical reaction that combines the chemical luciferin and oxygen with the enzyme luciferase in the firefly’s abdomen. One of the most efficient lights in the world, 100 percent of the energy emitted by the firefly is light. Because the human eye is very sensitive to light in the yellow-

By Sally Bethea

Sally Bethea is the retired executive director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (chattahoochee.org),

Flying four to five feet above the forest floor, several male fireflies flash first to start a group burst; this signal is followed by four to eight synchronous flashes that can be seen throughout the forest as all the insects join in the display. Then abrupt darkness, until the females, resting on the ground blink twice in response to the performance above them. As a male approaches a female, a close-range mating dialogue of alternating, aimed flashes begins.

Fireflies are disappearing all over the world, apparently from the destruction, degradation and fragmentation of their habitats as human development spreads. People along the Mae Klong River in Thailand say that a generation

“Gathering of Souls,” a time-lapse image of the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Radim Schreiber

ago the flashing insects were so thick in the trees along the riverbank that they served as highway beacons for boatsmen at night.

Here at home, a summer doesn’t pass without my hearing someone lament the fact that the lightning bugs of their youth have largely disappeared.

Scientists don’t know a great deal about these luminous insects because they only began studying them in earnest in recent decades; however, they blame the disappearance on two primary factors: development and light pollution. Logging, pollution and increased use of pesticides may also contribute to destroying firefly habitat.

You can help university researchers answer important questions about fireflies and develop programs to save them through a citizen science project called Firefly Watch created by the Museum of Science in Boston. It takes just 10 minutes each week to watch your yard or a nearby park, record your observations and submit the data.

Given Atlanta’s proximity to the Smokies, consider planning your own trip to Elkmont next year. I promise: it will bring back childhood memories and much more

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Join Firefly Watch at: legacy.mos.org/fireflywatch/

At Home:

• Turn off outside lights at night.

• Let logs and litter accumulate.

• Create water features.

• Avoid use of pesticides.

• Use natural fertilizer.

• Don’t over-mow your lawn.

Children’s Garden reopens at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

By Grace Huseth

This month, a special garden just for childhood exploration and enjoyment will reemerge at the Atlanta Botanical Garden just in time for summer picnics and playdates.

The improved children’s garden is named after longtime Atlanta Botanical Garden supporter Lou Glenn, who was instrumental in forging the partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for developing the original garden in 1999. Now redesigned by Deneen Powell Atelier, the Lou Glenn Children’s Garden will still have many favorites from past years, like the friendly gnomes, with some opportunities for handson play and active outdoor play.

“The flower growth chart, where so many families have marked their children’s growth,

will remain. Honeybees will return as well. The pond will be virtually unchanged, though the carnivorous plant bog will be larger,” said Tracy McClendon, vice president of programs.

The popular splash pad received a makeover to fit the whole family. The new splash pad is nearly twice the size of the former splash area, with lots of room for parents and caregivers to sit. In addition to the expanded splash area, a new treehouse features a climbing net, climbing wall, slide and some fun bridges for a tiptoe through the treetops.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden encourages children to dig in the dirt, learning about nature with hands-on experiences. To continue this effort, the children’s garden will have a water “painting” wall, a building area and musical instruments to play. The garden is also rolling out new nature play activities and a new position, an educational horticulturist, to

help facilitate these programs.

Visiting the new children’s garden and testing out planting experiments can get children thinking green, but senior horticulturist Moe Hemmings encourages parents to think creatively when playing outdoors.

Hemmings said, “Get them outside watering, planting transplants and picking flowers or finding leaves and using them to make bookmarks or cards.”

Meanwhile, Danny Flanders, public relations and marketing manager, said the Atlanta Botanical Garden site in Gainesville is planning to launch construction soon on a children’s garden, but in the meantime families can enjoy the Train Garden complete with model trains and miniature foliage. For more information, visit atlantabg.org

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The Studio

On Stage

2016 Essential Theatre Play Festival begins July 29

By Manning Harris

The Essential Theatre Play Festival specializes in “giving Georgia playwrights a voice on Georgia stages,” and that is what they’ve been doing since 1999. Since that year they have produced 27 new works by 23 Georgia playwrights. The festival is back this summer, running from July 29 through Aug. 28 at the West End Performing Arts Center. There will be two world premieres running in repertory: co-winners of this year’s Essential Theatre Playwriting Award, the only prize dedicated to the work of Georgia playwrights.

The first play is Karen Wurl’s “Dispossessed,” described as “a romantic comic-fantasy with a feminist twist, set in the Lower East Side of New York City in 1928.”

A young actress playing the leading role in a Yiddish theater company is being pressured by her parents to marry the handsome leading man. So she conjures up the character she’s been rehearsing – a demon possessed bride - and the actress and her character try to find what her heart truly desires.

“Dispossessed” is directed by Essential Theatre’s Founding Artistic Director, Peter Hardy; the cast includes Atlanta actors Amelia Fischer, Kathleen McManus, Scott Rousseau, Jake Krakovsky, Tony Larkin, Alyssa Caputo, Chris Schulz and Christie Vozniak.

The second play is Derek Dixon’s “When Things Are Lost,” a “funny and surreal dream play about a young man searching for answers to his best friend’s disappearance.” Themes here are friendship, loss, understanding and forgiveness. There’s also a giant pink bunny to keep us on our toes.

“When Things Are Lost” is directed by Amber Bradshaw, and features actors Barrett Doyle, Gina Rickicki, Alex Van, Jill Perry, Anthony Goolsby, Chelsea Steverson, Alex Towers and Kerwin Thompson.

In addition, there will be three staged readings of Georgia plays, co-produced by Bare Essentials and Working Title Playwrights. The plays are “Never Been to Vienna” by Gerry I. Bartholmai, “Pete ‘n Wendy” by Erin Considine” and “The Memory Box” by Laura King. The reading dates are Aug. 8, 15 and 24.

For more information, visit essentialtheatre.com

‘Hamilton’ Mania

Atlanta will be one of first stops for smash Broadway musical

By Collin Kelley

Broadway blockbuster “Hamilton” is coming to the Fox Theater during the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta 2017-18 season, but getting a ticket might be difficult.

Russ Belin, vice president of Broadway in Atlanta, said he’s been inundated with questions about “Hamilton,” but he can only say that it will definitely be on the Fox stage sometime in late 2017 or in 2018. “We have no exact dates or ticket prices,” Belin said. “We’re waiting to get that information from the production company.”

Belin said the only way to guarantee a ticket for “Hamilton” is to subscribe to the 2016-2017 season (which includes “Cabaret,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “The Bodyguard” and “An American in Paris”) and renewing for the 2017-2018 season. You can find out about subscriptions at atlanta.broadway.com. A sevenshow season package starts at just $224, Belin said.

Featurings music, lyrics and book by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Hamilton” was inspired by the 2004 biography “Alexander Hamilton” by historian Ron Chernow. The musical follows the scrappy young immigrant who forever changed America, from bastard orphan to Washington’s right-hand man, rebel to war hero, loving husband caught in the country’s first sex scandal to Treasury head who made an untrusting world believe in the American economy. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Eliza Hamilton and lifelong Hamilton friend and foe, Aaron Burr, all make appearances in the tuner about America’s fiery past.

Along with the clutch of Tony Awards it scooped up last month, Miranda (who is soon leaving the Broadway cast) also won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Belin, who has seen “Hamilton” on Broadway, describes it as “brilliant.”

“The hype is well-deseved,” he said. “From the storyline and the music – it’s so original. You have to experience it in person.”

Derek Dixon

Karen Wurl

Lin-Manuel Miranda in the original Broadway production of ‘Hamilton.’

Masquerade Moves

Iconic music venue leaving for Westside in August

Old Fourth Ward music venue and dance club the Masquerade will depart the old Dupree’s Excelsior Mill on North Avenue – its home for 27 years – for a new location on the Westside in August.

The Masquerade will move to 1421 Fairmont Ave., a former warehouse space. According to a media statement, the Masquerade will be “nice and new and shiny, built from scratch. It will have upgraded bathrooms – a ton of them, and many backstage rooms that will be fancy also. The ceilings will be tall –Heaven will have a mezzanine. Yes, there will be parking.”

The owners also promised to keep the “unique aesthetic” of the venue with the Heaven, Hell and Purgatory multi-stage format well known to club-goers. The re-opening date is set for Aug. 20.

Masquerade will celebrate its departure from North Avenue on Aug. 13 and 14 with one final blowout, The Wrecking Ball ATL 2016. Featured performers will include Quicksand, L7, Dinosaur Jr, Drive Like Jehu, Kathleen Hanna and the Julie Ruin, Deerhunter,

Special

Gorilla Biscuits, the reunited Thursday, American Football and The Promise Ring, and over 60 more artists. The festival will take place over all levels of the club and in two stages set up next door in Historic Fourth Ward Park. There will be food trucks, local vendors and endless amounts of PBR.

Tickets are available for The Wrecking Ball ATL 2016 at all Ticketmaster locations and the Masquerade box office. Weekend passes and single day tickets are available. VIP tickets are already are sold out. For more information and complete lineups, visit masqueradeatlanta.com or wreckingballatl.com.

During Masquerade’s residence at the old mill, the stages were graced by Nirvana, Fugazi, N.I.N, Bjork, Radiohead, The Dave Matthews Band, Foo Fighters, Motorhead, Ice Cube, Outkast, RATM, Coldplay, Green Day, Nick Cave, My Chemical Romance, Fallout Boy and countless more. The mill is being transformed into a mixed-use residential, retail and dining venue

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The Masquerade will locate to this old warehouse space on Fairmont Avenue on the Westside.

Museums & Visual Arts

XOXO: An Exhibition about Love and Forgiveness: This exhibit at Children’s Museum of Atlanta encourages children to explore their feelings and the effects they have on themselves and others. Daily. $14.95. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Where Children Sleep: Photographs by James Mollison: Visit the David J. Sencer CDC Museum to see James Mollison’s breathtaking photography series that captures deeply personal portraits of children from around the world alongside images of where they sleep at night. Opens July 11. Free. cdc.gov

Invisible Ink: Artist Santiago Vanegas describes his works in this exhibit at Gallery 180 as elusive portrayals of the connections between things and the spaces they inhabit. Opens July 21. Free. stanleybeamansears.com

Talking Drum: Visit the Center for Civil and Human Rights to see this exhibit by Fahamu Pecou that showcases the intersection of black popular culture and social justice. Daily. $10 to $15. civilandhumanrights.org

Atlanta Monetary Museum: Located at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the Atlanta Monetary Museum offers visitors a chance to explore an exhibit of historical artifacts to learn the fascinating story of money — from barter to modern times. Monday through Friday. Free. frbatlanta.org

Ivan Allen Jr. Braves Museum & Hall of Fame/ Turner Field Tours: This museum features more than 600 Braves artifacts and photographs that trace the team’s history and is the starting point for guided tours of Turner Field. Daily. $5 to $17. atlanta.braves.mlb.com

Performing Arts

‘Da Kink in My Hair: “If you want to know a black woman, you touch her hair,” says Novelette, as she delves into the tresses and stresses of her clients to reveal their hidden stories in this play at Horizon Theatre. Opens July 15. $25 to $35. horizontheatre.com.

Smart People: True Colors Theatre Company presents this story of four Harvard intellectuals – a doctor, an actress, a psychologist and a neurobiologist – who study the human brain’s response to race, class, friendship, the search for love and identity in a complex world. Opens July 12. $10 to $50. truecolorstheatre. org

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor

Dreamcoat: The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre stage explodes with Atlanta Lyric Theatre’s spectacular staging of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s first full-length musical. July 15 through July 17. $40.25 to $61.50. cobbenergycentre.com

On The Light Side: SONDHEIM: Capitol City Opera’s annual popular fundraiser, “On the Light Side,” brings audiences the music of Stephen Sondheim at Church of the Atonement. July 29 and 30. $40. ccopera.org

Independence Concert & Celebration: Valerie Simpson (of the music duo Ashford and Simpson), neo-soul vibraphone player Roy Ayers and bass guitarist Michael Hendricks perform a special Independence Day concert at Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre. July 2. $40 to $150. mablehouse.org

DeKalb Symphony Orchestra

Summer Pops Concert with Cecil Welch: The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Fyodor Cherniavsky, performs its Summer

Pops Concert with Atlanta pop and jazz trumpet virtuoso Cecil Welch, featuring “The Magic of Mancini.” July 15. $5 to $30. dekalbsymphony.org

Tedeschi Trucks Band with Los Lobos & North Mississippi Allstars: The Wheels of Soul Tour returns to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre stage this July, featuring Tedeschi Trucks Band with special guests Los Lobos and North Mississippi Allstars. July 23. $19.50 to $89.50. vzwamp.com

Neko Case, k.d.lang & Laura Veirs with Andy Shauf: Concerts in the Garden encores for a 14th season on the Great Lawn in Atlanta. July 29. $69.50. Atlantabg.org

An Evening with Ray Lamontagne: Ray Lamontagne visits The Fox Theatre on his tour in support of his sixth studio album, “Ouroboros.” July 30. $31 to $86. foxtheatre.org

Atlanta African Dance and Drum Festival: This three-day conference features a diverse range of music and movement workshops, an African inspired craft market, food vendors, Kid’s Camp and finale concert. July 29 through July 31. $15 to $55. aaddf.org

Bastille Day Exhibit: Huff Harrington Fine Art celebrates Bastille Day with an exhibit of paintings by the gallery’s French artists and works by American painters inspired by France’s joi d’esprit. July 14 through July 28. Free. huffharrington.com

Changing Atlanta 1950-1999: The Challenges of a Growing Southern Metropolis: See how city leaders and citizens dealt with the challenges posed by the rapid growth of Atlanta in this exhibit at Emory University’s Robert W. Woodruff Library. Daily. Free. web. library.emory.edu

Carolina Herrera: Refined Irreverence: This exhibition at SCADFash celebrates Carolina Herrera and the 35th anniversary of the House of Herrera, featuring more than 75 garments that showcase the designer’s modern, dynamic classics. Tuesday through Sunday. $5 to $10. scadfash.org

Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta: The Atlanta History Center’s new cornerstone exhibit shares the stories of several individuals who helped created the Atlanta we know today through artifacts, ephemera, interactive media, recording booths, immersive experiences and more. Opens July 2. $11 to $16.50. atlantahistorycenter.com

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Visit OnStage Atlanta to see a hilarious contest between two con artists; the winner must extract a fortune from a young heiress, and the loser must leave town. July 8 through July 31. $14 to $22. onstageatlanta.com

Sleeping Beauty: The jealous fairy Belladonna casts a spell on Princess Aurora, causing her to sleep for almost 100 years in this play at Center for Puppetry Arts. July 19 through July 31. $20.50. puppet.org

The Wizard of Oz Jr.: Dorothy Gale, a simple girl from Kansas, feels certain that a more fascinating world lies beyond her aunt and uncle’s farm, and she longs to explore it in this SummerStage program that features kids ages 10 to 15 at Theatrical Outfit. July 29 and 30. Single ticket prices TBA. theatricaloutfit.org

Scandal: The unstoppable Dad’s Garage ensemble returns with another season of Atlanta’s only improvised soap opera… Scandal! Saturday. $16.50 to $30.50. dadsgarage.com

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Dueling fairies, enchanted woods, a love triangle that turns hexagon… watch the hilarity unravel right before your eyes in an all-new production by Atlanta Shakespeare Company. Opens July 16. $15 to $39. shakespearetavern.com

Bastille Day exhibition at Huf Harrington Fine Art.

Neko Case, kd lang and Laura Viers .

You Can

Global Grub Collective

East Atlanta food hall serves up diversity

By Annie Kinnett Nichols

There’s really not a name for what Quynh Trinh – known as Q – has created in East Atlanta: part food hall, part pop-up, part time-share. Whatever you want to call it, the Global Grub Collective has lines out the door and foodies raving about the diversity of cuisine on offer by a group of rotating restaurants.

It began with Q’s own Vietnamese restaurant We Suki Suki, which has been serving up award winning barbecue pork banh mi since 2012. But depending on the day or evening, We Suki Suki becomes the Avenue Q pop-up, or street food mash-up Chop Chop Next, or La Parada Cuban Kitchen featuring rice and bean bowls, or Q Urban Chop Bar with its chicken and waffle sandwiches.

Last year, Q took over a space next door to create more room and seating, along with partners Cake Hag, which makes homemade desserts, and Le Metro Creperie, with its sweet and savory French crepes. In the space, East Atlanta Breakfast Spot operates in the mornings with its build your own buttermilk biscuit before giving way to home-style Italian cooking from Poco Pomodoro.

Things really get to shaking on the weekends, especially for those who want a late-night nosh: Midnight Marauder offers snacks from midnight to 4 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, while Sevim Mutfak offers Turkish delights from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Saturdays.

Q has made owning a restaurant completely affordable. She also teaches and trains everyone

Wehaveadded absolutelytender &flavorfulbarbecueribs toourmenuandslathered theminourspecial 1/2SlabDinner $12.99 FullSlabDinner $21.99

who works for and with her. The Global Grub Collective partners all get profit sharing, bonuses and know where every single penny of their restaurant goes whether it be food, supplies or employees. It’s kind of a food boot camp.

Q’s early life plays out like a film. Her grandparents were shot in front of her father, and her family caught the second to last helicopter out of Saigon in 1975 as the city fell. After leaving Vietnam, her family of 10 found themselves in Minnesota living with a kind couple that helped them learn English and adapt to American life.

She started her first restaurant at 16, but she had an interesting array of jobs before opening We Suki Suki, including running a vineyard, a stint as a VJ for MTV Vietnam and a brand rep for Tiger Beer.

When she decided to go back to her roots and open a restaurant, she did it frugally. “I started with $99 in cash and made 50 sandwiches, which sold out the first day,” she said. “That gave me money to buy food for the next day.”

Her initial equipment setup was two Foreman grills, a toaster and a coffee maker. Q now uses four Foreman grills and two toaster ovens, along with five employees.

Q is interested in working with more restaurant start-ups. “I’ll be hard on you,” she said. “I need to know you’re 100 percent committed and you will know everything you need to know to survive in the restaurant business while supporting the community around you. I believe you have to do what you love, work with people you believe in and create products that your heart is invested in.”

For more about the Global Grub Collective, visit wesukisuki.com

ValidThru4/30/15

Quynh Trinh - known as Q - meets with fellow Global Grub Collective members.

We Suki Suki in East Atlanta Village.

Restaurants rotate at Global Grub Collective. The Collective’s weekend schedule. Q at work.

Tropical Delights

Get a taste of the South Pacific at a local tiki bar

Trader Vic’s tradervicsatl.com

(404) 221-6339

255 Courtland St. NE, Atlanta, 30303

Cosmo Tidbits - “Trader”

Vic Bergeron’s original PuPu platter with crispy prawns, crab rangoon, pork belly and BBQ ribs for two, $19.25. Mai Tai

- The original and most famous rum drink, $9.

By Isadora Pennington

You can almost hear the sound of waves crashing outside, and for a brief, glorious moment, the stifling city heat feels like it could be the balmy air of a South Pacific jungle. Beachy tunes play faintly in the background, and you kick back, sipping a cool, boozy beverage out of a funky tiki mug, thanking your lucky stars for a few days of respite from dayto-day life. But this is not your vacation, you’re still in Atlanta, and that heat isn’t going to be matched by a glistening blue ocean just outside the cabana door. This, my friends, is the power of the tiki bar.

Tiki culture has a long and interesting history in mid-century America, mostly arising due to the food industry. Don the Beachcomber’s in Hollywood is considered to be the original tiki bar that inspired the trend of Polynesian eateries and bars across the country. Don is also considered to have singlehandedly invented the tropical drink genre. Quickly, the trend caught on and spread. His rival, Victor Bergeron, would go on to found Trader Vic’s and is credited with creating a variety of “Polynesian” dishes and drinks, such as Crab Rangoon and Mai Tai.

This passion for Polynesian style, meals, drinks and music, can be traced all the way back to World War II, in which American servicemen returned from the South Pacific with stories and souvenirs.

Affordable travel also enticed many middleclass families visit, and American families fell in love with a romanticized idea of South Pacific

The S.O.S. Tiki Bar vicsandwich.com/sos

(404) 377-9308

340 Church St., Decatur, 30030

Pineapple guacamole with malanga chips, $8. Ghost Face Kula - Rum, gin, falernum, apricot brandy, orgeat, lime, orange juice, $10

Tiki Tuesdays at The

Bookhouse Pub

thebookhousepub.net

(404) 254-1176

736 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30306

Spicy Bleu Cheese Chips - Homemade potato chips, bleu cheese, tomatoes, bacon, cilantro, chipotle sauce, $8. Vodka PunchA refreshing alternative to rum drinks, $9.

So, if you can’t get to the beach this summer, I stopped in at some of my favorite tiki spots and photographed the experience. If you need a little staycation, step inside one of these fun spots and get carried away

By Megan Volpert

What is happening to Italian food in Atlanta? The fact that the Castellucci family is soon moving Double Zero from the Perimeter to Emory is bad news for the suburbs. The fact that the Karatassos clan has closed Veni Vidi Vici is bad news for the city. People are whispering that the next great Italian hope is il Giallo, a block away from Double Zero and possessed of most of the key staff from Veni Vidi Vici. Can il Giallo capture what is best about both places and still project a personality of its own?

Karatassos and Castellucci are names synonymous with exceptional service. For il Giallo, I waited four additional months beyond my normal three, because I hoped to see a waitstaff that could really show me a good time. The service was not bad, as servers were respectful and attentive, and the plates arrived pretty quickly. The service was not good, as servers weren’t very personable, nor did they seem to possess much deep menu knowledge. I’m not talking about wanting a long pontification about the farm where one pig was raised; I just like to hear familiarity with and enthusiasm for the culture of a restaurant.

If you’re bringing the kids or having a business lunch, maybe you don’t care about that higher standard of service. Can il Giallo hack it on food alone? On taste, there is no question that il Giallo is producing the best, freshest pasta on the planet, thanks to Jamie Adams. Watching him at the chef’s table making my pasta right there in the dining room and then eating that pasta just eight minutes later is truly the greatest thing about il Giallo, and there is no experience like it on offer at any place else in the entire metro.

The day’s special was a fettuccine with greenery and speck, easy on the oil for a lightness that made it hard to put down my fork. We also ordered the agnolotti with brown butter, sage and pecans because this dish had been featured on Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate. It tasted delicious, too, but I was left with three questions. One, where is the Big Green Egg smoked flavor I was promised on the duck stuffed inside those delightful pasta purses?

The sauce was drowning it out. Two, why is this classic staple of November menus available to me in May? I guess they worry about needing to capitalize on television publicity, when in fact the pastas can speak for themselves. Three, why is this plate so ugly?

That last question is tough to answer and it was one I repeatedly had to ask myself through the meal. No attention was given to nicely presenting the agnolotti or even to simply prevent the pasta from smushing together because of cramping on the plate. The prosciutto and cantaloupe was likewise hard to photograph in its symmetrical but lazy way, even though this dish is usually very easy to make pretty. Even our panna cotta looked so lonely and naked on its plate. If you’re not keen on Instagram, perhaps weak plating doesn’t concern you.

The best thing we ate that wasn’t pasta was the grilled octopus. Its medallions de-emphasize the tentacle, so it’s a good entry point if you’ve been afraid to try other octopus dishes increasingly proliferating in the city. The olive oil smashed potatoes beneath the octopus are delicious and the first few bites were great, only to be later overpowered by too much pickled red onion on top.

My sense is that il Giallo just doesn’t quite know itself well enough yet. Having also been granted honorable discharge from Buckhead Life, General Manager Leonardo Moura should have a confidence in his attention to service detail that rises to the skill level of Chef Adams’ pasta. The kitchen may likewise still be feeling out differences between its own instincts and the restaurant group oversight with which it had been saddled for so long. It’s not yet worthy of date night, but il Giallo is one to watch.

il Giallo is located at 5920 Roswell Road, B-118, in Sandy Springs. ilgialloatl.com

Above: Grilled octopus and olive oil mashed potatoes. Below: Pasta is handmade on the premises in Sandy Springs.

Tiramisu at il Giallo.

Fifth Group Restaurants opened South City Kitchen Buckhead at 3350 Peachtree Road for lunch and dinner. Executive chef Jason Starnes, previously of The Sun Dial, will be cooking up a menu of traditional and contemporary Southern cuisine. For more information, visit buckhead. southcitykitchen.com.

Richards’ Southern Fried is now open at Krog Street Market in Inman Park. Created by Chef Todd Richards, the Southern fried chicken shack is offering up sandwiches and plates with sides. For more information, visit facebook.com/ RichardsSouthernFried.

Hundreds camped out overnight for the opening of the new Chick-fil-A at Glenwood Place, 401 Bill Kennedy Way. The first 100 customers through the door got free food for a year.

gusto!, the fast-casual concept that started in Atlanta’s Brookwood Hills neighborhood, will open its second location at 782 Ponce De Leon Ave. in July. Created by former NFL quarterback Nate Hybl, the restaurant allows diners to choose a base of greens, rice or flatbreads, and then add grilled chicken, portabella or avocado and other toppings. For more information, visit whatsyourgusto.com.

5Church is open at the corner of 14th and Peachtree Streets in Midtown serving dinner daily. The menu at the modern American restaurant includes charred octopus, hearth- roasted whole fish, smoked duck and a 200-bottle wine list. This is the third location (others are in Charlotte and and Charleston) from restaurateurs Patrick Whalen, Ayman Kamel, Alejandro Torio and Jamie Lynch. For more information, visit 5churchatlanta.com. As

Restaurateurs Billy and Jenn Streck have opened Hampton & Hudson in Inman Park at 280 Elizabeth Street. The bar features craft beers on draft, wine, cocktails and ice coffee on draft, while the pub food menu features locally sourced ingredients and covers all the bases, from snacks, salads and sharable dishes to entrees, desserts and late night offerings. Visit hamptonandhudson.com for more information.

Shannon and Florian Radke pitched their California-based vegan gourmet cinnamon roll shop, Cinnaholic, to the sharks on the ABC show “Shark Tank” in 2014. Since then the business that entices the customer to create

Continued on Page 44

the original Chick-fil-A, we pride ourselves on pioneering true southern comfort, going above and beyond customer expectation, and serving our guests with delicious food and warm smiles,

The new Chick-fil-A is open for business at Glenwood Place.

gusto! will open on Ponce later this month.

Hampton & Hudson is now open in Inman Park.

QUICK BITES

Continued from page 43

their own custom cinnamon roll from a selection of 30 different flavors and toppings has sold 40 franchises. The latest is open now in the Edgwood Retail District at 1230 Caroline St. Music venue and eatery City Winery Atlanta is open for business at Ponce City Market. While City Winery has already hosted sold-out shows, the restaurant is now serving a full dinner menu from Executive Chef Jeffrey McGar and a full bar, which includes a variety of delectable wines. City Winery has scheduled upcoming shows for international touring acts including Leon Russell, (July 7-8), Robert Earl Keen (July 11-12), Amel Larrieux (July 16), Macy Gray (July 18-19), Aaron Neville (July 22-23), JD Souther (July 27), Cracker (July 28), Matthew Sweet (July 31), Louis Prima, Jr. (Aug. 1) and Rickie Lee Jones (Aug. 14) with more announced weekly. For tickets and to sign up for the newsletter, visit citywinery. com/atlanta.

Betty Hsu’s Baos, a 420-square-foot market stall featuring a selection of steamed buns and seasonal dishes, will open this fall at Krog Street Market in Inman Park.

Original Atlanta food truck Yumbii will open its first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Yumbii Taco Shop , at 1927 Peachtree Road in Buckhead this fall. The 1440-squarefoot restaurant will offer counter service for easy takeout and seating for dine-in guests. For more information, visit yumbii.com and follow on Twitter @Yumbii to find where the food trucks are located.

Speaking of food trucks, Colony Square in Midtown is now hosting Food Truck Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the plaza at the corner of 15th and Peachtree. There will be a rotating roster of food trucks.

Empire State South, Miller Union and Restaurant Eugene have made Wine Enthusiast magazine’s annual America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants list for 2016.

Doc Chey’s Noodle House donated $11,000 in proceeds for the restoration of historic Fire Station #19 in Virgina-Highland after the annual Morningside Mile block party and one-mile race fundraising event. The event has raised $55,000 for the restoration of the city’s oldest firehouse.

The 10th annual Give Me Five Dinner featuring Atlanta’s premier chefs and sommeliers will benefit Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign on Sunday, Aug. 14, at Piedmont Driving Club. Featured chefs will include Chef Chair Jay Yarbrough (Piedmont Driving Club), Christopher Grossman (Atlas Restaurant), James Neale (Rathbun’s), Piero Premoli (Pricci) and Wesley True (The Optimist). Sommeliers include Gil Kulers (Piedmont Driving Club), Clarke Anderson (No. 246), Joon Lim (Rathbun’s), Caleb Hopkins (Atlas Restaurant) and Linda Torres (The RitzCarlton, Buckhead). For more information, visit givemefivedinner.org

Restaurants Galore

Downtown Restaurant Week to offer cuisine showcase

The annual Atlanta Downtown Restaurant Week returns July 23-31 with a chance to sample eateries with gourmet prixfixe menus.

Presented by Central Atlanta Progress, this year’s event features more than 35 new and favorite restaurants in the heart of the city including Alma Cocina, BLT Steak, Braves

All Star Grill, Café 458, Cuts Steakhouse, Der Biergarten, Fire of Brazil, Game X, Glenn’s Kitchen, Hard Rock Café, Jalapeno

Charlie’s, J. P. Atlanta, Legal Sea Foods, Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery, Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, McCormick & Schmick’s, Morton’s the Steakhouse - Downtown Atlanta, No Mas! Hacienda & Cantina, Polaris, Prime Meridian, Ray’s in the City Seafood Restaurant, Soul Bar at Pal’s Lounge, STATS, Sway, Ted’s Montana Grill, Terrace Bistro at the Ellis Hotel, Thrive, Trader Vic’s, Truva, Twenty-Two Storys, Twin Smokers BBQ and White Oak Kitchen and Cocktails. Prix-fixe menus will range from $15, $25 or $35 for brunch, lunch and dinner options. Prices are per person and exclude alcohol, tax and gratuity.

“Downtown Restaurant Week gives Atlantans and visitors the unique opportunity to explore Downtown’s walkable streets, exciting events and world-class attractions, all while enjoying culinary creations from some the city’s most talented chefs,” said Wilma Sothern, Central Atlanta Progress’ vice president of marketing.

To view the most up-to-date list of participating restaurants, menus and event information, visit atlantadowntown.com/fun/restaurant-week.

BLT Steak in Downtown

Home & Real Estate

SPECIAL SECTION

City dwellers find new homes in the mountains

By Kathy Dean

The mountains of north Georgia have a strong draw on people, especially city dwellers. Mountain vistas offer a spectacular beauty that calms the spirit and wakens the soul. Woodland trails entice hikers, and lakes invite boaters and fishermen and women. Friendly neighbors, arts and craft festivals, delightful shops and top-notch restaurants are everywhere. It’s no wonder that so many visitors claim a piece of the mountain for themselves.

For Cathy and Ted Day, the search for a mountain retreat was, in a way, a return home. “We both grew up with a love of the mountains,” Cathy explained. Originally from Gainesville, Ga., Ted spent much of his time enjoying activities in the great outdoors. Cathy grew up in Florida and always thought of herself as a beach girl. Still, her parents had a mountain house in North Carolina, and her sister’s family still has one there.

“As our children got older, married and had children of their own, the mountain house became our gathering place, our memory maker,” Ted added. “Now we have the opportunity to create that same kind of family gathering place.”

The couple spent several years looking for a cottage in the Blue Ridge area, with the help of Kim Knutzen of Harry Norman Realtors, Blue Ridge. During one of their ventures, they overheard someone ask Kim about Old Toccoa Farm, and it piqued their curiosity. Kim took Cathy and Ted to see the development; the more they saw and learned, the more they became convinced that Old Toccoa Farm was the perfect setting for their next home.

According to Cathy, they were impressed by the love and commitment that the developers, including Managing Partner Peter Knutzen, have for Old Toccoa Farm. “Their concept is just what we wanted. They believe in being part of the community and giving back to it.”

All the main requirements for their new home were met: a place to retreat and restore their souls; a place to enjoy and share fellowship with their very full family of 10; a place to create community with other residents and friends; and a place to potentially enjoy an active retirement.

“We invited our kids up to Old Toccoa Farm around Thanksgiving,” said Ted. “Before they left, they turned to us and said, ‘It’s perfect! What are you waiting for?’ That same day, we signed up and bought our piece of the Farm!”

Karen Rowell and Steve Frick recently purchased a vacation home in Mineral Bluff, near the Georgia/North Carolina border. “We absolutely love it!” Karen said. “It’s been a dream in the making, and Nathan Fitts, our Realtor with Remax Town & Country, helped make it come true.”

Steve and Karen agreed that their two biggest draws to the area were the beauty of the mountains and the outdoor lifestyle. They regularly ride their bikes, hike with their dogs and enjoy beautiful Lake Blue Ridge.

While they still work in Atlanta, Karen noted that it would be a perfect place to retire or reinvent themselves one day. “Maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise, but it’s amazing how less stressful life seems here than in Atlanta, where I’ve lived all my life.”

Steve Baker and Sally Farr love to travel, though they found a perfect place to take a respite in the north Georgia mountains. Steve, originally from Illinois, worked in the university system there for over 30 years, and is now retired. Throughout the years, he regularly traveled back and forth between the Champaign-Urbana area in Illinois and the St. Petersburg-Sarasota area of Florida.

He often dropped in on friends along the way – Joe and Diane in Mineral Bluff, Ga., just outside of Blue Ridge. In 2013, he asked Joe to show him some homes in the mountains that fit his needs and price range. He and Sally picked out Dogwood Cabin in Mineral Bluff and bought it, with the help of Mountain Tracks Realty of North Georgia.

An aerial view of golf and river community Old Toccoa Farm.

Steve Baker and Sally Farr at their Mineral Bluff home.

Are the Mountains Calling You?

Hayesville, NC 3BR/3BA $1,455,000

“Riverfront Rhapsody” 1000’ of Hiawassee River frontage on 7.6 acs of manicured property. 4,225 SF main House & guest cottage with 2 master suites overlook the river and pond. Detached spa room, terrace level theater, more. A MUST SEE!

MLS 256708 Call Faron King 706.781.7199

Turtletown, TN 3BR/3.5BA $1,250,000

Stunning 29 acre Tennessee estate has EVERYTHING – 6,452 SF, Master suite and library/office + 2 ensuite BRs, formal and informal living & dining, chef’s dream kitchen, 3 FPS, bar, game room, wine cellar, outdoor patio, gazebo, pool with waterfall, oversized 2 car garage + detached 3 car garage with workshop. RV storage bldg/pad with water and septic. WOW! MLS 258214 Call Lee/ Carol Barbour 828.361.2040

Under Contract Under Contract

Blairsville, GA 3BR/3BA $859,000

“La Belle Ferme Montagne”, custom estate home of 3000+SF on 18.8 acres with ALL you could want for you AND your horses. Fabulous, well planned interior, 2 master suites, 3FP, family room with wet bar. Many custom features for easy living and entertaining. No detail overlooked! Fruit trees, pastures, huge barn (4 stalls), 3 stocked ponds and Jones Creek trout stream, 3 car garage, AND a heated saltwater infinity pool. Call Jeanne Mills 706.218.4202

Ellijay,GA 3BR/3BA $749,000

Blue Ridge, GA 4BR/3.5BA $1,050,000 5.85 acre Country Estate on rushing Fightingtown Creek. 4,934 SF of luxury & upgrades. Two full masters, theater room, laundry on 2 levels, chef’s kitchen, potting shed, orchard/garden, rv dump station, 2 car garage. Room to add guesthouse. MLS 255705 Call Suzie Soave 706.455.1195

Jasper, GA 6BR/4.5BA $575,000

Escape to the mountains in Style. Elegant home in upscale swim/ tennis community. Mtn. view, high end finishes, terrace level with living area for guests or extended family. Great outdoor entertaining area! MLS 249109 Call Christine Cleberg 706.972.9301

Mineral Bluff, GA 4BR/3.5BA $527,500

Panoramic view as far as the eye can see!! 2934 SF home on 2.47 acres at top of the mountain. Open floor plan, spacious BRs, main level master, oversized 1 car garage. Wrap deck with FP, hot tub. Move in ready. MLS 258209 Call Suzie Soave 706.455.1195

One of most awe inspiring properties on the market. Craftsman/Rustic inspired riverfront home with 1.56 flat, useable acres and over 300ft of noisy Ellijay River frontage. 4,686 SF home features master suite fit for a King, 2 spacious BRs, bunk room and sleeping porch. Family room, formal living room, home theater, gaming room provide ample gathering space. 2 car garage/gated entry. MLS 257916 Call Mark Reeves 706.455.2418

Blue Ridge, GA 3BR/2BA $349,900

A special place at the end of the road, top of the mountain on 7.38 acres. One level living with basement 90% finished. Updated appliances, granite counters, tin ceilings, stone fireplace with wood burning insert. Master suite on main, open floorplan, covered & uncovered decks, out buildings and a TREEHOUSE! Gentle Mountain top acreage with hiking trails and total privacy. MLS 257535 Call Mark Reeves 706.455.2418

Blue Ridge, GA 3BR/3BA $369,900

#ProwfrontAskaBigViews. Need we say more? Phenomenal location, long range views, excellent condition, superb rental potential. Granite, stainless, all the extras. Terrace party room with bar/3rd fireplace. Outdoor fireplace. In the heart of Aska Adventure area (hike, bike, kayak, swim, boat, fly fish all within 2 mi radius). Ready for the summer and an awesome fall. MLS 258344 Call Mark Reeves 706.455.2418

Blue Ridge, GA 3BR/3BA $339,900

Impressive log sided cabin with stunning mountain views, end of road privacy, minutes from Blue Ridge. Custom interior, 3 levels of porches, detached fireplace porch, fire pit, hot tub, more. MLS 254795 Call Donna O’Neal 770.356.9034

Morganton, GA 3BR/3BA $329,900

Heavenly views of mountains and Lake Blue Ridge from two story cabin on 2.76 acres. High ceilings with open plan main floor, rec room. Full, finished basement. Fireplace on each level Adj. lot available. MLS 258038 Call Kimberly Bruner 706.455.5703

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“It was originally friends that brought us to the area, and it didn’t take long for the gorgeous views and central location to convince us to stay,” Steve explained. “We like most of the things the area offers, like antiquing, festivals and art shows.”

The cabin isn’t terribly secluded, so they can retreat there, but still enjoy the friendly neighbors. And they’re just 7 ½ miles from Blue Ridge, 5 ½ miles from Blairsville, one hour from Chattanooga and one hour, 20 minutes from Atlanta. They can easily drive to visit friends in Canton, Lexington and Asheville, and tailgate with friends at Clemson games.

Sally grew up in West Virginia and feels at home in the mountains. “I love this place! I love the area and my friends here,” she said. Eventually, Steve and Sally may settle full time in their cabin, but in the meantime, they continue to travel and rent out the two-bedroom Dogwood Cabin through cuddleupcabinrentals.com, while they’re on the road or visiting friends.

“This is a beautiful area,” said Barbara. “Both the land and the people are wonderful.” Now retired, she moved in 2007 from California to her home in Hayesville, N.C.

Barbara enjoys walking and hiking in the mountains and around Lake Chatuge, a reservoir that reaches into Georgia and North Carolina with 132 miles of shoreline. The area has opportunities for swimming, boating and fishing. Water sports are also available on the Hiawassee River and Valley River.

According to Barbara, vegetable gardening – spring through fall – is a must, even though there are some very good farmers markets in Murphy and Blairsville. “There are also many classes offered through the John C. Campbell Folk School, Young Harris College (through the Institute for Continued Learning) and other venues on a variety of subjects,” she said. “I just finished a weekend class on dog training through Cold Nose College in Murphy, N.C.”

There is so much to do that Barbara was surprised by it all. In fact, it seems there’s always something happening, whether it’s a festival, theater production, musical event or gathering. She noted that a person can get overwhelmed choosing what to do!

Barbara said that, when it comes down to it, she believes the best part of

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Morganton, GA 3BR/3BA $259,000

Waterfront/waterfall setting above trout stocked Hemptown Creek. Solid log cabin on 2.4 ac in My Mountain S/D. Firepit,

258055 Call Robin Gard 706.455.5099

Cherry Log, GA 3BR/2BA $199,900

MLS 257937 Call Kimberly

706.455.5703

Blue Ridge, GA 2BR/1BA $172,500

Privacy on 4.7 acres. Room for a garden, open interior, loft. Large deck, wood floors, tankless water heater, HVAC with propane backup, deck ready for hot tub. Great rental potential. MLS 256905 Call Anne Williamson 706.633.9847

Spacious mountain home – long range views! Top of the line renovation – new fixtures, flooring, granite. Two decks. Upscale area with paved roads – easy access. MLS 252731 Call Linda Bowen-Hughes 706.897.2956

Hiawassee, GA 2BR/2BA $114,000

Log-sided doublewide manuf. home on .5 acres in Hiawassee Mtn Village. Year round mountain view, new appliances, floors, fixtures. Detached 2 car garage with storage and workroom. MLS 254937 Call Mary Ann Dermody 706.970.5214

koi pond, 2 story ATV shed, deck overlooking creek. MLS

Solid Log home on 1.74 unrestricted acres is made for family fun. Mountain views, large deck, country kitchen, 2 BR on main, carport with storage. Great rental potential.

Bruner

Steve Frick and Karen Rowell

Northwest Georgia offers visions of other places, other times

By Joe Earle

to pick your own apples or watch the leaves change color in the fall, but there’s much more to see. Northwest Georgia can show you surprising things: dinosaur skeletons and space capsules; folk artist Howard Finster’s exotic visions of distant worlds and celebrations of this one; imagined scenes celebrating cowboy life; and the actual place where an Indian nation prospered before its people were forced to march west on the Trail of Tears. Here are five places you might find worth a trip.

Where: 200 North Lewis Street, about 3 miles north of downtown Summerville, just off U.S. 27.Take Exit 306 from I-75, turn west on Ga. 140. Turn right on U.S. 27. Take U.S. 27 through Summerville. Look for mile marker 13 and turn right onto Rena Street. Follow the signs and go about three blocks to turn into the entrance to the garden.

Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Cost: $15 adults; $10 seniors (55 and older); $5 students; younger than 12, free. For more: paradisegardenfoundation.org, (706) 808-0800.

5 3 4

p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Cost: adults aged 18 to 61, $7; seniors 62 or older, $6.50; youth aged 6 to 17, $5.50. For more: gastateparks.org/NewEchota.

Rev. Howard Finster claimed he “took the pieces you threw away and put them together...” into art. The folk artist, who died in 2001, gained fame by making tens of thousands of works (he numbered them) in order to spread the gospel and his views of this world and others.

He also somehow found the time and energy to assemble the extraordinary place known as Paradise Garden. Using concrete, wood, mirrors, discarded tools and bicycles, shards of pottery, baubles and even the liner to a box of chocolates, Finster cobbled together buildings, flowers and colorful sidewalks into a place where visitors casually can stroll through what feels like a piece of another world.

New Echota once housed the capital of another nation. In 1825, Cherokee lawmakers established their capital at this site. During the next decade, it was home to the Cherokee nation’s legislature and courts, and the first Indian-language newspaper. The community also gave its name to the treaty that relinquished Cherokee claims to lands east of the Mississippi River and led to their forced removal to the west on the infamous Trail of Tears.

Today, visitors can learn about the history of the Cherokee in Georgia, walk among a dozen original and reconstructed buildings, watch a hand-operated press print a mock newspaper page and even hear a recording of “Amazing Grace” sung in Cherokee.

Where: 1211 Chatsworth Highway NE, Calhoun, Ga., 30701. Located in Calhoun one mile east of I-75, Exit 317 on Highway 225.

Hours: Wednesdays to Saturdays, 9 a.m.–5

Cowboys in Cartersville? Why not? The Booth promises one of the largest collections of western art in the South. It features realistic and abstract painting, sculpture and a collection of portraits and signatures of American presidents. A larger-than-life cowboy riding a bucking horse in a sculpture out front sets the tone; inside, works by more than 200 artists examine the mythic west, the modern west and the lives of westerners.

Where: 501 Museum Drive, Cartersville, Ga., 30120.Take I-75 to Exit 288. Turn west and follow Main Street (Ga. 113 /61) about 2.2 miles into Cartersville’s business district. Turn right on Gilmer Street, go 2 blocks under the bridge. The museum is on the left.

Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m to 5 p.m.

Cost: adults $10 + tax; seniors (65 and over) $8 + tax; students $7 + tax; children 12 and under free. For more: boothmuseum.org.

Gemstones, dinosaurs, cars, airplanes and space travel are among the scientific subjects touched on in the displays within this sprawling structure in Cartersville. The museum’s exhibits explore places from the center of the Earth to outer space, and examine a century of changes in transportation.

Where: 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, Ga., 30120. Take I-75 to exit 293.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, but closed on major holidays.

Cost: Adults, $14 + tax; children (3 – 17), $10 + tax; students, $10 + tax; active military, free (1/2 price admission for active duty dependents with ID); seniors (65+), $12 + tax.

For more: tellusmuseum.org, (770) 606-5700.

This local history museum focuses on the settlement and development of Bartow County.

Visitors can check out Cherokee and pioneer cabins, sit in a oneroom schoolhouse or learn about the Civil War and the early textile industry, the museum’s webpage promises. Where: 4 E. Church St., Cartersville, Ga., 30120. Take I-75 north to Exit 288 and drive into downtown Cartersville.

Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Adults, $5.50; seniors/students, $4.50; children younger than 5, free.

For more: bartowhistorymuseum.org, (770) 3872774

Booth Western Art Museum Cartersville

Paradise Garden Summerville

Tellus Science Museum

Bartow History Museum

Local Dishes

Georgia Tourism rounds up mountain food favorites

The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism division has released its 2016 state culinary guide, “Georgia Eats,” featuring the popular “100 Plates Locals Love.” Tasters from around the state were asked to submit their favorite dishes at restaurants. We’ve excerpted the favorites found in the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Visit exploregeorgia.org and click on Dining to see the full list.

Beechwood Inn, Clayton: Wild Chanterelle Filled Ravioli with Wild Mushroom Sauce. Foraged foods from the Northeast Georgia Mountains should be on every foodie’s list of things to taste. – David D

Back Porch Oyster Bar, Dahlonega: Gorgonzola Shrimp Linguine. Stunningly excellent, flavorful dish that does justice to both gorgonzola and fabulous shrimp in equal measure. It’s hard to believe a mountain restaurant does seafood so well! – David Z

Atlanta Highway Seafood Market, Gainesville: Fried Shrimp Po Boy. An authentic taste of NOLA at Lake Lanier – a hoagie roll piled high with fresh-fried gulf shrimp, served with hand-cut coleslaw and fries. – Stacey D

The Chophouse, Hiawassee: Crispy Portobello Mushrooms. Tasty appetizer features crispy Portobello mushrooms with a delicious gorgonzola rosemary sauce. – Kelly I

Above: The Beechwood Inn in Clayton, Ga. Below: Lump crab cakes at Fleur-de-Lis in Braselton. Opposite page: Desserts at 211 Main Street in Lavonia.

Fleur-de-Lis, Braselton: Two Lump Crab Cakes. Served in the relaxing Spa at Chateau Elan, these two lump crab cakes with spicy mustard remoulade and mixed arugula salad with apple cider vinaigrette compliment the serene surroundings. – Peggy H.

Market 50, Hartwell: Roast Beef Sandwich. A traditional roast beef sandwich piled high with thinly sliced, well-seasoned meat on homemade bread. Great after a day on the lake or before heading out on the water. – Cheryl S

Coco’s Cuban Restaurant, Cumming: Cuban Sandwich. Traditional, authentic Cuban sandwich on freshly baked Cuban bread, served with the best rice and beans. Yummy! – Nicole R

Market 50, Hartwell: Roast Beef Sandwich. A traditional roast beef sandwich piled high with thinly sliced, well-seasoned meat on homemade bread. Great after a day on the lake or before heading out on the water. – Cheryl S

Glen Ella Springs Inn, Clarkesville: Rack of New Zealand Lamb. The New Zealand rack of lamb is fantastic! Combined with the scenic ambiance of this historic inn, it’s the ultimate in romance and elegant dining. – Jeanne B

Commerce Sports Bar and Grill, Commerce: New York Strip Sandwich on Homemade Bread. This grain-fed New York Strip is covered in sautéed mushrooms, onions and Swiss cheese, and is served on freshly baked bread. – Vickie S .

211 Main Street Restaurant, Lavonia: Pecan Caramel Pie. Don’t miss their famous six-layer cakes, cinnamon buns, cheesecakes, rich pound cakes and yummy pies (the pecan caramel cream cheese is a local favorite). – Shawnta B

1st Annual Butterfly House & Pollinator Exhibit

Tails on Trails

Club encourages four-legged friends on park trails

Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites has launched a dog walking club, “Tails on Trails.” Hikers and their four-legged companions are challenged to hike seven trails at Georgia state parks and upon completion, dogs earn a bandana and their owners earn a T-shirt for logging the miles. Dog walkers have always been welcome in Georgia state parks, and the Tails on Trails club offers a way for owners and their dogs to accomplish designated hikes. Those who would like to join can purchase a $15 membership card at any of the seven participating parks’ visitor centers or online at GaStateParks.org/TailsOnTrails.

Owners must abide by state parks rules: keep dogs on a leash no more than 6-feet, clean up after dogs, and never leave dogs unattended in campsites, cottages or vehicles. Georgia state parks offer several dog-friendly cottages, which are available to book online at GaStateParks.org/ TailsOnTrails. These select cottages often fill quickly, so reservations are highly recommended. A $45 fee per dog (limit 2) is charged.

The following seven trails are part of the “Tails on Trails” club:

Fort Mountain State Park (Chatsworth)

Explore a shaded forest and a serene creek valley along the 1.1-mile stretch of Fort Mountain’s Lake Trail. The trail is short and mostly flat, making a great running loop for owners and their dog.

F.D. Roosevelt State Park (Pine Mountain)

Dogs will enjoy roaming on the gentle, rolling mountains of F.D. Roosevelt, Georgia’s largest state park. The Mountain Creek Trail is one of the most scenic, and passes through several plant habitats such as pine and hardwood forests.

Don Carter State Park (Gainesville)

The hike on the Lakeview Loop Trail showcases Don Carter State Park’s prime location on the 38,000-acre Lake Lanier, and is paved for stroller and wheelchair accessibility. Dog owners who are seeking shade can venture into the forest to hike the Woodland Loop Trail.

Sweetwater Creek State Park (Lithia Springs)

Sweetwater Creek features two trails for “Tails on Trails” club members, and both lead to the ruins from the New Manchester Manufacturing Company. The Red Trail, 2 miles, is the most frequently used trail and leads directly to the mill ruins. For a longer hike through the park’s wildlife and plant communities, members can hike along Sweetwater Creek’s rocky banks on the 5-mile White Trail.

High Falls State Park (Jackson)

Dogs can frolic along the Towliga River accompanied by the sound of the upcoming High Falls. The 1.5-mile Falls Trail is a moderately challenging trek through hilly forests that offers a rewarding waterfall view.

Fort McAllister State Park (Richmond Hill)

Stroll on the 3.1-mile Redbird Creek Trail under the cover of Spanish moss and discover scenic views of salt marshes, coastal wetlands and nature-viewing opportunities at Fort McAllister State Park.

Red Top Mountain State Park (Cartersville)

The White Tail Trail of Red Top Mountain State Park meanders through hardwood forest to a beautiful overlook of Lake Allatoona.

Additional Georgia state parks with dog trails are listed at GaStateParks.org/Dog-Walking

living in the mountains is the people. “They’re so friendly and willing to help with anything and always smiling,” she said. “There’s great energy here that’s not found in many areas.”

Like many others, Jackie and Jonathan Griffin fell in love with the scenery, cooler weather and friendly people of north Georgia. They found the mountain homes had just the right balance of warm-and-cozy with trendy new touches – rustic meeting industrial with a splash of modern features. They strolled through towns that had a very cool vibe and a hip/urban culture.

The couple is still working, but plan to retire in the next five years. Their plan includes a home in the mountains, so they had one built; it was completed and became theirs at the end of March this year. They expected, and got, a relaxing retreat. What they didn’t expect was that they could still enjoy all the modern conveniences of city life.

“Moving from a city to the mountains, it was a natural concern that I would not be able to get a Starbucks coffee when I wanted one, and that my favorite shoes would be a day trip of shopping away,” Jackie said. “Surprise! Starbucks is around the corner… and I traded in my favorite shoes for new favorite hiking boots.”

In fact, the mountains have provided them with lots of new experiences. Jonathan and Jackie have discovered kayaking down the river, fishing in the stream and hiking the mountain trails. In the evening, they enjoy trying out the variety of restaurants, each featuring unique menu items. “It’s surprising that there are so many things to do in a very small town,” added Jonathan. “We’ve discovered something new each week, and yet we live in the peaceful quiet of the mountains.”

“When we first started looking for a ‘cabin’ in the mountains, we didn’t really know what we were looking for,” said Debbie Prantl. She and her husband Jim kept looking, and the more they saw, the more they determined

that the view was key. Debbie said that Realtor Suzi Henry was kind enough to work with them for months, and although they saw many lovely homes, none were the right fit.

They decided that they wanted a view of Lake Blue Ridge and the mountain ranges. That’s when they found Realtor Nathan Fitts and his group.

“At the time, the land was still full of trees and we couldn’t see the view,” Debbie said. “We were going on faith and Nathan’s word that our perfect view was out there. Once we saw the aerial photos taken by a drone, we knew he was right, and we fell in love with it.”

The building of their perfect mountain retreat was complete in May of last year, and their dream was realized. Since Jim is still working, he sometimes commutes to Atlanta or they occasionally stay in their Atlanta home.

But Jim and Debbie can’t get enough of the peace and beauty of the mountains. They wake up to the sounds of birds singing in the morning, and see families of deer strolling through their yard in the evening. During the day, they sit on their deck and enjoy the view, or take a ride into town and browse through the many shops. They dine at the area’s fabulous restaurants, or engage in some of the many activities – like golf, hiking, boating and rafting. They’ve also attended the community theater in Blue Ridge, and highly recommend it.

“I think we’re really surprised at how much we feel at home here. We never want to leave,” Debbie said. “We’ve been informed by our son that we can never sell this home because it has a history already. Last Fourth of July, he proposed to his girlfriend here on our ‘Juliette balcony.’ Hopefully, it will stay in the family for many years to come.”

In 2000, Natalie Sharp found herself in need of a hobby as stress relief to her hectic career in the orthodontic industry. She visited Blue Ridge and cast her way into a new hobby of fly fishing. “After a short weekend learning the sport, it was apparent that the beauty of

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The screened porch at Steve Frick and Karen Rowell’s home.

the mountains and the small town of Blue Ridge were tugging at my heart,” she said.

The beauty of the mountains, rivers and creeks touched Natalie deeply. She loved the quaintness of the Blue Ridge community, its town and the ease of meeting and making friends. Fly fishing and the north Georgia mountains quickly became her passion. Throughout the next year, all of her free time and holidays were spent in a rented cabin so she could further explore mountain living and enjoy a simple, peaceful way of life.

Natalie met Nathan Fitts, a meeting that eventually led to her purchase of a mountain home under construction. In 2002, she relocated to Blue Ridge from the Atlanta area. Natalie credits Nathan’s knowledge of the area for her wonderful mountain home and mountain life. According to her, Nathan has an understanding of the area that helped him locate just the right mountain home to meet her needs.

“I moved to the mountains to escape the city traffic and find a quieter lifestyle,” Natalie said. “Lifestyle is really a choice in Blue Ridge; you can sit back and relax or stay busy. Fly fishing is my passion and way to relax, so my free time is usually spent on or around water. But I also enjoy gardening, going to the farmers markets and learning to can jellies, jams and other vegetables.”

Even though she’s enjoying her mountain ‘retirement,’ Natalie found that she needs to stay active and can’t ever imagine not working. She surprised herself when her fly fishing hobby turned into a part-time business in 2002. It was then that she started SharperBites.com, “fly fishing with a gourmet bite.” SharperBites caters each fly fishing experience to meet the needs of clients, for corporate teambuilding events, ladies’ fly fishing clubs, couple or family outings or just friends getting together for a relaxing day on the water.

“Fishing private water is ‘where fly fishing meets a touch of heaven,’ and living in Blue

Ridge is as close as you can get to heaven on Earth,” Natalie explained. “The quality of life, the people and the mountain way of life here are a true blessings.”

ESCAPE TO THE NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS

The dining room with a view at Debbie Prantl’s home at Lake Blue Ridge.

Pollack Shores Real Estate Group has released a rendering of a new mixed-use development it will build on Spring Street in Midtown. The new development, called 1270 Spring Street , will have 259 luxury apartments, 14,000 square feet of retail space and 3,000 square feet of

live/work space. A coffee shop and restaurant concept are being eyed to anchor the retail portion. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments reflect modern luxury amenities including large balconies, plank flooring, large kitchen islands, granite and quartz countertops, under mount

sinks and pendant lighting. 1270 Spring Street is scheduled to have the first units available by March 2018 with the final completion expected to be early summer 2018. Matrix Residential, the multi-family residential management of Pollack Shores, will manage the residential portion of the property. Pollack Shores is also currently developing Millworks, a 345unit community in Buckhead, and is spearheading the residential portion of The Atlanta Braves mixed-use development in Cobb County called Battery Atlanta.

Developer Trillist and sbe are proposing to build SLS Atlanta Hotel & Residences , a new 42-story building at 1122 Crescent Avenue in Midtown. The development would include 213 hotel rooms and 56 condominiums.

A mixed-use apartment, hotel and retail high-rise called Ascent Midtown has broken ground at West Peachtree and Spring streets. Designed by R2L:Architects and being built by Greystar, the development will feature 176 hotel rooms and 328 apartments. Ground floor retail space will also be part of the final project.

Loundermilk Cos. has unveiled an 18-story condo tower in the heart of Buckhead Village. The building would go up across from Charlie Loudermilk Park and Buckhead Theatre, just behind the building that houses Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams furniture. Designed by locally based firm Lord Aeck Sargent, the building is slated to include 57 two- and three-bedroom condo units atop three levels of parking and 30,000 square feet of retail space.

Sixty11th, a 20-story mixed-use development, located between 11th and 12th streets on Crescent Avenue, is now leasing all studio, one-, two- and three-

bedroom apartment homes. Features include quartz countertops, Energy Star appliances, designer fixtures, USB charging outlets, floor-to-ceiling window walls and panoramic city views. Sixty11th is a gigabyte-connected facility which will accommodate heavy streaming content users. Monthly rental rates begin at $1,638 for studio apartments, $1,771 for one-bedroom homes, $2,844 for two-bedroom homes and $3,879 for three-bedroom homes. For more information, visit sixty11th. com.

Chattanooga-based Compass Auctions & Real Estate, LLC has been selected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to list and sell a group of properties in 40 parcels adjacent to Turner Field in Downtown. The 40 parcels equal 4.67 acres and are located between Hank Aaron Drive and Georgia Avenue. While Georgia State University and its partners are purchasing the Turner Field property to transform it into a football stadium and mixed-use development, Compass will handle the sale of the remaining 40 parcels. The properties are zoned MRC-1-C, which stands for Mixed Residential Commercial District

At left: A rendering of 1270 Spring Street, which will feature luxury apartments, live/work space, a coffee shop and other retail stores. Above: A rendering of SLS Hotel & Residences in Midtown.

Thousands

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.

Our contributing photographer Isadora Pennington was at last month’s Atlanta Zine Fest held at Murmur. The event showcased the creation of little magazines and journals with an emphasis on “digital DIY.” In the above photo, ‘zine artist Moncia Anderson shows off her creations, while in the bottom photo Josh Lafayette talks with a customer.

turned out for Atlanta Streets Alive on Peachtree on June 12. A 2.7-mile stretch was closed to vehicular traffic, allowing for walking, bike riding, roller skating, art, performances and more. Our contributing photographer Asep Mawardi took this photo.

Isadora Pennington

Forward Warrior, an annual live painting performance, was back to Cabbagetown last month as artists painted large-scale murals near Krog Street Tunnel. Pictured clockwise from left: Daniel Scoggins, Johnny Warren, William Bruce Mitchell and work in progress by Benito Ferro.

404-307-5700 and Samuel Morgan 404-556-6110 respectively

DOWNTOWN - W Residences. Beautiful spacious unit with incredible views. Hardwoods. Custom window shades. Designer touches throughout. Fully furnished. Barely lived in. 2Bed/2Bath $699,000

FMLS: 5642103

Bru Krebs 404-984-0243

DOWNTOWN - Incredible investment opportunity. Largest 2/1 in the building. Formal DR can easily be 2nd bedroom. Downtown/Midtown skyline views. Walk just blocks to GSU, capitol, Centennial Park and MARTA. 2Bed/1Bath $104,222

FMLS: 5706541 Drew Cockrell 404-323-2273

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 $999,000 FMLS: 5707175

Sally Westmoreland 404-354-4845

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND - Spacious brick home on wide low-maintenance lot. Just a short stroll from Morningside Elementary. Tastefully updated and renovated. 5Bed/3.5Bath $725,000 FMLS: 5649861 Erin Fye 404-771-9822 or Sally Westmoreland 404-354-4845

PONCEY HIGHLAND - Renovated 1930’s brick bungalow. Open floor plan. Front sunroom. Screened-in porch and private back yard. High ceilings. Original hardwoods. Off street parking.

4Bed/2Bath. $640,000 FMLS: 5682931

Ann Finley 404-276-8290

INTOWN - This Dutch Colonial is situated on a private hilltop lot that is convenient to everything Intown. Family room and kitchen open to a large multi-level deck and backyard. Owner just completed a 35K makeover. 4Bed/3Bath $799,900

FMLS: 5703602 Samuel Morgan 404-556-6110

ORMEWOOD PARK - Believed to be one of the original farmhouses c.1896. Large rooms w/10ft ceilings, hardwood floors, walk up attic, large deck and basement, and tons of storage. 3Bed/2.5Bath $499,900 FMLS: 5694630 Kathleen Sickeler 404-368-3234

PARK PLACE SOUTH - New Construction

Craftsman style home with 9’ ceilings and hardwood flooring on main level, granite countertops in kitchen and master bath. Stainless steel appliances.

3Bed/2.5Bath $219,900 FMLS: 5682086

Kirby Young 404-660-2468

WILDCLIFF LAVISTA PARK - Close to Emory, CDC and VA! Renovated kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Spacious living room w/fireplace, and two story owner suite with loft space. 3Bed/2.5Bath $419,900

FMLS: 5707956 Michael Kondalski 404-234-9379

VALLEYBROOK MANOR - Adorable! Renovated 3/2 - one level ranch/bungalow w/screened porch, fenced yard, sparkling HDW floors and more. Easy access to Emory/CDC or downtown Decatur.

3Bed/2Bath $215,000 FMLS: 5706587

Ann Hudson 404-307-9902

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND - Walk to VA Highland dining and shops. Master addition w/his & her closets, hardwood floors main level. Open great room with fireplace, vaulted ceilings, lower level & garage has bedroom, full bath and kitchen. 3Bed/3Bath $439,000

FMLS: 5702400 Helene Deloach 404-210-6250

DECATUR - Work with the best in Stoney River Homes! Amazing home to feature rear entry drive under 2 car garage, full finished bsmt w/mudroom, sunroom off master, open kitchen, great room w/ fireplace. 5Bed/4Bath $799,900 FMLS: 5690802

Kathleen Sickeler 404-368-3234

OAKHURST - Custom new construction home built by Smith Reid Ventures LLC. Walking distance to Oakhurst Village, schools & parks. Open bright floor plan. Full finish basement w/media room. Cedar screen porch & deck. 6Bed/5Bath $975,000

FMLS: 5661829 Melissa Stratton 404-713-5850

DECATUR - Beautiful Oakhurst home w/renovated kitchen and baths. Screened porch overlooks level backyard. Large rocking chair front porch.

4Bed/3Bath $725,000 FMLS: 5685299

Melissa Stratton 404-713-5850 Sunbelt Lending Services Intown Tanya Arnold 678.777.0815

OLD FOURTH WARD - Immaculate 3BR/3.5BA John Wieland resale overlooking the Beltline. 1st level guest suite & covered patio. 2nd level bright open floorpan, 10ft. ceiling, 5” hardwoods. 3rd level master suite w/large walk-in, master bath. 3Bed/3.5Bath $725,000 FMLS: 5700938 Ed Woods 404-759-9680