Atlanta Intown - August

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

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Editorial

Collin Kelley

INtown Editor

collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

(404) 917-2200, ext. 102

Contributors

Sally Bethea, Ann Taylor Boutwell, Kathy Dean, Joe Earle, Ellen Eldridge, Karen Head, Asep Mawardi, Annie Kinnett Nichols, Colin Potts, Clare S. Richie, Kitsy Rose, Tim Sullivan, Megan Volpert, Jemille Williams

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

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Collin Kelley collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

The Dog Days of Summer

As you can see by this month’s cover, we are in the dog (and cat and bird and rabbit and any other house pet you might have) days of summer. We asked Intown pets to submit photos of themselves with their people and despite their lack of thumbs, they deluged us with emails. You might want to change your passwords. I know it’s been a long, hot summer for pet owners and their dogs because of the canine flu going around. I hope your four-legged friends are doing well and keeping cool. Check out pages 12-14 to see all of the cute photos sent to us for our annual photo spread.

Also in this issue, we got an exclusive look inside the old Atlanta Dairies property, which will soon be transformed into a mixeduse development by the masterminds behind Krog Street Market. Check out the photos that Isadora Pennington took of the interiors and find out how this entertainment-driven development is going to change the Memorial Drive corridor.

Isadora also met up with the Atlanta Police Department’s Mounted Patrol unit to see how this old fashioned way of policing is still just as relevant today in a big urban city. She also visited her favorite restaurants that offer up games and activities.

Speaking of Krog Street Market and food, our critic Megan Volpert braved the crowds at Chef Ford Fry’s new Superica and has declared it the best Tex-Mex in town.

As for me, I finally made it to Holeman and Finch in Buckhead to taste one of their hamburgers. I know, I know... what took me so long? As a burger aficionado, I can tell you that it was one of the best burgers I’ve ever tasted –right up there with Ann’s Snack Bar in Kirkwood and George’s in VirginiaHighland. I will be going back again. There are so many new restaurants opening that I want to try (Revival in Decatur and Marcel on the Westside, for instance) that it will take me the rest of the year to get all of them.

While school starts back this month, there is still plenty of fun to be had, including festivals and music. Yacht Rock Revue will bring its “A.M. Gold” party to Piedmont Park on Aug. 22 with some very special guests to jam along to music from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Check out our feature on the ultimate cover ban on page 36.

Finally, we are also thrilled to have a new contributor, Sally Bethea. Sally was the first Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and has extensive knowledge about sustainability and conservation in the metro area. We are thrilled that her column, Above the Waterline, will be appearing regularly in our pages. You could check out her first piece on rain barrels and water harvesting on page 34.

The Holeman & Finch Burger

Alexan Decatur

Grant Park Mounted Patrol

Game Bars

By Clare S. Richie

This month, nearly 200 metro Atlanta public school teachers will head back to the classroom equipped with the knowledge and tools to help struggling readers thanks to training and support coordinated by REAP (Reading is Essential for All People).

For just a $1,000 investment per

teacher, more than 100 students will be reached. And the number of students reached increases as trained teachers mentor their colleagues. The more funding REAP receives, the more public school teachers can receive multi-sensory training by national experts, and the more children will learn to read.

Teaching students to read is not one size fits all. For children with dyslexia, attention challenges, and lack of early exposure to books – the “whole language” approach that focuses on recognizing words as whole pieces of language doesn’t work for everyone. And years of public education budget cuts have left little or no funding for teacher professional development. That helps explain why nearly two-thirds of Georgia’s 4th

graders are not reading proficient.

The nonprofit seeks to build student reading proficiency by giving public school teachers the “how” they need to reach every reader. In 2013, husband and wife Jen and Jeremy Rhett founded REAP along with close friend Carla Stanford, a first grade teacher, with a focus on literacy.

Jeremy watched as three generations – his father, brother and sons – faced obstacles to reading because of dyslexia. The difference today is that there are effective methods of teaching that work not only for Jeremy’s sons, but for all students.

“We train teachers to see what each reader needs and move forward with multisensory approach using whatever curriculum kit they have,” Stanford said.

With support from individuals, businesses and foundations, REAP is ready to facilitate training and support by national experts for as many metro Atlanta public school teachers as its funding will allow. For 2015, REAP received 216 teacher applications, but less than half were accepted due to funding limitations.

REAP selects its trainees based on their experience, application detail, grade level and colleague referrals. “Our focus is on first and second grade teachers but we recognize that teachers in third, fourth and fifth grade need this training too,” Jen Rhett explained.

Participation is a commitment: 30 hour or 70 hour sessions offered nights during the school year or during the summer.

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Recent trainees are the best marketing for the program. “I now understand how to diagnose and meet the specific needs of struggling readers,” one shared.

“Every time I finished a class, I couldn’t wait to get back to my classroom to teach what I had learned to my students,” another added.

REAP also provides ongoing support once trainees are back in the classroom. They are looking into assigning literacy experts to schools with trainees to offer “shoulder to shoulder coaching.”

Another goal is to advocate for colleges and universities to include this training as part of a future teachers’ required coursework.

For more information about REAP, visit strugglingreaders.org.

City Schools of Decatur: Aug. 3 csdecatur.net

Central office: (404) 371-3601

Atlanta Public Schools: Aug. 5 atlanta.k12.ga.us

Central office: (404) 802-3500

Fulton County Schools: Aug. 10 fultonschools.org

Central office: (470) 254-3600

DeKalb County Schools: Aug. 10 dekalb.k12.ga.us

Central office: (678) 676-1200

Local public school systems have staggered start dates for the 2015-16 academic year.

Photos courtesy of REAP REAP founders Jen and Jeremy Rhett.

A literary expert works with a REAP class.

REAP co-founder Carla Stanford leads a class.

Atlanta Classical Academy: ‘We’re counter-cultural’

By Joe Earle

It’s not like other Atlanta schools.

The leaders of Atlanta Classical Academy, Buckhead’s public charter school, take pride in their school’s differences. Those differences set the year-old school apart.

“We’re definitely counter-cultural,” board chairman Matthew Kirby said.

But not in the ‘60s, tie-dyed kind of way.

At this school, students wear uniforms. They study Latin. They learn history, not social studies. They read novels. They memorize and recite poetry. They don’t bring iPads or iPhones to class. They study music and the visual arts.

“It’s basically the education my grandparents would have had, and it’s the education we’ve lost over the years,” said Dr. T.O. Moore, principal of the school. “It’s the education the Founding Fathers would have wanted.”

ACA’s students are taught to pursue happiness and the core values of “courage, courtesy, honesty, perseverance, self-control and service,” Kirby said. The hallways are decorated with oversized portraits of icons of American and Georgia history: Washington, Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Theodore Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, Andy Young, Ronald Reagan. The academy’s leaders avoid the Common Core, opting instead to build their curriculum the oldschool way.

“Here’s the problem with today’s education: For the last 100 years, the American public has been sold a falsehood that whatever’s the latest should be taught,” Moore said. “... It’s the same thing as trying to read a newspaper when you don’t know anything about the Constitution and American history. You’re torn whichever way the headline is written.”

The academy is a public school financed with public money. But as a charter school, it’s free to go its own way, without the rules that guide most public schools. In return for that freedom, the school promises to produce students who perform better.

Parent Cindy Robbins, co-chair of the school’s Parent Teacher Community Association, says she thinks the experiment works for her three children. They had attended Sarah Smith Elementary, their neighborhood school, and “I was not an unhappy parent.” But she liked the size of the academy and what it stood for, she said, so she enrolled her children. “Having three children, it was a big decision for us,” she said, “but it’s been very positive.”

Her children tell her they enjoy school. “When I would pick up my kids from car pools, all three of them were fighting to tell me about their day,” she said. “In the past, it would be like, ‘What did you do in school today? What did you learn today?’ ‘Nothing.’ ...

“They’ve all enjoyed learning about the classics and learning through the classics. I think it’s been challenging for them. All three tell me they love school. How many kids say that?”

The academy completed its first year of operation in May and is preparing for its second year. “We had a good first year,”

Kirby said. “We got a lot of things right and we learned a ton.”

The student body will grow from the 486 enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade last year to 540 as the school adds a ninth grade. Eventually, it will provide all 12 grades and enroll about 700 students. Kirby said the school has 1,400 names on its waiting list.

“Our enrollment comes from all over the city of Atlanta,” Kirby said. “I was pleased with the number of folks who knew about the school. The word is out. People are eager for choices.”

Kirby, who owns and operates a group of restaurants, says he got interested in the idea for a classic charter school in Atlanta when he started thinking about his own children’s education. His employees gave him an idea of the kind of graduates local schools produced. “I know what it looks like when you’re limited by your education,” he said.

The school’s board members recruited Moore, an expert on charter startups and former principal of a similar school in Colorado, to run the Atlanta school. Kirby and Moore said their children now attend the Atlanta academy.

In addition to being taught academic subjects, they will learn about character at the academy, Kirby said. Where most schools leaders talk about college and careers, “we view things a little bit differently,” he said.

“A major goal, we think, of education is for adults to raise the eyes of their students to things that are noble and good, and not base and narcissistic. It’s about hope and high expectations.”

The school’s emphasis on “making good citizens and educating thoughtful citizens” is part of what convinced Meredith Batemen, the other co-chair of the PTCA, to enroll her children in the school.

“It spoke to me,” she said. “I absolutely believe in the U.S. Constitution and I feel our Founding Fathers are revered at the Classical Academy.”

These days, Kirby said, the academy offers a different way of looking at things. “This is what schools were a couple of generations ago,” Kirby said. “And interestingly, it seems to be in high demand.”

Joe Earle Atlanta Classical Academy Principal Dr. T.O. Moore says his students receive an education the Founding Fathers would have wanted.

Layla Felder, 11, of Atlanta has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship toward higher education by the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program for her volunteer work in the community. Layla started The Kids Art and Opera Posse to inspire young adults and children to support the arts and become the next generation of opera and art patrons. Layla’s vision and the club’s annual Ring Cycle Endurance Walk have inspired nearly $40,000 in donations for the arts.

Dr. Wood Smethurst , co-founder and Headmaster of Ben Franklin Academy , has decided to step back from his active leadership role at BFA after 28 years. Smethurst will hold an emeritus position as well as continue on the board of trustees. Dr. Martha Burdette, Co-Founder and Dean of Studies, has been named the new Head of School.

Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Meria J. Carstarphen is recommending two national educators for the roles of Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and Chief Schools Officer (CSO) for the district. Olivine Roberts from the Sacramento City Unified School District is recommended to serve as APS’ new CAO. Donyall Dickey from The School District of Philadelphia is recommended to become the district’s CSO, a newly created position. The Atlanta Board of Education will consider the recommendations during its Aug. 10 meeting.

Local students Darryl Terry and Karekin Johnson were named 2015 Bank of America Student Leaders. As part of the experience, the students completed an eightweek internship at the East Lake Foundation, where they learned about the management and operations of running a successful nonprofit organization. They also worked in the East Lake Community Garden, which is a resource for the East Lake Community to learn how to grow their own healthy, sustainable and beautiful garden. Terry is attending Georgia Tech this fall, while Johnson will be heading to Brandeis.

Special

From left: Kawther Berhanu, Aminah Matthews, Darryl Terry, Karekin Johnson and Joseph Lee work in the East Lake Community Garden.

Councilman wants to build new MLK Natatorium in Old Fourth Ward

Atlanta City Councilmember Kwanza Hall introduced legislation at the July 7 city council meeting to relocate the closed Martin Luther King Jr. Natatorium from Boulevard to Hilliard Street in the Old Fourth Ward.

Approximately 1.77 acres of land located at 110 Hilliard Street would be donated to the city. The city would use part of the 2015 infrastructure bonds proceeds to complete the project.

“The MLK natatorium attracts the city’s most diverse population of users,” said Hall. “I was a lifeguard there when I was a teenager. It has been important to me that we keep the facility in the Old

Fourth Ward.”

The proposed site is two blocks from an Atlanta Streetcar stop and adjacent to the recently renovated Selena Sloan Butler Park Recreation Center, creating a city recreation hub. The Atlanta Housing Authority would donate the land for an indoor pool, classrooms, and meeting areas adjacent to the existing recreation center.

The Hilliard Street location would also be just one block from the King Memorial MARTA station for easy access. The pool would also be convenient for the new transit-oriented mixed-use development adjacent to the station, which will include more than 300 apartment units.

The current natatorium, built in 1978, was closed by the city in 2012 after an engineering study determined that its underlying structure and steel supports were compromised.

12.31.2015

Courtesy Google

The old MLK Natatorium on Boulevard has been closed since 2012.

City Councilman Kwanza Hall

A leading provider of new beginnings..

GOAL!

Party officially launches Atlanta United soccer team

Frequent contributor, poet, Georgia Tech professor and soccer fan Karen Head attended the official launch party for Atlanta United FC (that’s football club) on July 7 at SOHO lounge in Midtown. More than 4,000 were in attendance to see the unveiling of the team’s new logo and colors. The team will play at the new stadium under construction in Downtown starting in 2017. A record-breaking 21,500 tickets have been reserved for the inaugural season in 2017. For more, visit atlutd.com.

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Where the Extraordinary Happens Every Day

Photos by Colin Potts INtown contributor and Georgia Tech professor Karen Head, above, attended the launch party at SOHO Lounge in Midtown.

Westside Trail Construction

Under Way

Construction crews have made significant progress on the Westside Trail, a 3-mile corridor to be developed on the Atlanta BeltLine’s southwest side, will run from University Avenue in Adair Park north to Lena Avenue at Washington Park. For a half mile along White Street, the trail will use the existing West End Trail. On June 30, the BeltLine met a federal deadline to complete final design and land acquisition for the multi-use trail and secured an $18 million TIGER V grant to fund part of the $43 million Westside Trail project.

Courtesy Atlanta BeltLine

Renderings of the completed Westside Trail, including plans to extend the Atlanta Streetcar system from Downtown Atlanta.

Photos by Asep Mawardi

Downtown bicycle lane opens to public

The Peachtree Center Cycle Track, a separated, 8-foot-wide bicycle path that runs along the westernmost lane of Peachtree Center Avenue from Edgewood Avenue to Peachtree Street, is officially open to the public.

“The City of Atlanta is committed to supporting cycling as an important mode of transportation,” said Commissioner Richard Mendoza, Department of Public Works. “The Peachtree Center Cycle Track is part of a citywide initiative to promote connectivity, as well as bicycle and pedestrian safety.”

The track features a two-foot wide buffer delineated by plastic bollards and green pavement markings indicating portions of the track that intersect with vehicular traffic. Cyclists will be able

to travel both north and south along Peachtree Center thanks to special bicycle signal heads that will indicate when it is safe for those travelling south against vehicular traffic to cross intersecting streets; cyclists travelling north will obey normal vehicular traffic signals.

Once fully completed later this year, the Peachtree Center Cycle Track will connect with the Portman PATH, an east-west separated cycle track along John Portman Jr. Boulevard from Piedmont Avenue to Centennial Olympic Park. When complete, the Portman PATH will provide a critical link between the existing city cycling network to the east at Freedom Parkway and Centennial Olympic Park to the west.

The Neighborhood Hot List

Tell

January: Downtown

February: East Atlanta

March: Westside/W. Midtown

April: Inman Park

May: Candler Park

June: Buckhead

July: Ansley Park

August: Decatur

September: Midtown

October: Little Five Points

November: Morningside/Lenox Park

December: Virginia Highland

Courtesy Atlanta Bicycle Coalition

The Peachtree Cycle Track

Pets & Their People

We asked intown pets to show off their humans for this special pictorial

Illustration by Isadora Pennington

Lia Solursh

Aries, Andrew Stoltzfus and

Tori Davis and Chacha

Stephanie Peebles and Marco

Sarah E Rosenberg, dog Padme, and cat Roosevelt

Misti Dort and Brutus

Eliza Poveda and Maddox

Adam and Jo Wright, dog Archer

M Joyce and Axl

Heather Karellas and Lily Mel Mushill and Bug

Lauren Vosecky and Bacon

Angel Mae and Denver Star

Erin Michelle Vaiskauckas and Antoinette

Lia Solursh and Aries

Allison Funderburk and Big Red

Rick Goldstein and Baxter

Amy Bragg and Sadie

Julia Burke and Buddy

We help pets and their owners live happy, harmonious lives together. With 40 years of expertise, we understand your situation, your pets, and we have the safe solutions to solve even the most unique challenges.

We help pets and their owners live happy, harmonious lives together. With 40 years of expertise, we understand your situation, your pets, and we have the safe solutions to solve even the most unique challenges.

Brad Cruickshank and Pepper

Michaela Jones, dogs Elliot and Emma

Joan Kaplan and chicken

Berta Borukhova and Cici Artis LangBruttig and Stewart

Fumiko Walters and Skipper

Jo Wilson and Klaus

Annie Sun Roscoe and Wesley

Dolly

PET SOUNDS

Astrologer helps owners and pets bond

By Annie Kinnett Nichols

Got a finicky cat who can’t be pleased or a dog that runs the house? You may have a perfectionist Virgo on your hands or a mighty Aries ruling the house.

Joy Isoke believes that “pets are just like people” and when it comes to astrology and knowing your pet’s sign, she can help you get a good pulse on who your animal is and how to create the best relationship between the two of you.

Isoke has been working with astrology for more than 35 years, but why pets? “I wanted people to be able to know their pet and themselves better. Pets are hugely important to their owners. They are more like family than animals. That bond is real.”

One of her favorite stories is an Aries beagle that was spoiled and cried in distress when the owner was away. The owner got in touch with Isoke, who realized he was a very smart dog and a leader being left to his own devices.

“This is the type of dog that actually needs boundaries and thrives with training classes,” Isoke said. “The training classes themselves calmed him down and he excelled and felt much happier and independent and the owner learned how to soothe his best buddy.”

Another dog she worked with, Polka Dot, was a Cancer and had a little brother with three legs. “He was your classic

Cancer, domestic and in his own shell, not an instigator, but he was a good friend and I realized he didn’t want leave his brother behind and run and play.

I got Polka Dot out and running and having fun, then we brought his brother out and he started running on his three legs and it was this wonderful sibling moment that changed everyone’s lives for the better.”

Isoke starts out with a pet’s birth chart or when they came into your life. She can do your pets chart and your chart as well to show how you both are relating to each other. She works charity events, teaches classes, individuals, pets and owners, couples and children all about the zodiac. She looks through an emotional, intuitive lens when she works with owners and their pets’ chart.

It’s good to have the option of extra understanding and a chance to learn with more about our fine furry friends.

For more about Isoke, visit jazstrology.com.

Jail inmates paired with dogs who need training

By Annie Kinnett Nichols

Mistreated, aggressive or so-called “problem” dogs are getting a second chance thanks to Canine Cell Mates program.

Canine Cell Mates has partnered with the Fulton County Jail for an innovative foster program. Dogs are partnered with inmates at the jail for training so they can be put for adoption rather than euthanized.

The organization was created by Susan Jacobs-Meadows, who has now saved hundreds of dogs. Canine Cell Mates goes to local pounds and selects four to six dogs every six weeks to partner with inmates at the jail.

“I expected to fall in love with the dogs – in fact every time a dog finishes the program and is adopted, I cry,” JacobsMeadows said. “What I didn’t expect was that I would also fall in love with the inmates.”

Jacobs-Meadows said the inmates have become like family to her. As a matter of fact, when she introduces an inmate to the program, the first thing she says to them is, “you are family.”

“I tell them that if you work this program when you’re done we will be there for you, just like family,” she said.

Prisoners who are part of the program stay in a special area of the jail and stay with their assigned pet around-the-clock for six weeks. Once those prisoners are release, Canine Cell Mate volunteers offer an

aftercare program to assist in finding jobs, buying clothes, computers, MARTA cards, food – whatever they need to transition back into the world.

Jacobs-Meadows said, “Most people don’t realize but when these guys leave jail they have nothing left. They are tossed out. You can’t even qualify for an apartment if you have served time. These guys become part of our family and everyone wins. We win, they win, the dogs win. Our community wins.”

She said teaching the dogs gives the inmates skills they can use and often find work with vets and animal care.

“They [the inmates] are able to leave prison with a self-confidence they’ve never have had,” Jacobs-Meadows said. “On the streets you learn to survive, but no one teaches these men kindness, positive engagement, trust, unconditional love – but the dogs do and the response is amazing.

She said the recidivism rate is lowered when prisoners go through the program. “We lose some people, of course, but most of these men leave jail with respect and love and real friends on the outside.”

For more information, visit caninecellmates.org.

2

|

Joy Isoke

SADDLE UP!

Atlanta Mounted Patrol offers unique policing capabilities

By Isadora Pennington

You may have seen them riding around the perimeter of Grant Park, or Downtown during music events, and sometimes as crowd control during protests and marches. The Atlanta Police Department Mounted Patrol is a team of officers on horseback who are highly specialized and indelibly connected to their equine companions.

Nestled at the bend of Cherokee Avenue just south of Grant Park, the mounted patrol property was established in the early ‘90s. The unit was briefly shut down but resurrected under former Chief Richard Pennington in 2002 and has since thrived as an important part of the police force. The nonprofit Atlanta Police Foundation (APF) helped to get the unit started again, and has continued to support them ever since.

Being on horseback brings a different element to any police activity and can have a significant impact on citizens. The officers have a higher vantage point and can assist with surveillance, plus people have a tendency to calm down when facing the mounted patrol horses.

“We’re effective,” said Lt. Brian Schiffbauer. “Whenever we are Downtown, no crimes occur, and that’s important.”

Under the leadership of the Chief George Turner, who has made it a point to keep tabs on efficiency, the unit maintains an emphasis on monitoring the metrics and success rates of their mounted patrol team.

“It’s like analog policing matched with the digital age, and it works,” Schiffbauer said.

Not just any police officer can become part of the unit, and tasks include time spent bonding, caring for, and training with their horses. Each officer must develop a significant and lasting emotional relationship with the horses, and the process requires an officer who is dedicated to the role. Each officer in the unit is vetted and selected to become a member of the team.

There are misconceptions and assumptions about mounted patrols. Do they chase after criminals? Is there a

protocol for arresting individuals while on horseback? Did they throw detainees over the backs of the horses and haul them to jail Old West style?

Actually, the officers never dismount while in the field. If they come across criminal activity, the officers and their horses approach and detain suspects until foot patrol or squad car arrives.

“If they [suspects] get combative, we kind of sandwich them between two horses,” Schiffbauer said. He said the horses enjoy getting involved in this way, and finding oneself pressed between two thousand pounds of horse is surely a sobering experience.

Currently, the unit has six officers and 13 horses with one, Guardian, now close to retirement. “We’re gonna miss Guardian,” said Schiffbauer. “He is a great horse.” The officers develop emotional connections to the horses over time, and parting with the horses when they retire can be a difficult experience, he said.

Officer Christopher Pellegrino serves as an example of the unique bond between rider and horse. His horse, Smokey, was having a hard time eating his grain and the only way that he would eat it was if Pellegrino held it in a container and poured some water on it every morning. Pellegrino kept working with Smokey until he weaned him of the habit.

The officers love of horses is obvious just by looking around the stable office, where horse figurines, pictures and doodles are plentiful.

So next time you’re at a concert downtown or driving through Grant Park and see these horsebound cops, feel free to say hi and stop by the mounted patrol headquarters sometime to meet the horses up close and personal. Visitors can take a tour of the property, and learn how the officers care for the horses and train for their police work.

To learn more about the unit, go online to atlantapolicefoundation.org/ MountedPatrol-20 or call (404) 624-0690. The patrol barn at 1001 Cherokee Ave. SE is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., as long as the gates are open.

Above and below, the horses spend time outside in their pen. Training also means warming up, sometimes just by making rounds on the property and bonding with their riders.

At left, the team plots their maneuvers in much the same way that a football team would.

Photos By Isadora Pennington

Officer Chris Pellegrino, Lt. Brian Schiffbauer, Officer Adrian Brinn and Sergeant Derrick Davis in the unit’s barn.

SAFE STREETS

New Midtown Public Safety Patrol on the move

Midtown Alliance’s public safety program, Midtown Blue, has been on patrol for 15 years using cameras, incident response and community relations. Now, Midtown Blue is adding another layer of support – at street level –called the Midtown Public Safety Patrol.

This new team of a half-dozen speciallytrained officers will provide extra eyes and ears throughout the Midtown district. Navigating the community on Segways, by bicycle and on foot, the Midtown Public Safety Patrol will serve residents, businesses and commercial property owners.

Officers will regularly check in with area business owners, watch for illegally-parked vehicles creating traffic snarls and more. These patrols are designed to supplement existing patrols and operations provided by the Atlanta Police Department. Members of the Midtown Public Safety Patrol will be easy to spot thanks to their distinctive brightblue uniforms.

“A major advantage to having these special patrols is that they are on the streets and sidewalks at all times and can get to spaces where vehicle patrols cannot reach,” said Chris Leighty, Director of Public Safety for Midtown Alliance.

Courtesy Midtown Alliance

The new Midtown Public Safety Patrol will be on foot, bikes and Segways as it patrols the streets of the neighborhood.

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Public Safety Briefs

Atlanta Public Schools and the Atlanta Police Department will be cracking down on drivers who don’t obey the stop sign on school buses. APS will be using a new camera system that videos and photographs license plates of drivers who break the law. Drivers will be given a warning for the first 30 days after school begins on Aug. 5. After that it’s a $300 ticket.

Mayor Kasim Reed has appointed Joel Baker as Chief of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD). A native of Atlanta, Baker began his professional fire service career with the City of East Point Fire Department in 1986. In 1988, he joined AFRD where he first served as a firefighter and paramedic.

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell was the guest speaker at the Police Athletic League (PAL) on July 14 where he toured the facility and addressed nearly 100 students in PAL’s summer program. Mitchell talked to the kids about the relevance PAL and its connectivity between the police and the community. The Atlanta Police Athletic League is a non-profit public benefit corporation that provides a safe environment for youth to reach their full potential through partnerships with police and community by using athletics and other programs geared to improving the quality of life of its participants.

The Atlanta Police Department held a graduation ceremony for Class #239 at City hall on June 20. The class consisted of 19 men and six women with four people having military experience and 18 college graduates. The graduation ceremony concludes 22 weeks of rigorous training at the Atlanta Police Academy, along with 12 weeks of field training with veteran officers. The training includes classroom courses in constitutional law, APD policy and procedure, hands-on defensive tactics, arrest techniques and daily physical fitness.

Stella Drive 6BR/6.2BA | Buckhead/Chastain | $2,450,000

Joel Baker

Health & Wellness Briefs

The Big Peach Sizzler 10K will be held Labor Day, Sept. 7, at 7:30 a.m. to benefit those suffering with cystic fibrosis. The course will follow Peachtree from Chamblee to Buckhead and is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. For more information and to register, visit MilesForCF.org/sizzler.

The Atlanta Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk will be held Aug. 22, 8:30 a.m., at Piedmont Park. All proceeds from the event support Free to Breathe, a nonprofit lung cancer research and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring surviving lung cancer is the expectation, not the exception. To register and begin fundraising, visit freetobreathe.org.

The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance will mark National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month with the Teal Trot 5K in Piedmont Park on Sept. 12. Presented by Northside Hospital, strollers and pets (on leash) are welcome for this event. To register, build your team and begin fundraising, please visit TealTrot.com.

The US Department of Health & Human Services has announced that Emory University will serve as lead coordinating center of the National Ebola Training and Education Center in collaboration with the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the Bellevue Hospital in New York City.

Modern Dental is a dental facility designed with patients in mind. Adult Dentistry, Child Dentistry, Dental Implants, Cosmetic Dentistry, Extractions, FASTBRACES, Invisible braces, and much more!

Dr. Eric Lawton

Danielle Greene

The Neighborhood Hot List: Decatur

1. Downtown

Downtown Decatur is thriving with shops, resturants and new places to live (see page 48). With the annual Decatur Arts Festival and Decatur Book Festival, the city is nationally known for its cultural hipness.

2. Sycamore Street

The Decatur branch of the DeKalb Library is here with its multitude of special events for kids and adults courtesy of Georgia Center for the Book, while the pedestrian part of the street is lined with some of the city’s favorite restaurants- like Raging Burrito, The Iberian Pig and Cakes & Ale.

3. Greene’s Candy

This old fashioned candy store on Trinity Place has every kind of sweet treat imaginable, and it’s also perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day and Christmas.

4. Java Monkey Speaks

The poetry open mic has been hosted on the patio every Sunday night for 14 years by Kodac Harrison. Get there by 7:30 p.m. to get on the sign-up list. Decatur will be the site of the National Poetry Slam in 2016.

5. Agnes Scott College

Many people forget that Decatur is a “college town” and Agnes Scott College has been a big part of the community since 1889. The private, liberal arts women’s college also has some famous alumni: Playwright Marsha Norman and musicans Jennifer Nettles and Michelle Malone among many others.

Comprehensive Women’s Health

Lynley S. Durrett, M.D.

Meetings

The Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods resumes its monthly meetings after a twomonth hiatus on Aug. 13 at 6:45 p.m. in Room 2209 at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Road NW. For more information, visit facebook.com/buckheadcouncil.

The Atlanta City Council will take a summer recess Aug. 2-14. The next full council meeting will be Aug. 17 at 1 p.m. at City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave. For more information, visit citycouncil.atlantaga.gov.

Obiamaka Mora, M.D.

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Great News!

For the convenience of our patients, we have a new office location at Northside Hospital Campus. Appointments being accepted now! Call to schedule for either office today: 404-352-2850

Julie Sayers, PA-C

Community meetings, news & events

The Decatur City Commission will meet Aug. 3 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall, 509 North McDonough St. For agendas and information, visit decaturga.com.

In an effort to streamline meetings and increase transparency, the Atlanta Board of Education will combine its committee and legislative meetings into one meeting at 2:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month starting on Aug. 3. The meeting will include formal presentations, discussions about critical topics from the superintendent and executive sessions, if needed. The community meeting will continue to start at 6 p.m. with registration for public comment from 5 to 5:50 p.m.. Legislative action will follow the public comment period. The board is also moving to a digital voting process that will capture members’ votes electronically. For more information, visit atlanta.k12.ga.us.

News

The City of Atlanta is now offering paid family leave for both care giver and non-care giver city employees . The benefit was adopted 14-1 in the Fiscal Year 2016 budget by the Atlanta City Council. The adoption of paid family leave will allow a city employee to use 12 weeks of paid time, which will run concurrently with the city’s current Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) policy, and will ensure no income disruption due to the growth of their family.

Gov. Nathan Deal has appointed LaRonda Sutton to the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Advisory Commission Board. Sutton is currently serving as the director of the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment. The film and entertainment industry continues to have a major impact on the city. Under Sutton’s leadership, the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment has issued over 656 permits this year – a 13 percent increase over 2014 – generating increased revenue for the city’s general fund. Currently there are approximately 25 film and television productions shooting in Atlanta.

The City of Atlanta Municipal Court has created a Failure-To-Appear (FTA) Walk-In calendar. Defendants with active warrants or those who have missed their court dates will have an opportunity to have their cases placed on a calendar upon visiting the court to resolve their pending matters. The dockets for FTA Walk-In court will be scheduled Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information, visit court.atlantaga.gov or call (404) 954-6714.

Jessica Guilfoil Killeen, WHNP-BC

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

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

www.mcdanielanddurrett.com

This Summer is Hot!

A LOOK BACK

This Month in History

Ann Taylor Boutwell

Aug. 1, 1966: The Atlanta Falcons played their first pre-season game at the old Atlanta Stadium. They lost 9-7 to Philadelphia.

Aug. 2, 1926: Sears & Roebuck opens its retail and distribution center on Ponce de Leon Avenue. The massive building would eventually become City Hall East and now Ponce City Market.

Aug. 2, 1854: Concert pianist and composer Alfredo Barili was born in Florence, Italy. After studying and performing at venues around the world, Barili and his wife settled in Atlanta in 1880 to teach at the Female Institute on Peachtree Street. In November 1883, he made his first Atlanta appearance at DeGive’s Opera House. Three years later, he opened the Barili School of Music on Juniper Street. He died unexpectedly at the age of 81 on Nov. 17 while on a walk near his home in Midtown. Barili stumbled into the path of a city bus on Ponce de Leon Avenue and died instantly.

Aug. 6, 1907: An enthusiastic crowd in the Georgia State Capitol sang “Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow” as they watched Gov. Hoke Smith sign the new prohibition bill, which became law on Jan. 1, 1908.

Aug. 17, 1842: Although Julia Carlisle, daughter of Sarah and Willis Carlisle, was credited with being the first female baby born in Terminus (the first name of Atlanta), she was actually born in Marietta.

Aug. 17, 1860: The Atlanta City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting the throwing of water, dirt and trash from windows and doorways.

Aug. 19, 1904: Atlanta Fire Chief Walthall Robertson “Cap” Joyner escorted a caravan of monkeys, parrots, macaws, and swans to the zoo in Grant Park. Thanks to the generosity of the Georgia Railway and Electric Company, the animals shipped from New York City remained there for the rest if their natural lives. The baboon, called Mr. A.B. Boon, perhaps the most interesting newcomer, hailed directly from the Congo.

Aug. 28, 1963: Atlanta’s Martin Luther King Jr. led the March on Washington where he delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial calling for an end to racism during the Civil Rights Movement.

Alfredo Barili

Martin Luther King Jr.

By Tim Sullivan

Life’'s a Beach

Beach trips with kids: is it a vacation or just a change of location? After driving umpteen hours and spending thousands of dollars on a rental house for a week away with extended family one hopes for the former. Ours actually went pretty well this year, so I wrote a few notes to myself that I’ll share with you. Like sunscreen, apply liberally.

Packing is a tedious slog not meant for those with a weak constitution. When Kristen starts a week early with the assembling of piles of beach towels and bags of sunscreen like a humorless drone just hold your tongue, mister. Don’t even think about uttering the word “relax.” Are you going to handle this detail? No, you are not. If tasked with packing their own suitcases your kids would bring a pillow pet and their favorite bag of rocks. So stay out of her way and be thankful. Your mission will be to play a game of real-life Tetris filling the car with whatever she tells you to.

Bring your own puzzles and games. What if Shut The Box only has one die? What if the 1,000 piece puzzle with the quintessential 4th of July scene is shy three pieces? 49 cards in the deck? What then? The whole house will be depressed!

Okay, maybe just you but better safe than sorry.

Bring teenagers. Yes, teenagers –nice, well-adjusted, not-surly teenagers like your nieces and nephews and little cousins. They round out the kids’ table and play soccer with the little ones. They know how to work the remote and can carry groceries. I like ‘em.

The king bed is fool’s gold. Master suites with gigantic beds might suggest that one week here and you will never be tired again, but it doesn’t work out that way. You and the wife are like sad apples resting atop a jelly-onWonderbread sandwich. Your kids spot the extra real estate and dive in, too. If you have sunburn anywhere on your body that will be the very spot that gets kicked most during the night. If there is a cot in the utility room, give it some consideration.

Golf. The only thing worse than not playing any golf on vacation is stuffing your clubs into the jam-packed car and then not playing. You will not be playing so don’t bother.

A politics-free vacation. No one wants to sour a family vacation with a political discussion gone awry. Kara

(sister-in-law) inadvertently solved the problem with this gem: “Well, now that marriage is gay…” Not sure if she even finished the sentence because everyone within earshot exploded into laughter and poof – no more politics!

Grill tips. Check the grease pan first. Fire departments in beach towns are best seen at parades.

Forget relaxing at the pool. Kristen enters each vacation with the assumption that there will be four to five neardrowning incidents. And for reasons unknown, the kids act as if the pool is this fun place to play in and around. Your mistake of the past few years was you sought peaceful moments where none were to be had. This year you lifeguarded intently while accepting the incoming fire of super soakers and foam noodles. If you

tire them out enough, they’ll zone out and watch Judge Judy with Uncle Bob. Go during shark week. The Outer Banks was aflutter with shark mania and on the surface, that’s not good. But the kids never once asked to go to an amusement park or the movies or some 4,000-degree mini-golf place because the potential for a shark sighting was all the rage. A dolphin sighting is always fun, but a dolphin that for a split second might be a shark will bring out your inner Roy Scheider. Again, not that you want anyone to actually get bitten by a shark. That would be bad.

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.

The Riehman-Ciotta-Poole-PintoBuckley-Sullivan clan shared a beach cottage over the summer.

Photo by Timothy Sullivan

OOO LA LA CELEBRATING BASTILLE DAY AT PARIS ON PONCE

Paris on Ponce put on a big weekend shindig for the its 2015 Bastille Day celebration. The happenings included a scavenger hunt, puppy costume contest, sweet treats and burlesque performances.

At right, the proximity to the Beltline made thd event easy and approachable for locals and their pets.

Middle row, left to right: Sarah Gretzmacher with pup Binji; Torrie Dale and Rachel Black; and pup Tong, who was enjoying all the attention.

Below left, Paris on Ponce owner and manager Nicolette Valdespino on stage with her pup Beaudelaire during the costume contest.

Below right, Caleb Miller entertains with magic tricks.

Photos by Isadora Pennington

Each month, our Engel & Völkers Intown Atlanta family wants to recognize a few homeowners who take exceptional pride in their community, and individual homes, by showcasing these lovely properties as our “Yard of the Month” award winners. Not only are these properties beautiful to view, they also help improve desirability, and thus value, for their neighborhoods.

August 2015 Yard of the Month winners

Adair Estate: Open floorplan, large rooms, high ceilings. Built-ins, sep DR, SS gourmet kitchen. Cozy den, sunroom, covered patio. Two deeded parking spaces. 3BR/ 3.5BA

Ken Covers ken.covers@evusa.com

Cabbagetown: Rare wide lot on Savannah Street! Large enough for a two-story cottage with driveway. Located in a historic district where guidelines must be followed.

Lynda Cox lynda.cox@evusa.com

Morningside: Custom home w/vaulted ceilings, skylights. Passive solar design by Rick Sibly. Wood-burning stove. Landscaped, wooded outdoor retreat in the city. 3BD/ 2BA

Viewpoint: Fabulous view from Midtown high-rise. True 1BD home, granite in bath & kitchen, hdwds, SS apps. Gym, pool table, club, rooftop pool. A must see! 1BR/ 1BA

Michael Gaddy michael.gaddy@evusa.com $239,900

Oak Grove Preserve: Amazing European Milani estate. 2story LR/foyer. Chef’s kitchen, elevator. Mstr w/sitting rm & fireplace. Wet bar. Full bsmnt w/media rm. 7BR/6BA/2HB

Laurie Nickless laurie.nickless@evusa.com

East Atlanta: Updated. 10’ ceilings, pine floors, orig f’place & mantle in LR/MSTR BR. Kitchen has recessed lites, SS apps, slate floors. 3rd BR/office. Detached garage. 3BR/ 2BA

Morningside: 1+ acre Lewis Crook Custom Built & Spitzmiller & Norris Renovation. Terrazzo floors. Stunning master guest suite above coach house. 5BR/4BA/2HB

Olde Ivy: Elegant end unit. Spacious w/custom finishes. Formal LR, open kitchen, columns, fireplace. Full bath in finished basement. All hardwoods. 3BR/ 3.5BA

Marsha McNeer marsha.mcneer@evusa.com $368,000

Virginia Highland: DBL LOT regal home w/multiple living spaces, soaring ceilings. Balconies & verandas adorn all 3 levels. Expansive, private oasis in the city! 5BD/ 5BA

Mandi Robertson & Michael Gaddy mandi.robertson@evusa.com

1411 North Highland Avenue Atlanta, GA 30306

404-874-6357 | intownatlanta.evusa.com

Ponce de Leon, Poncey-Highland

Lynn Haven, Capital View Manor

Pasadena Ave, Morningside Wildwood, Morningside

FROM MILK TO MIXED-USE

Historic Atlanta Dairies project will have entertainment vibe

By Collin Kelley

Following the success of its Krog Street Market project in Inman Park, Paces Properties is turning its attention to another property – the old Atlanta Dairies site on Memorial Drive in Reynoldstown.

Atlantans of a certain age will remember the familiar red and white cartons of milk that came from the dairy cooperative, which opened in 1945. Atlanta Dairies was eventually bought out by Parmalat, which

continued to use the 10-acre site until it closed in 2004.

The 2008 tornado that swept across Downtown caused significant damage to buildings on the property, but the Art Deco curvature of the main building remains intact and will become the focal point of the project, which will simply be called Atlanta Dairies. Other buildings, including the old retail strip that contained Chop Restaurant and a small grocery store will be demolished.

While Krog Street Market has

a food focus, Atlanta Dairies will be a mixed-use project with an entertainment focus, including an outdoor space at the heart of the project called “The Yard” for concerts and other events.

An indoor music venue, bowling alley, small retailers, a bar and a 24-hour diner would be part of the mix, too, with office space and 300 apartments.

“We wanted to do something besides the food vibe,” Paces Properties principal David Cochran said. “We came up with the music and

entertainment concept because there wasn’t anything like it in the area.”

Paces principal George Banks said there was enough competition in the city for how people spend their money, so making Atlanta Dairies a “unique, memorable destination” was foremost in his mind. “We want to create a project that keeps people coming back.”

Paces principal Merritt Lancaster said the property was one of the last on Memorial Drive that still had its original industrial character.

“The Dairies is surrounded by these

Rendering: Special, Photos: Isadora Pennington

The old Atlanta Dairies property has been closed since 2006 and was damaged by the 2008 tornado that struck Downtown.

powerful single-family neighborhoods like Reynoldstown, Grant Park, Cabbagetown and East Atlanta, so the site is ripe with opportunity.”

It was those neighbors that came out earlier this year and convinced the Atlanta City Council to lift a sixmonth construction moratorium along Memorial Drive so the Atlanta Dairies project could get under way this fall.

“One of the biggest lessons we

learned with Krog Street Market was making sure we were embracing immediate neighborhood,” Lancaster said. “We went to Reynoldstown with our plans long before we went to the city to get ideas from the neighborhood. We want to be good neighbors.”

Cochran said January 2017 is the goal for “everyone to open their doors” at Atlanta Dairies.

The Art Deco-style curve of the main building at the Atlanta Dairies property will become the centerpiece of Paces Properties’ redevelopment of the site into a mixed-use complex with a focus on entertainment. The developers said the dairies property is the last on Memorial Drive to retain its industrial nature and that will be kept intact as work gets under way this fall.

Cancer survivor leaves radio career to design jewelry

By Kitsy Rose

In June 2006, Lisa George heard the words from her doctor: “You have breast cancer.” Prior to this life-altering sentence, which would indeed change her life forever, George was on top of the world living a successful life as a top radio salesperson, a career she had loved since 1992. She was making a six-figure income, driving a Porsche and had built her dream home in Buckhead. George’s diagnosis was stage one and she chose to treat it with a single mastectomy.

George recovered and went back to work at a different radio station with a new format and colleagues. She was enjoying the challenge, but then the economic downturn hit in 2008. George experienced a loss of income and change in lifestyle as many people did during the recession.

Five years after her diagnosis, George found herself depressed and looking for a way to improve her mood. She left work early one day and visited a local bead shop and brought along a vintage cross and crystals given to her by her grandmother and green jade from her mother. George sat down and made a necklace, inspired by images she had seen in a fashion magazine.

When she met girlfriends for dinner, they raved over the necklace and couldn’t believe that George had made it herself. One friend had read about a contest called “In Search of the Perfect Necklace” and encouraged George to enter. She did and won.

Soon, George’s friends were asking her to create pieces for them to wear or give as gifts. By 2012, George landed her first boutique, Sandpiper in Vinings, and L. George Design was born.

George left her radio career and began designing jewelry and naming the pieces after friends who had supported her along the way. She has become known for using mixed metals and Swarovski crystals for her “statement” jewelry, which includes not only necklaces, but earrings and bracelets, too.

Then, in November of last year, George discovered a routine check up that cancer had been detected in her other breast. She again decided to have a mastectomy. She completed reconstructive surgery in the spring and hopes cancer is now in her past.

In the meanwhile, L. George Designs has grown and can now be found in more than 200 boutiques in the U.S. and Canada. That random bad day and a trip to a local bead shop has turned into a shinier, rewarding second act.

For more about Lisa George’s jewelry, visit lgeorgedesigns.com.

"I have bought and sold MANY houses. I am a tough client, by my own admission; I have NEVER had an agent who represented me so well, caring about my interests and liabilities above her own commissions. You would not be able to hire a better agent, at any price." - Becky

Jewelry designer Lisa George, left, quit her lucrative career in radio advertising after a breast cancer diagnosis and forged a new career as a jewelery designer. Her work is now in shops across the country. Below, models show off some of George’s designs.

Photo by Sara Hanna Photography

Business & Retail Briefs

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s domestic terminal will soon get some serious upgrades. The $430 million modernization will introduce more light into the terminal and concourses similar to that of the new international terminal. Work on the domestic terminal and concourses will take three years to complete with funding coming from commercial financing and expected $4.50 passenger facility charge for travellers.

Reports in local media surfaced last month that MGM Resorts International is pitching a $1 billion gambling complex for Downtown. Supporters say the casino would funnel tens of millions of dollars into the HOPE scholarship, create 3,500 jobs and offer Las Vegas-style casino gambling. Previous casino proposals, including one for Underground Atlanta, have been unable to clear the state legislature or the governor’s office.

Swiss fashion label Akris will open a new boutique in Buckhead Atlanta in September. The boutique will offer luxury goods for women, including accessories and handbags.

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) has announced that Thomas J. Cunningham has joined the organization’s leadership team as chief economist. Cunningham comes to MAC following a 30-year career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta as vice president, senior economist and regional executive.

Real estate development firm Carter and PCCP LC have jointly purchased an empty office building in the heart of Midtown with plans to renovate it inside and out. Located at 715 Peachtree Street at the corner of 3rd, the 1o-story building was originally built as J.C. Penney’s regional headquarters. It was most recently occupied by Bank of America, but has been empty since 2012. A “destination gathering spot” is promised along Peachtree as part of the building’s rehab.

Construction Resources has opened Buckhead Cambria Gallery at 3096 Roswell Road, just a few doors down from Buckhead Theatre. The store offers inspiration and products for kitchen and bath projects.

The Braves and concert promoter Live Nation have announced they will resurrect the Roxy Theatre in the mixed-used development that will surround the new baseball stadium, SunTrust Park. The 4,000-capacity venue will host music and comedy acts. The last incarnation of the Roxy was located in Buckhead Village and is now known as Buckhead Theatre.

Cardiac ICU nurse-turned-entrepreneur David Martin has opened a third office of VeinInnovations in Midtown on the 15th floor of the 1355 Peachtree Building.

A new luxury men’s shoe company, Cobbler Union , has opened at 312 N. Highland Ave. in Inman Park. The shop has a range of styles from Oxfords and Derbys to boots and loafers. The shop also has a made-to-order program with its own cobbler. For more information, visit cobbler-union.com.

After being closed for eight years, Flower Bar has reopened in the same location – Irwin Street Market at 660 Irwin Street in the Old Fourth Ward – under the same owner, Amber Schoepp. The shop does all the professional florist services: walk-ins, delivery, weddings, events and more. Flower Bar also offers workshops on how to make your own bouquet. For more visit, atlantaflowerbar.com.

Uber, Lyft and the city’s taxi cabs have yet another competitor: Ride . However, this mobile-app-based company is positioning itself to help users navigate their commute. You can share a car to and from work and split the cost. For more details, visit ride.com.

Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala party. More than 200 guests, all current or former Arrow employees, enjoyed the elegant reception, dinner and dance held at The RitzCarlton, Buckhead. Since its founding, the company has expanded to 11 states, employes 1,415 people and generates revenue of $150 million.

Emily Thomas Kendrick, President and CEO of Arrow Exterminators, and her husband Hugh Kendrick prepared to welcome guests to the 50th Anniversary Gala.

715 Peachtree

Roxy Rendering Cobbler Union

Rainwater Harvesting Saves Water, Gardens and Rivers

Above the Waterline

Sally Bethea

Weatherwise, it’s been a summer of sharp contrasts in Atlanta. Weeks of hot, dry weather have been punctuated by torrential rain storms that have kept the plants in my yard sporadically happy and local lakes and rivers mostly full.

While a portion of northern Georgia was considered “abnormally dry” in July, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, our water supplies are in pretty good shape this year for most of the state.

But, in California, it’s a different story. It is in its fourth year of an “exceptional drought” with no end in sight. Residents in communities throughout the state have been ordered to conserve water or face consequences, and “drought shaming” of those with well-watered lawns or other signs of excessive water consumption has become commonplace.

Six years ago, we were experiencing our own exceptional drought here in Atlanta. Given recent trends, it’s just a matter of time before another drought comes our way. The question is whether or not we’ll be more

prepared for the next one, than we were for the last.

A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey concludes that water use decreased significantly in Georgia during the decade from 2000 to 2010 when we experienced two major droughts.

While this decrease was largely due to the move from coal-fired power plants – that use large volumes of water – to gas-fired plants, it is also apparent that people are beginning to get in the habit of conserving water, whether we’re in a drought or not. And that’s good news.

I love my garden as much as any other Southerner and one of the best places I’ve found to reduce my personal water use is through rainwater harvesting to sustain my plants during Atlanta’s hot summers. Every time we have another downpour, my rain barrel captures and stores 60 gallons of water that falls on my roof, before it can enter a storm drain and disappear.

Rainwater harvesting is an easy and effective technique to cope with drought,

reduce storm runoff and increase our available water resources. Reducing Atlanta’s water demand also means that less water needs to be withdrawn from local rivers, keeping them as healthy as possible.

Georgia Tech, Emory and other colleges have installed rainwater harvesting systems on their campuses that are delivering significant amounts of water for nonpotable uses. Businesses are also investing in rain harvesting systems to maintain the appearance of their landscaping and reduce their water bills.

The city of Atlanta is hosting rain barrel workshops on Aug. 19 and Sept. 23 from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Water Works Lodge, 655 Green Street NW. The fee of $40 includes a rain barrel and installation kit. To register, contact Danita Ogandaga at dogandaga@atlantaga.gov or (404) 5463217.

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper also provides rain barrel workshops for groups of 15 or more. For more information, see chattahoochee.org/our-work/educationtraining/rain-barrel-workshops/ or call (404) 352-9828.

Sally Bethea is the recently-retired riverkeeper and executive director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (chattahoochee.

org), a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization whose mission is to protect and restore the drinking water supply for nearly four million people.

Special

A homemade rain barrel.

EcoBriefs

Park Pride, an Atlanta nonprofit focused on helping communities improve their parks, annually coordinates over 17,000 hours of volunteer service in parks. Grab your shovel and gloves, because on three Saturdays in August you’ll have YOUR chance to get your hands dirty at one or more special volunteer opportunities for individuals or families! Volunteer with Park Pride at Mountain Way Common in Buckhead (Aug. 8), Constitution Lakes in DeKalb (Aug. 22) or Zonolite Park in North Druid Hills (Aug. 29). More information and registration at parkpride.org.

City of Atlanta Recycle Day at the Mall West End, 850 Oak St., is held the third Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon. The event allows Atlanta residents to drop off hard to dispose of items like electronics, tires and Styrofoam. Paper shredding is also provided on site.

Nominations are open until Aug. 17 for the 2015 Cox Conserves Heroes sponsored by Cox Enterprises. Created in partnership with the Trust for Public Land, the award recognizes local environmental volunteers and makes donations to local nonprofits on their behalf. For more information, visit wsbtv.com/coxconservesheroes.

Atlanta native Rohit Malhotra has been awarded a fellowship with Echoing Green for his work as the founder and executive director of the Center for Civic Innovation. The fellowship will provide seed funding, mentoring and leadership opportunities as the Center for Civic Innovation grows as a vehicle for social change in Atlanta. The Center for Civic Innovation connects problem solvers to community resources and invests in early stage civic ideas around topics such as food access, education, and recidivism. At their 3,000 sq ft. location in South Downtown Atlanta, they host public workshops, trainings, advising/mentoring programs, and co-working space for problem solvers in the city.

Bayer North American Bee Care Program teamed up with Piedmont Park’s Education Garden Center as part of its Feed a Bee initiative to bring forage to the bees that migrate annually to the park’s apiary. In late June, Feed a Bee established a pollinator garden in the park to raise awareness of the importance of honey bees by installing a wildflower seed vending machine, offering complimentary Georgia-sourced plant seeds that will bloom and provide food for bees. The vending machine will provide a hands-on, outdoor activity that Atlanta families and park visitors can enjoy all summer long.

APS teachers get field training in science

Wylde Center plant sale begins Sept. 1

The Wylde Center’s annual fall plant sale is Sept. 1 through Oct. 15 at the at the organization’s Oakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Road in Decatur. More than 50 varieties of lettuce, Asian greens, arugula, kale and other cool season edible plants will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

All of the vegetables have been propagated by the Wylde Center’s horticulture staff, while many of the other plants offered for sale will be provided by local growers and partner organizations. Proceeds from the sale benefit the numerous educational offerings at the Wylde Center and help support the Atlanta non-profit organization’s four public greenspaces.

The plant sale operates on a self-serve, honor system from sunup to sundown each day. All prices are clearly marked, and customers are asked to please deposit either cash or a check made out to the Wylde Center for their purchase total through the dropbox in the front door.

For more information, visit Wylde Center.org.

The 2015 Oxford Institute for Environmental Education (OIEE) recently concluded at Oxhouse Science Center, science field station of Oxford College in east Georgia. Teachers from across the state wrapped up an intensive week of professional development.

Founded in 1992, OIEE provides an opportunity for teachers in grades K-12 to collaborate with college biology faculty, gaining new science teaching methods and investigative techniques.

Two Atlanta Public School teachers

Timiko Gray, a science teacher at Benjamin F. Mays High School, and

Victor Pearse Haley, a second grade teacher at Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, were chosen for this year’s institute. Seventeen teachers from across Georgia participated. Teachers learn the basic principles of ecology in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, methods for applying this knowledge to lesson plans and ways to develop their own schoolyards for environmental education. At a follow-up meeting in the fall, teachers will share their experiences in implementing what they learned this summer and discuss their continuing projects.

Cheryl has been selling real estate for over 15 years and specialize in the Metro Atlanta market. She started her real estate career with a previous company as a sales agent, was promoted to sales manager and then held the title of Regional Director of Sales. Please contact Cheryl if you are interested in buying or selling a home or if you simply want to learn more about the thriving real estate market in Metro Atlanta!

Special

Plant lovers peruse last year’s Wylde Cent plant sale.

Special Victor Pearse Haley in the field at the Oxhouse Science Center.

By Collin Kelley

Atlanta’s favorite cover and party band, Yacht Rock Revue, has some simple criteria for picking the classic rock icons it asks to perform their hits with during the annual Yacht Rock Revival in Piedmont Park: Has the singer died of an overdose? Has the singer blown out his voice? If either of those is the case, is the guitar player available?

Joking aside, YRR has made a career out of performing songs of a certain era, usually known as “A.M. Gold” before the rise of F.M. radio stations. As vocalist Nick Niespodziani puts it, if Ted Turner were listening to it on the eight-track player on his yacht in 1980, then it’s probably going to wind up in their set.

That means healthy, heaping doses of Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, Toto, Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac and many more.

When the band takes the stage on Aug. 22 for the fifth annual Yacht Rock

Revival, they will have some seriously cool special guests joining them to dive into the A.M. Gold treasure chest: Jeff Carlisi of .38 Special, Journey vocalist Steve Augeri, Matthew Wilder (“Break My Stride”), Robbie Dupree (“Steal Away”), Elliot Lurie of Looking Glass, Peter Beckett and Ron Moss of Player and Walter Egan.

YRR’s reputation for recreating songs and their stage antics have garnered them a national following.

Their fans are called the “Nation of Smooth.” That reputation meant Dupree and Egan came out to catch the band’s shows. Niespodziani said the band was especially thrilled that Wilder agreed to jam with them, since he doesn’t perform much these days.

The genesis of YRR began with Niespodziani, Peter Olson and Mark Cobb were playing in an indie rock band called Y-O-U at a bar in VirginiaHighland. One night, the band decided to do a set of ‘70s and ‘80s classics. The response was overwhelming.

Y-O-U disbanded and the trio

was joined by Mark Bencuya, Mark Dannells, David Freeman and Greg Lee. Niespodziani said the entire band has known each other since before high school and have been having ball bringing the Time-Life infomercial catalog to the stage.

“We’ve let the audience lead us and tell us what they want,” Niespodziani said. “If that means dressing up in polyester and dancing around, we’re all in. A lot of cover and tribute bands perform as though the songs belong to someone else, but we try to take ownership of the song and give it new life.”

While many tribute bands are usually devoted to one artist – Pink Floyd or The Grateful Dead, for instance – by YRR is paying tribute to an entire era of music.

“Our potential set list is endless,” Niespodziani said. “We know 350 to 400 songs every month we add new tunes. We like to keep it fresh. But if don’t play “Africa” by Toto we’ll hear about it on Twitter.”

As the demand for yacht rock grew, YRR used their company PleaseRock to create a music collective to pass gigs on to their friends. PleaseRock now books more than a dozen Atlanta bands and DJs – including another band of smooth ‘70s sailors called the Yacht Rock Schooner – and handles music booking for several local restaurants and venues.

The band’s success has also led to an Atlanta restaurant and music venue called Venkman’s, which is scheduled to open before the end of summer. The group is also giving back to the community by helping to establish CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) in southeast Atlanta. So whom would YRR still like to perform with? “Michael McDonald, Darryl Hall and “the Mount Rushmore of Yacht Rock” Kenny Loggins,” Niespodziani said.

For tickets to the Yacht Rock Revival, visit http://pleaserock.xorbia. com/2015yachtrockrevival.

Center for Puppetry Arts announces November opening for museum

By Collin Kelley

Center for Puppetry Arts has announced it will officially open its Worlds of Puppetry museum addition on Nov. 14. The space will house the Global Collection gallery and the Jim Henson Collection gallery, the world’s most comprehensive collection of the work of the creator of The Muppets.

“Great museums are characterized by their ability to continually educate, inspire and evolve,” said the Center Executive Director Vincent Anthony. “This is a true turning point for the Center for Puppetry Arts – and we welcome visitors to come discover the

magic and wonder that lie behind these doors.”

The 7,500 square foot museum space will also feature a renovated entryway, expanded museum store, new research library and more to the existing space, which was the historic Spring Street Elementary School in Midtown.

Grand opening festivities will include walk-around Henson characters, photo opportunities and other activities to make the day a festival-like celebration. The annual production of the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will also be on stage.

For more information, visit puppet. org.

Special

A rendering of the new addition to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Midtown.

Photos by Isadora Pennington

The new addition to the Center for Puppetry Arts will include a museum that houses Muppet creator Jim Henson’s creations.

LAST OF THE SUMMER FESTIVALS

School may be back in session, but there’s still more festival fun to be had before summer ends. From arts and crafts to music and sci-fi fantasy, there’s plenty coming up in August and Labor Day weekend to keep everyone entertained.

Piedmont Park Summer Arts & Crafts Festival

This year’s festival is Aug. 15-16 and will feature more than 150 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalwork, glass blowers, jewelers and crafters. There will also be a kids area and food trucks. Admission to the festival is free. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Parking will be available in the Piedmont Park deck, but organizers encourage visitors to take MARTA, walk or bike to the festival. For more details, visit piedmontparkartsfestival.com.

Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival

This year’s event is Aug. 15 from noon to 8 p.m. in Oakhurst. The event will feature a diverse lineup of blues and bluegrass artists including Beverly Guitar Watkins, The Dappled Grays, Sailing to Denver, Lockdown Blues Band, Michelle Malone and Seven Handle Circus. Serving up barbecue, beer and more will be Fox Brothers, Williamson Bros. BBQ, Sweet Auburn BBQ, Southern Sweets, King of Pops, Banjo Cold Brew and New Belgium Brewing. Tickets are now on sale for $ 10 via freshtix.com. Day of tickets will be $ 20. For more information, visit decaturbbqfestival.com.

The Grant Park Summer Shade Festival

This year’s event is Aug. 29-30 and kicks off on Saturday morning with the Adams Realtors 5K Run for the Park. There will be two artist markets, live music and a kids’ zone featuring games and activities. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Visit summershadefestival.org for more details and full schedule of events.

Festival Peachtree Latino

The multicultural festival will be held in Piedmont Park on Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. featuring exhibitions, children’s activities, arts and crafts, food and live music. For more details, visit facebook.com/ festivalpeachtreelatino.

AJC Decatur Book Festival

Erica Jong will be the keynote speaker and launch her long-awaited sequel to Fear of Flying called Fear of Dying at this year’s festival, which runs Sept. 4-6. Hundreds of authors will be in town during the weekend for readings, signings and events. Authors expected to appear include Roxanne Gay, Ron Rash, Sara Paretsky, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Cat Cora, Pat Conroy, Samuel Delany, Christopher Moore, Elizabeth Alexander, Kevin Henkes, Libba Bray and Saeed Jones. For a full line-up of events and authors, visit decaturbookfestival.com.

Dragon Con

Sci-fi, fantasy and gaming fans will descend on Downtown Sept. 4-7 to meet up with actors, authors, artists and more. Expect plenty of cosplay and nerds losing their minds over the new Star Wars film and the return of Doctor Who. Some of this year’s special guests include Stephen Amell, John Barrowman from the hit series Arrow, Paul McGann, Sylvester McCoy, Jamie Bamber, Amber Benson and Keir Dullea. The annual parade of costumed characters down Peachtree Street will be held on Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. For a detailed schedule and to register, visit dragoncon. org.

Stephen Amell Dragon Con

Grant Park Summer Shade Festival

Piedmont Park Summer Arts & Crafts Festival

Erica Jong Decatur Book Festival

Visual Arts

Arthur Gonoretzky: Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, photographer Arthur Gonoretzky is a world traveler who realized photography can be used as a tool to help communicate with people from all parts of the globe. Closes August 15. Free. atlantaphotographygroup.org

Piedmont Park Arts Festival: View the work of nearly 250 painters, photographers, sculptors, glass blowers and other artists at this annual outdoor festival. August 15 and August 16. Free. piedmontparkartsfestival.com

3D Printing the Future: MODA explores the innovative ways in which 3D printing technology is being used, including airplane components and prosthetics. Opens August 23. $5 to $10. museumofdesign.org

Brain: The Inside Story: Discover the workings of the most complex and fascinating biological structure - the human brain. Closes August 23. $16 to $18. fernbank.edu

Colored Pencil Society of America

23rd Annual International Exhibition: See more than 100 works, all of which are created with colored pencil only, in this exhibit that offers $15,000 in awards to artists. Closes August 23. $5. museum.oglethorpe.edu

Love Marks the Spot: Artist Jeremy Brown debuts his first solo exhibition comprised of art depicting the gift of love

at Kai Lin Art Gallery. Wednesday through Saturday. Free. kailinart.com

Performing Arts

Mary Poppins: The irresistible story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time comes to Dunwoody’s MJCCA. August 6 through August 16. $15 to $28. atlantajcc.org

Jazz on the Lawn: Gwen Hughes: Bring a blanket and picnic to the Callanwolde Amphitheater for a night of live jazz with Atlanta’s own Gwen Hughes. August 7. $20 to $25. callanwolde.org

The Wrecking Ball ATL 2015: The Masquerade celebrates its 25th anniversary with two days of live music featuring more than 50 bands. August 7 and August 8. $65 to $199. masqueradeatlanta.com

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged): Take an irreverent, hilarious, high-speed romp through all 37 of the Bard’s plays (and 154 sonnets) in only two hours. August 7 through August 23. $18 to $39. shakespearetavern.com

Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha (We Never Say What We Mean): Two exlovers decide to meet after 35 long years to discover the truth behind their separation in this new play from Rakesh Bedi. August 9. $32 to $72. cobbenergycentre.com

Rhythm & Brews: Rockabilly-roots band Cigar Store Indians performs live at Sandy Springs’ Thursday night outdoor concert series. August 13. $2 to $5. heritagesandysprings.org

The Tortoise, the Hare and Other Aesop’s Fables: A crane, a full body puppet lion, the Tortoise, the Hare, and other fun animals from Aesop’s fantastic fables take the stage in this cheerful, interactive production specifically designed for the very young. Opens August 13. $16.50. puppet.org

Mama Bear: In this play, Out of Box Theatre urges audiences to consider what lengths they would go to in order to save their child from the lessons of the street. August 14 through August 23. $17 to $25. outofboxtheatre.com

Jim Gaffigan: Dry and clever standup comedian Jim Gaffigan brings his “Contagious” comedy tour to Chastain Park Amphitheatre. August 16. $25 to $65. chastainseries.com

Motown the Musical: This Broadway show at The Fox Theatre is the true story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul. August 18 through August 23. $30 to $150. broadwayinatlanta.com

Lyle Lovett: Singer, composer and actor Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. August 21. $29.50 to $59.50. classicchastain.com

Wabi Sabi at Los Trompos: Atlanta Ballet’s dance troupe brings the show “WHIM” to the High Museum’s outdoor, interactive exhibit, “Los Trompos.” August 21. Free. atlantaballet.com

Luke Bryan: Georgia native Luke Bryan brings his “Kick Up The Dust” tour to Philips Arena for two nights with Randy Houser and Dustin Lynch. August 21 and August 22. $39.75 to $69.75. philipsarena.com

Concerts in the Garden: Melissa Etheridge : Popular ‘90s folk-rocker Melissa Etheridge comes to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for a live solo concert on the Garden grounds. August 22. $67.50. concertsinthegarden.org

Meet the Past Festival: Margaret Mitchell: Bring the family to experience the past while encountering Margaret Mitchell as a young reporter and budding novelist at this festival of lawn games, live music and Southern food. August 22. $11 to $16.50. atlantahistorycenter.com

Kishi Bashi: NPR’s Best New Artist of 2012 performs a live concert as part of Park Tavern’s Sunset Sessions summer concert series. August 23. Free. parktavern.com

Motown the Musical

Uprising: Horizon Theatre presents a sweeping story laced with bluesy tunes, danger and sweet touches of magical realism about finding freedom on your own terms. Closes August 23. $25 to $35. horizontheatre.com

Boys II Men: The most successfulselling R&B male vocal group of all time comes to Chastain with Bell-BivDeVoe. August 28. $35.50 to $59.50. classicchastain.com

National Black Arts Festival: Step Afrika: Step Afrika celebrates its 20th anniversary as the first professional stepping company with this special performance at Center Stage Theater with a local symphony and gospel choir. August 29. $20 to $45. nbaf.org

Melissa Etheridge

Step Afrika

Kishi Bashi

Community Calendar August 2015

Brew for the Family- Friday, Aug. 14, 6 - 9 p.m. Monday Night Brewing is hosting an event with a sampling of 6 craft beers and will have a guided brewery tour, music, and silent auction all in support of the Tinia Q Cade Foundation. The organization is a nonprofit serving the needs of families battling with infertility through education, outreach, and financial assistance to those in treatment or seeking adoption. Tickets start at $40, sales end August 14. Monday Night Brewing, 670 Trabert Ave. NW, 30318. For more information, go to rba-online.com or mondaynightbrewing.com.

Epic Water Balloon Battle - Aug. 15, 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Bring your bathing suits and your game faces to the largest traveling water balloon fight, coming in August to Stone Mountain. With over 100,000 water balloons and more than 1000 expected guests, this water battle event is a great way to spend a hot summer evening. Tickets are $5 each for the after party starting at 9 p.m. with vendors and live entertainment following the fight which ends at 8 p.m. 70% of proceeds support the Atlanta Humane Society, and donations are accepted towards the cause. Free entry to first 200 people and suggested donation of $5 for each participant after that. Registration required to participate, this event is open to attendees aged 18 and up. The Atrium Event Center, 5479 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, 30083. For more information, go to facebook.com/EpicBalloonBattle or email flexxpromo@gmail.com.

HOToberFest’s Barrel Aged Ball - Sunday, Aug. 16, 2 - 8 p.m. In its 7th year, the event returns with a refined craft beer selection, rare and collectable beers on pour, food tastes from local, beer-centric chefs, and food trucks at the Historic Georgia Freight Depot in downtown Atlanta. Limited VIP tickets still available at press time, $85. The Freight Depot, 65 M.L.K. Jr Drive NW, 30303. For more information, go online to hotoberfest.org or call (404) 698-6100.

Can Can Ball - Aug. 21, 8 p.m. - Midnight. The Atlanta Apartment Association (AAA) members are throwing the 25th Annual Can Can Ball with a theme inspired by “Miami Vice.” Come dressed in your best glamorous attire to celebrate the 80s along with black-tie optional attire. The AAA, a multi-family housing trade association in metro Atlanta, invites association members, apartment community vendors, Atlanta residents and Food Bank supporters to participate and help raise funds to provide food assistance to the hungry for the Atlanta Food Bank. The evening’s events will include live entertainment, dancing, a selection of light fare from Atlanta-area restaurants, a cash bar and silent auction. Tickets are $75 per person. Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, 165 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online to cancanball.org or call (678) 2982254.

Atlanta Ballet’s Wabi Sabi – The Ballet’s dance team that presents new choreography in outdoor venues will present “WHIM” at the High Museum as part of the Los Trompos installation entertainment series on Aug. 21 and again at Serenbe on Aug. 23. Wabi Sabi will also be part of the Atlanta Ballet Block Party on Aug. 29 at the Michael C. Carlos Dance Center, 1695 Marietta Blvd. There will be dance classes, food trucks, vendors, tours, costume sale, photography exhibit, dancer show and tell and much more. Details area available at atlantaballet. com/wabi-sabi.

Art on the BeltLine – Sept. 12 – Nov. 15. Mark your calendars for the largest temporary, outdoor public art exhibition in the south when it return next month for a sixth season. This year’s exhibition will feature more than 100 works of visual and performance art. The paved and interim hiking trails along the BeltLine corridors will be transformed into a large temporary gallery. The kickoff will be on Saturday, Sept. 12 with the annual Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade, which is sponsored by the Atlanta Medical Center and hosted by the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons. For more information, visit beltline.org.

To submit your calendar listings, please email details to calendar@atlantaintownpaper.com

Game On!

By Isadora Pennington

Don’t play with your food. No games at the dinner table. Mind your manners. Eat your veggies. Those were the messages we all got as kids, but guess what? Now we’re adults and we can do as we please!

For me, often that means spending a bit too much money on eating out and having drinks with friends. When I do opt to venture out, I enjoy combining food and drinks with games and activities. Whether it be board games or video games, there’s something extra special about competing with your friends while enjoying a night on the town.

This month, I stopped by some of my favorite local hangouts where you can play a game while enjoying a bite and a drink. Is your favorite on the list? Send food & drink suggestions to isadora@reporternewspapers.net!

Potato

427 Edgewood Ave. SE joystickgamebar.com (404)525-3002

(404) 577-0407

Independent

The Cathy- Malibu mango rum, fresh squeezed lime, sprite, $6.50 Italian Grilled Cheese- Mozzarella cheese, tomato, pesto-basil sauce, onion, served with Italian dressing, $7 931 Monroe Drive NE theindependentatlanta.com (404) 249-9869

Joystick Gamebar

Bitter Bloom- Reposado tequila, hibiscus honey syrup, grapefruit juice, Genepae Desalpes liquer and celery bitters, $8

Pierogies- Yukon gold potatoes, vidalia onion, farmer’s cheese, pop up from Babcias, $2.25

Twain’s Brewpub & Billiards Markarita- Espolon silver, Cointreau, fresh lime, agave, $9 Pimento Bacon Deviled Eggs- sprouts, pickled mustard seeds, $7 211 East Trinity Place, Decatur twains.net (404) 373-0063

Ormsby’s Paloma- Altos blanco tequila, lime juice, grapefruit & soda topper, $9 Roasted Red Pepper Hummus- grilled pita, fresh veggies, $6 Midtown Promenade, 931 Monroe Drive NE ormsbysatlanta.com (404)249-9869

Brigantine at Argosy

The Sergio- Espolon blanco, Fernet menta, lime, agave nectar, served on the rocks, $10 Sesame Chicken Lollipops- Chili, soy, scallion, cucumber salad, $11 470 Flat Shoals Ave. SE argosy-east.com

Tasting Intown

By Megan Volpert

Superica at Krog Street Market

If you’re more discerning than Taco Mac but less adventurous than Buford Highway, there is The El Felix up in Alpharetta. Is it worth the trek for folks from Intown? Not any more – because Ford Fry cut-and-pasted it into Superica at Krog Street Market. Then he bumped half the menu prices up by a dollar, because Krog-goers are willing to pay it.

And pay it they should. Superica is the best Tex Mex there is in this town.

After a half-dozen other concepts in his ever-expanding domination over Atlanta’s restaurant scene, Chef Fry is circling back to what undoubtedly works and for the first time he’s replicating his best asset: recipes he ate as a kid in Texas. I taught in Austin for a couple of summers and I’ll vouch for Superica up against any of the great, sprawling enchilada joints from South Congress to 6th Street. The food is authentic, the bar is thorough and the patio is huge.

Before I touched the menu, I ordered a house margarita and a queso con chile. Red and green complimentary salsas were on the table instantly. Both were fresh and finely pureed, plus the chips were plenty salty without being greasy. The chips and salsas are house-made with proper care considering they’re served to every table.

The margarita was nicely balanced and the queso was yellow.

Service quality can fluctuate or lapse in a place this big – that, too, is authentic. Still, I asked the server to surprise me with whatever enchilada gets ordered most often. She brought me the green chicken. The in-house tortillas were ace; the salsa verde was smooth; the chicken was just chicken. My wife ordered the carnitas fajitas. Two thumbs way up on the Mexican butter. You’ll want to take a bath in it. The fixings included decent guacamole and a pile of charred onions so large I doubt anyone finishes it.

The main thing, of course, is the pork belly. When the plate arrived, I couldn’t believe how much of it there was. So nice to see somebody using more than just tiny cubes. That said, pulling pork belly to make your own fajita is complicated. The protein

Review

itself is super soft, but strung through with delicious fat ribbons inside and a seared crispy outside. You need a knife and fork to handle it, leaving no hand to hold your half-completed fajita. The plating method makes assembly a challenge.

Superica has no dessert menu, but they had two specials. The tres leches was perfect, minus the passion fruit syrup drizzle’s sour aftertaste. They could’ve played it safe with strawberries, though maybe I’m the minority as a passion fruit hater. The flan-adjacent chocolate custard was likewise absolutely terrific, but for the cinnamon sauce that made two delicious bites before desensitizing my entire palate. I am not a person who orders anything “just plain,” but two overbearing toppings gives me pause. Also giving me pause: the distinct possibility that Superica is using a certain name brand whipped topping on their desserts. I dared not ask – I love the taste of that stuff, but when everything else is done in-house, this strikes an odd chord. Where messing with the classics is perfectly acceptable is at the bar, and the bar at Superica is excellent. You must order The Return of the Swamp Thing. It’s like a glass of mezcal and guacamole. The more I describe it the more insane it will sound, so just order it and prepare to have your prior ideas of summer refreshment blown to pieces. If you’re wondering how I bridged the gap between a house marg and the Swamp Thing, it was with a sweetened up mezcal old fashioned. This bar has something for everybody.

If you want a seat at the bar, go like a granny. I arrived at 5:15 p.m. on a Friday and every stool was already taken. In fact, go early if you want any seat at all without a wait, because Superica doesn’t take reservations. That’s authentic Tex Mex for you. I hope Ford Fry opens up a half-dozen more places exactly like this. Heck, just four more and he’ll overtake Taco Mac inside the Perimeter – a worthy monopoly.

Megan Volpert lives in Decatur, teaches in Roswell and writes books about popular culture. Send feedback to TastingIntown@ AtlantaINtownPaper.com.

Top: Chips and salsa

Bottom: Tres leches

Quick Bites

Bites, Beers & Bands will be held Aug. 9 at Aja Restaurant and Bar in Buckhead. The event will feature the chefs from each of Here to Serve’s concepts, as they showcase their grilling skills; including classic BBQ favorites from Chef Dan Garner of Prime, house made sausage from Chef Peter Kaiser of Twist and a modern Surf n’ Turf from Chef Phillip Strange of Strip. Among the breweries involved are Second Self, Eventide and Terrapin. There will be music from Sailing to Denver, a giant Jenga game, cornhole and a photo booth. The event will be $35 in advance/$40 at the door. Admission includes a sampling of each food and beer station. Proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the Giving Kitchen, which provides emergency assistance grants to Atlanta’s restaurant community facing unanticipated hardship. Tickets are available at xorbia.com.

Eats & Beats will be held Aug. 13, 7-10 p.m. at The Buckhead Theatre. Atlanta chefs will be putting on their aprons and guitars for this special event featuring music from Yacht Rock Revue (more about the band on page 36) and the chef band featuring Ford Fry, Zeb Stevenson and Chris Talley. Guests will also enjoy food from 4th & Swift, Barcelona Wine Bar, Big Ketch, Cibo E Beve, Common Quarter, Dennis Dean Catering, Einstein’s, Epic Events, Farmburger, Horseradish Grill, Kimball House, Lobby, Local Three, Muss & Turner’s, Red Sky Tapas, Reel Seafood, Smokebelly BBQ, Watershed and more. Tickets are available at xorbia.com. Proceeds will benefit Children of Conservation and The Giving Kitchen.

The Atlanta BAR-B-Q Festival returns to Atlantic Station on Aug. 14-15. More than 50 teams from across the region will fire up their grills to compete in the annual cook off to win prizes in categories like whole hog, ribs, chicken, brisket, pulled pork, sauce and more. Local barbecue restaurants will also be serving up their specialties during the event. For more information, visit atlbbqfest.com.

The annual Give Me Five Dinner, an exclusive evening featuring Atlanta’s best chefs and sommeliers and benefitting Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, will be held Aug. 16, at Piedmont Driving Club. Guests will enjoy a five-course meal with paired wines and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $275 per person and $2,500 for a table of 10. Tickets can be purchased online at givemefivedinner.org.

German Bierfest

The 12th annual German Bierfest is back in Woodruff Park in Downtown on Aug. 22, 2-7 p.m. Attendees will receive a commemorative sample glass to enjoy unlimited samples of more than 35 authentic German beers. Atlanta area German restaurants and food vendors will serve up bratwurst, käsepätzle, pretzels, sauerkraut, schnitzel and more. There will also be live music, activities and games. General admission tickets are $35 in advance at germanbierfest.com or $40 at the gate.

Grand China is moving to a new location just across from The Peach shopping center at 2905 Peachtree Road in Buckhead. The property was the most recent home of Peachtree Bikes (which is now on Roswell Road next door to Buckhead Theatre).

The Fresh MARTA Market is now open every Friday from 2-6 p.m. at the West End MARTA station. The pop-up market will offer fresh, affordable and locally grown produce through October.

Husband and wife duo Meherwan and Molly Irani and team will open a new Indian street food concept in Ponce City Market in the fall called Boti. The restaurants will spotlight marinated meats on skewers, cooked on open flame, then served with fresh-made flat bread, fresh herbs and spices.

Chef Kevin Gilliespie’s latest concept, Revival, is now open in Decatur at 129 Church St. The menu is full of Southern-inspired dishes like country fried steak, friend green tomatoes, fried chicken, meatloaf, pork steak, quail, field peas, fatback fried corn and more. Visit revivaldecatur.com for more information.

Chefs Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison have opened Little Bacch (a spin-off of their acclaimed Bacchanalia) at Westside Provisions featuring an ingredient driven menu with Georgia red shrimp cocktail, whole-roasted chicken, New York strip and cocktails poured tableside. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. Visit starprovisions.com/little-bacch for details.

Also open at Westside Provisions is the latest concept from Chef Ford Fry called Marcel, located in the former Abattoir space. Marcel is a steakhouse named for 1900s French boxer Marcellin “Marcel” Cerdan and pays homage to the celebratory meals held by men during the era. Menu highlights will include USDA prime cut steaks cooked over wood and finished in a copper pan with butter and thyme. Visit marcelatl.com for more information.

Little Bach

DECATUR DIGS

Apartment boom brings more living spaces downtown

By Kathy Dean

With apartment complexes sprouting like weeds in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward and Buckhead, it was only a matter of time before they made their way east to Decatur.

There’s a lot to boast about within the city limits: a wide range of cultural diversity; a thriving business environment; plenty of parks and greenspace for recreation; a lively arts and literary scene; and world-class educational institutions. Education is a key factor to Decatur; in fact, the nearly 20,000 residents have one of the highest education levels in the metro Atlanta area. That’s not surprising when you consider that it’s home to Agnes Scott College, and Emory University is just down the road.

All these factors add up to an increased need for housing in Decatur. Happily, three large apartment/mixed-use complexes are currently in the planning and construction phases. Once open, they’ll go a long way to help fill the growing demand.

Alexan Decatur is rising up on Commerce Drive, across from CVS and Fidelity Bank. Once finished, the five-story building will house 167 units that average 848 square feet. Residents can choose from studios, one bedroom/one bath and two bedroom/two bath floor plans.

Elliot Howell, Development Associate with Trammell Crow Residential, said, “We love the Decatur area. It’s a vibrant live-work-play area with lots of energy and great walkability. In recent years there

have been very few new rentals built, so we saw a great opportunity to build within an underserved rental market.”

Leasing is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, with first moveins occurring at the end of the year and into the beginning of 2016; rental rates will be competitive with other projects in the area. The property features a large open clubhouse, pool, outdoor grills, fitness center and a rooftop deck. One of the best amenities, however, is the location within Decatur—residents will be just a short walk from a great collection of restaurants, bars and shopping.

“We expect to see a wide range of renters here, all of whom are drawn in some way to the downtown Decatur lifestyle,” Howell added. “We think we’ll see everybody from young professionals to empty nesters. Given the walkability to MARTA, it wouldn’t be surprising to see people who work in Downtown or Midtown, but want to live in Decatur and can take advantage of the MARTA access to get to work.”

Arlo-Decatur, formerly known as Trinity Triangle, is nestled in the heart of Decatur, between Trinity Place, Howard Avenue and Church Street. Once finished, the mixed-use building will include 210 rental apartments. The first floor offers 6,500 square feet of retail and restaurant space, including the return of Dairy Queen, which used to sit on part of the property.

According to Brandi Boudoin, Regional Property Manager, Real Estate, for Greystar,

there are plans to begin pre-leasing the residences this fall, and move-ins are projected for early 2016. Floor plans span from 540 square foot studio efficiencies up to spacious 1,280 square feet 2 bedroom/2 bath apartments; the pricing ranges from $1,200 to $2,300 per month.

Arlo will be flush with amenities for residents, including a swimming pool and pool lounge, state-of-the-art fitness room, sixth floor clubroom, two garden courtyards and a dog park.

When asked why Decatur was chosen for the Arlo development, Boudoin replied, “Decatur has a great small town feel, and features a lot of the best that the Atlanta area has to offer. It’s not as big as Midtown or Downtown, so there’s the added benefit of great walkability throughout the neighborhoods, and to spots like Decatur Square, not to mention the wonderful festivals!”

The Place on Ponce has already seen a lot of activity. With its prime location – 319 West Ponce de Leon Avenue – as well as the competitive rental rates and pet-friendly policy, it didn’t take long for the first phase to reach 100 percent occupancy. Pre-leasing is underway for the second phase, with projected move-in dates for the end of August and beginning of September of this year.

“Our biggest draw is the Decatur location, of course,” explained Melissa D. Hernandez, Property Manager at The Place on Ponce Apartment Homes. “People step out onto West Ponce and everything in the neighborhood is at their

disposal.”

With 16 different floor plans available across five levels, The Place on Ponce has something for everyone. The bright, open layouts include one bedroom/one bath, two bedroom/two bath, and three bedroom/two bath options that range from 751 to 1,443 square feet.

Features at The Place on Ponce include spacious balconies and terraces, 9-foot ceilings, oversized windows, generous closet space, controlled access entry and covered parking. There are plenty of amenities, too, such as the cyber café and coffee bar, yoga studio, fitness center, resort-style pool, Zen garden and dog spa.

These apartment homes were designed to keep residents comfortable and connected with the Decatur community. Hernandez said, “It’s awesome here. There’s a lot of growth and people want to be a part of it.”

At press time, we were also waiting to hear if the joint venture between AMLI and Cousins Properties for a mixed-use development at the corner of Trinity and North McDonough was going to get a greenlight from the city.

AMLI Decatur would sit on five-acres in the heart of the city just next door to Decatur High School. The property would feature 361 units, five live-work spaces and 20,000-square-feet of retail/commercial space. A parking deck will not be visible from the street, while rooftop terraces would offer bird’s eye views of the Decatur High football stadium and the Decatur square.

Place on Ponce Callaway

Alexan Decatur

Arlo Decatur

Realty

Buckhead. $2,950,000

88 W Paces Ferry Road, No. 1820

2BR/2.5BA FMLS: 5551263

Chase Mizell

770.289.2780

Buckhead.

San Antonio, Texas

$1,575,000

39 Devon Wood Lane Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty

Salerno, Italy

$39,268,484

Property ID: MHQ4V9

Rome Sotheby’s International Realty

Beijing, China

$6,898,765 Property ID: GK4HD7

Beijing Sotheby’s International Realty

By Collin Kelley

If you’re planning to buy a second or retirement home in the North Georgia Mountains, you’ll obviously be looking for peace and quiet. But you’ll also want to be near shopping, restaurants and activities when you need a break from rustic living. Here are a few suggestions.

Helen

Okay, so the faux-Bavarian is a tourist trap, but Helen also has its charms. Oktoberfest offers kitschy fun, while the annual Balloon Race in June is a must-see. Unicoi State Park is just north of town, offering swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and playgrounds.

Head for the Hills MOUNTAIN TOWNS

Shopping, dining and attractions beckon in North Georgia

Cleveland

The town bills itself as the “gateway to the mountains” and has plenty to offer in way of shopping and dining. The historic courthouse square area has eclectic shops, restaurants and event a soda fountain. The old courthouse has been turned into an interesting museum, but Cleveland was really put on the map as the home of the Cabbage Patch Kids. Be sure to visit Babyland General Hospital to see how the kids are born and maybe adopt a new bundle of joy.

Dahlonega

The town was made famous as the site of the first major gold rush in the U.S., but is now known for its vineyards and wineries. After you’ve had a tipple,

head to the town square to visit the shops, restaurants and art galleries. The annual Gold Rush Festival in October attracts thousands to the city.

Hiawassee

Located along the Appalachian Trail, Hiawassee is home to Lake Chatuge, a TVA reservoir popular for swimming, boating, jet skiing, paddling, sport fishing, and other water sports. The Georgia Mountain Fair is held at the fairgrounds each summer and the Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Garden is in bloom April to late May with more than 3,000 azaleas and rhododendrons.

Rabun Gap

The town is home to The Hambidge Center, a nationally known retreat for

writers and artists, and Southern victuals mecca The Dillard House is nearby. The Sylvan Falls Bed & Breakfast Inn offers a quiet and relaxing retreat in the shadow of Wolf Valley, which has become a favorite spot for photographers to capture images of the waterfalls. The Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School offers events and theater productions year round.

Clayton

This mountain town has a multitude of antique and craft shops, restaurants and two vineyards to explore. For the adventurous, go white-water rafting on the Chattooga River or wander through the Chattahoochee National Forest, which offers camping and trails for horse enthusiasts, waterfalls and overlooks.

Special

Clockwise from top: The Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School offers theater productions and events year round; shops in downtown Dahlonega; adopt your own Cabbage Patch Kid at Babyland General Hopsital in Cleveland; Helen’s alpine village is full of restaurants and shops.

Head for the Hills

Outdoor and indoor fun awaits at Brasstown Valley

By Jemille Williams

Just two hours away from Atlanta and named after Georgia’s highest peak, Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa has something for all ages – from toddlers to dodderers.

A scan of license plates in the parking lot show a good mix of faraway counties and neighboring states have made their way to the resort, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

If you’re a heat-hater and a sun-shirker like me, it doesn’t get any better than Brasstown Valley in the summer. I love to do water aerobics in the luxuriously shady pool, set in a tropical conservatory. There’s a hot tub inside that’s great for loosening up tight muscles, but the indoor-outdoor pool also has a twin hot tub outside if you’d prefer the sun.

But worry not – there’s still plenty o’ fun in the sun. The championship golf links are ranked as one of the top courses in Georgia, and there is even a sandy beach in nearby Lake Chatuge if you yearn to loll in the sand and bob in the limpid lake water.

As if the on-site horseback trailriding, golf, tennis, hiking, and fishing weren’t enough, they offer a wide range of turnkey excursions like tubing and white water rafting in kitschy Alpine Helen. You can make your own arrangements and drive yourself, or the concierge has comprehensive activity packages all

St� your Mountain Home search wi� me!

wrapped up and waiting for you.

There is a full menu of outings with hiking, biking, picnicking, and waterfall gazing in the Chattahoochee National Forest, with close to a million acres of woodsy recreation. Brasstown Bald (the highest point in Georgia at an altitude of 4784 feet) is close-by and is especially fascinating in the fall, when you can look north and see golden leaves, and south to see summer green.

Nearby Lake Chatuge is the largest lake in the state at 9,000 acres, and you can rent watercraft with people power or powerful motors. There are kayaks, canoes, and SUPs for quietly poking around in secluded coves for wildlife-spotting, or pontoons and ski boats for maximum excitement.

Our favorite is Boundary Waters Resort & Marina in neighboring Hiawassee. You can rent a kayak for $10 an hour or a powerful wakeboard boat for $400 a day, with a wide range of intermediate craft that can handle from one to ten passengers. If relaxation is your goal, a wine tasting at one of the proliferating vineyards nearby is a great way to educate yourself and support Georgia agritourism.

After a busy day, the cherry on top is a spa treatment in the acclaimed Equani Spa, a Cherokee-themed haven that provides restorative massage and other body treatments with state-of-the-art facial technology. Their salon will have you looking as completely restored as you feel.

With such a range of accommodations from lodge rooms and suites to cozy cottages imbedded in the trees, the resort is perfect for family reunions. As much of a nature girl as I am, I have a sister who is afraid of the woods, so this is a perfect compromise. It’s the ideal balance of seclusion without isolation.

If you have grandparents who can’t take the heat and aren’t up for stroll on the resort’s eight forested miles of trails, there is a lovely glass corridor that overlooks the man-made waterfall feature. Downstairs there is a gallery of local art for sale or just to enjoy, and an interpretive display that tells about the mountains in general and Brasstown Valley in particular.

For more, visit brasstownvalley.com.

Brasstown Valley Resort’s rustic lobby.

Experience, touch Georgia history paddling Etowah River

By Ellen Eldridge elleneldridge@reporternewspapers.net

History buffs can get a different perspective on past events while paddling north Georgia rivers during guided trips hosted by a Rome, Ga.based nonprofit.

Joe Cook, advocacy and communication coordinator for the Coosa River Basin Initiative, an environmental organization, said canoeing the Etowah River is a great way to cool off during the summer heat and to get in touch with Georgia’s past.

“Everybody in north Atlanta is familiar with the Chattahoochee [River], but the Etowah is almost as close to those communities,” Cook said, “and the Etowah is a place where you can really experience and touch history.”

He said there aren’t any shoals that

novice or beginning paddlers can’t navigate along the Etowah River’s Class I water. The nonprofit CRBI, named for the area’s watershed, hosts paddle trips from March through November.

All along the Etowah River, in particular, Native American fish weirs from 500 years ago are visible to people paddling by, Cook said.

“You can literally touch history in the rocks placed by Native Americans 500 years ago,” Cook said. “That’s a rare opportunity to experience something like that outside the confines of a state historic site.”

Ellen and Brian Cardin found their love of kayaking after meeting Cook on a 110-mile trip last summer. For them, the idea to buy kayaks and head out on the seven-day tour came from a popular public television show called “Georgia Traveler,” Cardin said.

“I guess you can call kayaking a mid-life crisis for us!” Cardin said. She

and Brian are 51. She said they want to stay as active as possible while they are healthy. They’ve met people aged 6 to 85 on the rivers, she said.

The CRBI’s third annual “Paddle Through History” fundraiser is set to launch Oct. 11 in Bartow County, Cook said. The tour includes a stop at the Valley View plantation, a home that predates the Civil War.

“That one tours an antebellum plantation home overlooking the Etowah, and it’s a really significant historical site that isn’t always open to the public,” he said.

A suggested donation of $75 per person or $130 per couple includes a canoe/kayak to paddle, unless tourists prefer to bring their own. The donation also covers a year’s membership in CRBI, catered dinner, beer, wine, beverages and a chance to win a new kayak. Visit coosa.org/events/paddlingthrough-history to register. Only 75

tickets will be sold, and the event has sold out each of the last two years it was offered, Cook said.

An Aug. 2 trip starts in Canton and features educational programs on the history of the area, a six-mile paddle on the Etowah River and a dinner at The Wheeler House, an event venue in Ball Ground, Ga., first built in 1906. Suggested donation is $80 per person or $140 per couple, and includes canoe or kayak rental, dinner and membership in CRBI. Tickets may be reserved at Etowahwatertrail.org.

All trips offered by CRBI through November are suitable for beginners, Cook said, and he encourages people who have never paddled before to come on a group trip where there is “safety in numbers.”

“There’s always somebody to help you out on a group paddle trip,” Cook said. “It gives the opportunity to paddle on a river in a safe environment.”

Special

Novice or beginning paddlers are able to navigate the shoals in the Etowah River’s Class I water.

The future of The Masquerade music venue in the Old Fourth Ward is uncertain as a developer plans to build 228-unit apartment complex and restaurant adjacent to the property that will front on the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine. Real estate firm Southeast Capital is still deciding what will go inside the historic Excelsior Mill buildings on North Avenue that have been occupied by The Masquerade since 1989. Southeast Capital has owned the century-old mill buildings since 2006, which is when rumors began circulating that The Masquerade would vacate and the property transformed into a Krog Street Market-style space for multiple restaurants. Southeast Capital officials say they are now looking at an adaptive reuse for the main buildings and will make an announcement soon. Whether The Masquerade will open in a new location is still unclear.

An unusual 22-story condominium building inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Fallingwater received unanimous approval by Neighborhood Planning Unit-B at its July meeting. Notably, 2520 Peachtree will be Buckhead’s first planned condo tower since the end of the recession as developers have embraced the new luxury apartment building craze that has swept the city. The new condo, located just north of Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, will have three units per floor for a total of 65 units. The large, staggered outdoor balconies give the tower a waterfall type appearance as seen in the rendering released by developer JPX Works.

Pollack Shores Real Estate Group has begun work on demolition of a mid-rise office building at 1888 Emery Street in Buckhead to make way for Millworks, a 345-unit luxury apartment community. Amenities for the one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will include a resort style pool, outdoor kitchen and bar with cabanas, a dog park and spa, bocce ball courts, a game room and a multi-purpose art and events studio. Units at Millworks feature quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, plank flooring and under mount sinks. Millworks is scheduled

To

to have the first units available in late 2016. Matrix Residential, the multi-family residential management division of Pollack Shores, will manage the property. Pollack Shores’ most recent Georgia projects include The Jane, a 280-unit community and The Monroe, an upcoming 217-unit community, both adjacent to Bobby Jones Golf Course and Atlanta Memorial Park in Buckhead. Pollack Shores is also developing The Local on 14th Street in Midtown.

Cyan on Peachtree is now open in Buckhead, with 329 luxury rental apartments with one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plan options, as well as two- and threebedroom penthouses available. The 22-story building has apartments ranging from 580 to 1,523-square-feet. Monthly rental rates begin at $1,525 and up for a one bedroom; $1,926 and up for standard two-bedroom homes; two-bedroom penthouses from $4,142; and three-bedroom penthouses from $5,067. Visit cyanonpeachtree.com for more information.

Greystar has begun leasing Elan Lindbergh, a new 358-unit luxury apartment community at 741 Morosgo Drive in Buckhead. The community will offer studio, one and two-bedroom apartment homes ranging in size from 576 to 1,341 square feet of living space. Amenities will include a community clubhouse with a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, billiards room, entertaining kitchen and Wi-Fi lounge. Residents will enjoy the resort-inspired swimming pool with sundeck, cabanas, aqua lounge, bocce ball court, outdoor kitchen and grilling stations. The pet-friendly community will include electric car charging stations, secured bike storage, a dog park and garage parking with controlled access. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2015. For more information, visit ElanLindbergh.com.

Westbridge Partners and the Martin family (Midtown West Associates/ Brickworks) have entered into a partnership to transform the last buildings of the historic Miller Union Stockyards district into cutting-edge office and retail space. The Martin family has owned the three-acre property located at the corner of 10th Street and Brady Avenue in West Midtown for more than 50 years as part of their larger 15-acre holdings in the neighborhood. The property includes two historic meat-packing buildings constructed in the early 1900s. When it is complete Stockyards Atlanta will include class A office space aimed at technology companies, entrepreneurs and startup companies coming out of nearby Georgia Institute of Technology. The street-level will include retail and restaurant space. Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year with a targeted opening of summer 2016.

2520 Peachtree

SAGAMORE HILLS - In ground pool. Fantastic “great room” features vaulted beamed ceiling, 2 walls of huge thermopane windows, shadow box perimeter soft lighting.

4Bed/4Bath $549,000 FMLS: 5539502

Wilma Richardson 404-325-5975

EDMUND PARK - Best location within Edmund Park! Great floorplan, huge and open/flowing entertaining space on the main level and an enormous master suite up. 3Bed/3Bath $549,000 FMLS: 5569309

Sally Westmoreland 404-354-4845

GRANT PARK - Gorgeous craftsman inspired newer construction. Bright open kitchen w/ granite & ss overlooks vaulted family rm. Spacious master on main with spa inspired master bathroom. 3Bed/3Bath $419,000

FMLS: 5570587 Ed Woods 404-759-9680

BROOKHAVEN - A truly amazing home great for entertaining with salt water pool! Tremendous sq. footage and renovated with modern upgrades. 5Bed/3.5Bath $650,000 FMLS: 5564744

Stephen Simonson 404-326-0876

BUCKHEAD - Paces West. Updated Townhome w/Large Floor Plan. Updated Kitchen. Custom Window Treatments. Plantation Shutters. Hardwood Floors. Freshly Painted Throughout. 3Bed/3Bath $599,000 FMLS: 5547568 Marc Castillo 404-449-6862

EAST LAKE - Gorgeous brick cottage style home! Outstanding craftsmanship & details. Master on main along with guest room and full bath, two BR’s, flex space and full bath up! 4Bed/3Bath $549,900 FMLS: 5557826

Kathleen Sickeler 404-368-3234

PARAMOUNT- Beautiful corner unit overlooking the pool. Living room w/trey ceiling. Spacious kitchen w/granite counters, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar and built-in desk. 2Bed/2Bath $349,900 FMLS: 5570153

Mike Kondalski 404-234-9379

EAST ATLANTA - A truly special home, perfect for entertaining with 10ft ceilings, large rooms, heavy molding, pockets doors, hdwd flrs, fabulous kitchen and amazing flow & space! 4Bed/3.5Bath $449,999 FMLS: 5566966 Kathleen Sickeler

BUCKHEAD - Beautifully Renovated. Over 1600 sf. 2 Separate Bedroom Suites. Gourmet Kitchen. Great Balcony Views. Huge Deeded Storage Room. 2Bed/2Bath $209,000

FMLS: 5519398

Warren Lambert 404-403-4255

INTOWN - White Provision. Stunning Floorplan. Gourmet Kitchen. Floor-to-Ceiling Windows. Walk-Out Balcony. Prime Location. 2Bed/2Bath $369,900

FMLS: 5545646 Rea Kelly 404-428-9929

MIDTOWN – Collier Hills. Designer Renovated. Updated Kitchen. Hardwoods. Plantation Shutters. Large Deck Overlooks Fenced Yard. 3BR/2BA $649,999

FMLS: 5526824

Marc Castillo 404-449-6862

EMORY/CDC - Linden Place Townhomes - New Construction. Two-Car Garage. Gourmet kitchen. Granite c-tops. S/S Appliances. Open Floor Plan. 3&4 Bed/3.5Bath. Starting at $409,900. FMLS: 5312121

Allen Snow 404-931-1176

INTOWN -The Stacks. Stunning Loft. 18+ foot Ceilings and Floor to Ceiling Windows. Incredible Views. Granite Countertops. Stained Cabinets. Huge Laundry-Storage Closet. 1Bed/1Bath $249,900 FMLS: 5566449

Tonya Marlatt 404-518-8787

MIDTOWN – Element. Stunning Condo with Walk-Out Patio. Beautifully Landscaped Grounds. Modern Open Kitchen. Amazing City Views. Quick Access to Restaurants and Entertainment. 2Bed/2Bath $249,900 FMLS: 5560724 Patrick Jones 404-680-9534