Atlanta Intown - August 2020

Outstanding Intown Residences

NEW TO MARKET

Morningside:1724 Johnson Road N.E. Outstanding Morningside home with super rare six car garage and a separate coach house featuring a living room, kitchen and two bedroom. Spacious Gunite pool and privacy gates gives this home has a compound feel. It home is ideal if you have been looking for separate home office space or a Coach House which is so hard to find in Morningside.

6 BR / 6 BA $1,495,000

Morningside: 998 Wildwood Road N.E. Elegant Morningside home on coveted Wildwood Road featuring beautiful interiors, dramatic 20 foot ceilings, spacious master suite with spa like bath and oversize walk-in closet, striking high-end gourmet kitchen, and floor to ceiling windows overlooking large, walk-out patio with multiple sitting areas, stunning pool, hot tub, water feature, and outdoor fireplace. 4 BR / 4 BA $1,395,000

Morningside: 1651 N Pelham Road N.E. Light filled Modern Morningside residence with very rare, large Coach House. Main house features gourmet kitchen, breakfast room, great room with built-in bookshelves, and den overlooking lush garden views. Coach House features one bedroom, one bath, and kitchenette. Entire property has relaxed cool vibe with clean crisp lines. This is one very special property. 5 BR / 4.5 BA $1,375,000

UNDER CONTRACT

Virginia Highland: 700 Elkmont Drive N.E. This location rich Mediterranean style home is just steps from Orme Park and Intown’s best attractions. This house is thoughtfully renovated, loaded with upgrades and special details throughout. It features three levels of living, oversized two-car garage and two large outdoor spaces.

5 BR / 3.5 BA $1,150,000

Morningside: 1740 West Sussex Road N.E. Move in Ready Home with 2 Story Foyer Staircase, Paneled Library/Office, Finished Basement with High Ceilings, 2-Car Garage. 10++ 5 BR / 5.5 BA $1,695,000

Morningside: 1097 McLynn Ave N.E. Highest quality custom built home in Morningside with separate coach house.

5 BR / 4 BA / 2 Half BA $2,195,000

Morningside: 791 San Antonio Drive N.E. This 8-years young home is in pristine, moveright-in-condition with an outstanding level, flat backyard. 5 BR / 4.5 BA $1,525,000

Office Advisor

404.664.8280

404.845.7724

UNDER CONTRACT

Morningside: 761 E Morningside Drive N.E. Handsome Morningside home with rear, gated motor court and large, level backyard that walks out directly from main level. 5 BR / 5 BA $849,000

COMING SOON

Morningside: 2011 Lenox Road N.E. Like brand new construction in pristine condition with flat level yard. Gourmet kitchen. Oversized master suite with spa like bath. 4 BR / 3 BA

CONTACT US

Editorial Collin Kelley INtown Editor

collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

(404) 917-2200, ext. 102

Contributors

Sally Bethea, Kathy Dean, Asep Mawardi, Jacob Nguyen, Isadora Pennington, Clare S. Richie, John Ruch, Tim Sullivan

Submissions

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

Published By Springs Publishing LLC

Atlanta INtown • Reporter Newspapers

Atlanta Senior Life 6065 Roswell Road, Suite 225 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Phone: (404) 917-2200

Fax: (404) 917-2201

Steve Levene Founder & Publisher stevelevene@reporternewspapers.net (404) 917-2200, ext. 111

Amy Arno Director of Sales Development amyarno@reporternewspapers.net (404) 917-2200, ext. 112

Rico Figliolini

Creative Director rico@reporternewspapers.net (404) 917-2200, ext. 117

Deborah Davis

Office Manager deborahdavis@reporternewspapers.net (404) 917-2200, ext. 110

Advertising

Forinformationcall (404)917-2200ext119.

Sales Executives

Jeff Kremer, Janet Porter

Circulation/ Subscriptions

On

Remembering John Lewis

EDITOR’S LETTER

I had the good fortune to meet Rep. John Lewis twice: once at the Atlanta Pride Festival and again at the Decatur Book Festival. Both of those interactions were brief, but they left an impression. Lewis was one of those rare individuals who exuded kindness, whose handshake was a reassurance that there was decency left in the world. His resolve and spirit were manifest in his voice, the way he held your eye, and spoke to you like you were the only person in the room. It was an honor to meet a man who had given his whole life to a cause and to his country. He truly was a hero.

When I got the alert that Lewis had made his transition late on July 17, I felt an intense wave of grief. Losing him in the midst of a pandemic and during a wave of social and political upheaval seemed just another cruelness visited on us in 2020. Lewis was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just before the world turned upside down, and while there were reassuring emails from him, his physical voice and presence was greatly missed. His last appearance in June at the giant Black Lives Matter mural in Washington DC showed a man who might have been frail in body but filled with spirit and that infinite resolve. The photo of him at the mural with his arms crossed defiantly – like a boss, as the kids say these days –is one more indelible image and memory to cherish and inspire.

Lewis served as the US representative for Georgia’s 5th Congressional District for 36 years after a stint as an Atlanta City Council member. Before becoming a lawmaker, the Democrat was already a revered member of the civil rights movement. A friend and colleague of Martin Luther King Jr., Lewis was an organizer and speaker at the 1963 March on Washington.

He participated in countless sit-ins, demonstrations, joined the Freedom Riders to end segregation on buses, and had his skull fractured by state police during an infamous encounter on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama.

Lewis , a native of Troy, Alabama, was a co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and later became its chairman, and also served as director of the Voter Education Project.

In Washington, he fought against poverty and made improving education and healthcare his top priorities among others. Lewis supported national health insurance, gay rights and was a loud critic of U.S. involvement in the Iraq War. He famously boycotted the inauguration ceremonies of George W. Bush and Donald Trump, claiming both had been unfairly elected. In 2016, he led a sit-in at the House of Representatives to protest inaction against gun laws after the Orlando nightclub shooting.

Often called the conscience of the U.S. Congress, Lewis was known for his quote about making “good trouble” when a situation called for it. In a tweet in 2018 he said: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”

Good rest to you, sir, and may we all have the courage to get into “good trouble.”

Collin Kelley collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

The Neighborhood

Bridging the Digital Divide

COVID-19 keeps learning virtual as the new school year begins

By Clare S. Richie

In the interest of student and faculty safety during the unrelenting COVID-19 pandemic, Atlanta Public School (APS) students will be learning virtually for, potentially, the first nine weeks of the new school year. To bridge the digital divide, new Superintendent Lisa Herring estimates needing 6,000 to 10,000 devices for students by day one on Aug. 24.

“We take this time very seriously,” Herring said at a July 14 media roundtable. “[APS is] working with schools on the delivery model to deploy devices and hotspots.” Herring pledged ‘to secure funding for every student to have a device” from the federal CARES Act, APS GetOurKidsConnected Program and other fundraising, as needed.

Last spring, a nationwide analysis from Boston Consulting Group and Common Sense found that 30 percent of K-12 public school students lacked adequate internet or devices, with inequities most pronounced in households with Black, Latinx and Native American students, putting these students at risk for significant learning loss.

After school staff contacted 21,000 families, APS distributed nearly 10,000 Chromebooks between March and April. Nearly all middle school students already received laptops and 4,500 hotspots through a T-Mobile partnership. First and second graders had iPads from the Tablet2Read program. That left high schoolers with the largest gap – as APS distributed at least 300 devices each to Washington, Jackson, Douglass, and Mays High School students.

“The greatest challenge, again, is connecting with families to ensure they have the devices and connectivity they need,” William Caritj, APS Chief Accountability and Information Officer.

In partnership with Comcast, APS launched the GetOurKidsConnected program, which has received more than $2 million in donations to support nearly 7,000 students for the next 12 months. The application deadline for families to apply is Sept. 30. APS will partner again with Sprint for 1,400 new hotspots.

Local school communities are also pitching with resources. The Grady High School Foundation recently purchased 120 additional Chromebooks and 35 document cameras at the request of Principal Dr. Betsy Bockman.

“We are working with the administration to determine how the Grady High School Foundation can further support virtual learning through professional development for teachers and additional technology,” said Rachel Spears, Grady High School Foundation Chair.

But devices and internet access are only effective if students and teachers use them.

“Typically, the percentage of students who logged in during any given week [last spring] ranged from 65 to 75 percent,” Caritj said, noting a greater percentage of middle and high school students logged in compared to elementary students.

That lack of engagement could lead to some learning loss.

“If all students in grades 3-8 had taken Milestone assessments in spring 2020, the percentage of students demonstrating proficiency would be expected to drop 3.6 points in English Language Arts and 4.9 points in Math as compared to last year,” according to the Quantifying the Impact of COVID-19 School Closures on Metro Atlanta Student Proficiency study commissioned by Learn4Life and redefinED Atlanta.

That’s why Herring is also prioritizing teacher professional development starting Aug. 3 through a “menu of services we believe are essential to virtual learning,” such as, training led by the APS Department of Instructional Technology training and assigning each school an Educational Technology Specialist (ETS) for ongoing support.

Parents can also seek support from forthcoming digital training and resources to

support virtual instruction at every grade level.

“I am a Grady Cluster parent and I also have worries and concerns,” Bockman shared. “The parent and student survey responses have helped bring concerns to the forefront. This upcoming nine-week period will be different from the last nine weeks. We can be much more proactive now, get better organized, and work to still provide the best learning experience possible.”

In a recent survey, Grady High School teachers, parents, and students consistently responded that the most important areas to improve in virtual learning were structured classes and real-time teaching.

So, now the school and its APS counterparts have the opportunity to “learn from highly effective teachers, set clear standards for performance and accountability prior to Aug. 24” and widely communicate those plans and progress.

“Details are currently being worked on at all levels. Continue to be patient and reflective as we communicate our plans. I promise to keep you informed and updated,” Bockman said.

MORE INFORMATION

Apply to GetOurKidsConnected at atlantapublicschools.us/getourkidsconnected, email getourkidsconnected@apsk12.org or call (404) 802-5437 through Sept. 30. The technical support service desk phone number is (802) 404-1000. To partner/donate to APS, contact Rachel Sprecher, (404) 802-2812 or rsprecher@atlanta.k12.ga.us.

APS moves reopening to Aug. 24 with virtual classes

By Collin Kelley

Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring presented her plan for a virtual start to the new school year to the Board of Education at a special called meeting on July 13.

The Atlanta Board of Education also held a first reading of Herring’s proposal to move opening day from Aug. 10 to Aug. 24 and cut instructional days from 180 to 170. The board is expected to take a final vote on Aug. 3.

Board Chair Jason Esteves said there was always the possibility that COVID-19 numbers could decrease and APS could switch to an in-person or hybrid model. He said Herring’s reopening plan allows for a quick transition.

“The move to Aug. 24 for opening day is to give teachers and staff time to prepare for virtual learning,” Esteves said.

Esteves said the board would not be voting on the reopening plan itself as that is the purview of the superintendent.

If COVID-19 numbers don’t show a decrease, the first nine weeks of the school year would be held virtually.

With a surge in COVID-19 cases, the decision to continue online learning until at least mid-October was always in the cards as the district has been following public health data.

According to the Reopening Strategy document posted by APS, the district “will implement a virtual instruction model for students where they remain enrolled at and receive instruction from teachers at their school. While similar to last spring, the model offers key improvements focused on greater connections, engagement and best practices for distance learning.”

APS said it will make sure all students and staff have internet access and computers, while the meal delivery program to in-need students and families is set to restart as well.

News Roundup

State Farm Arena becomes mega voting precinct

State Farm Arena in Downtown has become the state’s largest voting precinct after a partnership was formed between Fulton County and the Atlanta Hawks.

Early voting began at the venue last months and will continue for the runoff on Aug. 11 and the November presidential and general election.

The partnership will allow thousands of voters to cast their ballots for upcoming elections while maintaining CDC-recommended social distancing requirements at the state-of-theart facility. In addition, Fulton County Registration & Elections will conduct other elections support operations at the site, including absentee ballot processing and more.

Leadership from the Hawks offered use of State Farm Arena to Fulton County as a venue for early voting and other

elections operations as part of their commitment to serving the community. The Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority is the owner of the property and leases the site to the Atlanta Hawks organization. In addition to offering the venue, hundreds of Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena full-time and part-time employees will be trained to serve as election workers to further support the operations.

The Hawks Foundation will provide free parking to individuals accessing the venue to vote. More than 1,500 parking spots surrounding the arena will provide complimentary parking for voters.

MARTA has also approved reopening the MBS / State Farm Arena / Georgia World Congress Center / CNN Center MARTA station, providing additional access.

Collin Kelley

Julian Conley, 19, was arrested and charged with felony murder in the shooting death of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner on July 4. The child was a passenger in her parent’s vehicle, which was shot at by a group of armed men on University Avenue. The search continues for additional suspects.

Two teens were arrested for flashing guns and Atlanta Police are looking for a third who wounded a motorist when drivers refused to buy water at local intersections. The city said it working on a solution to help teens selling water on street corners and off-ramps.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has announced the One Atlanta: Economic Mobility, Recovery and Resiliency Plan for residents and businesses. The plan is in partnership with Invest Atlanta and WorkSource Atlanta designed to ensure that Atlanta families and local businesses have the tools needed to survive the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

As COVID-19 cases surged in July, Atlanta Public Schools once again postponed in-person graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020. Superintendent Lisa Herring has promised ceremonies will be held when possible.

Ansley Golf Club temporarily closed down in July after 67 employees tested positive for COVID-19. Free virus testing was offered to members and their families.

City rolls out new guidelines as e-scooters return

By Collin Kelley

Electric scooters disappeared from the streets of Atlanta back in March as the COVID-19 pandemic ramped up. Now e-scooters are back, along with a new set of guidelines issued by the city’s department of transportation.

The Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) said its 2020 Shareable Dockless Mobility Devices Program will be deployed in four phases depending on ridership.

Back in early March, the Atlanta City Council limited the number of permits issued to dockless device companies after outcry from the community over the proliferation of scooters. A number of companies left the market in the wake of the city crackdown, which also included a nighttime curfew and speed limit along the Atlanta BeltLine’s busy Eastside Trail.

According to a press release from the city, ATLDOT conducted a competitive permit application process resulting in the selection of four device companies: Bird, Helbiz, Spin, and Veoride. Each company offers stand-up scooters for rent. In addition, Helbiz provides e-bikes and Veoride offers sit-down scooters.

“Atlanta, like many major cities, understands the need to present options of various modes of transportation,” said ATLDOT Commissioner Josh Rowan. “Dockless mobility devices are just one part of this equation. Our goal is to ensure we adhere to the input we received under our previous program and to improve our delivery in addressing the city’s transportation needs.”

Bird scooters returned to the streets of Atlanta on July 1 and were joined by newcomer, Spin.

ATLDOT said fleet would increase over the second and third phases of the new program, while the fourth and final phase will see an adjustment of the fleet based on operations and public health needs.

In the first phase, the city will allow 2,000 stand-up scooters, 500 bicycles and 500 sit-down scooters. In the second stage, the city will allow 4,750 stand-up scooters and the same numbers of bicycles and sit-down scooters.

In response to COVID-19, each company is providing the city with an operations protocol, including a commitment to sanitizing devices regularly, implementing distancing protocols for staff, and communicating to customers the importance of following CDC guidelines. Operations will be monitored daily, with fleet size and staged implementation timelines adjusted should any public health concerns emerge.

Spin e-scooters are now on Intown streets.

Sen. Nikema Williams is replacement nominee for John Lewis’ seat

By John Ruch

Nikema Williams, state senator for District 39 and Democratic Party of Georgia chair, is the party’s replacement nominee for the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis in the 5th Congressional District race.

Before his death on July 17, Lewis had easily defeated a Democratic challenger in the June 9 primary and was scheduled to face Republican challenger Angela Stanton-King on the Nov. 3 ballot.

State law allowed the state executive committee of the Democratic Party to appoint a replacement nominee. A special election will be called to fill out the remainder of Lewis’s term, which runs into January. That election likely will be held on Nov. 3 as well, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. It was not immediately clear whether Williams would run in that race also.

“We congratulate Nikema on this appointment and look forward to working with her in this new capacity as we uphold and build on Congressman Lewis’ legacy and elect Democrats across Georgia this November,” said Scott Hogan,

executive director of the Democratic Party of Georgia, in a press release.

Hogan also cited Lewis’s legacy as a voting rights activist and acknowledged that the “system was not perfect” with the requirement to appoint rather than elect a replacement nominee.

Williams was elected to the Georgia Senate in a special election in 2017 after Vincent Fort resigned to run in the Atlanta mayoral race. She was elected to lead the Georgia Democratic Party in January 2019, becoming the first Black woman, the third woman, and second African American to chair the party.

During her acceptance speech on July 20, Williams said she would carry on Lewis’ legacy of “good trouble,” noting her arrest at the State Capitol in 2018 during a voting rights demonstration.

An Alabama native like Lewis, Williams said Congress needed “someone who is not afraid to put themselves on the line for their constituents in the same way Congressman Lewis taught us to do.”

Collin Kelley contributed to this report

In the age of COVID-19, decency still prevails TIMMY DADDY

By Tim Sullivan

Whenever I stray too far from humor in this column it feels a little cringey, like an episode of “Diff’rent Strokes” that mutes the laugh track and tackles a serious issue. But sometimes up against a deadline, it can be a little unavoidable, so please bear with me.

Last week Margo and were riding our bikes to Oakhurst Market when I saw a man standing over his bicycle. As I was passing him, he went down in a way that suggested he wasn’t just fainting from the mid-July heat. I shouted ahead for Margo to stop.

I spent a hard second thinking about what happens next. For months I have been in conscientious pandemic protocol – wearing a mask and maintaining healthy distances, even from good friends. Now, was I really about to perform CPR on a total stranger? My father used to say the right thing to do is always the right thing to do. Dad never lived through a pandemic but still, he was right. Right?

Another bystander called 911 and relayed instructions to me. Two breaths, thirty compressions, repeat... A couple from across the street jumped in to help with the CPR. Paramedics arrived in three minutes and we stepped back, desperate for a good outcome. But it wasn’t meant to be.

My parents both died of sudden heart failure at ages not much older than I am now, so this hit on some vulnerabilities like a hammer. My heart ached for his family knowing the phone call they were about to receive. Then my friend Julie (who works so hard battling for all our lives at the CDC) strongly advised I wear a mask at home until I could find out how the man tested for Covid-19. That Sunday afternoon felt like an exclamation point on a terrible year.

I couldn’t bear the thought of infecting anyone so in an abundance of caution I traded residences with my mother-in-law.

Ever wise beyond her 10 years, Margo insisted the dog come with me and I am so grateful she did. That first night was almost surreal and entirely sleepless. Man, did I ever need the company of that dog.

HIPAA laws prevented me from obtaining the man’s test result, so the authorities said my best bet was to contact his next of kin. And I learned that the 911 operator gave us outdated instructions. Unless the paramedics cannot arrive imminently, they do not recommend breaths anymore. In the age of Covid-19, they don’t even want people doing compressions. I couldn’t imagine sitting idly by, but this was still salt in the unique wound that is 2020.

A friend found a number for the widow. Reaching out to her felt like one of those Raymond Carver stories where people’s problems and co-dependencies collide in the most difficult ways. But she was incredibly gracious, understanding and open. They had just returned from a great trip to Maine. Her husband liked to ride his bike around Oakhurst and visit friends. She brought flowers to my house and invited me to the Zoom funeral. I was a stew of grief and anxiety until she lifted me. People are amazing.

The man’s doctor even called me. Unfortunately, he was not tested for Covid-19 at the hospital so I would need to await my own results. She figured I was fine but since he had flown the day before probably best to err on the side of caution. She took a few minutes to relay how funny he was and what a reluctant patient he could be. He seemed like a great guy.

The pandemic has been a towering affront to physical and social norms for sure. But the events of this week (and a particularly moving Zoom funeral) reminded me there is still so much compassion and decency out there. And I feel fine – perhaps a bit of a Netflix sloth at this point but fine. Another day or so and I’ll have clearance to move back home. I can’t wait to hug my wife and kids with a renewed hope that better days really do lie ahead.

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.

We are pleased to announce we are OPEN! The safety and well-being of our patients is our main

At Atlanta Hearing Associates, you can expect:

•Prescreening in accordance with CDC guidelines

•Extended time between appointments to sanitize our office

•Our staff and patients are required to wear face masks

•Practicing social distancing by limiting the number of patients in our office

We also offer the following services:

•Curbside - You can stay in your car and we’ll come to you

•Remote Access by TelehealthWith a smart device, we can connect with our patients from the comfort and safety of their home

•Clear, rich sound

•Better speech understandings in noise

•Connect to all Bluetooth® phones –Stream calls, music, and more in BOTH ears

•Smart apps

•100% invisible hearing device

•Worn 24/7, during exercise, showering And sleeping for months at a time

• Extended wear technology that never requires battery changes

Hearing loss keeps you from the people you Love. Schedule your appointment today!

pets & their people

Pets have been a comfort during the long months of sheltering-in-place, working from home, and with the kids in virtual classrooms. We asked our readers to submit photos of themselves with their beloved pets and they delivered with heartwarming images that will bring a smile to your face.

Lucy with Randy Brazee and Jon Huff

Vincent with Doug Shore Peppa and Ava Varkoly

Holly with Amelia McClure

Tootsie and Josephine Barker with Tucky

Jolie and Janice Howell Lucky and Julia Burke

Teddy and Gus Rich and Maura

Gilbert and Phillip Ramsey Starr with Robin Shore

Boris with Eli Kobylivker

Popcorn, Lola, Cora the Chicken, and Geinger with Wisteria Grace Brady

Eric and Maria Sousa

Easton and Ella Witte

Eleven with Sinatra Vaughn

Daisy Mae with the Hartwell-Yen Family

Abby and Tim Small

Cuddles and Angel with Jackie Garson Howard

Dex and Max Kobylivker

Gus with Maura Chey

PET BRIEFS

Aqua Transitions has opened a new facility at 11 Dunwoody Park Drive, Unit 160, in Dunwoody. The company offers an alternative to burial and cremation, using a water-based process of 95 percent water and 5 percent alkali. Aquamation is safe for the environment and a greener alternative than traditional cremation. You receive 20 percent more of your pet remains and there are no harmful greenhouse gases. For more information, visit aquatransitions.com.

West Midtown is now home to the newest Dogtopia , which offers doggie daycare, boarding and spa facility. Located at 1201 West Lane NW, the new location is operated by general manager Jose Louis, pet parent relations manager Kaitlyn Patrick, and area manager Laura Ruiz. For more information, visit dogtopia.com.

LifeLine Animal Project has been selected as one of 12 national shelters to be part of Human Animal Support Services (HASS), a new national coalition pilot program creating community-based solutions to animal sheltering and pet ownership and transforming the shelter system through innovative programs and services. HASS builds off of support that animal shelters experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations across the country, including LifeLine Animal Project, which manages Animal Services in Fulton and DeKalb Counties, were embraced by their communities who fostered pets, adopted, helped lost or found animals get back to their homes and identified new resources to keep people and their pets together. HASS pilot centers will provide a range of services and solutions to support their communities. These include remote services like veterinary telehealth and text support, lost animal return-to-owner initiatives, foster care programs, behavioral and training services, and much more. For more information, visit lifelineanimal.org.

Pepper and Brad Cruickshank

Sampson and Jett Friedman

Emma and Eric Hunger

Baby Olive and Beth Keller

Bruno and Lisa Safstrom

COMPASSIONATE CARE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

Northside Medical Midtown brings Georgia’s most compassionate and dedicated experts to the heart of Atlanta. With over 20 practices, our physicians and staff are ready to care for you and your family.

Clinical Specialties include:

NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE

404-962-6000 • northsidecvi.com

NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL CANCER INSTITUTE Radiation Oncology

404-575-2050 northside.com/radiation-oncology-midtown

NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL ORTHOPEDIC INSTITUTE

Sports Medicine

1-855-647-7678 • sportsmedicine.northside.com

Arthritis & Total Joint Specialists 770-292-6500 • arthritisandtotaljoint.com

Atlanta Cardiac & Thoracic Surgical Associates

404-252-9063 • atlantathoracicsurgery.com

Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates 404-888-7601 • atlantagastro.com

Bariatric Innovations of Atlanta & General Surgery

404-250-6691 • bariatricinnovationsatl.com

Georgia Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates

770-277-4277 • gcrsa.com

Georgia Urology

404-222-0292 • gaurology.com

GYN Surgical Specialists 404-303-3157 • gynsurgicalspecialists.com

Laureate Medical Group 404-892-2131 • laureatemed.com

Midtown Medical Associates 404-215-6525 • midtownmed.com

North Atlanta Primary Care 770-442-1911 • napc.md

Northside/Midtown Imaging 404-875-2640 • northside.com/midtown-imaging

Northside Family Medicine & Urgent Care 404-575-2000 • northsideurgentcare.com/atlanta

Northside Hospital Center for Perinatal Medicine 404-898-2550 • northside.com/cpm

Peachtree Women’s Clinic 470-875-1050 • peachtreewomensclinic.com

Randy Rudderman, MD Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa 678-566-7200 • drrudderman.com

Sovereign Rehabilitation 404-205-5567 • sovereignrehab.com

Surgical Specialists of Atlanta 404-847-0664 • surgicalspecialistsofatlanta.com

The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia 404-255-0226 • handcenterga.com

Thomas Eye Group 678-538-1968 • thomaseye.com

University Gynecologic Oncology 404-300-2990 • ugynonc.com

Making Progress

Midtown hotel project continues despite pandemic, dip in occupancy rates

From Midtown Alliance

Ahotel under construction on a historic corner of Midtown has stayed on schedule, despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the economy and hospitality industry.

Noble Investment Group’s dual-branded hotel rises and will reach a height of 180 feet above the street level, or 14 stories, at the corner of Peachtree Street and Ponce de Leon Avenue.

The hotel combines the Courtyard by Marriott and Element by Westin brands, with each brand’s room and suite design featuring a distinctive vibe. The Courtyard’s 158 rooms will have “smart, casual decor,” while the Element’s 124 suites will be natureinspired spaces with fully-equipped kitchens and spa-inspired bathrooms.

Noble worked with the Department of City Planning to hone the hotel’s architecture to be in harmony with the intersection’s existing three historic buildings: The Fox Theatre, Georgian Terrace Hotel, and Ponce Condos. The project’s architect is Lindsay Pope Bradfield Clifford & Associates.

Noble broke ground on the hotel in June 2019, and work has continued at a steady pace even during the pandemic.

With fewer people on the roads, the project team has found it easier to get the necessary temporary road closures to bring in materials and finish the building on time. It will top out by the end of September and is slated to open July 1, 2021.

Founded in 1993, Noble is no stranger to the hotel business. The Atlanta-based company’s portfolio includes hotels across the country, including in Seattle, Washington, the Northeast, Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina. In 2019, Noble opened another dual-branded hotel in Midtown, the AC Hotel Atlanta Midtown, and Moxy Atlanta Midtown.

But no hotel developer is immune to the pandemic’s effects. Occupancy rates nationally dipped to as low as 24.5 percent in April, and business travel, which typically accounts for a considerable portion of Atlanta travelers, has come to a near standstill.

“The challenges for corporate travel will remain in the short term,” Noble principal and executive vice president Ben Brunt said. “Midtown Atlanta as a market relies on corporate travel mid-week, and with a bulk of the business offices closed, that traveler is just temporarily gone from the market. Historically, Downtown demand related to special events, conventions, and sporting events compresses into Midtown and Buckhead – none of those events are happening right now.”

Business travel and travel for any event are expected to remain soft during 2020, Brunt said. Hotels will see guests vacationing with their families over the summer months, and the markets that stand to benefit the most from that type of demand are leisure-oriented markets.

“Hopefully, hotel room night demand moves at a measured increase from an occupancy standpoint into 2021 and 2022, and by the end of 2022, we’re back to where we were in terms of occupancy,” he said. “That’s what we’re forecasting unless something changes sooner, such as a vaccine or a therapeutic that completely changes the dynamic.”

The pandemic has caused hotel brands to rethink everything about the services they offer, from existing sanitation to food and beverage delivery.

“Pre-COVID, all of the processes and procedures the brands and managers had in place to properly clean a guest room would kill the virus,” Brunt said. “Now we want people to feel even more secure and comfortable, and we as an industry are at the forefront of new and enhanced cleanliness standards. That is one positive that has emerged from this.”

Courtyard/Element hotel is under construction in Midtown.

Piedmont Hospital opens new tower for COVID-19 patients

By Collin Kelley

Piedmont Hospital on Peachtree Road in Buckhead officially opened its new Marcus Tower in mid-July after entering a partnership with the state to provide additional hospital beds for COVID-19 patients.

“I’m very grateful to Kevin Brown and the entire Piedmont Healthcare team for their willingness to partner with the state of Georgia and provide this critical resource to patients and surrounding hospitals,” Gov. Brian Kemp said on a July 14 tour of the facility. “These hospital beds will provide additional surge capacity for healthcare facilities in metroAtlanta and ensure COVID-19 patients receive the essential care they need.”

The partnership includes initial usage of 62 beds, with the capability to scale up based on demand. Kemp has also reactivated the field hospital at the Georgia World Congress Center in Downtown as COVID-19 cases surge.

Patients from the third floor of the existing Piedmont Hospital were moved into the Marcus Tower, creating additional capacity for patients to be treated on the vacated third floor space. The beds are being staffed by physicians and other personnel provided by the state.

The tower was made possible through an initial donation of $75 million from Bernie and Billi Marcus via The Marcus Foundation. Local philanthropists Brett and Louise Samsky and their son Connor have made an $18 million donation to establish the tower’s Brett and Louise Samsky Lobby and the Samsky Invasive Cardiovascular Services Center. Piedmont was able to open the tower early thanks in part to a $1 million gift from Rooms to Go Founder, President and CEO Jeff Seaman.

Gov. Brian Kemp toured Marcus Tower in July.

When Grady Hospital put a call out for supply donations, an unlikely donor responded – their waste management company. When Republic Services realized it had access to 40,000 N95 masks, they reached out to offer the personal protective equipment to Grady’s healthcare workers. The donation is an extension of Republic Service’s $20 million “Committed to Serve” initiative. The 40,000 masks helped support the 3,000 doctors and other medical personnel tirelessly helping those affected by COVID-19.

Christian Louboutin and Moncler, the boutique will be the second brick-and-mortar location for the brand, joining their Los Angeles store. For more information, visit kimberlymcdonald.com.

► Boutique fitness facility Burn Studios is now open in Poncey-Highland at 696 Cleburne Terrace offering a variety of classes, including indoor cycling, kickboxing, strength, HIIT, sculpt and yoga. Social distancing and limited class capacity protocols are in enforced to combat COVID-19. For more, visit livetoburn.com.

The Council for Quality Growth recently honored Doug Hertz, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Distributors, with its 31st annual Four Pillar Award. The prestigious Four Pillar Tribute recognizes an outstanding individual in the region who demonstrates the ‘Four Pillars’ of leadership – quality, responsibility, vision and integrity – and exemplifies the Council’s mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth.

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta has named Frank Fernandez as its new president and CEO effective in August. His appointment by the nonprofit’s board of directors concludes an extensive national search that encompassed over 350 sources and prospects in 31 states. Fernandez is formerly senior vice president at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Recently, the CFGA has raised more than $22 million, and provided grants to 320+ nonprofits during the COVID-19 crisis.

▲ Fine jeweler and eco-conscious lifestyle brand Kimberly McDonald will open a boutique at Buckhead Village District this month. Located on Bolling Way between

▲ Custom framing shop Framebridge will open two locations this month in Buckhead at Shops Around Lenox and Westside Provisions District in West Midtown. Originally launched as online only store in 2014, the shops will feature locally sourced framed items along with photography from Atlanta-based customers. Visit framebridge.com for more information.

◄ The Victorian Atlanta , a locally-owned, creative plant shop specializing in exotic cacti and tropical potted plants, announces the expansion into its first standalone store at Ponce City Market. Previously housed within Citizen Supply, The Victorian will feature an expanded selection of houseplants, rare, tropical plants, including species of Monstera and Philodendron, and exotic cacti, gardening tools, pots and handmade soil blends. In addition to plants and accessories, the shop will also provide in-store and at-home consultations to help shoppers keep their existing plants thriving. Visit thevictorianatlanta.com.

In response to the economic hardship suffered by small businesses throughout the community due to the pandemic, the City of Decatur, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Legacy Decatur have announced the successful completion of their joint Emergency Small Business Loan Program , which distributed $550,000 to 27 Decatur-based small businesses.

◄ The Metro Atlanta Chamber has promoted Katie Kirkpatrick to president and CEO. Kirkpatrick joined the Chamber in 2007 and has served as the link between the metro Atlanta business community and local and national government. She currently serves on the GRACE Commission, comprised of public officials, law enforcement, businesses and nonprofit organizations, committed to ending human trafficking in the State of Georgia and the City of Atlanta. She is a vice-chair for the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District and a past board chair for the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership. She is also a member of the board of directors for the Atlanta Track Club.

During these uncertain times, HammerSmith is here for you and your family. We provide safe, essential services, architectural designs and home renovations. Start planning today for how to live better in a changed world.

Sustainability

Weakening common-sense environmental safeguards puts U.S. at risk

By Sally Bethea

When it comes to protecting the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the health and prosperity of our communities, there is no question but that Donald J. Trump and his campaign-donor cronies in Big Oil, Big Pharma and Big Business have been systematically weakening the bedrock environmental safeguards that were passed by Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support in the 1970s.

Focused on excessive profit-making – and cruelly indifferent to the impacts of their activities on the health and well-being of average Americans –these corporations and the elected officials that do their bidding are putting all of us at increasing risk, especially non-white and low-income populations.

However unexpectedly, and no matter his motivations, Richard Nixon was an environmental hero. At the signing of one of the most important environmental statutes ever passed by Congress, Nixon said on January 1, 1970: “It is particularly fitting that my first official act in this new decade is to approve the National Environmental Policy Act [NEPA]… By my participation in these efforts, I have become further convinced that the 1970s absolutely must be the years when America pays its debt to the past by reclaiming the purity of its air, its waters, and our living environment. It is literally now or never.”

only chance to voice concerns about the impacts of federally-permitted and federally-funded projects on their homes and communities. Think: power plant, highway, dam, hazardous waste landfill, airport, pipeline and more.

Gina McCarthy, former head of the U.S. EPA and now president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, has said: “We live in a democracy, not a dictatorship. Americans deserve to have their voices heard before their families’ health and well-being are put at risk by projects that bring unwanted and unnecessary pollution and disruption into their communities.”

ABOVE THE WATER LINE

With disclosure and public engagement, the NEPA review process can lead, and has led, to better outcomes – saving lives, money, time and natural and cultural resources. Good examples in Georgia include the Atlantic Station project in Atlanta and the Savannah Harbor deepening. In other cases, the NEPA process can slow and even stop projects that are harmful to taxpayers and the environment. Along with local citizens, my environmental colleagues and I fought a proposed dam and reservoir on a tributary to the Chattahoochee River upstream of Lake Lanier for more than fifteen years.

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

In what has been called the “single biggest giveaway to polluters in forty years,” President Trump – aided and abetted by corporate lobbyists and lawyers – has proposed to eviscerate NEPA: the common-sense, mainstream law that empowers citizens and demands government accountability. In many cases, NEPA gives citizens their

Described by its proponents as a water supply reservoir, the real purpose of this project was plainly to serve as an amenity for a massive new development on thousands of acres of timberland in Hall County; early boosters claimed the development would be comparable to Peachtree City. With support from high state officials, this real estate project posing as public infrastructure would have cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and significantly impacted the Chattahoochee River watershed.

The environmental impact statement required by NEPA revealed many things

about this reservoir project, including the critical fact that there was no need for additional water supply in the area in the near future; population projections had been wildly exaggerated. Even assuming a need for more water supply, a far less expensive and less environmentally-harmful alternative exists just downstream: increasing the storage capacity in Lake Lanier. Thanks to NEPA – Richard Nixon’s common-sense law – the facts about this boondoggle were disclosed, so better decisions could be made to safeguard people, their communities and the environment. The reservoir is no longer being actively promoted.

Can the environmental reviews required by NEPA take a long time, as the Trump Administration claims?

Yes, they can, in large part because the federal review agencies have been so defunded – primarily by Republican lawmakers – that they do not have enough staff to rapidly process the oftencomplex proposals. Delays also occur when the advocates of power plants, highways and other major projects fail to submit complete, factual applications, lengthening the process; I have personally seen this happen many times.

One of the most consequential outcomes of the Trump Administration’s proposed revisions to NEPA would be the elimination of requirements to consider the cumulative impacts that a proposed project would have on climate change: the long-term health of our planet. And, in an effort to silence concerned citizens, all comments that are not specific and technical in nature would be rejected under the proposal.

I hope, and believe, that this attack on public health, safety and welfare will be reversed in court, thanks to groups like Southern Environmental Law Center, which plans to sue the Trump Administration on behalf of a dozen and a half organizations that work to protect our water, air, forests, coastal resources, wildlife and historic resources. Of course, if the current Administration is defeated in November, a new president could overturn the NEPA rollbacks, along with other environmental rollbacks approved in recent years.

The most appalling aspect of this environmental assault on every American is that Trump and his Big Corporations have actually tried this maneuver, and so many others, in the first place. Their boldness has no limits.

President Richard Nixon signing the National Environmental Policy Act into law on January 1, 1970.

Health, mental well-being, and nature promoted at Blue Heron Nature Preserve

Blue Heron Nature Preserve will launch health and wellness programs in August for National Wellness Month, which will continue throughout the year.

According to executive director Melody Harclerode, the North Buckhead greenspace will be tapping into its environmental education roots.

Harclerode said studies have shown that physical activity in greenspaces boosts heart health, weight control, and self-esteem. Walking in nature can increase muscular and brain development in children, reduce chronic diseases in adults, and alleviate stress.

With 30-acres of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows and the three-mile Blueway Trail, Blue Heron Nature Preserve is offering outdoor yoga, organic gardening, treasure hunting classes, and firefly hikes along with environmental education. All classes feature face mask requirements and small group sizes.

“Our nonprofit organization is committed to cultivating inspiring and educational experiences at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve for a better Atlanta,” Harclerode said. Health and wellness classes led by trained instructors and naturalists offer the safety of the Spread Your Wings social distancing campaign at the Preserve, yet the serenity and wonder of connecting with nature.

For more information about Blue Heron Nature Preserve programs, visit bhnp.org.

We call it home.

MARGY MANCHESTER

Resident since 2006

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

During this difficult time, we have maintained the CDC guidelines to keep our residents safe and functioning. We are in a “soft” re-opening phase for family members and look forward to re-engage with outside visitors in late August. Please call for details. We hope to see you then!

• Serving Buckhead community for over 30 years

• Quiet residential neighborhood

• Minutes from OK Café

• Apartments tailored to personal needs

thank Following weekend hours. brother’s

Recently Sold

919 E. ROCK SPRINGS ROAD SOLD FOR $607,000

1433 WESSYNGTON ROAD OFFERED FOR $2,120,000

1429 WESSYNGTON ROAD OFFERED FOR $1,849,000

1223 HARDEE STREET, LOT 47 OFFERED FOR $550,000, UNLISTED

1223 HARDEE STREET, LOT 46 OFFERED FOR $565,000, UNLISTED

4510 WELDON DRIVE* OFFERED FOR $439,900 (LISTED BY COMPASS)

5210 RIVERVIEW ROAD OFFERED FOR $1,495,000, UNLISTED

Home & Real Estate

New Developments

The pandemic hasn’t slowed condo, townhome and apartment projects

By Collin Kelley

Developers have continued with new condo, townhome, and apartment projects this summer despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

With historically low interest rates and a dip in home prices and rents, if you’re looking for a new place to call home, there’s never been a better time to search. Property developers are also looking beyond the pandemic with an array of projects announced or already underway.

Selig Development and Rockefeller Group have announced a joint venture partnership on 40 West 12th (40west12th. com), a 64-unit luxury condominium tower rising as part of 1105 West Peachtree, the $530 million multi-tower mixeduse development under construction

in Midtown. The entire project, which will also feature a 675,000-square-foot office component, a 170-room Marriott hotel called The Epicurean Atlanta, 25,000-square-feet of street-level retail, sits on a 3.5-acre city block. The project will open in 2021.

Priced from $800,000 to $2.2 million, residences at 40 West 12th feature a variety of high-design elements centered around a “hospitality-infused lifestyle,” with a 24hour concierge service, an all-season resort style pool, Epicurean Atlanta’s outdoor pool and bar, the hotel’s food and beverage menu, and more. Engel & Völkers Atlanta is overseeing sales for the project.

“40 West 12th represents a differentiated product offering in Midtown, which is gaining an elegant condo stack that bridges the gap between uneven residential sectors in the market,” said Christa Huffstickler, founder and CEO of Engel & Völkers Atlanta.

StreetLights Residential (streetlightsres. com) has broken ground on The Hadley at 5th and Juniper in Midtown The apartment project consists of 300 residences, just a few blocks from Tech Square and the Georgia Institute of Technology.

The building will feature classic architectural elements with contemporary arches, floor-to-ceiling glass, and modern wood paneling paired with metals and natural materials to create a “boutique” design.

The building will offer studio or a one-, two-, or three-bedroom floor plan, ranging in size from 511 to 1,713 square feet. Interior finishes include built-in speakers with Sonos capabilities, granite countertops, custom cabinetry, front load washers and dryers and built-in desks and mudrooms. Residents will have access to a coffee bar, a private resident bar and lounge, private dining and co-working spaces, pet spa & dog park, and a pool deck and entertaining space with sweeping city views. Active residents can enjoy the fitness center and flex studio with spin bikes.

Mill Creek Residential Trust’s mixed-use Modera Reynoldstown (moderareynoldstown.com) has begun preleasing for first move-ins that will take place this month. The project features 320 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and approximately 18,400-square-feet of street-level retail.

The Hadley

Interior at 40 West 12th

40 West 12th

Located at the corner of Memorial Drive and Pearl Street, which is a short walk from the Atlanta BeltLine and a development hotspot, the property also offers a fitness center, yoga studio, covered patio and movie wall, dog run, resortinspired pool with cabanas, coworking areas and more. Apartment features range from quartz countertops and a wine bar to matte black bathroom fixtures and backlit mirrors.

Easton (pulte.com/Easton), Pulte Homes’ newest townhome community in West Midtown, is currently selling homesites. The three-story townhomes have flexible floor plans and can be configured for two to three bedrooms and two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half bathrooms. An open concept on the main level includes a large gathering room that opens onto a spacious deck for indoor/outdoor entertaining, plus rear-facing two-car garages.

►Shirley Gary, owner and CEO of Engel & Völkers Buckhead Atlanta and Engel & Völkers Atlanta North Fulton, has been named the Number One Real Estate Agent Worldwide within the Engel & Völkers Global Network, and Number

Two Real Estate Agent Worldwide for net commissions for 2019. The awards recognize the company’s highest achievers across the globe. This is the fifth year in a row Gary has been honored internationally, ranking above more than 10,000 real estate professionals who represent the Engel & Völkers brand in over 30 countries.

Alliance Residential has closed on the acquisition of 12 acres located at 2167 Bolton Drive NW for the development of Broadstone Upper Westside, a luxury apartment complex. Construction of Broadstone Upper Westside will begin this year and is set to welcome residents in Fall 2021. Designed by architect Dynamik Design, Broadstone Upper Westside will consist of 314 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments units with top-of-market features. Every apartment home will feature custom shaker-style cabinetry, decorative tile backsplashes, accent wood-shelving, high-end plumbing fixtures and furniture-style vanity cabinetry. Select units will have uninterrupted skyline views of Midtown, Downtown and Buckhead. For more, visit allresco.com.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Atlanta has changed its name to Coldwell Banker Realty in all of its local real estate offices. The change coincides with the transparent rebranding of the Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC logo, referred to as the Coldwell Banker North Star. It also aligns Coldwell Banker Realty in Atlanta with 700 company-owned Coldwell Banker offices across the nation.

Atlanta Fine Homes Soheby’s International Realty Agent Chase Mizell represented the seller in the $15-million sale of the home at 4110 Paces Ferry Road, best known as Tyler Perry’s former home. The gated estate, nearly 35,000 square feet, boasts seven bedrooms, nine full and six half bathrooms, and a 17-acre lot bordering the Chattahoochee River.

THE INTOWN LEADER

Aiken

Sayre

Gilmore

Holt

Melson

Saunders

Scott

Wiggins

Smith Meier

Milardo

Olivard

Ziegler

Modera Reynoldstown

Easton in West Midtown

News You Can Eat The New Date Night

A few suggestions for socially-distanced romantic meals

By Isadora Pennington

It has been nearly five months since the COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented restrictions upon our lives. We’ve gone through lockdowns, socially distanced, bought all the masks, and washed our hands a million times a day – all just doing our best to try and get through 2020. Now that we are here at the end of summer – with cases still rising and no end in sight – we are having to adjust to life in this new normal.

Even with all the changes, life doesn’t stop, and spending quality time with those you love is more important than ever. How do you maintain some semblance of fun and romance in these trying times? For my husband and I, this has meant finding ways to enjoy meals together without taking unnecessary risks to our health and the health of others. We also wanted to make sure we continued to support the restaurants we love because they have suffered with the regulations and shutdowns.

We aren’t comfortable dining in at restaurants, so we have taken to planning our meals around local spots where we can get food to go and find picturesque or interesting places where we can eat them outdoors away from others.

Below are some of our favorite options for pandemic date spots – “pan-dates,” if you will – where you can find great eats to share with those you love.

Bell Street Burritos at The Stove Works

112 Krog St NE #1A bellstreetburritos.com, (678) 732-9122

Regular ground beef burrito with potatoes, onions, pickled jalapenos, sour cream, and grilled. A side of chips and queso, and a Mexican Coke. Best enjoyed on the shady patio or sitting alongside the BeltLine for superior people-watching.

The Deli at Candler Park Market

1642 McLendon Ave NE candlerparkmarket.com, (404) 3739787

Candler Club Deli Sandwich with turkey, ham, bacon, pimento cheese, lettuce, and tomato. A side of fries and sweet tea. We like to picnic in Candler Park. Pro tip: bring a blanket and tray to enhance the romance, and ice in a mason jar with a lid will keep your sweet tea cool and keep the bugs at bay.

Grindhouse Killer Burgers

433 N McDonough St., Decatur grindhouseburgers.com, (404) 400-0509

Double beef burger with American cheese, junior beef burger with American cheese, lettuce, onions, and chipotle ranch. A side of “frings” (fries and onion rings) and a Coke. Decatur Square is an excellent place to grab a bench and watch folks meandering around, and if you’re lucky you will be serenaded by local musicians playing on the streets nearby.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

545 N McDonough St, Decatur jenis.com, (470) 891-8095

Who doesn’t love a cold treat on these sweltering hot days? My go to is a waffle cone (made in-house, yummm!) with a scoop of milkiest chocolate and a scoop of darkest chocolate. Keep in mind that their new policy is that all cones are served upside down on a disposable plate. I recommend finding a shady spot on the lawn or taking a stroll around the square with your honey.

Nick’s Food To Go 240 M.L.K. Jr Dr SE nicksfood.com, (404) 521-2220

Falafel pita with added feta cheese. This family-owned Greek restaurant is a local gem and a personal favorite of ours. Operating out of a nondescript building just off Memorial in Grant Park, they have been offering delish fresh casual meals for more than 20 years. Place an order at their window and take it over to the nearby Oakland Cemetery for an unconventional meal among the dead. Contemplating your own morbidity has never been more timely – or romantic.

Matt McDonald and Isadora Pennington

QUICK BITES

In the midst of a global pandemic, top Atlanta restaurants and pop-ups have found a new way to engage their communities and find additional revenue streams: at-home food experiences. They’ve partnered with local startup FeedATL to bring Atlantans a new culinary experience from the comfort of home. FeedATL creates a daily multi-course, multi-restaurant meal that customers can get delivered right to their doors, giving them the opportunity to support multiple businesses in one order. Partner restaurants include Kimball House, The General Muir, A Mano, Ruby Chow’s, Poor Hendrix, Ton Ton, Scout, Grana, Wahoo Grill, The White Bull, AIX, Full Commission, and Watchman’s. Pop-ups include: Kamayan, Happy Seed, Three Peaches Gelato, Shamiso Foods, Kettle Black, Seoul Kitchen, and Let’s Eat. For more details and to order, visit FeedAtl.com Shell Oil Company is supporting Meals on Wheels programs with donations of fuel gift card donations, and Meals on Wheels Atlanta recently received $10,000 in donations to help address senior isolation and hunger during the COVID-19 crisis. The donation will help deliver 7,700 meals per week to seniors in Atlanta. For more information, visit mowatl.org.

Yumbii, Atlanta’s first food truck founded in 2010, will open its second brick-and-mortar location this month in Toco Hills. The new location at 2907 N. Druid Hills Road will be larger than the original Brookwood Hills space and feature a broadened beverage program, a covered, 700-square-foot patio and a bigger food menu available for takeout, dining in or delivery.

Le Bilboquet and Le Colonial have both been recognized in Wine Spectator’s 2020 Restaurant Awards. The annual awards recognize restaurants around the world as the top destinations for wine lovers. Le Bilboquet has won the Best of Award of Excellence, a category awarded to recipients who offer more extensive selections with significant vintage depth and excellent breadth across multiple regions. Le Colonial won the Award of Excellence, which recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.

SriThai Kitchen & Sushi, offering a menu of authentic Thai and Japanese, has opened in Atlantic Station. The 4,852-square-foot restaurant is open for dine-in customers, to-go orders and delivery services, with plans for an official grand opening celebration to come soon. For more, visit srithaikitchen.com.

Chef Pano Karatassos brings the light, bright and airy feel of the Greek islands to Atlanta as he introduces a redesigned space called Ouzo Bar and Dining Room in the former

Octopus Lounge on the right hand side of Buckhead’s upscale Kyma restaurant. Chef Pano will offer an updated mezze menu with lighter fare and specialty Greek cocktails including a variety of ouzo selections, Greek watermelon mojitos, cucumber martinis and more. The new space plays off the traditional “Ouzerie” of Greece with a focus on small plates, great wine and cocktails. The Ouzo Bar and Dining Room is located at 3085 Piedmont Road. Visit buckheadrestaurants.com/restaurant/kyma for more information.

Health food store Nuts ‘n Berries has opened a new location in Decatur. When Nuts ‘n Berries owners, Mari Geier and Kevin Parker, heard Rainbow Natural Foods, a local community grocer in Decatur for 40 years, was closing its doors at the beginning of 2019, they instantly knew they needed to save the location. “We intend to keep the hometown store alive and are honored to have the opportunity to serve the Decatur community by reviving the famous vegan hot bar and offering full-service organic produce and grocery, plus the highest quality health and wellness supplements at competitive prices,” explained Geier. For more, visit nutsnberries.com.

the

The professors who teach at One Day U across the country have won countless teaching awards and earned the highest possible ratings from their students on campus. So join us and spend some time with fascinating professors and other intellectually curious, cultured people who love to learn.

Resetting the Stage

Arts organizations partner with Emory Nursing School to develop reopening plan

By Collin Kelley

Acoalition of Atlanta’s arts organizations have partnered with the nursing school at Emory University to create guidelines for safely reopening theatres and performance venues.

Actor’s Express has led a coalition of 18 arts organizations in creating a partnership with the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University to evaluate and study performing arts operations. This evaluation will lead to the creation of a set of guidelines and suggestions on how to safely and responsibly reopen as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Expected to be released in August, the study will analyze data on how patrons, performers, and staff interact, and propose ways to safely return to work and performance as soon as it’s safe to do so.

These plans will also take into account current statistics on new infections in the community and define benchmarks for reopening.

After all of the 18 participating performing arts companies have completed an assessment tool, the project architects will analyze the data to create standard operating procedures for each area of operation, including front of house, performance, and backstage. These operating procedures can be applied across all the performing arts companies in the region.

Then the Doctor of Nursing Practice students at Emory will go one step further, issuing specific guidance to each participating performing arts company detailing how it can adapt workflows to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.

“Because every operation is different and each venue has a unique set of challenges, no one sweeping policy will work for everyone,” said Morgan Clark-Youngblood, a DNP candidate at the Emory School of Nursing. “Through this partnership as well as guidance from the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health, we hope to find a set of guidelines all performance venues can put in place to reduce risk to audiences, artists, and crew, as well as specific action plans for each company participating in the study. ”

With stages dark since March, theatre and performance companies are itching to get back on the boards and get artists back to work.

“True Colors is excited about this unique collaboration,” said Chandra StephensAlbright, Managing Director of Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company. “While these are challenging times for all of us, it has been uplifting to work as a theatre community to identify and overcome the

barriers to bringing our work back to our patrons. This project goes above and beyond to build theatre-specific processes that ensure the safety and well-being of our True Colors family.”

Actor’s Express Managing Director Alex Scollon echoed those sentiments. “How to reopen has been on everyone’s mind since theatres shut down in midMarch but reopening safely is critical to our communities of artists, audiences and staff. We are excited about this study and hope to have a clear and safe plan forward when we get the results,” Scollon said.

Participating Arts Companies

7 Stages

Actor’s Express

The Alliance Theatre

ART Station

Atlanta Lyric Theatre

Aurora Theatre

Center for Puppetry Arts

Dad’s Garage

Dance Canvas

Found Stages

Georgia Ensemble Theatre

Horizon Theatre Company

Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company

Out Front Theatre Company

Stage Door Players

Synchronicity

Terminus Dance

Theatrical Outfit

GLEN ARDEN WAY

ROSEDALE ROAD

Lady Day at Theatrical Outfit

The stage at Actor’s Express.

Decatur Book Festival, Dragon Con go virtual

By Collin Kelley

Two of Intown’s biggest end-of-summer events are going virtual due to the ongoing pandemic. Both Dragon Con and the Decatur Book Festival will become online events over Labor Day weekend.

Details were still being ironed out at press time, but Dragon Con, which usually takes over Downtown hotels and hosts an annual cosplay parade down Peachtree, is planning online panels, workshops, contests, and a chance to virtually meet scifi/fantasy actors, authors, and artists.

Some of the special guests lined up for 2020 include “Dresden Files” author Jim Butcher; “Star Wars” books author Timothy Zahn; “Steven Universe” voice actors Estelle, Zach Callison, Jennifer Paz, Grace Rolek and Deedee Magno Hall; “Star Trek: Enterprise” and “Resident Evil” actor DC Douglas; and actor Gil Gerard from “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.”

More guests and events will be added, so be sure to visit DragonCon.org for the lineup. Book lovers who usually flock to Decatur will also be watching their favorite authors online, as the annual Decatur Book Festival goes virtual.

“In the interest of public health, we have determined that holding a large-scale physical festival this Labor Day weekend is not feasible,” said Joy Pope, the festival’s Interim Executive Director. “Instead, we are planning a virtual festival that will celebrate the DBF’s 15th anniversary in a way that is unique to our community. We want to bring content, candor, and civic engagement into our lives in meaningful ways – something that the events of the past week have made more urgent than ever before. Beginning on the Friday of Labor Day weekend and continuing through September, the festival will present 15 virtual events that will represent the best of what the DBF does: ignite conversations inspired by diverse books and authors that engage our hearts and minds.”

The DBF has already begun virtual programming with its popular Joshilyn Jackson Reads series. With the help of Georgia Center for the Book and metro Atlanta libraries, the festival is featuring a total of eleven talks between New York Times-bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson and 18 writers of her choosing whose works span genres and topics. Visit decaturbookfestival.com to see the full lineup of events for the virtual festival.

Joshilyn Jackson

City honors Tom Key as he retires from Theatrical Outfit

By INtown Staff

After 25 years as the Artistic Director of Downtown’s Theatrical Outfit, Tom Key retired from the position on June 30.

The City of Atlanta and Fulton County honored the veteran actor, director and arts leader with proclamations and Theatrical Outfit named its new apprenticeship program in his honor.

“The board began planning retirement festivities for Tom at the same time that we were launching plans to build our first-ever apprentice program,” said Board Chair Ed Laity. “We quickly decided that naming this emerging artist program for Tom was so appropriate, given his years of mentoring young, professional talent in the city.”

The Tom Key Artistic Leadership Program welcomed

its first class of interns in July, and each received a 12-month practical apprenticeship at Theatrical Outfit, along with a salary.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms presented Key with the Phoenix Award, saying, “The city of Atlanta is proud to celebrate Tom Key’s legacy, which has strengthened Atlanta’s rich artistic heritage and forever transformed our city.” The City of Atlanta also named June 30, 2020, Tom Key Day thanks to Council Member Amir Farokhi. Fulton County and Commissioner Natalie Hall also honored Key by declaring June 28, 2020, as Tom Key Appreciation Day.

Fulton County’s proclamation reads: “Tom is one of Atlanta’s most prominent and celebrated actors and has appeared in over 100 productions at theatres from off Broadway to Los Angeles. Under his leadership as Artistic Director, Theatrical Outfit has developed into one of Atlanta’s premiere performing arts institutions.”

Key became Artistic Director of Atlanta’s second-oldest professional theatre company in 1995. He moved it

from Midtown to Downtown’s Rialto Center for the Arts in 1999, and in 2005 led the theatre through the creation of its award-winning Downtown home, the Balzer Theater at Herren’s. Key’s programming of classics, regional and world premieres, and musicals explore themes of diversity, equality, ethnicity, and race.

Although Key has retired from the Outfit, he does not plan to fade from the limelight. He intends to continue acting, directing and writing new works. His successor, Matt Torney, took the helm on July 1.

“Tom has been an inspirational leader and has done incredible work at Theatrical Outfit over the past 25 years,” said Torney. “I am overjoyed to have his enthusiastic endorsement, and look forward to working with him on a mindful and smooth transition. Our philosophies are aligned and embodied in Theatrical Outfit’s mission to start conversations that matter—conversations that can lead to a more compassionate and just community.”

Tom Key

Paying Tribute

Artists create mural at Downtown business vandalized during protests

A group of women artists banded together to create a stunning mural at a Downtown business damaged during recent demonstrations against racial injustice.

Artists Maisie Thompson and Sharanda Wilburn (aka S.A.W) reached out to Sonia Booker, owner of BIO BIO The Beauty Place on John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, about painting a mural on the boards used to cover damaged windows.

After Booker agreed, Thompson and Wilburn assembled a team of other women artists – known as #Queensmural – to create the mural on the damaged building. The artwork pays homage and tribute to inspirational Black women – including Sandra Bland, Lucy McBath, Mamie Till, Layleen Polanco, Sonia Booker – as well as the Black Lives Matter and Black Trans Lives Matter movements.

The team included Wilburn (IG: @iamsawart), Adeana Berry (IG: @ uhdeanuh), Siana Smith (IG: @psa_rt), Maisie Thompson (IG: @dustandpaper), Dymond Phillip’s (IG: @watercolor_ princess), Frankie Nicole (IG: @ mrsfrankiebrown), SoSwayed (@_swayart) GW Harper (@gwharperdesigns), Elaina Means (@loudpaint), and Akila (@ Akilasartjpg).

Once the boards are removed from the building that will be on display at The Vault Gallery in Downtown.

Mural pictures continued on page 34

There’s an elevated and CARF® accredited version of assisted living that can be found in only one incomparable place: The Suites at The Piedmont at Buckhead. Imagine all the comforts, services and amenities of a distinctive address combined with attentive, expert support when the need arrives.

Please call 404.369.7523 to schedule your virtual tour or visit our website to learn more.

Weekend Getaways

Mountain attractions in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee have reopened

By Collin Kelley

Whether you want to take a daytrip or make it a weekend getaway, attractions have reopened in North Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee with safety precautions due to the ongoing pandemic.

We rounded up a list of places open to visitors, including outdoor attractions, railway adventures, vineyard tours, and playing the slots. Don’t forget your masks!

BabyLand General Hospital

If you want to see where the Cabbage Patch Kids are born, head to Cleveland, GA for a tour of BabyLand General Hospital. Admission is free, but masks are required, to watch doctors and nurses deliver hand-sculpted Cabbage Patch Kids, which are available for adoption. Visit cabbagepatchkids.com for details.

Hamilton Gardens

Located on the shore of Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, GA, the 33-acre garden features the largest collection of rhododendrons in the southeast. Trilliums, shooting stars, wild ginger, trout lilies, and Solomon’s seal are just a few of the special plants found in the gardens. Social distancing is required and masks are recommended. Visit hamiltongardens.org.

North Georgia Vineyards & Wineries

The North Georgia mountains are home to some of the country’s best wineries, including Tiger Mountain, Wolf Mountain, Haberham, Frogtown Cellars, Three Sisters, and more. Visit georgiawine. com to see all the wineries.

▲ Rock City and Ruby Falls

Less than two hours from Atlanta, Chattanooga not only offers the famed Tennessee Aquarium, but is home to Lookout Mountain and its two big attractions: Rock City and Ruby Falls. Rock City – with its winding trails, See 7 States panorama, Mother Goose Village and more – is open, but masks and timed tickets are required. A mask and timed tickets are also required to descend

Continued on page 36

Consolidated Gold Mine

Head to Dahlonega

to tour the historic Consolidated Gold Mine, which was founded in 1896. The tour takes visitors 200 feet underground to show how miners blasted quartz veins to find big deposits of gold. You can also pan for gold, go gem mining and more. For details, visit consolidatedgoldmine. com.

Continued from page 35

deep inside the mountain to see the spectacle that is 145-foot cascading Ruby Falls. Visit rockcity.com or rubyfalls.com for tickets and information.

Biltmore

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC is once again open for tourists along with is accompanying gardens, winery, resort. There’s also a special “Downton Abbey” exhibition on show through Sept. 7. Visit Biltmore.com for tickets, weekend getaway packages, and safety information.

◄ Harrah’s Casinos

High rollers can once again enjoy the slots and blackjack tables at Harrah’s Casinos in Cherokee and Murphy, NC. Social distancing is in place on the gaming floor and masks are required. Visit caesars.com for details.

Gibbs Gardens

The nearly 300-acres of French and European-styled gardens features flora and fauna –as well as 24 ponds, 32 bridges, and 19 waterfalls – is open in Ball Ground, GA. Visit gibbsgardens.com for more information.

▲Dollywood

Dolly Parton’s theme park and resort in Pigeon Forge, TN is open again, but there’s a new reservation system in place to help limit the number of guests in the park to maintain social distancing. Along with rides, shows, and dining, the resort is open and so is the water park. Visit Dollywood.com for reservations and details.

▲Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

The passenger train takes visitors on a ride along the Toccoa River with sweeping views of the mountains. The four-hour summer trip takes passengers from downtown Blue Ridge up to Tennessee and back, passing through McCaysville and Copperhill along the way. The train departs daily at 11 a.m. Visit brscenic.com for tickets and information.

Small Is Beautiful

By Kathy Dean

You might believe that size doesn’t matter, but for people who have embraced the tiny house movement, small is beautiful. That’s especially true when the home is set on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

Long known for its breath-taking vistas, the area boasts deep lakes, streams, waterfalls, meadows and densely wooded mountains.

Residents take advantage of the natural bounty through its many nature trails, golf courses and streams, perfect for trout fishing.

In the heart of the plateau, and within minutes of the Chattooga River and the Nantahala National Forest, sits The Preserve at Whiteside Cliffs, a private, tiny home community that features designer cottages.

Homeowners can choose from two designs – Low Country and Saltbox, both featuring one bedroom, one bath and high-end finishes throughout. The Low Country home blends minimalism with elegance, filling its 464 square feet with features like high ceilings and quartz countertops. The 452-square-foot Saltbox maximizes space while offering a 270-degree view of outdoors.

Homesites and cottages in the gated community are built to maximize privacy and mountain views. Only 47 cottages are spread across the community’s 33 acres, and tree canopies are professionally sculpted to afford clear views of Whiteside and Black Rock Mountains.

Lot home packages start at $299,000, with top elevation lots priced at $399,000. Since the median home price in the Highlands-Cashiers area is $625,000, The Preserve at Whiteside Cliffs offers homeowners luxury and affordability in a premier mountain location. For more information visit www.thepreserveatwhitesidecliffs.com.

Boland has been selling properties in the area for 16 years and is now a full-time Blue Ridge resident. Whether you are looking for a cozy little cabin, a mountaintop lodge or a turn-key investment property, North Georgia has something to offer for everyone. Let Annie put her knowledge of the area to work for you!

The Saltbox design.

The interior of the Saltbox.

The interior of the Low Country design.

September 25th – 27th

Gainesville Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden satellite location has reopened to visitors

If you’re a fan of the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown, then you’ll love the Gainesville Garden. Reopened with extended summer hours, it’s a tranquil spots to take your mind off the news and reconnect with nature.

The garden, located near Lake Lanier, is open Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. To help with social distancing, timed tickets are required for all guests, including members.

Along with the winding trails full of flowers, plants, tress, and water features, there’s also activities and playtime for the kids in the Children’s Garden and adults can enjoy Wine in the Woodlands on Friday and Saturday nights. Stroll the garden with drinks from the bar and enjoy pre-ordered dinner from 2 Dog Restaurant.

The garden is located at 1911 Sweetbay Drive in Gainesville. For tickets and information, visit atlantabg.org/gainesville-garden.

Tails on Trails Club encourages four-legged friends on park trails

Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites has launched a dog walking club, “Tails on Trails.” Hikers and their four-legged companions are challenged to hike 42 trails at Georgia state parks and upon completion, dogs earn a bandana and their owners earn a T-shirt for logging the miles.

Dog walkers have always been welcome in Georgia state parks, and the Tails on Trails club offers a way for owners and their dogs to accomplish designated hikes. Those who would like to join can purchase a $20 membership card at any of the seven participating parks’ visitor centers or online at GaStateParks.org/TailsOnTrails.

Owners must abide by state parks rules: keep dogs on a leash no more than 6-feet, clean up after dogs, and never leave dogs unattended in campsites, cottages or vehicles. Georgia state parks offer several dog-friendly cottages, which are available to book online at GaStateParks.org/TailsOnTrails.

The following seven trails are part of the “Tails on Trails” club: Fort Mountain State Park (Chatsworth)

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

F.D. Roosevelt State Park (Pine Mountain)

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

Don Carter State Park (Gainesville)

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

Sweetwater Creek State Park (Lithia Springs)

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

High Falls State Park (Jackson)

Bill Gilmore

404-455-5712

Did you know your local Virginia-Highland neighbor is a licensed North Carolina Real Estate broker?

I specialize in luxury mountain homes, breathtaking homesites, condominiums, cottages, golf communities and vacation rentals in the Highlands and Cashiers area. As a 10-year resident and member of Old Edwards Club (in Highlands, NC), I am very familiar with the area and nearby clubs. I have helped many discerning clients find their vacation home, new club lifestyle or homesite. When you’re ready to cool off and create memories and make it your own – for a weekend or forever – give me a call.

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

Fort McAllister State Park (Richmond Hill)

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

Red Top Mountain State Park (Cartersville)

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

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