Atlanta Intown - September 2016

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Editorial Collin Kelley INtown Editor

collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

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Contributors

Stefanie Stuckey Benfield, Sally Bethea, Kathy Dean, Grace Huseth, Asep Mawardi, M. Catherin McCabe, Lisa

Nanette Allender, Colin Potts, Clare Richie, John Ruch, Shandra Hill Smith, Timothy Sullivan, Megan Volpert, Diane Wynocker

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The Neighborhood

Go

The

Focus On Education

On the Cover

Shine bright like a Diamond

I first met iconic Atlanta drag performer Diamond Lil sometime in the early 90s at some bar. I have no recollection of the time or place, but Diamond Lil – or Lil, as I always called her – was unforgettable. Lil was decidedly not your usual drag queen. She had a big voice and she knew how to belt a tune. She oozed Southern charm mixed with biting, sometimes self-effacing, humor.

Born Phillip Forrester in 1935 in Savannah, Lil became a regular performer on the Atlanta drag scene in the 1960s. Unlike other female impersonators, Diamond Lil didn’t just lip-synch to songs, but sang and wrote her own music. Nicknamed the “Queen of the Jukeboxes,” her humorous songs were heard around the southeast and she was an influence on fellow drag performers RuPaul and Lady Bunny. She released a number of albums, including “Silver Grill Blues” (named after the now defunct diner). Not only did Lil perform at most of Atlanta’s gay bars and cabarets over the last 40-plus years, but she often popped up to perform at Manuel’s Tavern ¬– usually to a full house. She was also a noted activist for LGBT rights, once famously singing Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” on the campus of the University of Georgia during a 1972 rally.

The first time I met Lil without her wig, was at the old INtown office on West Peachtree Street. A man in a dapper suit appeared at my office door and said, “Why, hello, Collin.” The mellifluous voice sounded familiar, but I must have had the most quizzical look on my face, because Lil sauntered over to my desk, and said, “Don’t you recognize me? It’s Lil.” Then he winked. Of course it was Lil.

INtown published some of Lil’s funny little essays about life in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood where she made her home and funny anecdotes from her days in drag. Be sure to check out atlantaintownpaper.com to read a couple of them during the month of September.

The last time I saw Lil was during lunch at the Radial Café earlier this year. I’d heard she’d been ill, but she was as charming and quickwitted as ever. She died on Aug. 9 at age 80 after a bout with cancer. A lady always knows when to leave.

This home is your own personal private and serene oasis with a meditation labryinth in the heart of Morningside, overlooking Sunken Garden Park in a coveted location. This urbane retreat has been updated with a sophisticated open floor plan that embraces a panoramic view of the yard and pool. The home includes a master retreat on the main floor, along with a flexible floor plan providing both formal and casual living spaces and dining areas.

Collin Kelley collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

Diamond Lil

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The Neighborhood

Re-stitching Downtown

The Stitch project would cap interstate for parks, development

By Collin Kelley

Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District has unveiled renderings and details of an ambitious project called The Stitch that would reconnect Downtown and its streets broken by I-75/85.

The transformative project envisions capping the Downtown Connector by constructing a 3/4-mile platform over the interstate, extending from the Civic Center MARTA station at West Peachtree Street to Piedmont Avenue. On top of the platform would be new parks, homes, office buildings, hotels and more.

With the Civic Center set for demolition and redevelopment, the MARTA station would be renamed Emory Square and become a key transit hub for the city, including a regional bus terminal.

Emory Square would connect St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on the west to a reimagined MARTA station, Emory University’s future Medical Arts Institute building, and new retail and residential areas.

Peachtree Green would be a 3-acre town green with water features, a restaurant and café, a pavilion space for markets and art shows, an art walk, a “Mayor’s Walk,” and a civic

Atlanta Streets Alive Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward host event Sept. 25

heroes memorial.

Energy Park would be a mixeduse residential area intertwined with an urban park made up of lawns, a dog park, playground, water features, a splash pad, a flex-use pavilion and a garden walk. Its location next to Georgia Power’s headquarters will provide opportunities to use green construction and power technologies.

The estimated $300 million project is still conceptual, so a construction schedule has not been determined. CAP said the next steps to advance the plan will include completing a detailed civil engineering survey, a technical feasibility study and a schematic design.

The third Atlanta Streets Alive event of the year is set for Sunday, Sept. 25, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland and Old Fourth Ward neighborhoods. The event is an initiative of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition.

A three-mile stretch of North Highland Avenue, Highland Avenue and Boulevard will be closed to motorized vehicles and open to people on foot, bike, skates and skateboards.

Participants can expect a wealth of activities hosted by community organizations and companies along the route, with local businesses and restaurants expanding onto the sidewalks to attract customers.

As usual, ASA will kick off with a bicycle parade at 2 p.m. at the intersection of Virginia and North Highland avenues. Be sure to visit atlantastreetsalive.com for an announcement about the theme so that you can dress up yourself and your bike accordingly.

The final ASA will be held on Oct. 23 and take over Peachtree Street from Midtown to Downtown.

The Stitch project would have three distinctive areas as it crosses over the Downtown Connector: Above left: Energy Park near Georgia Power headquarters. Above right: Peachtree Green with restaurants, retail, water features and more. Below: Emory Square near St. Luke’s Church.

Photo by Asep Mawardi

Overhaul of city zoning codes to take three to five years

By Collin Kelley

The updating of the City of Atlanta’s zoning codes will take three to five years, according to officials.

The city’s deputy director of Planning and Community Development, Terri Lee, told the Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods at its August meeting that Atlanta’s zoning book hasn’t been updated since 1980.

Along with the bringing the codes up-to-date, Lee said that the department had undergone a significant overhaul thanks to new Commissioner Tim Keane.

Lee said that since Keane’s arrival last year, there has been a new focus on customer service, and strides have been made to make permitting easier for residents, developers and businesses.

“In the past, people would call our office with questions and no one would answer the phone,” Lee said. “That has changed.”

Those who come in looking for a permit – to build a deck on the back of their home, for example – should only have to wait 30 to 40 minutes. “It shouldn’t take 10 days to get a deck permit,” Lee said. “You can now also apply and pay online.”

Many of the estimated 300 people who visit the planning office daily are inquiring about zoning variances. “We have a high volume of variance requests, mainly because the codes haven’t been updated in more than 30 years,” Lee acknowledged.

While updating the zoning codes will be a multi-year process, Lee said the office is initiating what she called a series of “quick wins” that could be implemented in the next three to six months. Those “quick wins” include updates of existing definitions of existing ordinances, neighborhood design standards and parking requirements.

Lee said the city was also conducting a study on increasing impact fees for developers, which, if approved, would be the first increase in 23 years.

Another element of streamlining the city planning department is the opening of the City Design Project Studio at Ponce City Market in the Old Fourth Ward. The studio invites residents to drop by the colorful, informal space to share their own visions for the city’s growth as well as wants and needs for their neighborhoods.

The studio, which has only been open for six weeks, will remain at Ponce City Market for six months, then move to different location in the city. More information about the studio is available at facebook.com/atlcitystudio.

OPENING SEPTEMBER 10TH

City Design Studio at PCM

ON THE AGENDA

MEETINGS

The Atlanta City Council will meet Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. at City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave., due to the Labor Day holiday. The second meeting is Sept. 19. Agendas and information: citycouncil.atlantaga.gov.

Midtown Review Committee meets Sept. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at 999 Peachtree, 5th floor conference room. Information: midtownatl.com.

Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education meets Sept. 6 at 130 Trinity Ave. with a 2:30 p.m. session for presentations and 6 p.m. for community meeting. Information: atlanta.k12.ga.us.

The Decatur City Commission meets in open session on the first and third Mondays of each month at City Hall, 509 North McDonough Street, at 7:30 p.m.

NEWS

Emory University is pursuing annexation into Atlanta by petition rather than seeking legislative or voter approval.

The Atlanta Regional Commission said the City of Atlanta added 7,900 new residents between April 2015 and April 2016.

The Atlanta City Council has extended the services of PARKAtlanta for up to six months while it searches for a new company to handle parking violations.

MARTA plans to replace all of its train cars by 2026 with new, modern carriages.

Mayor, city respond to protester demands

By John Ruch

Mayor Kasim Reed’s administration has responded in detail to a list of protester demands in the wake of Black Lives Matter marches in July.

“APD [the Atlanta Police Department] has adopted a philosophy of serving as protectors and guardians, and is continually working to build community trust and nurture relationships with Atlanta’s residents,” the city said early in its point-by-point answer, which is titled, “2016 Atlanta Civic Activism Response.”

Avery Jackson, one of the ATLisReady organizers who met with Reed and Police Chief George Turner during the Buckhead protest, said the coalition has made “no response” to the city’s answers. He did not indicate if or when there might be one.

Meanwhile, ATLisReady has carried out smaller protests aimed at gentrification and started a campaign named “Don’t Call the Cops,” urging white people not to call the police for minor incidents involving people of color. The coalition also continues to meet, with more than 45 organizations and 70 people joining a recent gathering, Jackson said.

But ATLisReady has not held marches on the scale of the five nights of protests in July that followed the police killings of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota, both of whom were black.

The Buckhead protest ended when organizers successfully demanded an on-thespot meeting with Reed and Turner, which was held inside a police truck outside the Governor’s Mansion on West Paces Ferry Road. A follow-up meeting at City Hall was held July 18, but fell apart in a dispute over whether it should be open to the public and questions about the legitimacy of Sir Maejor, a Black Lives Matter activist who had disagreed with many ATLisReady organizers on personal issues and their inclusion of LGBT rights activism in protests.

Despite the disputes, ATLisReady published a list demanding more than two-dozen policingrelated reforms for the mayor’s consideration.

Reed’s administration responded was published, apparently without notice, in August on the city’s website, in the “Projects and Initiatives” section of the Mayor’s Office page.

On many points, the city said it is already doing many of the demanded reforms, such as training police officers in de-escalation of potentially violent situations and in being aware of racial bias.

Among APD’s training principles, according to the city’s response, is that “All people, even well-intentioned people, have biases,” and that “Officers can learn skills to reduce and manage their own biases.”

who was shot in the back of a police car last year after somehow escaping handcuffs and drawing a gun, according to police.

Operation Whiplash was created partly due to residents’ demands, the city said, adding that such “collaborative efforts…have been shown to be effective in making communities safer.”

Then there were some points where the city was willing to accept some room for improvement. They include more community outreach hours for officers; reviewing the “no-knock” search warrant policy; alternatives to private, outsourced probation companies; and improved mental health screenings and

The Center for Civil and Human Rights is now officially a polling location.

Registered voters in District 4F are now able to vote at CCHR in all elections.

On some points, such as a halt to immigration-violation detentions, the city said it has no power to change or disobey state or federal laws. The city said some other points are not applicable to it, such as reducing school system policing, which is now carried out exclusively by the district’s own police.

The city rejected several demands, including an end to anti-terrorism training in Israel; the halting of the “Operation Whiplash” gun-crime crackdown; and a release of all evidence in the controversial police killing of Alexia Christian,

Two-Way Streets

programs for officers.

The city acknowledged that a reform movement is underway for court fines and fees in the wake of the Ferguson, Mo., protests. A federal investigation found Ferguson relied heavily on such court income and that its impact on poor and black residents was part of the context for the protests and riots in 2014. “The Reed Administration is open to exploring alternatives to the use of private probation and private collection firms,” the city’s response says.

Midtown converting one-way streets for better connectivity

By Collin Kelley

There’s one less one-way street to navigate in Midtown with the conversion of 7th Street between West Peachtree Street and Piedmont Avenue to two-way traffic.

According to the Midtown Alliance, the conversion brings new wheelchair accessible ramps, striping, paving, installation of signage and three eastbound traffic signals at Peachtree Street, Juniper Street and Piedmont Avenue. Funding for this project was contributed via multiple partners: City of Atlanta ($250,000 in impact fees), Midtown Improvement District ($50,000) and The Loudermilk Companies ($62,000). With 7th Street complete, 13th Street between Spring and Peachtree Walk will soon return to two-way traffic. Part of the conversion would be implemented by developers to improve access to their buildings –1163 West Peachtree Street, 14th Peachtree Apartments Holdings LLC and 14th Peachtree Phase II LLC. Implementation of the two-way street

between Peachtree Walk and West Peachtree is expected to be complete in September. The section between West Peachtree and Spring Street will be completed in late 2017 or early 2018.

The Midtown Alliance is also looking at extending 15th Street between West Peachtree Street and Williams Street. The

Atlanta Regional Commission in June awarded Midtown Alliance a $188K grant to advance planning and engineering designs for the extension. Several entities came together to fund construction, including commitments from Georgia Department of Transportation ($1m), City of Atlanta ($500K from impact fees), Midtown Improvement District ($750K) and private partners.

“This project is critical to reconnecting the street grid and relieving traffic pressure on 14th Street,” said Midtown Alliance CEO Kevin Green. “We appreciate our partners coming through with financial commitments that can move the 15th Street extension closer to reality.”

The two-way streets and expansion are part of the new Midtown Transportation Plan, which has more than 150 projects on the drawing board. Visit midtowntransportationplan.com to find out more.

JOHN RUCH

Protestors marched in Buckhead on July 11 in response to the police killings of black men in Louisiana and Minnesota.

Price Adjusted

Neighborhood Hot List: Lake Claire

There is no lake in the Lake Claire neighborhood, which is nestled between Candler Park and Druid Hills. An artificial body of water called Lake Ponceana, formerly at the intersection of Claire Drive and Lakeshore Drive, is believed to have inspired the name of the community back in the 1930s. Today, the neighborhood is home to professionals, artists, entrepreneurs; young families, empty nesters and everything in between.

The community-owned green space in the heart of Lake Claire is the pride of the community, featuring gardens, a children’s play area and regular drum circles.

2. Clifton Sanctuary Ministries

The oldest house-of-worship shelter operating in Atlanta (located at 369 Connecticut Ave.) provides food, shelter and counseling to 30 men every night of the year.

Located on four wooded acres just off DeKalb Avenue, this independent school has more than 100 students who attend grades K–12.

4. Homes

There are approximately 1,200 homes in Lake Claire, ranging from Revival and Victorian to Craftsman bungalows and 1950s cottages, with a smattering of new homes, too.

This European-style village with 12 townhomes and a common house holds community dinners twice a week, keeps a community garden, practices recycling and regularly holds performances in the courtyard.

1. Lake Claire Community Land Trust

3. Horizons School

5. Lake Claire Cohousing

Phase Two

NCR presents plans for expanded headquarters in Midtown’s booming Technology Square area

The Midtown Development Review Committee

(DRC) received a proposal at its Aug. 9 meeting for the second phase of NCR’s new headquarters at Spring and 8th Streets in Midtown in Technology Square.

Cousins Properties presented plans for the second phase of the development, which would add another 240,500 square feet of office space, nearly 10,000 square feet of street level retail and parking spaces for approximately 515 cars. The first phase is already under construction.

The DRC had questions about the southern end of the building and the outdoor patio underneath the overhang of the parking garage. A lack of transparency and limited lighting makes this space unnecessarily dark, the committee said, and requested further exploration of the details in this area. The applicant was asked to resubmit updated elevations of the Spring Street façade to illustrate the steps taken to address those concerns.

NCR, which makes software and automated tellers, plans to bring more than 3,600 jobs to Midtown for its new headquarters.

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A rendering of the first and second phases of the new NCR headquarters campus at Technology Square.

Parent Hacks

I was invited to introduce an award winning author at the AJC Decatur Book Festival named Asha Dornfest. She recently wrote a book offering problem solving “parent hacks.” Kristen snickered, “Are you sure you’re a were scheduled to be out of town that weekend so I had to pass anyway. But since the offer and the snickering, I’ve been determined to come up with a few parenting hacks of my own.

TIMMY DADDY

By Tim Sullivan

Each time I walk Elliott to school I see fewer parents on the route, giving way to the independence that is bourgeoning in the 4thgrade set. There’s talk of only needing us to go half-way with him soon. Kristen predicts we’re just a few weeks away from total banishment. Some parents celebrate this development, but not me. I’ve petitioned nearby Agnes Scott College to go co-ed so I can keep on walking Elliott to class through 2029.

Parent Hack (Helicopter edition): When your child no longer wants you to walk them to school, just linger some 15 feet or so behind pretending to play Pokémon Go. (My smartphone is so old it has dementia and would probably melt if I actually downloaded Pokémon Go, but my kids don’t know this). I guess if you have a newer phone you could also actually play the game but people might think you’re pretty weird.

Margo is in 1st grade now and even hugs at drop-off are still totally cool. Not that she’s a softy by any measure. One kid remarked that her Chewbacca bag was a “boy’s backpack.” Margo wasn’t taking any guff: “What do you ‘spect me to have, My Pretty Pony?”

Parent Hack (Margo edition): If your daughter tells off some bratty kid at school, resist any urge to teach politeness. In fact, go buy her an entire Chewbacca outfit to wear to school the next day. You must escalate the situation. If no other adult intervenes, you have not taken things far enough.

Elliott’s class had something called a Math Pre-Test the first week of school. Parents were freaking out because everyone got everything wrong. But the teacher assured us not to worry. It was on material they hadn’t covered yet and this was just a measuring stick. We were relieved. I thought maybe he had lost some brain cells in the pool over the summer ala Ryan Lochte. And I don’t mean to brag, but my kid actually did get the right answer for question 7, part D. Plus, it gave me a great idea:

Parent Hack (Coach’s edition): Spend the first basketball practice of the season assessing how well the kids can dunk because nobody likes overconfidence in a child. Then send notes home for the parents: Dear Mrs. Smith, Johnny is 5.5 feet shy of dunking. Please don’t worry too much about this. We do not expect him to be able to dunk yet, but it wouldn’t hurt to put in a few extra minutes of practice at home.

Thanks!

There have been reprimands lately about my school lunch preparation. I packed too much salami and too little cantaloupe. I pre-opened a small bag of chips for Margo because they explode when she opens them herself at home, but as I learned, she’s “not a baby!” I gave Elliott both a chewy bar and cookies (Kristen edited – both desserts) and I got the string cheeses mixed up. Margo likes mozzarella but Elliott likes the mozzarella and cheddar twist. Or is it the other way around? It doesn’t really matter because this ineptitude is actually the stuff of genius:

Parent Hack (Lunchbox edition): Go ahead and continue to screw up your kids’ lunches. They will eventually insist on making their own! You’ll have more time to pretend you’re playing Pokémon Go, work with your child on snappy comebacks and blog about your parenting prowess.

See? I can hack. I’m a total hacker! Maybe Ms. Dornfest can introduce me to her publisher?

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.

Midtown Alliance is moving the headquarters for its public safety and green teams to a new location on 6th and Peachtree streets. The space will house a joint operations center with the Atlanta Police Department’s (APD) Zone 5, and centralize operations for Midtown Alliance’s public safety arm, Midtown Blue. The new Midtown Blue operations center will be fully equipped with a high-definition video monitoring system. The public safety team began moving at the end of July and will be fully operational in the new space by Sept. 1. Midtown Blue reports that overall crime in the core of the neighborhood is down 16 percent in 2016.

The Atlanta Police Department is one of 15 law enforcement agencies out of the 18,000 in the nation to be recognized for implementing the “President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.” Recommendations cover six pillars: building trust and legitimacy; policy and oversight; technology and social media; community policing and crime reduction; officer training and education; and officer safety and wellness.

Central Atlanta Progress/ Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and the Midtown Alliance donated 10 Segways to the Zone 5 precinct to help further enhance interaction between officers and the public. This effort was initiated by the Atlanta Police Department after evaluating new ways to engage with citizens and visitors in the Midtown and Downtown areas.

Atlanta Police Department

Deputy Chief Rodney Bryant was recently elected as Sergeant-at-Arms for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). Bryant’s new leadership role will include facilitating national board and conference business meetings. He previously served as Sergeant-at-Arms for the Georgia Chapter of NOBLE and has been a NOBLE member for eight years.

Atlanta Police officials with the new Segways donated by Central Atlanta Progress and Midtown Alliance.

Pet Pick

If you’re looking for a new friend to be your companion at the end of summer barbecues, look no further than Gatsby. This loveable guy is up for adventure or simply sitting by your side while you sip some sweet tea and watch the game. Gatsby is housebroken and ready to play. This guy also plays well with cats indoors. To adopt Gatsby, visit pawsatlanta.org or the PAWS Atlanta shelter at 5287 Covington Highway in Decatur.

Best Friends Animal Society, the national animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters, will merge with Atlanta Pet Rescue and Adoption (APRA) as of Oct. 1. After the merger, APRA will be known as Best Friends - Atlanta. For more information, visit facebook.com/ bestfriendsanimalsociety.

A new veterinary practice , West End Animal Wellness Center, has opened in the community at 1195 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. The full-service veterinary hospital is located on the Westside trail of the Atlanta BeltLine. For more information, visit thewestendvet.com.

Get Activvely

Smartphone app to connect those looking for activity partners, friends

By Collin Kelley

There are plenty of smartphone apps for finding dates and hooking up, but how about finding a platonic friend to exercise with? Or go to a movie? Or grab the occasional lunch? Old Fourth Ward resident Stefanie Jewett hopes her new app, Activvely, will solve that problem.

The idea for Activvely, which launches for the iPhone on Sept. 8, came while Jewett was working as a producer for CNN’s “Crossfire” in Washington, D.C. “Because of my schedule at CNN, I had a hard time finding friends whose schedules synched up with mine,” she said. “I wanted to find people who shared my interests and had coinciding schedules.”

Jewett said she scoured the app stores, but found nothing to help her. “We have so much social media at our fingertips, but our social lives aren’t getting any better. You can find hook ups, get a ride from Uber or do your banking, but you can’t find anyone to work out with.”

After she left CNN, Jewett decided to dive in full time to creating Activvely. She took a code immersion boot camp so she could relate to the app developer, which she found when she moved back to Atlanta.

Once word got out about the forthcoming app, Jewett said the pre-launch reaction has been “overwhelming.”

“We’ve already had people tagging and contacting us on social media saying they

can’t wait to use the app to find a tennis or running buddy,” she said.

Jewett said making the app easy to use and navigate was crucial. Once you download Activvely, set up a short profile with a photo, and then list what activities you’re interested in. You can indicate if you’re a newbie or seasoned pro to something (kayaking, for example) and the times and days you are free. Users can also set distance and send messages in the app.

The app will launch first for the iPhone and soon in the Google Play store for Android devices. While the Atlanta launch is imminent, Jewett said she’s already looking at other states and cities include Colorado and Chicago.

For more information, visit activvely.com.

• Swimming Pools

• Pickleball

• Fishing

•

•

•

•

Stefanie Jewett left her job as a producer at CNN in Washington, D.C., to pursue the creation of her new activity app, Activvely, which launches in Atlanta on Sept. 8.

Google Fiber launches sign-ups, opens Fiber Space

Google Fiber has announced the first five neighborhoods that will get its gigabyte internet, television and phone service: Midtown East, Piedmont Heights, VirginiaHighland, Morningside/Lenox Park and Old Fourth Ward.

Google also opened its new Fiber Space at Ponce City Market, which is designed to provide the community with a place to hang out, share ideas, sign up for service and explore Google Fiber’s options.

Google officials also said residents would have a limited time to sign up for the service so fiber optic wiring can be installed in homes. The deadlines for the five neighborhoods are:

• Midtown East: Sept. 29

• Piedmont Heights: Sept. 29

• Morningside/Lenox Park: Dec. 8

• Old Fourth Ward: Dec. 8

• Virginia-Highland: Dec. 8

Customers across the metro Atlanta area living in apartment buildings can use the Apartment Finder tool fiber.google.com/cities/atlanta/apartments/ to see if Google Fiber is available in their building or if it is on track to come to their building. Likewise, single-family residential customers and businesses can sign up to receive notifications for their area so they can be among the first to receive Google Fiber. The Fiber Space at Ponce City Market is open to the public 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Google has opened Fiber Space at Ponce City Market in the Old Fourth Ward to allow customers to get hands-on with the new technology.

Aaron Lindberg Photography

Inside the new Google Fiber Space at Ponce City Market.

Go Green

Sustainability � Recycling � Lifestyle

Forest Adventures

Fernbank Museum opens children’s area, woodland habitat to the public

By Grace Huseth

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Druid Hills is expanding to the great outdoors this fall. The museum is completing two outdoor projects in the next month, one that will feature all-new environments and activities for Fernbank’s museum and another to reopen the Fernbank Forest.

Brandi Berry, Fernbank’s vice president of marketing and communications, said nearly 10 acres behind the museum have been transformed into a nature adventure called WildWoods, complete with treetop views, an educational pavilion, and hands-on activities for children.

“Creating natural, outdoor experiences reignites the central, original mission of Fernbank to preserve Fernbank Forest as a living classroom,” Berry said. “The education and exhibition department at Fernbank dreamed of an outdoor area that would inspire guests to keep learning.”

Stepping off the museum’s terrace, WildWoods starts with the Montgomery Highline Trace that has a dramatic vantage point from 50 feet in the treetops. The high boardwalk features two tree pods in the shape of a tulip poplar and a fern that open up for visitors to see different vantage points of the woodlands. There are view-scopes along the boardwalk, some with a view from a predator – such as a hawk – and some from a prey – such as a deer – as well as a compound view like that of an insect.

The trail winds to a play area called Nature Stories where children 8 and under can interact with unique exhibit sensory stations. The first station is a hands-on water cycle activity leading from a waterfall. A looping creek bed encourages kids to explore the cause and effects of manipulating water, such as building a dam or creating an eddy. The largest exhibit is a playground designed to look like part of the forest, with custom-made trees, native Georgia lichen, mushrooms and hidden woodland critters.

“All activities correlate with the science standards that children are learning in school. While discoveries in nature are often unpredictable, Fernbank has incorporated exciting discoveries so that the exhibit is always stocked with educational finds,” Berry said.

WildWoods leads on to elevated platforms and nets in a high ropes experience called Adventure Outpost. Here older children can learn in the treetops, tiptoeing through suspended rope walks, and ascending on floating discs inspired by leaves to reach an interactive weather station. More activities will take place at the Kendeda Education Pavillion with specialist-led programs.

The boardwalk splits to allow access into the Isdell Wildlife Sanctuary, a restored wetland that highlights the role Piedmont forest plays in the water cycle for Georgia.

A realistic tree snag offers more hours of play at Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Interpretive rangers will help guests find signs of native wildlife including blue herons, a river otter family and a busy beaver clan.

The other direction of the pathway in WildWoods leads directly to Fernbank Forest. This pristine forest is different from the woodland area, showcasing trees more than 300 years old, rare plants, native flowers and dramatic views of one of the largest old-growth Piedmont forests in a major American city.

Over the past few years, volunteers and scientists have removed about 50 acres of non-native species to preserve the

authentic Atlanta forest along the nature trails that will be reopened to the public.

“We are fortunate to have this living laboratory that allows us to connect the museum to the natural world in a way that most other natural history museums cannot,” Berry said. “This outdoor expansion builds upon the central, original mission of Fernbank. We hope increased access to Fernbank Forest, coupled with educational adventures in WildWoods, will inspire a closeness to and appreciation of nature.”

For more information, visit fernbankmuseum.org.

Druid Hills named wildlife habitat community

By M. Catherine McCabe

Druid Hills has reached its certification goal and is now officially a certified wildlife habitat community. By gaining this certification from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Druid Hills joins Chamblee, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and only 88 other certified habitat communities nationwide.

It was just last year that the Druid Hills Civic Association announced its efforts toward gaining this certification for the neighborhood, and through the efforts of its NWF Habitat Certification Steering Committee and many volunteers from among Druid Hills homeowners, this goal has come to a successful conclusion.

Fernbank School, along with several parks, were already enjoying certification when this effort began. Upon the launch of the campaign, several more parks were added to the roster. Some of the original parks and schools updated their certifications, and currently more than 125 Druid Hills homeowners are enjoying the benefits of their certified backyard habitats.

During this process, seven pocket parks came to the attention of the steering committee, one being Heaton Park, a bird sanctuary located in the heart of the Druid Hills neighborhood. Neighbors, along with the tree company ArborGuard, are generously giving of their time, expertise and manual labor to restore this park. A walking tour of these unheralded pocket parks is being developed.

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

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

WildWood’s Adventure Outpost teaches tweens in the treetops.

Heaton Park is one of seven pocket parks being renovated in Druid Hills, which is now a certified wildlife habitat community.

Tree Talk

Trees Atlanta to host first Canopy Conference

Trees Atlanta will host its first annual Atlanta Canopy Conference on Friday, Sept. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center located at 225 Chester Ave. SE in Reynoldstown.

The conference is for professionals, community leaders and residents to take the lessons learned from the creation of the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum and apply them to their own projects while protecting the urban canopy.

The arboretum will continue to develop as the Atlanta BeltLine itself continues to extend to a 22-mile corridor of trails, parks, trees, native grasses, wildflowers, art and so much more, while also attracting pollinators and wildlife.

“Our canopy is changing. Good design can both protect and improve our urban

forest. Trees are becoming more critical to our communities as our cities rapidly develop and transform,” said Trees Atlanta Co-Executive Director Greg Levine. “This conference will include experts who will address how arboreta can improve quality of life and demonstrate solutions for urban environmental challenges.”

The Canopy Conference will feature a morning keynote by Darrel Morrison, a pioneer in the use of native plants and natural processes in the design of urban landscapes. The afternoon session, Building the Arboretum: Past, Present and the Future, includes a panel discussion with four registered landscape architects from The Portico Group, Perkins + Will, Hedstrom Design and Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.

REDEFINING THE URBAN IDEAL.

The conference will also include sessions on landscape design, arboreta collections, soil, tree diversity and availability, and actions attendees can take to apply the best practices from local arboreta to their green spaces.

Full, half-day and student registration is available. Full-day attendees will be eligible for CEU credits (ASLA, ISA), and will receive lunch, a conference gift bag and a discount to Tailgate for Trees – a casual gathering and friend-raiser to kick off the Atlanta treeplanting season.

Complete conference information and registration is available at treesatlanta.org/ canopyconference.

The Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum along the Eastside Trail.

Neighbors who don’t ignore problems

ABOVE THE WATER LINE

Winn Park in Atlanta’s Ansley Park neighborhood has been a part of my life for more than 30 years. It’s where my sons learned to ride bikes, sled and play baseball, where we buried Gerbie the gerbil and where our family dog stalked fish in the ponds.

Lately I’ve spent a lot of time in the stream that flows through Winn Park, thanks to my vigilant neighbor Paula Heer.

This unnamed stream – which receives water from storm drains in addition to its natural flow – is contained in an underground culvert for much of the park. It emerges from darkness to flow a few hundred yards through the park, then under The Prado and into The Dell Park on its way to Clear Creek, Peachtree Creek and ultimately the Chattahoochee River.

A residential real estate agent, Paula moved to Ansley Park from New York City in 1999. She says that she immediately fell in love with the neighborhood: “In two minutes, I can walk to a park, really a paradise with mature trees, ponds and an urban stream. Two minutes in the other direction and I’m in the midst of a brilliant city.”

By Sally Bethea

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

In twice-daily dog walks, Paula keeps an eye on Winn Park and the stream where a bullfrog named Herman used to live and neighborhood children like to play, often running in the water through the pipe under The Prado.

This summer, Paula told me that the stream in the park was a whitish color and smelled: a classic description of sewage contamination. But, the water needed to be tested to verify the pollution.

After I retired from Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK), I became a volunteer stream monitor, collecting weekly samples in Tanyard and Clear Creeks. Now, I had an opportunity to test water closer to home in Winn Park, as part of CRK’s Neighborhood Water Watch Program.

The E. coli bacteria level in my first water sample, analyzed in CRK’s lab using federal protocols, was literally off the charts. Our data, taken over several weeks, convinced Atlanta’s Watershed Department that there was a serious public health problem in Winn Park. They worked over the Fourth of July weekend to investigate and then attempt to fix the problem.

The initial culprit was identified as a gas company that had inadvertently punctured city sewer lines in several places when it installed a gas line. The holes allowed untreated sewage to flow into an adjacent storm drain that led directly to the stream in the park.

The city repaired the holes and the bacteria level in the creek improved somewhat, but clearly there were more pollution sources to be found. The city’s sewer sleuths continued their work with CRK and the Ansley Park Civic Association urging them on.

The next discovery: an old sewer line with structural defects that needed to be replaced to keep untreated sewage from several residences out of the stream. This work is in process and water samples should eventually yield a much cleaner result.

Every neighborhood needs to have people like Paula Heer – citizens who don’t look away. They notice problems that affect them and their neighbors and they do something about them. Their vigilance helps make our communities better, safer places to live.

To become part of CRK’s Neighborhood Water Watch Program, see chattahoochee. org or contact Mike Meyer at mmeyer@chattahoochee.org.

The idea of retirement community living never really occurred to the Andersons. Their daughters wanted them close by and willingly did the research, visiting several communities, and eventually choosing Canterbury for its welcoming feeling. With T.J. actively composing most days, their newly renovated apartment had to provide a gracious home for his piano, as well as expansive art and book collections. That it also offered a great view of Peachtree fireworks was icing on the cake.

The Andersons invite you to discover their Canterbury Court.

Ansley Park resident Paula Heer stands beside the stream that flows through Winn Park.

Atlanta’s Watershed Department employees repair a broken sewer line.

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Taking Charge How Atlanta leads with electric vehicles

By Stephanie Stuckey Benfield

Drive. Charge. Repeat.

That’s the commuting routine for many metropolitan Atlanta drivers of electric vehicles. In fact, FleetCarma, an EV fleet management and analytics company, recently named our city one of the top 10 electric vehicle (EV) markets in the country. What makes Atlanta a leader in this space? Our extensive public charging network, business tax credits toward the purchase of charging

stations, streamlined permitting for EV charging equipment installation and low electricity rates all contribute.

This success comes despite the decision by the Georgia state legislature to repeal a $5,000 tax credit toward the purchase of EVs. But while the state stalls, the City of Atlanta moves forward to become a national leader on EVs. Our initiatives include:

• Adding 60 EVs and plug-in hybrids to the city’s fleet, with the accompanying charging infrastructure, through an innovative public-private partnership that saves the city money on our fleet operations;

• Adding five Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) to service the BeltLine – two for the Police’s PATH Force, two for the Fire Department’s EMC unit, and one for Parks and Recreation;

• Creating a one-year fellowship position housed in the Office of Sustainability that will focus on expanding low-emission vehicle opportunities in the city in partnership with the Electrification Coalition, a nonpartisan, not-for-profit group committed to policies that facilitate the deployment of electric vehicles on a mass scale;

• Plans to add 100 EV charging spaces at the airport parking decks, plus 300 spaces by end of 2017.

The following Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates physicians have been named to Atlanta magazine’s list of Top Doctors for 2016: Dr. Girish Anand, Dr. Norman Elliott, Dr. Charles Fox, Dr. Lori Lucas, Dr. Ralph Lyons, Dr. Enrique Martínez, Dr. Kamil Obideen, Dr. Neal Osborn, Dr. David Quinn, and Dr. John Suh

As a result, Atlanta now has one of the largest municipal electric fleets in the country, and we’re not slowing down. The city is working closely with partners such as the Clean Cities Coalition and Georgia Power Company to expand our network of charging stations. Georgia Power is a strong advocate for EVs and even donated the city’s first EV car to our fleet (affectionately dubbed the “PoLeaf” since it’s used by APD to patrol the BeltLine).

With more millennials moving to Atlanta and growing our workforce, we’re seeing greater interest in alternative commute options. In Mayor Kasim Reed’s Office of Sustainability, we’re working to ensure that these options are not only viable, but all the more practical and desirable. We hope to soon be at the point where saying “fill ‘er up” is as much of an anachronism as “hang up the phone.” Atlanta’s future is calling; let’s accept the charge.

Stephanie Stuckey Benfield is director of the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Sustainability.

New Neighborhood Electronic Vehicles (NEV) will be used by Atlanta Police on the Atlanta BeltLine and PATH, and by the Parks and Recreation Department.

The Studio

Art on the BeltLine

Lantern

Parade kicks of annual art exhibit on Sept. 10.

By Collin Kelley

Art on the Atlanta BeltLine returns for a seventh year beginning Sept.10. The exhibition, which will feature more than 150 works of art in various disciplines, will kick off with the annual Lantern Parade along the Eastside Trail that same day.

The Lantern Parade, which drew 60,000 people last year, will step off from the Irwin Street end of the Eastside Trail and make its way to Piedmont Park starting at 7:15 p.m. Participants, often in wacky costumes, create their own luminaries to carry.

Billed as the South’s largest temporary art exhibition, the BeltLine will become a public art gallery through November. Many artists featured in the 2016 exhibition are returning for the third, fourth, or even fifth year to showcase their work on the BeltLine, including Berlin-based muralist Addison Karl and TinyDoorsATL. New this year will be George King Architects, a London-based firm that will install a large-scale sculpture for the exhibition.

Atlanta Music Project, a local organization that provides music lessons to underserved youth, will host a musical performance again this year.

The exhibitions and performances will be centered around these areas of the BeltLine:

• On the northern Eastside interim hiking trail between Montgomery Ferry Road and Monroe Drive

• On the Eastside Trail between Monroe Drive and Irwin Street

• On the southern Eastside interim hiking trail between Kirkwood Avenue and Memorial Drive in Reynoldstown

For more information, visit art.beltline.org.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

• Luke Achterberg

• Karl Addison

• Formations Studio

• TinyDoorsATL

• UP and Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta

• Cash Barnes

• Hannah Betzel

• Charlie Brouwer

• olive47

• Neil Carver

• ARCY

• Owens + Crawley

• Leland Drexler-Russell

• Nghi Duong & Mandy Palasik

• Will Eccleston

• Experience Collective

• Anna Gromova

• Ben Janik

• Jarus

• Nick Kahler

• Helena Kang

• Ray Katz

• JD Koth

• Deborah Landry

• Beju

• Andrew Light

• William Massey

• Ryan Mathern

• Atlanta Celebrates Photography

• Kemp Mooney

• Dorothy O’Connor and Craig Appel

• Oktawian Otlewski

• Posts for Peace and Justice

• Indie Craft Experience

• Sanithna Phansavanh, Brandon Sadler, Peter Ferrari

• Cat Chiu Phillips

• Nathan Pierce

• Phil Proctor

• Alex Rodriguez DMD

• Maxwell Sebastian

• Jason Smith

• Michael Stasny

• W(,)

• Jeff Whipple

• Mike Wsol

• Frank Yoculan

• Niki and Arian Zarrabi

• Jane Zhu

• Harry Zmijewski

• Atlanta Taiko Project

• Hillside Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir

• Atlanta Music Project

• Dance Canvas

• Beatrix Clark

• Farmer Greenthumbs

• Crossover Movement Arts

• Tray Dahl & the Jugtime Ragband

• Distilled Butter

• Flight of Swallows

• CORE

• Mark Gindick

• Gateway Performance Productions

• Eric Thomas and Elevate the Quest

• Mike Lowery and Sarah Neuburger

• Mike McDaniel

• Awalim Dance Company

• Pete Peterson and the Blues in the House Band

• Ghosts Project

• Saira Raza, Jeremi Johnson, and Sanam Azeem

• Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Collective

• Soul Food Cypher

• Michael Standard and Aleksandra Tevdoska

• Thorkmorton Ukulele Band

• Toni Marie Young

Do it Again!

Aris Theatre brings Irish and UK theater to Atlanta

By Lisa Nanette Allender

Live theater in Atlanta continues to earn national accolades for its level of production and acting talent. The scene also offers a diversity of genres and interests, including the Celtic theater company Aris.

Pronounced “Areesh,” the name translates to again, and is used in the same way as shouting “Encore!” after a good performance. Based at the Georgia Public Broadcasting building in Midtown, the company also performs in other venues, including this past year for the Irish Consulate Bureau of Cultural Affairs.

About to begin its third season, Aris is filing the void left by the heretofore oldest and largest Celtic theater group in North America – the now defunct Theatre Gael.

Actor Kathleen McManus said that what Theatre Gael achieved is more than noteworthy, and in fact had “changed the landscape of local theater.” McManus and fellow actors Winslow Thomas and Kyle Crew had all worked with Theatre Gael, and wanted to continue to bring the theater of Ireland, Scotland and Wales to audiences in Atlanta.

The 2016 season has focused on Irish

plays to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising to end British rule in Ireland. Plays included “Philadelphia, Here We Come,” “The Plough and the Stars,” and “Stones in His Pocket,” which were all wellattended and very well-received. Next year, Aris plans to concentrate on the plays of Wales, including “The Weir” by Connor McPherson.

Aris’ beginnings were relatively simple: Writer-actor Bryan Davis asked Crew to direct him in the play “Faith Healer” for the Irish Consul General. When the show was over, Crew asked, “How can we do more of this?”

After connecting and re-connecting with one another, the trio of McManus, Thomas and Crew met up with several other members of the Atlanta theater community, and formed a board of directors. McManus is on that board, and Crew is chairman. The dedication to Aris has meant juggling personal lives and jobs. McManus teaches theater every day, and creates theater – both acting and directing – every night. Crew works multiple jobs while also acting and directing.

A dream goal for the company is to produce what is known in the UK as a “Christmas panto,” usually a wacky

Inaugural Broadleaf Writers Conference is Sept. 24-25

By Collin Kelley

If your dream is to become a published author, you first have to know your craft. That’s the goal of the inaugural Broadleaf Writers Conference, which will be held at the main branch of the DeKalb County Public Library in downtown Decatur on Sept. 24-25. The brainchild of writer Zachary Steel, the conference will be the main event of the Broadleaf Writers Association, which will begin offering yearround programming in 2017. We asked Steele to talk about the creation of Broadleaf and its mission.

Why did you decide to create Broadleaf?

As a young writer who thought I had it all figured out, I had the benefit of joining a writing organization out of state that specialized in teaching the craft. Through their conferences and seminars, socializing and discussing writing with other members, and friendships that blossomed thereafter, I found a sense of home and purpose I had never before experienced. I grew as a writer and as a person. I honestly considered moving just to maintain my place in that community. It was that potent. But Atlanta is my home. This is where I want to be. So, I began the process of creating an organization here. Georgia is rich in solid writing organizations dedicated to assisting writers in their efforts to become published authors, but there weren’t any dedicated solely to craft, or to my vision of what a community of writers can accomplish together. So, I founded Broadleaf Writers with the assistance of a fabulous Board of Directors, and off we went.

What can attendees expect from the inaugural conference?

Writers can expect a line-up of deeply talented writers speaking on various aspects of the craft. Whether it’s Paul Jenkins’ keynote on writing with confidence, or Joshilyn Jackson, Patti Callahan Henry and Brian Panowich detailing their methods of creating the proper Southern voice, or Clifford Brooks III, David L. Robbins and Kate Sweeney discussing how to choose the right word, writers in attendance will gain invaluable knowledge on areas of writing that mean the most to them. Additionally, we have three guest literary agents who will be conducting five-minute sessions with attendees, as well as sitting on a panel focused on the importance of nailing the first page of a manuscript. And beyond the knowledge, beyond what writers will gain from those who have succeeded in the craft, there will be 150 passionate writers talking

Continued on Page 28

take on a traditional fairy tale or holiday story with plenty of audience participation. Another goal is more spaces for performances that can be shared by multiple theater and arts companies.

“I wish we had a variety of ‘alternative venues’ for all kinds of performing arts at reasonable rates,” McManus said. “I think the future of the arts is not everybody needing to maintain their own building – their own space – but sharing their space.”

Before Aris begins its new season in January, the company can be seen at IrishFest on Nov. 4-5 with a special take on the old mythology of Ireland and in December at the annual Celtic Christmas Concert.

For more information about Aris, visit aristheatre.org.

‘The New Electric Ballroom’ at Aris Theatre.

From traditional art forms to new immersive arts experiences, prepare to be amazed at the work in the 25th Anniversary Season. Music, dance and theater at the forefront of creative expression await you!

2016-2017 professional artists series

THE WHOLEHEARTED by Stein/Holum Projects

September 15-17

DJ SPOOKY: THE HIDDEN CODE

September 30

DJ SPOOKY: PEACE SYMPHONY

October 1

GREG WOHEAD: HURTLING and THE BACKSEAT OF MY CAR

October 13-15

THE SECOND CITY: FREE SPEECH (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST)

October 22

PILOBOLUS: SHADOWLAND

October 27

HIROMI: THE TRIO PROJECT

November 4

JOE GRANSDEN: SOUNDS OF THE BIG BAND ERA

November 11

ILUMINATE

November 17

Inaugural Broadleaf Writers Conference is Sept. 24-25

Continued from page 27

to one another for two days. Learning from each other. Forging friendships that will go well beyond the conference. They will be forming the core of a community that they can depend on.

What will be the mission of Broadleaf year-round?

The fundamental mission of Broadleaf is to enrich and advance the craft of writing for all writers through education, inspiration and community. The conference is a single step in that process. Our aim beyond is to incorporate educational programming designed to assist writers—both young and old—in their efforts to utilize writing for professional gain. For example, in October, we are partnering with Oglethorpe University to conduct a seminar for students pursuing a degree in writing. We’ll have panels geared toward the exploration of possible careers in the field, and ways in which students may someday make a living with their degree. To further our drive for community and education, we will be adding seminars and workshops throughout the year to offer focused events for writers to learn and interact. We’re in the process of crafting our 2017 schedule of programming and hope to have it posted to our website soon.

To register and get more information for the Broadleaf Writers Conference, visit broadleafwriters.com.

THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA CHRISTMAS SHOW

December 9

ALONZO KING LINES BALLET

January 14

AN EVENING WITH NATASHA TSAKOS

February 11

VIJAY IYER TRIO

February 17

EARFILMS: TO SLEEP TO DREAM

March 2-4

KATHERINE HELEN FISHER: CHARACTERS

March 5

BANG ON A CAN ALL-STARS

March 11

DRUMLINE LIVE

March 17

DANCE CANVAS

March 24-25

SFJAZZ COLLECTIVE

April 15

GO OUT ON A LIMB

Outdoor Exhibits for All Ages • Hands-On Adventures • Immersive Nature Experiences

Giant Champion Trees • Bug Hotels

Birds, Butterflies and Wildlife Free

GRAND

Hiromi

Joe Gransden

SFJazz Collective

Alonzo King LINES Ballet

Vijay Iyer Trio

Spooky

Natasha Tsakos

Visual Arts

Art On The Atlanta BeltLine - Lantern Parade: The Lantern Parade marks the beginning of the annual Art on the Atlanta BeltLine exhibition, the largest temporary art exhibition in the South. September 10. Free. art.beltline.org

Coiling Culture: Basketry Art of Native North America: The Carlos Museum explores the fragile basketry art of the Southeast to the Southwest and up into the Arctic. Opens September 10. Free to $8. carlos.emory.edu

Pintz, Martincic, Godfrey and Torno

Exhibits: Signature Contemporary Craft presents three exhibits showcasing works by Kristen Martincic, Joseph Pintz, Steven Godfrey and Pattiy Torno. Opens September 10. Free. thesignatureshop.com

An Introduction to Mark Catesby: Oglethorpe Museum of Art presents limited edition reproductions of original watercolor drawings of nature that were completed 100 years before those of John James Audubon. Closes September 11. Free to $5. museum.oglethorpe.edu

Walker Evans: Depth of Field: See more than 120 black-and-white and color prints by Walker Evans from the 1920s through the ‘70s, including some from the High Museum’s permanent collection. Closes September 11. Free to $19.50. high.org

Africa Forecast: Fashioning

Contemporary Life: See fashion through two overlapping perspectives: an everchanging global marketplace and the unique ways that black women throughout the African Diaspora construct their lives. Opens September 15. $3. museum. spelman.edu

The World’s Largest Dinosaurs: Go beyond traditional fossils and explore the most massive dinosaurs ever discovered as they would have looked hundreds of millions of years ago. Opens September 17. Free to $18. fernbankmuseum.org

Arturo Lindsay: Celebrating Life In Art: Viewers can see the work, career and dynamics of Hammonds House Museum’s first exhibiting artist, Arturo Lindsay. Wednesday through Sunday. $5. hammondshouse.org

ATLBNL: The return of the Atlanta Biennial showcases emerging, established and forgotten artistic practices from around the region of Atlanta, the “capital of the New South.” Tuesday through Saturday. Free. atlantacontemporary.org

Performing Arts

Henry VI, Part 1: The first in a trilogy of stories from Shakespeare about life during the times of King Henry VI. September 8 through September 18. $15 to $39. shakespearetavern.com

cloth (field): Robert Spano joins gloATL for a new collaboration of music and dance at The Goat Farm Arts Center. September 7 through September 11. $15 to $50.

garden for some tasty vegetables and realizes he’s lost his blue jacket. September 14 through September 24. $20.50. puppet. org

Season Opening Concert: Robert Spano Leads Tchaikovsky with Special Guest Joshua Bell: Music Director Robert Spano leads the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in this all-Tchaikovsky program featuring the Nutcracker Suite, and Romeo and Juliet. September 15. $63 to $151. atlantasymphony.org

Music Midtown: Featured artists for the 2016 festival at Piedmont Park include The Killers, Beck, Twenty One Pilots, Big Boi and Alabama Shakes. September 17 and 18. $125. musicmidtown.com

Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music: Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all their Sesame Street friends take to the stage to share their love of music. September 17

and 18. $23.50 to $88.50. foxtheatre.org

Exposed Dance Festival: Local groups join forces for a month of contemporary dance from Israel staged throughout metro Atlanta. Opens September 21. $10 to $25. exposedfestivalatl.com

Anne Boleyn: Howard Brenton’s play is a fresh, tantalizing take on a familiar tale of romance, betrayal and political intrigue. Opens September 23. synchrotheatre.com

Freed Spirits: When a freak tornado cuts through Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery, a tour guide and steampunk survivalist unite to solve the mystery of exposed clues and eerie sightings. Opens September 23. $25 to $35. horizontheatre.com

An Ka Fo Drum & Dance Concert: This concert at the Kroc Corps Theater features the entire An Ka Fo family. September 24. $15 to $30. Ankafo.com

The Prom: Emma becomes an instant outcast—and a national headline—when her high school cancels the prom rather than let her attend with her girlfriend in this show about acceptance. Closes September 25. $20 to $65. alliancetheatre.org

The Illusionists –Live From Broadway: This non-stop show at the Fox Theatre is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. September 27 through October 2. $30 to $105. foxtheatre.org

Jim Henson 80th Birthday Celebration: Spend a day celebrating the famous puppeteer and creator with special tours, story time, puppet building and film screenings. September 24. Free to $10.50. puppet.org

gloatl.org

The Threepenny Opera: 7 Stages Theatre opens its 38th season with a work reimagined with German Expressionist cinema of the 1920s. September 9 through September 25. $17.50 to $22.50. 7stages. org

The Legend of Zelda Symphony of the Goddesses: The acclaimed concert is a truly unique experience from one of the most beloved game franchises ever. September 10. $45 to $125. cobbenergycentre.com

Sarah Chang, Violin, and Julio Elizalde, Piano: Hailed for her technical prowess and refined emotional depth, Sarah Chang is considered one of the foremost violinists of our time.

September 10. $12 to $25. arts.emory.edu

Tales Of Peter Rabbit: Based on Beatrix Potter’s timeless tales, this is the story of Peter as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s

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Focus on Education

Turnaround Strategies

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen outlines challenges to come for Atlanta Public Schools

By Collin Kelley

Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said she expects the 2016-17 school year to be one of the system’s most challenging as it continues to rebuild from the cheating scandal and faces some of its facilities being taken over by the state for underperformance.

When residents go to the polls in November, they will vote on creating the Opportunity School District (OSD), which would allow the state to take over chronically failing schools. There are more than 20 APS schools that fall into that designation.

Carstarphen promised last year that she would make aggressive moves to transform APS, which include shuttering some schools and putting others under the management of charter school groups. She said that pay parity for educators, facility quality, security, and working to turn around the overall culture of APS was part of the turnaround strategy.

One thing is for sure: APS is not going back, but forward.

“Perhaps the major problem with APS in the past is that it was not child centered, but adult oriented,” Carstarphen said. “There was so much bureaucracy, so much politics. We

lost our core purpose.”

Since her arrival two years ago, Carstarphen has spent much of her time on the job “rebuilding and fixing problems that were never addressed,” including a $30 million proposition to arrive at pay parity for teachers. Replacing teachers and administrators with the best and brightest has been a hallmark of Carstarphen’s time at APS. She said it’s all part of the rebuilding of APS’s integrity.

“You can’t talk about the future if you don’t fix the past,” Carstarphen said.

Carstarphen said she is hopeful that recent comments by Gov. Nathan Deal will keep APS schools out of state hands if the OSD measure passes. “Gov. Deal said meeting achievement targets is the fastest way to get off the OSD radar, but if a school district is showing progress, that might also prevent a takeover.”

However, Carstarphen is also realistic.

“We’re not going to hit those targets immediately,” she said. “You can’t make a 30 percentage point gain in test scores without cutting corners, and we’re not going back to those days.”

Another significant change for APS is the creation of its own police force. Carstarphen

Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen at MLK Jr. Middle School. (Photo courtesy of Perkins+Will)

said the police department was another component of shifting the culture at APS.

“The idea is to rethink a school model that goes beyond physical safety and adds a component of emotional safety,” Carstarphen commented. “The concept is that the officers are not only enforcing laws, but counseling and mentoring children as well.”

The new APS police force has a

Fresh Look

chief of police and 68 officers, who have been trained specifically by grade level, and will work with students to prevent bad behavior and decisions before they happen.

“If we want to break the pampers to prison pipeline for black and brown kids, which is really an issue in APS, we have to have people who do the preventive work so the bad decisions never happen,”

Carstarphen said. “I don’t want our kids to fear the police, I want them to respect police. They need to have a school environment where the police are seen as an ally and not an enemy.”

There are also big changes ahead for Intown’s “Grady cluster” of schools. The defunct, sprawling Howard High School campus in the Old Fourth Ward will be transformed into a new middle school

MLK Jr. Middle School gets colorful revamp for new year

When students arrived last month for the first day of class at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Grant Park, they found a freshly redesigned campus created by local architecture firm Perkins+Will.

“Middle school is a vital bridge between elementary school and high school – it is also a period when students, often for the first time in their lives, begin actively seeking a sense of purpose and place,” said Paul Brown, principal of Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, which serves sixth to eighth grade students. “Our new facility is a physical representation of our entire school community’s purpose and place.”

Originally built in 1973, the school features the Brutalist style of architecture that was popular in educational facilities at the time: emphasizing large, exposed concrete exteriors and minimizing windows and exposure to outside light. The new design approach recognizes the original architecture style, while giving the school a fresh and open look.

The revamped campus includes 175,000 square feet of renovated structure and 17,000 square feet of newly built facilities. Major upgrades include a more defined and completely reoriented main entry, new athletic fields and a new administration building, a new auditorium/theater space, a new student commons, and bringing more natural daylight into existing classrooms. Additionally, the facility was redesigned with energy efficiency in mind. The revised structure now consumes 35 percent less energy compared to an average existing building of same type and location.

A silhouette of Dr. King’s face is subtly incorporated in the windows of the school’s administration wing, while one major hallway has an extensive, handpainted mural of the faces and quotes of civil and human rights leaders.

for students currently attending Inman Middle School. Morningside Elementary School will take over the Inman building for more capacity.

Grady High School will see an estimated $22 million vertical expansion to create 18 new classrooms, three new laboratories and a new administrative suite.

Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Grant Park got a serious summer makeover, lead by local architecture firm Perkins+Will (who also provided all of the colorful photos you see here). Bold murals of the school’s namesake, historical civil and human rights figures are emblazoned on walls and hallways, while the circa-1973 building has been upgraded throughout for its next 40 years. In the center photo above, APS Superintendent Meria Carstarphen poses with school Principal Paul Brown, and below with students during the first day of school last month.

Atlanta is one of the top 10 cities with the longest commutes in the country, according to the U.S. Census American Community Survey. With the back-toschool period now in full swing, and more cars on the road, commuting times are back on the rise.

Georgia’s Clean Air Force is offering six common sense tips for saving time and money on your commute, while contributing to cleaner air in the metro area.

“There are many ways to make the back-to-school driving season a little less stressful on metro Atlanta motorists,” said Pamela Earl, Mobile & Area Source program manager, Environmental Protection Division. “By taking advantage of technology and practicing common sense driving habits, everyone can play a part in minimizing the impact of harmful vehicle emissions on our environment.”

Here are some helpful tips for your commute:

►Reroute Your Commute. Inevitably, traffic in metro Atlanta becomes congested as the school year begins in early August. To avoid getting stuck in traffic, try staggering your commute. Ask your boss if you can arrive for work later in the morning, when school-related traffic is minimal. If your employer allows telecommuting, you can opt to skip the traffic entirely.

►Take a Dip in the Pool. Set up a back-to-school carpool on Facebook with your neighbors. This way, you will

only need to make one trip to school each week, instead of five. You can save even more money by carpooling to work on the days that you don’t lead the kids’ carpool.

►Don’t be an American Idle. For parents who are waiting to pick up their kids, it might seem convenient to keep your vehicle running, but it is not. Not only does idling waste gas and money, it can be extremely harmful to the environment. For every 10 minutes of idling cut from your commute, you can save one pound of harmful carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. The rule of thumb is to turn off your engine if you’ll be idling for more than 30 seconds.

►Map with an App. A good way to avoid school traffic is to use a smartphone app to explore alternate routes that bypass trouble spots. Apple and Android have a number of free apps that were designed to find

the most efficient and fastest way to get to your destination. In fact, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) now has a data-sharing partnership with Waze, the free, real-time crowdsourcing app. GDOT is providing construction and road-closure data to Waze, which helps reroute drivers to a less congested route.

►Lighten Your Load. Evaluate what you have in your car. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Studies show that removing just 100 pounds of extra weight from your

vehicle can increase fuel economy up to 2 percent. Don’t carry bulky items like sports equipment unless you need to, and remove the roof rack unless you plan on using it.

►Maximize Performance. Late summer is also a good time to have your car inspected by your local mechanic. He or she can check for malfunctioning oxygen sensors, underinflated tires, clogged filters and other factors that can reduce fuel economy.

For additional information, visit cleanairforce.com.

Back-to-School Costs

● our 1:6 average teacher/student ratio.

● confident, engaged learners.

● small groups of children working together and learning in new ways.

● smiles on our students’ faces.

● care in our teachers’ guidance.

● the acquisition of lifelong skills in everything we do.

Cracking the Code

Kids and teens learn computer language at Start

Code

Lovett

By Grace Huseth

What does a phone app, microwave and car have in common? They all rely on code, a special computer language that makes the majority of the things in our world work. As technology continues to grow, more and more of our everyday items, jobs and enjoyment will benefit from coding. However, learning to use technology can feel like cracking a secret code.

Coding is simply a set of instructions that make your computer do what you want it to do, but finding the resources to learn to code is not so simple. Only one in four schools offer kids computer science classes, and online learning doesn’t teach application. Since coding is essential, many believe computer science should be just as important in core curriculum as other courses such as biology, chemistry or algebra.

Information technology guru Scott Blanck started a coding center for kids and teens in 2011 called Start Code. Here coding is taught in a flexible environment that combines class and lab time with mentoring. Students learn not only how to code and create with digital tools, but also learn how to apply these skills through projects and team activities.

“Our goal is to make it fun, but at the same time teach real languages that kids can go far with,” said Blanck.

Kids enjoy learning what’s behind the games they are playing and desire to design their own. Blanck was inspired to create a center that his middle school self would have enjoyed as well, and continues to foster creativity in a computer clubhouse at Toco Hills Shopping Center.

There is no typical day at Start Code. While the curriculum has clear learning objectives, students work at their own pace and are invited to jump around and use different code languages like Scratch, Python, Java, Processing, mobile app development and more. Students are programming games, telling multimedia stories and learning about technology.

Blanck said that learning to code is like learning a foreign language, starting with a foundation, applying the rules and then branching out to other uses.

“Similar to other languages, coding languages all have different strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “Learning one exposes your brain to a different way of thinking and it’s easier to pick up further ones from there.”

Many students start with Scratch, which teaches kids how to program by dragging and connecting blocks of text. Then they move on to more sophisticated languages including Python and Java.

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, Nov. 12

Kindergarten, 1:00 pm

Sunday, Nov. 13

Grades 1–5, 1:00 pm

Grades 6–8, 3:30 pm

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Grades 9–12, 6:30 pm

The Lovett School practices a nondiscriminatory admission policy. Financial aid is available.

Jobs in computer science are growing rapidly, and some students may not have to move far from Atlanta to find a good career using code. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections says 71 percent of all new STEM jobs in Georgia are in computing. Georgia currently has 20,000 open computing jobs, 4.4 times the average demand rate.

“Atlanta is great for corporate or mid- to large-sized companies, and hopefully we will grow on the smaller front as well,” Blanck said.

In fact, Blanck said any career moving forward will be affected by this computer science boom, from marketing to science, and from journalism to project management. The first step is to get everyone an introduction to coding.

One coding movement is code.org, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science. Each December the global crusade hosts “Hour of Code” events that offer students a quick peek into the coding world for the first time. While they may not become computer scientists, they will have a leg up understanding emerging technology and how it applies to their passions.

“Having the exposure to coding gives you the opportunity to try it, and you may find something you really like,” Blanck said.

Start Code students focus on a variety of coding languages in their clubhouse learning center.

Jewish Kids Group enrollment skyrockets

in four years

The exponential growth of metro Atlanta’s population has brought waves of new families planting roots around Intown. While Atlanta has become a destination for business and tech incubators, it has also become one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., not just ethnically, but religiously as well.

Jewish Kids Groups (JKG), Atlanta’s only private Jewish Hebrew and Sunday school, caters to those diverse families seeking a unique Jewish education for their children. Many JKG families are interfaith and the majority are not affiliated with a synagogue. JKG employs an innovative approach to Jewish learning, making Hebrew school fun and engaging –much like a summer camp – while maintaining necessary content.

Executive Director Ana Robbins founded JKG in 2012 with only six students. In just four years, JKG enrollment has skyrocketed to 200 students.

“We are thrilled by the growth we have seen over the past four years,” said Robbins. “Thanks to our innovative and experiential programming and our enthusiastic educators, our enrollment has grown significantly. We are honored to be the choice for those families desiring to give their children a Jewish education.”

For more information, call (404) 913-9554 or email info@ jewishkidsgroups.com.

There’s a summer camp atmosphere yearround at Jewish Kids Group.

High-tech schoolhouse opens in Decatur with STEM focus

21st Century STEM Academy, a hightech version of a one-room schoolhouse, opened its doors in Decatur.

The school will provide a personalized education for each child, using leading-edge technology and extensive STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) resources such as a flight simulator and virtual reality experiences.

“We believe our personalized learning approach will be very appealing to many parents of students seeking a challenging educational environment,” said Gareth N. Genner, co-founder of 21st Century STEM. “Every student deserves a great teacher who has the freedom and resources to optimize their educational experience to meet the individual needs of that student. We will provide students a successful path to the fastest-growing and highest-paying occupations.”

Genner said the school will be one of the first in the nation outside of California to adopt an acclaimed K-14 program developed by the University of California at Davis that integrates math, computer science, robotics, videography and other art and STEM subjects.

“Many parents in metro Atlanta are looking for affordable options that give students high-quality science, technology, engineering and math training,” said Mike Davis, executive director of the new school. “We believe the hands-on focus on STEM will help students develop critical thinking skills to be successful in college and the workplace.”

21st Century will offer students up to 200 school days, running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, activities and pre- and afterschool care will be available so parents can have their child at the school location from 7:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuition is $8,400. For more information, visit 21stcenturystem.academy.

STEM (science, tecnology, engineering and mathematics) education is key to future high-paying jobs.

Not Back-To-School

Homeschooling trend continues to grow around Intown

By Grace Huseth

School is back in session, but that doesn’t mean that every student is headed to a classroom each morning. Thanks to organized groups, enrichment classes and the city’s many resources, Atlanta continues to have a thriving community of homeschooled students.

“About a third of the parents I talk to seem to be considering homeschooling on some level, at some point. Many never act on that, but there’s a lot of interest growing,” said Esther GraffRadford, group facilitator at Atlanta Homeschool Co-op.

Georgia’s homeschooling growth rate is slightly higher than its public school student population growth. Since 2012, homeschooling has grown 3.5 percent compared to 2.7 percent for the public school student growth rate.

Homeschooling allows parents to be intimately involved in their child’s education. The education progresses at the child’s actual comprehension rate and the child understands the material more thoroughly. Many children are often more acclimated and successful through homeschooling than in traditional educational settings, according to experts.

Blair Marino has been homeschooling her 11th grade son and 7th grade daughter for almost eight years. Marino now serves as Board President of LEAD (Learners and Educators of Atlanta and Decatur), an inclusive, secular, not-for-profit homeschool group that has offered support and classes to homeschoolers since 2000.

“Atlanta has embraced the homeschooling movement, and the opportunities for the kids have expanded in the last four to five years,” Marino said.

LEAD hosts more than 80 weekly, members-only academic and enrichment classes for ages preschool through adults. The classes meet Monday through Thursday with no set curriculum, allowing parents to choose classes that complement their own homeschool curriculum.

Some trickier subjects that parents find intimidating to teach can be taught by homeschool academies. Homeschool groups including Veritas Classical Schools, Atlanta Homeschool Cooperative and Kid Cultivators Homeschool Community offer classes ranging from composition to chemistry.

“It’s nice to have different options and to supplement classes,” Marino said. “Our children have picked classes that they enjoy, but as they get older I started becoming an advocate for their education and making sure they take classes that they need.”

LEAD offers science and math classes as well some extracurricular, and eclectic, classes. “The Art of the Journal” uses exercises in free form writing while “Lego: Mine, Craft and Build Survival Game” uses the popular computer game and building blocks to teach resourcefulness, creativity and cooperation.

‘The great thing about homeschooling is that the classes have no grades, so the pressure is off and they can try things,” Marino commented. “The grade is not the end all be all.”

To become a homeschooling family, parents must submit a declaration of intent to the Georgia Department of Education. The law requires all children to learn mathematics, English and language arts, science, social studies and reading. Children must take a national standardized achievement test every three years beginning at the end of the third grade, but test scores are not required to be submitted to public school authorities.

For more information, visit atlantahomeschoolcoop.org and leadhomeschool.org.

Serving grades 7–12, Marist School provides an education where achievement exists within a spirit of humility and generosity. Students are challenged by an extensive college-preparatory curriculum while an array of extracurricular activities inspire exploration and uncover hidden talents. Through it all, students gain a unique strength of character and skill and a joy of serving others that prepares them to be compassionate, confident leaders.

Learn more at marist.com

Emory Area | Decatur | East Lake |Kirkwood | East Atlanta |Grant Park | Cabbagetown | Candler Park | Inman Park

Blair Marino

A LEAD student studies pond water at Fernbank Science Center.

Future Doctors

Innovative program brings medicine to high schools

We think big

By Clare S. Richie

The path from high school to becoming a doctor just became clearer and more attainable thanks to the Young Physicians Initiative (YPI). This premedical program, in partnership with a doctor and his medical students from Emory University School of Medicine, provides guidance and hands-on experiences to high school students interested in a career in medicine.

This school year marks the official launch of YPI at Academe of the Oaks in Decatur, where it was piloted last spring, and at Clarkston High School. For YPI founder, Dr. Heval Mohamed Kelli, it’s a way to pay forward the help he received to realize his dream of becoming a doctor.

“Hard work is important, but you also need exposure, mentorship and guidance,” Kelli said.

Bringing the program to Clarkston High School was personal. “I want to serve students like me – refugees, minorities, people without education – to work with kids who had no exposure to the path to become a doctor,’’ Kelli shared.

“Dr. Kelli wants all students to feel that they could go to medical school – that they could accomplish what he accomplished,” Academe teacher Tara Wyman said.

Kelli and his family fled persecution in Syria nearly two decades ago. They lived temporarily in Germany and then came to the U.S. as refugees in 2001: Kelli’s senior year at Clarkston High School. Despite this unexpected journey, he held on to a childhood dream planted at age 14 as he watched his friend die of Leukemia.

“I saw first-hand how doctors not only heal but are community leaders,” Kelli reflected. “For me, the seed was planted but it needed to be nurtured.”

Through a classmate of his brother (who was on scholarship at Pace Academy), Kelli met Dr. Omar Lattouf, a cardiothoracic surgeon and professor at Emory School of Medicine. Lattouf mentored Kelli, who graduated from Georgia State with honors, while working as a dishwasher to support his family. Kelli went on to graduate from the Morehouse School of Medicine in 2012 and today is a Katz Fellow in Preventive Cardiology, a four-year research program in anticipation of a career in academic cardiovascular prevention.

“Dr. Lattouf exposed me to different fields. Made me believe that I have what it takes. I can replicate that same motivation and self-esteem for high schools students,” Kelli said.

He created YPI to do just that. Students meet monthly after school for 45 minutes for eight to 10 months. The interactive sessions cover medical school preparation, the life of a doctor, careers in medicine and hands-on experiences. Students shadow physicians and interact with patients who lack insurance at the Clarkston Community Health Center, located one block from where Kelli’s family first lived.

The pilot last spring at Academe, a small Decatur private high school that combines rigorous college prep with the arts and community service, was a success. Just four sessions made a big impact on the student participants. About half had no previous exposure to any medial experience or mentorship. But nearly two-thirds now believe that they will become doctors and nearly all would like a mentor for their journey.

And Kelli urges others to follow his lead of giving back. “There could be a Young Engineer Initiative, Young Business Initiative and others to mentor students on various paths. Professional adults with degrees underestimate the impact they can have on their community. High school students are hungry for mentorship. Forty-five minutes per month is a manageable time commitment with a huge payoff,” Kelli said.

Dr. Heval Mohamed Kelli

Dr. Kelli speaks with students at Academe of the Oaks in Decatur.

GivingPoint

One-stop shop for teen volunteerism

By Clare S. Richie

As the school year starts back, more learning will take place outside of the classroom thanks to GivingPoint. It’s the first online social marketplace designed for youth to teach and inspire community engagement.

“GivingPoint is built on the belief that high school age students are capable of making a significant impact in their communities. We give students the tools and opportunities to make a difference,” Executive Director Debra Carson explained.

The nonprofit utilizes an online platform (mygivingpoint.org) to match young people’s passions with vetted, age-appropriate volunteer opportunities. Students who create a free account can take quizzes to identify their interests, learn about the needs of their community, track verified hours, view and download their civic resume for school requirements and college applications, post projects to help raise awareness, volunteers and funds for causes, and more.

Derek Smith, former Chairman and CEO of ChoicePoint, started GivingPoint after the findings of research he commissioned showed that even though teens want to get involved, they lacked the education, training, resources and encouragement to connect with others who share their interests. In July 2009, GivingPoint became a nonprofit and raised more than $200,000 from a diverse group of corporations, individuals and foundations.

Its partners now include Myfifident Foundation, New Kent Capital, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, Zeist Foundation, Marcus Foundation, Arthur M. Blank Foundation and Wells Fargo, to name a few.

Today, an average of 2,000 students per school year create accounts to track hours, create projects

and/or raise awareness with approximately 300 active nonprofits.

“GivingPoint meets students where they are in a tech world,” Carson said.

This is good news for high school students in Atlanta Public Schools (APS) who must complete 75 hours of community service before they graduate. APS has entered into a partnership with GivingPoint and is encouraging all its high schools to use this free online service to facilitate access to community service and hours tracking.

“It’s been an amazing way to organize service learning at Maynard Jackson High School over the past four years,” Principal Stephanie Johnson said. They already have 100 percent student participation. Plus, GivingPoint has connected her students to meaningful service, such as making and delivering sandwiches to downtown homeless shelters and tutoring middle school students within their cluster.

For a smaller cohort of 20-25 high school students, the nonprofit offers a 10-month combination leadership and engagement program, the GivingPoint Institute. High school students with at least 100 hours of community service plus other requirements apply in the spring for participation the following school year. Once accepted, students participate in monthly workshops sponsored by corporate and community partners covering strategic planning, budgeting, marketing, etc., to learn how to a launch community project, an awareness campaign, and/or their own nonprofit.

“Giving Point Institute is the most important experience of high school for me so far,” Lovett senior Claire Biggerstaff said. “They believe in what young adults can do and support your big dreams.”

Biggerstaff started Kids 4 CURE to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer as her project. It’s a yearlong program for grades 3rd through 6th

to bridge the gap between elementary and middle school students through service projects for CURE. Sixth graders will lead efforts – like making craft and snack bags for patients undergoing cancer treatment at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Biggerstaff hopes to create a model that other schools can easily replicate.

The institute ends with students sharing their projects at the SPARKS celebration event.

“It’s like Shark Tank,” Carson said, because students can still raise funds for their projects and a few receive scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

Last spring, Max Rubenstein, now a Galloway School junior, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship for Game Givers. Rubenstein launched his own nonprofit to bring video games and consoles to hospital-bound children in the Atlanta area. As an institute alumnus, he is eager to add hospital partners across the country.

“We’re the human touch connecting them to the learning, nonprofits and technology to help them turn their passion into action,” Carson said. “We can give them what they need to change the world.”

Lovett School students, from left, Chris Weaver, Caroline Carr Grant and Claire Biggerstaff, with their project poster boards at the end of the Sparks Student Awards Ceremony.

Rivers Academy private school has opened a second campus for grades 5-12 at 1934 Cliff Valley Way. The campus includes a two-story building, a 200seat theater and an outdoor classroom for a combined space of 20,000 square feet. For more information, visit riversacademy.com.

The Temple’s Weinberg Early Learning Center has appointed two new codirectors, Annetta Kornblum and Mindy Pincus. Between the two, they have 60 years of working in secular, public, private, Jewish and preschool education.

The Arby’s Foundation helped at-risk children in Atlanta receive free meals through its successful “School’s Out, Food’s In” program over the summer. As part of the initiative, public school children who rely on meal assistance during the school year received meal cards to redeem for 10 free Arby’s kids meals throughout the summer.

Winona Park Elementary School parent Jessie Hadley has been named the Safe Routes to School Champion of the Year. Hadley worked to increase the numbers of walkers and bikers at the Decatur school.

Thirteen rising Lovett School seniors completed a week-long medical program/internship over the summer. Students were able to tour facilities, have career panel and Q&A sessions with health care professionals, and shadow doctors from various fields, including: cardiology, anesthesiology, pediatrics, orthopaedics, sports medicine, dermatology, dermapathology, radiology, oncology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery and physician’s assistant.

Dr. Doug Ander at Emory Medical School explains some medical procedures typically performed in the Emergency Room. Back row, from left, Lisette Cushing, Adam Achecar and Kirby Ellis. Front row, from left, Melissa Ige, Torrey Centeno and Claire Dame.

Nearly 50 students from Black Girls Code attended Google’s Made With Code at Cartoon Network over the summer. The students were taught about coding through The Powerpuff Girls-themed project with the help of Google and Cartoon Network staff. Today, only 0.4 percent of female college freshmen plan to major in Computer Science. Google’s Made with Code initiative was created to change that by inspiring girls to discover that code can help them pursue their interests and goals.

B.E.S.T. Academy 2016 valedictorian (and INtown 20 Under 20 honoree) Qwantayvious Stiggers secured more than $830,000 in scholarships. Stiggers was selected to be the first student for the Black & Abroad Student Ambassador Program due to his determination to make an impact in the world. Stiggers is also the recipient of the first Empower Initiative Scholarship, 2016 Emerging Leaders Scholarship, an International Science Fair finalist, the Atlanta Public Schools Top Scientist and a recipient of a prestigious internship at Georgia Tech’s Project ENGAGES, where he researched the regeneration of articular cartilage. He is attending the University of Michigan in the fall to study mechanical engineering with aspirations of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. The Hope Hill Elementary School Old Fourth Ward 5K was held in June to raise awareness and funds to create a PTA. The event was supported by Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall, Google Fiber and MailChimp, among many others.

KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools is the first tenant at the new Russell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (RCIE). Currently still in the development stages for a Summer 2017 opening, RCIE will house a 40,000-square foot world-class small business center located in Castleberry Hill. RCIE will be a collaborative, co-working space for entrepreneurs that connects a customized curriculum and corporate experience.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

Each January, we feature students from Intown’s public schools, private schools and colleges who have given back to their community in a significant way. Over the last seven years, we’ve featured students who have created their own nonprofits, have given up summer vacation to work domestically and abroad to help the less fortunate and one even helped build a

library by collecting books.

The 9th annual 20 Under 20 will appear in our January 2017 issue and we are now seeking nominations of students ages 19 and younger who have committed themselves to service to the community. Nominations are welcome from teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, siblings, fellow students or community leaders. Here’s the information we need:

• Nominator (name, relationship to nominee and contact information)

• Nominee (Name, age, grade, school, parent or guardian names, contact information)

• Characteristics and service: Please provide a paragraph describing why this nominee deserves recognition. Include service projects, goals, interests and areas of interest to help illustrate your point.

The deadline for nominations is Nov. 4. Please email your nominations to editor Collin Kelley at collin@atlantaintownpaper.com.

Rivers Academy

Jessie Hadley, center, was named Safe Routes to School Champion of the Year.

Qwantayvious Stiggers

News You Can Eat

Restaurants � Reviews � Events

By Collin Kelley

Just after quitting time on a recent Friday night, the patio at City Winery in the Old Fourth Ward is full. Even with my windows up and the AC on high, I can hear music playing and see sunlight glinting off raised wine glasses. Two nights later, I’m inside the intimate downstairs performance space to see the legendary Rickie Lee Jones. My belly is full, there’s a carafe of wine on the table and my dining partner, the imitable jazz singer and raconteur Jennifer Perry, describes the space as a “modern supper club.” We both agree there’s nothing else quite like it in Atlanta.

Dinner & A Show

City Winery has locations in New York, Boston, Chicago and Nashville. Atlanta is the latest outpost and it’s a seamless fit into hip Ponce City Market. Located behind Dancing Goats Coffee on Glen Iris Drive, the venue is easily accessible from the street or from the various above and underground parking at PCM. If you drive and are seeing a show, be sure to pay for at least four hours, which will run you $10. We arrived just after 6 p.m. after receiving an email that Rickie Lee Jones wanted dinner service to be mostly complete by the time she took the stage at 8 p.m. This is not the usual set up at City Winery; with most shows, dinner

and drinks are available throughout the performance.

Upon entering the upstairs space at City Winery, visitors are greeted by a towering wall of wine bottles. The upstairs dining space, bar and access to the aforementioned patio are all on this level, and it was already busy when we arrived. You don’t have to see a show to enjoy the vino and food at City Winery.

The wall of wine bottles conceals a staircase that leads down to the performance space. A host finds your reservation on a tablet and leads you to your table. There’s really not a bad seat in the house and the dim lighting, flickering candles and warm glow from the stage gives the room an almost speakeasy feel.

While heading to our table, we passed tall windows that reveal City Winery’s fermenting vats and barrel room where its own wine is made and stored. Our attentive server informs us that the Atlanta

Above: The intimate performance space downtairs at City Winery in Ponce City Market during the recent performance by Rickie Lee Jones. At right: Stainless steel vats for making City Winery’s own house wine.

A column of wine bottles greets guests as they head down to the performance venue.

location’s first batches of wine will be available in October.

Meanwhile, we can choose from a short list of “Wines on Tap,” made in small pressings at other City Winery locations, or from an extensive list of other available wines. There’s beer, cocktails and soft drinks, too. We choose a carafe of the Pinot Noir from the Wines on Tap list ($25, about two glasses each), and while I’m not a grape connoisseur, the dark red was smooth and delicious. As the menu indicates, the wine has been stored in a stainless steel keg and preserved with a thin layer of gas to keep it fresh.

The wine is a perfect compliment to my lamb and beef burger ($18), served with lettuce, feta cheese and pickles and a tub of house-cut French fries. The burger is juicy and perfectly cooked medium rare. Jennifer had the risotto balls ($12), which she declares deliciously crisp, but the accompanying marinara has a canned taste. She also says some type of side item would be welcome since the risotto balls are listed as an entrée but seem more like an appetizer.

Once the house lights dim and Rickie Lee Jones takes the stage, the real magic of City Winery’s performance space becomes clear: excellent acoustics, a chance to be up close and personal with the band, and an audience there for the music and not just the food alone. For Jones fans, this is a night of hits as she explores songs from her nearly 40-year career including “Chuck E’s in Love,” “Pirates,” “Living it Up,” “Horses,” “We Belong Together,” “Easy Money” and a moving cover of Julie London’s “Cry Me a River.”

If I have one beef with the space, it’s that the chairs are too darn hard. After sitting for nearly four hours, the wooden chairs really start to become uncomfortable, even for someone like me with extra padding. Maybe a cushion option should be made available. I may have to bring my own next time.

I’m already keeping my eye on the music calendar for who’s coming next so I can book my next dinner and a show. For more information, visit citywinery.com/atlanta.

Photo by Adam Smith There’s not a bad seat in the house at City Winery’s performance space.

Flickering candles add to the supper club vibe at City Winery.

Biscuit Bonanza

By Isadora Pennington

Ah, the biscuit. I could write sonnets describing your loveliness. Fluffy, buttery, flakey, good with sweet or savory flavors – biscuits are all things good.

The term biscuit is originally derived from the combination of two Latin terms: “bis,” which means twice, and “coctus,” which means “to cook,” roughly equating to the phrase “twice-cooked.” Around the time that the term was coined in the 14th century, the process for making biscuits involved a two-step process, first being baked and then being put in a low heat oven to dry out. The term has evolved to mean a few different varieties on that original invention since then, with notable differences depending on region and languages.

For example, if you were to travel to England and order a biscuit at a cafe, you would get a pastry that’s more akin to what we would call a cookie with a layer of creme or sweet filling in between two flat biscuits. But the origins of biscuits go back even further than that. Starting around the 7th century, bakers in the Persian empire began adding new ingredients to improve the taste of bread with eggs, butter and cream, and as the original biscuits were hard, dry and unsweetened, with creativity came more inventive recipes.

For many of our readers, it’s likely that the warmth of a freshly baked biscuit conjures up warm memories of family breakfasts or sipping mimosas over brunch as it does for me. This month I went out in search of my favorite biscuits and sampled them for your consideration, so check out these great spots the next time you’re craving a biscuit of your very own.

Tasting Intown

By Megan Volpert

Jinya Ramen Bar

When was the last time you ponied up 79 cents at the grocery store for a brick of dehydrated ramen noodles with a tiny seasoning packet? If that is your idea of what ramen is, rejoice, for Jinya Ramen Bar has finally arrived in Sandy Springs, and the ramen there is nothing like the sad, salty snack you remember from college.

Jinya is a small, fast casual chain conceived by Tomonori Takahashi, who moved his ramen joint from Tokyo to California in 2010. Takahashi’s success over the past six years has sprouted more than 20 shops, from Santa Monica to Austin to Chicago to Washington D.C. Our city was overdue – heck, even Tulsa is getting a Jinya this year.

The ramen you slurped in college had only two things going for it: it was cheap and fast. The power of Jinya is that it preserves those two essential values, with the additional two grown-up values of being delicious and healthy. This little 40-seat ramen bar is designed to get you out the door again in under an hour. Enjoy the upbeat dance pop and reggae music while you wait fewer than 10 minutes for your food to arrive. Nobody has time to simmer a 10-hour broth made from scratch at home; Jinya has many varieties ready when you arrive. Just pick your additions and plunge in.

You can’t go wrong with any of the choices, but if you don’t know where to start, pick a number. I had the #1 spicy chicken ramen. It comes with chicken broth, two fat slices of tender chicken chashu, spinach, spicy bean sprouts, Tokyo negi (a type of onion), green onion and thin noodles. All noodles and broths are made in-house. If you like fresh pasta, wait until you try fresh ramen. It comes in a gigantic bowl, and try as you might to put a dent in it, no matter how hungry you are you’ll still be taking half of it home. Well worth the $12, and you can add over 20 different accoutrements for a dollar or two more – anything from extra noodles to a poached egg to bok choy to dried seaweed. My wife ordered the #2 garlic lover’s ramen, a pork broth with pork chashu, seasoned egg, bean sprouts, chopped onion, green onion, fish powder, chili powder and thick egg noodles.

The best additional topping is unquestionably the fresh garlic. They bring out a jar of garlic cloves and a garlic press. You get to pick out however much you want and squeeze it over the bowl yourself, and this customization is free. You’ll want to put garlic on everything. There are a dozen ramens on the menu that run between $10.50 to $13.50. If you’re not feeling soupy, they have rice bowls in two different sizes and a whole bunch of tapas, including

the basics like edamame and seaweed salad. The quinoa salad with sesame dressing was light and fresh, a good balance of ingredients not overwhelmed by kale, and a bargain of a meal for six bucks.

Two of the tapas are out-of-this-world delicious. You’ll definitely want to get the brussels sprouts tempura with truffle oil. The truffle scent is strong enough to guide the generally louder scent of the halved sprouts, and the fluffy tempura batter delivers a nice sea-salted crunch. This solid evidence that sprouts can be terrific without bacon can be had for six bucks, or during 3-5 p.m. happy hour for just four bucks. The other great small plate is the spicy creamy shrimp tempura, which turns everybody’s favorite flash-fried sushi roll inside out, leaving just the big shrimp with its light batter coated in that spicy mayo sauce you crave.

Drink a craft beer or a cold sake, but don’t linger. Jinya is here to feed you right and let you get on with your day. It is efficiently friendly there; they greet everyone with a exclamation of welcome in Japanese and servers are on constant alert so that you don’t wait for anything for very long. Hopefully we will not have long to wait before Jinya opens additional locations.

Jinya Ramen Bar is located in the Hammond Springs Shopping Center, 5975 Roswell Road, B-217, in Sandy Springs. For more information, visit jinya-ramenbar.com.

Ramen #2 with garlic.

Brussels sprouts tempura.

Spicy shrimp tempura.

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

QUICK BITES

Midtown Restaurant Week is set for Sept. 10-18 with more than 40 restaurants offering brunch, lunch and dinner options from $15, $25 and/or $35 prix-fixe menus. Prices are per person and exclude alcohol, tax and gratuity. A complete list of those participating is available at mrwatlanta.com.

The 10th annual Kirkwood Wine Stroll returns Sept. 23 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. along Hosea Williams Drive. There will be 35 pouring stations serving up a variety of wines. There will also be food served by local businesses, and music by DJ Ronnie Thomas and Karoke Guru. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 the week of the event or at the door. This is a 21-year and older event. Photo ID is required. Organized by the Kirkwood Business Owners Association, proceeds from the event support local schools and initiatives and fund other KBOA events throughout the year. For more information, visit kirkwoodwinestroll.com.

Chefs from all over the Southeast will bring the best wings they have to offer to the inaugural Atlanta Wing Fest on Sept. 25 starting at 1:30 p.m. at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. This festive “party with a purpose” will provide wings, beer, and local music to benefit Atlantabased charities Angel Flight Soars and Second Helpings Atlanta. Tickets are $20 for general admission or $45 for VIP, and can be purchased at freshtix.com/events/atlanta-wing-fest.

Open Hand Atlanta will host the 13th annual Party in the Kitchen fundraising event at American Spirit Works, 199 Armour Drive, on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $250 each and will provide guests with an evening of tastes from the city’s most talented chefs and bartenders, as well as access to the event’s auctions – silent and live – and live entertainment. For more about the event and tickets, visit partyinthekitchen.org.

The Organized Neighbors of Edgewood will host the first annual Atlanta/Edgewood Mac and Cheese Festival on Oct. 8 in Walker Park. Featuring macaroni and cheese samples from more than 20 vendors as well as music from local bands, the event will take place from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include five mac and cheese tastes from a variety of restaurants, caterers and private chefs. Proceeds from the festival will benefit Neighbor in Need, a nonprofit organization that helps low income elderly living in the communities of East Lake, Kirkwood, Edgewood, East Atlanta and Decatur’s Oakhurst community with emergency home repairs.For more information, visit atlmacandcheesefestival.com.

Tickets are on sale now for Sunday Supper South on Oct. 30 at 5:30 p.m. The annual family-style supper will benefit the James Beard Foundation. This year’s theme is taken from John Updike’s novel and film “The Witches of Eastwick.” Hosts/chefs Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison will welcome an all-female line up of award-winning chefs at Ponce City Market for the event. Tickets are $250 for James Beard Foundation members and $275 for non-members. For more information and the chef lineup, visit sundaysuppersouth.com.

After being destroyed by a fire in the summer of 2014, the LongHorn Steakhouse has reopened at Toco Hills, 2892 N. Druid Hills Road. The 5,620-square-foot restaurant seats more than 200 guests. Restaurateur Chris Martha and Chef Michael Semancik are expected to open Scout in Decatur’s Oakhurst neighborhood any day now. The menu will feature “interpretive regional cuisine” alongside a craft cocktail menu from beverage director Nate Shuman. The restaurant is located at 321 West Hill St.

Octane Coffee has opened its fourth location at The Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St., in Midtown. The shop, offering coffee, teas and light fare, is open

7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday,

8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. For more information, visit octanecoffee.com.

Staplehouse restaurant in the Old Fourth Ward has been named the best new restaurant in America for 2016 by Bon Appétit magazine. From the lengthy article and review by Andrew Knowlton: “In every way imaginable, it floored me. It’s the best restaurant experience I had this year. Hands down.”

LongHorn Steakhouse

Kirkwood Wine Stroll

Octane Coffee

Staplehouse

Whiskey-maker joins Buckhead’s craft-brewing hotspot

By Grace Huseth

Jim Chasteen pointed to the copper still inside American Spirit Whiskey Distillery, his new whiskey-making business that opened for public tours and tastings last month in Buckhead.

“The next flavor trend is not going to come from tweaking a factory still in Kentucky. It’s going to come out of a little still like this,” said Chasteen.

Chasteen and ASW co-founder Charlie Thompson met at the University of Georgia. In November 2011, they founded American Spirit Whiskey and after distilling in Charleston, S.C., for the last five years, they returned to their Georgia roots.

ASW stands in the former Mason Murer Fine Art gallery on Armour Drive in Buckhead. They chose the location in hopes of attracting visitors from SweetWater Brewing Company, a well-known craft beer-maker headquartered just around the corner.

A change to state alcohol laws last year, known as the “beer jobs bill,” allowed distilleries to start charging for tours, and increasing alcohol-tastings to 1.5 ounces per person. That legal change allowed ASW to open its doors for public tours.

Their stand-out piece is a copper still made by Vendome Copper and Brassworks, a big still-maker for all Kentucky bourbon manufacturers. ASW spent time researching and collecting each piece of equipment, and everything is handmade in the U.S., except for the bottler made by Italian manufacturer Mori.

The first step is the mash cooker, where grains like corn, rye or malted barley are soaked in hot water to break down the complex carbohydrates of the grain into simple sugars. Yeast is added, and then it’s off to the fermenter to make a basic form of beer. After fermentation is complete, the distiller’s beer gets to visit the prized Vendome copper stills where whiskey will be made in a traditional, Scotch-style double-pot still system.

To better explain this whiskey-making system to visitors, ASW created a chart that is now painted as a large mural in the tasting room. Head distiller Justin Manglitz, along with medical artist Aaron Fu, took ASW Distillery’s equipment schematic and created the mural. ASW will create posters of this process, for both whiskey connoisseurs and educational purposes.

Toward the end of the distilling process, the whiskey is evaluated by Manglitz to make “cuts,” or decisions of what to put in a barrel to become whiskey and what to redistill. The cuts are based on taste and smell. ASW uses both a traditional, Scotchstyle system and Southern flavors like native grains while also experimenting with different flavors.

“Whiskey is all about cuts, what you take out and what you keep in,” Chasteen said.

ASW says its flavors are exclusive—from its original

Photos by Phil Mosier

The lobby and tasting area at American Spirit Whiskey Distillery.

Distiller Justin Manglitz pumps the “stillage” - the grains left after fermentation and distilling - during the process.

are going to be focused on Georgia for the foreseeable future and grow organically.”

American Spirit Whiskey can be purchased in over 500 bottle shops and restaurants in the state and others in the nation.

ASW Distillery is located at 199 Armour Drive, Suite C, in Atlanta. Learn more at aswdistillery.com.

product, American Spirit Whiskey, a mild whiskey, to its forthcoming bourbons and single malt whiskeys.

In September, American Spirit Whiskey will produce more original bourbon recipes. The corn comes from Riverview Farms in Ranger, Ga. For a whiskey to be classified as bourbon under federal regulations, it must be produced in the U.S. from a mash of at least 51 percent corn and matured in charred, new American oak barrels.

Thompson said the ASW Distillery team is proud to be from Georgia. They are making every effort they can to source from Georgia farmers and want to give back to Georgia first during their initial years.

“We need to pull back and really dig deep in Georgia. We are in the best city in the Southeast to build a type of whiskey brand that will endure,” Thompson said, “We

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Is Right for you?

• Has child birth or menopause relaxed or stretched your feminine tissue?

• Is dryness limiting or causing painful intercourse?

• Do you occasionally dribble or leak when you sneeze, cough or exercise?

• Have you ever “not quite made it” to the bathroom on time?

quite made it” to the bathroom on time?

Partner Jim Chasteen, left, and Justin Manglitz pump the mash from the fermenter to the wash still. Bourbon aging in barrels is stacked behind them.

Clamps and tools used to pump liquids to and from the fermenter.

Chasteen takes a sample out of the bourbon barrel.

Home & Real Estate

On the Rise

Condo & townhome market surging again around Intown neighborhoods

By Kathy Dean

With the resurgence of the real estate market in Atlanta, condos and townhomes are high on the list of desirable properties. Many people consider them the perfect option for enjoying the best that city life has to offer. Others find condos a cost-effective way to live Intown.

A report by Dorsey Alston, Realtors shows mid-year home and condominium prices around Intown, specifically Ansley Park, Virginia-Highland, Morningside and Midtown, have risen substantially over this time last year, while the number of listings is up across the metro Atlanta area.

Intown single family homes have increased both in number of units on the market (up 19 percent) and in average sales price ($710,624). The condo market has seen a similar increase, with new listings up 4 percent year-to-year, and an average 23 percent increase in sales price.

“Single family detached houses in Intown neighborhoods that were on the market for the high $300s to the high $400s a few years ago are now selling in the high $600s to mid $800s,” said Christopher Burell, senior vice president and managing broker of the Intown office of Harry Norman, Realtors. “Most new construction single family homes in popular areas like Virginia-Highland, Morningside, Midtown and Decatur are topping $1 million plus. Condos and townhomes offer a more affordable option for clients who still want to be in the neighborhood.”

Scott Eaves of Epic Development explained that economic factors such as low unemployment, new businesses moving to Atlanta and the work-live-play mini-cities around the city, like west Midtown, Old Fourth Ward (O4W), the Memorial Drive corridor and Glenwood Park, have all contributed to the upsurge in condo sales. “We’ve seen an increase of empty nesters moving from the suburbs to the city as well,” he said.

This helps explain statistics that show new townhome/condo starts up by 25 percent in the 2nd quarter of this year. Closings are also up 8 percent over the last 12 months while inventory is down by 6 percent.

“Remaining new construction inventory continues to sell,” noted Anne Schwall, vice president, Developer Services, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. “In the last 12 months, there were 337 condo/townhome sales tracking on par with 397 sales in 2015. These relatively low sales numbers are actually a result of a lack of new construction inventory. The supply of available new construction projects has dropped significantly from 143 projects in 2008 to just 46 as of the mid-year.”

There are currently only 34 unsold units in new condo buildings, indicating a high demand for condo product. The increase in resale condos also shows that the market remains strong. Since January, a healthy 1,776 condo resales were recorded, and

resale pricing is up 5.2 percent.

These numbers have developers looking toward high-rise condo towers for the first time since 2009. According to Schwall, the saturation of the apartment market, coupled with the success of smaller boutique condo projects like Seventh Midtown, which sold out before completion, is giving developers the confidence they need to move forward with plans for condo projects, as well as the ability to secure financing.

“We’re starting to see some new development in townhome projects and a few condo buildings,” said Jennifer Kjellgren, founder/broker of Intown Expert Realty. “The majority of towers going up around the city are apartments, and that’s partly due to the difficulty of financing available to developers of condos.”

However, she added that she believes that some of these projects will convert from apartments to condos in the near future, based on the high demand for condos and the slipping rates for apartments.

Kerman Haynes, vice president - CITY HAUS Developer Solutions & Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Midtown Office, reported that there has been no vertical development of condos for almost 10 years. The exception has been luxury condo projects and complexes with only about 10 to 20 units.

“Condo sales were kicked into high gear last year and the first part of this year,” Haynes said. “In fact, just about every unit has been at or above its pre-recession pricing for the past six months. In Midtown, there’s less than a 30-day supply of condos and townhomes. This is all very encouraging to developers, with so much demand and so little supply.”

The four15 Stacks project will bring 24 new townhomes to 415 Gartrell Street in the O4W, near the Edgewood Entertainment District and convenient to Downtown. The new development has prices starting in the $300s.

There’s more in O4W, too. A development is slated on Felton, Continued on Page 54

Anne Schwall Chris Burell

four15Stacks

On the Rise

Condo & townhome market surging again Intown

Continued from page 52

and John Wieland Homes is building the Square at Glen Iris. Edward Andrews Homes has a new development going up in Grant Park, and several more will be appearing on Moreland Avenue and Memorial Drive.

Three new attached residences are planned in Midtown on 6th Street. “Numerous smaller communities will be popping up with as little as two units, since the R5 zoning in the City of Atlanta allows developers to build two attached units on lots that were more likely to be occupied by one single family home,” Eaves explained. He advises potential buyers to get in early, since most builders and developers are selling out before construction starts.

“I think what you see drawing attention right now are the luxury condo buildings,” Burell said. “One reason for this is that the construction cost for new major buildings is so high. Since developers have to list condo units at the high-end of the market to recoup building costs, we are seeing some amazing projects.”

Those amazing projects include: One Museum Place, the John Wieland project on Peachtree Street in Midtown; the recently completed Seventh Midtown, with retail space housing one of the first Starbuck Reserve concept locations in Atlanta; and 1065 Peachtree, with residences above the Loews Hotel that feature amazing views and amenities.

One proposed condo building in

Midtown is poised to dramatically alter the city skyline: at 74-stories, 98 Fourteenth Street would become the second tallest building in Atlanta behind the Bank of America Tower. Olympia Heights Management and Perkins + Will said the first phase of the development would feature the main tower comprised of 382 luxury condo units, 180 corporate suites, 60,370 square feet of retail and 825 structured parking spaces. A second, smaller tower in the future would contain a hotel.

According to Burell, there’s a major need for new projects in a lower price category, specifically condos and townhomes that target buyers in the $250,000 to $400,000 price point.

Schwall said that townhomes still lead the charge for new construction development in the Intown markets. “Thirty new townhome projects are proposed this year, which will bring 1,587 new units. Townhome developers are snapping up infill lots in trendy neighborhoods, such as O4W, that are bustling with activity because of the popularity of the BeltLine, Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market.”

Two notable new condominium projects coming to market this fall are Emerson Buckhead and The Charles. Developed by JPX Works LLC, Emerson Buckhead is a visually striking, 19-story building located at 2520 Peachtree Road that features 41 residences from 2,200 to over 8,000 square feet. The Charles, a newly announced

Continued on Page 57

Democracy in Real Estate

Empire Board of Realtists marks 77th year

By Shandra Hill Smith

Excitement is building toward the longrunning annual scholarship gala for the nation’s oldest minority trade association. But as the Empire Board of Realtists – the Atlanta chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (NAREB) – gears up for the Nov. 5 event at The Ritz-Carlton, it also faces what may be considered a less than celebratory reality. A reality that may actually be, in large part, the reason for the rich history of this organization marking its 77th year.

The Empire Board of Realtists (EBR) today finds that its core objective of “Championing Democracy in History” is still quite relevant, according to 2016 president Sharon Henry.

“As long as there is injustice and inequality in the realm of homeownership, there will be a need for Empire and NAREB,” says Henry. “And when equality has been achieved, the objective will then shift from obtaining to maintaining

democracy.”

On Jan. 1, Henry began serving her one-year term, which ends Dec. 31. She says her presidency is primarily focused on revitalizing and reinvigorating the organization on a local level.

“Great things have been accomplished by this board, and I plan to continue to develop and implement new strategies, tactics and initiatives that provide our member base and constituents with new and exciting opportunities, while aligning with our national goals,” says Henry, a Realtist and broker. “NAREB has a strong infrastructure and a host of pillar affiliates. I don’t intend on reinventing the wheel within the organization, just adding new, fresh perspectives and ‘spins’ on what is already established.”

As an example, she pointed to the launching of the Empire REIA – Real Estate Investment Alliance, a division of the United Developer’s Council of NAREB that “will provide our member base with education and tools necessary to partake in the investment arm of real estate. Adding this skill set to their wheelhouse will allow Realtists and all types of real estate practitioners (appraisers, contractors, etc.) who are part of our board to diversify their knowledge and wealth, while improving the communities that they serve and represent.”

Since 1958, EBR has held an annual awards and scholarship gala, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships to high school, college and graduate school students as well as students obtaining professional real estate-related training who have gone on to become industry leaders in the public and private sectors throughout the country.

EBR, which is headquartered in historic West End, has adopted the mission of Reimagining the Dream of Homeownership through Advocacy, Activism and Action. It began with African-American real estate professionals forming NAREB after growing dissatisfied with housing conditions for blacks in Atlanta and being denied admission as Realtors into the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The term Realtist resulted as a way to distinguish the professionals, some of which today also are Realtors, as being under the NAREB umbrella. Since its inception, the Empire Real Estate Board, Inc., and more than 90 boards nationwide have joined NAREB as local chapters, says Henry.

A current focus, Henry shares, is to help create two million homeowners over the five-year period of 2016 to 2020.

“Empire Board and NAREB will always remain relevant because homeownership will always be a critical medium to having access to a piece of the American pie,” adds Henry.

For more information, visit empireboard.com.

Sharon Henry, William Robie and Michelle Calloway of Empire Board of Realtists.

Perspectives in Architecture

ByMelody L. Harclerode

Melody L. Harclerode AIA, a local architect, directs educational, volunteer, and public programs, and promotes significant historical and natural sites for the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance. (arabiaalliance.org)

Blueprints for Success

Editor’s Note: In this occasional series, Harclerode will highlight libraries built with funding from the 2008 voter-approved Atlanta-Fulton Library Bond Referendum.

During the months leading to the 2008 Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System bond referendum, some residents questioned the value of building new libraries in Fulton County. They wondered if internet access to books and information would make libraries obsolete, particularly with savvy internet users. Despite these concerns, 65 percent of Atlanta-Fulton voters approved the bond referendum. Residents envisioned libraries as centers to serve a multitude of community needs. Since voter approval, eight Atlanta-Fulton Public Libraries have been built, including the award-winning Northwest Library at Scotts Crossing.

The architect team, Collins Cooper Carusi Architects in association with Perkins + Will, found inspiration for its building design from the history of Scotts Crossing, intensive site and neighborhood analysis, and feedback from Fulton County residents during numerous public meetings. The team discovered a community blossoming in the late 1800s from the growth of railroad, agricultural and mill industries. Though decades of a lack of investment, crime and a dwindling population weakened this northwest Fulton County community, the solid mix of affordable housing and convenience to Atlanta has attracted new residents to the area.

Lead design architect, Kenneth Luker, AIA of Perkins+Will, notes, “The design concept is inspired by the overlapping industrial and residential architecture of the Scotts Crossing community. A large, light-filled metal shelter, referencing nearby industrial sheds, serves as a welcoming expression for the library and most of its 25,000 square-foot program. The remainder of the building is clad in wood siding to reference the adjacent residential context.” The design received a 2016 Honor Award from the Georgia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects as well as a LEED Silver rating for sustainable design. At the request of citizens, lightfilled book circulation spaces for adults and children are complemented with a spacious incubator space to support business startups, meeting rooms for community groups, and a music studio offering a unique amenity to nurture talent.

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System Executive Director Dr. Gabriel Morley is driving the library system to deliver innovative offsite library services, such as mobile libraries, into neighborhoods; yet he also embraces innovation for onsite programs. “In the 21st Century, we need to think of the library as a laboratory for ideas,” Morley said. Local residents flock to the new Northwest Library at Scotts Crossing and other new Atlanta-Fulton public libraries, affirming the importance of highly tailored building designs and programs. As the Fulton County leaders consider renovations to existing Atlanta-Fulton Public Libraries such as the Central Library, the new libraries offer a blueprint for success: integrating community needs into the building renovations can ensure the viability of these buildings for decades to come.

Photos by Jonathan Hillyer

The main lobby and checkout area of the Northwest Library.

The childrens’ program room at the Northwest Library.

carmen pope real estate expert

carmen pope

The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports that Georgia State University will build an $80 million student housing tower Downtown at 120 Piedmont Avenue. The 26-story building will have 228 units, some with as many as four bedrooms, housing 650 students.

Georgia State University and its development partners have officially agreed to buy Turner Field to transform the property into an extension of the campus and mixed-use development. Mayor Kasim Reed and city officials made the announcement at The Ted. The

soon-to-be-former Braves stadium will be converted for use by the GSU Panthers football team, while real estate partners Carter and Oakwood Development will build offices, retail, homes, restaurants and more on surrounding property. The $300 million deal is expected to be final before the end of the year.

Related Development (RD) has named its luxury high-rise apartments, located at the corner of 14th and West Peachtree streets, Apogee Midtown. RD’s first Atlanta development will include a commissioned mural from renowned artist Alex Brewer, also known as HENSE . The project will also feature a multi-level flagship Whole Foods Market . The commissioned piece by HENSE will be located on an exterior wall spanning approximately 95 feet high and 63 feet wide. This one-of-akind mixed-media piece will feature 3D elements and colorful abstracts. “The artwork will be a combination of wall painting and sculpture, with large shapes and forms attached to the surface of the building,” said Brewer. “The idea was born from experimenting with threedimensional works in my studio and then considering larger, public pieces, using similar ideas but with different materials.” Slated to open in fall 2017, the project will offer 390 residences over 39 stories. Residents will have direct lobby access to Whole Foods and other planned retailers.

Columbia Ventures officially broke ground in August for the first phase of its transit-oriented development at the Edgewood/Candler Park MARTA station, dubbed Spoke (spokeatl.com), a nod to the site’s unique location and the connectivity it will afford its residents. About a third of the existing south parking lot on La France Street will undergo redevelopment in the first phase, delivering 224 apartment homes in early 2018.

On the Rise

Condo & townhome market surging again Intown

Continued from page 54

development by The Loudermilk Companies, is the first full-service condo building in the heart of Buckhead Village; the 20-story tower with 57 homes will offer expansive outdoor terraces and resort-style amenities.

“The Westside neighborhood will see a great transformation in housing over the next few years,” predicted Schwall. “The area is ripe for development because there are still several tracts of land to be developed, especially townhome communities that can provide an affordable option to build.”

Developments already slated for the Westside include: The Quarter Upper West Side, a Cannon Equities large, mixed-used project that will include over 800 residential units, including townhomes, flats and city homes; and a Pulte project of 228 townhomes designed around a town square setting overlooking a park.

“Midtown is hot. Anything in Inman Park and O4W near the BeltLine is hot,” Kjellgren said. “There have been projects in these areas that never hit the regular market

and builders have been able to sell from signage only.”

She added that some of the buildings in Midtown that were built circa 2006, like Luxe and 905 Juniper, are holding a premium as they’re newer and smaller in scale, so they tend to target a move-up condo buyer or empty nester. “We’re starting to see townhomes sprouting up again, since financing is easier and they tend to have a little more space and privacy than a condo, yet still offer lower maintenance than single family houses.”

Another view of the 98 Fourteenth Street condo building, which would tower over Midtown.

Above: Candler Park’s Flick-Nik, sponsored by the Friends of Candler Park, continues Sept. 17 with “McFarland USA” at dusk. Load up your picnic basket and head to the park for the free show.

Top right: Thrills and Skills on Aug. 3 highlighted The Shepherd Center’s recreational therapy program (l-r, standing) co-chairs Britt Eames and Will Thies talked with athletes and wheelchair rugby players (l-r, seated) Bob Deller, Josh Joines and Marlin Caldwell, during the event.

Bottom right: Thousands attended last month’s Piedmont Park Arts Festival. (Photo by Asep Mawardi)

SANDY SPRINGS - Wonderful Riverside Drive location just inside I-285. Large level, wooded lot. In-ground pool with cabana with wet bar and bathroom, separate shop/studio in large fenced back yard. Kitchen features limestone counter tops, S/S appliances. 3Bed/3.5Bath $695,640 FMLS: 5720131 Cliff Grable 404-452-7751

THE BROOKWOOD - Priced to sell! Featuring a split bedroom floor plan with impressive foyer opens to great room w/floor-to-ceiling windows & wide-plank wood floors. Two large bedrooms with walk-in closets and en suite bathrooms. 2Bed/2.5Bath $729,000

FMLS: 5685016 Lisa O’Connor 404-307-5700

BUCKHEAD - Crisp clean upgraded in Mandarin Oriental. Sweeping views Stone Mountain to downtown. Designer finishes. 2 guest bedrooms w/ private bath. Covered terrace w/ fireplace, 11’ ceilings & hardwood floors. 3Bed/3.5Bath $2,500,000 FMLS: 5719742 Michael Kondalski 404-234-9379

BUCKHEAD/DEFOORS - Private retreat in the trees. Large LR, separate DR, & sunroom. Lots of cabinet storage in the kit & laundry room. Hrdwd floors, walk in closet & private updated bath. Private covered deck. 4Bed/2.5Bath $390,000 FMLS: 5732590 Michael Kondalski 404-234-9379

MORNINGSIDE - Spacious brick home on wide lowmaintenance lot. Just a short stroll from Morningside Elementary. Tastefully updated and renovated.

5Bed/3.5Bath $725,000 FMLS: 5649861

Erin Fye 404-771-9822 or Sally Westmoreland 404-354-4845

MIDTOWN - Penthouse loft, large 1BR, 2 DEEDED PARKING SPACES. Amazing south facing windows with downtown views. Open layout kitchen has stainless appliances, granite counter tops and slate floor through kitchen and bath. 1Bed/1Bath $239,000

FMLS: 5725872 Stephen Simonson 404-326-0876

OLD FOURTH WARD - Custom built gem! Steps to the Beltline. 4 Side Brick, 2 Car Gar, Bright Open Flrpln, extensive molding and hdwds throughout. 10 ft+ ceils on main, 3 fireplaces. Move in ready!

5Bed/4Bath $874,900 FMLS: 5722401 Ed Woods 404-759-9680

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND - Unbelievable 1929 original home as $$ producing fully leased triplex. Original details and craftsman charm throughout! Keep as triplex or convert to single family (easy conversion). 5Bed/3.5Bath $889,500 FMLS: 5720107 Melissa Stratton 404-713-5850

LAKEWOOD HEIGHTS - New Construction

Craftsman style home w/ 9’ ceilings and hardwood flooring on main level, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. 3Bed/2.5 Bath $204,900

FMLS: 5717243

Kirby Young 404-660-2468

DECATUR - Immaculate ‘Stoney River Homes’ customized to provide overly spacious rooms, formal LR, sep DR and large family room w/FP, open kitchen & screened porch. 4Bed/3.5Bath $729,900

FMLS: 5727043 Kathleen Sickeler 404-368-3234 or Erin Fye 404-771-9822

DECATUR - Large Stoney River Home underway! Will be ready early 2017, so now is the time to customize and make it your own! Well thought out floorplan and details! Finished basement with BR/BA and additional family room, 5Bed/4.5 Bath $949,900 FMLS: 5721211

Kathleen Sickeler 404-368-3234

DECATUR - Beautiful recent construction just 3 mi. from downtown Decatur, Oakhurst, East Lake CC and convenient to interstates! Impeccable condition, boasting large master on main and two gracious sized BRs. 3Bed/2.5Bath $284,900 FMLS: 5717877

Sally Westmoreland 404-354-4845

MORNINGSIDE - Restrained elegance in the heart of Morningside. Large formal living & dining room, screened in porch, private backyard, bright and newly updated kitchen. 4Bed/2.5Bath $1,249,000

FMLS: 5733609

Marc Castillo 404-449-6862

MARRIETTA/CLOSE IN - Elegant 4 sided brick on deep lot. Hardwood floors, custom built-ins, and great floorplan for family living or entertaining. Upstairs huge master suite with his & her closets and updated bath.

4Bed/4.5 Bath $459,900 FMLS: 5728927

Sally Westmoreland