Atlanta Intown - December 2017

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

CONTACT US

Editorial

Collin Kelley

INtown Editor

collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

(404) 917-2200, ext. 102

Contributors

Sally Bethea, Kathy Dean, Joe Earle, Melody Harclerode, Grace Huseth, Asep Mawardi, Isadora Pennington, Clare Richie, Tim Sullivan, Megan Volpert

Submissions

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

Advertising

Forinformationcall (404)917-2200ext130.

Sales Executives

Julie Davis

Jeff Kremer

Janet Porter

Jim Speakman

Jan Tassitano

Circulation/ Subscriptions

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

Published By Springs Publishing LLC

Atlanta INtown • Reporter Newspapers

Atlanta Senior Life 6065 Roswell Road, Suite 225 Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Phone: (404) 917-2200

Fax: (404) 917-2201

Steve Levene Founder & Publisher stevelevene@reporternewspapers.net

(404) 917-2200, ext. 111

Amy Arno Director of Sales Development amyarno@reporternewspapers.net

(404) 917-2200, ext. 112

Rico Figliolini

Creative Director rico@reporternewspapers.net

(404) 917-2200, ext. 117

Soojin Yang Graphic Designer soojin@reporternewspapers.net

(404) 917-2200, ext. 123

Deborah Davis Office Manager deborahdavis@reporternewspapers.net

(404) 917-2200, ext. 110

Springs

Enjoy free admission and special programs on the second Sunday of each month. DEC.

Designed for little kids, big kids, and the whole family, Second Sundays are for everyone. Visit us each month and experience new interactive, innovative family activities inspired by our collections and ever-changing exhibitions.

Second Sundays are sponsored by the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation.

Empowering the community in 2018

Just before this issue went to press, I got to see Lady Gaga in concert at Philips Arena. It was a spectacle of hit songs, dance, lasers, multiple stages and avant-garde costumes. What stuck with me, however, is the message of love, hope and acceptance that Gaga spoke about between the songs. As we close out 2017, those sentiments are much-needed but in short supply.

EDITOR’S LETTER

This year has been full of turmoil – from the antics in Washington and the divisiveness it has caused to the ongoing revelations of sexual assault and harassment by once-respected public figures – so it’s easy to get lost in the fog of the 24-hour news cycle and social media. To be honest, it’s been quite depressing.

So, to hear Gaga pause her show on numerous occasions to address these topics and then couch them in an inspirational song was just the salve I needed to end 2017. Her unwavering fight against bullying, supporting the LGBTQ community, and urging her fans to rise above petty politics – but not ignore them when personal rights and freedoms are at stake – was inspirational and empowering. And it also helped to sing “Edge of Glory” and “Bad Romance” at the top of my lungs and awkwardly dance because everyone else was doing it too.

This home is a special opportunity as it is the best valued home in Lake Claire. This classic 1938 Bungalow includes a completely updated kitchen and bathrooms. The home is nestled on an oversized lot overlooking sought-after Lake Claire, neighborhood all within close proximity to Lake Claire Park, Historic Olmsted Park and amazing shops and restaurants. The home still features the original charm completed with modern updates. In pristine move-in condition the home includes a flexible floor plan with two bedrooms that have adjacent full bathrooms on the main floor. Upstairs is complete with a loft and bedroom with a private bathroom as well as a backyard with a walk-out expansive fenced backyard with off-street parking in the back that can be accessed from the driveway.

The new year is shaping up to be another full of political strife as the midterm elections approach. Self-care has never been more important. Going to a concert, reading a book, watching a film, taking a long walk and spending time with like-minded friends have all been remedies for me. I would also encourage volunteering for a nonprofit and becoming more involved in your neighborhood, which means getting to know your neighbors. We need each other more than ever.

Collin Kelley collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

As Atlanta INtown enters its 24th year (and I celebrate my 16th as editor), we pledge to continue to bring you good and inspiring news about your neighbors and your neighborhoods. Those stories are more vital than ever. One of our goals has always been to bring the community together rather than divide them with controversy and “if it bleeds, it leads” style news coverage. Every month, we want to uplift you, empower you, make you proud to call Intown home. We appreciate your readership and the small business owners who spend their hard-earned cash to advertise with us to make INtown a going concern.

And to quote Lady Gaga: Just dance. It’s gonna be okay.

The Neighborhood

Sprucing Up

Woodruff Park, Five Points MARTA station part of Downtown rejuvenation project

By Collin Kelley

Downtown Atlanta is in the early stages of what promises to be a dramatic rejuvenation from the transformation of Underground Atlanta to the filling in the subterranean parking lot called The Gulch with new development – maybe even Amazon’s touted new headquarters.

But right now, it’s a series of small touches that are adding vibrancy and amenities to Downtown, specifically at Woodruff Park and the busy Five Points MARTA station.

Last month, Woodruff Park celebrated the new amenities provided through a Southwest Airlines Heart of the Community grant. The southwest corner of the park now includes movable tables, chairs and umbrellas, planters and updated landscaping.

The focal point of park improvements is the Woodruff Park Game Cart, a brightly-colored mobile activity kiosk filled with recreational supplies, from chess sets and board games to whiffle ball and Frisbees. Park staff, recreation interns and local volunteers maintain the Game Cart’s inventory and assist park visitors with checking out supplies to be used in the gaming area on the gazebo or on the park’s main lawn.

The Atlanta Downtown Improvement District also provided additional staffing support to maintain the park’s day-to-day operations and programming by hiring Ansley Whipple, the Woodruff Park Project Manager, this past spring. Since coming aboard, Whipple has revitalized the park’s free community programs and community partnerships, from the Summer in Woodruff series to the Solar Eclipse Party co-hosted with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. For more about programming in the park, visit WoodruffPark.com.

Just down the street, an effort to soften the monolithic, concrete bunker of the Five Points MARTA station continues with the creation of an eye-catching new mural by artist Ryan Coleman. The 600-foot long mural “Don’t Forget To Dream” brings an energetic pop of color to the acres of grey.

Coleman said he wanted to create a “feeling of optimism” with the mural, which utilizes elements of abstract painting and vintage animation. “I wanted the mural to be uplifting, thought-provoking and whimsical,” Coleman said.

The mural, selected from an open call by Central Atlanta Progress and MARTA, took five weeks to complete. Coleman said interacting with commuters was a highlight of the process. Some liked the mural, some didn’t.

“You can’t please everybody, and that’s fine. I got tremendous response daily from people who would stop and ask questions about the mural. Some were complimentary, some were inquisitive,” Coleman said.

Revitalizing the Five Points MARTA station is one of the main goals of the larger Downtown Atlanta Master Plan, which would see greenspace on top and around the station, decorative lighting that indicates when trains are arriving, retail and art space. You can find out more about the Downtown Atlanta Master Plan at plandowntownatl. com.

Right: The new Game Cart at Woodruff Park.

Below: Ryan Coleman with his mural at Five Points MARTA station.

City completes deal for sale of the Atlanta Civic Center

The Atlanta Housing Authority has officially closed on its purchase of the Atlanta Civic Center in Downtown.

The 19-acre property will become a $300 million mixed-use development with retail, office space and affordable housing. Mayor Kasim Reed said 30 percent of the housing units will be designated as affordable, and the development will also include a Publix supermarket.

Reed said the Atlanta Housing Authority will partner on the project with Weingarten Realty. The $31 million transaction will see the Atlanta Housing Authority acting as lead developer on the housing component, while Weingarten will handle retail and office space. Grades

ON THE AGENDA

MEETINGS

The Atlanta City Council meets Dec. 4 (its only meeting in December) and Jan. 2 at 1 p.m. at City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave. Information: citycouncil. atlantaga.gov.

The Atlanta School Board meets Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m. for presentations and for a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. at 130 Trinity Ave. Information: atlantapublicschools.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

The City of Atlanta has effectively ended veteran homelessness, confirmed recently by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). According to the report from the mayor, 1,859 veterans experiencing homelessness have been placed in permanent housing.

The Atlanta City Council approved legislation that requires developers building new residential rental units near the BeltLine or Westside District to set aside 10 percent of those units as affordable housing

The city will now require all new residential homes and public parking facilities to accommodate electric vehicles.

The U.S. Department of Justice awarded the a $1.9 million grant, which will fund 15 additional Path Force officers to patrol the Atlanta BeltLine.

An ordinance to waive fees for small businesses that open in or relocate to underserved areas has been approved by the Atlanta City Council.

Literacy Project

KPMG donates books to support Refugee Family Literacy

By Clare S. Richie

Parents are their children’s first teachers, so their access to books is critical for building strong reading skills. And for a parent who is studying English as a new language, reading to their child can also help their literacy skills flourish.

That’s why KPMG Family for Literacy (KFFL) teamed up with the DeKalb Library Foundation (DLF) to give the gift of literacy this holiday season to refugee and immigrant families who participate in the Refugee Family Literacy Program (RFLP) in Clarkson. KPMG is the Downtown Atlanta-based business management and consulting firm.

“They donated more than 440 books and 20 winter coats for the children,” Jill Joplin, DLF Executive Director, shared. Familiar titles, like “500 Words to Grow On” and “Richard Scary’s Best Word Book Ever,” were carefully selected to benefit English language learners.

Since 2008, KFFL has distributed over 3.5 million new books to low-income children in 100-plus communities across the United States. This family effort of partners, employees, spouses, alumni, interns and more seeks to develop the next generation of young leaders through reading.

“KPMG is passionate about corporate citizenship, and dedicated to supporting the communities in which we live and work. KPMG’s Family for Literacy provides children from low-income families with their own new books – and in many cases, their very first book,” Paul Benedict, KPMG Senior Manager and DLF Board Member, said.

It’s a perfect gift for the participants at RFLP, refugee and immigrant parents who

lack access to childcare but are intent on learning English. RFLP’s first location is walking distance to the Clarkston Library and serves 90 moms, ranging from pre-literate to educated and multi-lingual, and 110 children less than five years old.

“While moms learn English upstairs, their children are also engaged in early education –language, fine motor skills, social emotional learning – so they can hit the ground running with teachers and students in kindergarten,” RFLP Director Jennifer Green said.

At the end of the morning, moms and their children “come together for songs and activities to reinforce what they learned in class, and end with a parent reading to their child or engaging their child with a book,” Green added.

The foundation’s long relationship with RFLP made them the obvious recipient choice for the KFFL book donation.

Once a month, RFLP accompanies parents to the Clarkston Library to make sure parents have a library card, introduce to them to staff, show them ELL resources and

children’s books, and promote story time. DeKalb County Library employees visit RFLP’s location to help with activities during parent/child time.

Last year, library employees volunteered for a service project to transform an RFLP classroom into a library. They’re eager to do a similar project at RFLP’s recently opened second location.

“They’re great partners – we’re so fortunate to have them,” Green said.

That was evident at the Clarkston Family Read Along on Nov. 17, as refugee families received books from KFFL at the Clarkston Library. Families were given a book bag to decorate with their children along with free books to take home. KFFL volunteers who attended pitched in with the crafts and read with the families.

“We have such gratitude for both KPMG and DLF. The library is a beautiful place where many different people from different backgrounds have access to resources. I love that our parents have access to that and now books to keep at home,” Green said.

Boom! Georgia Dome disappears after 25 years

Nearly 5,000 pounds of explosives were used to bring down the Georgia Dome on Nov. 20 just after 7:30 a.m. The sound of the implosion could be heard all over Intown as the 25-year-old stadium collapsed.

Located just next door to the newly opened Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Dome opened in 1992 as the new home of the Atlanta Falcons and also hosted events for the 1996 Summer Olympics, the Super Bowl and big concerts like U2 and Taylor Swift.

Once the remains of the Dome are cleared away, the site will be transformed into The Home Depot Backyard, a greenspace providing community programming, a new parking deck and a convention center hotel.

– Photos by Asep Mawardi

Volunteers at the Clarkston Family Read Along event.

Are you ready to rumble…errr… wrestle?

My grandmother was quick to point out a lazy kid when she saw one. If you weren’t sweeping a floor or cleaning out a garage you were essentially useless. Watching professional wrestling, however, got a pass.

TIMMY DADDY

By Tim Sullivan

Occasionally, she would plunk down on the couch next to me as I watched Rowdy Roddy Piper, Jimmy Superfly Snuka and Sargent Slaughter as a kid. If George the Animal Steele started gnawing on a turnbuckle she might throw a potato at the TV.

Nan was from a tiny little village called Ballydehob in County Cork, Ireland. In the center of town there stands a statue of her cousin, a storied champion professional wrestler named Danno O’Mahony. He was plucked from rural obscurity and groomed to be an international wrestling superstar in the 1930’s. His signature move, the Irish Whip, is still employed to

HEALTH BRIEFS

Prevent Blindness Georgia hosted its inaugural “Night for Sight” at the Atlanta History Center in November, raising over $210,000. The evening, emceed by WSB meteorologist Brad Nitz, honored Dr. Tom Harbin with the Scott Pastor Person of Vision Award.

this day.

So, basically, my family is wrestling royalty, or something.

The City of Atlanta has entered the next phase of its pilot program with the World Economic Forum to improve outcomes and reduce costs for patients suffering with heart failure. More than one hundred representatives from healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, public sector organizations, pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies and academic institutions gathered at City Hall in November and signed a letter of intent for the pilot program. Over the past seven months, the experts have identified the barriers to managing patients in Atlanta suffering from heart failure and have

Now Elliott is 10 and I guess it is a rite of passage because the wrestling bug has bitten my son as well. I had to subscribe to the WWE network and after much badgering we bought tickets to a Monday Night Raw event at Phillips Arena for the whole family. Our friends couldn’t make it so we had two extra tickets and Kristen put them on the neighborhood listserv. Ever the salesman, her post read something like “Ugh. We have to go to this awful WWE wrestling thing at Phillips and have two extra tickets. Anyone?” I would have at least said “are you ready to rummbbulllll?” I think that’s boxing but c’mon, these tickets weren’t cheap!

The Fighting Sullivans: Elliott (top) and Irish wrestling champ Danno O’Mahony (below).

and the smack talk must be edited for TV. I actually felt bad for the actors as they ran out of superlatives for how they plan to destroy their upcoming opponents. And it is all about the upcoming opponent because the program dedicates about half of the evening promoting the next event on the WWE network to make sure everyone subscribes.

upstage Brock Lesnar and his “advocate” Paul Heyman. Now, Paul Heyman isn’t even a wrestler. He’s just a guy who gets in the ring and grandstands about another guy for a living. But he eviscerated the poor fool who had just proposed. If she was a Lesnar fan, I’d have to guess she said no.

Let me be clear—it may have been the dumbest thing I have ever spent money on and this is coming from a guy who has purchased Wubble Bubble Balls. Watching the match live, the moves in the ring look remarkably fake

I think it is safe to say that most of the people there already subscribe. I saw grown men wearing their own replica championship belts. I saw people boo “villains” about as nuanced as Gargamel. Some guy proposed to his girlfriend in an effort to

There is something to be said about the athleticism of these oversized stuntmen. They are athletic freaks for sure and it is easy to see the appeal they have to kids. But I think I’d rather be forced to watch those ridiculous videos of adults opening toys on YouTube while listening to Fitz and the Tantrums. Wrestling fandom is clearly beyond me. I escaped to the concession stands at one point and asked the vendor—do you get the appeal? She said “nah, but my mom used to have it on all the time. Her favorite was the Junkyard Dog.”

I don’t know how closely this event would resemble the ones Uncle Danno starred in. Apparently in the 1930’s, wrestling events drew bigger crowds in Boston and New York than baseball games. I like to think the line between a staged event and true sport was perhaps a little more blurred back then but I suppose every spectacle needs an audience right? If Mary Ellen O’Mahony Sullivan could enjoy something as useless as phony professional wrestling, I suppose anybody could.

worked on solutions. Many organizations, including Grady Health System, Wellstar Health System, Emory Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Morehouse Healthcare, Humana, Centene Corporation, UnitedHealthcare, Georgia Health Information Network, Georgia Department of Public Health and DeKalb County Board of Health have signed a letter of intent to jointly implement the solutions over the next five years. The Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement and the American Heart Association will co-lead the project.

Positive Impact Health Centers has moved from Midtown to Decatur at 523 Church Street. Since the 2015 merger of AID Gwinnett and Positive Impact, the organization has grown by 78 percent. The new space will better accommodate the rapid growth in patients, services and programming needs for the Atlanta community. The expansion will also provide the square footage for an in-house pharmacy for patients, opening in the near future.

To improve the patient experience and patient outcomes, Positive Impact Health Centers partnered with the SimTigrate Design Lab at Georgia Tech to design the new space with a client-centered floor plan to keep with the organization’s mission of client-centered care for the HIV community. This new layout will help improve patient outcomes and viral

load suppression rates by reducing patient frustrations, improving coordination and communication of care between departments, and increasing the amount of patient-provider interactions.

“As a leader in client-centered HIV care,

will also be moving to a new facility in November 2017. Stay up-to-date on both moves through positiveimpacthealthcenters. org. The same expert care and outreach will occur in both new spaces.

we are excited about the new location and client-centered designed space. After an exhaustive search of Midtown, the agency could not find a location to accommodate the square footage and transportation needs of patients. Decatur was found to have the next highest zip code of those served by the agency,” said Larry M. Lehman, CEO, President, Positive Impact Health Centers. The Midtown Center will close on Wednesday Sept. 20th and will re-open to the public in Decatur on Tuesday, Sept. 26th. For immediate assistance during the move, patients can call the Duluth Center (770) 962-8396. The Duluth Center

HomeAid Atlanta completed three HomeAid Care Days in support of Covenant House Georgia. Care Days, a HomeAid outreach initiative, are volunteerpowered workdays providing free-of-charge repairs and upgrades for homeless service provider facilities. Covenant House Georgia (CHG) serves Atlanta youth experiencing homelessness. Volunteers helped build a meditation garden, built a swing, fixed water drainage issues, painted and cleared overgrown landscape as part of their services days.

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.

Places in Peril

Two Atlanta sites make Georgia Trust’s endangered list

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation has released its 2018 list of 10 Places in Peril in the state, and two of them are in Atlanta. Here is the text on both places in peril released by the Georgia Trust:

Olmsted Linear Park Properties

At the turn of the 20th century, renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, most known for designing NYC’s Central Park, laid out Atlanta’s Druid Hills neighborhood and adjoining linear park with his sons. Although the houses in Atlanta’s Druid Hills Historic District are protected because they are in a locally designated landmark district, Olmsted’s original plan is threatened with being subdivided. As Olmsted’s last major suburb to retain its original lot configurations and open spaces, Druid Hills has been called “the finest example of late 19th and early 20th century comprehensive planning and development in the Atlanta area, and one of the finest period suburbs in the Southeast” by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

National Library Bindery Company

Designed in 1929 by noted Atlanta architects A. Ten Eyck Brown and Alfredo Barili, Jr., the National Library Bindery Company was the Southeast’s first library bindery and is one of the oldest remaining structures on Peachtree Road. Today the building is home to Peachtree Battle Antiques. The building is threatened by demolition. In 2016, the building’s owner, Branch Properties, received approval for the construction of a new apartment building at the corner of Terrace Drive and Peachtree Road. The plan called for the demolition of several buildings, including the bindery. A demolition permit was issued by the City of Atlanta later that year. While Branch Properties later agreed to save an undetermined amount of the façade, nothing is certain at this point.

“This is the Trust’s thirteenth annual Places in Peril list,” said Mark C. McDonald, president and CEO of the Trust, in a media statement. “We hope the list will continue to bring preservation solutions to Georgia’s imperiled historic resources by highlighting ten representative sites.”

Places in Peril is designed to raise awareness about Georgia’s significant historic, archaeological and cultural resources, including buildings, structures, districts, archaeological sites and cultural landscapes that are threatened by demolition, neglect, lack of maintenance, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy.

To see the full list, visit georgiatrust.org.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS

“In-town Community Academy, Inc. d/b/a Legacy Community Academy-Atlanta, will admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis or race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.”

“ School should be a place one looks forward to going in the morning and is somewhat reluctant to leave at the end of the day .”

Dr. Newt Hodgson - Paideia Self Study, 1980

• Do

or leak when you sneeze, cough or exercise?

• Have you ever

quite made it” to the bathroom on time?

Pet Picks

We told Benji he has the best smile in the shelter, and he got all bashful and quiet, thinking we might be flirting with him. But, it’s true! Check out those pearly whites! He likes people, especially those who aren’t all rush-rush-rush and will take the time to stop and say hello. Benji settles down nicely the second you get him out. If you’re taking him for a walk, even better; the trail is his happy place. To adopt Benji, visit PAWS Atlanta at pawsatlanta.org or drop by the shelter at 5287

Macy’s Tree Lighting

R&B star CeeLo Green headlined the Lighting of Macy’s Great Tree at Lenox Square in Buckhead. Photos by Asep Mawardi.

ofLighting Atlantic Station

A parade, a visit from Santa Claus, the opening of the ice skating rink and the lighting of the big Christmas Tree were highlights of Atlantic Station’s annual holiday kickoff. Photos by Asep

Mawardi.

Shop Small for the Holidays

A shopping guide for local, artisan gifts

By Isadora Pennington

‘Tis the season for holiday celebrations, which often means the exchange of gifts. The concept behind giving gifts is a compassionate one. By paying attention to your friends’ and families’ wants and needs, you can show them that you care and bring a smile to their faces.

Of course, finding the perfect gift has its own challenges. Personally, I try to source as many gifts as I can from small and independent shops that carry products made by local artisans. When you shop locally, you support not only the business owners and their families but also the craftspeople and artists who pour their hearts and talents into their creations. Your money goes right back into the local economy and helps to support your community.

I visited some of my favorite independent shops and compiled this guide full of items for your consideration. Whether you are buying for a fashionista, an occultist, a foodie, a pottery-lover or a kid, there’s something for everyone from these local shops.

COCO + MISCHA

Boutique featuring handmade and local goods as well as vintage clothing and accessories.

Ponce City Market

675 Ponce De Leon Ave., cocoandmischa.com.

1} Amano Trading Snake Chain Pendant, $32

2} A Sensible Habit Ceramic Earrings, $55

3} Neck Shirt Earrings, $45

4} Rouge & Rye Face & Body Soap paired with Amelia BK Ceramic Soap Dish, $20

5} Admiral Row Skinny Tie, $36

6} Margaret Vera Medium Wallet, $26

2 3 4 5 6

the beehive

Eclectic boutique filled with locally sourced accessories, clothing, decor and food items.

1250 Caroline St., thebeehiveatl.com.

1} Peach or Plum Floral ATL Mug, $16

2} Galberry Honey, C&S Honey Supply, $13

3} Faerie Wren Pouch, $14

4} ĂBÉNĂ Clutch, $34

5} Travis Woods Cutting Board, $28

6} Daddy-O Cedarwood + Spruce

2 in 1 Olive Oil Soap by Mama Bath & Body, $9

7} Smash the Patriarchy Pin by PaperBonesAtl, $8

8} Bliss Bath Soak, $6

9} Stamped Atlanta Leather Coaster by Climb Home, $12

10} EAV Koozie by Concrete Lace, $5

1 2 3 4 6

Modern Mystic Shop

Metaphysical supply shop selling crystals, candles, apothecary items, tarot decks and accessories.

675 Ponce de Leon Ave., modernmysticshop.com.

1} Hand Tea Towel by Native Bear, $24

2} The Wild Unknown Tarot Keepsake Box Cards & Book Set, $40

3} Small

4}

5}

3 4 5 6

Paris on Ponce

A sprawling shop featuring more than 30 boutique stalls as well as handmade furniture, eclectic decor, local goods and original artwork.

716 Ponce de Leon Place, parisonponce.com.

1} Small, Old Dirty Type Atlanta Neighborhoods Sign, $55

2} Joe King Gold ATL Shirt, $25.15

3} Old Dirty Type Dirty South Leather Flask, $32

4} Pocket Supply Goods Frontier Beard Balm, Hair Tamer and Cologne Stick, $18

5} Pocket Supply Goods Dockside Scented Cologne, Beard Balm, Hair Tamer Tin, $15

6} Clay Necklace by Melting Sun Apparel, $22.50

7} Earrings by Melting Sun Apparel, $36.50

Young Blood Boutique

Hip, modern boutique showcasing unique jewelry, bath products, decor and ceramics.

632 N. Highland Ave., youngbloodboutique.com.

1} Drippy White Mug by Brian Giniewski, $60

Treehouse Kid & Craft Atlanta

Kids’ shop and creative space stocked with toys, clothes, games, books and more.

533 W. Howard Ave., Decatur, treehousekidandcraft.com.

1} Atlanta Cap Collaboration by Treehouse and The Small Object, $15

2} Cacti Brooches by Meri Meri, $16

3} Theo, Large Lovie by BlaBla, $58

4} Eco}Crayons 5 Pack by eco-kids, $6

5} Snow Fox Organic Fabric Teething Ring by Apple Park, $12

6} The Wonderful Adventures of Nils, $19.95

7} Wandering Mom Teething Ring in Pink, $15

9}

10}

Continued on Page 20

8} Animambo Butterfly Maracas, $5

Wandering Mom Booty Balm, $11

Shivers the Penguin Fabtronic Sewing Set by Teknikio, $24

2} Black and White Dish by Hanna Bould, $22

3} 004 Cup by Charlotte Smith Studios, $40

4} 009 Bowl by Charlotte Smith Studios, $28

Stars Ornament by Xenia Taler, $24

Hand Thrown Pots with Mini Succulents by Rose Grown, $12 / $16 / $16

7} Kara Incense Holder by Xenia Taler, $24

Floral & White Smudge Stick by Catherine Rising, $19

Modern Mystic Shop Clearing Candle, $20

Purple Divination Modern Mystic Shop Ritual Candle, $1

6} Pocket Full of Luck Crystal Collection, $12

Criminal Records

Record store carrying a large selection of new and used records, CDs, cassettes, zines, comic books, and toys. 1154 Euclid Ave., criminalatl.com.

1} Loveless Cupid Comic Book, $9.99

2} Tuskegee Heirs Flames of Destiny Comic Book, $9.99

3} Small Reactions RXN LP, $13.99

4} Pudge Wall Art by Red Rocket Farms, $34.99

5} The Omnificent Outkast Comic Book, $14.99

6} Wieuca Guilt Complex CD, $6.99

7} The Head Space CD, $7.99

8} Faye Webster (2017) CD, $14.99

9} Sadistic Ritual Edge of the Knife Cassette Tape, $6.99

10} Mattiel CD, $14.99

11} Floral Print Woo Cassette Tape, $5.99

The Shave Barbershop

Modern barbershop which carries a variety of beard and hair products. 630 N. Highland Ave., theshavebarber.com.

1} Uppercut Deluxe Pomade, $22

2} Reuzel Grease Medium Hold Pomade, $18

3} Bully Barber Co. Salty Dog Texture Spray, $20

4} Slick & Destroy Uppercut Comb, $10

DASH IN & LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS

5} Beard Envy Beard Care Trio, $25

6} Bully Barber Co. Tobacco Vanilla Beard Oil, $20

7} Uppercut Mo Wax, $14

8} The Handbook of Style, $16.95

9} Mahoney’s Beard Brew Tin, $20

Through Dec. 31, stop by either of ElectroBike Georgia’s two locations and save $500 when you purchase an ElectroBike Dash plus an ElectroBike Light. Both models are ideal for bicycle commuters and recreational cyclists. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Brookhaven Police Department’s “Shop with a Badge” holiday event.

Beltline ElectroBike Sales and Rentals 660 Irwin Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30312 www.BeltlineBikeRentals.com

ElectroBike Georgia 2484 Briarcliff Road Brookhaven, GA 30329

Grant program helps small businesses on MLK Jr. Drive

The grant recipients are:

� Latifah Allah, Unity Hair Salon;

� Terrance Barron, University Barbershop;

� Khadijah Baynes, The Beauty Industry;

� Phoebe Dawson, Alfonzo Dawson Mortuary, Inc.;

� Kenneth Dean, All-Pro Insurance Agency;

� Marion Hargett, Jamal’s Buffalo Wings;

� Imani Maisonelt, Imani’s Too Hair & More Salon;

� Edward Martin, Murden’s Barber Shop;

� Jaseph Moultrie, Jr., Aesthetic Ink & Design;

� Dr. Charles Nichols, Alphia Health & Wellness Solutions;

� Corey Reeves, Aldridge Services, Inc.;

� Hope Stoney, Hope Health & Wellness Center;

� Andrew Taylor, Pro Cuts ATL; and

� Pauline Warrior, Warnun Industries, Ltd.

of our grant recipients, and look forward to the changes and improvements they make with the support of the MLK Ignite Capital Grant.”

The 14 winners of the MLK Ignite Capital Grant program, which awards $100,000 to small businesses located on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, was revealed by Mayor Kasim Reed during a ceremony in November.

Reed directed Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development arm, to create the grant program as part of the city’s overall efforts to revitalize the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Corridor. The 14 small businesses will receive $5,000-$10,000 each to meet their immediate, short-term needs, such as building

façade upgrades, property improvements and equipment purchases.

“The street honoring Dr. King’s legacy in Atlanta should and will be one of the most attractive, vibrant and important streets in our city,” Reed said. “By investing in small businesses along the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Corridor, we are supporting the women and men who have supported their communities for years. These businesses offer local residents more choices to shop, dine and work closer to home. I congratulate each one

Family time WITHOUT PAIN.

Each small business was required to provide 30 percent of the cost of the capital investment they proposed to make for their business. The grant award covered the remaining 70 percent of the capital cost. The grant funds come from the $10 million federal TIGER VII grant awarded to the City of Atlanta in August 2016, and is the centerpiece of the $35 million renovation to improve safety and mobility and promote economic development along more than seven miles of this this historic street.

“The future strength and equity of Atlanta’s economy depend largely on making

effective investments in commercial corridors like MLK Drive,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “The work we’re doing to support businesses through this program goes hand in hand with our economic growth strategies to increase small business activity and provide access to retail amenities in target areas throughout the city.”

The MLK Capital Ignite Grants were funded through the Economic Opportunity Fund for Business Retention and Expansion, approved by the Atlanta City Council in November 2016. Under the leadership of Mayor Reed, the Invest Atlanta board of directors gave final approval for the funding in August 2017.

Mayor Kasim Reed with grant recepients City Hall

BUSINESS BRIEFS

The below street level dead zone of parking adjacent to Philips Arena known as The Gulch is being touted as prime space for Amazon’s new headquarters complex, according to a report from the Atlanta Business Chronicle. An Oct. 30 filing with the city could suggest the groundwork is being laid at the Downtown property for Amazon’s $5 billion HQ2. An undisclosed party has filed plans to develop 9.3 million square feet of office, 1 million square feet of retail space, a 1,500-room hotel and 2,100 apartments at the site.

Polsinelli has been named “Law Firm of the Year” in Health Care by U.S. News & World Report in its 2018 “Best Law Firms” list.

Kroger’s Atlanta Division recently donated 17 pallets of apparel and shoes to the United Way of Greater Atlanta. The donation will support the United Way as it continues its mission of providing resources to improve the well-being of children, families and individuals in the community.

Phipps Plaza in Buckhead is about to grow again with the addition of a luxury Nobu Hotel and restaurant, office tower and fitness center. The hotel will have 150 rooms, a rooftop pool, corporate conference space and spa facilities. Nobu Atlanta restaurant, known for its new style Japanese cuisine, will open in a 10,000 square foot space. The new development will also feature a 90,000 square-foot Life Time fitness center, a 12-story office tower and more restaurants to be announced in the future. The expansion will take place at the north end of the mall, which means that Belk department store will have to close next summer. Phipps Plaza will remain open through the construction process, which will continue until 2020.

Hyatt Regency Atlanta has dedicated a 1,600 sq. ft. luxury suite overlooking its famous atrium lobby in honor of Civil Rights icon Coretta Scott King, who was a regular guest of the Downtown hotel. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference meeting in August 1967 – attended by Mrs. King and her husband Martin Luther King Jr. – was the second event the hotel ever hosted.

Larkin on Memorial in Grant Park will be home to Vibe Ride’s second studio and first franchise. The indoor cycling studio focuses on high-energy, motivating workouts paired with music videos and live DJs. For more information, visit larkinonmemorial.com.

CapTech, a national IT management consulting firm, expects to create 100 jobs by the end of 2018 in Atlanta, up from its original estimate of 50 as announced in 2016. Additionally, CapTech just relocated its expanded operations to a new 6,100 sq. ft. location in Midtown.

Synovus Bank has opened a new branch at the Station R apartment complex and retail center at 144 Moreland Ave., across the street from the Edgewood Retail District. QUICK QUICK newsagent and boutique bodega will open its first location on the first floor of Ponce City Market. Run by Jarrod Hunter Levine, the bodega will offer over 50 international arts, culture, fashion, design and lifestyle periodicals, as well as a few staple daily newspapers, along with a selection of drinks, snacks, household and dry goods, toiletries, convenience items and other sundries.

Tis the Season for Parties

For All Walks of Life

Go Green

Sustainability � Recycling � Lifestyle

Selling America’s natural heritage?

During this season of giving thanks, the natural beauty, history and cultural resources preserved in our national parks have been on my mind – inspired by recent visits to a dozen exceptional parks from Georgia and North Carolina to Utah, California and Hawaii.

I am so thankful for the leadership of people like naturalist and author John Muir and President Teddy Roosevelt, both eloquent and persistent advocates for public land. One hundred years ago, Roosevelt knew that protecting forests and wild places was as important to the future of our country as having a strong military. He acted on that vision by setting aside hundreds of thousands of acres of national forest lands and spectacular landscapes.

A few months ago, I stood on Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park where, in 1903, Muir and Roosevelt gazed down into the valley, observing a scene that I could still see today: the Merced River flowing through meadows after plunging down Nevada and Vernal Falls. During the four days that the men spent together, they discussed how to preserve iconic landscapes, like Yosemite, from development and for the enjoyment of everyone, not just a wealthy few.

Their conversations and actions, and those of other visionaries, led to what has been called “America’s best idea”: a system of national parks, monuments, seashores, recreation areas, historic battlefields and other places now totaling more than 80 million acres. Last year, millions of people across the country celebrated the Centennial of the National Park Service, the agency within the U.S. Department of Interior that is charged with protecting and promoting the 417 units in the park system.

This year has presented a very different attitude from our national government. Celebration has given way to real and justifiable fear that the current administration in Washington wants to sell pieces of our natural heritage to the highest bidder, really any

bidder. Harmful proposals have been put forth: to significantly reduce the Park Service’s already meager budget and make bone-deep staffing cuts; to reduce the size of some national monuments; and to make our parks less accessible for the average American by tripling entrance fees.

Appointed by President Trump last spring, Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke calls himself a Teddy Roosevelt conservationist, a laughable comparison, although Zinke does dress like TR in his outdoor apparel.

In April, Zinke ordered a sweeping review of 27 national monuments that were designated or expanded using Teddy Roosevelt’s 1906 Antiquities Act. His stated goal: to identify federal lands to open up for drilling, mining and grazing – lands legally protected as part of our country’s heritage. Despite receiving nearly three million letters from citizens opposed to reducing protections for national parks, Zinke recommended, in September, that the administration significantly shrink four national monuments and modify half a dozen others.

More recently, Zinke proposed to raise entrance fees at 17 of the most-visited national parks from $25 to $70 per vehicle during peak, summer months: places like Grand Teton, Glacier, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Shenandoah and Acadia national parks. The Secretary said that the fee hike would help fix the Park Service’s $12 billion maintenance backlog. However, the Interior Department estimates that the increases would boost revenue by just $70 million per year, while President Trump has proposed slashing the Park Service budget by $400 million next year.

Undoubtedly, the increasing dependence on higher user fees will price out working class people, young people and others from America’s public lands, while failing to provide sufficient funding to fix the maintenance backlog problem.

Are these proposed actions the initial steps to a larger dismantling of Roosevelt’s public lands legacy? Is the real goal to shift responsibility for park and forest financing away from the public to private entities and commercial enterprises? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, get outside and enjoy our national treasures while you can and support the national park system by volunteering, joining park friends groups and taking action.

Visit the National Parks Conservation Association website at npca.org to take action on the proposed park fee increase by the Dec. 22 comment deadline. Help the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, one of three national park units in metro Atlanta, by supporting its friends group, Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy, at chattahoocheparks.org.

Give thanks. Show your park love.

Teddy Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir on Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, 1903.

ECO BRIEFS

The Captain Planet Foundation’s Benefit Gala will be held on Friday, Dec. 8 at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta from 6 to 9:30 p.m. “Avengers” actor Mark Ruffalo will receive the Superhero for Earth award. Single tickets are $750, $1,500 per couple, and corporate tables start at $5,000. The charitable evening will raise funds for the Foundation’s programs, which promote and support hands-on environmental education projects in K-12 schools in all 50 states and 25 other countries. Funds will also support Project Learning Garden, which is over halfway to its goal of having a learning garden in 525 City of Atlanta, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett public elementary schools by 2020. For more information or tickets, visit captainplanetfoundation.org/benefitgala.

Bring One for the Chipper, the state’s annual Christmas tree recycling program, will gear up after the holidays. Each year, Keep Georgia Beautiful works with private sponsors to organize the recycling event. The Chipper program involves hundreds of Georgia communities and thousands of volunteers. Since its inception, the program has recycled an estimated 6 million Christmas trees. The mulch from these trees has been used for playgrounds, local government beautification projects and individual yards. To find out where to drop off your tree, visit keepgeorgiabeautiful.org.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Downtown Atlanta has been recognized as the first professional sports stadium in the world to achieve LEED Platinum certification – the highest level of certification possible for a sustainable building.

WSB-TV and The Trust for Public Land has named Stephen Causby as Atlanta’s 2017 Cox Conserves Hero. Park Pride, Causby’s nonprofit beneficiary, received $10,000. Causby led the grassroots transformation of an overgrown lot on English Avenue. The lot is now boasting picnic areas, garden beds, a mural, a playground, newly sodded play fields and a brand-new community center. The two runners-up will each received $5,000 for their nonprofits of choice. Michelle Rice selected East Atlanta Community Association as her nonprofit of choice; Dale Higdon chose Georgia Piedmont Land Trust.

Atlanta Audubon Society has received a $20,000 grant plus $20,000 in matching funds to restore bird-friendly habitat at the Land O’ Lakes unit of Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Fulton County. The project is funded by Southern Company, the parent company of Georgia Power, and the U.S. Forest Service through a 2017 Five Star and Urban Waters grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The goal is to create bird-friendly, native, urban habitat that provides quality foraging, nesting and stopover habitat. A total of three acres will be restored along Mill Creek, part of the Peachtree Creek watershed.

The Decatur Housing Authority and the City of Decatur were recently honored by Southface Energy Institute and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association with the 2017 Partner of the Year Award at the annual EarthCraft Celebration of Excellence event. DHA and the City of Decatur recently worked in partnership to develop Trinity Walk, an innovative affordable housing community in the heart of Decatur. The Trinity Walk apartments were constructed to EarthCraft green building specifications.

Mark Ruffalo

The Studio

Arts & Culture

Merry & Bright

Holiday events happening all over Intown

By Kathy Dean and Collin Kelley

The holiday events calendar is huge, so we rounded up some big and small events that will appeal to different ages, interests and tastes. Be sure to visit AtlantaINtownPaper.com for even more holiday events.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 10, 3 p.m. The ASO Christmas concert is a tradition for many Atlanta families. The orchestra and chorus perform beloved Christmas carols and hymns, along with their special guests, the Gwinnett Young Singers and the Morehouse Glee Club. Tickets start at $20. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta 30309. Find out more at atlantasymphony.org.

ATLANTA SANTA SPEEDO RUN

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m. The 9th annual Atlanta Santa Speedo Run will benefit Bert’s Big Adventure this year. Hundreds of runners will gather at Hudson Grille in Midtown to run a mile in their Speedos and holiday-inspired swimwear. Registration is open at atlantasantaspeedorun.org.

INVASION: CHRISTMAS CAROL AT DAD’S GARAGE

Dec. 1 to 30, 8 p.m. Head to the Old Fourth Ward for a night of wacky holiday improv, where the script is flipped on the Dickens’ classic and anything can happen. For tickets and information, visit dadsgarage.com.

THE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 8 to 28. The Atlanta Ballet presents the holiday classic that delights all audiences, the young and the young at heart. Tickets go from $25 to $129. Performed at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta 30308. Purchase tickets and get info at atlantaballet.com.

HOLIDAY ORGAN CONCERT AND SING-ALONG

Tuesday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. This year’s annual concert features the original version of the 1947 film “Miracle on 34th Street.” Tickets start at $2.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta 30308. Go to foxtheatre.org for tickets.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING MARKET

Sunday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Local artisans will be on hand at the Yaarab Temple (400 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta 30308) for the annual Indie Craft Experience (ICE) show. If you’re looking for original, one-of-a-kind art, gifts and more, this event is not to be missed. If you do manage to miss it, you can still shop through Dec. 23 at the ICE headquarters in Candler Park, 1390 McLendon Ave., Atlanta 30307. For more information, visit ice-atlanta.com.

MENORAH LIGHTING & HANUKKAH CELEBRATION

Tuesday, Dec. 12-Thursday, Dec. 14, 5:15-6 p.m. Everyone is invited to enjoy three days of Hanukkah celebrations at Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA). Each night features songs followed by the lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah and a short performance. Complimentary sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and hot chocolate are offered. Free and open to the community and MJCCA members. MJCCA Zaban Park campus, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody 30338. Get information at atlantajcc.org, or contact Rabbi Glusman at 678-812-4161.

BONFIRE & MARSHMALLOW ROAST

A VIVALDI CHRISTMAS

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. The Choral Guild of Atlanta presents Vivaldi’s Gloria and Magnificat with string quartet. Tickets are $15; discounted senior and student tickets are available at the door. Northside Drive Baptist Church, 3100 Northside Dr., Atlanta 30305. Go to cgatl.org for additional info.

Thursday, Dec. 14, 7-8 p.m. Roast a marshmallow around a roaring 10-foot by 10-foot bonfire blazing in Decatur Square. The event is free, but reservations are recommended, through freshtix.com, so plenty of marshmallows are available. Get more info at visitdecaturgeorgia.com.

CANDLELIGHT NIGHTS

Fridays, Dec. 15 & 22, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to stroll through the beautifully decorated gardens and grounds of the Atlanta History Center and enjoy a lively Christmas Market. Holiday traditions come alive in the three historic houses—the Wood Family Cabin, Swan House and Smith Family Farm. $20 for adults, $15 for members and $10 for children. Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta 30305. Find out more at atlantahistorycenter.com.

DECATUR SQUARE CANDLE LIGHTING & HANUKKAH PARTY

Monday, Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m. Celebrate the Festival of Lights with the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) Intown and Chabad Intown for a special Menorah Lighting in Decatur Square. There’ll be songs, holiday crafts, latkes and jelly donuts. Free. Open to MJCCA members and the community. Decatur Square, 115 Sycamore St., Decatur 30030. Contact Lauren Chekanow at 678-812-4107 or visit atlantajcc.org for details.

CHRISTMAS AT CALLANWOLDE

Through Dec. 12, 12-8 p.m. daily. The historic mansion and grounds are decked out in holiday finery. There are self-guided tours of the elaborately decorated home, an artists’ market, performances and more. Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta 30306. For tickets and info, go to callanwolde.org.

THE RINK AT PARK TAVERN

Through Feb. 19. The Rink at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park offers all day skate sessions, birthday parties for kids, a New Year’s Eve party and more. Park Tavern, 500 10th St., Atlanta 30309. Information available at parktavern.com.

HOLIDAY IN THE PARK AT SIX FLAGS

Through Jan. 3. Head west on I-20 to Six Flags, which will be decked out in more than a million lights and festive decorations for the holiday season. There will also be special rides, events and shows. To see the calendar and buy tickets, visit sixflags.com.

DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN

Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. The annual New Year’s Eve party returns to the Southern Exchange at 200 Peachtree featuring bands, DJs, open bar, food and more. Visit downtowncountdown.net/ atlanta for tickets and more information.

NOON YEAR’S EVE AT FERNBANK

Sunday, Dec. 31, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fernbank will host its fourth annual familyfriendly New Year’s Eve celebration for kids with music, special party favors for the first 1,000 children, and a balloon drop of prehistoric proportions at noon. The popular event caters to youngsters who cannot always celebrate past bedtime. To purchase tickets in advance, visit fernbankmuseum.org.

Candlelight Nights

December 15th & 22nd 5:30–9:30pm

Peachtree Presbyterian Church 3434 Roswell Rd NW Atlanta, GA 30305

Shuttle service and childcare provided for most services. For more details: peachtreechurch.org

Holidays for the Kids

Some of the best kid-friendly spots in Atlanta

By Joe Earle

The holidays are here, which means it’s time for family visits. Wondering what to do when the grandkids arrive? Here are five places in metro Atlanta you could take them to get them out of the house and away from their phones.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA ▲

The museum offers hands-on exhibits designed to promote problem-solving, creative thinking and artistic expression. Kids can launch rockets, visit a magical forest or climb through layers of the Earth. Most exhibits are aimed at ages 6 months to 9 years, although some are intended just for toddlers.

LOCATION: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta 30313

HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Wednesdays and Christmas Day.

TICKETS: $15.95 plus tax. Last ticket sold 30 minutes prior to closing.

MORE INFORMATION: childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Happy Holidays

ZOO ATLANTA ▲

See lions, tigers and pandas, oh my! And giraffes and gorillas and even an elephant or two. You can walk a treetop trail to get a bird’s-eye view of the zoo. Or, on Dec. 2 or Dec. 3, share a cookie with Santa. A separate event, Jungle Bells on Dec. 2, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., includes Christmas songs and hot cocoa.

LOCATION: 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta 30315

HOURS: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m.

TICKETS: $21.99 for seniors aged 65 or older; $25.99 for people aged 12 to 64; $17.99 for children aged 3 to 11; free for children younger than 3. Add $13.95 for treetop trail; $33 for zoo admission and Cookies with Santa admission; $17 for Cookies with Santa ticket only. RSVP required for Cookies with Santa.

MORE INFORMATION: zooatlanta.org

FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

► Fernbank is a place to turn back time. Learn about dinosaurs, take a stroll through time in Georgia and see sea shells from around the world. The museum’s Great Hall features casts of the skeletons of some of the largest known dinosaurs. Special “Holly Jolly Film Fest” shows “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and other holiday favorites on Dec. 2, 9 and 16. Film showings are included in the price of a museum ticket.

LOCATION: 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta 30307

HOURS: Museum open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.

TICKETS: For special exhibits and museum entry: adults, $33; seniors, $30; children aged 3 to 12, $27; members $13. For museum entry only: adults, $18; seniors, $17; children aged 3 to 12, $16; members, free. MORE INFORMATION: fernbankmuseum.org

GEORGIA AQUARIUM

The aquarium provides a place to view up close all manner of sea creatures, from penguins to dolphins to whale sharks. The facility also offers special programs, such as breakfast with Santa on Dec. 16.

LOCATION: 225 Baker St., Atlanta 30313

HOURS: vary daily, but generally are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Last entry of the day is 30 minutes prior to closing time.

TICKETS: Seniors: $36.95; adult: $39.95; child: $33.95. Tax is added to ticket price. Discounts may be available when tickets are purchased online, or early or late in the day. Tickets for Breakfast with Santa alone: $24.95 for non-members, $19.95 for members and free for children younger than a year.

MORE INFORMATION: georgiaaquarium.org

CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS

Meet the Muppets! The center’s museum is home to Kermit and other Jim Henson creations as well as puppets from around the world. The center also offers regular puppet shows.

Performances of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, adapted from the holiday TV show, are scheduled on various days in December, including Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas. Check the center’s webpage for performance dates and times.

LOCATION: 1401 Spring St. NW, Atlanta 30309

HOURS: Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.

TICKETS: For museum admission: $12.50. For museum admission and guided tours of the World of Puppetry collection: $16.50. For performances of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and museum entry: $19.50.

MORE INFORMATION: puppet.org

OF

Thanksgiving Day

November 23, 2017

New Year’s Eve December 31, 2017

$10 PER CAR

Friday | Saturday | Sunday November 23—26 & December 15—31 6:00—10:00 p.m.

$5 PER CAR

Monday—Thursday | 6:00—9:00 p.m. (except for above listed dates)

$20 PER BUS on all dates

ASSOCIATE DEGREES

Computer Information Management

Coaching Psychology | Health and Wellness

BACHELOR’S DEGREES

Biology | Biopsychology | Business Administration

Computer Information Management | Culinary Nutrition

Dietetics | Exercise Science | General Studies

Health

Coaching | Nutrition | Psychology

Positive Human Development and Social Change

MASTER’S DEGREES

Applied Neuroscience (Coming Soon) | Athletic Training

Clinical Nutrition | Positive Psychology | Sport Health Science

DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC

ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREES

Applied Neuroscience (Coming Soon) | Positive Psychology

ONLINE UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

A.S. Health and Wellness | B.S. Biology

B.S. Psychology | Pre-D.C.

Holiday in the Park

Georgia State Parks open on Christmas and New Year’s days

If you want to get out of the city for the holidays, here’s an idea that probably never crossed your mind: a visit to one of Georgia’s parks. This holiday season, all of the state parks are open on Christmas and New Year’s Day for visitors to simply enjoy the scenery or for a more active outing.

For just $5 parking, guests can take a stroll around a sunlit lake or enjoy mountain overlooks. While park entrances are open, most offices will be closed as staff enjoys the holidays with their families.

On New Year’s Day, nearly all Georgia parks will host guided First Day Hikes. Sponsored by American Hiking Society, the First Day Hike initiative encourages Americans to get healthy in the great outdoors. Find a list of #OptOutside events and First Day Hikes on Explore.GaStateParks.org/events.

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

To Sir, With Love

Musician Sir Foster revs up Atlanta Hawks’ fans

By Grace Huseth

Philips Arena during Atlanta Hawks basketball games can be sensory overload. In addition to the actual game, there are the cheerleaders, Harry the Hawk and Sky Squad performers and even Chick-fil-A cows parachuting from the rafters. There’s a lot to see, but it’s longtime organist Sir Foster who provides the soundtrack for the Hawks.

“Music sets the tone and gives the room a certain amount of energy,” Sir Foster said. “When a big play happens, music extenuates, or maybe even punctuates a play and can really get the crowd going. And when the crowd is going wild, it creates the home court advantage we need for the Hawks.”

Without this soundtrack, the basketball viewing experience wouldn’t be the same. With a watchful eye, Sir Foster provides a musical commentary for epic dunks and missed baskets. Suspense builds with a beat like a thumping heart. A little run or refrain can narrate a tragic play or celebrate a score.

Sir Foster doesn’t plan ahead of time what he will play and instead relies on the feeling in Philips Arena to keep the stands grooving. He tries to play 12 to 16 songs a game, even accepting requests via Twitter, and each song is selected by the mood. “Playing during the game is like scoring a Broadway play and I’m the one man orchestra,” he said.

Growing up in Fort Valley, Georgia, Foster Carson started taking piano lessons when he was in first grade. He participated in every band in high school, from concert to marching, and then played in church. He played gigs in clubs and for weddings until the fateful day in 2009 he stumbled across a posting on Craigslist. The Hawks threw their search for an organist into the vast network of classified ads. Sir Foster auditioned without hesitation.

“I definitely had my own flair and style, even from the beginning,” Sir Foster said of first impressing the Atlanta Hawks. “My philosophy is to play what I would want to hear if I was in the audience. They saw that I was capable of playing what was hot, because I liked it, at the right moment in the game. That’s what made them take notice of me.”

Sir Foster is known for having a sixth sense about emerging music and has an ear for what will be popular. “When I first started playing for the Hawks, I used to try to wait until I felt like people knew what the song was before I started playing it. Now I’m to the point where as soon as a song catches my ear, I go ahead and start playing it because I know that music moves so much faster nowadays. Eventually people are going to catch on.”

Early last year, Sir Foster got a new keyboard. The custom Hawks branded, 190-degree curved keyboard was designed by Brocket Parsons, Lady Gaga’s keyboardist, exclusively for Sir Foster. The PianoArc Hawks keyboard consists of 144 keys, quite the jump from the 88 keys on a typical piano keyboard.

Since music comes so naturally to Sir Foster, he tries to learn a song before every game to get his musical muscles moving. The ritual gives him a sense of accomplishment prior to the game and prepares him to attack the performance.

“I want to put myself in a place where I already have an edge. When you learn something new, you have forced yourself to use a part of your brain that is kinda uncomfortable and you have made it comfortable. That puts you in an aggressive, gogetter mind frame.”

NBA entertaining has opened up many opportunities for the organist, such as playing in many All-Star games. He even got to play in Paris for the Ligue Nationale de Basket All-Star game last year. However, the only time you can hear him tickle the PianoArc is at Atlanta Hawks home games.

At the games Sir Foster is not afraid to throw in futuristic styles or poppy Ed Sheeran, but leans towards hip hop. “I want the arena to feel like Atlanta, and a lot of music that comes out of Atlanta is hip hop. I do that on purpose to give it a hometown feel.”

For more information, visit sirfoster.net.

Harvin

404.314.4212 Cell | 404.352.2010 Office harvingreene@dorseyalston.com

Sir Foster has provided the musical soundtrack for the Atlanta Hawks for eight years.

Greene

Sandy Springs Place Offers Compassionate Care That Seniors Deserve.

SERVICES

•

Capital Gains

Callanwolde completes restoration projects

• Memory

• Short-term

•

• Urgent

AMENITIES

• Medication management

•

• Bathing and dressing

• Mobility and transferring

• Coordination of care

The Callanwolde Fine Arts Center recently celebrated a historic milestone: the renovation of three historic buildings on the campus following a successful $2.1 million fundraising campaign.

The Ruby Callaway Robinson Greenhouse, designed by the architectural firm Lord Aeck Sargent and built by Macallan Construction and Texas Greenhouse Company, will be used for Callanwolde’s School of Horticulture and Culinary Arts classes and workshops. The greenhouse has been named in honor of GreenHouse Foundation Co-Founders CeeLo Green and Shedonna Alexander’s grandmother, Ruby Callaway Robinson, and will serve as the new home for the GreenHouse Foundation’s School Partnership Training Program. The partnership training program will be an avenue to train teachers and families in the community to live a more sustainable life within their own homes. The facility will also be used as a training area for the Captain Planet Foundation.

The adjoining gardener’s cottage was originally the home of the Candler family’s live-in gardener. Today, it serves as the Rick Baker School of Music and Music Recording’s space consisting of three private lesson rooms and a computer lab. Macallan Construction made substantial repairs to the building’s interior; finishing was done by Macallan Construction and The Carpet Lady.

The third and final building to be restored is a barn, original to the estate, which was in disuse for decades. Thanks to restoration efforts by Gay Construction and Baldwin and Clark, the barn has been transformed to house a state of the art recording studio, utilized by Phil Tan (three time Grammy Award winning music engineer and Callanwolde’s Director of Music Recording) as well as the Rick Baker School of Music and Music Recording program. The restoration efforts of this building, designed by Lord Aeck Sargent, won a preservation award by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.

•

•

• Transportation

• Enrichment

•

Sandy Springs Place

For the first time in the history of Callanwolde, the entire estate (seven buildings, an amphitheater, formal and memorial gardens, and a nature trail) will be used for programming and events.

Following the restoration work, Callanwolde’s executive director, Peggy Still Johnson, announced she would step down from the position after five years on the job and successfully leading the capital campaign. A search for the new executive director is underway. Johnson will remain in her role during the transition, which is expected to occur early next year.

For more about Callanwolde, visit callanwolde.org.

The Ruby Callaway Robinson Greenhouse

The Rick Baker Recording Studio

Your family’s most comprehensive online guide to arts and cultural entertainment Visit AtlantaPlanIt.org for more upcoming events.

Visual Arts

Christmas at Callanwolde: During this holiday celebration visitors enjoy the entire 27,000-square-foot Candler Mansion decorated by professional interior and floral designers. Closes Dec. 12. $20 to $25. callanwolde.org

timeless classic. Dec. 1 through 23. $23 to $39. shakespearetavern.com

From Opera To Opry: Join The Atlanta Opera for its an annual holiday concert that brings together two completely different ways of singing in a hilarious and highly entertaining show at The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse. Dec. 5. $35. atlantaopera.org

The Roots: Since they gained a nightly nationwide audience through a close partnership with television host Jimmy Fallon, The Roots continue to challenge listeners with works free of genre restrictions. Dec. 29. $52.50 to $75. cocacolaroxy.com

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Rudolph soars back into town for this faithful adaptation of the wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Through Dec. 31. $11.25 to $19.50. puppet.org

The Collectors Eye – Masters of 20th Century Photography: This exhibition at Lumiere Gallery features iconic images from the lenses of some 20 masters of 20th century photography. Closes Dec. 16. Free. lumieregallery.net

HISPANIOLA: A Celebration of Haiti and the Dominican Republic with Selections from the Dion Kohler Collection: Part of a campus-wide celebration of culture of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, this exhibit features first and second generation Haitian Masters who painted in the 1960s through ‘80s. Closes Dec. 17. Free to $5. museum. oglethorpe.edu.

Dark Povera Part 1: Using computer aided design (CAD) files and a 3-D scanner, Matthew Angelo Harrison makes digital copies of traditional African masks and sculptures in this exhibit. Closes Dec. 17. Free. atlantacontemporary.org

Little Things: Swan Coach House’s exhibit includes hundreds of small, collectible works by a wide range of emerging and established artists on sale for the holidays. Closes Dec. 30. Free. gallery. swancoachhouse.com

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights: Atlanta Botanical Garden’s “holiday light show features a spectacular new high-tech display and all new cool-colored lights. Daily. $14.95 to $39.95. atlantabg.org

A Fire That No Water Could Put Out: Civil Rights Photography: Taking its title from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech, these photographs reflect on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. Tuesday through Sunday. Free to $14.50. high.org

Black: Towards An Afro-Cosmological Understanding: Hammond House Museum presents an exhibit by Pellom McDaniels III that explores the complexities of identity for people of African descent throughout American history. Wednesday through Sunday. $3 to $5. hammondshouse.org

Guo Pei: Couture Beyond: This landmark exhibition presents more than 30 of Guo Pei’s grandest, most dramatic gowns from the past decade. Tuesday through Sunday. Free to $10. scadfash.org

Small Works Show: Anne Irwin Fine Art’s annual show features small works of art perfect for gifts or salon-style collages. Monday through Saturday. Free. anneirwinfineart.com

The Atlanta Gallery Collective: Ponce City Market hosts The Atlanta Gallery Collective, a pop-up gallery and cultural destination that showcases works from 10 of the city’s top art galleries. Daily. Free. poncecitymarket.com

Winter Wonderland: Prepare to “ooh” and “aah” over two floors of twinkling, beautifully decorated trees showcasing celebrations around the world. Daily. Free to $18. fernbankmuseum.org

Performing Arts

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A holiday tradition at The Shakespeare Tavern, this is a special adaptation of a

Heidi: Heidi brings joy to everyone she meets in this play, from her small Alpine village, to the bustling city of Frankfurt, Germany and back home to her beloved Alps. Dec. 8 through 31. $16 to $33. synchrotheatre.com

Ballethnic Dance Company’s Urban Nutcracker: This holiday show at the Morehouse King Chapel takes place on Atlanta’s own Sweet Auburn Avenue in the 1940s. Dec. 9 and 10. $30 to $40. ballethnic.org

The Snow Queen: This is a Serenbe Playhouse holiday tradition in the woods derived from the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale that inspired “Frozen.” Through Dec. 30. $15 to $23. Serenbeplayhouse. com

Handel’s Messiah: This masterpiece from Handel tells the Christmas story like no other, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has brought it back this year for a very special performance featuring the Orchestra and the Chamber Chorus. Dec. 15. $20 to $60. atlantasymphony.org

Janet Jackson: One of the biggest pop stars of the ‘80s, Janet Jackson brings her national tour to Philips Arena this December. Dec. 17. $38 to $500. philipsarena.com

The Snow Queen: This is a Serenbe Playhouse holiday tradition in the woods derived from the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale that inspired “Frozen.” Through Dec. 30. $15 to $23. Serenbeplayhouse.com

The Santaland Diaries: Horizon Theatre’s outrageous holiday comedy by comic genius David Sedaris stars Crumpet, a rebel without a “Clause” who recounts the true-life tale of an out-of-work writer’s stint as a Macy’s Department Store elf. Through Dec. 31. $25 to $40. horizontheatre.com

Dance Hall Decatur: Come out and dance at the DeKalb History Center as a professional DJ plays hits from the 1970s to the present. Dec. 31. $15 to $50. dekalbhistory.org

News You Can Eat

Restaurants � Reviews � Events

Holiday Treats

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious goodies

By Isadora Pennington

This holiday season, as we all come together over shared dinners, cozy up in front of roaring fireplaces, and express our appreciation for one another, it’s the perfect time of year to indulge in some seriously tasty sweet desserts. Edible items can also make unique gifts for those who are hard to shop for and are a welcome addition to holiday meals.

Now, there are plenty of places where you can find tasty sweets for sale in this

town. Some restaurants boast well-stocked display cases full of cakes and pies for their dine-in customers. Many retail outlets offer advent calendars and candy canes that remind us of childhood. But what about sweets for discerning adults? Where are the decadent, beautifully crafted dishes that make our hearts sing?

Well, fear not, fellow sweet tooths, I’ve got a list for you. These are some of my favorite local shops and vendors for tasty sweet treats that you can buy and take to go. Bring them to your friends and family, or take them home to treat yourself in the cozy confines of your own home.

CINNAHOLIC ►

1230 Caroline St., Station B110 cinnaholic.com or (404) 343-0805

Winter’s Dusk - $7.63

◄ ALON’S BAKERY & MARKET

1394 North Highland Ave. alons.com or (404) 872-6000

From left: Thumbprint Cookies - $15.99/ lb; Speculos - $15.99/lb; Pumpkin Cheesecake - $5.49; Gingerbread Cookies - $15,99/lb; Hazelnut Shortbread$15.99/lb; Sugar Cookies - $15.99/lb

◄ GREENE’S FINE FOODS

141 East Trinity Place, Decatur Greenesfinefoods.com or (404) 378-2001

Clockwise from left: Non Pareils - $21/lb, Chocolate Fudge Pop - $3 each, Jumbo Truffles (pictured L-R milk chocolate coffee, dark chocolate) - $3 each, Peanut Clusters (pictured here L-R milk chocolate and dark chocolate) - $21/lb

SAINT GERMAIN BAKERY ▼

Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. facebook.com/saintgermainfrenchbakery or (470) 823-4141

From left: Baba au Rhum “Rum Cake” - $4.35; Pecan Tart - $4.95; Apple and Almond Tart - $4.95

8ARM ▼ 710 Ponce De Leon Ave. 8armatl.com or (470) 875-5856

Chocolate Chip Cookie - $2 each; Apple Galette - $4

Christmas Dinner Destinations

If you’d rather focus on spending time with your family and friends and unwrapping presents, let someone else cook your Christmas goose. Or ham, or turkey, or Brazilian steak. Here are a few of the restaurants serving up a Christmas Day meal. Find more at OpenTable.com or check with your favorite restaurant. Reservations are recommended.

Southern Art and Bourbon Bar

The Buckhead restaurant will be offering a grand Christmas Buffet 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3315 Peachtree Road. Information: southernart.com

Legal Sea Foods

Trade in that turkey and ham for a lobster and shrimp feast on Christmas Day in Downtown. 275 Baker St. Information: legalseafoods.com

The Melting Pot

If it’s fondue you seek then check out The Melting Pot on Christmas Eve and Day (open from 4 to 9 p.m.) as the staff serves up seasonally-inspired fondues in addition to its regular menu. 754 Peachtree St. Information: meltingpot.com

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Both locations are open Christmas Day serving up their classic sizzling steaks. 267 Marietta St. in Downtown and 3285 Peachtree Road in Buckhead. Information: ruthschris.net

Fogo de Chao

The Buckhead restaurant will be open for its Churrasco Holiday Feast including a variety of vintage wines. Information: fogodechao.com

The Highlander

Belly up to the bar or grab a table for a “full Christmas spread.” 931 Monroe Drive in the Midtown Promenade. Information: thehighlanderatlanta.com.

The Café & Bar at Mandarin Oriental Atlanta

There will be an elegant, fireside Champagne brunch or four-course prix fixe dinner with wine pairings on Christmas Day. 3376 Peachtree Road. Information. mandarinoriental.com/atlanta

Brilliant Real Estate Advice for over 30 Years! Your Realtor for Morningside & Virginia Highland.

Metro Atlanta Cityside

Everybody Eats

By Megan Volpert

Cathy Woolard has been a force on the Atlanta political scene for years, as an Atlanta City Councilmember and then President of that same body. Along the way, she made history by becoming the first openly gay elected official in Georgia’s history and she was the first woman to hold the Atlanta City Council President’s seat. She was an early proponent of the now growing and thriving Atlanta BeltLine. Most recently, she came in third during the crowded race for the next mayor of the city. Woolard has also worked with many nonprofits, including CARE, Planned Parenthood and served as interim director of AID Atlanta.

How do you like your eggs cooked?

► Egg whites always—scrambled or omelets.

What are your two favorite things to put in mac and cheese, other than the mac and the cheese?

► Greens peas and sautéed onions.

Where’s a good place to go for a business lunch?

► I prefer breakfast at Thumbs Up on Edgewood. Last booth, facing the door.

What’s your favorite place to eat along the Atlanta BeltLine?

► Q-Time in West End RDA.

Any interest in gardening? Ever grow your own food?

► No—it’s usually too hot to me. However, I chose organic and local whenever possible.

Wine and beer, or the hard stuff, or none at all?

► Pamplemousse (grapefruit for southerners) La Croix with a chaser of Coke Zero when I’m feeling frisky.

What is your guilty pleasure snack food?

► Candy Corn in October and Necco Sweethearts in February, but only during those months because they’re like crack to me and I have to be careful.

What are your feelings about red velvet cake?

► I love it—as long as the cake to ice cream ratio is right.

Is there any food so disgusting to you that you just won’t eat it?

► Mayonnaise. I’d set my arm on fire if mayonnaise got on it.

Who does most of the cooking in your house? Who cooked while you were growing up?

► My wife, Karen, does the cooking in our house. And my mom and dad split cooking duties growing up.

Are there specific cities or programs you’re looking at as models for how to put an end to food deserts in Atlanta?

► No cities in particular, but I think we can provide incentives to have grocery stores with fresh food within a mile of every neighborhood. Specifically, small footprint urban grocers with minimal parking and less overhead.

What is the most memorable food-related story you’ve got from your time in politics?

► Of all the fancy dinners I’ve been invited to, Southface’s Visionary Dinner serves food from local chefs and is always an incredible meal that supports sustainability programs that make Atlanta great.

Cathy Woolard

Nutcracker Nutrition

How one ballerina fuels the holiday season

By Grace Huseth

The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful when it comes to eating. Goodies lead to guilt, sweets lead to shame and dinners can be a disaster to navigate. One of the most unlikely advocates for holiday indulgence during the holiday season is Atlanta Ballet dancer Ashley Wegmann. Even during the busy Nutcracker season, Wegmann allows visions of sugarplums to dance in her head.

“The holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy,” Wegmann said. After a full day of dancing, she’s not afraid to have a cookie or toast a performance well done with a cocktail. “Don’t feel guilty about that, judge yourself or make it a bad thing. It’s a wonderful thing and the holidays are great for that exact reason.”

Wegmann eats luxuriously because she understands balance. She’s quick to warn people against an “all or nothing” mentality to prevent overindulging in a moment of weakness. Since the Nutcracker is so physically demanding, she knows she has to fuel her body with an arsenal of healthy food to keep her hands off sugar. She grounds herself by doing prep work on her days off, creating meals for the entire week so that she has healthy, wholesome meals ready to go with her to the studio.

“Make choices you are going to feel good about in the long run. I try to eat intuitively. If I want something I’m going to eat it, but I also make decisions so that I won’t feel bad later on,” she said.

Chia seed pudding is one of Wegmann’s favorite snacks. When soaked, superfood chia seeds form a thick gel, or pudding, with a texture similar to tapioca and can be used as a healthier alternative to pudding made using milk and eggs. It’s her go-to, filling but not heavy, snack that satisfies her sweet tooth. Sometimes she’ll even add pumpkin for a seasonal flair.

“There has been a lot more awareness and education on healthy eating as opposed to a time in the dance world when there was a mentality of restriction,” Wegmann said. She credits social media for making body image much more transparent and encouraging dancers to identify as athletes. After all, dancers typically spend eight hours a day in the studio. Wegmann’s pro tip is to eat small things throughout the day to keep her energy levels up. She’s known for having a snack at every five-minute break, carrying jars of food with her in the studio. “We try to make it look as easy as we can on the stage, but it is very physically demanding.”

This is Wegmann’s third season with the Atlanta Ballet. She studied at the Princeton Ballet School on scholarship and previously danced with BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio. Through the years, Wegmann has danced in the Nutcracker as a snowflake, Mrs. Petrov, the shepherdess, dewdrop and a Spanish dancer. With so many different roles, ballerinas of all ages play a part in the nostalgic Nutcracker.

“Nutcracker is special because it is such a tradition for so many people,” Wegmann said. Her own path to becoming a ballerina was sparked by seeing the Nutcracker, her very first introduction to dance. “My mom took me and my dad to the Nutcracker, saw all the kids on stage and thought, ‘I want my daughter to do that!’ She put me in lessons that following year and the rest is history.”

Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker runs Dec. 8-28 at the Fox Theatre. Visit atlantaballet.com for tickets and information.

Ashley Wegmann

Back by popular demand, Christmas pop-up bar Miracle is now in two locations. Miracle on Monroe returns to the Midtown Promenade restaurant Tapa Tapa, while a new location pops up at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta for Miracle Two. Both locations will feature the Miracle staff decked out in seasonal flair, classic holiday décor and jolly good beverages to match. For opening times and more information, visit miraclebaratlanta.com.

A member of the Maloof Family – owners of the iconic Manuel’s Tavern in PonceyHighland – will open Manny’s Grant Park Pub in a new Paces Property development at 588 Woodward Ave. Featuring more than 5,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, Paces Properties purchased the Grant Park development, located at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Boulevard, in early 2016 with long-term plans to add additional neighborhood dining and conveniences to the area. Manny’s, set to open next year, will feature a family-friendly dining room with a wide variety of options and availablity for private parties, a patio area featuring TVs to catch Atlanta sports including football, soccer and baseball, and a small game room with darts and other pub favorites. The bar will take center stage and carry an extensive wine list, 20 plus beers on draft and even feature Moscow Mule slushies.

Plans are in place for a third expansion at Scofflaw Brewing Company, the Atlanta brewery growing at a rapid pace and known for its IPAs and barrel-aged stouts. The brewery has a new 50-barrel, four-vessel brewhouse under construction, which will be installed early next year at the current brewing facility in the Bolton neighborhood on the city’s Westside. Eight additional 100-barrel fermentation tanks plus new bright tanks are being installed now. The third expansion in the first 18 months of operation will double the brewery’s current capacity to 30,000 barrels per year. For more information, visit scofflawbeer.com.

Bella Cucina, the award-winning Italian-inspired food and lifestyle brand, has opened a new retail storefront at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Started as a small café in Atlanta in 1993 by chef and owner Alisa Barry, Bella Cucina’s offerings include pestos, olive oils, savory salts, citrus spreads, Italian flatbreads and crackers and Dolci desserts. There’s also a curated selection of ceramic ware and wooden utensils. For more information, visit bellacucina.com.

Restaurateur and bar aficionado Billy Streck of Hampton + Hudson and Cypress Street Pint + Plate and Anthony Spina of O4W Pizza are bringing the Grandma Pie home to Old Fourth Ward. The two have teamed up to open a new restaurant and bar, which has not yet been named, in the new phase of Studioplex at 659 Auburn Ave., expected to open mid-2018.

Krog Street Market in Inman Park has welcomed Sweet Inman’s Candies, a new concept from The Daniel Richards Group, the retail team behind The Merchant, Archer Paper Goods and Read Shop. The 1,000 square foot stall features old school sweets like jelly beans, hard candies, multiple flavors of cotton candy and a selection of classic Boylan sodas and other sweet finds. For more information, visit krogstreetmarket.com.

Home & Real Estate

Holiday Homes

The season is the reason for this guide to open house tours

If you’re looking for decorating inspiration or just like the idea of wandering through some beautifully decked out homes, Intown has an array of tours on tap this month.

VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND TOUR OF HOMES

The 23rd annual tour will be held Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are eight homes on this year’s tour, including Craftsman Bungalows, American Foursquare, English Country Style and a former industrial office space transformed into a modern loft. The event will include food tastings at the homes on Saturday and Sunday between 2 and 4 p.m. from local restaurants including Atkins Park, Apres Diem, The Canteen, Cape Dutch, Fontaine’s Oyster House, The General Muir, Highland Tap, Marlow’s Tavern, Press & Grind, San Francisco Coffee, Saint Germain, Tapa Tapa and The Warren. Tickets are $25. Visit vahitourofhomes.org for more information.

PEACHTREE GARDEN CLUB CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR

The 2017 tour will feature four distinctive Buckhead homes on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $30 at peachtreegardenclub.org.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The annul home tour began in mid-November and continues through Dec. 10, benefitting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. This year’s show house is at 1800 Garraux Street, and the English country estate-inspired mansion has been decorated by some of the city’s most noted interior designers. The home is open for tours Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $30. For more information, visit, atlantaholidayhome.com.

GRANT PARK CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES

The 37th annual Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. each day on Dec. 9 and 10. This year’s tour includes a Saturday VIP Walking Tour of Oakland Cemetery and a Sunday Eventide Brewing VIP Holiday Experience. A festive trolley will be available to take visitors from stop to stop. An artist’s market and holiday concert are also on tap for the weekend. Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 after Dec. 8) at CandlelightTourofHomes.com

THE WREN’S NEST

The historic West End home of children’s author Joel Chandler Harris will be open Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a Victorian Holiday Open House. The Urban Youth Harp Ensemble will perform and Social Butterfly Catering will provide food. Admission is free, but a contribution is welcome. For more information, visit wrensnest.org.

AVONDALE ESTATES TOUR OF HOMES & HOLIDAY MARKET

The Avondale Estates Tour of Homes and Holiday Market will be held on Dec. 10 from 3 to 8 p.m. (the market is open noon to 6 p.m. at the Avondale Community Club). This year’s tour spans almost 90 years beginning with an Avondale “original” built when the city was established in 1926, a thirties bungalow, a forties Colonial Revival, two recently renovated 50s bungalows, and a new Arts and Craft home built in 2015. A point of interest on the tour includes the Little Tree Art Studios, located in the burgeoning Rail Arts District. Over 25 established and emerging artists working in a variety of disciplines will be showing their work. For more information, visit avondaletourofhomes.com.

Timeless Designs from a Trailblazer

Perspectives in Architecture

By Melody Harclerode

Tiny houses have made a big impact with the public. Thousands of people attended the Decatur Tiny House Festival this fall for the second year in a row to tour homes less than 400 square feet in size and to see presentations by leading professionals in this housing movement. HGTV has garnered solid ratings with television programs, such as “Tiny Luxury” and “Tiny House Hunters.” Many people are drawn to the idea of efficient, yet stylish homes. Leila Ross Wilburn, one for the first female architects in the State of Georgia, championed this design approach starting in 1909 when she opened her architectural practice in downtown Atlanta.

Undaunted by limited career opportunities at the time for female architects, this former student at Agnes Scott Institute (now Agnes Scott College) designed countless single-family homes and several commercial buildings and apartment buildings during her 55-year career. Her Wilburn House Condominiums, an architectural jewel on the National Register of Historic Places, sits next to Piedmont Park. In 1914, Wilburn wrote her first plan book, Southern Homes and Bungalows, to promote her designs for Craftsman-style houses. Latter plan books showcased designs and construction drawings for Colonial Revival and Ranch-style homes. This trailblazer wanted to create a “better class of small domestic architecture, one which shall provide us with homes more wholesome in their exterior appearance and more satisfying in their internal arrangement and finish.”

Architect John Busby FAIA, whose architectural firm Jova Daniels Busby was responsible for landmarks such as Colony Square and the Round Bank, has owned his Wilburn-designed home in Morningside since 1966. He and his wife, Maryanne, were “impressed with the inviting turret at the entry, the dark slate roof, and the circulation and efficiency of the interior spaces.” Although he made renovations to his brick house prior to the discovery of its historical significance, Busby retained the integrity and scale of Wilburn’s original design. He reused elements, such as doors, with the renovation work recognizing their beauty and quality construction materials.

Utilizing these plan books, contractors built homes designed by Leila Ross Wilburn across the metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, and the South; and as far away as Michigan. Wilburn died in longtime community of Decatur fifty years ago in November 1967, but her legacy endures with enthusiasts like Busby. He challenges current and future owners of Wilburn-design buildings to research her inspirational life. Even with the changing demands of living since the homes were built, Busby advises owners to appreciate the historical style of the structures. Preferences with building styles change over time, but the efficiency, craftmanship and elegance of Wilburn’s homes are timeless assets for residential building design.

Melody L. Harclerode, AIA, promotes significant historical, cultural, and natural sites as an organizational leader, architect and writer.

Above, Leila Ross Wilburn House in Morningside. Right, entry with turret for Leila Ross Wilburn House in Morningside.

Photo of young Leila Ross Wilburn.

No. 2 Opus Place condominiums obtained its official land displacement permit required by the city, enabling excavation work to begin last month on what will be the tallest residential tower in the city. Karen Rodriguez, Vice President of CITY HAUS of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties, said contractor Reeves Young, which worked on SunTrust Park for the Atlanta Braves, will handle excavation work on the 4.5 acre site at 98 Fourteenth Street, adjacent to the Woodruff Arts Center. Completion of the 53-story, ultra-luxurious development, designed by famed architect Richard Meier, is on track for completion in early 2020. The building will feature one- to threebedroom homes and penthouses. For more information, visit opusplaceatlanta.com.

Site work has begun on Bramley Park in the Village Park area of Brookhaven. The 23-unit townhome community will be comprised of four residential buildings surrounding a central park. Community amenities will include a dog park, homeowner bike share and pool. Designed by architects at TSW and developed and built by Harrison Development & Construction, the homes at Bramley Park will have will have between 2,500 and 3,100 square feet and start in the low $800’s. For more information, visit bramleypark.com.

The Turner Multifamily Impact Fund, a real estate investment fund managed by Turner Impact Capital designed to address the nation’s growing shortage of affordable workforce housing, has acquired the 302-unit Woodland Ridge and 440unit Sonoma Ridge, both northeast of Downtown. Each acquisition advances the fund’s objective of preserving rental housing for families who earn less than the area median income and live in densely populated, ethnically diverse communities. Wingate Companies has announced the second phase of the redevelopment of The Village of Bedford Pine. Station 464 will be a four-story, 96-unit affordable housing community that will be geared at families. The $26 million development will break ground next year at 464 Boulevard in the Old Fourth Ward.

Atlanta Communities Real Estate has announced that Jim Jarboe of Decatur has joined the brokerage as a Sales Associate. Jarboe has 30 years of experience and has received major awards including multiple appearances in the “Top 10” for the DeKalb Association of Realtors and “Top Producer” in his previous firm.

Bottom:

COLDWELL BANKER

DECATUR - Original brick with sunrm, covered porch, huge kitchen & butler’s pantry, add’l fin space with BR, flex rm and full bath above the detached parking. Excellent finishes! All certified Earthcraft homes. Outstanding floor plan. $1,125,000

FMLS: 5925279 Kathleen Sickeler 404.368.3234

DECATUR - Iris floorpan features sunrm, finished bsmt w/additional rms and full bath, large kitchen with breakfast area & butler’s pantry, beautiful master suite, 2 car garage and stand out finishes! 5Bed/5Bath

$1,199,000

FMLS: 5925323 Kathleen Sickeler 404.368.3234

ST MARLO COUNTRY CLUB - Offers 2 story foyer, 2 story great room w/wall of windows overlooks golf course. Sep living room/study & banquet sized dining. Kitchen w/breakfast area/bar and keeping room w/ stone fireplace. 5Bed/4.5Bath $724,900

FMLS: 5932823 Helene DeLoach 404.210.6250

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND - 1920’s light-filled brick tudor w/contemporary flair, charm & character! Great views from all rooms! Wonderful street! Walk to all neighborhood has to offer. Hdwds throughout, 2 fps. Office could be 4th bd. Owner/Agent. 3Bed/2Bath $759,000

FMLS: 5911200 Kay Goldstein 404.784.0937

steel appliances, island, pantry, and granite counters. Guest bedroom and full bath on main level. 5Bed/4Bath $449,000

FMLS: 5928011 Michael Kondalski 404.234.9379

EAST ATLANTA - East Atlanta 4-sided brick renovated ranch with full daylight basement awaits its new owner. Kitchen is updated with lots of cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances. Hardwood throughout. 3Bed/1.5Bath $260,000

FMLS: 5924904 Edwina Murphy 404.275.1807

LULLWATER PARC CONDO - Condo offers hardwood floors, a great room w/custom cabinets & shelving, L shaped dining room & dry bar all perfect for entertaining along w/a walkout balcony for a tranquil retreat.

2Bed/2Bath $249,900

FMLS: 5935601 Dan Richardson 470.422.0819

WEST VILLAGE - Perfect Open Floor Plan for Intimate or Large Gatherings w/Separate Dining Room, Super Spacious Kitchen, Living Room, Family Room & Covered Back Porch For Your Grill and Personal Landscape Touches. 4Bed/2.5Bath $445,500

FMLS: 5920423 John Petrou 404.444.5323

TWELVE CENTENNIAL - Condo offers floor to ceiling windows, and walk-out balcony with a skyline view of Midtown. Open kitchen, breakfast bar with granite counters, SS appliances, hardwood floors, and more.

2Bed/2Bath $310,000

FMLS: 5879134 Lamar Golar 404.643.1888

ROCKDALE - Original hardwoods, oversized living rm w/fireplace, separate dining rm w/china storage, family rm w/fireplace, vaulted ceilings, updated kitchen w/ granite countertop, island, & stainless-steel appliances!

3Bed/2Bath $194,900

FMLS: 5925846 Dan Richardson 470.422.0819

BRADFORD ON PEACHTREE - This unit comes w/ hardwood floors, family room w/fireplace opens to a balcony with views of Buckhead. Galley kitchen with straight line cabinetry, SS appliances. One deeded parking space & storage space. 1Bed/1Bath $179,000

FMLS: 5932155 Lamar Golar 404.643.1888

DECATUR - Master on the main, bsmt w/stained concrete floors and media rm, large flex space and storage rm up, two car drive under garage, abundance of SF - The Edna floorpan has it all! 5Bed/6Bath

$1,250,000

FMLS: 5925329 Kathleen Sickeler 404.368.3234

BEVERLY HILLS - Home features original hardwood floors, covered parking, large fenced-in yard, and basement. Updates include S/S appliances, newer kitchen cabinets, tile backsplash, and tile floors.

3Bed/2Bath $139,999

FMLS: 5899166 Helen Nicole 404.610.3535

MORNINGSIDE - Restored Morningside Tudor, original hardwood floors and architectural details throughout. Private backyard w/multi-tiered decking. Partially finished basement offers more room for expansion.

4Bed/3Bath $774,000

FMLS: 5925163 Fred McFarlin 404.518.6710

MORNINGSIDE - Charming brick 1 1/2 story in Morningside Elem ds with an awesome flat backyard. Renovated chef’s kitchen with high end appls, full daylight bsmnt full of expnsn potential. 4Bed/2Bath $689,000

FMLS: 5929588 Sally Westmoreland 404.354.4845

EDGEWOOD - EarthCraft award winner, stylish and sophisticated detail, along with all of the high performance features providing greater comfort, indoor air quality, functionality and energy efficiency make this a truly unique offering. 4Bed/3Bath $650,000

FMLS: 5929695 Clarke Weeks 404.932.0391