The spirit shaping Avondale Estates’ small-town soul
Essentials to know before taking the next step
The Decatur Book Festival celebrates 20 years of stories and community Setting the Stage How One Oh Four is building a creative home in Decatur
FALL IN DECATUR. It feels like a turning page, doesn’t it? The air cools. The leaves shift. The streets hum with a sense of possibility. Shops fill with conversations. Oakhurst porches host a music festival. Every moment draws us closer together. In moments like this—small and large—we’re reminded why Decatur thrives. Why and how that spirit of connection sits at the heart of everything we do.
This issue is another celebration of that spirit. It all starts with our coverage of the Decatur Book Festival’s 20th anniversary. Over the years, the festival has welcomed authors, readers and dreamers into a shared story that belongs to us all. More than a literary gathering—it’s a living reminder that ideas, when shared, can transform a community.
That same commitment runs through One Oh Four, the new studio created by Eri Levin. Designed as a flexible, collaborative hub for storytellers, filmmakers and artists, it reflects Decatur’s own personality—open, inventive and rooted in community. It’s a place where creative spirits can test, explore and grow.
Just down the road, Avondale Estates is raising a glass to that same spirit during its annual Avondale Ale Day. Set along the Dale Ale Trail, the Nov. 1 celebration blends craft beer, music, art and neighborhood pride into a walkable festival that feels more like a family reunion than an event.
Across the pages and online, you’ll find the ongoing voices that define Decatur. Its neighbors. Leaders. Visionaries. Each story reminds us that building community isn’t about one big moment, but about the everyday commitment to showing up for each other.
As we push forward, may we carry with us the reminder that connection is what keeps Decatur not just strong, but extraordinary.
Natalie Gregory Publisher, Decatur Living
DECATUR LIVING, LLC
P.O. BOX 2589
DECATUR, GA 30031
PUBLISHER
Natalie Gregory
EDITOR
Michael J. Pallerino
MARKETING AND ADVERTISING MANAGER
Kelly O’Brien
CREATIVE DI RECTOR
Brent Cashman
PHOTOGRAPHY
Hector Almador
Avondale Estates
Imani Khayyam
Dot Paul
Joshua Vensel
WRITERS
Jason Conn
Michael J. Pallerino
Decatur Living Telephone: 404-550-5113 hello@decaturliving.com
Decatur Living is published quarterly by Natalie Gregory. Distribution is a minimum of 14,000 with up to 11,000 being mailed to households in Decatur, Druid Hills, Avondale Estates, Candler Park, Lake Claire and Oak Grove. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for content of all advertisements. The publisher does not necessarily share the editorial opinions expressed in Decatur Living Magazine. Personal decisions regarding health, finance, and other matters should be made after consultation with the reader’s professional advisors.
On the cover
How One Oh Four is building a creative home in Decatur
By Michael J. Pallerino
MOST MORNINGS, when sunlight pours through the windows at One Oh Four, Eri Levin pauses. The glow is a signal—the day’s creativity is ready to begin. The natural light makes the space feel alive. As Eri stares into its mystic aura, he awaits what’s next.
The co-founder and principal of One Oh Four has long been drawn to the idea of making spaces where creativity can thrive. His path to this studio includes a career touching nearly every corner of the media world. Creative producer. Motion designer. Editor. Entrepreneur. He co-founded Motion Array,
a digital marketplace that became a global go-to for creators. He’s part of the team at Popflick, a streaming platform spotlighting independent animation and bold storytelling.
Each step has sharpened his eye for detail and his sense of the bigger picture. “What I’ve learned over the years is respect—for the craft, for the little details that make or break a project and for the need to think long-term. One Oh Four is about supporting excellent creative work in the moment while building a foundation that helps artists and storytellers grow over time.”
Strategically nestled at 104 Church Street, the versatile mixed-use creative space offers a film and photo studio, collaborative workspaces, and meeting rooms and production offices. Eri envisions it as a crossroads—a place where experience and experimentation meet. For seasoned professionals, it’s a place to execute projects, expand networks and connect with collaborators. For the community, it’s a hub where ideas flow as naturally as conversations.
Each offering is built to spark collaboration. Eri describes it as puzzle pieces waiting to click together. “A filmmaker might be shooting on the cyc wall while an editor is cutting footage in the next room and a sound designer is polishing audio across the hall. That proximity encourages collisions where moments of connection happen.”
One Oh Four’s Decatur home wasn’t just about geography, but about belonging. Eri and his wife, Ena, have lived here for 15-plus years, drawn to its rare blend of small-town warmth and progressive spirit. “Creativity here isn’t tucked away somewhere—it’s part of its everyday culture, from local music to art to small businesses. We want this to feel less like a facility and more like a community.”
For the couple, One Oh Four is both a studio and an incubator—a place where creatives can test, fail and iterate in today’s changing landscape. “We’ve built out the core production infrastructure—lights, space and workflow essentials, but we’re also just as focused on giving filmmakers room to experiment. Think of it as a creative backlot: you can shut the door and get your shots, or step out and feed off the energy of other crews in production. It’s about keeping the set alive and the ideas rolling.”
While Atlanta has become a powerhouse in film and TV, much of its infrastructure is tailored to large-scale productions. That’s where One Oh Four comes in. Eri wants the studio to not only complement that, but support smaller crews, emerging talent, grassroots storytellers who need professional space and the community. “We’re aiming to be a bridge. A place where grassroots creativity meets industry standards, and where the next wave of Atlanta voices can sharpen their craft.”
His long-term vision—as ambitious as it is personal—is to make One Oh Four a launchpad for filmmakers, animators and storytellers, all of whom can trace their journey back to the studio. “If 10 years from now people say, ‘I got my start at One Oh Four,’ or ‘I found my creative tribe there,’ then we’ll have succeeded.”
Step outside the studio and you might spot Ena and Eri with coffee in hand, catching up with neighbors or soaking in Decatur’s energy. Those moments remind them that storytelling doesn’t only happen on screen— it’s in everyday encounters. “Don’t wait for permission. Creativity thrives when you just start. Make something, put it out there, learn, repeat. Eventually, you get good and things begin to fall into place.”
The Decatur Book Festival celebrates 20 years of stories and community
BACK IN 2005, Daren Wang floated an idea that sounded more daring than practical. It wasn’t backed by a business plan or a big sponsor—just the conviction that Decatur could carve out its place as a literary hub in the South. Along with help from Mark Fitton and Tom Bell, that vision came to life the following Labor Day weekend. What began as an experiment, the first Decatur Book Festival (DBF) quickly pulled in neighbors, authors and book lovers who sensed they were part of something special.
In the years that followed, the festival’s roots deepened and its reputation spread. Agnes Scott College opened Presser Hall to host the first six keynote events, welcoming luminaries such as U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins (2008) and novelist Jonathan Franzen (2010). Emory University added its weight with programming and faculty support. Independent booksellers, local media, small businesses and an army of volunteers rallied behind the effort. Together, they gave the festival its character: community-driven, ambitious and destined to grow far beyond its “let’s see if this works” beginnings.
“The festival has shaped the way our community values reading by showing that literature is not one-size-fits-all,” says Executive Director Leslie Wingate.
Every fall, Decatur transforms into something more than a city square lined with bookstores, retail outlets and coffee shops. For two decades, it has become a living storybook. Conversations between neighbors. Families
discovering new voices and authors whose words spark something lasting. The Decatur Book Festival isn’t merely an event on the calendar; it’s a gathering place where stories live on the page and connections are made.
This Oct. 3–4, DBF turns 20—a milestone that feels both celebratory and forward-looking. The programming nods to its roots—community, conversation, connection—while embracing a future shaped by new voices and urgent ideas. Headlining are two powerhouse storytellers: award-winning poet and cultural critic Saeed Jones and bestselling YA author Angie Thomas. Their presence signals an intentional evolution—one that places themes of hope, identity and intergenerational storytelling at the center.
“We aim to create a space where everyone can feel seen, heard and celebrated,” Wingate says.
That spirit sits at the heart of DBF. It shows up in the small moments—a child clutching their first signed book, a young reader moved to tears meeting a literary hero, neighbors lingering long after the day’s events have ended. It shows up in partnerships with local booksellers like Brave + Kind, Charis Books and More, Eagle Eye Books and Little Shop of Stories. It even shows up in the way families celebrate it as an annual tradition.
“It’s a partnership rooted in reciprocity: The community breathes life into the festival, and the festival reflects the soul of the community,” says Mathwon R. Howard, President of DBF, Associate VP for Development at Yale University “This harmony has inspired authenticity in programming, resilience in challenging times and a spirit of celebration that reaches beyond books into the essence of Decatur itself.”
In a landscape dominated by screens and digital noise, the Decatur Book Festival reminds us of the power of gathering and connections—one that continues to act as a mirror and a megaphone for our community.
By Michael J. Pallerino
THE SOUND. The sight. Angie Thomas is not sure what she remembers the most. When she was six years old, she witnessed a shootout in her Jackson, Mississippi, neighborhood. Determined to protect her daughter from growing up hardened by such violence, her mother marched her straight to the library. On those shelves Thomas discovered something more powerful than fear. The words on the pages she read built worlds, fostered empathy and sparked courage. Years later, as the words she crafted took shape on the page, she never forgot that moment.
Books can be more than stories—they can be lifelines.
That belief continues to guide her. From her recordbreaking debut book, “The Hate U Give,” to her newest fantasy series, “Nic Blake and the Remarkables,” Thomas has become one of the most important voices in contemporary literature.
“I truly realized the power of words after ‘The Hate U Give’ was released. I heard from so many young people and educators who were impacted by Starr’s story. I’ve had students tell me it inspired them to use their voices and become activists, and I’ve had educators tell me it’s the one book that hooked their students on reading. I’m a firm believer that every kid is a reader at heart—they just need to hear the right story.”
Before she was a bestselling author, Thomas was a teenage rapper once featured in Right-On Magazine with a
photo she still counts among her most cherished early moments. The love of hip-hop never left her. Today, she calls it her “unofficial degree,” one that shaped her approach to character, rhythm and dialogue. “Hip-hop taught me to be authentic and honest with my stories. Rappers spoke to me growing up by telling stories I connected with, and now as an author I want to do the same for young people.”
That authenticity shines in every project. Whether it’s “On the Come Up” or “Concrete Rose,” her stories are filled with voices that feel lived-in, rhythms that echo real conversations and emotions that hit with unflinching honesty.
Thomas often says her books are both mirrors and windows—ways for readers to see themselves and ways to see others. In today’s cultural and political climate, she believes storytelling is as urgent as ever.
“Writing is a form of activism. Books allow us to put ourselves in the shoes of people like us and unlike us. They provide a gateway to empathy and understanding. In this current cultural and political moment, those are two things we desperately need.”
That mission underpins her work with today’s young readers. Her guided journal, “Find Your Voice,” encourages them to tell their own stories. Her fantasy debut, “Nic Blake and the Remarkables,” was born out of a desire to give children a magical adventure deeply rooted in Black history and folklore. “As someone who loved fantasy as a kid but rarely saw myself in it, I wanted to write something where kids who don’t often see themselves as heroes could finally do so.”
For Thomas, it was important that the story have real roots. “There are so many attempts to erase or water down Black history, and I try to use Nic Blake as a way to hide the vegetables—yes, it’s fantasy, but it also addresses history in an age-appropriate way.”
Today, Thomas’ success is not measured in awards or best-seller lists, but in the students who see their own value reflected back in her books. “I hope they learn that their voices matter and that their lives matter. More importantly, I hope they recognize their value and self-worth.”
It is this compassion and clarity that makes her an ideal voice for the next generation. As she takes the stage as the Oct. 3 Kidnote author of the Decatur Book Festival’s 20th anniversary, she does so embodying the event’s belief that stories can connect neighbors, change perspectives and build community. “We need books now more than ever.”
To know Thomas’ work is to understand that her words are more than just talk—they are an invitation to listen, imagine and find courage in the power of story.
THE FIRST POETS that Saeed Jones remembers were holding pulpits, not pens. Like many young Black kids growing up in the South, pastors were the conveyors of truth—figures who loomed so large that they could completely engulf the energy and aura of any room. Growing up in Memphis and Texas, the future internationally acclaimed poet admits that power has always intrigued him.
Jones quickly grew away—he puts diplomatically— from the church and Christianity, but he will never forget the awe of seeing how great pastors could use language to transform the energy in a room. “Words could give people their lives back. The memory of that power will always stay with me.”
The memory stayed. In fact, it became the spark for a career defined by brilliance, empathy and urgency. Today, Jones is one of the most powerful literary voices of his generation, weaving together poetry, memoir and commentary to confront the intersections of race, desire, power and grief. His debut poetry collection, “Prelude to Bruise” was described as “a fever dream, something akin to magic.” The work became a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, while his memoir, “How We Fight for Our Lives,” won the Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction.
Jones often describes manhood as “a brutal and artful performance”—an idea that continues to shape both his work and perspective. “Patriarchy makes steep demands of all of us. People who go along with the performance often get to a point where they feel confined and choked by the roles they’ve learned so well. Those of us who don’t know how to perform expected gender roles and those of us who all-out rebel are punished, oppressed, denied opportunities, and often killed.”
The stakes he refers to have only grown sharper. “What’s changed in our culture is that the playground bully is now at once the school principal, the history teacher, the person running detention, and the school-assigned officer. No one is safe. If you don’t understand that now, you will.”
As his voice continues to grow, Jones—who will serve as the Decatur Book Festival’s Keynote speaker on Oct. 4— credits mentors like poet Rigoberto González with helping him set aside the shame he once felt around naming these intersections of race, desire and power. Through González, Jones learned to not only set aside his shame, but understand how much the kind of work he was doing was needed. The lesson became foundational as Jones began crafting work that is unflinching in its honesty and startling in its beauty.
“I don’t find writing to be therapeutic. Therapy, diaries, poetry and memoir are all different and essential.
By Michael J. Pallerino
But I will say, when I’ve been able to face myself and my country on the page, and stand back and see that I set an aim and hit my target—yes, I feel powerful. Am I healed in that moment? Not necessarily, but I know I’m moving forward. Survival and transformation are each other’s twins. We have to change to truly live.”
For Jones, while writing may be lonesome, it is never lonely. “We write to reach each other. That’s part of community—that vital sense of connection that helps you continue to grow and push yourself. And the reminder that we must show up for each other.”
This belief fuels his message to readers and writers alike: Literature isn’t just about books. It’s about citizenship, activism and refusing to disappear. “It’s not enough to write books. We must be literary citizens and activists as well. We need to show up for each other in person. People are being disappeared. We can’t let that happen.”
His message for his audience—one he hopes each and every person receives—is clear: “No one is coming to save us, but us.”
His words, as they always do, serve as a reminder of what his work stands for: Words are oxygen, and as fuel, they are a call to arms for resilience and reinvention.
The Decatur Book Festival returns Oct. 3-4, 2025, with two full days of author talks, performances, cooking demos, children’s activities and community events celebrating “20 Years of Stories.”
Schedule at a Glance
Friday, October 3
6 p.m. – Kidnote with Angie Thomas 7 p.m. – Keynote with Saeed Jones & The People’s Project
Saturday, October 4 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Author highlights include Stacey Abrams, Mary Roach, Elizabeth George, Jason Mott, Jen Hatmaker, Rebecca Ross, Derrick Barnes, Tiffany D. Jackson, Kalynn Bayron, Landon Bryant, Kimberly Belflower, and more.
Emerging Student Writers Stage — Emory University, Georgia College, Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Mercer, University of Georgia
Culinary Stage & Georgia Grown Culinary Village — live demos with chefs, including Alan Byers, Annette Joseph, Natalie Keng, Duane Nutter, Steven Satterfield and Hank Shaw
Community Dialogue: The Future of Global Health — 1 p.m. at Decatur Conference Center
Lunchtime Literary Leg Stretch — walking tour of Decatur Cemetery
Street Fair & Entertainment — 100-plus exhibitors, food trucks, live performances by BOOM! Trio ft. Lavahi, Night Palace, Dad’s Garage, Arkose, Rose Hotel, Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics
Children’s Activities — Storyland Fun Zone, Tales for Tots, Children’s Parade, programs with Atlanta Symphony, Fernbank, High Museum, Alliance Theatre, and more
Books available for purchase on-site or through festival partner booksellers.
Full schedule & registration: decaturbookfestival.com
2006 – The inaugural Decatur Book Festival (DBF) launches, quickly establishing itself as one of the largest independent book festivals in the nation.
2007–2012 – The festival expands, drawing national media attention and featuring literary icons alongside emerging voices. Attendance regularly tops 70,000.
2013–2018 – DBF cements its role as a cultural cornerstone, weaving in poetry slams, cookbook demos, children’s programming and civic conversations.
2019 – Themes of diversity and inclusion become central as new generations of readers and writers take the stage.
2020 – The festival adapts during the pandemic, shifting formats while keeping the focus on community and connection.
2023 – After a pause, DBF prepares a strong return, reaffirming its resilience and importance to Decatur’s cultural identity.
2024 – The comeback year reintroduces the festival to old fans and new audiences, sparking excitement for its future.
2025 – DBF celebrates its 20th anniversary with Saeed Jones and Angie Thomas headlining a lineup built around hope, identity and intergenerational storytelling.
20 years. Thousands of stories. Countless connections. Relive the highlights of the Decatur Book Festival with us online.
By Michael J. Pallerino
IT MIGHT BE BY the clink of pint glasses. A guitar riff. Neighbors swapping stories on patios. The sound of kids laughing. If you know Avondale Estates. Live there. Been there. Done that. The signs of this small city with a big personality are everywhere.
Known nationally for its craft beer community (USA Today called it the “Best Small-Town Beer Scene” for the fourth time in five years), there is way more to its downhome dynamics. Avondale Estates’ perfect storm of creativity, inclusivity and togetherness perfectly captures the spirit of the city.
“Avondale Estates stands out because it offers more than great breweries—it offers community,” says Shannon Powell, Assistant City Manager and Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority. “The breweries are gathering places. You’ll see families, musicians and artists all coming together. That breeds local pride.”
One of the highlights of that local pride is “Avondale Ale Day,” held on the city’s Dale Ale Trail—a walkable, one-mile path that features award-winning breweries Little Cottage, Lost Druid and Wild Heaven, and taproom My Parents’. Part tasting event, part art show and part neighborhood reunion, the fifth annual event—set for Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025—enables attendees to enjoy craft beer, live music and food, as well as earn a free, limited-edition pint glass by collecting punches on a punch card at each location.
Lost Druid Brewery & Distillery cofounder Stacia Familo-Hopek remembers how the vaunted event started. “The concept began as a simple beer crawl in 2019. The city helped transform it into Ale Day in 2021 and it’s grown into something to look forward to every year. Owners are visible, invested and connected. When we needed help with equipment, neighboring breweries didn’t hesitate to step in. That’s community.”
For Avondale’s brewers, the Dale Ale Trail is more than a marketing idea—it’s a reflection of the grassroots energy that makes the community hum. “Avondale is a little town with a grassroots kind of scene,” says Lawson Wright, owner of My Parents’ Basement. “It’s made up of local people making exceptional things. Having a tightly packed, walkable area where families feel safe has been a huge benefit.”
That walkability and intimacy are what drew Jon Shari to open Little Cottage Brewery. “The community always rallies for Ale Day. It brings out locals and visitors alike, all connected by the fun artwork and the shared experience of trying something new.”
Avondale’s charm rests in the ability to honor its history while embracing new ideas. Along the way, attendees bump into neighbors, discover art in tucked-away studios and trade stories in historic storefronts like long standing fixtures Avondale Pizza Café and the original Waffle House.
At the same time, new adaptive reuse developments like Olive & Pine are introducing residents to everything from Leftie Lee’s—a
Korean influenced sandwich shop and bakery that recently was featured on “Diners, DriveIns and Dives”—and Commune, a high-end listening bar where people gather to enjoy curated DJ sets and exceptional wine.
This balance is what makes Avondale irresistible to business owners. Take Garage Door Studio. Step inside the former 1950’s drug store and soda fountain and the smell of botanicals, candles and incense instantly shifts the mood. The tall east-facing windows spill light onto shelves of handmade art and handwritten affirmations curl across the glass.
Today, Garage Door Studio features local art and handmade goods like original art and prints, apparel, handbags, accessories jewelry, paper and home goods, ceramics, hand-blown glass and bath and body products—all with a focus on local emerging
talent. “What we love most is being deeply rooted in the community we call home,” say owners Jen Singh and Rachel Herzog. “The local support inspires us. Community is at the heart of everything we do. Living and working in the same neighborhood allows us to stay closely connected to what inspires and resonates with the people around us.”
That same spirit of blending past and present extends just down the street, where another historic space is finding new life. For Fisher Paty and his partners at Oakhurst Realty, the Avon Theatre offered the perfect canvas to showcase how Avondale’s history and forward-looking energy can coexist.
On a weekend evening, the theatre’s marquee looks like a beacon from another era. Families queue for a comedy show. Couples slip inside for date-night cocktails before a film. Inside, the stage hums with fresh energy—live music, performance and laughter filling a space that once sat silent. “Avondale’s charm lies in how it honors its history while embracing fresh ideas,” Paty says. “That combination is powerful—it feels both familiar and forward-thinking. We felt welcomed by neighbors and city
leadership from the first day. That support is what makes ventures like ours sustainable.”
With its nationally recognized beer culture, revitalized historic spaces and a strong pipeline of new businesses, Avondale Estates continues to evolve while holding on to what makes it unique. “It’s a place where history and innovation coexist—where people don’t just move in, they put down roots,” Powell says. “Their pride is reflected in well-kept homes, friendly interactions and active participation. It creates a warm, inclusive atmosphere that makes visitors feel at home.”
For business owners like Paty, that balance fuels optimism. “There’s genuine respect between long-standing institutions and newer ventures. The city embraces progress without losing its charm, and that balance is what makes Avondale special.”
Or, as Wright puts it more simply: “If I had to describe Avondale in one word, it would be ‘cheers.’ It’s a super friendly small town where everyone knows each other and supports their local watering holes. What’s not to cheer about?”
By Jason Conn
WHEN I SIT DOWN WITH CLIENTS, I often hear, “I bought my home last year at a 7.25% interest rate. With rates coming down, when does it make sense to refinance?” It’s a smart question, but there isn’t a onesize-fits-all answer. I walk people through the key considerations so they can make a clear, confident decision. How long will you keep your mortgage? What are the refinance costs? Where are the break-even points and closing costs? Here are the main points I cover in those conversations.
How do I find my “break-even point?”
Divide your closing costs by the amount you save each month. If you plan on selling your home or paying off your mortgage before reaching that break-even point, refinancing doesn’t make sense. Aim for a quick breakeven point—12 months or less. Example: If closing costs are $3,000 and you’re saving $60 a month, your break-even point is 50 months. That’s a long time just to catch up.
What’s the truth behind “no closing costs” or “no money out of pocket?”
It can be true—but the details matter. Mortgages always involve costs, and the key is who’s paying them. Review your current loan balance versus the proposed new one. If the new balance is higher, the lender may be rolling those costs into the loan, meaning you’re still paying them.
Lenders can also raise the interest rate slightly to cover part or all of the closing costs (lender-paid costs). This shortens your break-even point and may let you refinance again if rates drop further. Personally, I favor a low-closing-cost refinance over paying or financing heavy upfront fees.
Does a lower interest rate always mean a lower payment?
The rate directly affects your monthly payment, but it’s not the only factor. If you’ve paid your mortgage down by $10,000 since you bought your home, your new balance is lower. Spreading that smaller balance over 30 years again makes your payment look lower—but not all of that savings comes from the rate. Focus on how much the rate itself reduces costs, not just the overall drop in your monthly payment.
Yes—consider a shorter-term loan. A 15-year mortgage carries a lower interest rate than a 30-year and can save you hundreds of thousands over time. Even with a rate drop,
your monthly payment will likely rise. But imagine being mortgage-free in 15 years—it can make a huge difference, especially as you plan for retirement.
You can refinance with any lender. Whether you return to your current one or choose another, expect to provide full documentation again.
Often, yes. Many banks offer relationshipbased discounts, such as slightly lower rates or reduced fees if you hold an account or set up auto-draft payments. These perks usually aren’t available through mortgage brokers.
Many clients are frustrated when their loan changes hands soon after closing. That’s because brokers almost always sell the servicing rights immediately, while banks may or may not. The servicer is the company that processes your payments and handles property tax and insurance if they’re included. Understanding who will service your loan helps you know what to expect after closing.
Refinancing can be a powerful tool, but the decision always comes down to timing, costs and long-term goals. By knowing your break-even point, understanding who’s really paying the closing costs, and weighing whether a shorter term makes sense, you can decide if a lower rate is truly the right move for you.
Jason Conn is a Mortgage Loan Officer with Fifth Third Bank (NMLS ID 210515). You can reach him at 404-210-6663 or via email at jason.conn@53.com
5-25 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER THE BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD
SELIG FAMILY BLACK BOX THEATRE, ALLIANCE THEATRE
5 OCTOBER FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
THE COCA-COLA STAGE AT ALLIANCE THEATRE
The timeless Broadway classic returns in a bold new staging from Alliance Theatre and The Atlanta Opera. With unforgettable music, humor and heart, “Fiddler on the Roof” explores family, tradition and resilience in the face of change. Directed by Tomer Zvulun, this reimagined production promises a stirring theatrical experience.
3-4 OCTOBER
DECATUR BOOK FESTIVAL 20TH ANNIVERSARY
20TH ANNIVERSARY
The Decatur Book Festival returns for its 20th anniversary celebration with keynote speakers Saeed Jones and Angie Thomas. This milestone year blends legacy and future-facing storytelling while partnering with local favorites Brave + Kind Bookshop, Charis Books and More, Eagle Eye Books and Little Shop of Stories.
5-19 OCTOBER FAIRIES IN THE GARDEN
WOODLANDS GARDEN
An immersive story for families, this performance adapts Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen’s beloved children’s book into a moving blend of gentle storytelling, visual wonder and sensory play. Written and directed by Jonathan Shmidt Chapman, the play invites audiences to reimagine the world filled with light and possibility. Scan the QR code to view Decatur Living online upcoming events page. If you would like to have your event featured with us online please email us at hello@decaturliving.com
Whimsical fairy homes return to Woodlands Garden for this twelfth annual community favorite. Created by Skyland Trail artists, the tiny dwellings are tucked among trees, bridges and trails for children and adults to discover. Costumes are welcome, admission is free, and donations support the Garden’s mission. Off-site parking is available at Westchester Elementary on weekends.
2-5 OCTOBER MY FOOT MY TUTOR
SCHWARTZ CENTER, THEATER LAB, EMORY UNIVERSIT
A bold, wordless theatrical experiment, “My Foot My Tutor” explores power and the absurd through silence, sound and movement. Directed by Héctor Álvarez, this one-weekend-only production transforms the stage into a surreal domestic world where gestures carry the weight of meaning.
11 OCTOBER OAKHURST PORCHFEST
OAKHURST NEIGHBORHOOD, DECATUR
Front porches become stages and yards transform into venues during this grassroots community music festival. Porchfest thrives on generosity, creativity and neighborly spirit, with residents, performers and guests all co-creating the day. Free and commercial-free, it’s one of Decatur’s most unique cultural events.
Over the past 20 years in real estate, I‘ve had the privilege of matching over 900 families across the Atlanta area. Helping my clients find their next adventure is the best part of what I do. With fall upon us and plenty of buyers still looking, it’s a great time to make a move — I’d love to guide you home.
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