Decatur Focus Newsletter / December 2015

Focus City of Decatur

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DECEMBER 2015 Volume 26 • Number 5

Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia

It’s Time for Holiday Events in Decatur

News 3 City

BUsiness DBA 11 NEWs 16 NEWs

Tree Lighting • Dec. 3 Menorah Lighting • Dec. 10 Holiday Bonfire • Dec. 17 Breakfast with Santa • Dec. 19 Terrific Thursdays • Dec. 3, 10, 17 Details on page 12

School 23 Around 17 DECATUR EVENTs Town news 19

Focus City of Decatur

‘Tis the Season

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ecember is here so make plans to join in one of the many holiday traditions scheduled throughout the city. Remember to shop local and visit downtown Decatur on Terrific Thursdays for special sales, holiday treats, and events – from the tree lighting, to the lighting of the Grand Menorah, to the bonfire and marshmallow roast. The annual Oakhurst tree lighting is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m., on the front lawn of the Solarium at the Old Scottish Rite Hospital, 321 W. Hill St.

The Decatur Focus is a joint publication of the City of Decatur, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and the Decatur Business Association. It is a newsletter intended to provide announcements and information related to events, activities, and businesses in the City of Decatur. The purpose of the newsletter is to promote the city and encourage the exchange of information among residents, business owners and the school system. Letters to the editor, editorials or other opinion pieces are not published. All press releases, announcements and other information received for publication are subject to editing. Information found in the Focus is also posted on Decatur’s official website at decaturga.com. The deadline for submitting articles, announcements or advertising is the first day of the month preceding publication.

Contact: Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, 404-371-8386; fax 404-371-1593; email: casie. yoder@decaturga.com.

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Shirley Baylis recently joined our staff as special events and community outreach coordinator. Look for Shirley during the holidays at all of these events and activities. She would love to get more Decatur residents involved in planning for events and activities in 2016.

Some of our older events, like the Decatur Beach Party and July 4th celebration, need some fresh ideas.

We are also looking for ideas and volunteers to design some new events and activities on the square that appeal to a broader audience. If you have creative flair, love to plan events, and are looking for a way to get involved in the community, contact Shirley and let her know you are interested in joining a new festival committee in 2016: shirley.baylis@decaturga.com.

As we wind down 2015 and get ready to welcome in a new year, give some thought to what you can contribute to make our city even better. It can be something as small as pledging to pick up trash along your walking route or as big as adopting a planter island in your neighborhood.

You can join the Decatur Arts Alliance or support the Decatur Education Foundation or one of the other worthy nonprofit organizations operating in our community. You can volunteer for an event, help an older neighbor take the trash to the curb, or plant a tree in your front yard for others to enjoy for years to come. The options are endless. Everyone can make a difference and help build a stronger sense of place.

Focus on Downtown Development

DECATUR CITY COMMISSION Jim Baskett....................................................Mayor Patti Garrett................................Mayor Pro Tem Bill Bolling....................................Commissioner Fred Boykin.................................Commissioner Scott Drake..................................Commissioner

DECATUR DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Board Chris Sciarrone, Chair Linda Curry John Drake Bill Floyd Scott Kentner Tony Leung Fisher Paty

Decatur Business Association

DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Tim Martin.............................................. President Kyle Williams......................................... Treasurer Floyd Smith............................................ Secretary Marc Brennan............................. Past President Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com Information for the FOCUS should be submitted by mail to Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, or by email to decaturfocus@decaturga.com.

2 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2015

City News

Commissioner Bill Bolling Recognized for Visionary Leadership Decatur City Commissioner Bill Bolling is the 2015 recipient of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Harry West Visionary Leadership Award. The award was presented at ARC’s State of the Region Breakfast in October.

Bolling was the founder of the Atlanta Community Food Bank and its executive director from 1979 until stepping down in June. As a charter member of Feeding Amer-

ica, he was instrumental in the startup of food banks nationwide. He serves on the Regional Commission on Homelessness and is the founder of the Atlanta Housing Forum.

Recently he created the Food Well Alliance, a nonprofit formed in partnership with the Food Bank that connects farms, community gardens, farmers markets, and other members of Atlanta’s local food movement.

ARC established the leadership award last

Left to right: Doug Hooker, ARC executive director; Ann Cramer, senior consultant, Coxe Curry and Associates; Bill Bolling; Jeff West, Planning Division director for Gwinnett County and son of long-time ARC Director Harry West; and Kerry Armstrong, chairman, ARC Board.

year to recognize individuals who exemplify visionary leadership within the Atlanta region. The award is named in honor of Benjamin Harrison (Harry) West, ARC’s longestserving executive director.

In Decatur, Commissioner Bolling was appointed to serve the remainder of former Mayor Pro Tem Kecia Cunningham’s term, which expires Dec. 31.

Commissioners Cauldron Awarded Check Facebook for December Entries

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he Johnson Family at 205 Adair Street — Megan and Eric and their boys Scott, Phineas, and Leif — earned Decorate Decatur’s Commissioners Cauldron for 2015 for a Halloween tableau that featured mutant flamingos attacking Aloysius the dragon. Neighbor Nancy Wilkinson also assisted, providing inspiration and extra flamingos.

To see entries for the holiday season, or to nominate an address for the Commissioners Cup, visit facebook.com/groups/decoratezdecatur.

DECEMBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 3

City News MLK Jr. Service Project Weekend Is Jan. 16-18

Volunteer!

Help some Decatur senior citizens stay in their homes

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here’s still time to sign up to volunteer for Decatur’s Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project. This 14th annual event will bring together more than a thousand volunteers for a weekend blitz of house repairs and maintenance, weatherization, and yard work.

These efforts will help senior citizen homeowners on fixed- and low-incomes remain in their homes safely, comfortably, and affordably. The project honors the legacy and teachings of Rev. Dr. King and the spirit of the King holiday, the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service.

Anyone can serve (age 12 or older, unless participating with a Scout troop). If you can rake leaves, do light carpentry, do repairs on your own home, paint a wall, wash a window, lay floor tile and linoleum, caulk, or help with any of the hundreds of other tasks, please join us.

If you are a plumber, carpenter, electrician, HVAC technician, roofer, or other skilled tradesperson, or have an insulation company, consider donating your skills and services to this worthy project. There are jobs for every skill level, including helping feed hungry volunteers by making sandwiches, cookies, and brownies.

To volunteer, sign up in advance with Lee Ann Harvey, 678-553-6548 or leeann.harvey@decaturga.com. Everyone must have a signed release form (parent or guardian to sign for youth).

Visit mlkserviceproject.com for more information, to download a release form, and to donate online. You may also mail your check payable to Decatur Preservation Alliance (designate MLK Project) to Decatur Preservation Alliance, P.O. Box 1764, Decatur, GA 30031.

4 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2015

Volunteer Shifts Volunteers may sign up for one or more of the following shifts: Saturday, Jan. 16 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and/or 1-5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 17 1-5 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 18 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and/or 1-5 p.m.

City News Atlanta Salutes Decatur

Become a Proud Card-Carrying Know-It-All!

D The City of Decatur was among this year’s finalists in Atlanta Magazine’s Groundbreaker Awards program. The theme was “Building (and Rebuilding) a Better Place to Live.” The award for Groundbreaker of the Year went to Keith Parker, CEO of MARTA, “for convincing us to trust public transit.”

Counselors Step It Up for Wellness

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ity of Decatur recently saluted Rebecca Aulph, Ashton Hudson, and Kiara Smith for their performance in the Step It Up competition, part of the city’s employee wellness program. All three women are camp and after-school counselors for Children and Youth Services.

The Step It Up program encourages employees to track their daily activity using the American Heart Association’s physical activity tracker portal. The competition recognizes individuals as well as entire departments. For the quarter just ended, Children and Youth Services was awarded the traveling trophy, which features the winning department’s name and the quarter for which it won.

Rebecca, Ashton, and Kiara each were awarded Step It Up T-shirts.

id you know DeKalb County Public Library hosts more than 5,000 programs for adults and children each year?

Were you aware the Decatur Library now houses a new seed library, a collection of seeds for use by patrons that includes instructions for growing and nurturing urban gardens? Or did you know, with a library card, you can access more than 4,500 eBooks and more than 90 eMagazines for free 24 hours a day?

DeKalb County Public Library launched a new card campaign this fall to promote its benefits to citizens who might not realize all the library has to offer. Visit dekalblibrary. org/card to learn how to become a proud card-carrying know-it-all.

From left: Step It Up winners Rebecca Aulph, Ashton Hudson, and Kiara Smith, with Danielle Perry and Renae Madison, representing Children and Youth Services.

DECEMBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 5

City News Homestead Exemptions Reduce Taxes

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f you live at the property you own, you may qualify for one or more homestead exemptions or assistance programs for city taxes in 2016:

• General homestead exemption: In 2015, this exemption reduced property taxes for eligible homeowners by $221.60.

Homeowners who reside at their home are eligible to apply online or in person.

• GS-1 exemption: This exemption saved most eligible homeowners $1,487 apiece in 2015. You qualify to apply if you’re at least 62 as of Jan. 1 and your total household income does not exceed $25,000.

• S-1 exemption: The S-1 saved most eligible homeowners $187 in 2015. You qualify to apply if you are 62 or older as of Jan. 1 and the household income of you and your spouse does not exceed $10,000 excluding retirement income. Pensions and Social Security payments do not count toward income for this exemption, but income such as salary, wages, rental income, interest, and dividends are included.

• GH-2 exemption: Owners who are 65 as of Jan. 1 may file for the GH-2 regardless of income. It can save homeowners about $11 a year.

• S-3 exemption: Owners who are age 70

as of Jan. 1 may file for the S-3 regardless of income. It saved eligible homeowners up to $933 in 2015.

• S-2 exemption: To qualify for a 100 percent exemption from school taxes, the homeowner must be over the age of 80 as of Jan. 1, and the federal adjusted gross income of you and your spouse cannot exceed $40,000. This includes any type of income. The tax savings varies according to the value of your home.

• Disabled veterans can qualify for a special exemption saving up to $2,070 if they reside at the property and have a 100 percent disability documented by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Tax deferral allows the taxes on the first $100,000 of assessed value of your home to be deferred for owners 62 and above, payable with interest upon the sale or transfer of the property, allowing a total deferral of up to $2,970 annually. Additional conditions apply.

• Year’s support provides an exemption of taxes for one year upon the death of a spouse if approved by the DeKalb County probate court.

• Un-remarried surviving spouses of U.S. service members, peace officers, or

firefighters killed in the line of duty may qualify for additional exemptions. Call 404-370-4100 for details.

• Rehabilitated historic properties may qualify for preferential tax assessments.

Your potential tax savings for each exemption will vary in 2016 depending on millage rates.

If you have already applied, you do not need to re-apply. But you’ll need to apply if you qualify for a new exemption based on age, income, or you are a new owner. If you have only applied with DeKalb County, you must also apply with the city.

By law, City of Decatur can accept homestead exemption applications for 2016 anytime between now and April 1, 2016. However, eligible homeowners are encouraged to apply for any new exemptions by March 15 to ensure the exemption appears on the first installment 2016 property tax bill.

For details on how homestead exemptions are calculated or to apply for the general homestead exemption online, visit decaturga. com/homestead. Applicants for all other exemptions can apply in person at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Agnes Scott Names Dr. Charles Columbia Seminary VP for College Advancement Inaugurates 10th President

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gnes Scott College has appointed Dr. Robiaun Rogers Charles vice president for college advancement.

Dr. Charles will lead the Agnes Scott advancement team in a $100 million comprehensive campaign, the Greatness Before Us, and play a key role in shaping future efforts to secure philanthropic support. She brings more than 17 years of experience in higher education fundraising to this position.

Dr. Charles previously worked at the University of Texas at Austin, serving most recently as associate vice president and executive director of development in the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. She is a native of Atlanta and earned her doctorate in higher education leadership and policy from Vanderbilt University.

6 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2015

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he Rev. Dr. Leanne Van Dyk has been appointed president of Columbia Theological Seminary. She holds degrees from Calvin College, Western Michigan University, Calvin Theological Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary where she earned her Ph.D. in systematic theology, magna cum laude.

Before teaching at Western Theological Seminary Dr. Van Dyk taught at San Francisco Theological Seminary and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

Columbia Theological Seminary, 701 S. Columbia Dr., is an accredited theological school of the Presbyterian Church (USA) founded in the Reformed tradition. For more information call 404-378-8821.

City News

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n Nov. 12, more than 100 Decatur residents gathered in a ballroom at the Decatur Courtyard Marriott to get a first look at a draft diversity action plan for the community. The plan consisted of 70 action items, whittled down from a list of more than 600 developed over the course of several months of meetings of citizens and the Better Together Leadership team. The consultant heading up the initiative, The Art of Community, will present the final draft of the plan to the City Commission in time for its Dec. 7 meeting.

DECEMBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 7

City News School News

Decatur Workforce Housing

Crunching the numbers on income and affordability

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is best addressed through a combination of various policy tools that incentivize, restrict, and produce development patterns that will create and protect affordable housing.

While the Decatur Housing Authority has done a tremendous job in the creation and management of low-income housing, the city has identified three policy tools to achieve a Police officer $39,437 diversified approach to encourage the developFirefighter $34,008 ment of the “missing middle” housing for DeTeacher $39,476 catur’s middle class workforce and older residents interesting in downsizing.

The table at right lists These include community land the income level based on Area Median Income Affordable Affordable Income Amount Home Rent trusts paired with the existing acvarying percentages of area cessory dwelling unit ordinance, median income for a family 70 percent $44,207 $189,000 $1,098 “cottage court” developments of of four and the estimated 80 percent $58,943 $216,000 $1,281 smaller homes, and multifamily home sale price/monthly 90 percent $66,311 $247,000 $1,464 affordable housing. rent amounts that would be considered affordable 100 percent $73,679 $275,000 $1,642 CLT/ADU for each income level. As 110 percent $81,046 $305,000 $1,820 The City of Decatur’s first afforda general rule of thumb, 120 percent $88,414 $332,000 $2,003 able housing policy would be housing costs should not 130 percent $95,782 $360,000 $2,186 geared toward allowing senior exceed 30 percent of income citizens to age in place within to be considered affordable. the city.

This could include building an acHome purchase numbers assume a 5 percent dian income for a family of three. cessible, energy-efficient cottage or accesdown payment, 4.5 percent interest rate, 30This increase in housing costs and the loss sory dwelling unit (ADU) at the rear of the year mortgage, 1.9 percent property tax, and of smaller housing stock is resulting in a dehomeowner’s property to allow the senior to $1,000/year home insurance. cline in socioeconomic diversity within the age comfortably within the neighborhood. community as the financial barriers to buyThe existing home could be renovated and Home Values and Affordability ing a home in Decatur increase. Decatur, like sold as a starter home to a young, moderateAccording to an Affordable Housing Study many traditional cities, has always included income family, or the children of the original commissioned by the city in 2008, Decatur’s a mix of housing types and housing sizes and homeowner, and the land could be placed in housing gap at the time was in rental apartprovided a strong inventory of small starter a new community land trust to make sure the ments and housing options for individuals homes and affordable housing options. To be houses remain affordable. This community making $35,000-$50,000, or between 47 pera true lifelong community, Decatur is workland trust approach has been adopted by othcent-67 percent of the area median income. ing on options that will continue to provide er cities around the country and is something However, the Decatur housing market has a broad array of housing for all ages and Decatur needs to consider. recovered in a big way in recent years and incomes. housing values have escalated rapidly. There Cottage Court is an increasing shortage of housing for the Affordable Housing Policy Analysis The next policy alternative for Decatur would middle class in Decatur at all income levels Currently, the City of Decatur is working be the implementation of the cottage court below 130 percent of area median income, or with Jesse Clark, Clark Property Consulting, communities zoning ordinance. There is an incomes less than $95,000. to analyze current housing policies and opongoing trend and financial incentive for To illustrate, according to the Georgia Multions to better understand how to encourage market rate developers to demolish small tiple Listing Service, over the past six months developers to partner with the city to provide urban infill housing and build very large as of November there have been 78 home housing diversity. There is no perfect affordsingle-family homes for sale to upper-income sales within Decatur for homes that are two able housing policy that will be the “silver residents. These larger homes do fill a need bedrooms and larger. The median sales price bullet” for Decatur to maintain affordability in the community but the city is losing much of all of these transactions was $394,000. For and encourage diversity. Affordable housing ccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income for the City of Decatur is $73,679 for a family of four. To put this into context, below are the starting salaries for just a sample of employees who are critical to our community:

8 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2015

three-bedroom homes, which is the generally accepted appropriate size home for a family of four, the median sale price was $369,900.

This would require a household income of $97,981 to be considered affordable, or 148 percent of the area median income for a family of four. For two-bedroom homes, which is the generally accepted appropriate size home for a family of three, the median sale price was $264,500. This would require a household income of $71,000, or 107 percent of area me-

City

News

Treehouse Kid and Craft Has Holiday Gift Solutions of its existing inventory of smaller, affordable housing. Decatur recently updated the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to include cottage court density guidelines.

Cottage courts are developments of smaller houses with shared greenspace that provide entry housing for young homeowners and an attractive small-home option for older residents looking to downsize. The city is evaluating this zoning to determine the optimal lot size, location characteristics, and real estate economics that would make a potential infill development site more appealing as a cottage court development instead of building one large single-family home. Cottage courts and smaller housing types are another trend that is gaining momentum nationwide.

Multifamily Affordable Housing The final policy alternative the City of Decatur would like to implement is an augmentation of an existing affordable housing policy, the multifamily affordable housing density bonus, otherwise known as the lifecycle dwelling unit program. The current policy is a voluntary incentive-based program available on land zoned C-1 and C-2, allowing a developer an additional 20 percent density bonus provided that 75 percent of the new units are designated affordable.

Although this policy currently exists, it is underutilized by multifamily developers because the economics of implementing the density bonus on developments reduces the financial return of the developer compared to building 100 percent market-rate housing.

Thus, Decatur is evaluating how this program could be made more attractive to developers to create additional affordable housing options in multi-family developments too.

City staff is working to complete the analysis of these programs and develop recommendations to put these ideas into action. Presentations will be made to the Decatur City Commission after the first of the year and progress reports will continue to appear in upcoming issues of the Decatur Focus.

With special thanks to Jesse Clark for table and data.

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reehouse Kid and Craft is a shop and creative space new to the Decatur community. It offers a range of products for babies, kids, families, and crafters of all ages. Here you will find toys, books, clothing, artwork, craft materials and kits, and many locally made items.

In addition to the shop, there is classroom space for a variety of creative classes, workshops, and summer camps for kids ages 6 months to 14 years. Classes begin in the new year and will range from art and music, sewing, and knitting to superhero and fairy camps, and craft business for kids.

During the holiday season, stop in at Treehouse, 533 W. Howard Ave., in the Acme building, between CoreBody and the Thinking Man Tavern. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m-4 p.m. For more information about Treehouse and to see the holiday calendar, visit treehousekidandcraft.com.

Woodlands Nears Fundraising Goal

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oodlands Garden, 932 Scott Blvd., appreciates the generosity of community residents who have contributed to its capital campaign to raise funds to purchase the one-acre parcel on the corner of Scott Boulevard and Clairemont Avenue.

Woodlands is closing in on its $1 million fundraising goal. This holiday season, donate to help Woodlands meet its “Keep It Green Indie-Catur” campaign goal at woodlandsgarden.org/donations. Woodlands donation cards make great stocking stuffers!

Woodlands Garden’s mission is to preserve a woodland garden as an urban sanctuary to educate and engage the community in the natural world. For more information about Woodlands and its fundraising campaign call 404-373-2222.

DECEMBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 9

Get in the local spirit

Decatur Swag

this season

Shop this year's selection of Decatur holiday ornaments at Wild Oats and Billy Goats on the square.

Decatur Gets Decked Out

Shop and celebrate locally – for the holidays, you can't beat hometown, sweet hometown.

new!

New this year – Decorate Decatur goes digital! Submit homes with holiday style for our interactive Google map at visitdecaturgeorgia.com/ decoratedecatur.

Holiday Hashtag

Window Shopping

Snap a selfie on the square with the new Keep It Indie-catur photo frames around town and share for a chance to win sweet seasonal prizes!

terrific thursdays #holidaydecaturga

Local businesses show their holiday spirit with seasonal window displays.

Bundle up and tool around.

Enjoy seasonal shopportunities, snacks, sales, and extended hours around town, Dec. 3, 10, and 17 at participating shops, spas, salons, and restaurants.

Aimee Jewelry & Gallery

Greene's Fine Foods

Salon Red

Très Jolie

aimeejewelryandgallery.com

greenesfinefoods.com

salonred.com

facebook.com/TresJolie30030

Boogaloos

HomeGrown

Salon Red Kids

boogaloosboutique.com

homegrowndecatur.com

salonred.com

Trinity Mercantile & Design

Boutique Karma

Kismet

Souper Jenny

boutique-karma.com

kismetfinejewelry.com

souperjennyatl.com

Butter and Cream

Little Shop of Stories

Splash of Olive

butterandcream.com

littleshopofstories.com

splasholive.com

The Cook's Warehouse and Sherlock's Wine Merchants

Makan Restaurant & Bar

Sq/Ft

makanatl.com

sqftdecatur.com

Natural Body Spa

Squash Blossom

naturalbody.com

squashblossomboutique.com

New Orleans Snoball Café

Ted's Montana Grill

neworleanssnoballcafe.com

tedsmontanagrill.com

Pure Barre Decatur

The 17 Steps

purebarre.com/ga-decatur

the17steps.com

Raging Burrito

Treehouse Kid & Craft

ragingburrito.com

treehousekidandcraft.com

cooksandsherlocks.com

Fabu Face Spa fabufacespa.com

Farm Burger farmburger.net

Furry Tails facebook.com/furrytailspetshop

131trinity.com

Vivid Boutique vividdecatur.com

Wild Oats & Billy Goats wildoatsandbillygoats.com

Worthmore Jewelers worthmorejewelers.com

See the deals and details at visitdecaturgeorgia. com/terrificthursdays!

Get inspiration from our 30 Days of Shopping posts at thedecaturminute.com

holiday happenings Dec. 3 Tree Lighting Enjoy the annual tree lighting on E. Court Square at 7 p.m. Local businesses sponsor this spectacle – complete with caroling, cocoa, snow, and Santa!

Dec. 10

Dec. 13

Grand Menorah Lighting

Oakhurst Tree Lighting

Join in this one-night-only Chanukah celebration on the square at 6 p.m. Enjoy hot drinks, latkes, raffles, prizes, and photos with Mr. Dreidel! chabadintown.org

See this Oakhurst neighborhood spectacle on the front lawn of the Solarium at Historic Scottish Rite, 321 W. Hill St., at 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 19

Breakfast with Santa Start your day with Ol' Saint Nick during this DBAsponsored event at the Courtyard Marriott, 8-10 a.m. Buy tickets online starting Dec. 1 at decaturdba.com.

Dec. 17

Bonfire on the Square

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Roast a marshmallow (or three) around the popular 10' x 10' bonfire, 7-8 p.m. hosted by the DBA. Register for this free event at freshtix.com/events/ bonfire--marshmallow-roast so there are enough marshmallows to go around!

PROV

downtowndecatur #decaturga visitdecaturga.com

D e c at u r

Recycling Place these items in a bin for weekly curbside pickup.

Make sure all items are free of food waste.

Paper

Magazines and catalogs Newspapers and inserts Paperboard (example: tissue boxes) Paper (white and color) Envelopes (with windows) Adhesive notes Corrugated cardboard Pizza boxes, clean Plastic/wax coated cartons (example: juice cartons)

Need a bin?

NOPE

Glass

Green, brown and clear No broken glass

Plastics

Marked #1-7, clean Styrofoam with recycling logo

Metal

Soda cans, tin cans

pi Old tires itional d at no ad e. charg

City residents can request a free 18-gal. recycling bin from Decatur Public Works, 404-377-5571. You may also purchase bins at a home improvement store – 32 gal. or smaller with tight-fitting lids. Mark clearly.

can’t recycle these items:

DO NOT place these items in curbside recycling.

Batteries Broken glass Electronics Food waste Light bulbs

RVICE! E S W E N cked up

Photo paper Plant-based plastic (example: Greenware cups) Plastic grocery bags

Styrofoam without recycling logo Used napkins, paper towels, tissue

Electronics Recycling Decatur has special drop-off events in March and October. Get more details at decaturga.com/recycling.

DeKalb County offers electronics recycling drop-off sites year-round. To get more information call 404-371-2654.

City of Decatur Public Works Department 404-337-5571 • Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm • sean.woodson@decaturga.com Learn more at decaturga.com/recycling.

12 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2015

Business & Nonprofit News Maxim Barbers to Demonstrate Wet Shaving Techniques

Radio Roasters: Broadcasting Great Coffee

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axim Barbers, 218 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., will host Dr. Mike from Dr. Mike’s Shaving Emporium, on Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dr. Mike will discuss proper wet shaving techniques and traditional products. Stop by to learn techniques that will help you get a closer, more effective shave, or let Maxim’s pro Charles do it for you.

Maxim Barbers offers handmade shaving and beard products from Through the Fire Fine Crafts for purchase. For more information call 404-378-7877.

new Decatur coffee roaster, Radio Roasters, was among several Georgia producers featured at the prestigious James Beard House restaurant in New York City in October. Each course was paired with beverages made in Georgia. Radio Roasters’ Colombia Huila coffee accompanied the much-lauded crepe cake dessert from master pastry chef Chrysta Poulos.

Radio Roasters, founded by Decatur resident Chip Grabow, is a true “craft coffee” roaster. The company sources and roasts (by hand) only single-origin coffee, in small batches, to achieve each origin’s unique flavor potential.

Grabow, who has been roasting for several years, also has a long career in news. He moved his family from Portland, Oregon, when he took a job at CNN. The “radio” name was inspired by his time as a producer for National Public Radio.

Relocating from the West Coast, where the craft coffee movement is in high gear, Grabow wanted to bring a bit of his former home with him to Decatur. He seeks to show coffee enthusiasts that there is a more satisfying coffee experience available from local craft coffee roasters and he wants to provide single-origin coffees that fulfill that promise.

Radio Roasters is focused on roasting for now – there’s no cafe or storefront. But you can find the coffee at Sq/Ft Decatur on the square, at Pine Street Market, and at radioroasters.com (free quick delivery in Decatur). Radio Roasters is now being served at Victory Sandwich Bar (Decatur and Inman Park locations).

If your restaurant or business is looking for a local roaster of well-sourced and roasted coffee, contact Chip Grabow, 404-422-5558 or chip@radioroasters.com.

QuickBooks Classes to Be Offered Do you use QuickBooks to manage your small business? A half-day basics class taught

by Kristin Diver of System Happy can provide a stronger foundation. Kristen is an advanced certified QuickBooks Pro advisor and can help even experienced users become more proficient with the program.

Classes are held 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St., and include a manual, snacks, lunch, drinks plus a face-to-face onsite visit after class. Cost is $147. Dates are Jan. 21, Feb. 25, March 17, April 21, and May 19 with Quickbooks online classes on Jan. 28 and April 14.

For more information: systemhappy.com; kristin@systemhappy.com DECEMBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 13

Business & Nonprofit News Boykin Retires from Bicycle South Brian Dunne To Become New Owner

CHRISTMAS SERVICES Lutheran Church of the Messiah 465 Clairemont Ave. The Real Saint Nick Sunday, Dec. 13 • 5 p.m.

Saint Nicholas was a generous Christian who lived in ancient Turkey. Because of his love for children and his concern for the disadvantaged, Nicholas is a model of compassion even today.

Join us on the front lawn for a bonfire, complete with Christmas carols, warm drinks and s’mores. The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. Be on the lookout for a visit from St. Nick himself. All are invited!

Dunne and Boykin at Bicycle South, 2098 N. Decatur Rd.

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red Boykin, founder and owner of Bicycle South, will retire at the end of December. Long time manager, Brian Dunne, will take over ownership of the store.

Decatur resident and City Commissioner Fred Boykin founded the shop in 1972 while attending Emory University. After 43 years, Fred said he is ready to turn over the business of promoting the joys of cycling to the next generation.

Bicycle South is a long-time member of the Decatur Business Association and both Fred and Bicycle South have consistently donated their time and efforts to support local groups and events. They have won numerous awards over the years and last year, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition honored Fred by naming an award after him – the Fred Boykin Lifetime Achievement Award. Fred cites his efforts on behalf of the Safe Routes to School program and the positive effects it has had on Decatur as one of his proudest accomplishments.

Dunne, who has worked at Bicycle South for more than 20 years, said he looks forward to continuing the store’s strong tradition of dedication to customer service and support of the local cycling community, especially the Safe Routes to School program in Decatur.

Holiday Art Camps at Sycamore Place Gallery Ms. Sylvia and friends will offer three-day art camps at Sycamore Place Gallery, 120 Sycamore Pl., on Dec. 21, 22 ,and 23, and Dec. 28, 29, and 30. Cost is $95 per three-day camp. Email ms.sylvia.cross@gmail.com or text 404-660-9967 to sign up.

Susan Ottzen plays the harp while campers create.

14 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2015

Christmas Eve Services Thursday, Dec. 24 • 7 and 11 p.m.

If you are looking for a place to share the holiday with others, please join us. The 7 p.m. service will include a hand bell choir and Messiah’s youth chorus. The 11 p.m. service is more traditional.

For more information call 404-3731682, visit messiahdecatur.org, or email office@messiahdecatur.org.

Decatur First United Methodist Church 300 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. Celebration of Emmanuel Christmas Concert Friday, Dec. 11 , 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Thursday, Dec. 24 • 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Come As You Are Christmas Eve Thursday, Dec. 24 • 8:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service Thursday, Dec. 24 • 11 p.m.

Morning at the Manger Sunday, Dec. 27 • 11 a.m. • Chapel

Business & Nonprofit News Julie Wilson Named Program Director for Book Festival

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ulie Wilson is the new program director for the AJC Decatur Book Festival, succeeding Philip Rafshoon. Previously, she served as the festival’s assistant program director.

Before joining the AJC DBF Julie worked for the American Cancer Society, where she managed customer feedback and process improvement, measured and evaluated customer experiences, and developed market-

ing communications programs.

She also previously worked for Ketchum, a leading international communications agency. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she majored in journalism with a concentration in advertising.

The AJC DBF is the largest independent book festival in the country. Over Labor Day weekend each year, tens of thousands of peo-

ple from metro Atlanta come to Decatur for a weekend filled with authors, illustrators, editors, publishers, booksellers, literature, music, food, and fun.

For more information on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival presented by DeKalb Medical (AJC DBF), visit decaturbookfestival.com,“like” Decatur Book Festival on Facebook or follow @dbookfestival on Twitter.

Ted’s Montana Grill Battles Hunger, Exceeds Fundraising Goal

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hrough its partnership with No Kid Hungry, Ted’s Montana Grill has raised $303,303, the equivalent of more than three million meals for children in need in America. Funds raised through the nonprofit’s Dine Out for No Kid Hungry initiative exceeded the restaurant chain’s 2015 fundraising goal of $300,000. The downtown Decatur restaurant

alone raised more than $8,000.

Dine Out for No Kid Hungry is the largest opportunity for the restaurant industry to unite in support of ending childhood hunger in the United States. Ted’s Montana Grill guests participated in the Dine Out fundraiser Aug. 31-Oct. 4 at all 45 locations.

Patrons who donated $5 or more received a $5 gift card to use at the restaurant in the

future. For every dollar donated, No Kid Hungry can provide 10 nutritious meals to a child in need.

To learn more or find a restaurant, visit tedsmontanagrill.com, like Ted’s Montana Grill on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

Ted’s Decatur restaurant is at 201 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. For more information call 404-378-1123.

Active Living Is District 6 Agency of the Year A Toast for Toastmasters Winner Jameelah Saleem Decatur resident Jameelah Saleem recently won the Division C Toastmasters Evaluation contest. The division has 25 clubs and she competed with the finalists from four other areas. Jameelah is the president of Toastmasters of St. Philips Church, 240 Candler Rd., and works for the public defender’s office in DeKalb County.

The Decatur Active Living Division received the District 6 Agency of the Year award at the Georgia Parks and Recreation Association banquet in October.

Active Living Director Greg White and Lindsey Struck, assistant program supervisor, accept the award at the ceremony.

DECEMBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 15

DBA News DBA Golf Open Thanks Sponsors and Players

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hank you to all the sponsors of the third annual DBA Golf Open. The tournament, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2, at the Southland Golf Club, was cancelled due to heavy rain. A big thank-you party was held for all the scheduled players and sponsors of the event, with drinks, appetizers, networking, raffles, and golf vouchers given to the players.

Sponsors

Brian Smith Campaign Brickstore Pub Burge and Associates Butter and Cream Crabbie’s

Meeting

Reminders

Debbie Hollenbeck and Level Craft Decatur CoWorks Decatur Pure DeKalb Medical Center Delta Community Credit Union Fidelity Bank Front Door Realty Gas South John Muse and Georgia Oral Surgery Joyner and Burnette Keller Knapp Real Estate Kronberg Wall Mainstream Merchant Services McCurdy and Candler Melissa Stratton – Coldwell Bankers Synertia Partners

December 1 Holiday Meeting

January 25, 2016 State of the City Address

Marriott Courtyard 130 Clairemont Ave. Decatur Courtyard by Marriott

Marriott Courtyard 130 Clairemont Ave. Decatur Courtyard by Marriott

5:15 p.m. Networking Reception 6:30 p.m. Hometown Heroes

Decatur Craft Beer

5:15 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

Moe’s and Joe’s Natalie Gregory – Keller Williams Neil Dobbs – Allstate Pinewood Private Bank of Decatur Raging Burrito Resurgens Bank Scott Drake Campaign Shelter Mortgage Company Steinbeck’s Ale House Synapse Advertising Timothy Martin and Associates Tony Powers Campaign Universal Joint Wells Fargo Williams Teusink

Networking Reception Mayor’s State of the City address

The holiday meeting is sponsored by Decatur Downtown Development Authority, with food provided by Makan. The Januay meeting is sponsored

by Decatur Courtyard by Marriott and City of Decatur.

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Thank you to DBA SPONSORS

Butter & Cream • DeKalb Medical Private Bank of Decatur • Fidelity Bank Delta Community Credit Union

DEDICATED. EXPERIENCED. RESPECTED. Expert, uncompromising legal representation when you need it most.

• Personal Injury and Wrongful Death • 150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 260 • Downtown Decatur 404-253-7860 • doug@carllp.com • www.carllp.com

16 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2015 C&A-2col-ad-focus.indd 1

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Decatur Events Annual Run with the Dogs 5K Is Jan. 9 The Decatur Bulldog Boosters invite the Decatur dog-loving and running communities to participate in the annual Run with the Dogs 5K on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 9 a.m.

This run/walk event will begin and end in front of Decatur High School and traverse a scenic, if challenging, course through Decatur neighborhoods. It will again feature a single 5K race where runners and dog-owners can run with (or without) their dogs. T-shirts, awards, and treats will be available to participants, as well as a sporty race kerchief for canine companions.

All proceeds go to funding the uniforms, equipment, and awards for student-athletes at the middle and high schools.

This will be the first race of the New Year in Decatur’s 2016 Grand Slam Fitness Challenge and will serve as the awards ceremony for the dedicated Team Decatur participants who completed the Grand Slam last year.

Registration forms are on active.com and dhs.csdecatur. net/athletics/dbb. You can register online at active.com.

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/RWTD5k, Twitter @RWTD2016 or Instagram @rwtd5k. Send questions to Bill Ainslie, ainslie.william@gmail.com.

Wreath Making for Adults at the Wylde Center

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he Wylde Center, one of Atlanta’s premier environmental organizations, invites adults to enjoy an evening of wreath making at Oakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Rd. Participants will be provided with balsam fir wreaths and a variety of garden materials including dried berries and herbs, pine cones, and magnolia pods to embellish the wreaths and create one-of-a-kind holiday decorations.

The cost is $65 per person and all materials are included. Adults must register online in advance and may choose one evening from Dec. 1-5, 7-9 p.m. Garden staff will be on hand to offer suggestions and any needed help. Bows and other decorative accessories will be provided.

Visit wyldecenter.org to register.

Relocating With Your Brood?

Experience. Knowledge. Patience. Results.

Emilie Markert.

318 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30030 markert@bellsouth.net 404-235-8900 C: 404.915.8222

Markert Helps Make It Happen!

DECEMBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 17

Decatur Events TCS to Host Southern Soiree in Historic Courthouse Feb. 12

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he Community School (TCS), a nonprofit organization in Decatur, will host its annual fundraiser, the Southern Soiree and Auction, Feb. 12, 7-10:30 p.m. The event will take place in the historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 East Court Square, and will benefit TCS’s programs for adolescents and young adults who are on the autism spectrum or who face related issues, as well as their families.

Come enjoy wine and beer donated by Sherlock’s Wine Merchant and Three Taverns Brewery, a buffet of hors d’oeuvres provided by Zest Atlanta, music that will get you dancing by DJ Aaron Richmond, and an auction featuring gift certificates from local restaurants and businesses, sports memorabilia, vacation packages, and more.

Early bird tickets will be available for $50 beginning Dec. 1. Regular tickets will be available for $60 in January, and the price will increase to $70 after Jan. 29. Tickets may be purchased online at thecommunityschool.net/southernsoiree or by calling 404-573-2012.

If you’d like to support TCS but cannot attend, please consider making a donation or sponsoring the event. Information can be found on the event website (above). For more information, visit the Community School’s website, thecommunityschool.net, or call 404-573-2012.

Kay’s Kookies

Thinking Outside the Cookie Box 25 varieties of hand-crafted gourmet cookies, made with real butter and high quality ingredients www.kayskookies.com KKookieCo@gmail.com 404-808-9608

Dynamo Swim School offers yearround swimming lessons in Decatur at Agnes Scott College Agnes Scott College

141 E. College Ave • Decatur, GA 30030 •770.451.3272x16

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www.dynamoswimschool.com 18 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2015

AEXURDNLM 10-Apr-2013 15:34

School News Clairemont Elementary Named to Innovative Schools List

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oodle, a website for education information and resources, has included Clairemont Elementary School on its inaugural “Innovative Schools” list. The list includes 41 public, private, and charter K-12 schools that inspire students to love learning and empower teachers and administrators to create unparalleled educational opportunities.

The schools on the list achieve measurable results through innovations built around the needs of students. Results include high graduation rates, improvement in test scores, and better post-graduate options. In creating the list, Noodle set out to identify schools that have moved away from traditional learning environments and realized significant results for their students in the process.

Clairemont Elementary was selected from among nearly 140,000 schools in the United States to receive a Top Innovative Schools

experts culled the 41 most interesting, innovative, and impactful ones. In the research process, Noodle experts consulted with education leaders; pored over state-reported test scores and other data; analyzed academic studies on the efficacy of various pedagogical approaches; read and conducted interviews with teachers, administrators, students, alumni, and parents; and tracked years of news coverage. award from Noodle. Clairemont was recognized for its curriculum based on learning through collaborative exploration. It is one of 18 Expeditionary Learning Mentor Schools because of its stellar results with this initiative.

Methodology From among tens of thousands of excellent K-12 schools in the United States – public, private and charter – a team of education

About Noodle Noodle is an education website helping parents and students make better decisions about learning. Using interactive search tools, families can find the right preschool, college, tutor, or any other learning resource. In addition, they can read expert-authored articles, ask questions and get answers from some of the leading minds in education, and connect with others in their communities. For more information visit noodle.com.

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DECEMBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 19

School News Decatur events it’s a Date to Stay up late! ll Decatur residents, and everybody else, too, are invited Bike Racks to walk in the Decatur Lantern Parade on the evening of Dedicated atis one of those “the-more-the-merrier” Friday, May 15. This events, so plan now to participate and be a part of helping College Heights

A

to make this lantern parade memorable.

Make your own lantern at home or IntoOctober, College Heights Early Learncome a lantern-making workshop ing Center dedicated new bike racks, where supplies and guidance are providcreated by Glennwood art teacher Nick ed. Find out where and when by visiting Madden.

The school joined Decatur’s decaturlanternparade.com.

Routes toline School last year ToSafe participate, up atProgram Color Wheel and wanted to install bike racks to show Studio at 508 E. Howard Ave. after 8 p.m. support for parents walking and rolling The parade steps off at 9 p.m. led by The to school with the children.

The racks Black Sheep Marching Ensemble and pain Chantelle the shapesRytter. of a scooter, walking radeare guru The parade feet, a bicycle, and a stroller.

Pictured are will wend its way to the community Nick Madden, Philip Weidower, princibandstand in front of the Old Courtpalon Suzanne Kennedy, Katie Pugh, Sarah house the square.

Garland, and Zeke Alejandro.

For more The parade is sponsored

by Color information on Decatur’s SRTS program, Wheel Studio, Decatur Arts Alliance, visit decaturga.com/srts.

Decatur Education Foundation, and the Decatur Development Authority.

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LISA CRONIC, REALTOR® lisacronic@atlantafinehomes.com 678.641.4325

Decatur Resident for Over 20 Years AtlantaFineHomes.com | 404.874.0300 © MMXIV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

School News The Friends School of Atlanta Hosts Tour and Open House

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he Friends School of Atlanta (FSA), 862 S. Columbia Dr., offers a pre-K through 8th grade program. The school’s mission is to provide challenging academics in a diverse environment, drawing on the values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship to empower students to go out into the world with conscience, conviction and compassion.

Tours are an excellent way for parents to spend two hours learning about the culture and curricula at FSA, observing classes in session and touring campus facilities. To reserve a spot in one of the following tours, email Nancy Bent, director of Advancement and Admissions, nancy.bent@friendsschoolatlanta.org.

Friends School Students Choose Recycling Project for Robotics Competition Students in the Robotics Club at the Friends School of Atlanta are focused on recycling and reducing waste as their project component for a Lego Robotics competition. Following a recycling presentation and discussion with Marla Prince, a recycling expert from Waste Management, the students pledged their commitment to recycling and reducing waste.

They will select a piece of trash we commonly see being thrown away in the lunchroom and research ways to recycle the item.

Pre-K through 4th Grade • 10 a.m.-noon: Dec. 1, 9, 15; Jan. 6, 12, 20, 26; Feb. 3, 9, 17, 23; March 2, 15 5th through 8th grades • 9 a.m.-11 a.m.: Dec. 2, 8, 16; Jan. 13, 19, 27; Feb. 2, 10, 16, 24; March 8, 23 Open House • 10 a.m.-noon • meet teachers, staff and other families. No reservation needed: Saturdays, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, and Feb. 6.

Contact Nancy Bent, nancy.bent@friendsschoolatlanta.org or 404-373-8746, ext. 8135, for more information.

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Winter sessions start Developed by Nov. 7–13, so call now Rob Sayer for class times and schedule a free observation class.

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DECEMBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 21

School News Decatur Students Learn the Art of Printmaking

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rt teachers Colleen Dunbar and Amy Evan wanted to introduce their students at the 4/5 Academy to the versatility and expressiveness of printmaking. They submitted a request for a Teacher Innovation Grant to the Decatur Education Foundation for funds to acquire a printmaking press and supplies. When the funds were approved they purchased a mobile press that could be shared with other art teachers across the system.

Dunbar and Evan’s students were already familiar with the “ink and rub” method of making a print but not the broad scope of techniques and possibilities of printmaking. At a recent professional learning day, they demonstrated the capabilities of the press to art teachers in all the K-3 schools.

Art students at Westchester and Glennwood will work with the press in November and December. Amy Evan believes part of the joy of printmaking as an art form is seeing all the students successfully create imaginative works of art regardless of their ability to draw.

To learn more about DEF’s impact on Decatur’s children and youth, visit decatureducationfoundation.org.

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22 | Decatur Focus • DECEMBER 2015

Around Town The organizers of the Rosewalk Halloween Parade (led by Shannon Lubell, Rosewalk HOA president) invited new neighbors from Cottage Grove as well as those from Swanton Hill to join in the neighborhood fun, including a “get to know your new neighbors” game.

omes two new additions to the The Decatur Fire Department welc MT Garrett Range.

FF/E and ic team: FF/EMT Adam Bost

The Haints & Saints Parade, spon sored by HomeGrown, made its way through downtown Decatur in O ctober. The theme this ye ar was “Ghostbuster s.”

DECEMBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 23

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