Decatur Focus November 2015

Focus City of Decatur

Holiday Ornaments see Page 9 Clear zone

NOVEMBER 2015 Volume 26 • Number 4

Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia

DECATUR ARTWAY

Sculptures Installed Around the Square

This Is Something We Had to Go Through James Davis

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he five sculptures selected for the Decatur Artway, a public arts initiative established by the Decatur Arts Alliance and the City of Decatur, have been installed around the square. Each of the works will be displayed for two years, creating a dynamic rotating collection of public art around town. To get a personal tour of the pieces, with narration provided by the artists, download the free Otocast app from iTunes or Google Play.

Learn more about each work at decaturartsalliance.org.

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BUsiness DBA 10 NEWs 16

NEWs

Mortification Matthew Phillips

DECATUR School 23 Around 17

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Focus City of Decatur

Shop Local. Support Your Community

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t’s that time of year again. Time to consider the importance of supporting locally owned businesses. Our retailers and restaurant owners give their support to local PTAs, sports teams, and neighborhood groups. They employ our young people and give us service with a smile. You can return the favor this holiday season by taking the “Keep It Indie-catur” pledge.

Look for special events, sales, and holiday treats during the annual Terrific Thursdays events in November and December. Receive a $20 restaurant gift card when you bring in $200 in receipts from local retailers during November (limit three per customer, please).

Check out Decatur’s Shop Local tent on the square on Small Business Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28 and 29.

There will be free gift wrapping, holiday music, face painting, five-minute massages, free hot cocoa, live music performances, Santa, and a “Keep It Indie-catur” gift basket raffle.

New this year is our 30 Days of Shopping (November) blog posts to update you on the latest and greatest items in locally owned stores, along with our holiday hashtag photo contest (use #holidaydecaturga to enter). Look for more information at thedecaturminute.com, facebook.com/Indiecatur and #decaturga on Twitter for continuous updates.

Join us downtown for the holiday tree lighting at Little Shop of Stories on Dec. 3, the grand menorah lighting Dec. 10 on the square, and the annual bonfire and marshmallow roast on Dec. 17.

Focus on Downtown Development

Retail Updates Recently the Decatur Downtown Development Authority leased a retail storefront at 115 Clairemont Ave. adjacent to the Decatur Visitor’s Center. Our goal is to use it for retail and we are looking for just the right retail tenant to sublease the space from us. We would love your suggestions and ideas for how the space could be used. If you are interested, have an idea, or know of a retail business looking for space, please contact us at Catherine.lee@decaturga.com or lyn.menne@decaturga.com.

Art Updates By now we hope you have visited the five sculpture pieces installed around downtown Decatur. Thanks to the Decatur Arts Alliance for organizing the Decatur Artway project. This installation is the first in a series of rotating sculpture installations. The downtown pieces will remain for two years and will be replaced by new sculptures every other year. The Decatur Artway will expand to the Oakhurst business district next year. That installation will also stay in place for two years before being replaced by new sculptures.

A second bit of artistic fun has been installed around the city but you will have to wait until it rains to discover these hidden pieces. Let us know when you spot them and let us know what you think.

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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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.

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City News Better Together:

Community Action Plan Review Nov. 12

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ith contributions from almost a thousand Decatur residents, the Better Together team is working to compile, distill, and present the community’s many ideas in the form of a Community Action Plan. The first draft of the plan will be available for community review and comment on Thursday, Nov. 12, 6:308:30 p.m., in the Marriott Courtyard’s Decatur Conference Center, Ballroom B. Join us for a full program in which we’ll review the work to date and explore the various recommendations that have emerged. This is a public gathering open to all, so please come and add your perspective on how Decatur can best foster the diversity that makes us such a wonderful place to call home.

Decatur Awarded Silver Walk Friendly Communities Designation

T Decatur Human Resources Relocates Decatur’s Human Resources Department has relocated to the office suite that was previously occupied by the Planning and Zoning Department in the lower level of City Hall (entrance on Trinity). The HR Department is responsible for employee recruitment, benefits administration, payroll processing, maintenance of personnel records, performance appraisal management, employee development, and training, and the management of employee and labor relations.

Anyone may stop by and apply for positions that are open, or visit our website at decaturga.com. Office hours are 8 a.m-5 p.m. The HR Department also has a new main telephone number: 678-553-6740.

Lifelong Decatur Presents: How Do I Get There?

Transportation Alternatives

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here do you want to go? Decatur’s Lifelong Community Advisory Board invites you to find out about the many transportation alternatives for getting around when you can’t or don’t want to drive, bike, or walk. Some options are ones we take for granted, such as MARTA. There are also many more creative options from local nonprofit organizations and universities.

The board invites you to discover what is currently available and encourages you to offer suggestions for other options that you would like to see in the future. For more information about Lifelong Decatur and the board, contact leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or 678-553-6548.

he Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center has named Decatur a Silver Walk Friendly Community for its walk-ability initiatives and programs. Walk Friendly Communities is a national program aimed at recognizing communities for their commitment to pedestrian safety. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and FedEx. The City of Decatur has a strong commitment to improving pedestrian issues and walk-ability. All city departments work together to achieve this goal. Decatur Active Living offers a variety of programs to get the community out walking, including Team Decatur, Walk With a Doc, Bright at Night Walks, and Sunday Strolls. The city also has a very strong Safe Routes to School Program that is a model for the state.

To date, 57 municipalities in the U.S. have been designated as Walk Friendly Communities.

Decatur is among three communities recognized in the latest round. The designation, awarded from bronze to platinum, is given to applicant communities that have demonstrated a commitment to improving and sustaining walk-ability and pedestrian safety through comprehensive programs, plans, and policies.

For more information on Walk Friendly Communities, visit walkfriendly.org. Additional resources: pedbikeinfo.org; safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike.

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City News DEC-Public Works to Host Open House for Residents Nov. 19

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o you have questions about your property? Or wonder how things get built in Decatur? On Nov. 19 our doors are staying open late to answer your questions. The staff of the Design, Environment and Construction Division (DEC) of Public Works invites residents and business owners to an open house event at the award-winning Leveritt Public Works building, 2635 Talley St. Staff will be on hand to answer questions in a relaxed setting outside of regular business hours.

There’s plenty to talk about. From taking in plans, reviewing plans, inspecting development, building roads and enforcing codes to keeping track of our community’s tree canopy, DEC covers a lot of ground. If you have questions, DEC has answers.

Decatur’s new high performance building standards go into effect this month for all new single-family dwellings, multi-family residential buildings, commercial buildings over 3,000 square feet, and for all non-exempt commercial projects. Requirements for single-family home renovations are right around the corner in February 2016. The main focus of the open house will be this new program.

Find out more about how Decatur grows. Come and meet the staff, check out a great new Decatur building, or just ask your own questions. For information visit decaturga.com/city-government/city-departments/design-environment-and-construction or call 678-553-6531.

Congratulations, Bill Adams Decatur resident Bill Adams is one of four recipients of the Grant Park Conservancy’s Legacy Supporter award. The Conservancy is a 15-year-old nonprofit tasked with restoring and preserving Atlanta’s oldest park.

Adams served on the Conservancy’s board for eight years and acted as the board’s chair for five years. His company, Adams Realtors, is based in Grant Park and has supported the organization by donating the proceeds from the company’s Run for the Park 5K walk/run over the last 13 years.

DeKalb Choral Guild Presents Day of the Dead Concert

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he DeKalb Choral Guild begins its 38th season with a concert celebrating Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, on Saturday Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Avondale Estates, 47 Covington Hwy. Tickets are $5, payable at the door or for purchase online at dekalbchoralguild.org The performance will be followed by a fiestastyle reception complete with holiday treats such as bread of the dead, pan de los muertos, and sugar skulls, calaveras de azúcar.

The DeKalb Choral Guild is a Charter for

Compassion Arts partner. Their concerts bring people together to listen, share and celebrate choral music.

The DeKalb Choral Guild is led by Decatur resident Mary Evelyn Root. Many singers in the group are from Decatur, in-

cluding Haqiqa Bolling, Buddy Eades, Helen Menefee, and Laura Willard. The DeKalb Choral Guild attracts singers from across metropolitan Atlanta and presents several concerts per season under the direction of music director and conductor Mary Root and accompanist Leanne Elmer Herrmann.

The group’s upcoming spring events include: the Georgia Young Composers Festival and Concert, Saturday, March 5, and the Spring Concert featuring texts by mystics from around the world, May 14.

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City News Decatur Awarded Public Art Grant from ARC

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he Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded grants to Decatur and three other communities to help them develop public art projects focused on the theme of “making history” in the Atlanta area. Sixteen jurisdictions from six different counties submitted applications. Eligible applicants included local governments, community improvement districts, neighborhood associations and nonprofit organizations in the 10-county Atlanta region.

Decatur’s award is for the mural on the MARTA overpass at West Trinity Place and Atlanta Avenue. Here’s how the mural is described on the ARC website: The Decatur MARTA overpass bisects several diverse communities while sheltering children waiting for school buses, as well as neighbors and employees walking and riding bikes. Many cars traverse the corridor daily, and thousands of citizens from all over the Atlanta Region ride the Blue Line MARTA train across the overpass every day. In essence, it creates a gateway into these economically and racially diverse communities and provides an opportunity for real connections through meaningful art on this large, durable concrete canvas. The MARTA Overpass Mural will create neighborhood connections and an exceptional art form that is reflective of the revitalization and vibrancy of this historical community in downtown Decatur.

The four grants are the first made by the Atlanta Regional Public Art Program, which is administered by ARC and managed with the support of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. The other three recipients besides Decatur are Hapeville (125th Anniversary Sculpture Project), Downtown Woodstock (mural) and the King Memorial MARTA Mural Project.

The ARC Public Art Program provides matching funding through a competitive grant process to help communities install public art. It is managed with the support of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. To learn more, visit publicart. atlantaregional.com. Watch the Focus for updates on the community engagement process that will begin in 2016.

Task Force for Global Health Swanton Heights

City Schools of Decatur Administration

Trinity Walk

Decatur Police HQ/ Municipal Court

W. Trinity Place, looking west

Ebster Recreation Center

A Season of Giving/ Christmas Decatur – Still Time to Help

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Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur has entered its 21st year of caring neighbors and community members making the holiday season brighter for low-income children and senior citizens in Decatur. Approximately 650 children and seniors received gifts during the 2014 holiday season.

Ways to Help Bring Holiday Joy “Adopt” a child or senior – receive a personalized wish list and purchase approximately $100 in gifts. If you purchase a wish list book at Little Shop of Stories and mention why, the shop will donate 20 percent of your purchase to A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur.

Join together with your neighbors, co-workers, friends, place of worship, or other organization to purchase gifts for one or more children or seniors. Rather than buying that “token” gift for a friend or family member, make your gift a day spent together shopping for a child or senior in need.

Need a project for your child’s class, troop, or organization? Consider the benefits of teaching your children about people in our area in need and the excitement of making another child’s holiday brighter!

Too busy to shop? Send a check and one of our volunteers will do the shopping for you. Make your check payable to A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur and mail it to P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031. Donations of any amount are appreciated.

Volunteer in the office on flexible weekdays, make phone calls and copies, and do other light office work.

Volunteer during the first week of December at the distribution center. Opportunities are available on Saturdays and weekdays (including evenings).

Note that all gifts will be due Saturday, Dec. 5.

To receive a wish list for a child or senior, inquire about volunteer opportunities, or for additional information, email aseasonofgiving@decaturga.com or call 404-378-8068. Happy holidays!

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City News MLK Service Project Jan. 16-18

Sign Up to Help Senior Citizens

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oin family, friends, neighbors, and clubs to volunteer for the 14th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project on the weekend of Jan. 16-18. Discover the power of our community of volunteers and make a difference in senior citizens’ lives.

The MLK Service Project helps senior homeowners stay in the homes they love. You can help with projects that include making greatly needed repairs to homes and doing yard work that elderly homeowners have been unable to afford or are physically unable to do.

Jobs for All Skill Levels When signing up, please indicate the shift(s) selected, and any specific skills you have (such as carpentry, general home repair, painting, drywall installation and repair, plumbing, gardening, landscaping, etc.). Such skills are not necessary, but help in assigning tasks. There are jobs for everyone, from unskilled to DIY handyperson to skilled professional.

Volunteers who are able to help make repairs to their own homes, skilled amateurs, as well as skilled tradespeople, especially roofers, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters are crucial to this effort.

There are many other ways to help. The landscaping committee invites skilled and “weekend” gardeners to lead simple gardening projects. Volunteers can assist with transporting tools and materials (truck preferred), as well as helping to weatherize homes. The food committee seeks donations of sandwiches and

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. homemade desserts to feed the hundreds of hungry volunteers. More than 1,200 volunteers work on the project each year.

What to Bring A limited number of tools and work gloves will be available. Volunteers are encouraged to bring tools to use (hammers, saws, drills, and other tools; rakes, clippers, loppers, and other yard work implements). Make sure tools are clearly marked for identification purposes.

To make this project more environmentally friendly, volunteers are asked to bring a reusable water bottle.

Youth Volunteers Anyone over the age of 12 is welcome to volunteer. Those under 12 are also welcome if they are volunteering through a supervised organization such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. Please check first before signing up.

Any volunteers younger than 18 must have parents or guardians sign release forms and bring them to the project. That form and other information regarding the service project are available online at decaturga.com/mlk or mlkserviceproject.com. Each volunteer, regardless of age, must complete a release form. Youth groups should sign up by Dec. 15.

Sponsors and Donations The MLK Service Project is sponsored by the Decatur Preservation Alliance (DPA) in partnership with the City of Decatur and is supported through grants and private donations, both financial and in-kind. Gifts are tax deductible. To make a donation, visit mlkserviceproject.com and click on “Join or Donate,” or mail your check payable to DPA (designate MLK Project) to Decatur Preservation Alliance, PO Box 1764, Decatur, GA 30031.

Whom to Contact, Where to Report Volunteers meet at the Solarium at the Community Center of South Decatur, 321 W. Hill St. in the Oakhurst district, at least a half-hour before shifts start. All volunteers are invited to attend a celebration cookout on Monday, Jan. 18, 5 p.m., at the Solarium.

To volunteer to make home repairs, do yard work, help with logistics, or assist the food committee, contact Lee Ann Harvey, 678553-6548 or leeann.harvey@decaturga.com.

Volunteer as individuals or as part of a group. mlkserviceproject.com

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City News The Pout Pout Fish Author at Little Shop of Stories

The Shadow of Silver Birch

eborah Diesen, author of the New York Times best-selling children’s book series The Pout Pout Fish will be in Decatur on Nov. 19 at Little Shop of Stories. The latest installment to the series, The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish, was released in September. The goal of this sequel is to remind young readers what being merry is all about.

A novel by Terez Peipins anks are rapidly approaching Riga, Latvia, and a family must decide what to do.

Juris, the father, finds a love that sustains him from Siberia to the new postwar Latvia.

Laura has left for Spain with a Division Azul soldier who was sent to fight in Russia. Olga escapes Latvia but ends up in a displaced persons camp in Germany until she and her family emigrate to Canada. All three reinvent their lives in this story of love and war.

The Shadow of Silver Birch was published

by Black Rose and is available on Amazon and by order at all bookstores.

Terez Peipins is a newcomer to Decatur.

Her poetry, fiction, and essays have appeared in publications in the U.S. and abroad. She is the author of three chapbooks of poetry.

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Veteran’s Day Tribute Nov. 11 at Decatur Cemetery

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or the seventh year, the Friends of Decatur Cemetery (FODC) and American Legion Harold Byrd Post No. 66, will remember the veterans of all wars buried in Decatur Cemetery. The brief, traditional ceremony is Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m., at the memorial near the Bell Street entrance to the cemetery.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, beginning at 9 a.m., more than 1,000 50-star flags will be placed by volunteers at the gravesites of Decatur’s heroes at rest in the 58-acre cemetery. One of the most interesting and gratifying parts of this project enables participants to ponder the names, dates, and often the service details of each veteran. To volunteer, contact Amy Weaver, amy@b2creativeinc.com.

Flags will be retrieved on the following Saturday, Nov. 14, beginning at 9 a.m. Volunteers are needed for this important task. After pickup, flags must be cleaned and bundled for storage until next year’s remembrance ceremony.

Following the flag pickup, FODC member David Crenshaw will present a workshop on proper cleaning of gravestones, beginning at 11:30. This will be a hands-on experience. To register please email friendsofdecaturcemetery@gmail.com.

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Decatur Residents Chronicle Austin City Limits in New Book

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ustin City Limits: A Monument to Music, published this fall, is a coffee-table-style book with photos by long-time Austin City Limits photographer Scott Newton and text written

by Decatur residents Tracey and Brandon Laird. Tracey teaches at Agnes Scott and Brandon is a preschool teacher at Decatur Presbyterian Church. Tracey previously published a more academic history of Austin City Limits with Oxford University Press.

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City News School News

The Importance of Housing Options in Our Community

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rinciple D of the 2010 Decatur Strategic Plan stresses the importance of assuring a variety of high-quality housing options to meet the needs of a diverse community. A number of possibilities are offered in Goal 15 of the plan.

While affordable housing is a component of this goal, other housing options are needed to respond to Decatur’s commitment to creating a lifelong community that meets the needs of residents throughout all stages of life.

Aging-in-Place and Starter-Home Options Providing housing options for an aging population will dominate the market in coming decades. Smaller housing choices, accessible housing, aging-in-place needs and expanded assisted-living options will need to be considered. On the other end of the age spectrum, some Decatur residents have concerns about the lack of “starter home” options for young adults who want to return home after college.

These issues, as well as the community’s stated desire to preserve Decatur’s diversity, factor into the city’s long-term view of housing needs and housing options.

Affordability Issues and Solutions Affordability can mean different things to different people. The Decatur Housing Authority does an outstanding job of addressing housing needs through traditional public housing and housing assistance programs, and currently

provides more than 400 dwellings for lowincome residents. Private subsidized housing such as Philips Towers, Clairemont Oaks and Park Trace include almost 600 dwellings for the elderly and handicapped with rental rates based on income levels.

The redevelopment of the Allen Wilson Terrace, originally built in 1938, replaced 191 out of Decatur’s 200 oldest public housing dwellings with new, energy-efficient, EarthCraftcertified housing. The original two-story buildings were replaced with three-story buildings and a four-story senior resident building. This increase in density allowed the Decatur Housing Authority to create a threeacre redevelopment site along Trinity Avenue.

The DHA Board then requested that the City Commission rezone the site to C-2 downtown commercial so that the property could be marketed for sale. Revenue from the sale or profits from redevelopment of this site will allow the Housing Authority to fund the replacement of other outdated public housing in the area.

Gateway Manor Redevelopment Currently the Housing Authority is redeveloping the Gateway Manor community (circa 1969) across West Trinity Place from the Police Department in the Beacon Municipal Center.

The new development, renamed Trinity Walk, will replace 88 units with 121 units constructed in two phases. The Trinity Walk development accomplishes this by replacing two-story buildings with three-story buildings, allowing the Housing Authority to increase the number of dwellings. It also moves buildings away from Peavine Creek, creating greenspace and a community garden for residents to enjoy.

This project uses Section 8 housing assistance funding that allows rents to remain affordable.

Families pay 30 percent of their adjusted gross income toward rent and utilities.

Construction is ongoing at Gateway Manor.

Oakview Apartments Redevelopment As part of the Trinity Walk redevelopment, the Housing Authority will also redevelop the 24-unit Oakview Apartments (circa 1961) at

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City 1111 Oakview Rd., as Trinity Walk Phase III. The existing 24-unit Oakview Apartments will be replaced with 34 affordable rental workforce housing dwellings.

By linking and phasing the developments, the Housing Authority can reduce the need for temporary relocations and allow all of the current elderly and disabled residents of the Oakview Apartments to move into new housing in Trinity Walk Phases I and II. Recently, comments made online and statements made at public meetings have created the impression that Decatur’s public housing inventory had decreased in recent years. However, through thoughtful design, development and coordination with the community, the Decatur Housing Authority will increase its inventory of public housing and rental assistance units from 475 to 518 units. These units, coupled with the 600 units of privately subsidized housing for seniors and disabled residents, represent about 9 percent of the total number of dwellings in the city.

The Housing Authority has also developed several market-rate housing developments since the 1990s that provided affordable and market-rate housing units. These projects included the Commerce Place Townhouses, Commodore Square Townhouses, Talley Street Lofts, and 13 single-family houses known as the Village at Oakhurst. The affordable owneroccupied dwellings were offered to employees of the City of Decatur and City Schools of Decatur through a lottery program.

News

GET YOURS NOW!

2015 HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS

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ecatur artist Tania Julian created a series of four City of Decatur holiday ornaments for 2015, and unveiled them recently at Wild Oats and Billy Goats on the square. Following a short presentation by City Commissioner Scott Drake and Decatur Arts Alliance Board Chair Doug Aholt, Julian demonstrated techniques used to create the ornaments.

This is the fourth in a series of handcrafted ornaments commissioned by the Decatur Tourism Bureau and the Decatur Arts Alliance.

This year’s holiday ornaments are $18 each and are available at Wild Oats and Billy Goats, The 17 Steps, Little Shop of Stories, Greene’s Fine Foods, Fabu Face Spa, and the Decatur Visitors Center.

Work Still to Be Done While the Decatur Housing Authority is doing great work to provide housing for lowerincome residents and options for workforce housing, there is still work to be done to expand our inventory of small starter homes for younger residents and make it easier for older residents to age in place.

According to an Affordable Housing Study commissioned by the city, Decatur’s housing gap was in rental apartments and housing options for individuals making $35,000-$50,000.

Many of these wage earners are the service employees who work in the city but find it difficult to find housing here. The Lifelong Community Advisory Board is working with the city on these affordability issues. The next issue of the Decatur Focus will detail how these options are shaping up.

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Business & Nonprofit News AADD Boosts Board with Three New Members

Sunshine Jewelry Opens in Decatur

ll About Developmental Disabilities (AADD), Georgia’s preeminent provider of support services for families living with developmental disabilities, has added three new members to its board of directors: education consultant Rachael Barron, attorney Kedrick Eily, and executive Stephen Fodroczi.

Education consultant/academic coach Rachael Barron is the owner of W3 Connections, Inc., a company providing instruction in the area of executive functioning and study skills to students and teachers. She graduated from AADD’s Partners in Policymaking program in 2004 and lives in Buckhead.

Attorney Kedrick Eily has practiced law since 2004. He is currently with the international law firm Greenberg Traurig, where he handles business litigation and corporate matters. He lives in Mableton.

Executive Stephen FodrocRachael Barron Kedrick Eily Stephen Fodroczi zi works for Verizon Enterprise Solutions as Solutions Executive, Security, where he is responsible for security sales in the Southeast. He will also serve as the chairman of AADD’s IT committee. He lives in Marietta.

Founded in 1956, All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is a Decatur-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing family support, advocacy and training opportunities for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities. For more information: aadd.org or 404-881-9777.

ith 25 years of experience in fine jewelry design, Rafi Junaid recently opened Sunshine Jewelry and Watch Repair at 225 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Suite 130.

As owner and creative jewelry designer, Rafi works with a variety of metals and gemstones, specializing in sales, service, and design of diamonds, fine jewelry, and watches.

He and his wife and business partner Sumaya Karimi hope to connect and build a relationship with the Decatur community through Rafi’s art.

Rafi custom designs unique jewelry, including engagement rings, wedding bands, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. More than 2,000 styles of rings are in stock to be cast to your liking, and all pieces are made on the premises with most designs requiring only one- to two weeks to complete. An array of charms for bracelets, anklets, and necklaces is also available.

The shop offers the service of recycling and re-designing jewelry you may already own to create an original and distinctive piece. And Rafi also provides timely and professional watch repair services for any brand – including those considered most difficult to repair.

Sunshine Jewelry and Watch Repair is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.8 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. For information, call 678-691-7245.

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Fine Arts Academy at First Baptist

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he Fine Arts Academy at First Baptist Church of Decatur opens its doors in November with a short six-week session, followed by a 14-week session beginning in January. Initial class offerings are piano, guitar, and voice, as well as Music Together with Miss Wendy, for infants and toddlers. The academy is taking registrations for dance studio classes that will begin in January.

All classes take place throughout the week and weekends are possible based on need. Registration is ongoing. decaturfineartsacademy.com

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Business & Nonprofit News Trinity Mercantile Increases Retail Space

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rinity Mercantile and Design is a home furnishings and gift store with a full-service interior design studio in downtown Decatur, owned by Lisa Turner and Wallace Bryan.

Trinity first opened its doors in 2012 and quickly established itself as a destination for home décor and design. In early October, Trinity celebrated the grand opening of its new home at 116 E. Trinity Pl. With this move, Trinity doubles its size to 3,450 square feet, making it the second largest retail space in downtown Decatur.

The new location is the original Bowen Press building from the 1920s, which once housed a bookbindery. Owners Wallace and Lisa transformed the space but kept all of its charm by showcasing the original brickwork, windows and doors. The new space allows Trinity to better serve clients and expand the merchandise in its showroom.

In November and December, Trinity will take part in the Decatur tradition of Terrific Thursdays, staying open late with special offers and festive treats.

Trinity’s main entrance is next to Big Peach Running Co., with plenty of customer parking. An additional entrance is accessed from Church Street. The store’s hours remain the same: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information call 404-378-0197 or visit trinity-decatur.com.

Decatur Waffle House Now Hiring

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affle House is hiring for its new location on N. McDonough Street in downtown Decatur, next door to City Hall. Open interviews are every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at Waffle House, Unit 2000, 1194 Columbia Dr., Decatur, GA 30032 (just south of Memorial Drive). Waffle House employment includes two weeks paid vacation per year, flexible schedules, weekly pay, insurance benefits and stock ownership.

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Business & Nonprofit News

Get in the local spirit

this holiday!

decatur Swag Shop this year's selection of Decatur holiday ornaments at our Visitors Center, 113 Clairemont Ave., and local shops around town.

Shop and celebrate locally in November and December. For the holidays, you can't beat hometown, sweet hometown.

�� ���� HOLIDAYS IN DECA

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decatur Gets decked out

#holidaydec aturga

Shopping Promo #decaturga

downtowndec atur

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Spend $200 in any city of Decatur shop in November (excludes restaurants) and bring your receipt(s) to the Visitors Center or to the tent on the square during Small Business Saturday and Sunday to receive a $20 local restaurant gift card. Limited to three gift cards per shopper.

visitdecaturg a.com

new!

holiday hashtag

Snap a selfie on the square with the new Keep It Indie-catur photo frames found around town. Post your pic on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to win sweet seasonal prizes!

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New this year – tour our interactive Google map at decaturga.com/ decoratedecaturholiday for decorated Decatur homes.

Window Shopping Local businesses show their holiday spirit with seasonal window displays. Bundle up and tool around.

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homes for the holidays

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Look for wreaths, bows, and lights throughout the city's streetscape.

Decorations go up after Halloween and set the square aglow.

your Live insider's Guide

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Jumpstart your holiday spirit – and your holiday shopping –14 with daily tips in 13 November on thedecaturminute.com and facebook.com/indiecatur.

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Business & Nonprofit News nov. 5, 12, 19 + Dec. 3, 10, 17 small business saturday – and sunday!

tree lighting

Enjoy seasonal shopportunities, snacks, sales, and extended hours at participating shops and restaurants around town, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 10, and 17.

nov. 28+29

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menorah lighting

Small Business Saturday + Sunday!

Bring your list and check it twice!

Shop locally for gifts and treat yourself to festivities on the square – live music, giveaways, free gift wrapping for Decatur purchases, and Santa!

Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., noon-5 p.m.

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

Grand Menorah Lighting

Join in the Chanukah celebration on the square at 6 p.m. Enjoy hot drinks, latkes, raffles and prizes!

Learn more at chabadintown.org.

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Bonfire on the Square Roast a marshmallow (or three) around the popular 10' x 10' bonfire, 7-8 p.m. This free event is hosted by the Decatur Business Association and supervised by the Decatur Fire Department.

Dec. 17

Breakfast with Santa Start your day with Ol' Saint Nick during this DBAsponsored event, 8-10 a.m. Buy tickets at decaturdba.com.

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downtowndecatur #decaturga visitdecaturga.com

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Business & Nonprofit News HOI to Honor Former Mayor Bill Floyd

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OI (formerly Honduras Outreach Inc.) has announced that this year’s annual celebration of ministry will feature a “roast” of former Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the downtown Decatur Marriott Courtyard Hotel and Conference Center. The evening will begin with a silent auction at 6 p.m. followed by the dinner and program at 7 p.m. All proceeds of the event will benefit HOI’s community development efforts in Honduras and Nicaragua.

Honorary roasters include: Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams; former Decatur Mayor Walter Drake; Leading Age CEO Larry Minnix; HOI CEO Jerry Eickhoff; and Decatur City Mayor Pro Tem Patti Garrett. There will also be a special prayer and veteran tribute led by Rev. Don Harp, pastor emeritus of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, and a musical performance by the Atlanta Rat Pack.

HOI is a metro-Atlanta-based nonprofit that serves communities in rural Honduras and Nicaragua. For more than 25 years HOI has partnered with the people of Central America to bring improvement in the areas of health, education, spirituality, economic development, and agriculture through asset-based community development and short-term mission trips.

Floyd has served the people of Honduras with HOI since its inception in 1989. He designed and implemented the wastewater treatment plan and infrastructure for Rancho Paraiso, HOI’s base of operations in Honduras. Floyd’s love for people made him one of the longest-serving mayors in the Atlanta area. He was elected to the Decatur City Commission in 1991, served as mayor pro-tem 1994-1997 and as mayor from 1997 until 2013.

Floyd has also served as president of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and the Metro Atlanta Mayors’ Association. He currently serves on the Atlanta Regional Commission and is former chair of the DeKalb Rape Crisis Center board. Floyd earned the Bronze Star for Service in the U.S. Army, serving in Japan and the Republic of Vietnam.

For registration, table sponsorship, ticket information, or honorary donations visit hoi.org/ billfloyd or call Caitlin McCormick, 678-704-2532.

Ted’s Will Be Open on Thanksgiving

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ed’s Montana Grill, 201 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., will be open on Thanksgiving Day. The three-course Thanksgiving meal includes: • Choice of side salad, cup of soup or Karen’s “Flying-D” bison chili • Ted’s whole-roasted turkey and gravy with herb dressing and cranberry sauce • Aunt Fannie’s squash casserole, garlic mashed potatoes and buttered carrots • Ted’s famous apple pecan crisp, featuring Granny Smith apples baked in caramel sauce, topped with oatmeal pecan crust and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Thanksgiving menu also offers half-sized portions for kids. Regular menu items will still be available, including bison meatloaf, cedar plank salmon, the Delmonico ribeye, and other classic favorites, along with Thanksgiving Day wine specials.

The restaurant will be open 11 a.m.8 p.m. on Nov. 26, with reservations being accepted now.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Seeks Georgia Volunteers for 2016 Season

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ARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service, seeks volunteers across Georgia to help taxpayers who need assistance preparing and filing their 2015 tax returns. If you have ever prepared a tax return, even your own, and if you can volunteer daytime hours during the week, you might be able to help.

Qualified AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers receive free tax training and are reimbursed on a limited basis for qualified program-related expenses. They help taxpayers at sites around the state, learning new skills while giving back to countless communities. While some tax preparation and computer experience is needed to prepare tax returns, other positions are available that do not require such experience.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS. For more information on how you can join the AARP team, visit aarp.org/taxvolunteer.

14 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2015

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Business & Nonprofit News Woodlands Garden Thanks the Community On the Same Page Presents Two Special Events Cece Bell Author Visit Friday, Nov. 6 • 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)

Drew Charter Upper School Auditorium 300 E. Lake Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30317 El Deafo, by Cece Bell, is a funny, poignant graphic memoir that chronicles Cece’s hearing loss at a young age, her struggles with fitting in at a new school, and her search to find a true friend. Don’t miss this special celebration, complete with performances, art, and, of course, a reading and signing by the author.

This event will be first come, first seated.

Peter Cook Storytelling Performance Saturday, Nov. 21 • 4 p.m. (doors open at 3 p.m.)

Cannon Chapel, Emory University 515 Kilgo Cir., Atlanta, GA 30322

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oodlands Garden, 932 Scott Blvd., is pleased to acknowledge the Decatur community’s generous and active support of the Keep It Green Indie-catur capital campaign. October opened with Green Ribbons all over town (with special thanks for the support of the Downtown Decatur Neighbors). Wellattended garden events included Woodlands Garden’s annual trip to fairyland during “Fairies in the Garden,” with partner Skyland Trail and sponsors Intown Ace and LampeFarley Communications, and story time provided by Little Shop of Stories.

The garden hosted a night of circus delights, Cirque De Catur – a fundraiser for adults featuring local chef Kevin Clark from Home grown and hometown brews from Creature Comforts and Three Taverns Brewery. The evening full of performances was sponsored

by Private Bank of Decatur, Natalie Gregory Sold, Emory Alliance Credit Union, Decatur Pure Station and Revolution Mercedes Benz.

More than just a campaign to raise funds to purchase the property at 915 Clairemont Ave., the Keep It Green goals include making Woodlands more easily accessible and userfriendly. Once acquired, the corner property will make possible a safer entrance relocation, better parking with increased handicapped accessibility, and the addition of public bathrooms. These amenities will be especially helpful to patrons who: • Bring children to create their own imaginary world in the natural play area.

• Conduct a class or nature-related activity for school and youth groups.

• Seek relaxation and renewal by savoring the sensory delights of the changing seasons.

• Attend or lead yoga classes, poetry writing workshops, retreats, and art exhibits.

• Host or participate in outdoor events, concerts and celebrations for nonprofits, businesses and neighborhood groups.

• Want to learn more about nature, with a visit to the bird meadow, by taking a mobile phone tour, or working with a gardening group.

As the February 2016 deadline to purchase the 915 Clairemont Ave. property approaches, please join your neighbors in supporting this campaign with a contribution of $50, $100, or $500 at woodlandsgarden.org. Give to this public garden so that Woodlands can give back to you, by improving the beauty, livability, and sustainability of the community.

Woodlands Garden is open to the public during daylight hours every day of the year, so come explore this living sanctuary in every season.

Peter S. Cook is an internationally renowned deaf performing artist whose works incorporate American Sign Language, pantomime, storytelling, acting, poetry, and movement.

Cook uses his whole body to tell stories without saying a word. Tickets can be purchased at petercook.eventbrite.com, and cost $10 in advance or $12 at the door. This event is first come, first seated. Sign language interpreters will be present.

Special thanks to first-time sponsor Intown Expert Realty for supporting On the Same Page

NOVEMBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 15

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DBA News Sherry Jackman Earns Decatur’s Ta mmy Washington Fleetwood Award 2011

Linda Harris 2012

Arthur Ratliff 2013

Sherry Jackman 2015

Mary F lad 2014

December 1

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herry Jackman, director of the Decatur Tourism Bureau, was awarded the 2015 Alma Fleetwood Spirit award at a recent Decatur Business Association meeting. She is pictured at left with DBA officers, previous Fleetwood award recipients, and members of Alma Fleetwood’s family. You can usually find Sherry at the Decatur Visitors Center, 113 Clairemont Ave. The award is presented each year to a city employee, resident, or volunteer who embraces and maintains the overwhelmingly positive spirit of Alma, who always had a smile, a kind word, and a hug for everyone.

Thank you to DBA SPONSORS

Marriott Courtyard

130 Clairemont Ave.

Decatur Courtyard by Marriott

Holiday Meeting!

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

Decatur Craft Beer Festival

proceeds distributed Food and drinks provided by the Decatur Courtyard by Marriott and Decatur Downtown Development Authority

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

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

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Decatur School Events news DhS robotics team Decatur Glassblowing builds with Party ThirdSuccess Anniversary community Support

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ach year FIRST Robotics, an organization whose mission is to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders, announces a nationwide design competition. The 2015 challenge was to design a robot that could stack six recycling bins on top of each other and then lift a large can and place it on top of the bins.

Once the challenge was announced, the DHS robotics team brainstormed just how they would design a machine that could achieve this task. After narrowing down many options, the design team used computer-aided design (CAD) software to create the drawings.

Owner and artist Nardi the community to It took a few weeks of Nate trial and errorinvites to build celebrate three years of glass-blowing the robot, which stood up well in the heat of excellence on Nov. 21,DHS 5-10team p.m., at Decatur theSaturday, competition.

The made it to the Glassblowing, 250 Freeman St. Email natenardi@yahoo.com, call quarterfinals in a field of 66 teams in the final 404-849-0301, or visit natenardi.com. tournament of the season.

The 44 students on the DHS Robotics team gain valuable hands-on experience on the way to careers in engineering or other STEM-related fields. A coalition of funders – including the school district, corporate sponsors, private donations, and theCooperative Decatur Education ecatur MinistryFoundation – supplies the $30,000 needed invites the community to aannually to provide the equipment, and tourtimematerials, of celebration and givnament entry fees to continue operating ing thanks, on Sunday night, at a competitive level.

Nov. 22, 5 p.m., at Columbia Presbyterian Church, 711 S. Columbia Dr. Dress top: Junior team members finalize preparations casually, come and share a simple meal for a match with the smaller bots. and hear testimonies of thanksgiving about work of DCM: helping right: the senior abigail Deweerth andfamisophomore Garnet simpson show offsettle the team’s Frc robot lies facing homelessness into safe, design development. stable homes and building healthy lives filled with peace, hope, and opportunity.

Decatur Cooperative Ministry: A Time of Celebration

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Decatur City Dance Presents:

Who Brought the Stories to the People?

Decatur City Dance will perform on Saturday, Nov. 14, with shows at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets will be sold online for $9.50 or will be available at the door for $10.

In this performance: Two mythological characters, Anansi and Coyote, battle for the role of story-master. Anansi is the spider spirit from West Africa and Coyote is the trickster of Native American lore. Using modern dance, ballet, tap, and African dance, the teen companies of Decatur City Dance will bring these legends to life.

Decatur City Dance has been bringing dance stories to the people of Decatur and the surrounding communities for more than 60 years.

Who Brought the Stories to the People? will expand your definition of dance. It incorporates stories from diverse cultures, uses different dance forms to tell stories, and features a narrative that connects the audience to the movement. For more information call 404-377-6927.

Decatur First Christian Church Tree and Wreath Sale For your Fraser fir Christmas trees and handmade wreaths, visit the church at 601 W. Ponce De Leon Ave. (across from the Decatur Post Office) or pre-order your tree by Nov. 26 for a 5 percent discount at decaturdisciples.org.

The deadline for pick up of pre-sold trees is Sunday, Dec. 6. Proceeds benefit church and community missions in Decatur, including the Toy Park. For more information call Decatur First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 404-378-3621.

Sale Schedule Friday, Nov. 27, to Saturday, Dec. 12 (or until sold out) Monday-Friday 4:30-8:30 p.m.

9 a.m-8:30 p.m.

Saturday Sunday 1-8:30 p.m.

Need to Find Another Nest?

Experience. Knowledge. Patience. Results.

Emilie Markert.

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

Markert Helps Make It Happen!

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Decatur Events A Novel Affair: Books & Bites Raises $25,000 for Library

Decatur Farm to School Event

n September, the DeKalb Library Foundation hosted A Novel Affair: Books & Bites at the DeKalb History Center to raise money for the DeKalb County Public Library. Guests enjoyed a panel of chefs and food writers featuring Steven Satterfield of Miller Union and author of Root to Leaf, Eddie Hernandez of Taqueria del Sol, and Susan Puckett, author of Eat Drink Delta. Wild Heaven Craft Beers provided beer and Revival provided dessert. A live auction and Fund-a-Need raised funds to support the library system, including a new family reading initiative, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, which will launch in 2016.

For more information, visit dekalblibraryfoundation.org or telephone 404-508-7190.

oin us for dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 5-9 p.m., at any of the participating restaurants below and a portion of your purchase will go toward the Wylde Center’s Decatur Farm to School. Your purchase will help support great farmto-school activities held within the City Schools of Decatur, such as district-wide taste tests, teacher training, and student internships, all for the purpose of teaching children the importance of healthy eating. Don’t forget to purchase raffle tickets at the restaurants for prizes.

Visit wyldecenter.org/decatur-farm-to-school for more information.

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Experience is not Expensive…It’s Priceless!

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Participating Restaurants Leon’s Full Service Arepa Mia Makan Brick Store Pub Mojo’s Pizza n’ Pub Cakes & Ale Oakhurst Market Calle Latina Raging Burrito Farm Burger Sapori di Napoli Kimball House Seven Hens Lawrence’s Café

Steinbeck’s Ale House The Iberian Pig The Imperial The Yogurt Tap The Universal Joint Twain’s Brewpub Wahoo! Grill

“34 Years of Putting Nice People in Fine Homes” Exceptional, Personalized Service, Experience, Insight, Integrity

PAM HUGHES 404.851.0732 / 404.250.9900 pam.hughes@harrynorman.com www.pam.hughes.harrynorman.com

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

Classes are ongoing - register online at dynamoswimschool.com

DynaBabies (6-36 mos) • Preschool (3-5 years) Grade School (6-14 years) • Adult (15 years and up) • Indoor Heated Pool • Year-Round Lessons •

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Bring in this ad for $15 off one session of swimming lessons.

This offer may not be combined with any other off or coupon. Expires 01.01.14

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AEXURDNLM 10-Apr-2013 15:34 18 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2015

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School News Diaper Mountain: Middle School Service Learning

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iddle School students in Alex Zinnes’ world studies class at the Friends School of Atlanta (FSA) now know what diapers cost. During the 2014-2015 academic year, the project “Diaper Mountain” was born out of discussions in the classroom about child poverty and homelessness. The students decided that the culminating experience should include a short walk to Our House, which provides childcare and support for families who experience homelessness, to spend a morning working with play-dough, reading, and playing outdoors with the children.

Further exploration and classroom discussions led the students to wonder how much it must cost to diaper kids experiencing homelessness. The students found that a child changed eight times a day for three years uses 8,760 diapers, which would cost about $100 per month to diaper one child. This is roughly eight percent of a full-time minimum wage salary of $14,500.

Diaper Mountain began with a deep dive by the students into issues of minimum wage and the poverty line. They ultimately decided to

conduct a school-wide diaper drive in order to donate diapers to Our House. The students created a mountain of diapers as an art installation and sought to educate the FSA community about the cost of diapers for families living at or near the poverty line. They received donations for six months’ worth of diapers and raised the consciousness of the school community.

The Friends School of Atlanta has a long history serving its community and building meaningful community relationships. This new relationship with Our House raises awareness of a global problem, and encourages young people to engage their hearts and minds to connect with the community and events that unfold around them.

Moving forward, FSA middle school students will visit Our House twice per week and work in a hands-on capacity with pre-kindergarten students to develop math and science skills.

For more information about the Friends School of Atlanta, visit friendsschoolatlanta.org or contact Waman French, head of school, 404-373-8746 x8136, waman.french@friendsschoolatlanta.org.

24-hour emergency pet care and board-certified veterinary specialists.

All under one woof.

625 Dekalb Industrial Way, Decatur 30033 www.sfvs.com 404-924-2000

NOVEMBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 19

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School News Decatur events Clairemont School Named a it’s a Date toElementary Stay up late!

2015ll National Blue Ribbon School Decatur residents, and everybody else, too, are invited

A U

to walk in the Decatur Lantern Parade on the evening of scores, subgroup student scores and Friday, May 15. is one of those “the-more-the-merrier” .S. Secretary of This Education Arne graduation rates: events, sohas planrecognized now to participate a part of helping Duncan Claire- and be •

Exemplary High Performing Schools to make thismont lantern parade memorable.

Elementary School as one are among their state’s highest perMake your lantern at home of own the 335 National BlueorRibbon forming schools as measured by state come to for a lantern-making Schools 2015. National workshop Blue Ribbon status assessments or nationally normed where supplies andacademic guidance excellence are provid-or is based on overall tests.

Student subgroup performance ed.

Find out where and when by gaps visiting progress in closing achievement among and high school graduation rates are decaturlanternparade.com. student subgroups. also at the highest levels.

To line Ribbon up at Color Wheel Theparticipate, National Blue Schools pro•

Exemplary Achievement Gap ClosStudio at 508 E. Howard after 8 p.m. gram honors public and Ave. private elementary, ing Schools are among their state’s The parade at 9 p.m. led students

by The eimiddle, andsteps highoff schools where highest performing schools in closBlack Sheep Marching and pa- or ther achieve very high Ensemble learning standards ing achievement gaps between a school’s rade guru Chantelle Rytter. The parade are making notable improvements in closing subgroups and all students over the past will wend its way gap. to theEight community the achievement Georgia public five years.

Student subgroup performance bandstand in named front of2015 the Old Court-Blue Ribschools were National and high school graduation rates for each house on the square. bon Schools. subgroup are at high levels.

The parade is sponsored

by Color National Blue Ribbon Schools demonWheel Studio, Decaturcan Artsachieve Alliance, strate that all students to high Clairemont Elementary is recognized in Decatur Foundation, levels andEducation are recognized in one and of two perthe Exemplary High Performing Schools the Decatur Development formance categories, basedAuthority. on all student

category. The school has demonstrated tremendous success on Georgia’s College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), ranking in the top 10 for all Georgia schools for the last two years. In addition, Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) scores have specifically illustrated student growth over the past four years.

P N for aren ick Be t's elod st Pic eo Ar ks n tsy A Cl war as d se s

Your child’s best opportunity to learn music Your neighbor and is now.

intown real estate specialist.

The most favorable time to learn music

from birthor to six years.— Help Whether you areis buying selling oryour young child achieve his or her full simply exploringmusical your potential optionswith — an call me to innovative, be sure you are positioned success in developmentalfor music and movement Parent + child classes are today’s changingprogram. market.

playful and creative and each family receives the acclaimed CDs and song books to1% continue developing their • Top producer, Atlanta musical abilities at home.

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Winter sessions starthomes sold in • More than 125 Developed by Nov.City 7–13, call now ofso Decatur since 2009 Rob Sayer for class times and • Moreathan schedule free 260 homes sold overall since observation class. 2009

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Giving you the time and attention you deserve LISA CRONIC, REALTOR® lisacronic@atlantafinehomes.com 678.641.4325

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

20 | Decatur Focus • MaY NOVEMBER 2015 2015

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School News Friends School Art Teacher Receives Outstanding Educator Award

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iona Thompson, visual arts teacher at the Friends School of Atlanta (FSA), has received the University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award for changing the course of her students’ lives.

For three decades, U of C has invited first-year students to nominate an educator who has changed them, challenged them, or helped them along the path of intellectual growth. James Weigle, a member of the FSA Class of 2011 and a freshman at the university, nomiTeacher Fiona Thompson with nated Fiona “because she inspired student James Weigle him to think beyond the borders of the classroom in pursuit of his own education.”

The Friends School of Atlanta is at 862 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur.

Saint Thomas More Open House for Prospective Families Sunday, Nov. 15 • 2:30 p.m. • 630 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Come and see how Saint Thomas More School can serve your child with a faith-filled and academically challenging education. You will meet kindergarten teachers and hear about the curriculum for this age level. We are celebrating 65 years of excellence in education, here in Decatur, Georgia. For more information visit stmga.org or contact Eileen Maron, 404-373-8456.

Grand Re-Opening!

Now also carrying quality everyday shoes for infants, toddlers and children

Charles Cope, Proprietor 650-B East Lake Drive • Decatur, Georgia 30030 404-377-1030 • www.1stepatatime.net

Jingle Bell Jubilee

a holiday world market benefiting the Tara Project

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Whether you are buying or selling — or simply exploring your options — call me to be sure you are positioned for success in today’s changing market.

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free admission free food and drinks silent auction world artisan crafts for sale amazing raffles and much more!

Sunday December 6 noon - 4 p.m.

The Solarium, 321 West Hill St. Decatur 30030

NOVEMBER 2015 • Decatur Focus | 21

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School News DEF Helps Students REACH for Their Dreams

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ollege is a goal for many Decatur students, but the cost of education can be quite daunting. For three Renfroe Middle School eighth graders – Dwight Armstrong, Jr., Lena Clark, and Jay Patel, the 2015 REACH (Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen) Scholarship recipients for City Schools of Decatur – that dream is now within reach.

REACH is a mentorship and scholarship program designed to encourage students to persist in their educational pursuits. To be eligible for consideration, a student must show academic promise through grades, class attendance, and engagement in school. Those selected will receive mentoring and a $10,000 scholarship to a Georgia college, university, or technical school. Many schools in Georgia will match the scholarship, and some of the top schools are committed to a double match, meaning students could receive as much as $7,500 per year for four years of college.

The Decatur Education Foundation is the local funding partner for City Schools of Decatur and has contributed $10,500 ($3,500/student) for each of the past two years. This year, DEF received a generous gift from Decatur City

Working for Strong Communities .since 1979.

Church in support of the program.

To learn more about the Georgia REACH Scholarship, go to reachga.com. To learn more about DEF programs, visit decatureducationfoundation.org.

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22 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2015

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Around Town Rolls to School Decatur Walks andfoun escorts d all sorts of students and their

Walk and Roll to School Day ren man walked a large group of child all around Decatur. Lowanda Bow n, principal at Glenatso on-W Herr na Dian . emy from DHA to the 4/5 Acad chilol, Portia Langley walked with the nwood, walked a group to scho the Clean Air Commute from Bear e Shar Ride The nt. dren to Clairemo way to children walked and biked their folks was on-hand. Hundreds of to be y happ and ram prog the proud of school. Decatur Active Living is the city and the school both in le peop d cate dedi y working with so man nts!! system – and of course, the pare

The Wylde Center to Host Fall Roots Festival Nov. 15 The Wylde Center will host its Fall Roots Festival, Sunday, Nov. 15, 1-4 p.m., at the Edgewood Community Learning Garden, 1503 Hardee St., Atlanta, GA 30307. The free event is open to the public and will feature a DJ, kids’ games, food tastes from the garden, face painting, and refreshments.

It will be held rain or shine. The Wylde Center is based in Decatur with headquarters at the Oakhurst Community Garden, at the intersection of Oakview Road and S. McDonough Street. wyldecenter.org

Paint Love, In c., a 501c3 nonprofit arts organization that connects artists and other nonpro fits for a positive impact on youth, took headshots of some of its participating volu ists recently in nteer artdowntown Decatur. The organization provides free art lessons, classes, and pr ojects for youth throug hout metro Atlanta. More photos at go paintlove.org .

Congratulatio ns to Dr. Emili a Bak, who will begin teaching this fall at the Universit y of North Caro lina, Pembrok e campus, as an assistant prof essor in mass co mmunications .

Dr. Bak gradua ted from the University of Georgia in 20 13 with a Ph.D fro m School of Jour the Grady nalism. She is a 2003 gradua te of Decatur High School and most rece ntly worked as th e media spec ialist and marke ting coordina tor for Finders Ke epers of Dec atur and Avondale . Dr. Bak is th e daughter of Ka therine Bak of Decatur and Clemens Bak of Acworth.

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