Decatur Focus May 2020

Focus City of Decatur

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MAY 2020 Volume 30 • Number 9

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF DECATUR, GEORGIA

DECATUR

STRONG See how Decatur and its Residents Face the Unprecedented Challenge of Pandemic

Focus City of Decatur

A Message to the Community

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s I write this message, it has been one month since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. To say that our world has changed would be an understatement. But even in the midst of the anxiety, sorrow, and fear, there is also hope, joy, and optimism.

For more than 30 years, a common refrain in our organization has been: You don’t start building community during a crisis. The City of Decatur took deliberate steps to build trust and relationships during the good times, knowing that we would need each other in the challenging times.

Now, as we face uncertainty and fear, our community is showing its strength and resilience in many ways. Our residents are taking all necessary precautions to keep themselves and others safe. They are staying home and wearing masks City Manager and practicing physical distancing when out in public.

Individuals and organized groups are making masks for neighbors, our first responders, and health care workers. Our CAPS (Citizens Assisting Public Safety) volunteers are calling elderly residents who live alone and do not have a strong support network, to make sure they are safe and that their basic needs are met.

Residents are (safely) delivering groceries and other necessities to neighbors in need. Neighborhoods are hosting Walkabout Wednesdays – with a different theme each week, highlighted in windows and on front doors – to bring a little joy to our days. (Don’t forget to look at City Hall on your next walkabout!)

So much of the city’s unique identity comes from its many small local businesses.

We recognize this, and so the City Commission and Downtown Development Authority have approved $500,000 for a small-business loan program. The nonprofit Decatur Legacy Project will soon launch a campaign to allow the public to donate to the business support program.

Our essential workers – the firefighters, the police officers, the sanitation workers – must leave their homes every day, risking exposure to serve our community. We are taking precautions to keep these essential employees safe, providing personal protective equipment and sanitizing public facilities and equipment. And every day we are grateful for their bravery and service.

These acts of kindness, generosity, and sacrifice in our community prove that we will survive this crisis and be prepared to thrive when it is safe to gradually return to our new normal.

This is who we are: We are a caring community of people who come together, push through, and lift each other up – no matter the challenge.

by Andrea Arnold

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 • MAY 2020

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: decaturfocus@decaturga.com.

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DECATUR CITY COMMISSION Patti Garrett........................................ Mayor Tony Powers................... Mayor Pro Tem George Dusenbury........Commissioner Lesa Mayer.........................Commissioner Kelly Walsh.........................Commissioner

BOARD Chris Sciarrone, Chair Darren Comer • Linda Curry Tony Leung • Conor McNally Noah Peeters • Lisa Turner

Decatur Business Association

DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Susan Sparks................................President Daryl Funn........................President-Elect Jill Joplin.......................................Treasurer Emily Holden...............................Secretary Kyle Williams...................... Past President Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com

COVID-19 Information Corner

Visit decaturga.com/covid19 for updates.

Email info@decaturga.com or call 404-370-4100 with questions.

Sanitation Updates Curbside collection of yard waste has been reinstated.

• Yard trimmings must be placed into single-use yard waste bags or a container no larger than 32- gallons.

• Bundles of sticks, hedge clippings, and small brush must be securely tied and not exceed 4 feet in length or 50 pounds.

Decatur Public Works will continue to monitor the ongoing situation closely and adjust services as circumstances dictate. For updates, visit decaturga.com/yard-waste or call 404-377-5571.

SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING HOLIDAY SCHEDULE Memorial Day • Monday, May 25 Monday trash and recycling pickup will be on Tuesday, May 26 Tuesday trash and recycling pickup will be on Wednesday, May 27

Pay As You Throw Bags The city continues to supply the retail stores with Pay As You Throw bags on a weekly basis. We’ve recently ordered additional bags from our supplier to ensure adequate supplies. We do not anticipate any disruptions to service and are monitoring the situation daily. The cost of the PAYT bags covers the fee the city must pay to dispose of waste at the county landfill. Most of the locations offer curbside pickup. Contact the business directly for details. Also, be sure to have all items on the curb before 7:30 a.m. If you have any questions or difficulty in purchasing PAYT bags call the Decatur Public Works Department, 404-377-5571, or email sanitation@decaturga.com. Visit decaturga.com/ publicworks for updates.

WHERE TO PURCHASE PAYT BAGS Intown Ace Hardware

1404 Scott Blvd.

404-378-6007

Kroger

720 Commerce Dr.

404-371-0719

Kroger

2875 N. Decatur Rd.

404-294-5311

Kroger City Center

3479 Memorial Dr.

404-286-5780

Publix

2155 N. Decatur Rd.

404-638-6015

Publix

3870 N. Druid Hills Rd.

404-638-1293

Toco Hills Ace Hardware

2983 N. Druid Hills Rd.

404-325-8000

Kelly’s Market

308 E. Howard Ave.

678-863-6747

Hop N Shop

710 East Lake Dr.

404-378-6411

Oakhurst Market

650 East Lake Dr.

Savi Provisions

180 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.

678-732-3109 404-600-6021

Municipal Court Canceled through May 14 Municipal court sessions cancellations have been extended through May 14. If you have a court session scheduled from now through May 14, it will be rescheduled at least 60 days out. Court staff will contact defendants via mail with new court dates. Defendants for court sessions related to the school bus crossing arm will be contacted by American Traffic Solutions via mail with new hearing dates. However, the ability to pay a citation online or by phone remains available in most cases.

Please continue to check the city’s website for more updated and ongoing information regarding court operations. You may also contact the court at 678-553-6655.

DeKalb County Taking COVID-19 Testing Appointments As part of Governor Brian Kemp’s push to increase COVID-19 testing in Georgia, especially among symptomatic citizens of any age with direct exposure to COVID-19 and their family members, the DeKalb County Board of Health will begin accepting testing appointments immediately.

As a result, the Board of Health’s COVID-19 call center – which provides information related to risks, prevention, symptoms, isolation, community resources and testing – will expand to Saturday operations, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The call center is open during the week, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Testing criteria will expand to include: • Hospitalized patients • The following people with symptoms: – Healthcare workers, first responders, and other critical infrastructure workers – Persons residing in long-term-care facilities or other group residential settings – Persons 65 years of age and older – Patients with underlying medical conditions – Household members or caregivers of any of the groups above – Persons with close contact with a known COVID-19 case • The following people without symptoms will also be tested as capacity allows: – Healthcare workers, first responders, and other critical infrastructure workers who have been exposed to COVID-19 – Residents of a long-term-care facility or other group residential setting experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 Anyone meeting the listed criteria who requests testing must call 404-294-3700, then select Option 1, to schedule an appointment.

Residents must be scheduled in order to enter the testing site location.

To protect patient confidentiality and to prevent potential public safety issues and large gatherings, the specific locations for DeKalb County’s two testing sites will only be disclosed once an individual has scheduled a testing appointment.

MAY 2020 • Decatur Focus | 3

COVID-19 Information Corner

Visit decaturga.com/covid19 for updates.

Email info@decaturga.com or call 404-370-4100 with questions.

DEC Division Adopts Revised PandemicRelated Permitting Protocols The City of Decatur is committed to providing permitting and inspection services during the COVID-19 crisis. The Design, Environment and Construction (DEC) Division will continue to monitor the situation and will refine the policy if conditions require a change. Visit decaturga. com/dec for updates.

Remember, all personnel on construction sites must adhere to mandatory physical distancing requirements. If personnel on a construction site cannot maintain six feet of physical distancing for workers, inspectors, and others, it must shut down.

Plumbing permits, HVAC permits, and electrical permits will be administered as usual.

Contact staff at 404-377-6198 or email kathyrn.snow@decaturga.com or andrew.burnette@ decaturga.com.

Right of way permits will be administered as usual. Contact staff at 404-377-6198 or email Kathyrn.Snow@decaturga.com or andrew.burnette@decaturga.com.

Revisions to plans that have already been submitted shall be administered as usual.

Planning and Zoning services (conditional use permits, subdivision review, certificates of appropriateness, zoning certification letters) will be administered as usual. Questions? Contact Ryan Sellers, senior planner, ryan.sellers@decaturga.com.

Inspections will be handled by online requests only at decaturga.com/inspections.

How to Submit Plans For plan and document submittal, use the drop-off and pick-up boxes in the vestibule at the front of the Leveritt Public Works Building, 2635 Talley St., Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-noon only.

For questions, contact DEC staff at 404-377-6198 or email kathyrn.snow@decaturga.com or andrew.burnette@decaturga.com.

As-Built Plan Submittal Plans can be emailed to andrea.hedgebeth@decaturga.com Building, Engineering, and Tree Questions Contact staff directly to arrange a phone call or teleconference: jennings.bell@decaturga.com, 678-300-4070, (engineering) kay.evanovich@decaturga.com, 770-686-6279 (trees) abrumbalow@safebuilt.com, 772-233-6361 (building) All other questions: call 404-377-6198.

Oakhurst Dog Park Maintenance Ongoing The Oakhurst Dog Park will be closed for maintenance on Mondays, 5-7 p.m., and on Fridays, 8 a.m.-noon, until further notice.

Only City of Decatur staff and identified volunteers will be authorized during this time. If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, contact Gregory White, greg.white@decaturga.com.

4 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2020

DeKalb Now Accepts Notary Mail-In Renewal DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry is now accepting Notary renewals via mail. Visit dksuperiorclerk.com/notary-2/ and follow these instructions.

If it is within 30 days prior to the expiration date, complete a Renewal Application. All documents must be notarized prior to “mailing” into the office. The application must include the following items: 1. Go to apps.gsccca.org/NotaryApplication/; select the appropriate county; select the Renewal Application; complete all relevant fields; print the application and three certificates.

2. Include a copy of one of the following as proof of DeKalb County residency: current driver’s license; GA identification card; voter identification card; DeKalb gun permit license; or DeKalb County deed.

3. Enter all credit card information and mail the application, three certificates, along with proof of residency to the Clerk’s Office, Ground Floor, Room G50, DeKalb County Courthouse, 556 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030.

Expired: If the Notary has expired (meaning the expiration date has passed), while under Judicial Emergency Order for COVID-19, you may still complete a renewal application.

However, if the expiration date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, you have until the following Monday to mail in the renewal application. If the notary expired prior to March 23, complete a new Notary Application and bring it in to the Clerk’s Office when it reopens on May 14.

STAY ACTIVE DECATUR

Decatur Active Living Launches Virtual Recreation Center Decatur Active Living wants to stay connected and help our community stay active and have fun during this tough time. We hope that you enjoy the content and remember that you are not alone. Visit decaturga.com/virtualrec and have fun staying active!

If you have ideas or content that can be added, send an email to cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com or sara.holmes@decaturga.com. Follow Active Living at Beactivedecatur. com and Facebook at facebook.com/decaturactiveliving.

City of Decatur parks are open, but please adhere to physical distancing and use only for exercise.

These city facilities are closed: Decatur and Ebster Recreation Centers Glenlake Tennis Center All tennis courts Playgrounds Basketball courts McKoy Skate Park These activities are canceled: Soccer Lacrosse Be Well Decatur!

May-August 2020

PLAYBOOK ON HOLD

Decatur Active Living

Due to the uncertainties of the Coronavirus, the May-August Playbook will not be published in May and will be published online at a later date.

Look for updates on Active Living social media: BeActive Decatur and Decatur Active Living Facebook page.

• Children & Youth

Services

3 4 aquatics/ swim team 6 active adults 9 after school 14 city parks 16 calendar & open gym 18 youth classes

athletics

n Decatur Pools Ope

Saturday, May 23 SAFETY MONTH

WATER weekopen Memorial Day summer! The pools Indoor Pool is at Decatur pools this Make a huge splash and McKoy. Oakhurst locations: Ebster, Glenlake e of these great faciliend at all three outdoor year round. Take advantag event. and swim lessons pool for your special open for lap swimming consider renting a aquatic needs and ties for your summer

MAY IS NATIONAL

Decatur Parks Open

rus outbreak During the Coronavi hard to keep Decatur has worked As users of public parks open. appreciate the these open spaces, to the commuvalue parks bring to practice social nity and continue the parks. Parks in when g distancin us healthier, and greenspace make d to our commuhappier, connecte d to each other. nity and connecte

FROM YOUR CITY COMMISSIONERS

Mayor Pro Tem Tony Powers “As I sit and reflect on where our community and country stand right now, I offer these words of hope.

As we struggle to deal with the new normals of remote education, physical distancing, unemployment, and curbside everything, I believe that this community is resilient and dedicated to one another. Having spent my entire life as a retailer, it has been a time like no other in my career. More families are spending time together gaming, planting, puzzling, learning and figuring it out. Adaptation is our strongest attribute and together #WEAREDECATUR! We will not be defeated when we work together.”

Classes for Kids SEE PAGE3

Commissioner George Dusenbury “During this challenging time, I have been heartened to see our community pull together in so many little, yet transformative ways. The social ties that we have taken for granted have provided strength and resilience that help Decatur weather the storm. If you find yourself needing assistance during this time, do not hesitate to reach out to a neighbor or the city.”

The square, mostly deserted on a warm Monday evening late in March. Photo by Hector Amador

MAY 2020 • Decatur Focus | 5

CITY News

Decatur Open for Business

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e have long said “it’s greater in Decatur,” and one of the driving factors behind our city’s sustained success is our small-business community. While our city is being discussed nationally on a daily basis as the proud home of the Task Force for Global Health, we at the Decatur Development Authority (DDA) are laser-focused on supporting all of those that are “Open for Business” in Decatur. Whether it’s our eclectic restaurants, boutique shops or tech startups, our small-business community is not only the backbone of our economy – it’s fundamental to our identity.

When looking at the wide-ranging financial impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, no one has been spared completely, but small businesses are among those hit the hardest, with many being forced to significantly alter their services, or in some cases, close temporarily. While the state and federal governments have set up programs to aid small businesses across the country, there is a sense of great responsibility to step up locally and create additional support in any way possible, with measures ranging from a small business awareness campaign to creating an emergency small-business loan as an additional lifeline.

First and foremost, the City of Decatur and the DDA have created a generous small-business loan program with $500,000 available.

The no-interest loans require no repayment 6 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2020

until 12 months after the state of emergency order is lifted, and they can be repaid without penalty for up to four years following that date. Eligible small businesses will be considered for a loan of up to $25,000. Because we know how much our local businesses mean to our residents, there is also a way to contribute directly to this program through the Decatur United Fund of the Decatur Legacy Project, a charitable 501(c)(3).

Capital is a significant need right now for

many of our small businesses, and additional tools to help businesses during this challenging time have been created, including guides from public health officials on how to safely operate during the pandemic, webinars offering tips and resources for temporarily adjusting business models, information on additional loan and grant opportunities, and

much more.

One of the many concerns for residents during the pandemic is not knowing if or when favorite local businesses are open. To assist the community and provide as much information as possible, an interactive map was launched in April on the city’s website.

It lists which shops and restaurants are currently open, the services they are currently offering and up-to-date operating hours, as many of those have changed during this public health crisis.

Given the influence of art and design in our community, special window displays have been created to signify if a business is temporarily closed or only operating online, and where customers can find more information online.

Because we are sparse on events and related information in our downtown kiosks during COVID-19, we’ve made a special poster with a hopeful message to inspire our community to think local and shop local by providing a QR code to the interactive map. The window displays also help the Decatur Police Department know which businesses need extra check-ups while they are temporarily closed.

Decatur has always been defined by our commitment to working together as a community through good times and bad, and there is confidence in knowing that if we all come together collectively during this unprecedented period in our history, we will once again be fully “Open for Business” on the other side.

CITYNews News Business & Nonprofit

SEEN AROUND DECATUR Signs of Gratitude and Optimism Decatur photographer and Oakhurst resident Hector Amador chronicled a collection of encouraging and thankful messages on an April walk around the city.

MAY 2020 • Decatur Focus | 7

CITY News Bike-to-School Poster Contest Winners Announced

2020 Poster Contest

1st Place William Owens

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illiam Owens, a 4th grader at Talley Street Upper Elementary School, recently won first prize in the Decatur Bike-toSchool poster contest for 2020, organized

by Decatur Active Living and Safe Routes to School. His poster is reproduced at right.

Other winners are:

Talley Street Upper Elementary 4th grade

sponsored by Clear zone

Second place: Melinda Jereb, second grade, Westchester Elementary School Third place: Bryleigh Brock, fourth grade, 5th Avenue Upper Elementary School Fourth place: Jamie Dau-McMillan, first grade, Glennwood Elementary

2020

Their works will be reproduced and posted around town to remind us all to be safe on our bikes so look for them around the city.

The four winners will be invited to a City Commission meeting this fall, where they will receive a gift certificate from our sponsor, Little Shop of Stories. Each winning design will be made into posters and distributed this fall.

Poster Contest

2nd Place Melinda Jereb Westchester Elementary.

2nd grade

sponsored by Clear zone

2020

2020

Poster Contest

Poster Contest

3rd Place Bryleigh Brock

4th Place Jamie DauMcMillan

5th Avenue Upper Elementary 4th grade

sponsored by Clear zone

sponsored by

8 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2020

Glennwood Elementary 1st grade sponsored by Clear zone

CITYNews News Business & Nonprofit

Fresh Air and Discovery in Decatur Cemetery

What’s the oldest municipal burying ground in the Atlanta Metro area, even older and larger than Atlanta’s well-known Oakland Cemetery? What do the names Avary, Candler, Scott, Alston and Oliver have to do with Decatur? Have you been across Winn Way or Sams Crossing or by Agnes Scott College or Renfroe Middle School and wondered about the significance of the names?

Discover the answers to these and other “hidden in plain sight” secrets by taking some time to wander through Decatur Cemetery, Decatur’s largest downtown greenspace. Self-guided walking tours are available outside the cemetery’s Bell Street office or on the city website at decaturga.com/cemeterywalkingtour.

While sheltering in place and physical distancing limit our options for physical activity, the Decatur Cemetery is a great place to get exercise – and learn about the past.

Friends of Decatur Cemetery are taking this opportunity to rest up for the gardening and tour season, which will begin as we emerge from our isolation and into the sunshine.

Decatur Mourns Loss of Former City Manager Curtis Branscome G. Curtis Branscome, 74, pictured below with his wife Anne, died on March 7 in Fernandina Beach, Fla., suffering a cardiac arrest while riding his bicycle. Curtis became Decatur’s city manager in 1973 at the youthful age of 28 and served for 20 years until 1993.

During his tenure he assembled a team of public servants known for their talent and integrity, led the city during the construction of MARTA’s subway and laid the foundation for the thriving community Decatur is today.

He served as the president of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) in 1988 and was a founding member of the ICMA credentialing committee, designed to encourage continuing education to meet the highest principles of the association.

Curtis believed that dedicated, impartial public servants are a vital part of good governance. He said,“We must be good leaders and at the same time good followers.” The ICMA Declaration of Ideals, with its emphasis on ethics, respect, responsiveness, and the balance of human, economic, and natural resources, summarized what he believed government at its best was about and epitomized his professional career. He received the ICMA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, in 2012.

Curtis and his wife Anne raised their three children in a lovely old Victorian home on South Candler Street and moved to North Carolina and Florida upon his retirement as general manager of Stone Mountain Park. Anne served as the founding executive director of Our House, Inc. She was elected to the Decatur City Commission in 1993 and served until 1998.

DYC Seeks Members High School Students: Apply for the Decatur Youth Council Applications are currently being accepted from rising 9th through 12th grade students for the 2020-2021 Decatur Youth Council (DYC). The council is a city-sponsored, community-based leadership program for high school students who live within the city limits of Decatur and attend public, private, and home-based schools. Members of the DYC can develop into young leaders through structured monthly educational programs and team-building activities. If you would like to serve on the Decatur Youth Council, complete an Application of Interest by Tuesday, June 30.

The application is available at decaturga.com/dyc. For further information, contact staff liaison Meredith Roark, 404-370-4102, or meredith. roark@decaturga.com.

MAY 2020 • Decatur Focus | 9

CITY News

Decatur Rises to the Coronavius Challenge

Mayor Patti Garrett

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, and advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Decatur residents and organizations have stepped up to help other residents and healthcare workers with the current necessity.

Joy Jackson

Since moving to Decatur 52 years ago, Joy Jackson has always been the first to offer to help when she saw a need to be filled. When she realized that not only her children but other children needed a place to hold activities, such as sewing, doing crafts and playing games, she held activities at her home. The popularity of the program was so great that she moved to larger and larger spaces, until finally overseeing the Decatur/ DeKalb Girls Club. It later became part of the Boys and Girls Club of America and is now the Samuel L. Jones Boys and Girls Club in Oakhurst.

Mrs. Jackson always found ways to be involved in making Decatur a better place, including being campaign manager for Mayor Emerita Elizabeth Wilson’s successful run to be a City Commissioner. She also served for several years on the Decatur Downtown Development Authority Board.

When she saw a need during the COVID-19 pandemic, she immediately found a way to help by making facemasks for a nursing home. Now 89 years young, Mrs. Jackson found instructions on YouTube on how to make them and started stitching. By mid-April, she had sewn 30 masks. She would have finished more, if it wasn’t for a delay in getting enough elastic.

As soon as she has more, Mrs. Jackson and her sewing machine are ready!

10 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2020

Decatur Makers

Decatur Makers have been working to provide maker-made Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to healthcare and other frontline professionals through the AtlantaBeatsCovid (ABC) group made up of makerspaces and makers from around Atlanta. The group is creating face shields, N95-like masks, medical gowns, intubation enclosures and additional equipment.

CITYNews News Business & Nonprofit Emma Sandler

Emma Sandler, a senior at Decatur High School and member of the Decatur Youth Council, has been making masks for Kingsbridge Hospital. Using fabric donated by neighbors and with the help of her family, she created the masks by altering the pattern sent out by Emory and using fabric ties instead of elastic – because the fabric is more comfortable to wear for a long time, and more readily available. Emma has provided more than a dozen masks and continues to receive more requests. In addition, she has given extra masks away to neighbors who are elderly or facing health complications.

Christine Cox

Decatur resident Christine Cox, pictured here sewing N95 covers for local healthcare professionals, joined the Facebook group Sewing Masks for Atlanta Hospitals to help provide cloth masks and respirator covers to area facilities. Led by Decatur residents Gina Livingston and Grady physician Dr. Maura George Simpson, the group was formed to help local healthcare facilities facing shortages of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of mid-April, the group had more than 7,800 members and had delivered nearly 10,000 masks to area hospitals, including Emory, Grady and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

MAY 2020 • Decatur Focus | 11

CITY News Decatur PD Hosts Virtual Story Time

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week:

A Tribute to Dispatch Personnel

The Decatur Police Department’s school resource officers have had a long-running program of visiting elementary classrooms each month and reading a story to the students. Since the pandemic, they’ve regretted that this program could not continue.

Recently, Decatur PD hosted its very first Facebook Live story time. With books donated by Little Shop of Stories, the department will continue this program by having a children’s story time via Facebook Live with various officers from around the department. Follow Decatur PD on Facebook to receive notices of when the next reading will be.

FROM YOUR CITY COMMISSIONERS

Mayor Patti Garrett “We all need patience to navigate the uncertainties of the next few months.

The city is committed to continuing to provide high-quality services.

Residents can show their appreciation of the city’s front-line employees, including sanitation workers, firefighters and police officers with a simple wave or thank you. Support our local businesses; practice physical distancing but not “social” distancing – stay in touch with family, friends and neighbors. We are all encouraged by the small acts of kindness we hear about on a daily basis and we will get through this together. I am proud of Decatur and am honored to be your Mayor. We are #DecaturUnited.”

Photo: Benedicte Cooper, Café Alsace

12 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2020

The second week of April was National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honoring the nation’s Public Safety 911 Dispatch personnel. The Decatur Police Department’s 911 center is staffed 24/7 to handle any emergency and any questions you may have for the department. Eleven dedicated, trained, and certified communications officers are the lifeline of the department and the community they serve. They dispatch for Police, Fire, and Decatur Animal Control, and coordinate with the DeKalb County 911 Center for ambulance response to Decatur.

Over an average year, communications officers answer 100,000 phone calls that are mixed as 911 and non-emergency calls, and dispatch roughly 50,000 events per year.

This includes calls for service, traffic stops, assisting motorists, business/residential checks, and fire/EMS calls. They also handle the front window inquiries for walk-ins to the department. This past year, the State of Georgia recognized these hard-working individuals as “First Responders,” which is the same designation that is given to all of our Public Safety personnel.

Decatur PD Says Thank You! The Decatur Police Department has received a huge outpouring of support from numerous businesses and residents across the city. Many meals and snacks have been donated to staff working during these difficult times. Community members and organizations have also donated masks and hand sanitizers to assist our officers. The department cannot thank you all enough!

CITY News 2020 Decatur Design Awards:

Call for Nominations Extended

I

n celebration of National Preservation Month in May, the City of Decatur and the Decatur Preservation Commission recognize and honor projects or individuals that promote excellence in preservation, design, sustainability, and advocacy. Categories include: • New Residential Infill • New Commercial Construction • Historic Preservation • Public/Institutional Buildings • Commercial Historic Rehabilitation • Adaptive Use • Residential Historic Rehabilitation • Landscapes/Public Spaces • Sustainable Design and Energy Efficiency • Leila Ross Wilburn Award for individuals/organizations promoting preservation and design excellence.

Projects must have been permitted and completed within the last five years and must be located in the city of Decatur.

For application requirements and the nomination form, go to decaturga.com/design-awards or contact Aileen de la Torre at aileen.delatorre@decaturga.com.

Nominations must be received by 4 p.m., Monday, June 1, at Design, Environment, and Construction, 2635 Talley St., or mailed to the attention of Aileen de la Torre, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031.

May Is National Preservation Month National Preservation Month celebrates the nation’s diverse history through its built environment, and with COVID-19 keeping many of us home there’s an opportunity to visit some of our overlooked local historic resources. Should you find yourself strolling down Church Street you’ll see a bridge, long forgotten, that played a significant role in Decatur’s early 20th century history. As always, please maintain proper physical distancing during this time.

The following are excerpts from an article that originally appeared in the July/August 2000 Decatur Focus: If you tried to enter Decatur today across the R.J. Freeman Bridge, you would find yourself in the Glenlake Park swimming pool. However, you would be hard-pressed to find the bridge, let alone cross it. Cleverly disguised by a mantle of ground ivy and topped by a tree growing on its surface, the R.J. Freeman Bridge tells its own story of growth and change in Decatur and DeKalb County.

Built in 1908 and named for early 20th century DeKalb County Commissioner Robert J. Freeman, the bridge marks an earlier path of Church Street into Decatur from the north [and] provided access across the creek.

Now, access to the bridge may only be gained from the resident parking area of the Decatur Square Condominiums. On the Glenlake Park side, the creek bank rises suddenly away from the bridge, burying that end of it in a tangle of trees and underbrush.

Though a common means of construction now, the materials and construction methods used in this bridge represent a giant leap forward by the county planners and the commissioner who approved the design.

It represents the vision of growth in DeKalb County by then-Commissioner R.J. Freeman not always shared by his constituents. Yet he pressed forward, visionary rather than reactionary, [and] made plans for a time when paved roads, underground utilities, and concrete and steel bridges would be needed to sustain a future DeKalb County. This little bridge stands as a (nearly) visible monument to that forethought.

Decatur Walk & Roll Superstar Becky Tuttle believes in public transportation. It gives her freedom and reduces her carbon footprint. She is a wheelchair user, but has access to a car and chooses to use public transportation instead.

She commutes to work, to malls, and to anywhere she wants to go.

Becky has been a Decatur resident for 13 years. She is this month’s Walk and Roll Superstar.

Deputy Fire Chief Vera Morrison, Assistant Chief Ninetta Violante, and Chief Toni Washington

MAY 2020 • Decatur Focus | 13

CITY News FROM YOUR CITY COMMISSIONERS

Commissioner Kelly Walsh “The last few weeks have been a time period I will never forget. In the midst of widespread pain, suffering, and loss, I have seen people come together in a way that has been truly remarkable. The virtual world has created space for us to connect while we gain the strength and knowledge we will need to reclaim the physical world. I have witnessed our community become empowered by showing that we can still take care of each other even when we can’t be together.

This experience has likely pulled out of each of us both strengths and weaknesses we hadn’t previously recognized in ourselves. But I’m certain that the strengths we are discovering will outweigh the weaknesses and we will reemerge even more resilient and closer than ever. Let’s continue to call our friends and family, wave to our neighbors, share our resources, and support local businesses. I’m waving to you right now!”

DEDICATED. EXPERIENCED. RESPECTED.

Commissioner Lesa Mayer “Neighbors, you are an inspiration.

Thank you for coming together with kindness and creativity, to help each other through this challenging time.

I have never been more proud to be a member of this community.

While we remain physically distant, please keep sharing your generosity, talents, ideas and support. I am grateful to all of you.”

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CITY News Decatur Fire/Rescue Shows Love to Seniors

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n April, the Decatur Fire/Rescue Department placed signs, pinwheels, and wind chimes at senior living facilities around the city in hopes that senior residents would know they are loved and that even if they cannot have visitors, people are thinking of them. Several families assisted in putting the pinwheels together: the Douglas-Pratts, the DuValls, the Willinghams, the Pierces and the Shannon-Younkins.

For information on how you can help or ideas for how to shelter in place and thrive, contact Deputy Chief Vera Morrison, vera.morrison@decaturga. com, or Assistant Chief Ninetta Violante, Ninetta.violante@decaturga.com.

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MAY 2020 • Decatur Focus | 15

CITY News City Budget Process Moves Forward Decatur’s fiscal year 2020-21 budget process continues with these important dates, subject to City Commission approval on May 18.

May 18: Formal presentation of the budget to the City Commission and adoption of tentative 2020 millage rates.

June 1: Work session and public hearing on proposed FY 2020-2021 budget and revised 2019-2020 budget and 2020 millage rates.

June 8: Public hearing on proposed FY 2020-2021 budget and revised 2019-2020 budget (if needed).

June 15: Public hearing and scheduled adoption of proposed FY 20202021 budget and revised 2019-2020 budget and 2020 millage rates.

All public hearings on the budget will be held at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St. Copies of the FY 20202021 budget and revised 20192020 budget will be available at Decatur City Hall and at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., beginning Wednesday, May 20. They will also be posted online at decaturga.com/budget.

Contact Meredith Roark, 404-370-4102, or meredith.roark@ decaturga.com, if you have questions or need more information. Visit decaturga. com/budget for details.

BUDGET atur, Georgia

City of Dec

Fiscal Year

9 to June July 1, 201

30, 2020

ett, Mayor tem Patti Garr rs, Mayor pro Tony Powe oner e, Commissi Scott Drak oner h, Commissi Brian Smit oner h, Commissi Kelly Wals

Note: Due to COVID-19, work sessions and public hearings may be held virtually.

Visit the city’s website or contact Meredith Roark for updates.

16 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2020

Solarize Decatur-DeKalb Solarize Decatur-DeKalb is back to give the residents of Decatur and DeKalb County another chance to leverage the power of group purchasing to save on the cost of solar energy. The first Solarize Decatur-DeKalb program in 2017 included 123 installations, adding 860kw of new solar capacity, and avoiding more than 1.6 million lbs. of CO2 emissions annually.

Solarize programs facilitate savings on the cost of clean energy systems by leveraging the power of group purchasing. The new Solarize Decatur-DeKalb program features new solar technologies and clean energy products at lower costs than before, including modern, highefficiency solar panels, battery storage systems such as the Tesla Powerwall, and EV charging stations for homes and businesses. Participants will save up to 20 percent off the cost of these systems and installation services through the power of bulk purchasing.

The organizers of the campaign – which include the Decatur Environmental Sustainability Board, Environment Georgia, Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, Sierra Club of Georgia, Solar Crowdsource, and local volunteers – invite you to learn more at solarizedecatur-dekalb.com.

Decatur events

BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News Business & Nonprofit News

it’s a Date to Stay up late!

Local Groups Local Artist to Give Away Custom Art

A

Provide Sack Lunch and Dinner

ll Decatur residents, and everybody else, too, are invited to walk in the Decatur Lantern Parade on the evening of Lejeune hopes to lift spirits with a signed custom Decatur artist Lori Friday, May 15. This is one of those “the-more-the-merrier” 5 x 5-inch metal art piece – from her “Flight series” of birds and other events, so plan now to participate and becreatures a part ofwith helping wings – that stands for overcoming the forces in life that to make this lantern parade memorable. weigh us down.

Make your own lantern at home or A Home For Everyone in DeKalb, a ColTwo Chances, Two Different Artworks come to a lantern-making workshop laborative Initiative on Homelessness, Holy Enter the drawing via Instagram or Facebook: where supplies and guidance are providTrinity Parish Episcopal Church, First Baped. Find out where and when by visiting Instagram Entry: tist Church of Decatur and Threshold Mindecaturlanternparade.com.

1. Follow @lorilejeuneart (instagram.com/lorilejeuneart) istry of Decatur Presbyterian Church have To participate, line up at Color Wheel 2. Comment on the post titled FREE BIRD, posted April 2 (make sure to joined with local residents to provide sack Studio at 508 E. Howard Ave. after 8 p.m. comment on the right post so that the artist can find and message you if lunches and dinners every day at noon at the The parade steps off at 9 p.m. led by The you win!). Commenting “Yes” or emojis work.

Decatur Library, while practicing physical Black Sheep Marching Ensemble and padistancing.

Facebook Entry: rade guru Chantelle Rytter. The parade For more information or to join the 1. Like the Facebook page at facebook.com/LoriLejeuneArt will wend its way to the community effort, contact Shelly at ahomeforeveryo2. Scroll down page and comment on the post that looks like photo, bandstand in front of the Old Courtneindekalb@gmail.com or Jen Walcott at FREE BIRD. Leave a comment on the FREE BIRD post so that you can house on the square. jawalcott@gmail.com. be contacted if you win.

The parade is sponsored by Color Wheel Studio, Decatur Arts Alliance, At the end of May, a winner will be chosen from each platform. WinDecatur Education Foundation, and ners will be contacted via direct message. the Decatur Development Authority.

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MAY 2020 • Decatur Focus | 17

BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News DEF Adjusts to Changing Needs of Decatur Students Along with everyone else in the nation, the Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) has had to make adjustments to accommodate the restrictions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Thanks to their supporters, DEF has remained nimble and has adjusted quickly to the community’s changing needs.

Here are some updates on spring initiatives: VIRTUAL TOUR DECATUR: Tour deCatur was cancelled due to Covid-19, but residents were able to run the Virtual Tour deCatur 5K or one-mile Fun Run during April. Find a link to the 5K results at tourdecatur.com.

LIGHTEN THE LOAD PROGRAM: Before

the school closings in mid-March, DEF was already accepting donations to its Lighten the Load program to provide food for families in need during school breaks. Once we learned of the school closings due to Covid-19, DEF worked with DHA and CSD to determine how to ensure that families who rely on school meals would have enough to eat during the school closings. Through the generosity of the community, DEF has already purchased $15,000 in Kroger gift cards that are being distributed to those in need and will continue to provide them throughout the duration of the school closings.

To learn more about the Lighten the Load program, including how to donate or refer a family in need, visit decatureducationfoundation.org/lightentheload.

COORDINATING SERVICES: In late March, DEF staff met with other organizations via Zoom to discuss the needs that are arising and to explore ways to better coordinate services.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS: Every spring,

DEF awards more than $70,000 in college scholarships to hard-working high school seniors. While the awards dinner has been cancelled, DEF will announce the scholarship recipients at a later date.

ALUMNI OUTREACH: DEF has launched

an Alumni Outreach program for Decatur High School. If you are a DHS or Trinity High alumni and would like to connect with former classmates, visit dhsalumni-def.org.

STEP UP FOR TEACHERS: CSD families

can express their gratitude for their teachers through DEF’s Step Up for Teachers campaign. Through May, you can leave a written or video tribute for your favorite teacher or CSD staff person at stepupforteachers.com.

Your tribute contribution also includes a choice of a “We Step Up for Teachers” yard sign or a “Congratulations Class of 2020” yard sign that will be delivered to your Decatur address.

To learn more about how DEF works to ensure that every Decatur student has what they need to learn and thrive, check out the online mid-year impact report at decatureducationfoundation.org/impact-report.

Decatur Cooperative Ministry Fights Need Amidst COVID-19 With many people around the world sheltering at home, Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) is fighting to give those without a home a place to shelter.

The organization offers four programs designed to address homelessness from all angles. Hagar’s House offers emergency night shelter and assessment to homeless families with children. The five-room, 30-bed shelter provides safe, comfortable accommodations for up to 90 days. DCM’s Family House program offers up to six months of transitional housing for homeless families with compound barriers to housing stability. The Family Success program provides permanent supportive housing to chronically homeless families (i.e., those with extensive histories of homelessness who have at least one member 18 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2020

with a diagnosed disability). And, through Project Take Charge, DCM offers homeless prevention services to low-income and at-risk seniors, Veterans, and families.

As the impact of COVID-19 began to escalate, DCM pushed to remain open to help provide food, shelter, and support to those in need.

Thanks to donors, Hagar’s House has been able to continue to provide families with minor children with 30-90 nights of emergency shelter and support. DCM has also fed and provided permanent housing for residents in DeKalb County.

Visit decaturcooperativeministry.org/dcm/ to learn more about Decatur Cooperative Ministry and to donate.

BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News Congratulations Decatur Rotary Foundation Awards $20,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits

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n this difficult time, the Decatur Rotary believes it is important to support organizations that help the most vulnerable people in our community. Every year, the foundation provides grants to local nonprofits that support literacy and at-risk youth. This year, even though it was unable to hold its annual fundraiser, the foundation dipped into its reserves to award $20,000 in grants to the following nonprofits: Decatur Education Foundation, Decatur Family YMCA, Decatur Housing Authority, DeKalb Library Foundation, Family Heritage Foundation, Friends of Refugees, and Project Transformation North Georgia The Decatur Rotary is proud to support the work of these nonprofits and others in the Atlanta area that continue to work tirelessly to help our community members get through these challenging times.

Capoeira Maculele Decatur Offers Free Virtual Classes Capoeira Maculele Decatur is offering free virtual community classes to encourage residents to stay active, healthy and in good spirits. Capoeira exposes participants to culture, music, and a martial art that builds confidence and offers stress release through exercise. For more information, contact Decaturcapoeira@gmail. com.

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MAY 2020 • Decatur Focus | 19

BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News COVID-19 Chronicles

Paxton Joins Fulton Board of Health

The DeKalb History Center is collecting stories from residents to record the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our communities.

Send in your stories, positive or negative, so that they may be documented and preserved and accessed by future generations. Accepted items will be made available for public research by the History Center.

What are your biggest challenges? How do you continue to work, learn, teach, spend time, cope with mental health challenges, worship, celebrate, and mourn? How are you creating community in these challenging times? What history are you making right now? Make a video, write a story, and/or send in pictures that represent your experience with COVID-19. Photos could show your work-from-home coworkers, homemade masks, nature walks, children’s projects, or empty shelves at your local grocery store.

In addition to your own created content, what materials are you receiving that illustrate your story? The DeKalb History Center is already collecting newspapers and county declarations. Consider materials that illustrate your life during COVID-19, like grocery lists and menu plans, gardening ideas, and business signage.

Share your stories at bit.ly/DHCCOVID19Chronicles.

Decatur resident Dr. Lynn A. Paxton was recently named district health director for the Fulton County Board of Health. She is a retired United States Public Health Service captain and has had an extensive career with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She is acknowledged as an international leader in HIV prevention and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). She most recently served as the Zika coordinator for the CDC’s Center for Global Health.

Dr. Paxton earned her medical degree at the University of California San Francisco and her Master of Public Health at the University of California Berkeley. She completed her undergraduate work at Princeton University.

Upon Paxton’s May 1, appointment, Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford, District Health Director for the DeKalb County Board of Health, who had served as Interim Health Director in Fulton County, returned full-time to her position in DeKalb.

Share Your Story with DeKalb History Center

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3/31/20 2:00 PM

DBA News A Message from the Decatur Business Association

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he Decatur Business Association Board has been monitoring the current everchanging situation with COVID-19, and has remained in communication with Decatur’s city leaders in efforts to best support our local businesses and business owners. As each new day brings something different, we must continue to pull together to adjust to the “new normal.” Local businesses and business owners are the heart of our Decatur community and the DBA is here to offer support and help where we can.

DBA Event Cancellations Following recommendations from city officials, the DBA has cancelled monthly meetings through the end of May – and also has cancelled the May concert series. At this time, we have made the difficult decision

to also postpone the Decatur Beach Party.

We will work closely with city leaders to determine the best way to move forward with this event, and other events throughout the remainder of the year. Once we have updates, we will share that information on our social

media and DBA website.

In the meantime, our team has been working on a social media campaign to promote local businesses and would like to encourage our community to engage with businesses via online shopping, curbside pickups and delivery options available. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

As the pandemic continues, Decatur city staff members have gathered information, resources and support for local businesses. This information is available and can be easily accessed by referring to the COVID-19 tab on our website, DecaturDBA.com.

We ask that everyone stay safe, support your local businesses in a safe manner, and please stay connected with the DBA via Facebook and Instagram. Thank you, and we are very much looking forward to seeing and visiting with all of you again soon!

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SCHOOL News ASC Announces Truman Scholarship Award In April, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation selected Agnes Scott College’s Leah Trotman ’21 as a 2020 Truman Scholar.

Leah is the college’s first Truman Scholarship recipient since 2009 and the fifth since the program’s inception in 1975. She was one of 62 scholars named from the 773 applicants representing 316 colleges and universities.

Students were selected based on their leadership, public service, academic achievement, interviews with regional review panels and essays.

Leah, an international relations and public health double major, wrote her essay on “Natural Disaster Response in the Virgin Islands.” While interning at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR), Leah learned about the detrimental public health effects of exclusive emergency preparedness and response planning. She has written several essays and policy statements

on emergency preparedness and response in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Leah was born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Growing up on a small island, I learned to value community,” she said.

“Whenever I enter a space, I walk in with the intention to build community. Being selected as a 2020 Truman Scholar means expanding my community and meeting like-minded future public servants, people dedicated to a life in public service.”

Upon graduation, Leah hopes to pursue a Master of Public Health in humanitarian health in disaster relief and gain the skills needed to develop comprehensive disaster relief community health interventions and policies in the Caribbean and Latin America.

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22 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2020

She aspires to a career as an executive within an international health agency in the area of disaster relief. Her ultimate goal is to become governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Truman Scholarship will provide Leah with vital support and mentoring opportunities to enable her to achieve her aspirations.

“I am thrilled that Leah has been named a 2020 Truman Scholar,” said Agnes Scott President Leocadia I. Zak. “Her essay and career aspirations could not be more relevant today. As a peer mentor, tutor, student leader and local clinic coordinator, Leah is committed to making her community and the world better. I am so proud of her. And look forward to congratulating her on her election to public office one day!”

#decaturga

Around Town

Show off your Decatur on social media and share it with your neighbors. Email your news and photos to renae.madison@decaturga.com.

DHS Coach Salutes Senior Players Virtually

The (Artificial) Grass is Greener . . .

Decatur High School (DHS) baseball coach Robby Gilbert celebrated DHS senior players by painting their numbers on the baseball field, displaying player banners, and reading each player’s accomplishments with a virtual ceremony via Facebook Live at McKoy Park. #salutetoseniors

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#withyouinspirit

Virtual Black Belt Ceremony for 7th Grader

Renfroe 7th grader Elia Nessman recently received her black belt from Decatur Martial Arts Academy. Elia has been practicing Tae Kwon Do since third grade. Master Claude Sullivan “presented” Elia with her black belt virtually. #virtualblackbelt

#hardworkpaysoff

#decaturmartialartsacademy

Crews worked through the end of April replacing the grass on the west side of the Community Bandstand on the courthouse square with artificial turf, to match the east-side installation completed last year. #zeromaintenancelawn #decaturgreenspaces #keepdecaturgreen

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MAY 2020 • Decatur Focus | 23

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