Decatur Focus May 2017

Focus

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City of Decatur

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MAY 2017 Volume 27 • Number 9

Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia

May Is Arts Month in Decatur

Lantern Parade May 12 A Date to Stay Up Late!

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ecatur celebrates the start of summer with the annual Community Lantern Parade. Kids of all ages gather at the starting point, Color Wheel Studio, 508 E. Howard Ave., with their creative paper lanterns in every conceivable shape, size and configuration.

To participate, line up at Color Wheel after 8 p.m. Then the Black Sheep Ensemble, a local street band, will lead the high-stepping march to the downtown square, trailed by a joyous spectacle of glowing lanterns, luminous oversize puppets, lighted hats, and delighted faces.

News 3 City

11 BUsiness NEWs

13 DBA NEWs

DECATUR 14 EVENTs

School news 21

Focus City of Decatur

Tax Incentives Available for Historic Property Rehab

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re you considering rehabilitating a historic property? If so, tax incentives could offset some of the costs incurred with an old fixer upper. The Georgia Historic Preservation Division (HPD) administers tax credits for the rehabilitation of historic buildings. Federal credits are available for income-producing buildings, and state credits are available for both income- and non-income producing buildings.

The first question a property owner should ask is, “Is my property individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places or contributing to a National Register Historic District?”

If the answer is “yes,” the property is eligible for state tax incentives. If “no,” pursuing an individual or district listing should be the first step. Decatur has eight National Register Historic Districts and 13 individually listed National Register properties.

Secondly, the property owner must determine if costs associated with a project will meet the which is calculated based on whether a property is income producing or a primary residence, and its current assessed value. Lastly, the owner must ensure the project meets the Secretary of Interior’s standards for rehabilitation. It is important to send projects to HPD for review prior to project initiation.

Although each project is reviewed on an individual basis, some common questions regarding state tax incentives are: Does HPD review both interior and exterior work?

Yes. HPD’s review covers interior and exterior work, as well as any site work on the property.

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 Fred Boykin................................Mayor Pro Tem Scott Drake..................................Commissioner Tony Powers...............................Commissioner Brian Smith..................................Commissioner

Can I put an addition on my house?

You may be able to add on to your house if the addition is compatible in massing, size and scale, and if the design is approved by HPD. What is a Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditure?

A qualified rehabilitation expenditure (QRE) is any expenditure for a structural component of a building, as well as other “soft costs” that would normally be charged to a capital account.

Some examples are walls, floors, windows, doors, electrical and plumbing systems, and lighting fixtures. Appliances, cabinets, furniture, and landscaping are some examples of unqualified expenditures.

How long do I have to complete my project?

For non-phased projects, you may select a 24-month period in which your QREs will meet the substantial rehabilitation test.

What are some important historic materials or features?

These are determined individually, but in general, an owner will want to preserve the historic elements of the building such as doors, windows, trim, plaster and unique features, as well as other less tangible aspects, such as the volume of space and the sequence of spaces. The National Park Service has created helpful guidelines called Preservation Briefs and Preservation Tech Notes that can help give you a general idea of how HPD reviews rehabilitation plans.

Are grants available?

Grants are not available for private entities. Only nonprofits and certified local governments can apply for grants administered by the HPD. For more information about tax incentives for the rehabilitation of a historic property, visit georgiashpo.org/incentives/tax or email HPD’s Molly McLamb, molly.mclamb@dnr.ga.gov, for more information.

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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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 Kyle Williams......................................... President Susan Sparks.............................. President-Elect Reshell Baldini...................................... Treasurer Lisa Bobb................................................. Secretary Tim Martin.................................... Past President

Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com

City News Decatur Receives Cultural Diversity Award

National Public Works Week

May 21-27

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he National League of Cities (NLC) has recognized six cities for implementing programs that enhance and promote diversity in their communities. The City of Decatur received second place in cities with populations under 50,000 for the Better Together Initiative, which resulted in the Better Together Community Action Plan for Equity, Inclusion and Engagement. NLC described the Better Together Initiative as a “shining example of diversity and total community collaboration and partnership.” Mayor Patti Garrett accepted the award for Decatur.

Cities honored for 2017 are: Morrisville, N.C.; Decatur, Ga.; Rock Hill, S.C.; Westminster, Colo.; Winston-Salem, N.C.; and Aurora, Colo.

The Better Together Initiative was a year-long, community-wide visioning process designed to cultivate a more just, welcoming, inclusive, equitable and compassionate experience for all who live, visit or work in Decatur. It included conversations across differences and a community engagement outreach designed to include all, especially those who might not feel welcome.

The Better Together Community Action Plan for Equity, Inclusion and Engagement outlines 60 action items for individuals, organizations and local government to undertake to carry out Principle B of the 2010 Strategic Plan: “Encourage a diverse and engaged community.”

Willie Walker

The theme of this year’s National Public Works Week is “Public Works Connects Us,” celebrating the vital role public works employees play in connecting the community. Public Works provides, maintains, and improves the structures and services that assure a higher quality of life for our communities. The American Public Works Association salutes and thanks the tens of thousands of public works professionals who work tirelessly throughout North America every day to strengthen the bond that keeps us all connected.

Holiday Solid Waste and Recycling Services Memorial Day • Monday, May 29 Monday trash and recycling pick up will be on Tuesday, May 30 Tuesday trash and recycling pick up will be on Wednesday, May 31 MAY 2017 • Decatur Focus | 3

City News Sketches of Decatur’s Classical Architecture

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ecatur’s classical architectural heritage became the subject of a recent walking and sketching tour by the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA) Southeast Chapter. Alan Clark, AIA, local architect and former chair of the Decatur Historic Preservation Commission, guided a group of architects, historians, and students through downtown Decatur, Old Decatur Local Historic District, MAK Local Historic District, and the campus of Agnes Scott College. Some of the sites penciled into personal sketchbooks included Decatur First Baptist Church, Pythagoras Masonic Temple, Old DeKalb County Courthouse, Decatur City Hall, High House, and Hopkins Hall.

The Decatur Historic Preservation Commission hosted the group for refreshments and thanked the ICAA for highlighting Decatur’s history and architecture in their event programs.

To learn more about Decatur’s history, visit decaturga.com/ about/historic-decatur.

Seen at School School Resource Officer Phillips participated with students in the 3D Interactive Cinema Drive safety presentation sponsored by Decatur Prevention Initiative and Decatur High School. The presentation covered topics such as drinking, speeding, allowing distance, using seatbelts, driving while tired, and texting.

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Captain Violante Becomes New Chief EMS Officer

drawing by Karen Soorikian

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inetta Violante, captain of the Decatur Fire Department, has been designated a Chief EMS Officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence. She is one of only 118 CEMSO designees worldwide.

The designation program is a voluntary one designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components: experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement, and technical competence. In addition, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan.

The CEMSO designation program uses a comprehensive peer review model to evaluate candidates seeking the credential. The Commission on Professional Credentialing awards the designation only after an individual successfully meets all the organization’s criteria.

Achieving this designation signifies Captain Violante’s commitment to her career in the fire and emergency services. The designation is valid for three years and requires the officer to show continued growth and maintain the code of conduct.

Congratulations, Captain Violante.

City News Stay Safe During Severe Weather Severe weather in our area often includes the threat of tornadoes. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air, extending from the thunderstorm that is in contact with the ground. They can vary in shape, size and intensity. Most tornadoes are weak, lasting a few minutes and producing winds of less than 100 mph. However, a few tornadoes are strong or even violent. These tornadoes last from 20 minutes to more than an hour and can produce winds of between 100 and 300 mph.

Decatur conducts a test of the city’s tornado warning system at 5 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Visit the Siren page at decaturga.com or contact Lt. Barry Woodward at 404-373-6551 for more information.

Say “So Long” to Your Favorites and “Hello” to the New

Artway Outdoor Sculpture Gallery Begins Third Year The Decatur Artway begins its third year this fall by replacing the five outdoor sculptures in downtown Decatur with five new works. The Decatur Arts Alliance has issued a call for artists for sculptures to be placed in and around downtown Decatur for a two-year exhibition.

Selected artists will receive a $2,000 honorarium and the installed work may be available for sale. The sculpture must be available for the duration of the two-year contract. All submissions must be professionally constructed of durable materials that will withstand the elements. All durable outdoor media are encouraged. Submissions are due in July 1, and the jury will make selections in late July. Visit decaturartsalliance.org for more information.

Smart911 Safety Profiles and Severe Weather Alerts Smart911 is a free service available to all residents and business owners, and is private and secure. When you create a Smart911 safety profile in Decatur it travels with you and is available to 911 call takers anywhere in the country where the Smart911 service is active.

During severe weather, Smart911 initiates an alert based on NWS weather polygon technology. For more information or to sign up for the free service, visit smart911.com.

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Decatur PD Names Contest Winner

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Congratulations to Decatur resident Jennifer Clinkscales for winning the Decatur Police Department’s Ring Video Doorbell giveaway.

Look for more crime prevention product giveaways coming up on the Decatur Police Department Facebook and Twitter pages.

MAY 2017 • Decatur Focus | 5

City News High Performance Building Standards Update

Learn to Cook Seasonally at Decatur Farmers Market

eginning May 1, all single-family residential renovation projects categorized as substantial improvements are subject to Decatur’s high performance building standards. The city strives to be a leader in our region for promoting a green and sustainable community.

Join the Decatur Farmers Market (DFM) every Wednesday and Saturday to learn all about seasonal ingredients and how to prepare nutritious, healthy meals from local produce. Chef Paola Villafañe, a nutritionist, uses ingredients she purchases from the farmers before market opens to whip up quick and simple recipes. Paola has taught market shoppers how to make Puerto Rican pastelillos, bruschetta, and more.

Liz Crawshaw, DFM registered dietitian, leads the cooking demonstrations at the Saturday market. With a focus on healthy eating on a budget, Liz also leads tours of the market and can answer any questions about what and how to cook fresh vegetables cheaply. Liz and Paola are always at the market with samples of recipes to try, so stop by the market to learn and taste the best of seasonal food.

The Decatur Farmers Market is now located in the pecan grove in front of First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave. Parking is free in the church lot and parking deck.

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The high performance building standards have been in effect for new singlefamily residential projects, multi-family residential projects and all commercial renovations and new structures since November 2015. These standards require that qualifying buildings achieve a certification from one of three available thirdparty green-building rating systems at the time a project is under permit for construction. For existing home renovations, a substantial improvement is any construction project in which the construction value exceeds 50 percent of the value of the improvements located on the property. The high performance building standards also require that the certification is achieved and submitted to the City of Decatur for review prior to the completion of a building permit.

Compliance with the high performance building standards for substantial improvements was deferred to allow the City of Decatur to complete a pilot study on two substantial home renovations. The properties were renovated and certified using the performance standards set forth by Earthcraft. Before and after the construction project, the participants were asked to submit construction costs and utility bills so that they could be compared. In both cases, the pilot study revealed that the energy savings alone assist in “paying back” the initial costs of certification (about 1-2 percent of the construction budget) on the typical substantial renovation in between five and eight years.

Following the study there were concerns that smaller. . . the pilot study revealed scale renovation projects that meet the criteria for a substan- that the energy savings alone tial improvement would begin assist in “paying back” the initial to see higher initial costs and costs of certification . . . on the longer paybacks compared to large-scale renovations. typical substantial renovation in The ordinance was amended between five and eight years. in March to allow exemptions from compliance for substantial improvement with additions that increase less than 20 percent of the total building area or affect less than 85 percent of the building’s thermal envelope. These compliance exemptions are in addition to an existing provision that allows certain exemptions for homes located in a designated historic district.

Residents, designers and contractors are encouraged to contact Building Official Mark Ethun, 678-553-6508, or mark.ethun@decaturga.com, if they have any questions. Staff at the Design Environment and Construction Division are always available to discuss an upcoming renovation project, request information about the high performance building standards, or hear more about the building renovation pilot study conducted by the City of Decatur.

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City News decatur-bike-month-poster-2017-FOCUS.pdf

DYC Field Day Festival May 21

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in Decatur Registration Rides Fun! •

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Saturday Group Rides in May: Sam’s Freight Room Ride, 2 pm | Meet at 415 E. Howard Ave. for an easy 11-mile ride through Avondale Estates, Oakhurst and Decatur. No-drop ride.

Bike Decatur Group Rides, 8 am | Meet at Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St., ready to ride. Call 404-941-8717 on Friday to confirm ride on Saturday.

The Decatur Youth Council will host a Field Day Festival on Sunday, May 21, 1-4 p.m., at McKoy Park, 534 McKoy St. This event will feature a kickball game with Decatur high school students, Decatur firefighters, and Decatur police. There will be food, games, music and much more for the entire family.

Kids interested in playing kickball are asked to sign up in advance by emailing Courtney.

Frisch@decaturga.com with your name and age. Bring your sneakers and get ready to have a great time!

May 3: Bike to School Day May 4, 11, 18, 25: Silver Spokes Program Ride with trikes.

May 6: Bike Rodeo, 10 am-noon, McKoy Park May 13: Bike Fest at Decatur Farmer’s Market May 15-19: Bike to Work Week May 19: Bike to Work Day

Riders are invited to stop by Decatur Recreation Center 7 to 10 am for coffee and pastries on their way to work.

May 19: Third Friday Decatur Fun Ride, 6:30 pm Meet at Decatur Recreation Center. Followed by a visit to a local pub or restaurant for refreshments.

May 21: Bicycle South, 2098 N. Decatur Rd.

Decatur to Honor Excellence in Design May 24 The City of Decatur and the Decatur Historic Preservation Commission invite you to attend the 2017 Decatur Design Awards ceremony, May 24, 6:30 p.m., at Decatur City Hall, City Commission Meeting Room, 509 N. McDonough St. Come and help celebrate projects that demonstrate excellence in design, historic preservation, adaptive use, and residential additions.

Every year the Decatur Historic Preservation Commission evaluates nominations and selects projects that are exemplary within our community. The awards ceremony is held in May to honor National Preservation Month.

Direct questions or RSVP to Angela.Threadgill@decaturga.com or 678-553-6575.

Easy no-drop ride to Stone Mountain Park, beginning at the store at 9 am. Refreshments at Bicycle South after the ride.

May 27-28: Bike Valet at Decatur Arts Festival Sponsored by Decatur Arts Alliance and City of Decatur.

May 27: Bike registration at Decatur Arts Festival Bike Valet, 10 am-2 pm Bring your bike, get registered by the Decatur Police.

Pick up some bike safety information.

Active Living decaturga.com/biking

Free Home Repairs for Older Residents City of Decatur homeowners who are at least 62 years old may be eligible for help with home and yard maintenance and repair, free of charge, through the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project. Since 2003, project volunteers have installed handicap ramps, replaced rotten wood, weatherized homes, repaired water damage and worked with professional partners to do plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work. The 16th annual project will take place on the weekend of Jan. 13-15, 2018. Other criteria include owning and residing in your home inside Decatur city limits and having a fixed or lower income.

Contact Lee Ann Harvey, 678-553-6548, or leeann.harvey@decaturga.com, to sign up or to refer someone to this program.

MAY 2017 • Decatur Focus | 7

City News Decatur Cemetery Tour Season Begins

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oin the Friends of Decatur Cemetery (FODC) on Sunday, May 14, for the first Second Sunday Stroll of this year’s tour season. Bring your water bottle and sunscreen, wear your walking shoes, and meet at the gazebo near the Commerce Drive entrance at 2:30 p.m.

Guided tours of the cemetery are given on the second Sunday of each month, May through October. Tours leave at 2:30 from the gazebo near Commerce Drive and last about an hour. No reservations are needed. Donations of $5 are accepted and applied to FODC projects. Special tours may be arranged at other times by contacting friendsofdecaturcemetery@gmail.com.

Decatur 101 Graduates 18th Class Congratulations to the 77 graduates of the 2017 Decatur 101 class – 33 in the morning class and 44 in the evening class. Participants ranged from those who have lived in Decatur three months to those who have been here 40 years.

Decatur 101 participants attended seven classes – six provided by the City of Decatur and one provided by City Schools of Decatur. They are pictured during the last city class, which featured Active Living and Children and Youth Services as well as communication and community involvement along with graduation certificates and T-shirts and a talk delivered by Mayor Patti Garrett and City Manager Peggy Merriss.

Decatur 101 is offered annually in February/ March. Classes are held on Thursdays in the morning and evening and are open to the community. If you are interested in taking the 2018 class, sign up now because there is usually a waiting list.

To sign up send your name, address, phone number, email address, and preference of morning or evening class to linda.harris@decaturga. com or Shirley.baylis@decaturga.com.

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City News Plein Air Artists Face Off in Downtown Decatur Artists descended on downtown Decatur in early April as part of the Olmsted Plein Air Invitational — a weeklong art event in metro Atlanta. It was a rain-or-shine situation, and the elements certainly added an air of excitement, with winds gusting up to 30 mph on a surprisingly chilly day.

Plein air painting, or painting in the open air, is a familiar concept today but was revolutionary when the Impressionists ventured out of their studios to capture the effects of sunlight in the late 1800s. For more information visit olmstedpleinair.com.

MAY 2017 • Decatur Focus | 9

Touchabudget-poster.pdf

City News

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City Budget Process Moves Forward Decatur’s fiscal year 2017-2018 budget process continues with the following important dates, subject to City Commission approval on May 15: May 15: Formal presentation of budget to City Commission and adoption of tentative 2017 millage rate.

June 5: Work session and public hearing on proposed FY 2017-18 budget and revised 2016-17 budget and 2017 millage rate.

June 12: Public hearing on proposed FY 2017-18 budget and revised 2016-17 budget (tentative).

June 19: Public hearing and scheduled adoption of proposed FY 2017-18 budget and revised 2016-17 budget and 2017 millage rate.

All public hearings on the budget will be held at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St. Copies of the FY 2017-18 proposed budget and FY 2016-17 revised budget will be available at Decatur City Hall and at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., beginning Wednesday, May 17. They will also be posted online at decaturga.com/ budget. Contact Meredith Roark, 404-3704102, or meredith.roark@decaturga.com, if you have questions or need more information. Visit decaturga.com/budget for details.

BUDGET Fiscal Year July

Patti Garrett, Mayo r Fred Boykin, Mayo r pro tem Scott Drake, Com missioner Tony Powers, Com missioner Brian Smith, Com missioner

1, 2016 to June

30, 2017

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Walk right in!

City personnel met with the public during the EXHIBITS GAMES event PRIZES March “Touch-a-Budget” at its new location on the Decatur MARTA Plaza.

Tuesday

Tuesday, March 21 • 5-7 pm On the MARTA Plaza

March 31 Inclement weather site: Decatur Recreation Center • 231 Sycamore St.

Get hands-on with Decatur’s Fiscal year 2017-2018 budget!

5:30-7:30 pm

Business & Nonprofit News Pastor Lanny Peters Retires from Oakhurst Baptist Church

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anny Peters, pastor of Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur, retired in April after nearly 28 years. While at Oakhurst, he continued to lead the church in its ministry of inclusiveness. During his ministry, he was deeply involved in interfaith relations as one of the original World Pilgrims in 2002. Lanny traveled with Christians, Muslims, and Jews to Turkey, Israel, and Washington, DC. In addition, he traveled twice to Cuba with an adult and a youth group to visit partner churches.

Along with the preaching, marrying, meeting, counseling, visiting, ordaining, and burying roles embraced by every pastor, Lanny has marched in Pride parades and determined a way to rescue the Oakhurst Recovery Program. He also shared the pulpit with other faith traditions, supported marriage equality efforts, and led the way for a partnership with the Chin congregation of Burmese refugees, which meets in the sanctuary on Sunday afternoons.

Poké Perfect Opens in Decatur

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oké Perfect, 419 Church St., is an Amsterdam-based healthy restaurant that serves a traditional Hawaiian dish of deconstructed sushi, served in a bowl – or Poké. In addition to traditional offerings such as tuna and salmon, Poké Perfect features smoked chicken, tofu and shrimp.

It also features lobster as an entree option in a deconstructed lobster roll and sushirrito (sushi burrito).

The restaurant serves sake, beer and wine, and has tables inside and outside. For more information, visit pokeperfect.com.

Maxim Barbers Celebrates Five Years Maxim Barbers, 218 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., celebrates its fifth year in business on Saturday, June 3, with a full day of customer appreciation events. Radio Roasters will be in the shop from 9 a.m. to noon with complimentary coffee drinks and Second Self Brewery will be on hand in the afternoon with a variety of beers to sample. There will also be goodies from Sugar Moon Bakeshop. Musician Michael Magno will perform. Stop by and help Maxim Barbers celebrate five successful years in business in Decatur.

Marlee Street Eatz Opens on E. College Avenue Marlee Street Eatz is a new lunch and cake stop in Decatur that offers a large selection of cakes and baked goods. The shop’s coconut rum cake was featured in the November 2015 issue of Atlanta Magazine. Lunch and dinner options, prepared daily, cater to international and traditional tastes.

Marlee Street Eatz is open Monday-Saturday at 747 E. College Ave. Visit and like their Facebook page, facebook.com/Marleestreeteatz, and get a one-time 10 percent off your order.

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Business & Nonprofit News Welcome Wednesdays Toddler Time

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Woodlands Garden Welcomes New Manager

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en Ackerley has joined the team at Woodlands as the new garden manager. He will oversee the horticultural legacy of the garden’s eight acres, gifted to the community in 2002 by Dr. and Mrs. Morse. He comes to the position from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where he worked as a horticulturist.

Ben began his undergraduate training in horticulture at the University of Cincinnati, concurrently working in the field at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. His leadership skills and experience with public garden management equips him well to engage with volunteers and initiate activities that fulfill the mission of Woodlands Garden.

Visit Woodlands Garden, 932 Scott Blvd., to meet Ben and/or volunteer to help maintain the beautiful landscape and woodland plant collections. For news of garden events in spring and summer, visit woodlandsgarden.org.

Wylde Center Introduces New Farm Fellow

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he DeKalb History Center announces a new program for toddlers and their guardians, “Welcome Wednesdays.” This monthly program begins June 14 and will emphasize play and learning through the arts, sciences, and literature. Each class will feature a central theme that focuses on rediscovering or learning about the world.

Join in on the first class – “Colors!” – in which participants will explore all colors that make up our world.

In this program, participants will discover how to make new colors by mixing primary colors, and will go on a hunt for colors in the museum. In all of the programs, children will listen to a story and work on an art project based on the theme.

“Welcome Wednesdays” is designed for children 2-5 with an accompanying adult.

Each program is on the second Wednesday of the month beginning June 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Cost is $6 for nonmembers, $3 for members. No charge for infants 12 months and under and accompanying adults.

he Wylde Center welcomes Pat Walker as the new farm fellow. Pat will support programming to increase food access to underserved populations and help support and expand the Healthy Living by Healthy Growing program at the Decatur Housing Authority. He will also grow food on two plots and run a 20-member, market-style community supported agriculture (CSA) for the summer and possibly a leafy green and salad CSA in the fall.

Pat is a first-generation farmer with roots in New England. He comes to the Wylde Center after spending two growing seasons in Providence, R.I., as an urban farmer and community partner, and Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., where he fine-tuned his vegetable skills, played kickball and worked for the first time with pastured poultry.

DBA News NOT THE BEACH PARTY

DBA Debuts ‘Decatur Beach Meets the Streets’ June 16

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he Decatur Business Association invites the community to its Decatur Beach Meets the Streets Party on Friday, June 16. This community event is a celebration of summer that includes an evening of music, fun, dancing, entertainment and sand.

DBA plans to take the beach to the streets by making this event free to the community, removing the gates that block guests from the businesses, celebrating summer and the 20th anniversary of the Brick Store Pub. Save the date and plan to join the celebration when Decatur Beach Mayorthe Emerita Elizabeth Wilson Meets Streets on June 16. Look for more details in the June Focus. with DBA President Kyle Williams

MUSIC!

The Decatur Business Association’s two concert series crank up this month. Make your plans to join your friends and neighbors for good times on the square. Pack a lunch or a dinner and enter the prize drawings. All performances are at the community bandstand and absolutely free!

BLUE SKY CONCERTS Wednesdays in May, noon-1 p.m.

May 3 • Kevin Dunbar / solo acoustic May 17 • Tim O’Donovan / solo acoustic

concerts on the square Saturdays in May, 7-9:30 p.m.

Meeting Reminder

MAY 23 Dalton Gallery, Dana Fine Arts Building Agnes Scott College, 141 E. College Ave. 5:15 p.m. Networking reception 6 p.m. Decatur Arts Festival Fine Arts Exhibition opening reception

Callanwolde Concert Decatur’s own Callanwolde Concert Band, along with the Decatur First United Methodist Church choir, will perform in concert at the church, 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 28. The church is on E. Ponce De Leon Avenue at the corner of Commerce Drive. The concert theme is “For Home and Country – A Salute to the Armed Forces, Past and Present.”

The Callanwolde Concert Band is a 65-member community concert band known in Decatur for its annual performance at the Fourth of July fireworks show.

Among the selections for the May 28 concert are the Armed Forces Medley of Service Songs, the Liberty Bell, National Emblem and Colonel Bogey marches, the Band of Brothers, In the Mood, and a number of other pieces for band and chorus.

May 6 • Banded / modern Top 40 Banded is a feel good, up beat trio from Athens. They love to cover popular songs from ’90s up to today, choosing their set list with positive great times in mind.

May 13 • The Geeks / party band What started out as a local cover band dressing up for Halloween turned into the increasingly popular, highly in-demand, party rockin’ entertainment outfit now known as The Geeks.

May 20 • AFS Rhythm / Motown, funk This smaller version of the 12-piece band, Atlanta Funk Society, plays classic hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, including “Superbad” by James Brown, “Underdog” by Sly and The Family Stone, and “Whatcha Gonna Do For Me”

by Chaka Kahn.

May 27 • Magno / all-time top 40 Making a triumphant return to the Concerts on the Square after the Decatur Arts Festival, Magno brings his upbeat blend of everyone’s favorite old-school classics and new twists on modern ones. There is truly something for everyone when this Decatur native takes the stage.

The Geeks

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Decatur Events Flavors of Haiti Fundraiser

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Sunday, May 7 • 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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Decatur residents Linda and Haywood Curry (above) invite the community to attend “Flavors of Haiti: a Fundraiser for Building the School in the Eco-Villages” on Sunday, May 7, at the Clarkston Community Center, Angora Hall, 3701 College Ave., Clarkston, Ga. Enjoy Haitian dancers and authentic Haitian cuisine. Celebrate the fourth year of developing the school in the Eco-Villages of Colladere, Haiti. Share the experiences of visiting the school via a multi-media presentation from the April mission trip. Participate in the Live “Fund a Need” Appeal for the school.

Admission is $30 per person. Visit haitiecovillageschool.org/ or contact Becky Evans, beckyevans@mindspring.com, 678613-8942, for more information.

Spring Book Sale May 27 at the Decatur Library The Friends of the Decatur Library will host a book sale May 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., on the front lawn of the library, 215 Sycamore St. Children’s books, as well as CDs, will be available for purchase. Only cash or checks accepted.

Dealers must scan at tables. All proceeds benefit the programs and collections of the Decatur Library. Admission to this event is free. Donations of gently used books are always welcome at the library front desks.

Decatur Bike-to-School Poster Contest Winners Announced

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akhurst Elementary first-grader Beatrice Pinkey recently took first prize in the Decatur Bike-to-School poster contest for 2017, organized by Decatur Active Living, Safe Routes to School, and Bicycle South. Her poster is reproduced above.

Other winners are:

Second place: Emily Deeb, third grade, Clairemont Elementary

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Third place: Vaishali Raol, first grade, Clairemont Elementary

Poster

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Fourth place: Zoë Wakefield, seventh grade, Renfroe Middle School Congratulations to these student artists! Their posters will be reproduced to remind us all to be safe on our bikes so look for them around the city.

The four winners each received a gift certificate, courtesy of Bicycle South, which was presented at the May 1 City Commission meeting.

Look for information about next year’s poster contest in early 2018.

2017 Poster Contest Zoë Wakefield 4th Place Zoë Wakefield Renfroe Middle School / 7th grade

14 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2017

Emily Deeb

sponsored by

Clear zone

Clairemon School

spons

Vaishali Raol

20 Poster

3rd P Vais Ra

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Decatur Events National Senior Health & Fitness Day May 31 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Decatur Recreation Center “With Movement…There’s Improvement!”

Join Decatur Active Living for the first Senior Health & Fitness Day. Receive health screenings, nutritional information, exercise demonstrations, and more. Doc Broc will even make an appearance. This is a free event. For more information contact Sara.holmes@decaturga.com or 678-553-6559.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Yoga June 24 • 9-10 a.m. • Beacon Municipal Center Courtyard Join Cheryl Burnette and Mamie Mabry to welcome in the longest day of the year with a summer solstice yoga practice. Throughout history, many cultures have associated the summer solstice with a renewal of mind, body and spirit and a celebration of the sense of joyfulness and fun that the sunshine evokes in all of us. Come together with the Decatur community to celebrate with a morning practice that includes asana, chanting and more. If it rains, we will move into the gym at Ebster Recreation Center, 105 Electric Ave. The event is free, but donations will be accepted for the Decatur Youth Fund.

Senior Picnic in a Park May 10 • 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • McKoy Park, 1000 Adams St.

A Night of Song with Woodward Academy Choir The community is invited to a L’Arche Atlanta Community Event, Thursday, May 4 at First Christian Church of Decatur. Woodward Academy Chorus will perform for 30 minutes, with finger foods provided before and desserts following the reception. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a finger food reception provided by L’Arche Atlanta.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m.

History Center Lunch & Learn

Join Decatur Active Living for a day at McKoy Park. Come play games, listen to music, exercise, meet new friends and have lunch. You do not want to miss this fun day at the park. Free. RSVP required to Sara Holmes at sara.holmes@decaturga.com or 678-553-6559.

Tuesday, May 16 • Noon – 1 p.m.

Historic DeKalb Courthouse • Second Floor Courtroom The DeKalb History Center’s May Lunch and Learn will be presented by architectural historian, Patrick Sullivan. He will present “The Best in this Section: Lithonia, the DeKalb Granite Industry, and Metro Atlanta’s Early Soccer History.”

The Lunch & Learn presentation will explore the largely forgotten history of soccer in Atlanta and DeKalb County during the early twentieth century, examine the sport’s strong ties with the Lithonia branch of the Paving Cutters’ Union, and highlight some of the prominent individuals who promoted and played the game here.

MAY 2017 • Decatur Focus | 15

Decatur Events School News

Downtown Decatur comes alive Memorial Day weekend with nearly 160 artists displaying their work and continuous musical entertainment. The 2017 poster will be unveiled May 4 and events will continue throughout the month. Find out more at decaturartsfestival.com.

Fine Arts Exhibition Opening Reception May 23 The Dalton Gallery/Dana Fine Arts Building Agnes Scott College, 5-7:15 p.m.

Visit the annual juried fine arts exhibition, hosted by Agnes Scott College and held in conjunction with the May meeting of the Decatur Business Association.

ArtWalk May 26 All around Decatur, 5-11 p.m.

Decatur’s largest one-night gallery event – now with a DJ, fire twirler, and stilt-walker! Stroll around town to see exhibits at various shops and galleries and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks. Drop by East Court Square to visit beer sponsors Steady Hand Beer Co., Arches Brewing, and Decatur’s own Three Taverns Brewery (serving this year’s Arts-Fest-only specialty).

16 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2017

Fire twirler performs on the MARTA Plaza for ArtWalk

Kids Festival May 27 Decatur Recreation Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Arts and crafts, inflatables, juggling, clowns, and lots of fun. Join the parade! It starts at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Church Street and Commerce Drive.

Decatur Events The Ain’t Sisters

Paul Melancon

Chelsea Shag

Artists Market May 27-28

Learn More

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday More than 150 artists, artisans, and craftspeople set up their tents around downtown, offering jewelry, paintings, sculpture, photographs, glass work, and more. There’ll be food vendors on East Court Square and beverages to help keep you cool.

Performing Arts May 27-28 Community Bandstand, all day long Saturday performers include Conundrums, The Ain’t Sisters, Underhill Rose, Paul Melancon, and Chelsea Shag, with Hollis Brown closing out the day with a set of Southern bluesbased rock and British-invasion-influenced pop by way of Queens, N.Y. Sunday performers will include Tray Dahl and the Jugtime Ragband, Cody Matlock, and Davin McCoy. Esteemed jazz guitarist and groovemaster Grant Green Jr. draws the Arts Fest performance schedule to a close.

The arts festival program will be available all month long at various sites around the city and at the Decatur Visitors Center, 113 Clairemont Ave. Pick up a copy and plan to make the most of your Labor Day weekend in Decatur.

WHERE SUMMER LASTS A LITTLE LONGER

Lotsa Laffs & Lit May 27-28 DeKalb History Center, Decatur LOL, and Literary Arts Tents on the Old Courthouse lawn Check out theater and literary arts activities and improv and comedy at the Decatur LOL tent all day Saturday and Sunday.

visit south walton.com

MAY 2017 • Decatur Focus | 17

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Decatur Events Decatur School of Ballet Presents End-of-Season Performances Classical ballet, jazz, modern dance, tap, ballroom, and theatre dance – all in one show

Decatur School of Ballet will present its 2017 Annual Performances on Saturday, May 20, at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m., at the Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech. Dancers six years to adult will perform. Each show lasts less than two hours and includes guest appearances

by Decatur City Dance (Apprentice Ensemble, Junior Ensemble, Rhythm Keepers, and Junior Rhythm Keepers). The Rug Cutters (a teen swing dance group) and BareGrounds (a modern dance group) will also perform.

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All shows are appropriate for all ages. Tickets are on sale at Decatur School of Ballet, 102 Church St., through May 16. After that date, tickets are available at the Ferst Center box of fice. Younger children will perform in demonstrations in the Sams Street studio, May 13, 22, and 23.

Admission to demonstrations is free, but please make reservations through the studio office, 404-378-3388. For more information, visit decaturballet.com.

Estate Planning

Wills & Trusts • Probate •

As your family grows, or you prepare for retirement, it’s important to have a plan.

One West Court Square, Suite 410, Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 793-2510 • Brooks@Mackintosh.law www.Mackintosh.law

18 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2017

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Decatur Events Gallery Event in Oakhurst On Friday, May 19, 6:30-10 p.m., Galeria Regina will join New Acropolis of Atlanta in a local artists night event. On this evening both New Acropolis and Galeria Regina will donate 25 percent of all sales to the refugee resettlement organization New American Pathways. The two businesses are at 409 Mead Rd. in Oakhurst.

Art and Music at Sycamore Place Gallery Join Sycamore Place Gallery for Tea Dance Sundays in May with Wade. Peruse the art in the gallery and dance in the courtyard to vintage phonographic recordings from the early 1900s. The weekly themed phonological experience is 4-6 p.m. at 120 Sycamore Place Gallery.

Beverages and light fare will be served. A $10 donation is requested. For more information, visit decaturartclasses.com.

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5/14/14 4:47 PM

LISA CRONIC, REALTOR® lisacronic@atlantafinehomes.com 678.641.4325

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

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

MAY 2017 • Decatur Focus | 19

Decatur Events The Art of Indigo Workshop May 20 • Trinity Mercantile & Design • 116 E. Trinity Place

I

ndigo: what’s old is new again. Indigo is among the oldest dyes to be used for textile dyeing and printing – dating back 6,000 years to the ancient civilizations of South America, Africa and the Middle East. This timeless dye is responsible for the original denim and is also a hot trend in the converging worlds of fashion and design.

The community is invited to experience this ages-old village tradition at Trinity’s Art of Indigo Workshop on May 20.

Guest artist Mollie Coffin of Jaipur Living, along with the team from Trinity, will teach hands-on techniques for creating beautiful designs on fabric. Each participant will

create a one-of-a-kind piece to take home.

Choose from a scarf, pillow, hobo bag or table runner, made from recycled natural fibers.

Come in anytime between noon and 4 p.m. Plan to spend about an hour creating your piece. Cost is $30 per person and includes instruction, materials and refreshments. All proceeds will benefit the Jaipur Rugs Foundation and re:loom. Space is limited. To reserve your spot, RSVP to kate@131trinity.com.

Jaipur Rugs Foundation is a nonprofit supporting artisanal communities in India that seek to preserve this timeless craft and sustain economic independence. re:loom is a local Decatur organization that employs and empowers homeless and lowincome individuals to create beautifully designed products.

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650-B East Lake Drive • Decatur, GA 30030 • 404-377-1030

www.1stepatatime.net • onestepatatimekids.com 20 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2017

School News Beauty and the Beast Earns Accolades

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ecatur High School’s cast and crew would like to thank everyone who supported Beauty and the Beast in March. Judges from the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards – the Shuler Hensley Awards – granted DHS honorable mention for music direction (Elise Eskew Sparks), orchestra (Elise Eskew Sparks), choreography (Amy Rawlins), scenic design (Chris Davis), and bestperformance by a leading actor (Scott Johnson). In addition, Gaston – played by Anderson McKiernan – was nominated for best performance by a supporting actor.

The next show will be May 5 and 6, and will feature students from Decatur High School’s Musical Theater Ensemble. Details about the Schuler Awards and other upcoming shows are at DHSPerforms.com.

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MAY 2017 • Decatur Focus | 21

School News DEF’s Eat & Greet Progressive Dinner June 10

T

he Decatur Education Foundation will host its annual Eat & Greet Progressive Dinner and Home Tour June 10. Three unique homes in the Great Lakes neighborhood will be featured. Each home will serve drinks and a course from several of Decatur’s restaurants, including Wahoo! Grill, Kimball House, Double Dragon and Butter & Cream.

Ticket sales for this event will support many of DEF’s programs for local kids, including the three mentoring programs that aim to help close the opportunity gap by matching Decatur students with community volunteers. DEF has 23 mentee-students currently enrolled, ranging from third graders to high school seniors, with plans to expand the programs in the coming years.

Tickets are available at decatureducationfoundation.org/eatandgreet. Tickets are limited, so reserve your spots today.

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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.

Decatur restaurateur Mike Gallagher (Brick Store Pub, Leon’s Full Service, Kimball House) at left with the bank’s new Decatur President, Brent Adams.

• More than 180 homes sold in City of Decatur since 2009

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22 | Decatur Focus • MAY 2017

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Around Town

Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Visits

#decaturga

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

Hindu Spring Festival Colorizes Decatur

Food Network star Ree Drummond of The Pioneer Woman was at the Decatur Library on March 30 to sign copies of her new children’s book, Little Ree. Little Shop of Stories sponsored her visit and has copies of her book for sale.

In March, community members celebrated the Hindu spring festival Holi, which commemorates the victory of good over evil and marks the end of winter and abundance of the upcoming spring. This event was a part of Decatur Library’s “Embrace Our World” program, funded by a grant from the Decatur Craft Beer Festival and the DeKalb Library Foundation. Decatur resident Gauri MisraDeshpande and Mia Manekofsy with the Decatur Library were the organizers.

#celebritysighting #booksigning

#hinduholifestival #colormeimpressed #springatlast

Fixing the Streets

Seniors Gather for Games

Road crews work to grade and resurface the pavement at the E. Trinity and E. Howard intersections up to the Candler Street railroad crossing. For updates on downtown construction, visit decaturmakeover.com.

Decatur PD and the Active Living Division co-hosted Senior Games Day in March at the Ebster Recreation Center.

#somuchpavement #smooooooooth

#puzzlesandgames #trivialpursusits #shenanigans

MAY 2017 • Decatur Focus | 23

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pre-sorted standard u.s. postage PAID Permit No. 199 Decatur, GA 30031

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DATED MATERIAL MAY 2017

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Decatur

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P.O. Box 220 Decatur, GA 30031-220

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