As we approach Father's Day, it's a time to celebrate the gentlemen in our lives who have shaped and guided us. In the Decatur community, countless men – fathers, brothers, sons, partners, colleagues, and friends – contribute to the originality of our neighborhoods and foster a remarkable space of community and inclusivity.
In this June edition, we're dedicating our pages to some of the gentlemen of Decatur who enhance our town. Whether getting a haircut from Rambler’s Barber Shop or grabbing a coffee and doing a puzzle with your kids at Guild + Journeyman, their unique spaces forge connections, spark conversations, and strengthen our relationships with each other.
In our June issue, you'll meet some of the faces that make our community unique. You'll read stories of perseverance, innovation, and generosity. I hope you'll be inspired to celebrate not only the fathers in your life but also the gentlemen who make Decatur a better place to live. As we honor these individuals, let's reflect on the values they embody – integrity, kindness, and a commitment to service.
These pages don’t begin to scratch the surface… just like last month’s Mother’s Day issue, we find ourselves proud of the long list of good human beings that make up our town, worthy of their stories being told; and we will continue to tell them.
So here's to the gentlemen of our community – thank you for all you do, today and every day.
Sincerely,
PUBLISHER
Caroline Ficken | caroline.ficken@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Natalie Fox | natalie.fox@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Gloria Bunn, Sable Massingill Martinez
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jonathan Wade, John Wachs, Matt Boggs
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
3:5-6
Multi-functional
1: Origin Story Comics opens location in Decatur! Visit them off N Decatur Rd. 2: Melissa Etheridge performs at Amplify Decatur Music Festival. 3: Amplify Decatur Music Festival attendees groove in festive attire. 4: Summer at SOS Tiki Bar never looked so fabulous. 5: Wanda M Morris & Mary Kay Andrews visit The Book Bird on Independent Bookstore Day. 6: Casa Balam opens in Downtown Decatur. 7: Local band, Run Katie Run, jams at Amplify Decatur Music Festival.
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The Conditioned Air Association of Georgia's (CAAG) "Top 20 Under 40" initiative aims to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of young professionals, technicians, and leaders who have demonstrated innovation, excellence, and commitment within the HVAC sector. After months of receiving nominations and vetting potential candidates, Mason Hoover of Empire Heating and Air Conditioning in Decatur, Georgia was selected as part of the inaugural “Top 20 Under 40” in Georgia’s HVAC Industry.
Financial Advisor James Herndon of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Decatur has received the CFP® certification, granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board). Becoming a CFP® professional expands a financial advisor's knowledge base in the following areas: Financial management, Tax-sensitive investment strategies, Retirement savings, Insurance planning, Education planning, and Estate considerations.
Smiley’s Burger Club announces their permanent Decatur location coming later this summer at 310 E Howard Ave next to Kelly’s Market. The menu will include their legendary burgers and smiley face-shaped tater tots along with beer and classic cocktails. The comfortable atmosphere will be the perfect place to grab a pint and catch the game, and as for the burgers… well the question ain’t “What’ll ya have?...” It’s “How many you want?”
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Multi-functional coffeeshop aims to bridge the gap in developing a sense of community.
ARTICLE BY JOSH CORNWALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN WACHSIf you ask local business owners David and Lisa Morris to explain it in the simplest terms, they are happy to tell you their space at 115 Clairemont is one part bike shop and another part coffeeshop. With a sprinkling of entrepreneurial spirit, too.
The straightforward description is literal but effective if you want a new tire for your road bike or a cortado for a walk around Downtown Decatur. But spend a little time there, and you will realize there is much more to it.
Somewhere between the walls adorned to the ceiling with every bike part imaginable and a re-creation of a comfy living room atmosphere is the real heart of the place: community.
The Morrises have lived in Decatur for 17 years and have seen the city change aplenty over that time, both in business and infrastructure. While the city skyline has undoubtedly changed, David believes the basic need for building community has remained constant and admittedly a little underfed.
After a long career in the healthcare industry, David found himself questioning his next steps during the global pandemic in 2020. He and his wife had a lifelong goal of owning a business centered around community building. Originally hailing from small towns, Lisa recounts her observations from growing up near a hardware store where the men would gather daily to fellowship with each other regardless of whether they needed to buy something—a palpable anecdote of community.
The pandemic triggered their dreams of creating a space that would make people feel the same way: a third place. The family, including their two daughters, felt the impact of the loss of third places–defined as places for social engagement behind the home and the workplace–in 2020 and have observed some of the troubling social trends within their own community in the years following.
“How are communities going to stay alive if they don’t have lots of third places?” asked David, pausing and looking around the group for an answer before continuing.
“While we were motivated to start a family business, to start something we could build collaboratively,” said David, “we also wanted a business addressing what we saw as holes in the layers of community.
“We have no idea how it will work, but we felt like we needed to be part of the solution.”
David notes that the primary concern has been observing people emerge from their homes post-pandemic only to retreat back quickly.
“The trajectory I see is that our families will be so centered around our homes instead of our communities,” urged David. “It’s going to be a strange place—very isolating, very alienating.”
Enter Guild + Journeyman.
Over the last 18 months, the Morrises' experimental approach to their business has become a vital space for learning and conversation. There is always something new to see, and you never quite know who you will bump into while waiting in line for a coffee. That has been the favorite part of the shop for the Morris family, which extends to their bike-fixing extraordinaire, Tom. Guild + Journey has indeed become a place to be, to experience.
While David was unsure how community building would manifest within his space, he knew it had to include craftsmanship as a central component of its business model. So much of the conversation and connections cultivated between strangers have stemmed from observing someone tackling a task.
Where else, David asks, can you be in the space of a craftsperson and watch them hone their craft? Families bring in their bikes to get a new chain but come away entranced by Tom's handiwork, or a community member looking for a new outlet observes another doing crochet on a couch out of the corner of their eye. Soon, a blossoming group begins to meet together.
That is the beauty of Guild + Journeyman and, ultimately, the purpose behind its existence: to bring people together.
They hope you will pop in soon for a coffee and stay for a while. You could learn something new.
Redefining Aesthetics with Mike Kelleher of (R) Evolution
ARTICLE BY
SABLE MASSINGILL MARTINEZFirst exposed to medicine as a Combat Medic in the US Army, Mike Kelleher moved to Atlanta in 2003 to attend the prestigious Emory University Physician Assistant program. In 2011, after practicing in many different subspecialties, he stumbled into the Aesthetic Medicine specialty and fell in love with it. Since 2013, he has practiced only Aesthetic medicine and has devoted his entire career to it.
It is this passion that led him to opening his own aesthetic practice, (R) Evolution, here in Decatur, in July of 2021. (R) Evolution offers cosmetic injectable treatments from Botox to skincare, microneedling and more.
“I have tailored every service and procedure to compliment not only every other procedure so they build upon each other synergistically, but everything we do here is with our patients in mind. We offer the full range of treatments, and (R)Evolution is typically the first in the state to offer many of these treatment modalities,” says Kelleher.
(R)Evolution is the culmination of Kelleher’s passion, expertise and provides a home to his ideas and innovative techniques. He credits much of the success to the loyalty and support of the Decatur community.
“Decatur is and has always been such a great, eclectic community, and has only improved over the 21 years I have been here. The community of Decatur has done so much for me already, I never expected the loyalty and support that we have received. We have been awarded Best of Decatur for 3 years running. I owe this community so much,” says Kelleher.
In 2015, Decatur based Bo Brown, Lee Mayfield, and Nathan Evick decided to start making the spirits they shared a passion for. As fans of cocktails, they saw there weren’t enough people producing Gin, Amari, Rum and other cocktail driven spirits. So, they set out to learn as much as they could, and the result is Murrell’s Row, spirits distilled in Decatur. Currently the brand offers three spirits, two different gins, and one amaro, all inspired from many things ranging from fragrances, gardening, cocktails, and travel.
ARTICLE BY SABLE MASSINGILL MARTINEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT BOGGS
GinGin was their answer to a gin drinker's gin, juniper forward with a hint of citrus and celery seed. Tulsi is their botanical or new world gin, allowing other botanicals to shine through ahead of the juniper berry. The founders cite the combination of Holy Basil and Cardamom as their way of creating a perfect balance and a unique approach. Both gins are 94 proof specifically to shine in cocktails, but still approachable on their own.
The Amaro was always planned but came later.
“Through trial and error, we came to Eno, our ‘cola’ amaro, something approachable with citrus, baking spices, vanilla, hyssop, and bitter orange and gentian root for bittering to balance the sweetness,” says cofounder Mayfield.
The spirits can be found through the brand’s Instagram and in local spots such as Decatur Package, My Friends Bottle Shop, Elemental, and Jax Package.
The bluegrass state of Kentucky with the Appalachian Mountains is indisputably known as the Mecca of bourbon and the location of America’s only Bourbon Trail.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, established in 1999, is dotted with a total of 37 distilleries scattered throughout the regions of Louisville, Western Kentucky, Bardstown, Lexington and North Kentucky.
For bourbon aficionados and road trip lovers alike, the trail promises scenic country drives, historic architecture, and an abundance of restaurants and tasting rooms with some distilleries spanning more than 100 miles apart.
The most popular bourbon distillery locations one might expect to see along the trail are: Angles Envy, Maker’s Mark, Michter’s, Wild Turkey, Heaven Hill, Lux Row, Old Forester, Four Roses, Evan Williams, Bulleit, and Jim Beam.
Within each distillery and on its grounds, bourbon lovers can expect to find a variety of bourbon price points, flavor profiles, distilling and aging techniques, and historical points of interest. Each location offers a variety of tour options: some focusing on the chemistry of bourbon distillation, the art of tasting, the barrel charring process, or the rich (and checkered) history of bourbon’s origins.
One constant seems to remain—most Kentucky distilleries cannot broach the topic of their favorite drink without also offering a glimpse of its history. The name “bourbon” hails from the original Bourbon County, which was a region carved from a portion of the Fayette County of Virginia in 1785. The county, which belonged to the then-brand-new state of Kentucky, was named in honor of the French House of Bourbon to show gratitude to King Louis XVI for his vital assistance during the American Revolutionary War.
Prior to its exodus from the region, loads of white oak barrels cut from the forests of Arkansas were first branded with the Bourbon County label. The county logo branded on the barrels soon gave way to its shorthand references: Bourbon. The rest is, quite literally, history.
The oldest operational distillery in Kentucky is Maker’s Mark, which began distilling in 1805 and has since been recognized as a National Historic Landmark. In 1964, a Congressional Resolution declared bourbon to be an indigenous product of the United States. This distinction renders bourbon as the official American Spirit. To be recognized as a bourbon, a spirit must meet specific and strict requirements set forth by law. In fact, bourbon distillation marks one of America’s very first examples of a consumer protection law with the establishment of the “Bottled-in-Bond” Act in 1897 (The Bottled-in-Bond designation have bourbon standards which supersede those of single-malt Scotch).
All bourbon starts as what distillers refer to as White Lightning—an uncolored, unaged, and unflavored whiskey. During the distillation process, the liquid must not supersede a proof of 160, and must not supersede a proof of 125 at the time it’s poured into barrels to begin the aging process. All bourbon must be aged in new, charred, white oak barrels for a minimum of two years before it is finally bottled at 80 proof or higher. No other dyes or flavors may be introduced into the distilling or aging process if a bourbon is to retain its namesake.
Even though 95% of bourbon is distilled in Kentucky, bourbon does not need to be distilled in the state to be considered authentic. Most bourbon was historically made in Kentucky due to its geography. The rich source of limestone in Kentucky earth acts as a natural aquifer, purifying the water and removing the more peaty flavors one would find in spirits distilled with earthier water quality, such as Scotch. The varied temperatures, humidity levels, and weather patterns in the Kentucky region cause the white oak barrels to contrast and swell. This unique aging process gives bourbon its signature amber hue as well as its sweet and dynamic flavor.
While the tour itinerary is flexible enough to have many starting points, the official “start” of the trail can be found at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center located at the Frazier Museum on Historic Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. The destinations along the trail can be planned a number of ways: by distillery, by region, or by organized tour itinerary. Some distillery locations are packed as tightly as an 8-mile radius, with the average tour lasting about 90 minutes.
For those who want to travel off the beaten path, several famous distilleries in the area do not appear on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail list. One of the more famous of these is the Buffalo Trace Distillery, responsible for distilling bourbon of that name as well as the more rare and sought-after bottles of Blanton’s and E.H. Taylor. The Buffalo Trace distillery is located on a national landmark and offers free tastings, as well as Ghost tours for those who are interested in a different kind of spirit.
For a complete list of distilleries, tour schedules, tour booking details, and frequently asked questions, visit KYBourbonTrail.com
TUESDAYS
Taco Tuesdays
La Chiquiada
What better way to summer, than with Taco Tuesdays at La Chiquiada? Pop over to La Chiquiada every Tuesday for a $12 plate of two tacos served with rice and beans.
THURSDAYS
Trivia at Independent Distilling
Independent Distilling | 7:00 PM
Gather your team and come to the tasting room for trivia and cocktails sponsored by Dirty South Trivia! There are prizes for the top three teams, plus chances to win cocktails or pours of your favorite Independent Distilling Spirits.
JUNE 13TH
DeKalb Trivia and Happy Hour
DeKalb History Center | 5:00 PM
Join the Dekalb History Center for a DeKalb-themed trivia night complete with a scavenger hunt and happy hour. Hosted by the DHC Ambassadorship Committee. Free to attend!
JUNE 22ND
"Beecatur" National Pollinator Week Festival
Downtown Decatur Square | 10:00 AM
Bzzzz! Celebrate National Pollinator Week in Decatur (or rather “Beecatur”) on the Square with bees, butterflies, native plants and a wide variety of vendors. Learn about the critical role bees play in our ecosystem through informative talks and activities at this mini-festival. There will be face-painting for kids and King of Pops popsicles. Learn more at beecaturga.com
JUNE 28TH
Summer Covers Concert Series
Downtown Decatur Square | 12:00 PM
Come out for free, family-friendly Friday summer concerts on the Decatur downtown square! Bring your blankets to the bandstand and be ready to sing along at our “Summer Covers” concert series. Favorite local bands will perform covers everyone will know. Music starts at 7 pm. In partnership with Amplify My Community.
JUNE 30TH
Watercolor Painting Workshop
Woodlands Garden | 3:00 PM
Join Woodlands Garden for a watercolor painting classes with Jessica Lily in-person, held locally in Decatur, GA. Come play with the magic of watercolors, and join the community as you release expectations and let the water do the work! Local artist, Jessica Lily will guide the group through a step-by-step method.
Kemper Pelvic Physiotherapy holds space for healing outcomes
For most men, sitting down with a partner or healthcare provider to talk about their pelvic floor health may not be high on the to-do list. Some men may not even realize that they have a “pelvic floor”. Kemper Pelvic Physiotherapy's team believes that pelvic issues can affect anyone along their lifespan - regardless of gender. They are dedicated to holding space for sensitive conversations that can lead to healing outcomes.
Men make up about 40% of their patient population. Treatment plans are approached with the whole body in mind. Everyone has a pelvis, and many men experience symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. The team at Kemper seeks to build trust and create a space where vulnerable dialogues can safely occur. This allows them to create tailored treatment plans with the potential to greatly improve and heal the pelvic floor. Complaints such as hip, back, and lower abdominal pain can be signs of concern related to the pelvis. Additionally, they offer both prehab and rehab programs around prostatectomy.
Pelvic pain can show up at any age or stage, and younger men may experience pelvic pain or sexual dysfunction that could be corrected by simply understanding how to tailor their fitness routines by incorporating mobility and breathwork.
Taking the first step is often the most challenging, but Kemper Pelvic Physiotherapy is committed to making pelvic floor health a priority for men. Quality of life, much like the pelvis, is central to individual well-being.
USING THESE TIPS YOU CAN MAKE A DELICIOUS HOMEMADE BARBECUE SAUCE.
A good barbecue sauce is comprised of a variety of the same six components. The key is to discover what style you enjoy most, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Oh, and taste often during the preparation process to adjust if so desired.
SOMETHING SWEET
This can be honey, cola, molasses, preserves, brown sugar, or syrup. This caramelizes as you cook, bringing those smoky, sugary flavors.
SOMETHING TANGY
Think vinegar, mustard, or citrus. This is what brings the zing to your sauce.
SOMETHING SPICY
This provides your heat: a hot sauce is a great choice. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 teaspoon for every cup of sauce you’re making.
SOMETHING LIQUID
It can be beer, water, chicken stock, soda, or wine. Start with about 1/2 a cup and see what happens.
SOMETHING TOMATO
You’ll most likely use ketchup, but you can also use tomato paste.
THE SPICE COMBINATION
This can depend on your liking and taste and can include anything from onion powder to garlic powder to chili powder to allspice to cayenne pepper to mustard powder to liquid smoke to cumin to Worcestershire sauce and more. Start with a teaspoon of salt, and keep tasting as you experiment with your desired spices.
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.
Recipe and information courtesy of Pat Neely and Gina Neely.
Whether you’re reimagining a bedroom or ready to update the entire exterior, your home is our priority. Side to side, top to bottom, inside out, and outside in, CertaPro Painters® is committed to painting every side of life in our community. Reach out to us and get your FREE estimate today!
